Foreword 

The relationship of events in lime is the essence of history. Chronology: 194/-1945 

establishes the sequence of evenls from the lime the first bombs on Pearl Harbor on 7 

December 194 1 until the instrument of surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri in 

Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945. T he other volumes in the series United States Army in 

World War II recounl in detail the various aspeCts of a complex global war-individual 

campaigns. grand strategy, logistics, support. and so forth. In this volume the reader can see 

the events of the war day by day in their sequence and cont emporaneity, measure the scope of 

the global struggle. and begin to gr~sp the relation of the innumerable parts to the who le. 

Washington, D.C. 

23 June 1958 

R . W . STEPHENS 

Maj. Gen., U .S.A. 

Chirj of Military History 

Preface 

The chronology is primarily one of tactical events of World War II from the time 

the United States was drawn into the conRict on 7 December 1941 until the surrender 

of Japan in 1945, with emphasis on ground action by United States arrn.ed forces. Air 

and naval co-operation, combat actions of foreign units-both Allied and enemy-and general events of world-wide interest arc detailed within the scope of space limitations. 

Geographically, events for the period from Pearl Harbor to the invasion of Normandy 

on 6 June 1944 arc arranged in sequence from the Western Hemisphere westward around 

the world. From D Day to the end of the war the order is reversed. the action in western 

Europe taking precedence. The dates used are thbse of the area under discussion. Thus, 

the attack on Pearl Harbor is dated 7 December while the events occurring simultaneously 

in the Far East appear under 8 December. An exception has been made for the Gilberts 

and 'Marshalls campaign because the scene of engagement lies so near the lnternational 

Date Line and also because most of the records consulted are dated west longitude. 

To itemize the materials used in the preparation of this work of reference would be 

tedious, if not impossible. Suffice it to say that the compiler consulted extensively After 

Action Reports, histories of units engaged, dispatches of the Allied commanders, and other 

primal)' sources, but for correctnes<; and completeness relied heavily on the findings of the 

historians who have written and are writing other volumes for the UNITED STATES 

ARMY IN WORLD WAR II, on the Hislory 0/ United Stales Naval Operations in World 

War JJ by Samuel Eliot Morison, and on The Army Air Forces in World War 1I edited 

by Wesley Frank Craven and James Lea Cate. 

The volume is the product of a co-operative effort of the Chronology Section- first 

of the Historical Division and then of the Office of the Chief of Military History. To 

one staff member, Miss Goldie Ann Kannmacher, the compiler is especially grateful for 

unstinting service throughout most of the life of the project. The assistance of Miss Betty 

Let Belt in the project's initial stages is gratefully acknowledged. For directing the work 

of the staff during a six-month absence of the compiler, acknowledgments are due Maj. 

John M. Balcer. Members of the staff who served it ably are Mrs. Margaret Letnhouts, 

Miss Mary G. Schuster, Miss Ruth Upson, Miss Grace Waibel, Miss Elizabeth Stribling, and 

the late Mrs. Priscilla White. Miss Lauretta Plockelman and Miss Jaqueline Van Hovel 

contributed valuable clerical assistance. 

The compiler is also grateful to Dr. Kent Roberts Greenfield for his advice and moral 

support. To Miss Mary Ann Bacon, who edited the volume, to Nicholas 1- Anthony for 

the Index, and to Mr. Israel Wice, Chief, General Reference Office, and his competent 

assistants .. who acquired the materials used, I acknowledge my great indebtedness. 

Washington, D.C. 

21 February 1958 

MARY H. WILLIAMS 



[ 1 ]

CHRONOLOGY

1941–1945
[ 2 ]
[ 3 ]

7 December

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION—Japan strikes without warning and almost simultaneously at various

U.S. and British possessions in the Pacific; declares

war against U.S. and Great Britain.

HAWAII—Launched from carriers of a naval

task force (TF) standing 200 miles N of Oahu,

Japanese planes attack Oahu between 0750 and 1000

bombing the Pacific Fleet, which, except for the

carriers, is concentrated in Pearl Harbor, and AAF

planes parked in close formation on Hickam and

Wheeler airfields. 3 BB's are sunk, another is capsized, and 4 more are damaged; 3 CL's, 3 DD's, and

other vessels are seriously damaged. 92 Navy and

96 Army planes are lost. American casualties are

2,280 killed and 1,109 wounded. Japanese lose 29

planes and 5 midget submarines.

MIDWAY—At 2135, 2 Japanese DD's bombard

Midway, garrisoned by a small U.S. Marine detachment (6th Defense Bn), to neutralize it.

LIBYA—Maj Gen N. M. Ritchie's British (Br)

Eighth Army, a component of Gen Sir Claude J. E.

Auchinleck's Br Middle East Forces (MEF), continues offensive, begun in November, to clear Libya

of German and Italian forces, which are nominally

under Italian command, but actually under German

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Objective is twofold: first, destruction of enemy concentrated in E

Cyrenaica, which is in progress; second, conquest of

Tripolitania. Armd elements of Br 30 Corps battle enemy tanks around Bir el Gubi. After nightfall, Br 13 Corps goes on the offensive, 10th Div

driving along El Adem Ridge, key feature S of

Tobruk.

USSR—German offensive (Operation BARBAROSSA, begun on 22 July 1941 by Field Marshal

Walther von Brauchitsch, CinC of the German

Army) to crush Soviet forces has ground to a halt on

broken line from Lake Ladoga on N to Sea of Azov

on S. At the extremities of front, Soviet garrisons of

Leningrad and Sevastopol are besieged; on central

front Germans are at outskirts of Moscow. Red

Army is conducting general counteroffensive (begun on 6 December) to drive enemy westward. 3

fresh Soviet armies are exerting pressure against

enemy spearheads in vicinity of Moscow. Although

assured the support of satellite nations (Finland,

Rumania, Hungary), Germans are at a disadvantage

because of overextended supply lines and battle

exhaustion.

WESTERN EUROPE—Although Adolf Hitler has

by this time abandoned plans for invasion of England (Operation SEA LION) as result of defeat of

Luftwaffe in Battle of Britain (8 August–31 October

1940), German planes continue active over England.

RAF in turn has been making frequent attacks on

European continent.

8 December

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION—U.S. and Great

Britain declare war on Japan. On W side of international date line (7 December, Hawaiian time),

Japanese bombard Wake and Guam, each garrisoned by small detachments of U.S. marines;

British-mandated Nauru and Ocean Islands; the

Philippines; British Malaya and Singapore; Thailand; Hong Kong.

P.I.—Japanese naval planes from Formosa attack Clark and Iba Fields and catch many aircraft on

the ground. FEAF is reduced to almost half

strength, and installations are severely damaged.

Tuguegarao and Baguio are each hit by Japanese

Army planes before the main strike against Clark

Field. TF 5, Asiatic Fleet, under Rear Adm William A. Glassford, heads S toward safer waters.

Japanese begin advance landings to acquire air bases

from which to support main assault: invade Batan

I., between Formosa and Luzon, without opposition.

THAILAND—Some Japanese from Indochina

cross into Thailand and drive on Bangkok against

negligible resistance. Others land unopposed at

Singora and Patani on E coast and start SW across

Kra Isthmus to assist in conquest of Malaya.

MALAYA—Japanese invade Malaya early in the

morning, landing on E coast near Kota Bharu after

naval bombardment of beaches, and are vigorously

engaged by Lt Gen A. E. Percival's Malaya Command. Ind 3 Corps (under Lt Gen Sir Lewis

Heath), which is responsible for all Malaya N of

Johore and Malacca, employs Ind 9th Div against

enemy in Kota Bharu area and sends Ind 11th Div,

already poised to move into Thailand, across border

to delay enemy on roads to Singora and Patani. Ind

9th Div, whose primary mission is to protect the 3

airfields in Kelantan (Kota Bharu, Gong Kedah,

1941
[ 4 ]

and Machang), fights losing battle for Kota Bharu,

from which it starts withdrawing during night 8–9.

One Ind 11th Div column, driving toward Singora,

engages tank-supported enemy force 10 miles N of

frontier; another, advancing toward Patani, is opposed only by Thai police forces. In conjunction with

ground attacks, Japanese planes strike repeatedly at

airfields in N Malaya and greatly reduce strength

of RAF Far East Command. RAF, after attacking

enemy shipping and troops in Kota Bharu area,

withdraws from the Kelantan airfields to Kuantan,

far to S. Singapore, ultimate objective of Japanese

25th Army in Malaya, is also attacked by air.

CHINA—Japanese seize International Settlement

at Shanghai, and many ships are sunk or captured in

its harbor; move troops toward Kowloon, on mainland across from Hong Kong.

LIBYA—Axis forces begin orderly withdrawal

toward Gazala, followed closely by 13 and 30 Corps

of Br Eighth Army and harassed by RAF. Skillful

rear-guard action delays pursuit.

USSR—German Army Group North withdraws

from Tichwin, on Leningrad-Vologda RR, under

Soviet pressure. Army Group Center is slowly giving

ground in Moscow area.

9 December

CENTRAL PACIFIC—Japanese continue preinvasion bombing of Wake and Guam; invade Gilbert

Is.

P.I.—Continuing neutralization of airpower on

Luzon, enemy bombers strike Nichols Field, near

Manila.

THAILAND—Japanese occupy Bangkok without

opposition.

MALAYA—Japanese force Ind 9th Div of Ind 3

Corps from Kota Bharu airfield and continue air

attacks on other fields, including Kuantan. RAF

abandons Kuantan airfield for Singapore I. and Alor

Star airfield, on NW coast, for Butterworth. RAF

bomber attack on Singora airfield (Thailand) proves

very costly since fighter protection is lacking. Dutch

planes arrive at Singapore to augment strength of

RAF.

CHINA—Declares war on Japan, Germany, and

Italy.

10 December

CENTRAL PACIFIC—Japanese invade Guam and

overwhelm small U.S. garrison; continue preinvasion bombing of Wake.

P.I.—Two Japanese TF's, each consisting of

some 2,000 men, arrive off N Luzon from Formosa.

Landings begin simultaneously at Aparri and near

Vigan, but rough sea forces alteration in plans. The

Aparri force gets 2 cos ashore at Aparri and the rest

at Gonzaga, over 20 miles to E; upon closing on

Aparri, pushes 6 miles S and seizes Camalaniugan

airstrip. The Vigan force lands small group at Pandan, near Vigan, and the rest at point 4 miles S;

quickly secures Vigan and sends elements N along

Route 3 toward Laoag. No opposition is offered by

11th Div (PA), which is responsible for defense of N

coast. U.S. planes attack shipping of the invasion

force. Capt Colin Kelly becomes the first U.S. hero

of World War II in this action by hitting what was

supposed to be a Japanese BB; subsequent investigation has revealed that there were no BB's present.

Fighter aircraft from Batan I. provide cover for

enemy. Japanese planes bomb and strafe Nichols and

Nielson Fields, near Manila, and Del Carmen Field,

near Clark, achieving particularly damaging results

at Nichols. Cavite naval base also suffers heavily

from enemy air attack. FEAF, by this time half

strength, decides to confine its future activities to rcn

flights.

MALAYA—Japanese gain control of waters E of

Malaya and air over N Malaya. The small British

Eastern Fleet is severely crippled by loss of Repulse

and Prince of Wales off Kuantan to enemy planes.

Adm Sir Tom Phillips, CinC Eastern Fleet, is killed

in this action and is replaced by Vice Adm Sir

Geoffrey Layton. As enemy continues destructive

attacks on airfields in NW Malaya, RAF abandons

airfield at Sungei Patani and withdraws all serviceable aircraft from Butterworth. From Butterworth,

RAF bomber sq, reduced to 2 aircraft, withdraws to

Taiping and RAAF fighter sq (6 repairable aircraft) to Ipoh. Japanese begin series of heavy air

attacks against Penang I. Ind 9th Div withstands

attacks while organizing delaying positions S of

Kota Bharu. Ind 11th Div columns operating along

Thailand frontier attempt to delay enemy. Far East

Council is formed at Singapore.

LIBYA—Siege of Tobruk is lifted after 8 months

as Pol garrison breaks out of town early in morning and joins other Br Eighth Army forces in

Acroma area. Forward supply base is soon organized

at Tobruk.

11 December

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION—Germany and Italy

declare war on U.S., which then replies with

declarations against them.

WAKE—Wake garrison (about 450 marines of

1st Defense Bn) repels invasion attempt. Japanese

naval force arrives off Wake early in morning and

at dawn opens fire. Shore batteries force the vessels

to withdraw with landing force still embarked.

4 aircraft of VMF–211, all that remain serviceable

of the original fighter sq on Wake, pursue and attack enemy force as it retires toward the Marshalls.

2 planes that survive this action intercept shore-based

[ 9–11 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 5 ]

Japanese aircraft that try to attack Wake later in the

morning. Wake is subsequently subjected to almost

daily air strikes as enemy continues softening the

defense in preparation for landing.

P.I.—Japanese Aparri force on Luzon continues

rapidly S along Route 5 toward Tuguegarao.

Laoag and its airfield fall to Vigan force. Japanese

begin mining San Bernardino and Surigao Straits.

Commercial vessels withdraw from Manila Bay.

MALAYA—Ind 9th Div, Ind 3 Corps, abandons

the 2 remaining airfields in Kelantan (Gong Kedah

and Machang) in order to protect communications.

Japanese exert strong pressure against one Ind 11th

Div column on Kroh-Patani road and force the

other, on road to Singora, back toward partially

prepared positions at Jitra. RAF, now greatly depleted in strength, adopts policy of conducting

bomber operations only at night until adequate

fighter support is available and of using fighters

primarily for defense of Singapore Naval Base and

for protection of convoys bringing reinforcements.

Ind 3 Corps troops are thus denied much close air

support.

BURMA—Japanese begin offensive against lower

Burma with air attack on Tavoy airdrome.

12 December

PACIFIC—U.S. troops aboard Allied convoy proceeding from Hawaii toward Far East under escort

of CA Pensacola are organized as TF South Pacific

and placed under command of Brig Gen Julian F.

Barnes.

P.I.—Japanese make another preliminary landing, at Legaspi, S Luzon. TF of 2,500 men from

Palau goes ashore unopposed and secures Legaspi

and the airfield. Maj Gen George M. Parker, Jr.,

whose South Luzon Force consists of 41st and 51st

Divs (PA), sends elements of 51st forward to delay

enemy, but contact is not made for several days.

Tuguegarao airfield falls to Aparri force early in

morning. Japanese planes attack Luzon in force.

Iba and Clark Fields are targets, with main force

against Iba. Batangas is an alternate target.

MALAYA—Gen Percival decides to withdraw

Ind 3 Corps from Kelantan since airfields there are

already in possession of Japanese; movement of surplus supplies to rear is begun. Troops fight delaying

actions while awaiting rolling stock in which to

withdraw. Japanese penetrate Jitra position and force

Ind 11th Div TF back to Kedah R. Ind 11th Div

force, called Krohcol force, on Kroh–Patani road,

also falls back under pressure and at midnight 12–13

passes to direct command of corps. Ind 12th Brig

Gp is released from reserve for action on W coast.

BURMA—Japanese begin small-scale operations,

using infiltration tactics. From Thailand, small force

crosses into lower Tenasserim unopposed. Gen Sir

Archibald P. Wavell, CinC India, is given responsibility for Burma, previously within Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham's Far Eastern Command, and is promised reinforcements to strengthen

the small garrison, fighting strength of which does

not exceed 30 bns during the campaign. Lt Gen

D. K. MacLeod's Burma Army, charged with protecting Burma Road and Tenasserim airfields, is a

heterogeneous group of Burmese, Ind, and Br forces,

some poorly trained, formed into Burma 1st Div

(Burma 1st and 2d Brigs and Ind 13th Brig) and

Ind 16th Brig. The 16 obsolete RAF fighters on

hand are augmented by sq of American Volunteer

Group (AVG) fighters, which is flown in to Mingaladon from AVG base in China. Air strength is

eventually increased but not enough to alter ground

operations materially.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck receives the first

of a number of notices that forces intended for

Middle East must be diverted to Far East to help

stem Japanese advance. First call is for Br 18th and

Ind 17th Divs, 4 light bomber sqs, and AA and AT

guns.

LIBYA—Eighth Army's 30 Corps moves to

Libyan-Egyptian frontier to destroy isolated enemy

garrisons and open communication lines. 13 Corps

begins probing enemy's new line, which extends

from Gazala southward.

13 December

P.I.—Enemy aircraft again attack Luzon,

virtually completing destruction of U.S. Army and

Navy planes in the Philippines. Del Carmen, Clark,

and Nichols Fields are hit, as well as Baguio, Tarlac,

Cabanatuan, and Batangas.

MALAYA—Krohcol force concentrates in positions 2–3 miles W of Kroh. Ind 11th Div begins

withdrawing from Kedah R toward Gurun, a more

favorable defense position in S Kedah some 30 miles

S of Jitra. Fighter support is increased as sq from

Singapore joins the few fighters based at Ipoh. Reports of Japanese convoy moving SSW from Saigon

result in period of sharply increased Br air rcn from

Malaya.

BORNEO—Small Miri detachment (Ind co and

engineers), having destroyed oil fields and installations in E Sarawak and W Brunei to deny them to

enemy, sails for Kuching, capital of Sarawak, where

rest of the Ind bn, with local and administrative

attachments, is disposed to defend airdrome. Dutch

planes based on Singkawang assist RAF units on

Malaya in searching for Japanese shipping heading

southward from Indochina.

CHINA—British withdraw from Kowloon under

pressure as Japanese continue drive on Hong Kong.

[ 12–13 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 6 ]

BURMA—Victoria Pt, at S tip of Tenasserim, is

evacuated by British.

LIBYA—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, opens attack

on Rommel's Gazala line and meets firm resistance.

Both sides suffer heavy losses.

14 December

P.I.—Japanese Vigan and Aparri detachments

are placed under the same command and ordered,

after the Aparri force joins the Vigan at Vigan, to

march S to Lingayen Gulf. Adm Thomas C. Hart

withdraws the few remaining patrol bombers of

Patrol Wing 10 and 3 tenders from the Philippines,

leaving very little of the Asiatic Fleet to support

operations. Maj Gen Lewis H. Brereton has already

withdrawn the heavy bombers of FEAF from Luzon

to Del Monte airfield, Mindanao.

MALAYA—On W coast, Ind 11th Div completes

withdrawal to Gurun; Japanese, in close pursuit,

penetrate the new positions, night 14–15. Krohcol

force is dissolved and its components, which are

put under command of Ind 12th Brig, move to

Baling area, about 9 miles W of Kroh. Ind 3 Corps

sends small detachments to guard Grik road, which

is now uncovered. On E coast, Kelantan force continues fighting withdrawal. Since airdromes on

Singapore are becoming congested, preparations are

being made to base air units in NEI.

15 December

P.I.—Gen Brereton receives permission to withdraw the few remaining B–17's to Darwin (Australia). Air defense of the Philippines is left to a

few fighters.

MALAYA—Ind 3 Corps remains under strong

pressure on W coast. During night 15–16, Ind 11th

Div begins withdrawal from Gurun positions to

Muda R. Garrison of Penang I. fortress, opposite

Butterworth, prepares to withdraw as RAF abandons

Butterworth airdrome.

USSR—On central front N of Moscow, Red

Army takes Klin, on rail line to Leningrad.

16 December

HAWAII—All elements of U.S. TF 14, bearing

supplies, reinforcements, and aircraft for relief of

Wake, rendezvous SW of Oahu and sail for Wake.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div completes withdrawal

behind Muda R in Wellesley Province and defeats

enemy efforts to secure foothold on S bank. Ind 3

Corps decides to withdraw Ind 11th Div behind

Krian R. however, since it is greatly weakened by

sustained fighting without benefit of tank and adequate air support. Fighting develops on Grik road

N of Grik, night 16–17, as small detachment guarding the road encounters main body of Japanese

Patani force thrusting toward Kuala Kangsar in

effort to isolate Ind 11th Div on W coast. On E

coast, Kelantan troops begin withdrawal by rail

as movement of supplies and equipment is completed. Penang I. fortress is evacuated as planned

during night 16–17.

BORNEO—Japanese invade British Borneo, landing on N coast at Miri (Sarawak) and at Seria

(Brunei).

CHINA—U.S. War Department gives Brig Gen

John Magruder, head of American Military Mission

to China (AMMISCA), permission to divert Chinese lend-lease to the British, provided Chinese

agree.

LIBYA—Axis forces begin withdrawal from Gazala line toward next delaying position, Agedabia.

Ind 4th Div of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, which

has been particularly hard pressed by enemy, pauses

briefly to reorganize before joining other elements

of corps in pursuit.

USSR—Continuing firm pressure against

enemy in Moscow area, Soviet forces seize Kalinin,

NW of Klin.

17 December

U.S.—In command shake up, Adm Husband

E. Kimmel is replaced by Adm Chester W. Nimitz

as CinC, Pacific Fleet; Lt Gen Walter C. Short, CG

Hawaiian Department, is replaced by Lt Gen Delos

C. Emmons; Maj Gen Frederick L. Martin, CG

Air Force, Hawaiian Department, is replaced by

Brig Gen Clarence L. Tinker.

MIDWAY—Marine Scout Bombing Sq 231 completes record flight from Hawaii to Midway, bolstering U.S. positions there.

P.I.—Japanese Legaspi force, advancing NW on

Luzon along Route 1 toward Naga, makes its first

contact with Filipino forces near Ragay. B–17's begin withdrawal from Mindanao to Australia.

MALAYA—Hard fighting continues on Grik

road. Weak defense detachment is reinf but falls

back under pressure of superior enemy forces. Ind

12th Brig Gp is ordered to Kuala Kangsar. Gen

Percival gives Ind 3 Corps permission to withdraw

to Perak R line if necessary. Perak Flotilla is formed

to prevent enemy from landing on W coast between

Krian and Bernam Rivers.

AUSTRALIA—Plan is drawn up for using Australia as an Allied supply base under command of

Maj Gen George H. Brett.

BORNEO—Dutch planes begin 3-day series of

strikes against Japanese shipping off British North

Borneo.

USSR—German Army Group South opens offensive against Sevastopol defenses, in the Crimea, and

is stubbornly opposed.

[ 14–17 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 7 ]

18 December

P.I.—Japanese Legaspi detachment reaches

Naga (Luzon).

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div completes withdrawal

behind Krian R and is held in reserve in Taiping

area. Forces defending Grik road are further reinf.

After visiting forward areas, Gen Percival draws up

plans for withdrawal behind Perak R; decides to

amalgamate certain units, among them Ind 6th and

15th Brigs (to be designated Ind 6/15 Brig) and

to incorporate Ind 12th Brig Gp in Ind 11th Div.

CHINA—Japanese invade Hong Kong I., crossing straits from mainland.

19 December

P.I.—On Luzon, Japanese Legaspi detachment

reaches Sipoco and is reported to be pushing toward

Daet. On Mindanao, 2 enemy TF's from Palau,

totaling about 5,000 men, arrive off Davao during

night 19-20. Enemy planes discover and attack Del

Monte airfield.

MALAYA—Enemy is active against right flank of

Krian R line; on Grik road, frustrates efforts of

Ind 3 Corps to recover lost ground. RAF fighters

based at lpoh are forced to withdraw to Kuala

Lumpur. Ind 9th Div continues withdrawal southward in E Malaya and abandons Kuala Krai railhead.

BURMA—Japanese overrun Bokpyin, village

some 100 miles N of Victoria Pt. Controversy,

known as the Tulsa Incident, arises as a U.S. officer

asks Government of Burma to impound lend-lease

material at Rangoon (a valuable part of which is

loaded on the SS Tulsa in the harbor), pending a

decision on its use. At the suggestion of the senior

Chinese representative in Burma, a committee is

subsequently formed to determine the division of

stocks.

LIBYA—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues to

follow withdrawing enemy, Ind 4th Div advancing

along coast to Derna and 7th Armd Div across

desert.

GERMANY—Hitler takes personal command of

German Army, dismissing Field Marshal von

Brauchitsch.

20 December

U.S.—Adm Ernest J. King is appointed CinC,

U.S. Fleet.

WAKE—Patrol bomber bringing news of relief

force en route to Wake arrives in Wake Lagoon.

P.I.—In another preliminary landing, Japanese

invade Mindanao early in morning. Landing force

goes ashore at and near Davao; after overcoming

light opposition of about 2,000 Filipino troops, seizes

Davao and its airfield. On Luzon, Japanese detachment starts S from Vigan toward Lingayen Gulf.

MALAYA—Indecisive fighting continues on

Krian R front and along Grik road.

CHINA—Col Claire L. Chennault's AVG, based

at Kunming to protect SW China and patrol Burma

Road, enters combat, successfully intercepting enemy

planes over Kunming. AVG is under control of

Chinese Air Force.

21 December

WAKE—Japanese carrier planes begin preinvasion bombardment of defenses, supplementing

attacks by shore-based aircraft. The relief force

(TF 14) is within 627 miles of the island.

P.I.—3 convoys from Formosa and the Pescadores, bearing main body of Japanese 14th Army

assault force, arrive in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon,

night 21–22. Filipino 11th Div makes contact with

Japanese Vigan force at Bacnotan.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div takes command of all

troops W of Perak R, including those on Grik road,

who are still heavily engaged, and begins withdrawal behind Perak R.

22 December

WAKE—Japanese carrier-based and land-based

planes continue strong softening attacks. Of the 2

serviceable planes remaining on the island, 1 is lost

in combat and the other is rendered useless when it

crash-lands. Personnel of VMF–211 offer their services as infantry. TF 14, the Wake relief force, is

delayed for refueling.

P.I.—Japanese begin main landings along coast

of Lingayen Gulf on Luzon before dawn. One assault force goes ashore near Bauang, another at Aringay, and a third near Agoo. Forces move forward at

once without serious opposition from 11th and 21st

Divs (PA). 71st Inf of first Div (PA) and 26th Cav

(PS) move out to help halt enemy. The Bauang assault force seizes that town, effects junction with

Vigan force at San Fernando, La Union, and pushes

inland toward Baguio, while the other forces overrun Rosario and face S toward Manila. U.S. submarines and a few aircraft attack enemy armada in

Lingayen Gulf. 9 B–17's from Batchelor Field near

Darwin attack enemy shipping off Davao, Mindanao, and then land on Del Monte Field; during

night 22–23, 4 of the planes continue to Lingayen

Gulf and attack transports. This is the first action

in the Philippines by Australian-based planes.

MALAYA—As Ind 11th Div continues withdrawal across Perak R, RAF begins regular rcn of

W coast to prevent enemy landings. Ind 9th Div

completes planned withdrawal in E Malaya to posi-

[ 18–22 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 8 ]

tions from which to defend Kuantan airdrome and

protect Ind 11th Div from attack from E.

CHINA—At meeting of Allied leaders in Chungking, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek offers Ch 5th

and 6th Armies for defense of Burma. Gen Wavell

accepts Ch 6th Army's 93d Div, elements of which

are approaching border of Burma from China; regt

of 49th Div is to be held in reserve on N Burma

frontier.

AUSTRALIA—Pensacola convoy reaches Brisbane,

where Gen Barnes' TF South Pacific becomes U.S.

Forces in Australia (USFIA). This is the first U.S.

troop detachment to arrive in Australia.

23 December

WAKE—Japanese naval force arrives off Wake

about 0200 and puts ashore about 1,500 personnel of

Special Naval Landing Force. Garrison holds out for

about ii hours before being overwhelmed. TF 14,

the relief force, after reaching point a little more than

400 miles from Wake, is recalled shortly before surrender of the island and retires toward Midway, the

last American base remaining between Hawaii and

the Philippines.

P.I.—On Luzon, General Douglas MacArthur

decides to evacuate Manila and withdraw to Bataan

to make a delaying stand. During night 23–24, enemy invasion force of 7,000 men arrives in Lamon

Bay from the Ryukyus. Enemy invasion force sails

from Mindanao for Jolo I., Sulu Archipelago.

MALAYA—Ind 3 Corps completes withdrawal of

all W coast forces behind Perak R, night 23–24.

Japanese planes, which so far have concentrated on

airfields, begin intensive action against forward

areas.

BORNEO—Japanese convoy is detected heading

toward Kuching, Sarawak.

CHINA—Japanese begin drive on Changsha,

Hunan Province.

BURMA—Japanese open series of strong air attacks on Rangoon, beginning battle for air

supremacy that is to last until late February 1942.

Exodus of civilian laborers hampers port operations

in Rangoon.

LIBYA—Because of supply difficulties, which increase as pursuit progresses westward, elements of

13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, are forced to remain in

place. However, Ind 4th Div seizes Barce, on coast,

and forward elements Of 7th Armd Div force enemy

to retire from Antelat to Agedabia.

24 December

ST PIERRE AND MIQUELON Is.—These islands, off

Newfoundland, are seized by Free French.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE—Anglo-American

conference, called ARCADIA, opens in Washington to

consider war strategy. Prime Minister Winston S.

Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and

British and U.S. Chiefs of Staff attend.

U.S.—American engineers and military members of Iranian, USSR, and North African missions

sail for the Middle East from New York on Army

transport Siboney.

MIDWAY—Garrison is reinf with 2 batteries of

4th Defense Bn, which arrive from Hawaii.

P.I.—On Luzon, Adm Hart releases 4th

Marines, stationed at Olongapo, to defend beaches

of Corregidor. Japanese Lamon Bay invasion force,

which constitutes southern prong of pincers applied against Manila, goes ashore early in morning

at 3 points—Mauban, near Atimonan, and Slain.

Main assault force, in center, secures Atimonan,

forcing defenders back toward Pagbilao. Mauban

force takes that town and pushes 5 miles W. From

Slain enemy advances in 2 columns, one SW toward Tayabas Bay and the other SE along Route 1

toward the Legaspi detachment. Japanese on N

Luzon consolidate beachhead and debouch on central plain to thrust sharply toward Agno R line. San

Fabian and Binalonan fall, 26th Cav (PS) retiring

from Binalonan across the Agno to Tayug. Planned

withdrawal toward Bataan is begun in evening.

USAFFE hq, except for rear echelon, and President

and High Commissioner of the Philippines sail to

Corregidor from Manila. Fort Stotsenburg is evacuated. Maj Gen Jonathan M. Wainwright's North

Luzon Force, disposed generally along line Tayug–

Urdaneta–San Carlos–Aquilar, from E to W, begins withdrawing toward Agno R line. South Luzon Force, command of which passes from Gen

Parker to Brig Gen Albert M. Jones, is to withdraw

northward into Bataan. Gen Parker moves to

Bataan to head Bataan Defense Force, organized

to prepare defensive positions.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese invade Jolo I. in

evening against light resistance from the constabulary.

BORNEO—Japanese convoy, despite attacks by

Br and Dutch planes and Dutch submarines, succeeds in landing troops in Kuching area, Sarawak,

early in morning. Garrison, having already destroyed

Kuching airdrome, requests permission to withdraw

to Dutch Borneo and is told to delay enemy as long

as possible before retiring. Dutch aircraft withdraw

from Singkawang, Borneo, to Palembang, Sumatra.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div, controlling all Ind 3

Corps troops N of Slim and Bernam Rivers, is organizing defense in depth astride main road with

MLR in Kampar area and rear positions near Slim

R. Commander AIF Malaya, Ma) Gen Gordon Bennett (CG Aus 8th Div), assigns responsibility for N

Johore to Aus 27th Brig Gp, Aus 8th Div.

[ 23–24 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 9 ]

AUSTRALIA—Brig Gen Henry B. Claggett takes

temporary command of USFIA, pending arrival of

Gen Brett from Chungking.

LIBYA—Detachment Of 7th Armd Div, 13

Corps, Br Eighth Army, enters Benghazi and finds

that enemy has withdrawn.

25 December

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE—General George

C. Marshall, U.S. Chief of Staff, proposes at the

ARCADIA Conference in Washington that Far Eastern

forces be placed under a unified command.

MIDWAY—Garrison is strengthened as Marine

Fighter Sq 221 flies in from USS Saratoga.

P.I.—USAFFE hq opens on Corregidor. Rear

Adm F. W. Rockwell is put in charge of all naval

activities in the Philippines. North Luzon Force

reaches Agno R and prepares to hold there until

night 26–27. 71st Div (PA) withdraws from E flank

of line to reorganize. Japanese troops from Urdaneta

succeed in crossing the Agno near Tayug, night

25–26. South Luzon Force begins northward withdrawal toward Bataan. Japanese, in close pursuit,

seize Sampoloc and Pagbilao.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese complete conquest of Jolo I, increasing threat to NEI.

BORNEO—After brisk fighting in vicinity of

Kuching airdrome, Sarawak, small Ind garrison

breaks contact with enemy and starts on foot toward

Dutch Borneo.

CHINA—Br garrison of Hong Kong surrenders

to Japanese. Many Allied ships are captured or sunk

off the island. At a Joint Military Council meeting

to consider lend-lease transfers, Chinese representative announces that the Generalissimo has decided,

because of the seizure of the Tulsa's cargo, that he

will not co-operate with the British and will recall

Ch troops.

26 December

MIDWAY—Garrison is increased by 4th Defense

Bn units and ground echelon of VMF–211, who had

made a futile attempt to relieve the Wake garrison.

P.I.—Naval defense forces under Adm Rockwell move to Corregidor. Manila is declared an

open city. North Luzon Force, except for 194th

Tank Bn, falls back from the Agno to line Santa

Ignacia–Guimba–San Jose. South Luzon Force continues to withdraw in 2 columns and organizes

first line of defense of Sariaya.

MALAYA—Ipoh is evacuated by Ind 11th Div

troops, but Ind 12th Brig Gp fights rear-guard action

at Chemor, to N.

CHINA—Tulsa Incident ends with conciliatory

meeting between Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Magruder during which it is agreed to send an

AMMISCA officer to Rangoon.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck is notified that

4 fighter sqs are to be transferred from Middle East

to Far East; accedes to request for tanks.

NORWAY—Br Commandos (Cdos) raid German bases on islands off Norway.

27 December

FAR EAST—Lt Gen Sir Henry Pownall relieves

Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham as Br CinC Far

East.

P.I.—Luzon front is quiet as Japanese consolidate along the Agno. North Luzon Force withdraws toward next delaying line, Tarlac–Cabanatuan, where it is to make maximum delaying effort.

On S Luzon, Japanese continue to pursue U.S. columns along Routes 23 and 1; on latter, Japanese

break through main positions of 53d Inf and seize

Candelaria.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div rear guards (12th and

28th Brigs) begin withdrawal to defense positions

near Kampar. In E Malaya, Japanese threat to Kuantan is increasing. Enemy forces near TrengganuPahang border are placed under arty fire.

BURMA—Lt Gen T. J. Hutton replaces Gen

MacLeod as commander of Burma Army.

LIBYA—7th Armd Div of 13 Corps, Br Eighth

Army, attacks Rommel’s Agedabia position, which

is well-suited by nature for defense, but makes no

headway.

NORWAY—Br Commandos again raid enemy

bases on islands off Norway.

28 December

U.S.—First contingent of construction battalions ("Seabees") is authorized in Navy.

P.I.—Japanese begin drive from the Agno toward Cabanatuan. In S Luzon, Japanese force 52d

Inf (PA) back to Tiaong. Gen Jones receives orders

to withdraw speedily to Bataan. 53d Inf (PA) moves

to Bataan for rest and reorganization. Enemy seizes

Luisiana, on Route 1, and 1st Inf (PA) withdraws

westward.

LIBYA—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues

assault on Agedabia with 22d Armd Brig of 7th

Armd Div, whose tank strength by this time has

been greatly reduced because of mechanical failure.

After futile effort to get behind enemy position, 22d

Armd Brig falls back to El Haseiat. Both sides

suffer heavy tank losses.

29 December

P.I.—On N Luzon, gist Div (PA) holds Cabanatuan against strong enemy thrust, but Japa-

[ 25–29 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 10 ]

nese succeed in crossing Pampanga R near there.

Another enemy force, heading for Tarlac in 21st

Div (PA) sector, reaches position just N of Tarlac.

All elements of South Luzon Force withdraw

quickly toward Bataan. Japanese planes attack Corregidor for the first time. Medium and dive bombers

drop some 60 tons of bombs. Although wooden

structures suffer heavily, little damage is done to

military installations. AA fire from forts guarding

Manila Bay destroys a number of bombers. 4th

Marines takes responsibility for beach defense.

MALAYA—On Ind 11th Div front, Ind 12th

Brig holds firmly against strong enemy attack but,

since its position is becoming untenable, falls back

through Kampar to Bidor, where it is held in

reserve.

BORNEO—Ind detachment from Kuching, Sarawak, arrives at Sanggau, Dutch Borneo, and is

placed under Dutch command.

CHINA—Establishment of China Theater under

supreme command of Chiang Kai-shek, who is to be

assisted by an Allied staff, is announced. Theater

is to include portions of Thailand and Indochina in

friendly hands.

BURMA—From Bokpyin, Japanese withdraw

under pressure into Thailand.

30 December

U.S.—Forces of Naval Coastal Frontiers are

placed under U.S. Fleet.

P.I.—North Luzon Force is unable to hold

enemy on line Cabanatuan–Tarlac and begins withdrawal southward toward final defense positions

before Bataan. From Cabanatuan, gist Div (PA)

withdraws along Route 5 through Gapan toward

Baliuag, NE of Calumpit. Tank bns are ordered to

Plaridel-Baliuag area to defend vital Calumpit

bridge over Pampanga R, across which South Luzon

Force must withdraw to reach San Fernando and

the road leading into Bataan, and 71st Div (PA)

is dispatched to Baliuag. In center, 11th Div (PA)

succeeds in delaying enemy column heading for

Tarlac from Cabanatuan, 21st Div (PA) falls back

from Tarlac along Route 3 toward line BambanArayat. South Luzon Force, ordered to delay enemy, halts at Santiago, where ambush is arranged,

but because of reverses of North Luzon Force is

directed in evening to continue withdrawal and

cross Calumpit bridge not later than 0600 on 1 January. 51st Inf ( — ) and battery of 51st FA are dispatched to assist in defense of Calumpit bridge. 2d

Philippine Constabulary (PC) covers withdrawal

while main body moves toward Bataan. President

Manuel Quezon is inaugurated on Corregidor.

MALAYA—Japanese maintain pressure against

Kampar position in W Malaya; on E coast threaten

Kuantan from N in greater strength. Kuantan defense force is in process of concentrating W of Kuantan R, which is crossed by a single ferry.

LIBYA—After another costly and unsuccessful

tank battle for Agedabia, during which 22d Armd

Brig is rendered ineffective as a fighting force, 13

Corps of Br Eighth Army suspends assault pending

arrival of reinforcements. German tanks have proved

superior both mechanically and in gun power.

USSR—While German Army Group South

continues offensive against Sevastopol, Soviet Caucasian troops make amphibious assault against E

Crimea and seize Kerch and Feodosia. On central

front, Germans continue to withdraw from Moscow

area under Red Army pressure.

31 December

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE—ARCADIA conferees order joint Australian-British-Dutch-American (ABDA) Command to be established under Gen

Wavell of the British Army.

P.I.—Evacuation of Manila is completed as rear

echelon of USAFFE hq leaves. North Luzon Force

closes in final defense positions, Bamban-Arayat, before San Fernando and Plaridel, E of Calumpit

bridge. On E flank, 91st Div (PA) goes into reserve

S of Baliuag, leaving 71st Div (PA) to delay enemy

briefly at Baliuag; both divs then retire toward

Calumpit bridge. Firm contact is made between

North and South Luzon Forces in San Fernando

area after latter crosses Calumpit bridge. Gen Jones

is placed in command of all forces E of Pampanga R.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div now holds relatively

well-organized defense position in W Malaya, with

Ind 6/15 Brig disposed on MLR at Kampar and

Ind 28th Brig Gp to E. Japanese increase pressure

against 28th Brig Gp. On E coast, Kuantan defense

force completes concentration W of Kuantan R and

destroys ferry.

CHINA—Joint Military Council is formed in

Chungking.

AUSTRALIA—Gen Brett arrives from Chungking

to take command of USFIA.

LIBYA—On Libyan-Egyptian frontier, S African

2d Div, assisted by 1st Army Tank Brig of 30 Corps,

Br Eighth Army, attacks and penetrates Bardia

fortress, on main road from Tobruk to Egypt.

USSR—Germans on southern front break off

attacks on Sevastopol in order to counter Soviet

thrusts from Kerch and Feodosia. On central front,

Red Army troops seize Kaluga, SW of Moscow.

[ 30–31 DECEMBER 1941 ]
[ 11 ]

1942

1 January

U.S.—Declaration of the United Nations is

signed by 26 nations in Washington, D. C.

LUZON—South Luzon Force, upon completing

withdrawal across the Pampanga at Calumpit by

0500 and destroying bridges there at 0615, is disbanded. Its components continue withdrawal toward Bataan, and Gen Jones rejoins 51st Div (PA).

Japanese move through Plaridel to Calumpit but

are unable to cross the Pampanga. Covering force

(elements of 71st and 91st PA Divs) withdraws

from river line toward San Fernando. Meanwhile,

21st and 11th Divs (PA) continue fighting withdrawals, 91st along route Bamban–Angeles–Porac

and 11th on route Malagang–San Fernando–Guagua

(N of Sexmoan), arriving on line Porac–Guagua

during night 1–2.

MALAYA—Japanese attack Kampar position in

W Malaya in force but are unable to break through.

Ind 11th Div is in grave danger as enemy amphibious force lands in Utan Melentang area, at mouth

of Bernam R, behind Kampar line. Ind 12th Brig

Gp moves from Bidor to meet this threat. Japanese

aircraft deliver first severe blow against Tengah

airdrome on Singapore I.

CHINA—Chinese request lend-lease aid for construction of road across N Burma to link with

Burma Road. The projected road would extend

from Ledo, India, to Fort Hertz, Myitkyina, and

Lungling.

BURMA—Air Vice Marshal D. F. Stevenson

takes command of Allied air forces in Burma, replacing Gp Capt E. R. Manning, RAF.

LIBYA—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, renews assault on Bardia after nightfall.

USSR—Red Army continues broad offensive

throughout January with spectacular success in some

sectors, but is unable to relieve besieged ports of

Leningrad and Sevastopol.

2 January

U.S.—Lt Gen Hugh A. Drum, tentatively

selected for field command in China, arrives in

Washington, D. C., where he confers with various

military leaders and finds opinions as to role of

U.S. in China widely divergent.

Luzon—Defenders complete successful withdrawal through San Fernando, final elements clearing the town at 0200 and organize delaying positions along 10-mile front from Porac to Guagua.

Holding this line are 21st Div (PA) on W, its left

flank covered by 26th Cav (PS) at San Jose, S of

Porac, and 11th Div (PA) on E. Japanese attack W

flank in vicinity of Porac in afternoon and force

21st Div to fall back. Meanwhile, Japanese E of

the Pampanga succeed in crossing the river and

move to San Fernando, where they join with Japanese from Angeles. Japanese occupation force

moves into Manila. Japanese planes begin daily

attacks on Corregidor.

MALAYA—Japanese force reaches Telok Anson

via Perak R and goes ashore, greatly increasing

threat to Ind 3 Corps. 1st Independent Co and Ind

3d Cav Sq defending this area are forced back

through Ind 12th Brig Gp, which in turn comes

under severe pressure. Although enemy attacks on

Kampar position are still being contained, it is decided to withdraw to Slim R after nightfall because

of precarious situation along coast. Japanese landing

attempt at Kuala Selangor is frustrated by arty fire

late in day.

LIBYA—Bardia garrison, under pressure of S

African 2d Div and 1st Army Tank Brig (30 Corps,

Br Eighth Army), surrenders early in day.

3 January

ALLIED STRATEGY—Gen Wavell, as supreme

commander of ABDA forces, is directed to hold

Malay Barrier (line Malay Peninsula–Sumatra–Java–

Australia) and operate as far beyond the Barrier

as possible in order to check Japanese advance; hold

Burma and Australia; restore communications with

the Philippines through NEI; maintain communications within theater.

Luzon—Japanese continue determined attacks

on W flank of Porac-Guagua line, where 21st Div

(PA) succeeds in halting enemy below Pio; exert

strong pressure on E flank in vicinity of Guagua.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div completes withdrawal

to Slim R line. Because of threat to communications

in W Malaya, Kuantan force on E coast, which had

previously been ordered to hold airdrome until to

January, begins fighting withdrawal at once. Newly

formed and poorly trained Ind 45th Brig, reinf,

and an Ind Pioneer bn (a labor unit) arrive at

Singapore and concentrate in S Malaya.
[ 12 ] [ 4–7 JANUARY 1942 ]

BORNEO—Japanese invade Labuan I., in Brunei

Bay, without opposition. From there, detachment

moves to mainland at Mempakul, thence to Weston

on foot, and from Weston to Beaufort by rail.

4 January

LUZON—Continuing strong attacks against E

flank of Porac-Guagua line, Japanese overrun

Guagua and continue along Route 7 to Lubao,

cutting planned line of retreat of 11th Div (PA).

21st Div zone (W part of line) is relatively quiet.

Withdrawal from line Porac–Guagua begins under

cover of darkness, 4–5, with 21st Div covering for

11th. Some cut-off elements of 11th Div make circuitous withdrawal through San Jose, while others

move down Route 7 and form OPL between Lubao

and Santa Cruz.

MALAYA—Ind 11th Div is under constant air

attacks as it prepares defensive positions along Slim

R in W Malaya. Japanese force moves S along W

coast to Selangor R, then E along the river, threatening communications line at Rawang. To meet this

threat, Ind 6/15 Brig Gp starts toward Batang

Berjuntai.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese begin air offensive

against Rabaul, strategic base in Bismarck Archipelago, garrisoned by 1,400 men (principally 2/22d

Bn of 8th Div, AIF; RAAF detachment; 100 men of

NGVR; and a few RAN officers). Located at

Rabaul are a fighter strip at Lakunai and a bomber

strip at Vunakanu.

CHINA—Chinese halt enemy drive in Changsha

area of Hunan Province.

5 January

LUZON—U.S. and Filipino troops complete

withdrawal to new line extending along base of

Bataan Peninsula from Dinalupihan on W to Hermosa on E. During night 5–6, withdrawal continues

through Layac Junction, the funnel through which

all roads into Bataan pass, final elements clearing it

by 0200 after which the bridge is blown. Delaying

position, called Layac line, is formed S of Layac

Junction and manned by 71st and 72d Regts of 71st

Div (PA), U.S. 31st Inf of Philippine Div, and 26th

Cav (PS). 31st Inf, the only completely U.S. regt

in the Philippines, has not yet been in action. Ration

of Bataan defense force and of garrisons of fortified

islands in Manila Bay is cut in half. Bataan echelon

of hq is established on Bataan under Brig Gen

Richard J. Marshall. Japanese continue daily air

attacks on Corregidor and occasional attacks on

other targets in Manila Bay area.

MALAYA—CinC Eastern Fleet moves hq from

Singapore to Batavia, Java. Gen Percival, at conference in Segamat, plans for withdrawal into Johore.

On Slim R front, Ind 11th Div repels enemy attack

down railway.

AUSTRALIA—Gen Brett assumes duties as CG,

U.S. Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA, previously USFIA).

BURMA—Hq of Ind 17th Div is established at

Moulmein. Of 3 brigs that this div is to contain, only

one—Ind 16th—is in Burma.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck is given responsibility for Iraq and Iran. Lt Gen E. P. Quinan’s

forces in Iraq become Br Tenth Army, corresponding to Br Ninth Army under Gen Sir Henry Maitland Wilson in Syria.

USSR—Red Army lands reinforcements on

Crimean coast near Eupatoria and Sudak in effort

to break siege of Sevastopol naval base, but can

make little headway against firm German resistance.

On central front S of Kaluga, Soviet forces hold

Belev, W of Oka R. Action on northern front along

Volkhov R is indecisive.

6 January

LUZON—After destructive arty exchanges in

morning, Japanese having the advantage of air

spotting, enemy attacks the overextended delaying

line S of Layac Junction in force and makes limited

penetration; enters Dinalupihan without opposition.

Withdrawal of line begins during night 6–7.

Japanese aerial bombardment of Corregidor ends

except for nuisance raids. Enemy air attacks during

first week of 1942 have resulted in little damage to

fortifications.

MALAYA—On Ind 11th Div front, Ind 6/15 Brig

Gp reaches Batang Berjuntai area and takes up defensive positions S of Selangor R. Kuantan force

completes withdrawal from E Malaya through Jerantut during night 6–7; continues W in Raub area.

CHINA—Having accepted nomination of Chiang

Kai-shek as Supreme Commander of an Allied China

Theater, Chinese ask that a senior U.S. officer be

sent to China to act as chief of the Generalissimo’s

Allied staff.

LIBYA—Br 1st Armd Div, which has recently arrived from U. K. and relieved 7th Armd Div of 13

Corps, Br Eighth Army, reaches Antelat. Port at

Derna opens to traffic.

7 January

LUZON—Siege of Bataan begins as U.S. and

Filipino forces complete withdrawal from Layac line.

North Luzon Force becomes I Philippine Corps,

containing about 22,500 men of 1st 31st, 71st, and

91st Divs (all PA), 26th Cav (PS), miscellaneous

troops, and supporting weapons. Bataan Defense
[ 8–10 JANUARY 1942 ] [ 13 ]

Force is renamed II Philippine Corps and consists

of about 25,000 men of 11th, 21st 41st, and 51st

Divs (all PA), 57th Inf (PS) of Philippine Div, and

supporting weapons. Defense of Bataan as far S as

Mariveles Mts is divided about equally between the

2 corps, I Corps being responsible for W half and

II Corps for E half. Service Command Area is located at S tip below Mariveles Mts and is the responsibility of Brig Gen A. C. McBride; in this area

are 2d Div (PC)—organized on this date—provisional infantry units formed from air corps

personnel, and provisional bn of Navy and Marine

personnel. Defenses on Bataan are organized in

depth: MLR extends from Mauban on W to Mabatang on E, a distance of 20 miles; OPL is disposed

before the MLR; and rear line of defense, manned

by USAFFE reserve (Philippine Div, less 57th Inf;

tank group; SPM group), is being formed.

MALAYA—Japanese, in strong tank-infantry assault beginning before dawn, break through Slim

R positions of Ind 11th Div and drive rapidly toward

Kuala Lumpur, reaching positions a miles S of

Slim village. Ind 3 Corps withdraws the Slim R line

southward to Tanjong Malim, between village of

Slim and road junction at Kuala Kubu. This action

temporarily leaves Ind 11th Div ineffective as a

fighting force. Gen Wavell arrives at Singapore.

BORNEO—Japanese in Sarawak reach frontier

of Dutch West Borneo.

LIBYA—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, patrols to

Agedabia and finds that enemy has withdrawn.

Convoy arrives safely at Benghazi. Because of rough

seas, this port is not put into full operation.

8 January

U.S.—War Department orders that only Air

Corps, AA, and service troops be sent to Australia,

where emphasis will be placed on rapid build up

of air forces.

Luzon—Front is quiet as Japanese regroup for

drive on Bataan and U.S. and Philippine forces

organize defense positions.

MALAYA—Gen Wavell visits Malayan front,

where preparations are being made for withdrawal

of Ind 3 Corps into Johore.

BORNEO—Japanese occupy Jesselton, British

North Borneo.

9 January

Luzon—Japanese open assault on Bataan at

1500 From Dinalupihan-Hermosa area, 3 RCT’s

with arty support move forward, a against II Corps

on E and I toward I Corps sector on W. None of

the columns reaches the OPL. II Corps, defending

Abucay line (from Mabatang on Manila Bay to Mt

Natib) with 57th Inf (PS) on E, 41st Div (PA) in

center, and 51st Div (PA) on W, opens fire on

enemy combat team driving down East Road and

makes patrol contact with it. To W, another Japanese column advances unmolested down trail from

Dinalupihan to vicinity of Album. In I Corps area,

enemy column from Dinalupihan is slowed only

by demolitions while moving W along Route 7

toward Olongapo. Disposed along I Corps’ Mauban

line (Mt Silanganan on E to Mauban on Subic Bay)

are Co K of 1st Inf (PA); 31st FA bn of 31st Div

(PA) organized as infantry; and 3d Inf of 1st Div

(PA). Additional troops are maintaining OPL to

front.

MALAYA—Gen Percival issues instructions for

withdrawal of Ind 3 Corps into Johore, where final

stand before Singapore Naval Base is to be made.

Corps begins withdrawal at once, executing demolition program as it goes. Ind 11th Div and line of

communications troops are to delay enemy along

two lines: one covering Seremban and Port Dickson, and the other covering Tampin and Malacca;

Ind 9th Div is to clear Kuala Pilah and Tampin,

respectively.

BORNEO—RAF planes from Malaya terminate

action over Borneo with rcn flight over Kuching.

CHINA—As consideration of the U.S. role in

China continues in Washington, Gen Marshall decides to recommend against sending Gen Drum to

China because of the small effort that is currently

to be made there.

10 January

LUZON—Gen MacArthur inspects Bataan defenses. Japanese make their first surrender demand,

dropping it from the air. In II Corps area, Japanese

force driving S along East Road splits, most of it

moving W; both forces reach OPL along Calaguiman R below Samal and exert strong pressure

against it. Enemy column pushing S in central

Bataan is slowed by jungle terrain. In I Corps area,

Japanese W assault force reaches Olongapo without

opposition.

MALAYA—Ind 3 Corps abandons Port Swettenham and Kuala Lumpur while falling back to cover

Port Dickson and Seremban area. Japanese planes,

which since late December have been making night

attacks on airdromes on Singapore, begin daylight

raids on the airdromes.

NEI—Gen Wavell, Supreme Commander of

ABDA area, flies to Java, where he confers with

members of ABDA staff; establishes hq at Lembang,

10 miles N of Bandoeng.

BURMA—Commander of Ind 17th Div arrives

in Burma to take charge of Tenasserim operations.
[ 14 ]

11 January

U.S.—Plan to dispatch U.S. V Corps, reinf,

and air and supply forces to N Ireland (MAGNET) is

approved.

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese advancing

down E coast of Bataan drive back OPL of 57th

Inf (PS), cross Calaguiman R, and after nightfall

begin assault on MLR, forcing 57th Inf to fall back

a little. Fighting continues throughout night 11–12.

Reserves are committed and 57th Inf counterattacks, regaining most of lost ground by dawn of

12th. To W, another enemy column shifts W in

sector of 41st Div (PA) and is contained by that

div. Advance elements of still another column,

pushing slowly S in central Bataan toward 51st Div

(PA), reach, Orani R by morning.

MALAYA—Lull develops in ground action as Ind

3 Corps continues withdrawal into Johore, but

enemy planes remain active and begin series of

strikes against Muar.

NEI—Japanese invade NEI at 2 points. Central

assault force, with air support from Jolo I., lands

at rich oil center of Tarakan, off E coast of Dutch

Borneo, while E assault force from Davao, Mindanao, invades Celebes at Menado and Kema.

Naval paratroop force is dropped on airfield just

S of Menado. Allied planes are unable to halt enemy,

and the small Dutch garrisons are quickly overwhelmed. Japanese soon put Tarakan and Menado

into use as air bases from which to support operations to S.

LIBYA-EGYPT—S African 2d Div of 30 Corps,

Br Eighth Army, attacks Sollum, just across Egyptian border, and captures it early on 12th. 13 Corps

pursues Rommel’s forces toward El Agheila, a

strong natural position.

USSR—Soviet forces continue to push westward on central front and cut N–S Rzhev–Brvansk

RR line.

12 January

LUZON—Japanese exert strong pressure against

II Corps, particularly on W, while taking up positions for concerted assault. 51st Div (PA) is hard

hit and gives ground, some of which is regained

after reserves are committed. In center, Japanese

push back OPL of 41st Div (PA). On E coast,

Japanese regain positions on S bank of Calaguiman

R; to meet threat there, 21st Inf (PA) is released

from reserve to assist 57th Inf (PS). In I Corps area,

Japanese detachment moves by boat and seizes undefended Grande I.

13 January

LUZON—On E flank of II Corps, 21st Inf (PA)

counterattacks at 0600 after arty preparation and

reduces part of salient on left flank of 57th Inf (PS).

Japanese are thus prevented from launching planned

offensive in that area, but make progress to W

against 51st Div (PA), forcing it back to MLR along

Balantay R. Enemy column driving S in central

Bataan, with task of turning corps’ left flank, is not

yet in position for attack.

MALAYA—Gen Wavell again visits front and

confers with commanding officers. Withdrawal of

Ind 3 Corps into Johore reaches final stage; all

vehicles are being moved through Segamat. Convoy

with badly needed reinforcements reaches Singapore

and unloads first echelon of Br 18th Div (53d Brig

Gp), AA units, and 50 Hurricane fighters with

crews.

BURMA—Joint Military Council recommends

construction of Ledo and Imphal roads.

USSR—Red Army has driven deep salient between German 2d Pz and 4th Armies on central

front SW of Kaluga; deepens it with capture of

Kirov.

14 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Anglo-American ARCADIA Conference ends in Washington.

Among major decisions reached are: agreement to

establish Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct BritishAmerican war effort; the main effort must be made

first against Germany; occupation of French N

Africa (GYMNAST) is of strategic importance in

Atlantic area.

U.S.—As discussions are begun in Washington

to consider who shall go to China instead of Gen

Drum, Gen Marshall proposes Maj Gen Joseph W.

Stilwell, who is being considered for command of

GYMNAST.

LUZON—In II Corps area, strong Japanese pressure against W flank of 41st Div (PA) forces outposts to retire across Balantay R. 51st Div (PA)

withdraws to S bank of river to tie in with 41st.

Japanese enveloping column continues slowly down

center of Bataan but is still N of MLR. In I Corps

area, Japanese start S on W coast toward Moron in

2 columns, one by sea and the other along trail from

Olongapo. Waterborne elements land about midway between Olongapo and Moron and continue S

on foot. Gen Wainwright sends containing force to

Moron.

MALAYA—Ind 3 Corps completes withdrawal

into Johore and assumes responsibility for S part of

Johore; assault elements (Aus 22d Brig of Aus 8th

Div) are designated East Force and disposed astride

Malacca–Segamat road. AIF Malaya (less Aus 22d

Brig), responsible for NW Johore, is reinf by Ind

9th Div and Ind 45th Brig and is designated West

Force. Aus 27th Brig and Ind 8th Brig Gps are

astride main road and RR N of Segamat. Enemy is to

[ 11–14 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 15 ]

be kept N of line Muar–Segamat–Mersing, if possible. Japanese overtake West and East Forces. Many

cyclists are killed in ambush prepared near Gemas

by elements of West Force. East Force patrols encounter enemy from Kuantan in Endau area. On this

date and 15th, Dutch detachment of about 80 native

troops with European officers flies from NEI to

Singapore and concentrates in Labis area, N Johore,

for guerrilla action against enemy communications.

USSR—Moscow announces capture by Red

Army of Medyn, on central front NW of Kaluga.

15 January

ALASKA—Alaskan Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field under command of Lt Col Everett S.

Davis.

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese, attacking

vigorously at junction of 41st and 51st Divs (PA),

gain foothold on S bank of the Balantay. 51st Div

commits reserves and service troops to no avail.

Further reinforcements, Philippine Div (less 57th

Inf) from USAFFE reserve and 31st Div ( — ) (PA)

from I Corps, are sent forward. Japanese enveloping

column in central Bataan arrives in position to

turn corps’ W flank and pauses to reorganize. Regrouping is conducted to E as enemy threat there

diminishes. In I Corps area, the 2 Japanese columns

driving on Moron converge and push closer to

objective.

MALAYA—Forward elements of Aus 27th Brig

Gp inflict more casualties on enemy in Gemas area

before pulling back to main position. On W coast,

Japanese reach N bank of Muar R and land small

party between Muar and Batu Pahat, threatening

communications of West Force in Yong Peng area.

Boundary between West Force and Ind 3 Corps is

altered to give this region, which Ind 45th Brig is

defending, to 3 Corps.

ABDA COMMAND—Headed by Gen Wavell,

ABDA opens officially at Batavia, Java, at noon

GMT. Gen Wavell is replaced as CinC India by

Gen Sir Alan Hartley.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. War Department, learning

of transfer of Iraq and Iran to Middle East Command from India Command, cables the information to chiefs of U.S. Military North African Mission and U.S. Military Iranian Mission.

16 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Representatives

of 21 American Republics meet in Rio de Janeiro,

Brazil, to provide for hemispheric solidarity against

attack.

Luzon—In II Corps area, 51st Div (PA) counterattacks to restore positions on corps W flank; after

making limited progress on right, is subjected to

severe pressure and falls back in confusion, W flank

elements making futile attempt to gain contact with

I Corps on rugged terrain of Mt. Natib. Entire line

on Bataan is jeopardized by enemy breakthrough in

this sector. Japanese encircling force, although in

position to turn W flank of corps, prepares instead

to advance down Abo-Abo R valley. To E, 41st Div

(PA) refuses its left flank in effort to tie in with

51st Div and, with assistance of elements of 23d and

32d Regts and quickly formed prov bn, succeeds in

halting enemy. U.S. 31st Inf moves to vicinity of

Abucay Hacienda, on left flank of 41st Div, and

prepares to counterattack; reserve force, 45th Inf

(PS), also moves toward attack positions. I Corps

engages enemy for first time. Japanese cross Batalan

R and attack Moron but are forced back to river line

by 1st Inf and elements of 26th Cav. Cavalrymen are

withdrawn after engagement because of heavy

losses.

MALAYA—Japanese cross Muar R and force Ind

45th Brig from Muar, on S bank; continue landings

on W coast in Muar-Batu Pahat area, increasing

threat to communications. 53d Brig of Br 18th Div

is released to Ind 3 Corps, which places it under

Ind 11th Div command; 2 bns are dispatched to

positions W of Yong Peng and the third is held in

reserve at Ayer Hitam. RAF, concentrated on

Singapore I, prepares to withdraw to Sumatra.

Singapore airdromes are still targets of daily enemy

air attacks.

BURMA—46th Brig, Ind 17th Div, arrives.

Japanese attack and eventually outflank Imperial

forces at Myitta, threatening Tavoy.

17 January

U.S.—War Department appoints Gen Breton

commander of tactical forces in ABDA area.

Luzon—II Corps counterattacks to restore W

portion of line, formerly held by 51st Div (PA),

and makes limited progress. U.S. 31st Inf, moving

N from Abucay Hacienda area, reaches Balantay R

on left but is unable to make much headway on

right. Reserves move forward to plug gap between

the assault bns. Japanese encircling column begins

unopposed march down Abo-Abo R toward Orion.

In I Corps area, Moron defenders fall back under

enemy pressure to ridge S and SE of Moron.

MALAYA—Additional reinforcements are moved

into Muar-Yong Peng area as enemy continues attacks and build up. West Force withdraws bn from

Segamat, and East Force releases one from Jemaluang for operations in this area.

BORNEO—Japanese force lands at Sandakan,

British North Borneo.

LIBYA-EGYPT—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, re-

[ 15–17 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 16 ]

ceives surrender of Halfaya garrison and takes many

prisoners. 1st Free French (FF) Brig Gp was to

have participated in attack on Halfaya, had the garrison not surrendered. With destruction of enemy

in E Cyrenaica and reopening of communication

line from there into Egypt, first phase of Libyan

campaign is successfully concluded. In W Cyrenaica,

13 Corps reconnoiters enemy’s El Agheila position.

18 January

LUZON—II Corps renews efforts to restore W

flank positions. U.S. 31st Inf is still unable to gain

Balantay R line on right and is under strong pressure along the river on left. Bn of 45th Inf (PS)

reaches the Balantay to W of 31st Inf and is attached

to 31st Inf. 2 other bns of 45th Inf advance toward

the Balantay between 31st Inf and 41st Div (PA),

but are halted short of objective. In I Corps area,

Japanese increase pressure and force outposts to withdraw. Small enemy force is moving eastward unopposed to outflank E portion of line.

MALAYA—Ind 45th Brig, reinf, repels further

enemy attacks in Muar-Yong Peng area and destroys

a number of tanks, but landing of strong Japanese

force a few miles N of Batu Pahat increases danger

in this sector. In evening, Commander West Force

orders withdrawal. Entire Muar front is placed

temporarily under Ind 3 Corps command. During

night 18–19, Ind 9th Div falls back behind Muar R,

as does AUS 27th Brig Gp behind Segamat R.

RAF bomber group withdraws from Singapore I. to

Sumatra.

USSR—On southern front, Red Army makes

deep penetration near Izyum, on Donets R in the

Ukraine; gains ground E of Kursk.

19 January

LUZON—II Corps continues efforts to regain

positions along Balantay R on W flank, 45th Inf

( — ) (PS) reaching river in region between 31st Inf

(U.S.) and 41st Div (PA). 31st Inf, however, is

under increasingly strong pressure. Enemy column

driving down Abo-Abo R valley reaches positions

near Guitol and is engaged by 31st Div and elements

of 21st Div (PA). I Corps restores OPL in counterattack but is forced to abandon it after nightfall.

Elements of 92d Inf (PA) are sent to block enemy

infiltrators from Mt Silanganan, on corps E flank.

MALAYA—Bitter fighting continues in MuarYong Peng area. 53d Brig of Br 18th Div, under

command of Ind 11th Div, takes responsibility for

strategic positions W of Yong Peng—a defile and

bridge—but loses them. Muar force (Ind 45th Brig

and 2 Aus bns), now isolated, is ordered to withdraw.

BORNEO—British North Borneo is surrendered

to Japanese at Sandakan.

BURMA—Japanese seize Tavoy and its airfield.

Because of this, it is decided to withdraw Mergui

garrison by sea to Rangoon at once, although Mergui

has not yet been attacked. Balance of Ch 93d Div

(6th Army) is ordered to move into Burma.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck issues operations instructions to Commander, British Troops in

Egypt (BTE), and Commander, Eighth Army, restating that objective in Libya is Tripoli and outlining plan for defensive stand in the event the Libyan

offensive cannot be continued.

USSR—Heavy fighting continues on southern

front; Germans in the Crimea recapture Feodosia.

20 January

LUZON—Japanese contain repeated attacks by

Philippine Div (U.S- 31st and PS 45th Regts) on W

flank of II Corps while preparing for major assault

to begin on 22d. After further fighting before Guitol,

Japanese retire northward. In I Corps area, Japanese

maintain pressure and continue infiltration into right

flank from Mt. Silanganan.

MALAYA—Br 53d Brig counterattacks W of

Yong Peng but is unable to recover lost ground.

Muar force begins difficult withdrawal toward Yong

Peng. Withdrawal of Segamat forces continues;

during night 20–21, Aus 27th Brig Gp moves from

Segamat R line to Yong Peng; Ind 9th Div pulls

back to defensive position to E.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—More than 100 Japanese carrier-based planes attack Rabaul, New Britain,

causing serious damage. Kavieng, New Ireland, is

also attacked by air but in much less strength.

BURMA—Japanese cross into Burma in force

and begin assault on N Tenasserim, attacking 16th

Brig, Ind 17th Div, on Myawadi–Kawkareik road,

near Thai border E of Moulmein, in conjunction

with air attacks.

USSR—Mozhaisk, about 60 miles W of Moscow, falls to Soviet forces.

21 January

Luzon—In II Corps area, Japanese continue

preparations for offensive, massing assault forces on

extreme W flank of corps; contain further attempts

of Philippine Div to restore W flank positions. In I

Corps area, small enemy force, having circled about

E flank of corps, reaches West Road in area 4 miles

E of Mauban and blocks it, cutting off 1st Div troops

along MLR from forces to S. Forces that can be

spared from other sectors attack the Japanese block

from N and S but are unable to reduce it.

MALAYA—Withdrawal of defense forces from

[ 18–21 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 17 ]

Muar and Segamat fronts continues. Commander of

West Force is placed in charge of all troops on Yong

Peng-Muar road. Muar force is supplied by air. East

Force patrols ambush enemy force driving on

Mersing.

CELEBES SEA—Enemy convoy is observed moving S in Celebes Sea.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese planes continue preinvasion bombardment of Rabaul (New

Britain) and Kavieng (New Ireland). At Rabaul,

the only coastal battery is destroyed.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin air offensive

against New Guinea with 50-plane attack on LaeSalamaua area.

CHINA—Chinese Government accepts proposal

that Gen Stilwell act as chief of the Generalissimo’s

Allied staff and agrees to give him executive authority over Allied units. Ch 49th Div (6th Army)

is authorized to move into Burma.

LIBYA—Axis forces, with strong air support,

go on the offensive in W Cyrenaica, pushing rapidly

eastward in 3 columns astride main road. Br Eighth

Army’s 13 Corps commander orders withdrawal to

line Agedabia–El Haseiat at once and a further retreat if necessary; orders Ind 4th Div to check coastal

advance toward Benghazi.

22 January

LUZON—Gen MacArthur orders withdrawal of

entire Mauban–Abucay line southward to final defense position on Bataan, behind Pilar–Bagac road;

withdrawal is to start after nightfall on 23d and be

completed by daylight of 26th. In II Corps area,

Japanese open offensive that forces Philippine Div

back to positions E and S of Abucay Hacienda,

approximately those held at beginning of counteroffensive on 16 January. In I Corps area, elements

of 91st Div (PA), supported by Scouts of 26th Cav

and tanks, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce roadblock on West Road and to reach 1st Div troops still

fighting along MLR to N. Japanese begin series of

amphibious operations, night 22–23, when bn embarks in barges at Moron and sails toward Caibobo

Pt, below Bagac. U.S. PT boat encounters and sinks

2 vessels.

MALAYA—Six-day battle on Muar front ends in

victory for Japanese. Ind 45th Brig, despite close air

and naval support during the operation, is destroyed

as a fighting body. Muar force destroys its vehicles

and weapons and pushes toward Yong Peng by

infiltration, leaving wounded behind. Batu Pahat

defense force (detachment of Ind 11th Div) skirmishes with enemy on Batu Pahat–Ayer Hitam road.

Ind 8th Brig Gp, 9th Div, having withdrawn from

Segamat sector to positions astride main road between Labis and Yong Peng, is attacked by enemy.

East Force repels enemy attempt to cross river at

Mersing. Partly trained Ind 44th Brig, reinf, and

7,000 Ind reinforcements arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAIT—U.S. submarine attacks

enemy convoy.

BURMA—Ind 16th Brig breaks off action in

Kawkareik area and falls back toward Moulmein.

LIBYA—Continuing swiftly eastward, Axis

forces occupy Agedabia.

23 January

U.S.—Gen Stilwell, in Washington, accepts

China assignment and takes over part of staff previously selected by Gen Drum.

Luzon—Philippine Div, on II Corps W flank,

withstands increasingly heavy pressure. After nightfall, II Corps begins withdrawal to final defense

line. In I Corps area, Japanese maintain heavy pressure against Mauban MLR and frustrate further

attempts to reduce roadblock on West Road. In

Service Command Area, enemy amphibious force

heading for Caibobo Pt, having lost its way during

night, arrives at 2 points on SW coast, both well

S of objective. About a third land at Longoskawayan

Pt; the rest land at Quinauan Pt. Gen McBride, responsible for defense of S tip of Bataan except for

naval reservation near Mariveles, sends Philippine

Constabulary elements to Quinauan Pt, but they

make little headway. Comdr Francis J. Bridget, commanding naval reservation, dispatches sailors and

marines to Longoskawayan Pt; these, reinf by personnel of U.S. 301st Chemical Co and a howitzer

from the Constabulary, clear Pucot Hill, but enemy

returns after nightfall.

MALAYA—Rear guards from Segamat and Muar

fronts complete withdrawal through Yong Peng at

midnight, 23–24; West Force then comes under

command of Ind 3 Corps, which is to defend central

Johore and thereby protect Singapore naval base

until reinforcements arrive. Japanese are to be kept

N of line Batu Pahat–Ayer Hitam–Kluang–Jemaluang, if possible. Fighting continues in Batu Pahat

area, and road from there to Ayer Hitam is closed.

Japanese intensify air attacks.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese Fourth Fleet

lands troops at Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng

(New Ireland). Small Aus garrison of the important

Rabaul base is soon overwhelmed. Kavieng is undefended. Japanese are now within easy striking distance of New Guinea.

SOLOMON IS.—Elements of Japanese Fourth Fleet

invade Kieta (Bougainville) without opposition.

NEI—Japanese invasion forces move S in 2

convoys, one through Makassar Strait to Balikpapan

(Borneo) and the other through Molucca Passage

[ 22–23 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 18 ]

to Kendari (Celebes). Unopposed landings are

made at both places, but convoy off Balikpapan is

attacked by Dutch planes. On Sumatra, RAF reinforcements from Middle East begin arriving at

Palembang, where one of the 2 airdromes is attacked

for first time by enemy planes.

BURMA—Japanese planes begin period of intensified attacks on Rangoon area in effort to destroy Allied aircraft in Burma.

LIBYA—Axis troops take Antelat and Saunnu

despite opposition of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army.

USSR—Thrusting strongly SW from Valdai

Hills, NW of Moscow, Red Army seizes Cholm,

German center of resistance near boundary of Center and Northern Army Groups. To SE, Rzhev, another enemy center of resistance, is being encircled.

24 January

LUZON—II Corps begins disengaging and withdrawing combat troops. Japanese maintain intense

pressure on Philippine Div and attack covering

force, but bulk of troops withdraw successfully.

Situation in I Corps area deteriorates rapidly. 1st

Div, exhausted by prolonged fighting along MLR

and critically in need of supplies and ‘ammunition,

remains under pressure. Additional strength is

applied against Japanese roadblock on West Road

without avail. In Service Command Area Japanese cannot be ousted from Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts. Sailors and marines succeed, however, in regaining Pucot Hill and driving enemy

back to Longoskawayan and Lapiay Pts.

MALAYA—Outline plan for withdrawal to Singapore is issued. Hard fighting continues at Batu

Pahat. Japanese are approaching Kluang, in Ind 9th

Div sector. Additional units (Aus MG bn and about

2,000 Aus reinforcements, many of whom are poorly

trained) arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAIT—Battle of Makassar Strait,

first big naval battle of the war, occurs early in

morning when 4 U.S. DD’s strike at enemy shipping

off Balikpapan, Borneo, with good effect.

NEI—The first of a small group of U.S. P–40’s

reaches Java from Australia.

NEW GUINEA—Allied forces evacuate Lae and

Salamaua, which are threatened by Japanese.

AUSTRALIA—Combined Chiefs of Staff order

Darwin area incorporated into ABDA Command.

BURMA—Rear elements of Mergui garrison arrive at Rangoon. Moulmein is now threatened.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps prepares

to counterattack or, if enemy cannot be contained,

to fall back on line Derna–Mechili as Axis offensive

halts briefly.

USSR—Soviet forces on Donets front in the

Ukraine break through enemy positions in Izyum

area and capture Barvenkova, about 40 miles E of

Lozovaya; in Valdai Hills sector to N, deepen salient

between Cholm and Rzhev to vicinity of Velikie

Luki, where Germans are firmly established.

25 January

MIDWAY—Shelled by Japanese submarine.

LUZON—Responsibility for defense of beach

area of S Bataan passes from Gen McBride of Service Command Area to commanders of I and II

Corps. II Corps continues withdrawal under air

attack and with Japanese in full pursuit. I Corps

abandons Mauban MLR. Withdrawal of 1st Div

southward begins during morning and continues

through night 25–26. Diverting enemy attention,

other elements of I Corps press in on roadblock on

West Road from the W. In South Sector, operations against Japanese at Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts remain indecisive.

THAILAND—Declares war on U.S.

MALAYA—Since Batu Pahat must be abandoned

at once, Gen Percival orders entire line in central

Johore withdrawn. Ind 3 Corps is responsible for

withdrawal operation, which begins after nightfall.

Meanwhile, Batu Pahat defense force fights losing

battle for that town throughout day. Ind 11th Div

commander sends Br 53d Brig Gp to relief of Batu

Pahat defense force, but most of the column is

unable to get through. To E, enemy attacks in Ayer

Hitam-Kluang area are beaten off.

BURMA—Gen Wavell, visiting Rangoon, orders

Moulmein held. 16th Brig, Ind 17th Div, is disposed

W of Salween R, opposite Moulmein. Ind 46th Brig

is ordered to Bilin area. Lull ensues as Japanese

bring up reinforcements to vicinity of Paan and

Moulmein, on Salween R.

LIBYA—Speeding eastward again, Rommell’s

forces seize Msus. Weakened 1st Armd Div of 13

Corps, Br Eighth Army, is ordered to fall back on

Mechili, leaving detachment to protect withdrawal

of Ind 4th Div from Benghazi and Barce. Gen

Auchinleck visits Eighth Army hq, where he remains until 1 February. Gen Ritchie revokes order

for general withdrawal of 13 Corps and orders Ind

4th Div, over which he takes direct control, and

1st Armd Div to counterattack in Msus area.

26 January

LUZON—Philippine II and I Corps complete

withdrawal to final defense line on Bataan in

morning, closely followed by Japanese. The new

line, which is to be continuous for the first time,

extends from Orion on E to Bagac on W and is generally behind Pilar–Bagac road. Gaps develop in each

corps sector when USAFFE withdraws Philippine

[ 24–26 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 19 ]

Div as its reserve. Units are hastily shifted to replace

31st (U.S.) and 57th (PS) Regts in II Corps line

and 45th Inf (PS) in I Corps line. II Corps, responsible for E Bataan from coast to Pantingan R,

organizes its line into 4 sectors, from E to W: Sector

A, 31st Inf of 31st Div (PA); Sector B, Prov Air

Corps Regt; Sector C, elements of 31st Div (PA)

and remnants of 51st Div (PA); Sector D, 41st and

21st Divs (PA) and 33d Inf, less 1st Bn, of 31st

Div (PA). In addition, beach defense forces are organized as Sector E. 1st Bn of 33d Inf, 31st Div

(PA), and regt of PA combat engineers constitute

corps reserve. Japanese patrol along E slopes of Mt

Samat almost to MLR but do not discover gap in

line, which exists for several hours. I Corps line, extending from Pantingan R to W coast, is divided

into Right and Left Sectors: Right Sector is manned

by 2d PC Regt (less one bn) on E and 11th Div

(PA) on W; disposed in Left Sector are elements

of 1st Div (PA) on E and 91st (PA) on W. Beach

defense forces make up South Sector. 26th Cav

(PS) is held in corps reserve. Japanese open offensive, driving S along West Road toward Binuangan

R. 91st Div (PA) contains these attacks. In South

Sector, Japanese maintain beachheads at Quinauan

and Longoskawayan Pts and move reinforcements

toward former. USAFFE sends 88th FA (PS) to W

coast from II Corps sector, one of its gun batteries

to Quinauan Pt and another to Longoskawayan Pt.

MALAYA—Japanese amphibious force lands in E

Malaya at Endau and moves rapidly inland. Some

damage is done to the convoy by RAF planes as it

approaches Endau and by naval vessels after it has

anchored, but British lose HMS Thanet in the action.

Ind 11th Div makes another unsuccessful attempt to

relieve Batu Pahat force, which withdraws by infiltration, leaving wounded behind.

NORTHERN IRELAND—First convoy of U.S.

troops arrives.

27 January

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese begin assault against MLR in afternoon. After feint down

East Road, main attack is made against Sectors C

and D. Sector C is thinly manned and in the process

of being reinf by 41st Inf from Sector D. Japanese

force the outposts back and get small advance group

across Pilar R. In I Corps area, enemy renews efforts

to break through MLR on W coast and is again

brought to a halt by 91st Div (PA). In South Sector, Gen Wainwright sends 3d Bn of 45th Inf to

Quinauan Pt and 2d Bn of 57th Inf to Longoskawayan Pt to dislodge or destroy enemy along SW

coast. Meanwhile, after preparatory fire from all

available guns is conducted against Longoskawayan

Pt, infantry attacks but is unable to clear it. Scouts of

2d Bn, 57th Inf, relieve naval bn there during night

27–28. Japanese are contained but cannot be cleared

from Quinauan Pt. Water-borne reinforcements for

this position land short of objective, between Anyasan and Silaiim Rivers, before dawn and put beach

defenders, 1st Bn of 1st Philippine Constabulary, to

flight. 17th Pursuit Sq, from reserve, and 2d Bn of

2d Philippine Constabulary, from MLR to N, move

against Japanese but are halted about 1,000 yards

from shore. Japanese are ordered, upon reinforcing

Quinauan beachhead, to drive to Mariveles.

MALAYA—Gen Percival, receiving permission

from Gen Wavell to retire to Singapore at his discretion, decides to withdraw at once through Johore

Bahru and across causeway to Singapore. Withdrawal is to be accomplished under cover of darkness and completed during night 30–31. East Force

meets no opposition as it pulls back. While elements

of Ind 11th Div’s Batu Pahat force fall back to Benut,

the rest move to Ponggor R mouth, from which they

are withdrawn by sea during the following nights.

West Force fights local actions while retiring along

main road and RR.

NEI—Singkawang II airfield, Borneo, under

enemy attack, is ordered evacuated.

AUSTRALIA—Gen Barnes assumes command of

base facilities in Australia.

LIBYA—As 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, prepares

to counterattack in Msus area, enemy renews offensive, making main effort toward Benghazi while

moving strong diversionary column toward Mechili.

USSR—On Donets front, Soviet forces seize important rail center of Lozovaya, W of Izyum.

28 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Rio Conference

of American republics ends.

U.S.—Eighth Air Force is activated at Savannah, Georgia, under Brig Gen Asa N. Duncan.

LUZON—In II Corps area, 41st Inf completes

movement into Sector C line, taking up positions

between 31st and 51st Div elements. Japanese renew

attack against corps in evening: some cross Tiawir

R in front of Sector D, where they are halted;

others attempt to move forward in Sector C without success. From W coast, in I Corps area, Japanese

move eastward along corps’ MLR to 1st Div sector,

where defense preparations are not yet completed;

during night 28–29, Japanese breach MLR there

and pour southward through gap. As the enemy

force becomes divided in dense jungle, two pockets,

called Little Pocket and Big Pocket, are formed,

Little Pocket about 400 yards below MLR and Big

Pocket nearly a mile behind MLR. In South Sector,

Scouts of 2d Bn, 57th Inf, attack Longoskawayan

Pt and advance two thirds of its length before arty

support is obstructed by Pucot Hill. 3d Bn of 45th

[ 27–28 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 20 ]

Inf (PS) attacks enemy beachhead at Quinauan

Pt, but jungle terrain and enemy make progress

slow and costly. At night 3d Bn is reinf by Co B of

57th Inf. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, 17th Pursuit

Sq and Philippine Constabulary elements push almost to coast of Anyasan Bay, but Constabulary,

fearing counterattack, withdraws in confusion after

dark.

MALAYA—East Force continues unopposed

withdrawal toward Singapore. Japanese reach Benut

and continue southward behind Ind 11th Div. Gap

develops between the two brigs of Ind 9th Div

withdrawing along RR; 22d Brig becomes isolated

from main body.

LIBYA—Ind 4th Div is authorized to withdraw

from Benghazi since armored elements of 13 Corps,

Br Eighth Army, are too busily engaged to assist it.

Ind 7th Brig, the last to withdraw, finds its line of

retreat blocked but breaks out to S and eventually

makes its way back to Eighth Army.

29 January

U.S.—Combined Chiefs of Staff establish

ANZAC Area, covering ocean expanses between

Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. This

area is to be under U.S. naval command.

FIJI IS.—U.S. troops arrive in islands.

Luzon—II Corps withstands further efforts of

Japanese to breach MLR. In r Corps area, troops of

1st and 11th Divs operate against Little and Big

Pockets, respectively, in effort to determine their

strength and disposition, and evoke sharp opposition. Scouts of 1st Bn, 45th Inf,, prepare to assist

11th Div in attack on Big Pocket. In South Sector,

after half-hour arty preparation augmented by fire

of mine sweeper offshore, ad Bn of 57th Inf (PS)

attacks and clears Longoskawayan Pt; enemy remnants are being mopped up. 3d Bn of 45th Inf (PS)

continues to make slow and costly progress at

Quinauan Pt. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, Scouts of

2d Bn, 45th Inf, prepare for attack and are reinf by

1st Bn of Philippine Constabulary and 1st Bn of

12th Inf (PA), both of these having been relieved

at Quinauan Pt. Co A of 57th Inf is to guard West

Road.

MALAYA—Withdrawal toward Singapore continues. Additional elements of Br 18th Div arrive

at Singapore; also, a sq of obsolete light tanks arrives

from India, the only tanks to reach Malaya.

NEI—Japanese occupy Pontianak, on W coast

of Dutch Borneo.

IRAN—Great Britain and Soviet Union sign

treaty of alliance with Iran, wherein Iran agrees to

remain neutral; Britain and USSR promise to withdraw their troops from Iranian territory 6 months

after hostilities with Axis cease. (Persian Corridor

is to become principal route for movement of

supplies to USSR.)

LIBYA—Axis main forces remain in Msus area,

but elements pursue Ind 4th Div of Br Eighth Army

as it falls back slowly toward Derna line.

USSR—On central front, Red Army continues

to deepen salient SW of Kaluga and reports capture

of Sukhinichi.

30 January

P.I—Gen MacArthur takes control of all

naval forces in the Philippines.

Luzon—In Sector C of II Corps, efforts to dislodge enemy from Pilar R bridgehead fail. Indecisive fighting continues along MLR. I Corps makes

slow progress against enemy pockets behind MLR.

While 1st Div attempts to reduce Little Pocket,

elements of 11th and 45th Regts attack Big Pocket

from N and S, respectively. In South Sector, 3d Bn

of 45th Inf, reinf, continues to attack Quinauan Pt

beachhead. 2d Bn of same regt, reinf, supported by

88th FA battery, pushes slowly toward Silaiim R

mouth.

MALAYA—British withdrawal to Singapore

reaches its final stage. East Force is the first unit

to cross causeway and is followed by Ind 11th Div

and West Force. West Force delays withdrawal as

long as possible in futile effort to recover 22d Brig

of Ind 9th Div. Remnants of this brig are eventually

ferried across Strait of Singapore. It is decided to

withdraw Malaya Air Force to NEI except for a

single squadron.

NEI—Japanese invade Ambon (Amboina),

second largest naval base in NEI, and are opposed

by garrison of Dutch and Australians. Allied air

and naval forces have already been withdrawn because of enemy air attacks.

BURMA—Japanese open strong attack on

Moulmein and seize the airdrome.

31 January

U.S.—Gen Stilwell, in memo to Gen Marshall,

estimates his needs for China assignment and requests that his staff and any forces that may join

it be called a task force. War Department subsequently approves designation of Stilwell’s forces as

U.S. Task Force in China.

LUZON—After air and arty preparation, Japanese begin attack on II Corps in evening but are

halted by corps fire. Enemy regt concealed in bridgehead across Pilar R begins withdrawing under cover

of darkness. I Corps continues battle against enemy

pockets in sectors of 1st and 11th Divs. The pockets

are now cut off from supply. In South Sector, operations against enemy beachhead at Quinauan Pt

continue with little change in positions. Japanese

[ 29–31 JANUARY 1942 ]
[ 21 ]

reinforcements are ordered to the area. 192d Tank

Bn (less one co) is sent to W coast to help reduce

Quinauan Pt beachhead.

MALAYA—Malaya defense force completes withdrawal to Singapore Island at 0815 and blows causeway. For defense purposes, Singapore is divided

into 3 sectors. Ind 3 Corps, under command of Gen

Heath, consisting of Ind 11th and Br 8th Divs and

corps troops, is responsible for N area. S Area, which

includes Singapore town, is the responsibility of

Maj Gen F. Keith Simmons, commander of Singapore Fortress troops, who has under his command

in addition to fixed defenses, 1st and 2d Malayan

Brigs and Strait Settlements Volunteer Force. W

Area, under command of Gen Bennett, Commander AIF, is manned by Australians and Ind

44th Brig, with attachments. Activity from this time

until Japanese invasion is confined to arty exchanges,

air attacks, and patrolling. Chief targets for enemy

planes are docks and Kalang airdrome.

BURMA—Moulmein garrison withdraws across

the Salween to Martaban. 48th Brig of Ind 19th Div

arrives in Rangoon and is held in reserve. Another

brief lull ensues in ground action as Japanese prepare for further attacks, infiltrating across the Salween and bombing and shelling Martaban.

ETHIOPIA—Great Britain recognizes independence of Ethiopia.

IRAN—Maj Gen John N. Greely, head of U.S.

Military Mission to USSR, which is to advise and

assist Russians on lend-lease matters, arrives at Basra,

Iraq; from there proceeds to Tehran, Iran, where he

establishes his hq.

[ 1–3 FEBRUARY 1942 ]

1 February

GILBERT AND MARSHALL Is.—Units of U.S.

Pacific Fleet make surprise air and naval attacks

on Japanese air and naval bases at Roi, Kwajalein,

Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Islands in the Marshall

group and Makin in the Gilbert group, severely

damaging enemy shipping and aircraft facilities.

LUZON—II Corps prepares to attack in Sector C

to clear enemy bridgehead from which Japanese

continue to withdraw. I Corps continues efforts to

reduce pockets S of MLR with negligible success.

In South Sector, Scouts renew battle against

Quinauan Pt beachhead but progress is still limited.

Scout casualties by this time are estimated at 50

percent. Japanese reinforcements for Quinauan Pt

are spotted, night 1–2, and attacked by remaining

4 P–40’s of FEAF, motor torpedo boats, and arty

and infantry weapons from shore. Enemy is forced

to land instead in Anyasan–Silaiim area.

ERITREA—Placed under command of GHQ

MEF.

LIBYA—Gen Ritchie orders general withdrawal

of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, to line Gazala–Bir

Hacheim in order to avoid envelopment. Ind 4th

Div; which reverts to 13 Corps command, completes

withdrawal to Derna line during night 1–2.

USSR—Red Army continues powerful offensive throughout February but with diminishing

success as German resistance stiffens with arrival of

reinforcements. Further efforts to break through to

Leningrad and Sevastopol are futile, but some success is achieved in other sectors. Soviet forces in

the Crimea are reinforced.

NORWAY—Puppet government is established

under Vidkun Quisling.

2 February

U.S.—Gen Stilwell is designated Chief of Staff

to Supreme Commander, China Theater, and is

directed by War Department to “increase the effectiveness of United States assistance to the Chinese

Government for the prosecution of the war and to

assist in improving the combat efficiency of the

Chinese Army.”

LUZON—II Corps attacks to clear bridgehead,

 at first employing 31st Engr Bn (PA) and then

reinforcing with elements of 41st Inf after opposition

proves stubborn. Enemy completes withdrawal from

bridgehead during night 2–3. In I Corps area, armd

platoon of 192d Tank Bn and platoon of 1st Bn,

45th Inf, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce Big

 Pocket. In South Sector, Co C of 192d Tank Bn

assists Scouts in another attack on Quinauan Pt

beachhead, but results are no more satisfactory.

Other Scout bns 2d Bn of 45th Inf; 3d and 1st

Bns of 57th Inf) attack abreast to clear Anyasan–

Silaiim sector, making slow progress except on left,

where no opposition is met.

ERITREA—Personnel of U.S. North African

Mission embarked on Siboney reach Massawa.

LIBYA—Gen Auchinleck orders Br Eighth

Army to hold Tobruk as a supply base for future

offensive.

3 February

LUZON—II Corps, finding enemy bridgehead

clear, advances OPL in that sector. I Corps continues to make little headway against enemy pockets

in sectors of 1st and 11th Divs. In South Sector,

Scouts and tanks are still unable to make much

progress against Quinauan Pt beachhead. Progress

is also limited in Anyasan–Silaiim sector although

tanks of 192d Tank Bn and arty assist Scouts there.

NEI—Japanese begin preinvasion air attacks on

Java. From Kendari, Celebes, enemy aircraft strike

hard at Soerabaja, Madionen, and Malang.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin bombing Port

Moresby, garrisoned by small Aus force.

BURMA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees
[ 22 ]

to let Ch 5th Army take over Toungoo front. Balance of Ch 6th Army is ordered to move into

Burma. Ind 48th Brig is ordered to zone of Ind

17th Div, under which it is to fight.

4 February

P.I.—USAFFE takes direct control of Panay and

Mindoro garrisons, which were previously part of

Visayan–Mindoro Force, established early in

January under command of Brig Gen William F.

Sharp.

LUZON—II Corps front is relatively quiet. In

I Corps area, Japanese in Big Pocket repel still

another tank-infantry attack. In South Sector, Scouts

and tanks continue attack against Quinauan Pt and

this time succeed in compressing enemy into small

area at tip. In Anyasan–Silaiim sector, tank-infantry

attacks against enemy still make slow progress.

MADOERA STRAIT—U.S.–Dutch naval force of 4

cruisers and. 7 DD’s, under command of Rear Adm

Karel W. Doorman of Royal Netherlands Navy,

sets out to attack enemy shipping off Balikpapan but

is detected and attacked by enemy planes in Madoera

Strait and abandons mission. USS Houston and

USS Marblehead are damaged in the action.

NEI—Small Aus garrison of Ambon I. (largely

2/21 Bn) surrenders to Japanese.

LIBYA—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, completes

withdrawal to line Gazala–Bir Hacheim and is fortifying it. Axis forces hold line Tmimi–Mechili. Lull

ensues until summer during which both sides conduct harassing operations and prepare to renew offensive. British gradually relieve battle-weary forces

with fresh troops as they become available.

5 February

U.S.—Caribbean Air Force is redesignated Sixth

Air Force; Pacific Air Command becomes Seventh

Air Force; Alaskan Air Force is redesignated

Eleventh Air Force.

LUZON—I Corps plans to attack with all available forces against enemy pockets. In South Sector,

Japanese are driven to edge of cliff overlooking

beaches at Quinauan Pt. Little progress is made

against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector.

SINGAPORE—Convoy bringing final elements of

Br 18th Div and some Ind reinforcements arrives.

Slowest ship of the convoy, Empress of Asia, is sunk

by enemy planes before reaching destination.

Japanese air attacks on docks at Singapore prevent

other ships of the convoy from unloading some of

their cargo.

BURMA—Gen Wavell again visits Burma and

inspects situation W of the Salween opposite

Moulmein.

6 February

U.S.—Naval Coastal Frontiers are redesignated

Sea Frontiers.

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese receive reinforcements and attack late in day to relieve pockets.

While some elements increase pressure against 1st

and 11th Philippine Divs, others drive toward Big

Pocket until stopped by 11th Div 800 yards from

objective. Small salient in corps MLR is thus formed

and called Upper Pocket. In Manila Bay area, Japanese arty, emplaced along S shore of Manila Bay in

vicinity of Ternate, begins daily bombardment of

fortified islands. Forts Drum and Frank receive

main weight of shells.

NEI—Japanese now hold Samarinda, on E coast

of Dutch Borneo.

7 February

PACIFIC—ANZAC Force is placed under command of Vice Adm Herbert F. Leary, USN.

LUZON—I Corps opens all-out attack, under

command of CG, Left Sector, against enemy pockets

and partially encircles both. 1st Div is employed

against Little Pocket. 92d Inf of 91st Div (PA)

makes main attack against Big Pocket from W and

is supported by elements of 11th, Philippine, and

51st Divs. In South Sector, after Scouts on left

flank come up against enemy positions in Anyasan–

Silaiim area and are brought to a halt, Filipino air

corps troops and Constabulary bn are committed to

form continuous line from Silaiim Bay to Quinauan

Pt. Methodical destruction of enemy remnants at

Quinauan Pt continues. Japanese relief force attempting to evacuate troops from SW coast is attacked by P–40’s and shore guns and forced back to

Olongapo.

8 February

MIDWAY—Bombarded by Japanese submarine.

LUZON—Lt Gen Masaharu Homma orders general withdrawal northward to more favorable positions where troops can be rested and reorganized

while awaiting reinforcements for final assault on

Bataan. I Corps continues battle to destroy Little

and Big Pockets and completely encircles latter.

Japanese escape from Little Pocket through small

gap on E during night 8–9. In South Sector, resistance on Quinauan Pt ends after small naval craft

from Mariveles neutralize beaches, then land party

of 21st Pursuit Sq, which works inland and meets

Scouts pushing toward beaches. Co of 57th Inf and

platoon of 37-mm. guns are released at Quinauan for

action against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector.

Japanese make final attempt to withdraw forces from

SW coast by water and succeed in rescuing 34.

SINGAPORE—Japanese intensify bombardment

and about 2045 begin landing in force on NW coast;

[ 5–8 FEBRUARY 1942 ]
[ 23 ]

despite opposition at beaches, gain firm bridgehead and start toward Tengah airfield, driving

wedge in Aus line in W Area.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese seize Gasmata.

9 February

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese remnants

from Little Pocket are destroyed while seeking to

escape. 1st Div is now free to join in battle against

Big Pocket, which is being compressed and from

which Japanese are trying to escape. In South Sector, 2d Bn of 57th (PS) replaces 3d Bn in center of

line in Anyasan–Silaiim region and makes limited

progress against enemy.

SINGAPORE—Although reinforcements are sent

to W Area from other sectors, Japanese reach Tengah airfield. In evening, additional enemy land in

area just W of causeway. Gen Percival orders garrison to defend S part of the island, where Singapore town, Kalang airdrome, the reservoirs, and

supply depots are located. Far East War Council

meets for the last time.

U.K.—Pacific War Council, composed of representatives from Great Britain, Australia, Netherlands East Indies, and New Zealand, is formed in

London.

10 February

CHRISTMAS I.—U.S. detachment arrives.

MIDWAY—Shelled by enemy submarine.

LUZON—I Corps is rapidly reducing Big Pocket.

South Sector forces are compressing Japanese in

Anyasan–Silaiim area.

SINGAPORE—Gen Wavell visits Singapore and

orders the island held and all remaining RAF personnel withdrawn to NEI. Japanese deepen penetration to supply depot area. AIF Malaya, which is

further reinf in W Area, falls back to line Kranji–

Jurong, partially prepared switch line position; is

later forced from this line.

NEI—Japanese ,continue conquest of Borneo

and Celebes; on Celebes, land force at Makassar.

BURMA—46th Brig, Ind 17th Div, which has

recently relieved Ind 16th Brig along the Salween

in Martaban area, begins fighting withdrawal from

Martaban toward Thaton, since Japanese have bypassed Martaban.

11 February

LUZON—I Corps makes substantial progress

against Big Pocket, but enemy succeeds in withdrawing through gap on N side. In South Sector,

Japanese fall back to Silaiim Pt, between Silaiim

and Anyasan Rivers, under pressure.

SINGAPORE—Japanese gain further ground; drop

appeals for the garrison to surrender.

BURMA—Additional enemy forces cross Salween

in Paan area and engulf bn of Ind 46th Brig.

12 February

U.S.—Tenth Air Force is activated at Patterson

Field, Ohio, and assigned to Gen Stilwell.

LUZON—I Corps regains important trail junction unopposed. In South Sector, Japanese try

desperately to escape from Silaiim Pt; break through

Philippine line, but are overtaken as they push N

toward Silaiim R and are forced steadily toward the

sea:

SINGAPORE—Japanese attack strongly at several

points and make further gains. During night 12–13,

beach defense forces on E and SE coasts are withdrawn to strengthen defense perimeter around town

of Singapore. Supply situation is deteriorating

rapidly.

MEDITERRANEAN—3 supply ships leave Alexandria (Egypt) for Malta, but all are lost to enemy

before reaching destination.

ENGLISH CHANNEL—German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Prinz Eugen proceed from

Brest up English Channel under attack by RAF

and air arm of Royal Navy.

13 February

WESTERN HEMISPHERE—U.S. and Canada approve construction of U.S. Military Highway

through Canada to Alaska.

CANTON I.—U.S. detachment arrives.

LUZON—I Corps, after searching entire area of

Big Pocket without finding any live Japanese, turns

its full attention to the salient, Upper Pocket, in

MLR. Elements released from the Big Pocket assault

force join in the battle. In South Sector, troops

complete destruction of enemy in Silaiim area.

SINGAPORE—Japanese further compress British

on Singapore. Main thrusts are against W part of S

Area; Br forward units pull back, night 13–14, to

cover Alexandra area, where main ordnance depot

and ammunition magazine are located. All remaining Br shipping—small ships and other light craft—

sail from Singapore, night 13–14. Some personnel

are withdrawn in these vessels among them Rear

Adm, Malaya, and Air Officer Commanding, Far

East.

NEI—Japanese overrun Bandjermasin, key

point in SE Borneo.

14 February

LUZON—I Corps further reduces salient in

MLR, which is now about half its original size.

[ 9–14 FEBRUARY 1942 ]
[ 24 ]

ABDA COMMAND—Vice Adm Conrad E. L. Helfrich of Royal Netherlands Navy succeeds Adm Hart

as commander of ABDA Combined Naval

Striking Force.

SINGAPORE—Japanese continue to make main

effort against W part of S Area and gain ground

near Alexandra. Water supply of garrison is in

danger of failing within a short time. Supplies of

food and ammunition are also dwindling rapidly.

Br flotilla withdrawing from Singapore is attacked

by enemy naval and air forces in approaches to

Bangka Strait and suffers heavily. Boat carrying

Rear Adm, Malaya, and Air Officer Commanding,

Far East, is driven ashore on small deserted island

where the men later perish.

NEI—Japanese invade Sumatra, dropping paratroopers in Palembang area after air attack on

Palembang I airdrome. Small force defending airdrome ( 150 Dutch infantry and about 60 RAF

ground defense gunners) is forced to withdraw toward W coast, Japanese having blocked road to

town of Palembang. Allied naval TF moves N to

engage enemy shipping in Bangka Strait but comes

under heavy air attack and retires to base. Palembang-based aircraft are attacking enemy shipping in

Bangka Strait and cannot be notified in time to

intercept invasion force.

IRAQ—Siboney reaches Basra where American

civilian construction force debarks and proceeds by

lorry to Umm Qasr, hq of Iranian District engineer,

to begin construction projects. Cargo does not arrive

at Umm Qasr until end of month.

15 February

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese attack in

limited strength to ease pressure against troops

withdrawing northward from I Corps sector. I

Corps continues to make steady progress against

salient in MLR.

SINGAPORE—Malayan campaign ends with surrender of Singapore, W anchor of Malay Barrier,

to Japanese. Gen Percival meets with Japanese commander, Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita, and surrenders

his forces (more than 64,000 troops—Indian, British,

and Australian) unconditionally, effective at nightfall.

NEI—Japanese invasion fleet enters river mouth

near Palembang, Sumatra, and unloads troops despite repeated and costly attacks by aircraft from

Palembang II airdrome. Dutch and RAF personnel

withdraw from Palembang, where demolition of

refineries is only partially completed. Br personnel

holding landing grounds in central and N Sumatra

are ordered to W coast for withdrawal.

AUSTRALIA—Allied convoy with reinforcements

for Koepang, Timor (Aus 2/4 Pioneer Bn and U.S.

148th FA Regt, less one bn), sails from Darwin.

The units are to secure Penfoie airdrome, the only

staging point on Timor for flights to Java.

BURMA—Ind 17th Div begins withdrawal behind Bilin R line, 46th Brig abandoning Thaton.

Japanese follow closely and try to outflank div.

16 February

CARIBBEAN SEA—German submarines attack

Aruba I., off coast of Venezuela.

LUZON—I Corps reduces salient in MLR to

area 75 by 100 yards. In South Sector, enemy remnants from Silaiim Pt, attempting to escape northward, are detected about 7 miles from the point

and destroyed in 2-day fight. In Manila Bay area,

Japanese destroy section of pipeline on Cavite shore

through which Fort Frank on Carabao I. received

fresh water. Distillation plant is put into operation

at Fort Frank.

NEI—Withdrawal of Br personnel and operational aircraft from Sumatra to Java is completed.

Equipment is left behind at Oesthaven. Allied convoy bound for Timor is recalled to Darwin because

of heavy attacks by Japanese planes.

17 February

BORA BORA—U.S. Army units arrive.

LUZON—I Corps completely restores MLR without opposition as enemy continues to withdraw.

BURMA—Japanese maintain pressure against

Ind 17th Div along Bilin R and continue outflanking attempts.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck is ordered to

release a more divs for action in Far East—Br 70th

and Aus 9th. Aus 9th Div is subsequently allowed

to remain in Middle East.

18 February

U.S.—War Department orders overseas contract activities throughout the world militarized.

All civilian contract activities are to be terminated

by 18 August 1942.

NEI—Japanese invade Bali, off E coast of Java,

landing on SE coast, night 18–19. This completes

isolation of Java. Br volunteer party from Batavia

(Java) sails to Oesthaven (Sumatra), where equipment is salvaged and demolitions are performed

without interference from enemy.

BURMA—Situation of Ind 17th Div deteriorates

as Japanese gain foothold on W bank of Bilin R

near Bilin and continue pressure on flanks. TF’s

are formed by Burma Army to protect Pegu from

SE and sea approaches to Syriam.

[ 15–18 FEBRUARY 1942 ]
[ 25 ]

19 February

BADOENG STRAIT—Combined Allied naval force

under Adm Doorman, Royal Netherlands Navy,

attacks enemy vessel off Bali, night 19–20. Although

considerable damage is believed to have been done

to enemy, Dutch DD Piet Hein is sunk and other

Allied vessels are damaged.

AUSTRALIA—Darwin undergoes destructive attack by Japanese planes from carriers in Banda Sea

and ground base at Kendari. Most of the shipping

in the harbor, including USS Peary (DD), is destroyed. Virtually all the aircraft crowded on the

airfield are demolished. This is the greatest single

Japanese air effort since attack on Pearl Harbor.

BURMA—Ind 17th Div continues to defend

Bilin R line throughout day but is ordered to fall

back after dark. Mandalay receives its first enemy

air attack.

20 February

U.S.—Grants billion-dollar loan to USSR.

LUZON—In Manila Bay area, Japanese arty

bombardment of fortified islands reaches peak

intensity.

NEI—Japanese invade Timor, where Aus

2/40th Bn defends Penfoie airdrome.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Newly formed U.S. naval TF,

consisting of USS Lexington with screen of cruisers

and DD’s, heads toward Rabaul, New Britain, to

disperse Japanese concentrations but when attacked

by enemy planes withdraws without executing

mission. Japanese suffer heavy plane losses and

postpone operations scheduled against New Guinea.

BURMA—Ind 17th Div begins withdrawal behind Sittang R, 48th Brig leading.

U.K.—Maj Gen Ira C. Eaker, who is to command VIII Bomber Command, arrives by air to prepare for reception of U.S. air force (Eighth); reports

to Maj Gen James E. Chaney, CG USAFBI.

21 February

LUZON—Lull settles over entire front as both

sides dig in and prepare for further action. Japanese

have completed withdrawal from I Corps area; diversionary forces employed against II Corps are

ordered back to Balanga area.

BURMA—Removed from jurisdiction of ABDA

Command and placed under command of CinC,

India. 7th Armd Brig arrives at Rangoon from

Middle East; is soon committed on Pegu front. Ind

17th Div continues toward Sittang bridge near

Mokpalin with Japanese in close pursuit.

22 February

U.S.—President Roosevelt orders Gen MacArthur to leave the Philippines.

BURMA—Japanese open strong attacks against

2 brigs of Ind 17th Div E of Sittang R in Mokpalin

area before withdrawal through Sittang bridge

bottleneck can be accomplished.

U.K.—Hq of U.S. Army Bomber Command,

USAFBI, is established under Gen Eaker.

23 February

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—U.S. and Great

Britain sign mutual-aid agreement on settlement of

lend-lease obligations.

U.S.—Enemy submarine shells Bankline Oil

Refinery near Santa Barbara, California. This is the

first attack of the war on U.S. mainland.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—U.S. Fifth Air Force

makes first attack against Rabaul, New Britain. 6

B–17’s from Townsville, Australia, strike with unobserved results.

NEI—Japanese report conquest of Ambon

completed. Gen Brett flies from Java, which is in

imminent danger, to Australia.

BURMA—Violent fighting for Sittang R bridgehead continues. Ind 17th Div destroys Sittang bridge

at 0530 to prevent enemy from using it, although

16th and 46th Brigs are still E of the river. Remnants of these brigs eventually cross in small craft or

by swimming, but battle of Sittang bridgehead is

disastrous for Ind 17th Div; 46th Brig must be

broken up to provide replacements.

MIDDLE EAST—Auchinleck revises plans for defense of Northern Front, instructing Br Ninth and

Tenth Armies to impose maximum delay on enemy

in the event of Axis offensive.

24 February

WAKE—U.S. naval TF (Enterprise, 2 cruisers,

7 DD’s), under command of Vice Adm William F.

Halsey, Jr., considerably damages Japanese positions

by aerial and naval bombardment.

NEI—Evacuation of Java continues. Gen

Brereton and his staff leave for India.

INDIA—Gen Stilwell arrives at Karachi.

USSR—During 10-day battle on northern front,

Red Army encircles II Corps of German Sixteenth

Army SE of Staraya Russa. German forces to S are

containing Soviet efforts to break through to Smolensk on central front and to Dnieper bend in the

Ukraine.

[ 19–24 FEBRUARY 1942 ]
[ 26 ]

25 February

ABDA COMMAND—Is dissolved and defense of

Java is left to the Dutch, who are to be assisted by

Br, Aus, and U.S. detachments.

BURMA—Japanese are infiltrating into Pegu

Yomas through gap of some 30–40 miles that exists

between Burma 1st Div at Nyaunglebin and Ind

17th Div at Pegu, threatening Rangoon–Mandalay

road.

INDIA—Gen Stilwell, who receives rank of Lt

Gen, AUS, confers with GHQ, India, at New Delhi.

26 February

P.I.—Japanese amphibious force, consisting of

a bn of infantry and a FA battery, sails from Olongapo, Luzon, for Mindoro.

AUSTRALIA—U.S. TF bound for New Caledonia

reaches Australia.

INDIAN OCEAN—USS Langley (ACV), with 32

fighters on board, is sunk en route to Java by Japanese planes.

BURMA—Hard fighting is developing in Waw

area, NE of Pegu, as enemy continues infiltration

westward from Sittang R.

LIBYA—13 Corps is responsible for defenses organized in depth over 36-mile area from Gazala to

Bir Hacheim. 30 Corps prepares defensive positions

on frontier and has detachment at Giarabub.

27 February

U.S.—President Roosevelt, by executive order,

authorizes creation of joint Mexican–U.S. Defense

Commission. Brig Gen Raymond A. Wheeler, now

in Iran, is named commander of SOS CBI; Gen

Wheeler is also to continue as chief of Iranian

Mission.

P.I.—Japanese force lands on NE Mindoro,

where a town and airfield are overrun. No effort is

made to secure rest of island. Enemy blockade about

the Philippines is thus tightened.

JAVA SEA—Organized Allied naval resistance

collapses during Battle of Java Sea. Combined naval

TF under Adm Doorman attacks Japanese convoy

approaching Java and is decisively defeated. Br DD’s

Electra and Jupiter and Dutch DD Kortenaer are

sunk, as are Dutch cruisers De Ruyter and Java.

Japanese sustain some damage but not enough to

interfere with their plan for completing conquest

of NEI.

INDIA—Gen Wavell arrives in New Delhi from

Java.

FRANCE—British successfully raid radio location station at Bruneval during night 27–28, dropping parachute force of 120.

28 February

U.S.—War Department directive gives Gen

Wheeler mission of expediting flow of supplies and

equipment to Gen Stilwell.

NEI—After severe air attacks on air and naval

installations, Japanese 16th Army invades Java during night 28 February–1 March, going ashore on N

coast and making main effort near Batavia. Allied

planes attack enemy shipping before and during

landing. Adm Doorman’s naval force, split into

small groups, heads toward Soenda Strait in effort

to escape from Java Sea; some of the vessels are not

heard from again. Sea Witch, with 27 crated P–40’s

on board, reaches Tjilatjap safely, but P–40’s are

destroyed to prevent them from falling into enemy

hands.

BURMA—Br Imperial forces fall back on Pegu

from Payagyi and Waw in anticipation of general

withdrawal.

[ 25 FEBRUARY– 1 MARCH 1942 ]

1 March

MIDWAY—MAG 22 is formed from squadrons

on the island.

LUZON—Japanese 14th Army, during period 6

January to date, has suffered severe setback on

Luzon and sustained almost 7,000 casualties (2,700

killed and over 4,000 wounded).

NEI—Japanese, now in undisputed control

of air and sea, make rapid progress on the ground

on Java. Allied planes based on Java are virtually

wiped out, many of them on the ground. After a

final effort to stall enemy by air, surviving air personnel begin assembling in Jogjakarta, the last remaining airfield in Java, for withdrawal to Australia. Since Java ports are untenable, Allied naval

command is dissolved and ships are directed to

withdraw to Australia. U.S. DD’s Edsall and Pillsbury and PG Asheville, as well as a few Br corvettes,

are unable to make good their escape. Of Adm Doorman’s original Java Sea striking force (5 cruisers

and 10 DD’s), only 4 U.S. DD’s succeed in reaching

Australia. Cruisers Houston (U.S.) and Perth

(Aus) and DD’s Pope (U.S.), Encounter (Br), and

Evertsen (Dutch) are lost while trying to escape.

BURMA—Burma 1st Div covers concentration of

Ch 5th Army in Toungoo area. 200th Div of the

army, which is already disposed in this area, regains Nyaunglebin and Pyuntaza, on Rangoon–

Mandalay road. Gen Wavell arrives in Burma and

orders Rangoon held as long as possible, at least

until reinforcements en route (63d Brig Gp) arrive.

Ind 17th Div returns toward Waw, which is to be

defended.

USSR—Soviet advance comes to a halt during

March. Battle line remains about the same throughout month, despite continued fighting on all fronts.
[ 2–7 MARCH 1942 ] [ 27 ]

Germans are unable to relieve isolated II Corps,

Sixteenth Army, SE of Staraya Russa, but succeed

in withdrawing salient SW of Kaluga; contain

Soviet attacks on southern front, which are extended

to region E of Kharkov.

2 March

NEI—Japanese gain further ground in Java,

where Dutch are continuing to resist; claim capture

of Batavia, from which NEI Government has been

forced to move to Bandoeng. Many ships are

scuttled off Java to prevent them from falling into

enemy hands.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin heavy air strikes

on New Guinea in preparation for invasion of Huon

Gulf area.

BURMA—Japanese continue to infiltrate westward between Burma 1st and Ind 17th Divs and

are swinging SW on Rangoon, bypassing Pegu.

3 March

NEI—Dutch continue losing battle for Java

against superior enemy forces.

AUSTRALIA—Japanese planes strike hard at

Broome, where refugees from Java are concentrated,

destroying many planes on ground and in water.

BURMA—Fighting continues in Waw-Pyinbon

area, NE of Pegu. 63d Brig Gp arrives at Rangoon.

4 March

HAWAII—2 Japanese planes drop total of 4

bombs near Punch Bowl crater, Oahu. No damage.

MARCUS I.—U.S. planes from carrier Enterprise

make surprise attack on island just before dawn,

achieving satisfactory results.

P.I.—Gen MacArthur is reorganizing his forces

in the Philippines in preparation for his departure.

Composite Visayan-Mindanao Force is divided into

2 commands. Gen Sharp retains command of forces

on Mindanao; the Visayan forces are placed under

Brig Gen Bradford G. Chynoweth. MacArthur’s

plans envisage the formation of 2 more commands.

Maj Gen George F. Moore’s harbor defense forces

on Corregidor and other islands in Manila Bay will

constitute one, the forces on Luzon the other.

NEI—Dutch continue fighting on Java and

report that destruction of principal installations has

been completed.

CHINA—Gen Stilwell establishes Hq, American

Army Forces, China, Burma, and India, at Chungking, using his U.S. Task Force in China and

AMMISCA personnel as a nucleus. Gen Magruder’s

directive is altered to place AMMISCA personnel

at disposal of Gen Stilwell.

5 March

NEI—Dutch continue a losing battle for Java.

Batavia is reported evacuated.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese convoy bound for

Huon Gulf, New Guinea, sails from Rabaul, New

Britain, during night 5–6.

INDIA—Gen Breton takes command of U.S.

Tenth Air Force, which is at this time extremely

small, with hq at New Delhi.

BURMA—Lt Gen Sir Harold R. L. G. Alexander arrives at Rangoon to take command of

Burma Army. Gen Hutton remains as Chief of

General Staff. Gen Alexander at once begins offensive to close gap between Burma 1st and Ind 17th

Divs. Japanese attack Pegu from W and succeed

in entering the town.

USSR—Moscow announces recapture by Red

Army of Yukhnov, NW of Kaluga, on central front.

6 March

AUSTRALIA—U.S. TF sails for New Caledonia.

CHINA—Gen Stilwell confers for the first time

with Chiang Kai-shek in Chungking.

BURMA—Newly arrived 63d Brig, under command of Ind 17th Div, makes futile effort to clear

block on Rangoon–Pegu road and relieve Pegu

garrison, which is isolated. Gen Alexander orders

Rangoon evacuated since situation in lower Burma

is deteriorating rapidly; denial program is to be put

into effect at midnight 6–7.

7 March

NEI—Japanese conquest of Java is virtually

completed. Radio and cable communications with

Bandoeng cease. Final reports indicate that enemy is

still advancing on all fronts, that the defenders are

completely exhausted, and that all Allied fighter

planes have been destroyed.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy arrives in Huon

Gulf during night 7–8 and under cover of naval

bombardment lands assault forces at Salamaua and

Lae without opposition.

NEW CALEDONIA—Maj Gen Alexander M.

Patch, commander-designate of New Caledonia Task

Force, arrives.

BURMA—Burma Army evacuates Rangoon,

moving along Prome road except for demolition

forces, which are removed by sea. Loss of Rangoon

seriously handicaps supply and reinforcement of

Burma Army, which must now depend on air for

this. Withdrawal from Rangoon is halted at Taukkyan by enemy roadblock. Bypassed force in Pegu

is ordered to withdraw.
[ 28 ]

8 March

ALASKA—Brig Gen William O. Butler assumes

command of U.S. Eleventh Air Force under Alaska

Defense Command (Maj Gen Simon B. Buckner,

Jr.). Alaska Defense Command is in turn under

Western Defense Command (Lt Gen John L. DeWitt), which was designated a theater of operations

early in the war.

BURMA—63d Brig and elements of 16th, with

tank and arty support, clear Japanese block on Rangoon–Prome road at Taukkyan. During period 8–13

March, heavy bombers of U.S. Tenth Air Force

transport troops and supplies from India to Magwe,

Burma.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Ritchie is ordered by Gen

Auchinleck to provide diversion in Libya for passage

of convoy to Malta. Supply situation on Malta is

very serious.

9 March

U.S.—Major reorganization of U.S. Army is effective this date. GHQ is abolished and 3

autonomous commands—Army Ground Forces under Lt Gen Lesley J. McNair, Army Air Forces

under Lt Gen Henry H. Arnold, and Services of

Supply (later designated as Army Service Forces)

under Maj Gen Brehon B. Somervell—are given

responsibility for Zone of Interior functions under

Gen Marshall as Chief of Staff. Field forces remain

under control of War Department General Staff.

Adm King is appointed Chief of Naval Operations in addition to his post of CinC, U.S. Fleet.

Adm King succeeds Adm Harold R. Stark, who

will command U.S. naval forces operating in

European waters.

P.I.—Gen MacArthur announces that Gen

Yamashita has replaced Gen Homma as CinC of

enemy forces in the Philippines.

NEI—Japanese complete conquest of Java and

thereby gain control of entire NEI. With Malaya

Barrier thus penetrated, Australia is in greater

danger.

NEW GUINEA—Land-based planes attack Japanese convoy in Huon Gulf with unobserved results.

Japanese aircraft continue neutralization of points

in New Guinea.

BURMA—Burma Army forces at Taukkyan continue northward withdrawal without serious difficulty.

10 March

MIDWAY—Enemy patrol plane is shot down SW

of island.

P.I.—Gen Wainwright visits Gen MacArthur

on Corregidor and learns that he (Wainwright)

will head Luzon Force and that his I Corps will be

turned over to Gen Jones, 51st Div CG. Gen MacArthur, after his withdrawal from the Philippines,

plans to remain in control of Philippine operations

from Australia through Col Lewis C. Beebe, who

will be deputy chief of staff of USAFFE.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese make another landing

on New Guinea, at Finschhafen. U.S. planes, 104

strong, from carriers Lexington and Yorktown make

co-ordinated attacks on enemy shipping and installations at Lae and Salamaua, considerably damaging shipping and airfields. A few B–17’s from

Townsville, Australia, follow up carrier strikes with

attacks on same area. Japanese fly fighters from

Rabaul, New Britain, to Huon Gulf area and continue neutralization of Port Moresby by air.

IRAN—Declared eligible for U.S. lend-lease.

11 March

P.I.—Gen MacArthur and his family and staff

embark from Corregidor in 4 PT boats for Mindanao.

BURMA—Burma Army regroups in preparation

for defense of upper Burma. In Irrawaddy Valley,

Ind 17th Div is disposed in Tharrawaddy area. In

Sittang Valley, Burma 1st Div, after successful

diversionary attacks against Shwegyin and Madauk,

E of Nyaunglebin, withdraws, except for 13th Brig,

to positions N of Kanyutkwin. Gen Stilwell is placed

in command of Ch 5th and 6th Armies. Ch 6th

Army is holding Shan States. Ch 5th Army, except

for 200th Div disposed in Toungoo area, is to concentrate at Mandalay.

MALTA—Military garrison is placed under command of CinC MEF. Naval and RAF garrisons are

under command of CinC Mediterranean and Air

Officer Commanding in Chief, respectively. Lt Gen

Sir William Dobbie, Governor of Malta, remains

commander in chief.

12 March

NEW CALEDONIA—U.S. TF (17,500 men) under

Gen Patch reaches Noumea to assist in defense of

that area.

ANDAMAN Is.—Garrison of Andaman Is. (co of

British and bn of Gurkhas) is withdrawn, since loss

of Rangoon makes it unfeasible to maintain this seaplane base.

BURMA—Burma Army establishes hq at

Maymyo.

13 March

NEW GUINEA—Japanese, having gained firm

positions in Lae-Salamaua area, replace infantry

with naval forces.

SOLOMON Is.—Japanese force from 4th Fleet

sails from Rabaul, New Britain, for Buka, which is

[ 8–13 MARCH 1942 ]
[ 29 ]

eventually seized together with other positions in

N Solomons.

INDIA—First detachment of U.S. troops (Air

Forces personnel) to reach CBI arrive at Karachi,

having been diverted from Java.

14 March

U.S.—Joint Chiefs of Staff decide to continue

on the defensive in the Pacific with forces already

there and to build up forces in United Kingdom

for an offensive against Germany.

P.I.—Gen MacArthur and his party reach

Mindanao.

IRAN—U.S. Iranian Mission begins releasing

civilian contractors in accordance with War Department directive of 18 February calling for militarization of contract activities throughout world.

15 March

LUZON—In Manila Bay area the Japanese, having emplaced additional arty along S shore of

Manila Bay SW of Ternate, renew intensive bombardment of fortified islands. Shelling is conducted

daily and in great force through 21 March, despite

U.S. counterbattery fire. Forts Frank and Drum

are particularly hard hit.

BURMA—Gen Stilwell is notified that Gen

Wavell, as Supreme Commander, India, is responsible for operations in Burma.

17 March

AUSTRALIA—From Mindanao, Gen MacArthur

flies to Darwin, where he will be in supreme command of forces in SW Pacific. Formal delineation of

this area has not yet been agreed upon. Col Beebe,

deputy chief of staff of USAFFE, is promoted to

brig gen.

CBI—Air Vice Marshal Stevenson, commanding Allied air forces, moves hq from Burma to

Calcutta, India.

18 March

NEW HEBRIDES—U.S. Army troops (2 cos of

182d Inf and an engr co of Americal Div) arrive

at Efate to build airfield.

19 March

BURMA—Lt Gen William J. Slim arrives in

Burma to take command of Imperial troops, now

formed into Burma I Corps. In Sittang Valley, Japanese begin drive on Toungoo and are opposed by

Ch 200th Div.

USSR—German Army Group North is making determined efforts to break through to II Corps,

Sixteenth Army, in Cholm-Staraya Russa area. Red

Army maintains pressure on enemy on central and

southern fronts.

20 March

P.I.—Gen Wainwright learns that he has been

promoted to rank of lt gen and that Washington

has placed him in command of all U.S. forces in the

Philippines.

LIBYA—Complying with request of 8 March

for offensive action to divert enemy’s attention from

Malta-bound convoy, Br Eighth Army raids landing

grounds in Derna and Benghazi areas after nightfall.

21 March

P.I.—Gen Wainwright, as commander of U.S.

Forces in the Philippines (USFIP), which supersedes USAFFE, establishes hq on Corregidor and

appoints Gen Beebe his chief of staff. Maj Gen

Edward P. King, Jr., is to be commander of Luzon

Force.

AUSTRALIA—Lt Gen George H. Brett, U.S.

Army, becomes commander of combined air forces,

retaining command of USAFIA.

CBI—Assam-Burma-China Ferry Command is

activated. It consists of 25 Pan-American transports,

which are soon diverted from mission of taking

supplies to China in order to supply forces withdrawing from Burma.

BURMA—Burma 1st Div, upon being relieved

on Toungoo front by 200th Div, Ch 5th Army,

begins movement to Irrawaddy front, leaving large

area S of Toungoo undefended. Gen Stilwell, now

in Burma, issues orders for Ch participation in

defense of line Toungoo–Prome. Ch 5th Army

is charged with defense of Toungoo. Its 200th Div

is reinf by attachment of Temporary 55th Div

(T-55th) of Ch 6th Army, which is to move to

Pyawbwe. In army reserve, Ch 22d Div is directed

to Taungdwingyi, where it is to be prepared to assist

British in Prome area while Ch 96th Div is to move

to Mandalay. Crippling enemy air attack on Magwe

airdrome reduces the already meager air force

defending Burma.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army continues raids on

forward landing grounds of Axis forces as diversion

for convoy to Malta. Raids are partially successful,

drawing off part of enemy’s aircraft, but convoy is

unable to reach Malta intact and later suffers additional damage under air attack while unloading.

22 March

U.S.—President Roosevelt sends message to

Gen MacArthur in Australia expressing his desire

[ 14–22 MARCH 1942 ]
[ 30 ]

that Gen Wainwright control all forces in the

Philippines; Gen MacArthur concurs.

BURMA—Japanese planes make another destructive attack on Magwe airdrome, forcing AVG and

RAF aircraft to withdraw to Loiwing (on Ch frontier) and Akyab, respectively. Troops defending

Burma are thus denied close air support. Gen Stilwell, upon arriving at front, begins planning for

counterattack in support of Ch 200th Div at Toungoo. Chinese continue to withstand pressure against

Toungoo from the S.

23 March

ANDAMAN Is.—Japanese invade islands without

opposition.

24 March

U.S.—Pacific Theater is established as an area

of U.S. responsibility by Combined Chiefs of Staff.

LUZON—Japanese begin intense air and arty

bombardment of Bataan. Luzon-based Japanese

Army and Navy planes begin thorough bombardment of Corregidor, continuing through end of

March. During this period night air attacks are

conducted for the first time.

BURMA—In surprise attack on Kyungon airfield, N of Toungoo, Japanese rout defenders

(troops of Ch 200th Div and rear elements of

Burma 1st Div) and cut rail line and road, thus

partially surrounding Toungoo. Chinese fall back

on Toungoo, while Burmese succeed in withdrawing to Irrawaddy front.

25 March

SOCIETY Is.—162d Inf, U.S. 41st Div, arrives at

Bora Bora.

BURMA—Ch 200th Div is virtually besieged in

Toungoo. Elements of T-55th Div arrive N of the

town but do not attack. Burma I Corps is ordered

to concentrate in Prome-Allanmyo area.

26 March

CELEBES—Japanese carrier force leaves Kendari for Indian Ocean.

BURMA—Continuing pressure against Chinese

in Toungoo, Japanese seize the town as far as RR

line. Ch 22d Div, which has previously been ordered

to Pyinmana-Yedashe area, N of Toungoo, to counterattack in support of Ch 200th Div, arrives in position but fails to take the offensive.

27 March

U.S.—War Plans Division issues “Plan for Operations in Northwest Europe,” calling for smallscale operation in autumn 1942 (SLEDGEHAMMER)

as an emergency measure if Soviet forces show signs

of collapsing or main Anglo-American invasion

(ROUNDUP) in spring 1943 If SLEDGEHAMMER IS not

required. Build-up plan for the invasion is coded

BOLERO.

BURMA—Ch 200th Div continues to resist

enemy onslaughts against Toungoo. On Irrawaddy

front, Japanese are massing forces S of Prome. RAF

planes withdraw from Akyab to India as result of

heavy enemy bombing of Akyab.

FRANCE—British conduct combined operations

against harbor installations at St. Nazaire, night

27–28. HMS Campbeltown (DD) rams main lock gate

and lands troops who carry out demolitions.

28 March

LUZON—Japanese, moving into position for allout offensive against Bataan, feint against I Corps

and push in OPL of Sector D on II Corps front.

Increasingly heavy air and arty bombardment of Bataan is lowering efficiency of defense force as well as

destroying badly needed materiel. Efforts to run the

blockade and supply the garrison with necessary

items have virtually failed, and supply situation is

growing steadily worse.

BURMA—Gen Alexander, at request of Gen Stilwell, agrees to attack on Irrawaddy front. Rcn elements of Burma I Corps clash with enemy at

Paungde, SE of Prome.

29 March

BURMA—Going on the offensive to relieve pressure on Chinese at Toungoo and restore communications, TF of Burma I Corps attacks and clears

Paungde, but its situation becomes precarious as

Japanese establish themselves a few miles N at Padigon and on E bank of the Irrawaddy at Shwedaung.

30 March

U.S.—Directives are drafted for Gen MacArthur as Supreme Commander, SWPA, and for

Adm Nimitz as CINCPOA, for submission to Allied governments concerned. SWPA is to include

Australia, Philippines, New Guinea, Bismarck

Archipelago, Solomons, and most of NEI. As

Supreme Commander of SWPA, Gen MacArthur

is to maintain positions in Philippines and bases in

Australia; guard approaches to SWPA; halt

enemy’s advance on Australia; protect communications within theater; support POA forces; and be

prepared to take the offensive. POA comprises N,

Central, and S Pacific, all under over-all command

of Adm Nimitz, and the first two under his direct

[ 23–30 MARCH 1942 ]
[ 31 ]

command. As CINCPOA, Adm Nimitz is to maintain communications between U.S. and SWPA; support operations in SWPA; and be prepared to take

offensive action. In addition to SWPA and POA,

Pacific Theater is to include Southeast Pacific Area—

ocean stretches W of Central and South America.

Pacific War Council is established in Washington.

Inter-American Defense Board holds its first

meeting in Washington.

BURMA—Ch 200th Div withdraws from Toungoo under pressure. On Irrawaddy front, Burma I

Corps TF falls back to Prome from Paungde area,

leaving vehicles behind at Shwedaung. During night

30–31, Japanese attack Ind 63d Brig at Prome and

soon breach defenses, exposing right flank of Ind

17th Div.

ASCENSION I.—First detachment of U.S. forces

arrives to build airstrip on this small island, which

lies about midway between South America and

Africa.

31 March

BURMA—Ch 200th Div makes contact with Ch

22d Div N of Toungoo and withdraws N of Pyinmana as reserve. With loss of Toungoo, road to

Mawchi is left undefended and Japanese, during

next few days, overrun small Ch garrison at Mawchi; continue E, forcing elements of Ch T-55th Div

back to Bawlake

[ 31 MARCH–5 APRIL 1942 ]

1 April

U.S.—Pacific War Council holds its first meeting at Washington, D.C.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese from NEI land at a

number of points on Dutch New Guinea coast, from

Sorong on NW tip to Hollandia, during period 1–20

April; landings are virtually unopposed.

BURMA—CinC India, visiting front, agrees to

immediate withdrawal of Burma I Corps to Allanmyo area, N of Prome. Japanese continue to press

in on Prome.

Iraq—Dock construction project at Umm Qasr

is begun after cargo of City of Dalhart is unloaded.

USSR—Stalemate exists along entire line. Germans of Army Group North are largely concerned

during the month with extricating II Corps of Sixteenth Army from pocket SE of Staraya Russa.

2 April

INDIA—U.S. Tenth Air Force flies its first combat mission, attacking shipping off Andaman Is.;

subsequently concentrates on enemy positions in

Burma.

BURMA—Burma I Corps withdraws from

Prome.

3 April

LUZON—Japanese open all-out offensive against

Bataan line, which is by now understrength, undernourished, poorly clothed and equipped, and battle

weary. After air and arty bombardment, lasting

from 1000 until 1500, Japanese move forward,

making main effort against Sector D, the W flank

of II Corps, where 41st and 21st Divs (PA) are

thinly spread and dazed as result of preliminary

bombardment. 41st, on W, gives way and is rendered virtually ineffective as a fighting force,

although regt on extreme W succeeds in withdrawing in an orderly fashion. Bn on W flank of 21st Div

is forced to pull back. Effort to re-establish line of

41st Div after dark is partially successful. The only

corps reserve unit, 33d Inf (PA), less 1st Bn, is

released to Sector D as is Prov Tank Gp ( — ) of

Luzon Force reserve. In I Corps sector to W,

Japanese succeed in reaching MLR on E flank but

are unable to pierce it.

BURMA—Burma I Corps continues northward

withdrawal from Allanmyo area although not under

enemy pressure. In Sittang Valley, Gen Stilwell

begins deploying Chinese for stand at Pyinmana.

Ch 22d Div is to fall back gradually on Pyinmana,

where Ch 96th Div is to take over.

MIDDLE EAST—India is removed from U.S.

Iranian Mission’s sphere of responsibility, but Karachi remains base for the 2 U.S. Middle East

missions. Gen Wheeler is relieved as chief of Iranian

Mission.

4 April

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese attack is

again preceded by demoralizing arty bombardment

in conjunction with air attacks. MLR of Sector D

collapses as 41st Div withdraws again and 21st Div

is forced from MLR to reserve line in front of Mt

Samat. After nightfall, Japanese regroup for assault

on Mt Samat. Sector C has to refuse its left flank

because of enemy breakthrough. Luzon Force sends

2 regts of Philippine Div—31st (U.S.) and 45th

(PS)—to support II Corps.

INDIAN OCEAN—Japanese naval force in Indian

Ocean sinks Br cruisers Dorsetshire and Cornwall

near Colombo, Ceylon.

MIDDLE EAST—Col Don G. Shingler is notified

that he is to head U.S. Iranian Mission, replacing

Gen Wheeler. Iranian projects now have top priority, and construction project at Umm Qasr, Iraq, is

suspended.

5 April

LUZON—After air and arty preparation, Japanese resume offensive in the II Corps area, concen-
[ 32 ]

trating on 21st Div, which yields Mt Samat and is

left virtually ineffective as a fighting force. Corps

prepares to counterattack on 6th with all available

forces. Japanese invasion force of 4,852 troops sails

from Lingayen Gulf toward Cebu, in the Visayan

Islands.

CEYLON—Japanese carrier-based planes attack

Colombo.

6 April

LUZON—II Corps counterattacks N toward reserve line in Sector D but meets enemy attack head

on and falls back. On corps E flank, U.S. 31st Inf

and 21st Div (PA), directed to drive N in region

E of Mt Samat, are unable to reach line of departure.

In center, Philippine 33d Inf, followed by 42d and

43d, endeavors to drive N between Catmon and

W slopes of Mt Samat, but 33d is surrounded and

presumed lost and units to rear are routed. Hq of

Sector D and W flank troops are thus separated from

rest of II Corps. On W, Philippine 41st Inf, followed

by 45th, makes limited progress, but 45th is unable

to overtake 41st and 41st becomes isolated. U.S.

31st Inf and bn of 57th Inf (PS) are assigned to

Sector C, where line is withdrawn to San Vicente

R. Japanese receive effective air and arty support

throughout day.

ADMIRALTY IS.—Small Japanese naval force

from Truk lands at Lorengau.

AUSTRALIA—Main body (Hq, 163d Regt, 167th

FA Bn, and other units) of U.S. 41st Div reaches

Melbourne.

BURMA—Japanese land reinforcements at Rangoon. Chiang Kai-shek, visiting Maymyo, urges that

Taungdwingyi be held and agrees to provide Ch div

to assist Burma I Corps. Ch 200th and 96th Divs are

in position to defend Pyinmana.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. War Department decides

that no fixed installations are to be established in

Iranian Mission territory.

7 April

LUZON—Japanese, attacking again in II Corps

area with air and arty support, force entire corps

MLR back to Mamala R line; this line, too, becomes

untenable, and Americans and Filipinos withdraw

under cover of darkness, 7–8, to Alangan R. 26th

Cav (PS), released to II Corps from I Corps reserve,

establishes holding position while line is formed

along the Mamala. Meanwhile, attempts by Philippine Div units to form continuous line prove futile.

Philippine Constabulary regts defending beaches are

ordered into battle line. I Corps is directed to withdraw southward to Binuangan R line.

8 April

LUZON—II Corps disintegrates completely under sustained enemy attacks from ground and air.

Japanese soon discover gaps in Alangan R line—

held by 31st Inf (U.S.), 57th Inf (PS), 26th Cav (PS),

803d Engr Bn (U.S.), 14th Engr Bn (PS), and Constabulary troops—and stream southward at will. In

final effort to stem enemy advance, Prov Coast Arty

Brig (AA), serving as infantrymen, forms weak line

just N of Cabcaben, but other units ordered to extend this line are unable to do so. Gen King decides to surrender Luzon Force; orders equipment

destroyed during night 8–9. Of the 78,000 men

of Luzon Force, about 2,000 succeed in escaping

to Corregidor.

U.K.—Gen Marshall and Mr Harry Hopkins

arrive in London for series of conferences with

the British on BOLERO.

9 April

LABRADOR—U.S. detachment arrives.

P.I.—On Luzon, at 0330, emissaries of Gen

King start to Japanese lines under white flag to arrange for surrender. Gen King surrenders Luzon

Force unconditionally at 1230, and grim march of

prisoners from Balanga to San Fernando follows. Fall

of Bataan permits Japanese aircraft previously employed against it to devote their full attention to

Corregidor. For the first time since end of March,

enemy planes attack in force. Japanese arty emplaced

at Cabcaben, S Bataan, opens fire on Corregidor.

In the Visayan Is., Cebu I. garrison is alerted as enemy flotilla heading toward the island is spotted.

BURMA—Burma I Corps is now disposed to defend oil fields, on general line Minhla–Taung-dwingyi,

a 40-mile front. Chinese are not in position to support corps because of a series of contradictory orders.

CEYLON—Trincomalee undergoes heavy air attack by Japanese planes from carriers. HMS Hermes

(aircraft carrier) is sunk offshore.

USSR—Strong Soviet efforts to advance from

Kerch area in the Crimea make little headway against

stubborn enemy forces. Germans remain on the defensive on central front, containing most of Red

Army thrusts; on northern front, make slow progress

against firm opposition toward encircled forces in

vicinity of Cholm and Staraya Russa.

10 April

VISAYAN Is.—Japanese invade Cebu I., garrisoned by about 6,500 troops under command of

Col Irwin C. Scudder. Bulk of enemy assault force

goes ashore on E coast at Cebu City, the rest on W

coast in vicinity of Toledo. Cebu MP Regt at Cebu

City and 3d Bn of 82d Inf (PA) at Toledo fight

[ 6–10 APRIL 1942 ]
[ 33 ]

lively delaying actions before withdrawing inland

from both towns under pressure. Gen Chynoweth,

CG Visayan Force, whose hq is on Cebu, sends 3d

Bn of 83d Inf to defend Cantabaco, where crossisland highway branches.

BURMA—Patrols of Burma I Corps find that

Japanese are moving forward toward the MinhlaTaungdwingyi.

GERMANY—RAF Bomber Command drops first

2-ton bomb during attack on Essen, night 10–11.

11 April

Visayan Is.—On Cebu, 3d Bn of 83d Inf fails

to stop enemy at Cantabaco, and Japanese drive

rapidly eastward from Toledo with little difficulty.

Burma—Japanese open attacks against center

of line Minhla–Taungdwingyi.

USSR—Germans vigorously oppose Soviet

efforts to land additional forces on Crimean coast

near Eupatolia. Stalemate continues on central front.

On northern front, Germans continue to make slow

progress toward encircled forces.

12 April

U.S.—Gen Arnold, Chief AAF, sends Gen

Marshall, attending BOLERO conference in London,

air plan for BOLERO, calling for establishment of

Eighth Air Force in England.

P.I.—Since Japanese now control cross-island

highway on Cebu, Gen Chynoweth retreats to mountains of N Cebu, where he organizes remnants of

the garrison for guerrilla warfare. Japanese, employing guns on Bataan and Cavite, intensify arty bombardment of Corregidor. Enemy aircraft continue

to pound the island.

Burma—Ch 38th Div of 66th Army, previously

earmarked for defense of Mandalay, begins movement to Irrawaddy front to assist Burma I Corps in

holding line Minhla–Taungdwingyi. During night

12–13, Japanese occupy Migyaungye, exposing W

flank of Burma Army.

13 April

SOUTH PACIFIC—Vice Adm Robert L. Ghormley

is designated Commander, South Pacific Area

(COMSOPAC) and S Pac Forces.

BURMA—Gap develops in Burma I Corps line,

and Japanese are moving N through it toward oil

fields. Burma 1st Div, under pressure S of Magwe,

is reinf by 7th Armd Brig (less 7th Hussars). Gen

Stilwell’s orders designed to avert threat to Lashio—

93d Div (less regt) is directed to move to Taunggyi;

49th Div plus regt of 93d is to continue to guard

Thailand border; T-55th Div is to remain in

Mawchi-Loikaw area—are delivered to Ch 6th

Army. Ch 66th Army, less 38th Div, is to concentrate below Mandalay.

14 April

U.K.—British Government and Chiefs of Staff

accept BOLERO Plan, proposed by Gen Marshall, for

build-up to attack Germany.

AUSTRALIA—Government approves directive of

30 March to Gen MacArthur as Supreme Commander, SWPA. This is the last of the nations

concerned to do so.

BURMA—Yenangyaung oil fields are ordered

destroyed, night 14–15; this is accomplished during

next 48 hours. Japanese are moving around Ch

T-55th Div in Mawchi-Loikaw area.

FRANCE—Pierre Laval is restored to power by

Marshal Henri-Philippe Pétain.

15 April

BURMA—Japanese continue to press northward

and are bypassing Burma 1st Div.

U.K.—Gen Eaker establishes hq of U.S.

Bomber Command at High Wycombe. U.S. Eighth

Air Force, which was originally to have supported

GYMNAST, is now committed to U.K. instead.

16 April

VISAYAN Is.—Gen Wainwright places Gen

Sharp in command of Visayan garrisons and orders

him to reorganize Visayan-Mindanao Force for

stand on Mindanao. Cebu I. is thus conceded to be

lost. Japanese force of 4,160 invades Panay at dawn,

most going ashore at Iloilo and the rest at Capiz.

Landings are unopposed by Col Albert F. Christie’s

Panay Force of about 7,000 which retires to mountains to wage guerrilla warfare.

MALTA—Awarded the George Cross in recognition of its heroism under attack.

17 April

U.S.—Adm William D. Leahy, U.S. Ambassador to France, is recalled to Washington for consultation.

BURMA—On Irrawaddy front, Japanese block

road N and S of Pin Chaung near Yenangyaung.

Ch 38th Div leaves Kyaukpadaung at night to relieve isolated Burma 1st Div. To S, Ind 17th Div

sends out strong columns from Natmauk and

Taungdwingyi to ease pressure on Burma 1st Div,

but Japanese are not diverted. On Sittang front,

Ch 22d Div, ordered to delay for 2 weeks in preparation for trapping enemy at Pyinmana, is in Lewe

area, but because of reverses suffered by Burma I

[ 11–17 APRIL 1942 ]
[ 34 ]

Corps, Gen Stilwell is forced to abandon plans for

stand at Pyinmana. Japanese continue pressure

against Ch T-55th Div in Bawlake-Mawchi area.

18 April

PACIFIC—Gen MacArthur assumes supreme

command of SWPA, USAFFE becoming inactive.

Gen Sir Thomas Blarney, CinC Australian Military

Forces, is to command Allied Land Forces; Gen

Brett is to head Allied Air Forces; Adm Leary, previously in command of ANZAC Force, is to command Allied Naval Forces. USAFIA, under Gen

Barnes, has about the same supply and administrative functions. USAFIP, under Gen Wainwright,

remains in the new command structure until its

dissolution on 6 May.

VISAYAN Is.—Japanese make another unopposed

landing on Panay, at San Jose.

JAPAN—Tokyo undergoes its first air attack of the

war. 16 B–25’s of 17th Bombardment Gp, U.S. Eighth

Air Force, led by Lt Col James H. Doolittle, take off

from USS Hornet, standing with naval TF under Adm

Halsey some 800 miles from Tokyo, in morning and

at 1215 begin strikes on Japanese homeland, hitting

Tokyo, Kobe, Yokohama, and Nagoya with good effect. Search and fighter support are provided by planes

of USS Enterprise. After the attack, all bombers head

for China where they were to have come under control of Gen Stilwell, but because of poor weather conditions and the late hour, all crash-land or are abandoned by crews. One lands near Vladivostok and its

crew is interned; 2 land in enemy territory and their

crews are imprisoned, some of the flyers being executed on 15 October 1942. Adm Halsey’s naval TF

(the 2 carriers plus 4 cruisers, 8 DD’s, and 2 oilers)

withdraw safely. This is the first occasion on which

medium land bombers are moved by carriers and

launched off enemy shores.

BURMA—In Yenangyaung area, Burma 1st Div

drives to outskirts of Twingon; Ch 38th Div clears

portion of Pin Chaung. On Sittang front, Ch 22d

Div is relieved by Ch 96th and withdraws N of

Pyinmana. Ch 200th Div is ordered to Meiktila but

does not move. Ch T-55th Div collapses under enemy attacks S of Loikaw, and communications between it and Ch 6th Army cease. Road to Lashio is

thus uncovered. Elements of 93d Div, which were

to have assisted T-55th, do not reach the T-55th in

time to be of help.

19 April

SWPA—Gen MacArthur appoints staff of

GHQ SWPA. Among members are Maj Gen Richard K. Sutherland, Chief of Staff; Gen Richard

Marshall, Deputy Chief of Staff; Col Charles P.

Stivers, G–1; Col Charles A. Willoghby, G–2; Brig

Gen Stephen J. Chamberlain, G–3; and Col Lester

G–4.

VISAYAN Is.—Japanese claim all of Cebu I.

BURMA—113th Regt, Ch 38th Div, drives into

Yenangyaung and finds Japanese firmly established

there; clears 3 of 5 enemy strongpoints. Burma 1st

Div continues efforts to advance in Twingon area

until ordered to withdraw northward, then escapes

with heavy losses in men and equipment. Threat to

Burma Road is increased as Japanese columns converge a few miles S of Loikaw.

20 April

VISAYAN Is.—Japanese conquest of Visayan Is. is

virtually completed. Cebu and Panay are in enemy

hands, although guerrillas continue to hold out in

mountain areas. Small garrisons in hills of Negros,

Samar, Leyte, and Bohol are too weak to interfere

with enemy plans.

BURMA—Ch 38th Div troops withdraw northward from Yenangyaung toward Gwegyo and cover

retreat of Burma 1st Div toward Mt Popa area. In

Sittang Valley, Ch 5th Army troops fall back northward from Pyinmana. Japanese continue active in

vicinity of Loikaw. Taunggyi-Meiktila road is left

undefended as Chinese withdraw toward Hopong,

closely followed by Japanese. 2 bns of Ch 93d Div

reach Loikaw area but return at once to Kengtung.

Ch 49th Div is ordered to move W.

21 April

Burma—Japanese overtake Ch 6th Army at

Hopong. Ch 49th Div is moving quickly W as

ordered, and elements are committed in Mong

Pawn-Loilem region.

22 April

BURMA—Gen Stilwell orders Ch 200th Div to

move from Meiktila to Taunggyi to counter enemy

moves in Loikaw-Loilem area. Ch 28th Div, 66th

Army, concentrated in Mandalay area, is directed to

move to Loilem via Hsipaw but does not do so. Ch

96th Div continues delaying action in Sittang Valley, while Ind 17th Div, 7th Armd Brig, and Ch 22d

Div take up positions around Meiktila and Thazi.

23 April

BURMA—Ch 200th Div, reinf, of 5th Army engages enemy W of Taunggyi. Japanese seize Loilem.

Ch 6th Army retires into China.

U.K.—Germans begin series of retaliation air

attacks on cathedral cities, the first occurring night

23–24 against Exeter.

[ 18–23 APRIL 1942 ]
[ 35 ]

25 April

BURMA—Gen Alexander orders withdrawal to N

bank of Irrawaddy from line Meiktila–Kyaukpadaung

to start after nightfall. Ch 22d Div withdraws from

Pyawbwe and is being encircled in Meiktila area by

Japanese. Ch 5th Army force (200th Div and 1st and

2d Regts of T-55th) clears enemy from Taunggyi but

is unable to halt drive toward Lashio. Gen Stilwell

confers with Br and Ch commanders concerning

defense of Lashio.

26 April

FANNING I.—U.S. detachment arrives.

MINDANAO—Japanese detachment from Cebu

sails for Mindanao. Enemy forces already on

Mindanao are exerting pressure against Digos defense force—101st FA (PA), less bn, and 2d Bn of

102d (PA).

BURMA—Gen Alexander decides to concentrate

on defense of India rather than that of Burma.

27 April

U.S.—U.S. Army Air Services is formed under

Maj Gen Rush B. Lincoln to take responsibility for

air service from USAFIA.

CHINA—Gen Stilwell presents “Proposal to

Organize and Train a Chinese Force in India” to

Chiang Kai-shek and gains his approval in principle.

28 April

Mindanao—Japanese are particularly aggressive

against Digos defense force.

BURMA—Ch 28th Div, 66th Army, is ordered

to Lashio from Mandalay, since Lashio is in great

danger.

29 April

S PACIFIC—Adm King establishes South Pacific

Amphibious Force (primarily 1st Mar Div).

P.I.—On Mindanao, Japanese begin offensive

to clear the island. Force of 4,852 men from Cebu

lands on W coast at Cotabato and Parang and takes

both towns despite opposition of ad Bn of 104th

Inf, 101st Div (PA), at Cotabato and of 2d Inf of

1st Div (PA) at Parang; 3d Bn of 102d Inf is unable

to prevent elements of the Parang force from establishing contact with the Cotabato force. Enemy

detachment already on Mindanao, having been relieved at Davao, turns NW toward Sayre Highway,

which extends from Kabacan on S to Bugo on N.

The E and the W assault forces both have air support. Preinvasion air and arty bombardment of

Corregidor becomes intense.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese order landing at Port

Moresby.

BURMA—Japanese overrun Lashio, terminus of

Burma Road, the only land route to China, just as

leading elements of Ch 29th Div, 66th Army, arrive there. Blockade of China is thus completed.

Ch 200th Div reaches Loilem; subsequently withdraws from this area to China. Gen Alexander

decides to make a stand on line Kalewa–Katha–

Bhamo–Hsenwi and orders withdrawal to this line

to begin on 2 May.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck issues operation

instructions to commanders of Br Ninth and Tenth

Armies for action in the event of enemy attack

through Anatolia.

30 April

Mindanao—From Cotabato, Japanese move E

toward Sayre Highway via Route I and Mindanao

R and reach Piket, about 8 miles from objective.

Philippine forces from Cotabato move N and

guard trails leading N from Route I. The Parang

detachment of Japanese, having left holding force

there and moved NW during night 29–30 by

boat, lands S of Malabang and at dawn attacks

61st Inf (PA), disposed along Mataling R, forcing it to withdraw 4 miles northward. Action in E

Mindanao is limited and indecisive.

Burma—Japanese complete conquest of central Burma. Br Imperial forces withdraw across

the Irrawaddy over Ava bridge, which is destroyed at midnight. Ch 22d Div, after covering withdrawal, pulls back from Mandalay.

Japanese follow withdrawal closely and begin

action against Monywa, crossing river on night

30 April–1 May. Allied commanders agree that

Ch 5th Army plus 38th Div will move from

Katha to Imphal, India, if line Kalewa–Katha–

Bhamo–Hsenwi cannot be held.

[ 25 APRIL–1 MAY 1942 ]

1 May

P.I.—On Mindanao, Japanese force driving N

along Route I gains control of that highway as far N

as Lake Lanao and virtually eliminates 61st Inf (PA).

Other forces continue E unopposed toward Sayre

Highway at Kabacan. Fighting in E Mindanao continues indecisive. Japanese planes and arty begin final phase of preinvasion bombardment of

Corregidor.

BURMA—Japanese overrun Monywa.

INDIA—Air Service Command of Tenth Air Force

is activated under Brig Gen Elmer E. Adler, with hq

at New Delhi.
[ 36 ]

2 May

U.S.—Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, in

letter to Gen Greely, terminates U.S. Mission to

USSR since Soviet Government has refused it

diplomatic clearance as a whole.

MIDWAY—Adm Nimitz visits Midway to inspect

defenses.

MINDANAO—73d Inf (PA), reinf with stragglers

of defeated 61st, attempts to stall enemy advancing

N along Route I. Unable to hold at SW corner of

Lake Lanao, 73d withdraws N, establishes line from

lake Lanao across Route I, and delays enemy briefly.

Japanese detachment from Cotabato continues E

toward Kabacan. Brig Gen Joseph P. Vachon, CG of

Cotabato-Davao defense sector, places all available

forces at Kabacan. Digos defense force, ordered to

withdraw to Kabacan, starts movement during night

2–3. Cagayan defense sector is alerted as enemy convoy heading toward Macajalar Bay is sighted.

SOLOMON Is.—After enemy invasion force is detected approaching Tulagi I., off S coast of Florida

I., in S Solomons, small RAAF garrison destroys

installations and withdraws to New Hebrides.

BURMA—Elements of Burma I Corps (63d, 13th,

and 1st Brigs) attack into Monywa while transport

moves about the town toward Ye-U. Action is then

broken off and Burma 1st and 2d Brigs withdraw

independently while rest of Burma Army falls back

toward Shwegyin.

N ATLANTIC—HMS Edinburgh (cruiser) is sunk

during enemy attacks on homeward-bound convoy

from USSR.

3 May

P.I.—Japanese amphibious force from Panay

goes ashore on Mindanao about 0100 at Cagayan

and Tagoloan R mouth, in Macajalar Bay, and

presses S along Sayre Highway. Troops of Cagayan

defense sector (PA 102d Div, formed from 61st

and 81st FA and 103d Inf) oppose landing but

are unable to halt enemy. In a desperate effort

to hold Sayre Highway, reserves—2.95-inch gun

detachment and 62d and 93d Regts (PA)—are

committed, but these, too, fall back under pressure. During night 3–4, Gen Sharp orders general withdrawal. Meanwhile, other Japanese

forces gain control of road to N shore, routing

73d Inf, which withdraws into hills N of Lake

Lanao. Still other enemy forces arrive at Kabacan

after Digos force has made good its escape, but

are halted there. Preinvasion air and arty bombardment of Corregidor continues without let

up. U.S. submarine succeeds in withdrawing 25

persons from the island.

SOLOMON Is.—Small Japanese force invades

Tulagi, which is soon converted into a seaplane base.

Learning of this, Rear Adm Frank J. Fletcher, commanding naval force cruising the Coral Sea, heads

for Tulagi in carrier Yorktown.

4 May

P.I.—Filipinos complete withdrawal to new defense line on Mindanao and begin organizing it.

102d Div, reorganized to include the 2.95-inch gun

detachment, 62d Inf, 81st FA, and 2 PS cos of 43d

Inf, is stationed in Dalirig sector and 61st FA and

93d Inf in Puntian sector. 103d Inf, isolated from

rest of force, is to defend Cagayan R Valley. Japanese planes are active, but front is otherwise quiet.

Japanese air and arty bombardment of Corregidor

reaches peak of intensity.

SOLOMON Is.—Carrier planes from the Yorktown

attack Tulagi harbor early in modeling, opening series of Coral Sea actions. A number of enemy vessels are sunk or damaged before the Yorktown withdraws toward rest of Coral Sea naval force.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese transports leave Rabaul

for Port Moresby, New Guinea.

BURMA—Br Imperial forces evacuate Akyab, on

Bay of Bengal. AVG abandons Loiwing for Kunming,

China. Japanese occupy Bhamo and defeat Ch 29th

Div at Wanting. Chiang Kai-shek orders Ch 5th

Army to Myitkyina.

MADAGASCAR—Br naval and military forces under Rear Adm Syffret and Maj Gen Sturges land on

N Madagascar at Courier Bay against little opposition from Vichy French.

5 May

U.S.—Lt Gen Carl Spaatz is appointed commander of Eighth Air Force, replacing Gen Duncan.

CORAL SEA—Yorktown rejoins Lexington and the

combined naval force (the 2 carriers plus 7 CA’s, 1

CL, 13 DD’s, a oilers, and a seaplane tender) moves

NW searching for enemy.

P.I.—After final day of intense bombardment,

Japanese invade Corregidor, landing at North Pt

during night 5–6. On Mindanao, Filipinos continue

to organize defense line.

JAPAN—Imperial General Headquarters directs

Combined Fleet to assist Army invasion of Midway

and the Aleutians.

BURMA—Gen Stilwell, withdrawing toward

Myitkyina, learns at Indaw that railway is blocked

and enemy are in Bhamo, so decides to take his party

W instead to India.

[ 2–5 MAY 1942 ]
[ 37 ]

6 May

CORAL SEA—Continuing search for enemy vessels, Adm Fletcher’s TF moves toward Louisiade

Archipelago, leaving DD Sims and tanker Neosho

behind at fueling point.

P.I.—Gen Wainwright surrenders all forces in the

Philippines to Japanese unconditionally. Surrender

negotiations are begun at 1030 and continued until

midnight, when surrender document is signed. On

Corregidor, Japanese seize Malinta Tunnel and land

additional troops. Garrison of 11,000 surrenders. On

Mindanao, Japanese resume attack, moving into

Tankulan and pushing on toward Dalirig, which

comes under arty fire.

BURMA—Ch 200th Div plus elements of T-55th,

still at Taunggyi, are ordered to Myitkyina and eventually make their way to China.

LIBERIA—Initial detachment of U.S. forces arrives

in Liberia.

MADAGASCAR—British hold northern ports of

Diego Suarez and Antsirene.

7 May

CORAL SEA—Japanese carrier planes discover

and sink DD Sims and tanker Neosho. Aircraft

from Lexington and Yorktown encounter Japanese

carrier Shoho off Misima I. and sink it as well as

an escorting CL.

P.I.—From Manila, Gen Wainwright broadcasts

terms of surrender to forces still holding out in the

Philippines. On Mindanao, Japanese break off

ground action but continue to employ air and arty.

MALTA—Spitfire reinforcements are being flown

in from carriers Wasp and Eagle.

8 May

SWPA—Gen MacArthur recommends that an

offensive be undertaken against Japanese but desires

naval, air, and ground forces strengthened first.

BATTLE OF CORAL SEA—Main action occurs as

Adm Fletcher’s naval force encounters enemy force

of 2 carriers, 4 CA’s, and several DD’s, main support force of a Port Moresby invasion group. In the

first major naval engagement conducted entirely by

carrier aircraft, Japanese carrier Shokaku is badly

damaged. Both the Yorktown and the Lexington are

damaged; Lexington is abandoned and sunk after

the action. Both sides lose heavily in aircraft, but

U.S. loss of 66 planes is considerably less than that

of enemy. As a result of Battle of Coral Sea, Japanese are turned back from Port Moresby, key point

in New Guinea and of vital importance to security

of Australia. Coral Sea battle also marks the end

of Allied defensive and paves way for a defensiveoffensive period.

P.I.—Gen Wainwright dispatches messages to key

officers in the Philippines, urging them to surrender their forces. On Mindanao, Japanese renew attack in evening and continue it throughout night

8–9. Defeated 62d Inf is pursued toward Dalirig.

BURMA—Japanese occupy Myitkyina.

USSR—Germans begin series of limited

offensives to straighten lines in preparation for main

summer offensive toward oil fields of the Caucasus.

11th Army of Army Group South leads off in the

Crimea, pushing toward Kerch.

9 May

MINDANAO—Japanese take Dalirig and rout defenders. Although forces defending Puntian sector

are still intact, their position is untenable and Mindanao campaign is virtually over.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese Imperial General Headquarters orders invasion of Port Moresby suspended

temporarily.

TONGA Is.—U.S. troop detachment arrives at

Tongatabu.

GALAPAGOS Is.—U.S. troops arrive on the

Galápagos Is., off W coast of South America.

10 May

P.I.—Gen Sharp directs Visayan-Mindanao Force

to surrender. These, as well as small forces holding

out on Luzon and Palawan, are reluctant to yield

but do so gradually during period 10 May–9 June.

BURMA—Japanese attack Br covering force at

Shwegyin.

11 May

CHINA—In retaliation for the Doolittle raid, Japanese launch strong drive in Chekiang Province.

MEDITERRANEAN—3 of 4 Br DD’s attempting to

halt enemy convoy are lost to Axis aircraft.

12 May

BURMA—Japanese force heading for Kengtung

crosses the Salween.

USSR—While Germans continue Crimean offensive toward Kerch, Red Army opens 2-pronged

attack toward Kharkov, thrusting SW across upper

Donets on N and northward from Izyum salient on

S. Attack at first goes well.

U.K.—First large detachment of U.S. Eighth Air

Force arrives.

[ 6–12 MAY 1942 ]
[ 38 ]

13 May

FIJI Is.—Americans relieve NZ forces of responsibility for Fiji Is. and prepare to reinforce

positions there.

AUSTRALIA—Rear echelon of U.S. 41st Div

arrives.

14 May

U.S.—Legislation establishing Women’s Army

Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is enacted.

AUSTRALIA—U.S. 32d Div arrives.

BURMA—Br Imperial forces withdrawing from

Burma reach Tamu, Assam.

15 May

NEW GUINEA—Aus 14th Brig Gp and 700 attached Aus AA troops start to Port Moresby to

bolster positions there.

INDIA—Gen Alexander moves hq from Burma

to Imphal area of India. Gen Stilwell arrives in

India.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army has completed most of

its preparations for offensive, but Rommel’s forces

are showing signs of forestalling it.

USSR—Germans announce capture of town and

harbor of Kerch, in the Crimea. Red Army continues offensive toward Kharkov.

16 May

INDIA—First detachment of SOS troops—393d

QM Bn (Port) and 159th Station Hospital—arrives

at Karachi.

17 May

USSR—Battle of Kharkov opens as Germans

counterattack from Izyum area and in region E of

Kharkov, bringing Soviet offensive to a halt.

18 May

POA—U.S. Seventh Air Force is alerted for possible enemy attack on Midway or Hawaii.

BURMA—Chiang Kai-shek orders Ch 5th Army,

which now consists largely of Ch 22d and 96th Divs,

to take up positions between Myitkyina and Fort

Hertz. Ch 22d Div survivors reach Ledo area in July

and August. Ch 96th eventually makes its way to

China via Fort Hertz.

19 May

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Auchinleck issues instructions to Commander, Br Tenth Army, on action to

be taken should the enemy attack through Iran from

the Caucasus.

U.K.—U.S. Eighth Air Force detachment hq under Gen Eaker takes control of all U.S. Army air

organizations in British Isles.

20 May

POA—Reinforcements are being hastily moved

to Midway and the Aleutians, since Japanese plan

to invade the islands is by now known. In the Aleutians, work on secret air base on Umnak I. is being

rushed to a conclusion. Rear Adm John S. McCain

takes command as COMAIRSOPAC.

BURMA—With conquest of Burma completed,

Japanese (56th, 18th, 33d, and 55th Divs of 15th

Army) take up defensive positions.

INDIA—Burma I Corps is placed under command

of 4 Corps as rear guard reaches India.

21 May

POA—Rear Adm Robert A. Theobald, as commander of TF 8, becomes responsible for all forces,

U.S. Army and naval and Canadian, in Alaska area.

GERMANY—Adolf Hitler decides to postpone projected conquest of Malta, Operation HERCULES,

until Egypt is conquered.

22 May

NEW GUINEA—21st Troop Carrier Sq begins

movement of some 300 troops and supplies to Wau

to reinforce weak Aus group, called Kanga Force,

defending Bulolo Valley. Kanga Force consists

largely of troops of New Guinea Volunteer Reserve

(NGVR).

23 May

ALEUTIANS—U.S. fighter aircraft land safely on

runway at new air base on Umnak I.

USSR—Continuing counteroffensive in

Kharkov area, Germans isolate Red Army forces in

Izyum salient W of the Donets.

25 May

INDIA—Ch 38th Div ( — 113th Regt, which acts

as rear guard) reaches India.

26 May

HAWAII—Naval TF under Rear Adm Raymond

A. Spruance, built around carriers Enterprise and

Hornet, arrives at Pearl Harbor from S Pacific.

MIDWAY—USS Kittyhawk brings in additional air

and ground reinforcements.

[ 13–26 MAY 1942 ]
[ 39 ]

NEW GUINEA—Aus Kanga Force is strengthened

by arrival of Aus 5th Independent Co by air.

LIBYA—Rommel prepares to resume offensive,

moving armored forces around S flank of Br Eighth

Army to positions SE of Bir Hacheim under cover

of darkness. Br Eighth Army is now disposed with

13 Corps (50th Div; S African 1st and 2d Divs; 1st

Army Tank Brig; 9th Brig of Ind 5th Div) on N and

30 Corps (1st and 7th Armd Divs; 201st Gds Brig;

Ind 3d Motor Brig Gp; 29th Brig of Ind 5th Div; FF

1st Brig Gp) on S.

U.K.—Anglo-American air conference opens in

London to consider allocation policy. Among those

attending are Gen Arnold, Rear Adm John H. Towers, and British Chief of Air Staff Sir Charles Portal. 20-year Anglo-Soviet mutual aid agreement is

signed in London.

27 May

HAWAII—Adm Fletcher’s naval force, based on

carrier Yorktown, arrives at Pearl Harbor from S

Pacific.

MIDWAY—Japanese Vice Adm Chuichi Nagumo’s

Carrier Striking Force leaves Japan for Midway. Enemy transports depart from Saipan and covering

cruisers and DD’s from Guam for same objective.

NEW CALEDONIA—Americal Div, its name a contraction of words “America” and “New Caledonia,”

is activated under Gen Patch.

INDIA—USAFCBI SOS Base Section I is activated

at Karachi; Base Section 2 (Calcutta) is authorized.

LIBYA—Axis forces open offensive against GazalaBir Hacheim line of Br Eighth Army at dawn, making main effort on S and staging demonstration on

N. In 30 Corps sector, FF 1st Brig Gp holds detached

strongpoint at Bir Hacheim against attack. German

armored columns disposed SE of this village sweep

northward toward El Adem and Acroma and are

opposed by Ind 3d Motor Brig, a few miles E of Bir

Hacheim, and 7th and 1st Armd Divs to N.

28 May

POA—Main body of Japanese naval force under

command of Adm Isoroko Yamamoto leaves Japan

for Midway. From Pearl Harbor, Adm Spruance’s

naval force also heads for Midway. U.S. troop detachment (500 from the Efate garrison) arrives at

Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, where bomber strip

is to be built to support invasion of the Solomons.

CHINA—Chinese withdraw from Kinhwa,

Chekiang Province, under pressure.

BURMA—Japanese seize Kengtung.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army defeats enemy efforts

to break out to coast in rear of Gazala positions in

order to gain supply line to forces NE of Bir

Hacheim.

USSR—Battle of Kharkov ends as Germans

complete reduction of Red Army salient W of the

Donets in Kharkov area.

29 May

LIBYA—Upon breaching mine fields in center of

Br Eighth Army’s position, enemy starts passing vehicles through gaps despite Br fire. Rommel’s main

armored forces, temporarily on the defensive until a

supply route can be opened to them, fall back southward under attack by armor of 30 Corps.

30 May

POA—Adm Fletcher’s Yorktown force sails for

Midway from Pearl Harbor. Japanese TF (2 transports, 2 carriers, 2 CA’s, 3 DD’s) leaves Japan for

Aleutians, where it is to create a diversion for the

invasion of Midway and land small forces on W Aleutians. Initial detachment of U.S. troops arrives at

New Zealand.

INDIA—Ch 113th Regt, rear guard covering withdrawal of 38th Div and 5th Army from Burma,

crosses the Chindwin.

LIBYA—Axis forces, in effort to consolidate

bridgehead at gaps in mine fields, move W under

attack by Br Eighth Army and RAF. Gen Ritchie

decides to counterattack on night of 31st, but accedes to request of corps commander to postpone

attack 24 hours. 1st Armd Brig, which has recently

arrived in Libya, is used to bring other units up to

strength.

Germany—RAF opens air offensive against Germany with attack of unprecedented scale against

Cologne, night 30–31. Over 1,000 planes participate;

more than 2,000 tons of bombs are dropped.

31 May

LIBYA—Axis forces begin assault on Sidi Muftah,

detached strongpoint of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army,

and are engaged by 150th Brig of 50th Div, to whom

armored assistance is rushed. Later, 13 Corps begins preliminary phase of general counterattack but

makes little headway.

[ 27 MAY–1 JUNE 1942 ]

1 June

AUSTRALIA—Japanese midget submarines enter

Sydney harbor and sink an Aus boat.

LIBYA—Continuing attack on Sidi Muftah, enemy wipes out 150th Brig of 50th Div and much of

1st Army Tank Brig assisting it. Lull ensues as
[ 40 ]

Br Eighth Army prepares for general counterattack

and enemy strengthens his salient.

2 June

POA—Naval TF’s of Adms Fletcher and

Spruance rendezvous 350 miles NE of Midway. The

combined force (3 carriers, 7 CA’s, 1 CL, 13 DD’s,

and 25 submarines), under command of Adm

Fletcher, moves to point about 200 miles N of Midway. Reconnoitering from the Aleutians, PBY discovers 2 enemy carriers about 400 miles S of Kiska.

USSR—German 11th Army of Army Group South

begins 5-day arty preparation for assault on

Sevastopol in the Crimea.

3 June

ALEUTIAN Is.—Japanese carrier-based aircraft

bomb and strafe Fort Mears and Dutch Harbor,

Unalaska I., in several waves.

MIDWAY—Battle of Midway opens when planes

based there locate and attack elements of Japanese

invasion force as it approaches.

MIDDLE EAST—22d Inf Brig Gp of Br East Africa Command sails for Madagascar to relieve Br

forces.

4 June

ALEUTIAN Is.—Japanese planes from carriers

again attack Dutch Harbor, Unalaska I., damaging

fuel installations and a station ship. Attempts of

PBY’s, B–17’s, and B–26’s to locate and attack the

carriers are largely ineffective because of poor visibility, and Japanese retire southward with light

losses confined to aircraft. Subsequent efforts to find

the enemy TF are futile.

MIDWAY—Japanese are decisively defeated in

main Battle of Midway. Enemy carrier planes

(about 80 bombers and 50 fighters) strike in force,

damaging installations but leaving runways intact.

Midway-based planes oppose the attack and take

heavy toll of enemy planes, then, together with

aircraft from the 3 U.S. carriers in the vicinity,

attack enemy shipping. Japanese carriers Kaga,

Akagi, and Soryu are hit. Kaga sinks at once; USS

Nautilus sinks the damaged Soryu; Japanese scuttle

the Akagi. Japanese carrier Hiryu scores damaging

hits on USS Yorktown, which is abandoned and

taken under tow. The Hiryu is in turn badly damaged by planes from Enterprise and Hornet and is

scuttled at dawn of 5th. Plane losses are heavy on

both sides.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army opens counterattack with

infantry after nightfall in effort to reduce enemy

salient in center of line.

5 June

U.S.—Declares war on Bulgaria, Hungary, and

Rumania.

MIDWAY—Despite poor visibility, U.S. planes

pursue enemy force retreating from Midway and

score damaging hits.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army counterattack ends in

failure. 13 Corps’ 69th Brig (50th Div), supported

by 32d Army Tank Brig, attacks enemy salient from

N while 30 Corps, employing 9th and Loth Brigs

(Ind 5th Div) and 22d Armd Brig 1st Armd Div),

makes main effort from E toward Sidi Muftah but is

halted short of objective. British lose 2 brigs of infantry and 4 regts of arty.

6 June

MIDWAY—USS Yorktown, still under tow, is hit

by torpedoes from Japanese submarine as is USS

Hammann (DD), which is alongside; both vessels

sink. Despite these U.S. losses, Battle of Midway is

a severe setback to the Japanese and costs them the

initiative.

LIBYA—Heavy, indecisive fighting occurs as enemy begins concentrating armor in Knightsbridge

area, threatening Tobruk, and at the same time intensifies action against the Bir Hacheim strongpoint.

7 June

POA—Brig Gen Howard C. Davison replaces

Maj Gen Clarence L. Tinker, who was lost in Battle

of Midway, as commander of Seventh Air Force.

ALEUTIAN Is.—Japanese invade western Aleutians, landing some 1,800 men on Attu and Kiska.

CHINA—Continuing drive in Chekiang Province, Japanese seize Chuhsien airfield and attack

city itself.

USSR—After 5 days of heavy air and arty preparation, German Army Group South renews ground

assault to clear the Crimea in preparation for main

offensive on the rich Caucasus, moving against

Sevastopol fortress. Local actions to improve positions in other sectors continue.

8 June

SWPA—As a result of the successful Midway action, Gen MacArthur proposes to Gen Marshall that

a limited offensive to regain positions in Bismarck

Archipelago be undertaken.

NEW GUINEA—Small party of Americans and

Australians flies from Port Moresby to reconnoiter

Milne Bay area for air base site. Such a base would

strengthen defenses of Port Moresby.

LIBYA—Indecisive fighting continues in vicinity

of Knightsbridge and Bir Hacheim. Free French,

[ 2–8 JUNE 1942 ]
[ 41 ]

stubbornly defending Bir Hacheim, are forced to

yield some ground; their supply situation is critical.

U.K.—European Theater of Operations, U.S.

Army (ETOUSA) is established under command of

Gen Chaney, superseding U.S. Army Forces in British Isles (USAFBI).

9 June

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—U.S. and Great

Britain agree to pool food and production resources.

P.I.—Japanese conquest of the Philippines is

completed, although small, isolated detachments

continue to hold out. Combined U.S. and Filipino

force of 140,000 is now eliminated as a fighting force.

USFIP ceases to exist.

LIBYA—Free French continue to hold out at Bir

Hacheim against furious ground and air attacks.

Efforts to relieve them are unsuccessful.

10 June

CHINA—Chinese withdraw from Chuhsien,

Chekiang Province, after 4 days of hard fighting.

LIBYA—Gen Ritchie orders evacuation of the isolated Bir Hacheim position and FF 1st Brig, assisted

by 7th Armd Div, withdraws during night 10–11.

USSR—German Army Group South continues

assault on Sevastopol in the Crimea, making slow

progress against Red Army strongpoints; opens limited offensive NE of Kharkov to improve positions.

11 June

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—U.S. and Great

Britain make simultaneous announcements of mutual-aid agreement with Soviet Union. The agreement permits USSR to repay lend-lease debts in kind

rather than in cash.

ALEUTIAN Is.—Upon discovering enemy on

Kiska, Allied aircraft begin series of long-range,

small-scale attacks on the island, striking as often as

the difficult weather conditions permit, in an effort

to weaken enemy by attrition. Attu is beyond range

of aircraft.

CHINA—Advance Section 3, under SOS, is activated in China.

LIBYA—Exploiting capture of Bir Hacheim, Axis

forces surge northward toward El Adem, which protects S approach to Tobruk.

12 June

SWPA—GHQ authorizes construction of air

bases at head of Milne Bay, New Guinea.

RUMANIA—U.S. air combat from Africa begins

with attack on Ploesti oil fields at dawn. Heavy

bomber TF (coded HALPRO), under Col Harry A.

Halverson and temporarily based in Egypt, makes

the attack. On return trip, several of the B–24’s are

forced to land in Turkey and crews are interned.

LIBYA—Indecisive tank battles occur in vicinity

of El Adem and Knightsbridge.

13 June

U.S.—Gen Marshall orders establishment of a

U.S. Middle East organization, U.S. Army Forces in

the Middle East (USAFIME), in order to unify

Middle East missions. Iraq and Iran are to come

within its geographical sphere.

German submarine lands 4 enemy agents on

beach at Amagansett, Long Island.

LIBYA—Axis armor decisively defeats armor of Br

Eighth Army, forcing British from escarpment between El Adem and Knightsbridge. Br tank strength

is dangerously depleted, and 13 Corps supply line is

consequently in danger. Knightsbridge garrison

(201st Gds Brig) is ordered to withdraw to Acroma.

14 June

NEW ZEALAND—First echelon of U.S. 1st Mar Div

(5th Marines) arrives.

LIBYA—Gen Ritchie orders withdrawal of forward

divs (S African 1st and Br 50th) of 13 Corps, since

tank losses in El Adem area have left them precariously situated. S African 1st Div withdraws safely to

Egyptian frontier, using coastal route. 50th Div retires SE through enemy territory. Enemy turns his

attention to Acroma but can make little headway

against firm opposition, although favored by superior tank strength.

15 June

LIBYA—29th Brig of Ind 5th Div (30 Corps) withstands 3 tank-supported attacks on El Adem with

assistance of aircraft. Maj Gen Klopper, CG of S

African 2d Div, is named commander of Tobruk

fortress and instructed to defend it at all costs.

16 June

LIBYA—Gen Auchinleck authorizes Gen Ritchie

to organize the garrison of Tobruk as he wishes. 4

inf brigs with supporting arty and tanks are disposed within Tobruk. Rest of Br Eighth Army is to

act as mobile columns outside the fortress. Gen

Klopper is authorized to withdraw the garrison if

necessary. Acroma garrison holds out against enemy

tank attacks. Other enemy tank columns drive on

[ 9–16 JUNE 1942 ]
[ 42 ]

Sidi Rezegh and feint toward El Adem. El Adem

garrison withdraws after nightfall.

17 June

U.S.—German submarine lands 4 enemy agents

on Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

MIDDLE EAST—Maj Gen Russell L. Maxwell accepts appointment as head of USAFIME.

Libya—Enemy gains control of coastal road to

Bardia, completing isolation of Tobruk.

18 June

U.S.—Prime Minister Churchill arrives for

series of Anglo-American conferences with President

Roosevelt in Washington.

LIBYA—Axis forces drive to Gambut. This is a

blow to the Tobruk garrison, since air support from

forward landing grounds in Gambut area is now

denied the garrison.

USSR—Germans report reduction, after 12 days

of hard fighting, of northern part of Sevastopol fortifications except for one coastal fort.

U.K.—Gen Spaatz, in London, takes command

of U.S. Eighth Air Force.

19 June

POA—Adm Ghormley takes command of South

Pacific Area and South Pacific Force.

MIDDLE EAST—USAFIME is activated by order

of Gen Maxwell, with hq in Cairo, Egypt, replacing

U.S. North African Military Mission.

20 June

U.S.—President Roosevelt and Prime Minister

Churchill, in a closed session in Washington,

decide upon a northwest African campaign.

POA—Maj Gen Willis H. Hale becomes commander of U.S. Seventh Air Force, although Navy

has operational control of the force.

LIBYA—Axis forces, with strong arty and close air

support, open assault on Tobruk and penetrate

deeply into the fortress, destroying tanks and arty

of Br garrison. Gen Klopper receives permission to

break out but is unable to do so since his transport

is cut off in harbor area. 30 Corps sends 7th Armd

Div to relief of Tobruk garrison, but it fails to arrive

in time to assist.

USSR—Germans reach N shore of Sevastopol

harbor and continue assault on last coastal fort in

N fortifications.

21 June

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—Arnold-PortalTowers agreement, stemming from London conference of 26 May and subsequent discussions in

Washington, is signed. This agreement, which concerns U.S. air commitments and provides strong air

force for BOLERO, is approved by U.S. Joint Chiefs

of Staff on 25 June and by Combined Chiefs of Staff

on a July.

LIBYA—Tobruk falls to enemy. Gen Ritchie decides to withdraw to Matruh, Egypt, and orders 13

Corps to delay enemy while 30 Corps begins organization of the Matruh position.

22 June

U.S.—Japanese submarine shells Fort Stevens

military reservation in Oregon at mouth of Columbia R, doing no damage. The shelling is the first

foreign attack on a continental military installation

since the War of 1812 and the only one of World

War II.

War Department orders all units and individuals under Gen Stilwell’s command assigned under a

permanent change of station to American Army

Forces in “India, China, and Burma” rather than to

Army Group, Washington, D.C. This is the first step

in the evolution of a U.S. theater of operations on

the Asiatic mainland.

SWPA—Maj Gen Robert L. Eichelberger is

named commander of U.S. I Corps, replacing Maj

Gen Charles F. Thompson. I Corps eventually comes

under operational command of Gen Blarney, Commander Allied Land Forces. Gen MacArthur authorizes small airfield at Merauke, on S coast of Dutch

New Guinea, to protect Port Moresby from the W.

Initial force to garrison Milne Bay, New Guinea (2

cos and an MG platoon on loan from Aus 14th Brig

at Port Moresby, sails from Port Moresby.

INDIA—First CO of USAFCBI SOS Base Section

2 assumes his duties at Calcutta.

EGYPT-LIBYA—Br Eighth Army begins withdrawal

to Matruh without interference as enemy reorganizes. Small enemy force moves into Bardia. Gen

Auchinleck visits Eighth Army hq,

USSR—German Army Group South begins limited

attack in Izyum area to improve positions E of the

Donets; continues battle for Sevastopol. Fall of the

last of the northern coastal forts at Sevastopol is announced.

23 June

CBI—Gen Brereton is ordered to Middle East

with all available bombers because of crisis there.

Flight of 24 B–17’s intended for China is diverted

at Khartoum, Egypt, for the same reason.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. Military Mission is redesignated Iran–Iraq Service Command under Hq,

USAFIME, effective 24 June. Col Shingler, with hq

at Basra, heads the new command.

[ 17–23 JUNE 1942 ]
[ 43 ]

LIBYA—Enemy continues preparations for drive

into Egypt; forward elements are engaged by 7th

Armd Div of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, near

Sollum.

24 June

EGYPT-LIBYA—Rommel begins drive into Egypt,

pushing rapidly NE and E against ineffective rear

guard resistance to vicinity of Sidi Barrani. 10 Corps

hq, which has recently arrived in Egypt from Syria,

takes command at Matruh, releasing 30 Corps,

which moves E to El ‘Alamein to organize defenses.

10 and 13 Corps constitute mobile elements of Br

Eighth Army.

USSR—German Army Group South attains its

objective in Izyum area, Oskol R line; continues to

make progress in battle for Sevastopol.

U.K.—Maj Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower assumes

command of ETOUSA.

25 June

POA—Adm King presents his views on projected

offensive to Gen Marshall.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Basil M. Morris forms new

unit, called Maroubra Force, to hold Kokoda Trail

over Owen Stanley Range between Port Moresby and

Buna. Maroubra Force consists of Aus 39th Bn, less

one co, of Aus 30th Brig and a Papuan bn of 300.

Allied garrison arrives at Milne Bay.

EGYPT-LIBYA—Axis forces continue rapidly toward

Matruh despite air attacks. Gen Auchinleck takes

personal command of Br Eighth Army, relieving Gen

Ritchie; after reviewing situation, decides to continue withdrawal from Matruh to El ‘Alamein.

26 June

NEW GUINEA—Elements of Maroubra Force (Co

B of Aus 39th Bn) are ordered to Kokoda.

CBI—Gen Brereton leaves for Middle East and

is succeeded as commander of U.S. Tenth Air Force

by Brig Gen Earl L. Naiden.

Egypt—Enemy armor breaches mine field of Br

Eighth Army S of Matruh.

27 June

U.S.—By this date the 8 enemy agents that

landed on Long Island and in Florida have been

arrested. They have caused no damage. All are subsequently court martialed and six are executed.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur completes plan, TULSA

I, for offensive to secure New Britain-New IrelandAdmiralty Is. area.

Egypt—10 and 13 Corps of Br Eighth Army are

forced to withdraw eastward toward El ‘Alamein

when enemy infiltrates between them and partially

envelops former in Matruh area.

28 June

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. Army Middle East Air Force

is established in Middle East under command of Lt

Gen Lewis H. Brereton. It at first consists of

Halverson Detachment (HALPRO) and 9 B–17’s.

EGYPT—Enemy overruns 29th Brig of Ind 5th Div

as it attempts to cover withdrawal of io Corps in Fuka

area. 10 Corps retires southward to El ‘Alamein.

USSR—Germans launch main summer offensive. On N flank of Army Group South enemy pushes

eastward toward the Don from Kursk. Battle for

Sevastopol continues, with Soviet forces losing

ground steadily.

29 June

U.S.—Adm King proposes to Joint Chiefs of

Staff that Adm Ghormley command offensive to

seize lower Solomons and that Gen MacArthur control moves against New Guinea and New Britain.

This is a compromise on the question of whether

the planned offensive in the Pacific shall be controlled by the Navy or by the Army.

NEW GUINEA—Co E of U.S. 46th Engrs arrives

at Milne Bay to begin work on base.

China—Chiang Kai-shek, meeting with Gen

Stilwell, makes 3 demands “essential for the maintenance of the China Theater of War”: 3 U.S. divs,

500-plane air force in China, monthly transportation by air of 5,000 tons of supplies into China.

EGYPT—Axis forces speed eastward to within 15

miles of El ‘Alamein despite action of 13 Corps, Br

Eighth Army.

30 June

U.S.—Hq Co of U.S. Army Forces in the South

Pacific Area (USAFISPA) is organized at Fort Ord,

California.

NEW GUINEA—Aus Kanga Force, guarding

Bulolo Valley, conducts its first offensive action, a

raid on Salamaua. This is followed a few days later

by a raid on Lae.

EGYPT—Upon completing withdrawal to prepared positions at El ‘Alamein, Br 30 Corps takes

responsibility for N flank and 13 Corps for S flank.

10 Corps staff is withdrawn to command Delta

Force, which is to defend Alexandria and the Nile

Delta.

USSR—Germans broaden offensive toward the

Don in Army Group South sector. While 2d Army

and 4th Pz Army continue toward the river at Voronezh, 6th Army begins drive to E in region SE of

Belgorod. In the Crimea, battle for Sevastopol is in

[ 24–30 JUNE 1942 ]
[ 44 ]

its final stage. On N front, German Army Group

North eliminates last of Soviet pocket W of Volkhov.

1 July

PACIFIC—TULSA II, a modified version of TULSA

I, is drawn up as planning for offensive continues.

2d Marines, reinf, 2d Mar Div, sails from California

in 5 ships escorted by carrier Wasp.

MADAGASCAR—Lt Gen Sir William Platt, CinC

East African Command, takes responsibility for occupied portion of Madagascar.

EGYPT—Enemy forces make their deepest penetration into Egypt with capture of fortified position of Deir el Shein, S of the El ‘Alamein fortress.

Ind 18th Brig Gp, which has recently arrived from

Iraq, is overrun in this action.

USSR—German Army Group South completes

reduction of Sevastopol fortress in the Crimea and,

to the N, continues toward the Don.

2 July

U.S.—Joint Chiefs of Staff issue directive prescribing occupation of New Britain-New IrelandNew Guinea area. Offensive is to be conducted

in 3 phases, during which the following are to be

secured and occupied: (1) lower Solomons (Santa

Cruz Is., Tulagi, and adjacent positions) (Task

One); (2) rest of Solomons and NE coast of New

Guinea (Task Two); (3) Rabaul, New Britain, and

adjacent positions in New Guinea-New Ireland

area (Task Three). Target date is set as 1 August

but subsequently postponed to 7 August. Navy is

to command first phase and Army the second and

third. Boundary between SWPA and S Pacific is

to be altered to place lower Solomons within S

Pacific zone.

Austalia—AUs 7th Brig is directed to move to

Milne Bay, New Guinea.

CBI—Chiang Kai-shek names Gen Stilwell CinC

of Chinese Army in India, but Stilwell’s power over

the troops is restricted.

MAYOTTE I.—Br and E African troops land on

island, at N end of Mozambique Channel, and secure it for seaplane base.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army wrests initiative from

Rommel as 13 Corps, on S flank, counterattacks

northward in rear of enemy. With close air support,

13 Corps maintains pressure on enemy throughout

month, gaining some ground and easing pressure

against N and central sectors. Enemy makes repeated

efforts to break through but is unable to do so; gradually extends positions S and E of 13 Corps to Qattara

Depression.

3 July

U.S.—Gen Marshall authorizes creation of a

mobile air force for SWPA and another for POA.

Preparations for offensive in the Pacific continue at

a rapid pace.

4 July

CBI—AVG is inducted into Tenth Air Force as

its contract with China terminates.

EGYPT—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, is strengthened by arrival of Aus 9th Div, which is concentrating in vicinity of El ‘Alamein fortress. 13 Corps continues to attack on S flank, making slow progress.

WESTERN EUROPE—U.S. air operations against

Europe are initiated. 6 U.S. aircraft manned by U.S.

crews participate in RAF attack on airdromes in

Holland.

5 July

USSR—Organized Soviet resistance in the

Crimea ends. To N, German 4th Pz Army has reached

the Don at Voronezh, where Red Army is resisting

strongly. Army Group Center is improving positions

N of Smolensk in local actions.

6 July

CBI—Gen Stilwell issues letter of instructions

setting up command structure of a theater in CBI,

with “Headquarters, American Army Forces, China,

Burma, and India” at Chungking and branch office

at New Delhi. A few days later another branch office is established at Kunming. China Air Task Force

(CATF) is activated.

USSR—Voronezh falls to German Army Group

South after it has been evacuated by Red Army forces.

7 July

POA—Carrier Saratoga, followed by carrier Enterprise, each with supporting ships, sails from Pearl

Harbor for S Pacific. Elements of the Enterprise support force leave main force at sea and proceed to

New Caledonia to embark 1st Raider Bn.

AUSTALIA—Adm Ghormley arrives in Australia and

confers with Gen MacArthur on coming offensive.

NEW GUINEA—Co B, Aus 39th Bn, leaves Port

Moresby for Kokoda, traveling on foot along tortuous trail over Owen Stanley Range.

USSR—German 6th Army effects junction with

4th Pz Army NE of Valuiki.

 8 July

PACIFIC—Gen MacArthur and Adm Ghormley

recommend that offensive be postponed until SW

[ 1–8 JULY 1942 ]
[ 45 ]

and S Pacific forces can be strengthened. Adm

Nimitz issues his final plan of attack, ordering S

Pacific Force to seize Santa Cruz Is. and TulagiGuadalcanal area in the Solomons.

CBI—Gen Chennault takes command of

CATF.

USSR—Russians announce evacuation of St

Oskol, SE of Kursk.

9 July

SWPA—Aus 7th Brig commander and advance

elements of the brig leave Townsville, Australia, for

Milne Bay, New Guinea.

USSR—German Army Group South is divided

into 2 groups. Army Group A, on S consists of

1st Pz, 17th, and 11th Armies. Army Group B comprises 2d, Hungarian 2d, 4th Pz, and 6th Armies.

Group A is to seize Rostov, where major Soviet

forces are believed concentrated, then continue

S through the Caucasus. Group B is to drive along

the Don to Stalingrad, thence along the Volga

to Astrakhan.

10 July

U.S.—In response to recommendation of Gen

MacArthur and Adm Ghormley on 8 July, Joint

Chiefs of Staff rule that offensive must be conducted

as planned.

NEW GUINEA—Small Allied party flies from Port

Moresby to Buna area to reconnoiter for airfield

site.

EGYPT—In limited offensive, 30 Corps of Br

Eighth Army seizes Tel el Eisa mounds, W of El

‘Alamein. Enemy makes a number of unsuccessful

attempts to reduce this salient.

USSR—While Army Group B’s 4th Pz and 6th

Armies drive along the Don toward Stalingrad, 1st

Pz and 17th Armies of Army Group A drive on Rostov.

Russians admit loss of Rossosh.

11 July

USSR—Continuing drive on Rostov, Army Group

A overruns Lisichensk, on the Donets.

12 July

AUSTALIA—U.S. 41st Div, which has been training near Melbourne, starts to Rockhampton.

NEW GUINEA—Co B, Aus 39th Bn, advancing

overland from Port Moresby, reaches Kokoda.

13 July

PACIFIC—Operation Plan TULSA-II A is drawn

up. U.S. 32d Div begins movement from Adelaide

to camp near Brisbane, Australia. Maj Gen George

C. Kenney, CG of Fourth Air Force, is directed to

take command of Allied Air Forces, replacing Gen

Brett.

14 July

PACIFIC—Maj Gen Millard F. Harmon is named

commander of U.S. Army Forces in South Pacific

Area (COMGENSOPAC). In preparation for invasion of the Solomons, ships from SWPA (TF 44)

leave Brisbane, Australia, for New Zealand, where

all except I CA, which becomes part of Air Support

Force, are assigned to Solomons Amphibious Force.

TF 42 (submarines) is to interdict enemy shipping

in Rabaul area. Adm Ghormley alerts 7th Marines,

1st Mar Div, on Samoa to be prepared to sail for the

Solomons on 4 days’ notice.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army makes limited attack

along and to S of Ruweisat Ridge and gains some

ground.

USSR—German Army Groups B and A continue

rapidly toward Stalingrad and Rostov, respectively.

4th Pz Army is assigned to Army Group A for operations S of Rostov.

15 July

SWPA—Plan is drawn up for Operation

PROVIDENCE, occupation by Allied forces of Buna area

on N coast of New Guinea.

CBI—India-China Ferry Command is activated.

EGYPT—In tank-supported counterattack, enemy

recovers part of ground lost in Ruweisat Ridge area.

USSR—Russians admit loss of Boguchar and

Millerovo. German Army Group A continues rapidly

toward Rostov, 1st and 4th Pz Armies reaching

Kamensk, on the Donets.

16 July

U.S.—Breaks off consular relations with Finland, effective 1 August 1942. Gen Harmon, with

small forward echelon of USAFISPA, starts air journey from Washington to S Pacific.

PACIFIC—Adm Ghormley issues Operation Plan

No. 1-42, covering Task One of projected offensive.

TF’s 61 and 63 are formed. TF 61, under Vice Adm

Frank J. Fletcher, is the Solomons Expeditionary

Force, which includes Air Support Force under Rear

Adm Leigh Noyes and Amphibious Force commanded by Rear Adm Richmond K. Turner. TF 63,

under Adm McCain, consists of all Allied landbased

aircraft in S Pacific.

EGYPT—30 Corps of Br Eighth Army enlarges

salient W of El ‘Alamein with capture of ridge 3

miles W of railway station. 13 Corps exerts pressure

against S flank of enemy.

[ 9–16 JULY 1942 ]
[ 46 ]

17 July

SWPA—Movement order for Operation

PROVIDENCE, occupation of Buna area, New Guinea,

is issued. Serial One is to leave Port Moresby on 31

July. D Day is to be 10–12 August.

U.K.—Gen Marshall, Adm King, and Harry

Hopkins arrive in England to urge that SLEDGEHAMMER be undertaken in 1942.

18 July

USSR—Continuing southward on broad front,

Germans take Voroshilovgrad, coal and coke center

of Donets basin, and to SE reach the Don at

Tsimlyansk.

19 July

SWPA—From Rabaul, Japanese invasion force

of about 1,800 men sails for Buna, New Guinea.

Lugger arrives at Buna with supplies and MG’s of

Co B, Aus 39th Bn.

CBI—Gen Stilwell submits to Chiang Kai-shek

a plan, dated 18th, calling for Allied co-operation

in regaining Burma as a necessary preliminary to

getting aid to China.

20 July

PACIFIC—USAFIA, largely a supply organization,

is discontinued, and U.S. Army Services of Supply,

Southwest Pacific Area (USASOS SWPA) is established under command of Gen Richard Marshall.

GHQ SWPA moves forward in Australia from

Melbourne to Brisbane to be nearer scene of offensive. Maj Gen Alexander A. Vandegrift, CG 1st Mar

Div, issues tactical orders for invasion of Solomons.

CBI—Dr. Lauchlin Currie arrives in China to

discuss U.S.-Chinese relations with Stilwell and the

Chinese.

21 July

PACIFIC—Solomons Expeditionary Force (TF 61)

is ordered to rendezvous SE of Fiji Is. on 26 July.

Allied planes sight and attack enemy convoy approaching New Guinea, despite poor visibility, which

prevents Japanese naval planes at Lae, however, from

supporting enemy. After naval gunfire bombardment

of Buna, Japanese begin landing near Gona, night

21–22, forestalling Allied Operation PROVIDENCE,

which was to have secured the same general area.

Japanese naval forces at Salamaua provide diversion

by raiding Mubo and Komiatum, and enemy submarines become increasingly active.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army opens attack against

center of enemy’s line late in day, employing infantry to clear mine fields for passage of armor.

22 July

PACIFIC—98th Sq of 11th Heavy Bombardment

Gp lands in New Caledonia. Solomons Amphibious Force, with 1st Mar Div embarked, sails from

Wellington, New Zealand. 3d Defense Bn, final reinforcing unit, begins voyage from Pearl Harbor to

join 1st Mar Div.

NEW GUINEA—Allied planes continue to attack

enemy shipping off N coast, setting fire to a transport. Upon landing, Japanese Navy units move to

Buna and Army forces to Giruwa. Advance force

pushes inland at once from Giruwa to reconnoiter

trail to Port Moresby and reaches Soputa area. Gen

MacArthur orders Gen Morris, commander of New

Guinea Force, to reinforce Kokoda as quickly as

possible.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army continues attack, gaining some ground but failing to break through enemy line. 23d Armd Brig, which has recently arrived from England, passes through gaps made by

infantry in mine fields but is unable to gain ground

and loses many tanks. NZ 6th Brig and bn of Ind

161st Brig are virtually destroyed by enemy counterattacks.

USSR—German Army Group A opens all-out

assault against Rostov.

U.K.—British refuse U.S. proposal to launch

Operation SLEDGEHAMMER.

23 July

NEW CALEDONIA—42d Sq of 11th Heavy Bombardment Gp arrives.

NEW GUINEA—Continuing along Kokoda Trail,

Japanese clash with Aus Maroubra Force near Awala,

forcing Australians back toward Wairopi.

24 July

FIJI Is.—431st Sq of 11th Heavy Bombardment

Gp arrives.

NEW GUINEA—Lt Col William T. Owen, CO

Aus 39th Bn, flies to Kokoda, which is in imminent danger. Outnumbered Maroubra Force, fighting delaying action as it falls back toward Kokoda,

crosses Kumusi R and destroys Wairopi bridge

across it.

USSR—Rostov falls to German Army Group A.

25 July

U.S.—Combined Chiefs of Staff agree upon

command setup for TORCH, as GYMNAST is renamed.

POA—Adm McCain issues orders for Solomons

offensive to TF 63. 26th Sq of 11th Heavy Bombardment Gp arrives at Efate, New Hebrides.

[ 17–25 JULY 1942 ]
[ 47 ]

NEW GUINEA—Japanese cross Kumusi R over

improvised bridge and outflank Maroubra Force,

which falls back to Oivi, 6 miles from Kokoda.

USSR—Germans claim capture of Novocherkassk, NE of Rostov.

26 July

POA—Gen Harmon takes tactical command

of all U.S. Army forces in S Pacific and establishes

provisional CP at Suva, Fiji Is. Solomons Expeditionary Force (TF 61), except for party bringing

3d Defense Bn across the Pacific, assembles SE of

Fiji Is.

NEW GUINEA—New Guinea Force flies 30 men

from Co D, Aus 39th Bn, to Kokoda; 15 of these

are sent forward to Oivi. After Japanese surround

Oivi position, small defense force at Kokoda (platoon of Co B and 15 men of Co D) abandons it for

prepared positions at Deniki.

EGYPT—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, launches attack on N flank after nightfall.

27 July

POA—S Pacific commanders of island bases are

informed by COMSOPAC that Gen Harmon will

be responsible for training Army ground and air

personnel. TF 61 sails to Koro, Fiji Is., to rehearse

for invasion of Solomons.

NEW GUINEA—Aus Oivi force, having broken

through enemy during night 26–27, joins elements

of Maroubra Force at Deniki. New Guinea Force,

upon learning of evacuation of Kokoda, recalls 2 air

transports bound for Kokoda with reinforcements

and supplies.

EGYPT—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues

attack but is unable to make progress. 13 Corps, in

support of 30, feints and patrols.

USSR—German Army Group B continues to clear

Don bend near Stalingrad. 6th Army begins battle

to reduce Soviet bridgehead across the Don at

Kalach, W of Stalingrad.

28 July

PACIFIC—Gen Harmon arrives at New Caledonia.

Gen Kenney, commander-designate of Allied Air

Forces, arrives in Australia. Expeditionary Force (TF

61) begins rehearsal at Koro, Fiji Is., for invasion of

Solomons. Adm Fletcher issues Operation Order

No. 1-42 to TF 61.

JAPAN—Tokyo orders all-out offensive for E New

Guinea, including amphibious assaults on Milne Bay

and attack on Port Moresby by land and sea.

NEW GUINEA—Maroubra Force recaptures

Kokoda in counterattack, but this position is in great

danger as Japanese reinforcements move forward

from beachhead.

CHINA—Japanese campaign in Chekiang Province, conducted in retaliation for Doolittle raid on

Japan, ends.

29 July

POA—Gen Harmon shifts USAFISPA CP from

Suva, Fiji Is., to Noumea, New Caledonia.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese recapture Kokoda, again

forcing defenders back to Deniki. Lull ensues as Japanese consolidate and strengthen positions. Allied

planes frustrate efforts of 2 enemy transports to

unload troops and supplies on N coast. One returns

to Rabaul without unloading. The other is disabled

and subsequently sinks; troops embarked reach

Giruwa by small craft.

CBI—Gen Stilwell broadens plans for offensive

with “Pacific Front” proposal calling for recapture

of Burma by Allied forces from Yunnan and

Manipur.

30 July

U.S.—Women’s Reserve is established by law in

Navy and called WAVES from expression “Women

Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.”

POA—Adm Turner issues Operation Plan No.

A3–42 to Solomons Amphibious Force.

NEW GUINEA—Co C of Aus 39th Bn completes

march to Demki.

NEI—Japanese invade Aru, Kei, and Tanimbar Is.

EGYPT—Gen Auchinleck decides to remain on

the defensive until reinforcements arrive.

USSR—German Army Group A establishes

bridgehead across Manych R SW of Proletarskaya;

Army Group B continues reduction of Kalach

bridgehead across the Don W of Stalingrad. On

central front, Soviet forces begin attacks in Rzhev

area.

31 July

POA—Adm Turner’s Amphibious Force, covered by Adm Noyes’ Air Support Force and Adm

McCain’s TF 63, begins voyage to the Solomons from

Fiji Is. B–17’s of TF 63, from New Hebrides bases,

start 7 days of attacks on Guadalcanal and Tulagi in

preparation for invasion.

NEW GUINEA—Additional elements (Co A of Aus

39th Bn) of Maroubra Force reach Deniki.

[ 26–31 JULY 1942 ]
[ 48 ] [ 1–8 AUGUST 1942 ]

1 August

CHINA—Chiang Kai-shek formally approves Gen

Stilwell’s proposal of 18 July for offensive and modifies the 3 demands of 29 June.

EGYPT—Activity on both sides is confined to patrolling, arty exchanges, and preparations for renewing offensive.

USSR—German Army Group A, to which 1st Pz

Army reverts, is fanning out S of Rostov and has cut

Novorossisk–Stalingrad RR with capture of rail junction of Salsk; forward elements reach Kuban R.

Heavy fighting continues in Don bend opposite

Stalingrad as German Army Group B continues efforts to isolate Soviet forces. Red Army continues

local attacks in Rzhev sector.

3 August

USSR—German Army Group A continues rapidly southward into Kuban area, where it is attempting to establish bridgehead, and overruns

Voroshilovsk. Soviet forces continue to resist Army

Group B in Don bend opposite Stalingrad and to

attack Germans in Rzhev sector.

4 August

SWPA—Gen Kenney assumes command of

Allied Air Forces, succeeding Gen Brett.

5 August

USSR—German Army Group A establishes

bridgehead across the Kuban in ArmavirNevinnomyssk area, threatening Maikop oil fields;

claims capture of Kropotkin. Red Army units continue to fight losing battle inside Don bend near

Stalingrad.

6 August

POA—Allied invasion force continues toward

Solomons undetected.

NEW GUINEA—New Guinea Force takes command of all Aus and U.S. forces in Australian New

Guinea (Papua and NE New Guinea).

CBI—Dr. Currie leaves China for Washington

to present Gen Stilwell’s “Pacific Front” plan and

Chiang Kai-shek’s modified demands to President

Roosevelt and Combined Chiefs of Staff.

USSR—On Novorossisk-Stalingrad RR, Germans claim capture of Tikhoretsk and Russians admit loss of Kotelnikov: German Army Group A overruns Armavir, on Kuban R. Soviet resistance to Army

Group B in Don bend near Stalingrad is growing

weaker.

7 August

ALEUTIAN Is.—Kiska undergoes its first bombardment by surface forces. TF of cruisers and destroyers under Rear Adm W. W. Smith, part of Adm

Theobald’s North Pacific Force (TF 8), bombards

shore installations with unobserved results. This

action had been planned for 2d July but was postponed because of weather conditions.

SOLOMON Is.—After preparatory bombardment of

landing areas, U.S. 1st Mar Div (—7th Marines), reinf, invades S Solomons with close air and naval support. Unloading operations are delayed by enemy air

attacks during which USS Mugford (DD) is damaged.

At 0910, 5th Marines (—2d Bn) lands unopposed

on N coast (Beach Red) of Guadalcanal about 6,000

yards E of Lunga Pt and establishes beachhead between Tenaru and Tenavatu Rivers. 1st Marines and

supporting weapons follow 5th Marines ashore. 1st

Bn of 5th Marines drives W along coast toward

Lunga R; 1st Marines pushes SW toward Mt Austen. Advance halts for night after each of the assault

forces has gained about a mile, 1st Bn of 5th Marines reaching mouth of Ilu R.

At 0740, 1st Bn of 2d Marines begins landing on

S coast of Florida I., Co B near Haleta and rest at

Halavo. The bn meets no opposition and is later

withdrawn. At 0800, 1st Raider Bn, followed by 2d

Bn of 5th Marines, lands on S coast (Beach Blue) of

Tulagi without opposition. Marines clear NW end

of island without difficulty, but Raiders meet bitter

opposition from enemy in caves and dugouts on SE

end in afternoon and are forced to halt some 1,000

yards from SE tip. Co G of 5th Marines helps hold

this perimeter against enemy attacks.

At noon, 1st Para Bn invades twin islets of Gavutu and Tanambogo, which are joined by causeway,

E of Tulagi; clears most the a islets despite enemy

fire. From Florida I., Co B of 2d Marines makes

unsuccessful attempt to land on N coast.

NEW GUINEA—Activity is confined to patrol

clashes. By this time all 5 rifle cos of Aus 39th Bn

are at the front and Maroubra Force contains 480

men. Because of Solomons offensive, Japanese recall convoy heading for Buna from Rabaul.

EGYPT—Prime Minister Churchill visits Br

Eighth Army front.

8 August

ALLIED COMMAND—President Roosevelt and

Prime Minister Churchill agree on Gen Eisenhower,

CG ETO, as commander of TORCH.

SOLOMON Is.—Japanese planes continue to attack

Allied shipping, destroying USS George F. Elliott (AP)

and damaging USS Jarvis (DD). Jarvis heads for

Noumea but is never heard from again.
[ 9–13 AUGUST 1942 ] [ 49 ]

Abandoning thrust toward Mt Austen on Guadalcanal, 1st Mar Div advances W in 2 columns. 1st

Bn of 5th Marines crosses Lunga R and secures

coastal village of Kukum. To S, 1st Bn of 1st Marines takes airfield and reaches E bank of Lunga R.

Both Kukum and the airfield are found to have been

hastily evacuated.

On Tulagi, 1st Raider Bn and 5th Marines finish

clearing the island by 1500.

On Gavutu-Tanambogo, 1st Para Bn, assisted by

3d Bn of 2d Marines from div reserve, completes

capture of Gavutu-Tanambogo.

BATTLE OF SAVO I.—During night 8–9, Japanese

naval force of cruisers and DD’s attacks Allied warships off Savo I. and inflicts heavy damage before

retiring to Rabaul. As a result of the action, HMAS

Canberra and USS Astoria, Quincy, and Vincennes are

lost and other vessels are damaged.

EGYPT—Gen Alexander flies to Cairo, where he

learns that he is to relieve Gen Auchinleck as CinC

MEF. Lt Gen W. H. E. Gott, CG of Br 13 Corps,

who was to have been given command of Br Eighth

Army, is killed in airplane accident.

USSR—Surovikino, W of Stalingrad, falls to

German Army Group B.

9 August

SOLOMON Is.—Amphibious and Air Support

Forces of TF 61 retire, former with more than half

the 60 days’ supplies and elements of landing force

still embarked. Of the original landing force of over

19,000, almost 17,000 are now ashore. Guadalcanal

beachhead is being consolidated and work is begun

on uncompleted airstrip, where air warning system

is established. During 8 and 9, 2d Marines completes

northern attack with occupation of Mbangai,

Makambo, and Kokomtambu islets.

NEW GUINEA—Maj Gen Sydney F. Rowell, CG

Aus I Corps, is designated to command New Guinea

Force.

USSR—Krasnodar and Maikop fall to German

Army Group A.

10 August

NEW IRELAND—U.S. submarine sinks Japanese

cruiser Kako off the island.

New Guinea—Maroubra Force counterattacks

toward Kokoda with 3 cos One seizes Kokoda airfield, but the others are unable to advance.

EGYPT—Gen Alexander receives directive calling

for destruction of Rommel’s army in Egypt and

Libya.

USSR—Soviet resistance in foothills of Caucasus

range is increasing, but forward elements of German

Army Group A reach Pyatigorsk.

11 August

U.S.—Adm Leahy makes the first of many suggestions that Burma Road be reopened.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. Advanced Base in New

Guinea, a logistical agency, is established by

USASOS with hq at Port Moresby, which is to become a large supply and communications center.

Maroubra Force abandons Kokoda airfield, night

11–12, since it is untenable.

MEDITERRANEAN—Enemy U-boats heavily attack

Malta-bound convoy and sink HMS Eagle (aircraft

carrier).

MIDDLE EAST—Iran-Iraq Service Command is redesignated Persian Gulf Service Command (PGSC);

remains directly under Hq USAFIME.

USSR—Threat to Stalingrad increases as German Army Group A eliminates Soviet bridgehead in

Don bend near Kalach.

12 August

NE W HEBRIDES—Elements of original

Guadalcanal invasion force (1,390 of 2d Marines)

debark at Espiritu Santo.

GUADALCANAL—TF 63, under Adm McCain, is

given responsibility for getting aviation supplies,

ammunition, and ground crews from Espiritu Santo

to Guadalcanal. First U.S. plane, a PBY, lands on

airfield, called Henderson Field after Midway hero

Maj Lofton Henderson. Patrol led by 1st Mar Div

Intelligence Officer embarks at Kukum to make contact with enemy in Matanikau area; upon landing,

night 12–13, is wiped out, except for 3 persons, by

enemy.

EGYPT—Lt Gen Sir Bernard L. Montgomery, who

is to head Br Eighth Army, arrives from U.K.

USSR—Prime Minister Churchill arrives in Moscow where, during a 4-day visit, he discusses the subject of a second front in Europe with Marshal Joseph Stalin. On central front, local Soviet attacks

against Rzhev reach their climax without achieving

a decisive victory. Elements of German Army Group

A, driving toward the Kuban in region E of Sea of

Azov, reach Slavyansk.

13 August

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy, with 3,000 construction troops embarked, reaches Basabua, a short

distance from Gona. Japanese attack Maroubra

Force at Deniki in strength, forcing it back beyond

Isurava, 5 miles from Deniki. After this victory,

which firmly secures Buna-Kokoda track, enemy

pauses to consolidate.
[ 50 ]

JAPAN—Imperial General Headquarters orders

17th Army at Rabaul to take responsibility for ground

operations on Guadalcanal.

MIDDLE EAST—Col Shingler becomes CO of Persian Gulf Service Command.

EGYPT—Gen Montgomery takes command of Br

Eighth Army.

USSR—Germans claim capture of Elista, in

Kalmyk district S of Stalingrad.

14 August

U.S.—Directive is sent to Gen Eisenhower as

CinC TORCH.

15 August

GUADALCANAL—Marine rations are cut. First destroyer-transports arrive with supplies and aviation

ground crews.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Alexander takes command

of MEF from Gen Auchinleck.

EGYPT—Gen Montgomery is rapidly reorganizing and strengthening Br Eighth Army, for which

10 Corps is to serve as reserve. Considering ‘Alam

el Halfa ridge, far in rear of El ‘Alamein Line, of

vital importance, 44th Div and 10th Armd Div

(—9th Brig) are ordered to this area from Delta region, where they have been training. 132d Brig of

44th Div is attached to NZ 2d Div.

USSR—Germans report capture of Georgievsk.

16 August

EGYPT—Enemy installations on Egyptian front

are bombed for first time by U.S. medium bombers

in support of Br Eighth Army.

17 August

GILBERT Is.—Lt Col Evans F. Carlson’s 2d Mar

Raider Bn, consisting of 221 marines, moves by 2

submarines to Makin and begins 2-day raid on

Butaritari I., during which scattered enemy forces

are engaged and radio station is destroyed. Enemy

planes attack the Raiders on both days. 30 marines

are lost in the action.

GUADALCANAL—Adm Ghormley shifts responsibility for establishing line of communications to

Guadalcanal from TF 63 to Adm Turner’s TF 62.

Henderson Field becomes operational. Japanese land

reinforcements near Taivu Pt and in Kokumbona

area, night 17–18.

USSR—German Army Group A establishes

bridgeheads across Kuban R.

FRANCE—U.S. Eighth Air Force conducts first

attack against Europe. Sq of B–24’s, escorted by RAF

Spitfires, bombs rail center at Rouen.

18 August

NEW GUINEA—Large Japanese detachment, embarked on 3 escorted transports, reaches Basabua

undetected and goes ashore. Gen Rowell assumes

command of New Guinea Force, replacing Gen

Morris.

CBI—Maj Gen Clayton L. Bissell is given command of U.S. Tenth Air Force.

19 August

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines, in limited offensive, clears coastal villages of Matanikau and

Kokumbona, then returns to Lunga Pt. Cos L and B

attack Matanikau from E and S. Co I, moving forward by sea, clears Kakumbona. While patrolling to

locate enemy radio station, Co A of 1st Marines

encounters and virtually wipes out party of 34 Japanese—recently landed Army forces—near Taivu Pt.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese reinforcements, about

1,500 in 4 transports screened by DD’s, leave Rabaul

for Guadalcanal.

NEW GUINEA—Leading elements of Aus 7th Div

(21st Brig) arrive at Port Moresby, from which they

start at once toward Isurava to bolster Maroubra

Force.

EGYPT—Gen Alexander directs Gen Montgomery to hold current positions at El ‘Alamein while

preparing for offensive.

FRANCE—Canadian (Cdn) and Br troops, 5,000

strong, raid Dieppe for 9 hours, damaging military

installations at great cost in casualties. 50 U.S.

Rangers accompanied the expedition; of these, 6

were wounded and 7 were reported missing. Many

German planes are destroyed by supporting Allied

fighters.

20 August

U.S.—Twelfth Air Force is activated at Bolling

Field, Washington, D.C.

NEW HEBRIDES—Advanced supply depots are established at Noumea and Espiritu Santo.

GUADALCANAL—First planes (advance echelon of

MAG 23, 1st Mar Air Wing) arrive for duty at

Henderson Field. The group consists of VMF 223

(19 F4F–4’s) and VMSB 232 (12 SBD–3’s). Supply

and evacuation between Guadalcanal and Espiritu

Santo is begun by MAG 25. 1st Mar Div units along

Ilu R exchange fire with enemy moving up from E,

beginning in evening.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese order amphibious assault on Milne Bay by about 1,500 men from

Kavieng, New Ireland, and from Buna.

USSR—German Army Group B makes slow

progress toward Stalingrad against stubborn resis-

[ 14–20 AUGUST 1942 ]
[ 51 ]

tance and gains foothold across the Don in Kletskaya

area. In the Caucasus, Soviet rear guards continue

strong delaying action.

21 August

GUADALCANAL—In predawn attack toward airfield, about 200 Japanese attempt to gain W bank

of Ilu R; the few who succeed are killed or driven

back by 2d Bn of 1st Marines. Japanese remaining E

of the Ilu are surrounded and destroyed in concerted

attacks by 2d and 1st Bns, 1st Marines. 1st Bn crosses

river upstream and attacks enemy from rear while

2d, with light tank platoon spearheading, attacks at

river mouth. Japanese sustain almost 800 casualties;

15 of the enemy are captured; 35 marines are killed

and 75 wounded. Lunga garrison, already strengthened by raiders and parachutists, is further increased

by 2d Bn of 5th Marines from Tulagi. Rations and

aviation supplies in limited quantities are landed.

SWPA—Operation Plan TULSA II-B is drawn up

as planning for offensive continues.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy reaches Basabua

and lands reinforcements, completing quota for overland drive on Port Moresby. Aus 18th Brig reaches

Milne Bay, where it joins Aus 7th Brig, CMF, which

reached there in July.

USSR—Elements of German Army Group A,

clearing E coast of Black Sea, overrun Krymskaya.

22 August

BRAZIL—Angered by the recent sinking of 5 of

her ships by enemy, Brazil declares war on Germany

and Italy. United Nations shipping is thus able to

make full use of the comparatively short S Atlantic

route via Ascension I.

ALEUTIAN Is.—After consideration of the relative merits of Tanaga and Adak as an advanced air

base from which to attack Kiska, Adak has been

chosen. Directive for its occupation on 30 August

is issued.

SOLOMON Is.—On Guadalcanal, first U.S. Army

planes, 5 P-400’s of 67th Fighter Sq, arrive for duty

at Henderson Field, flying there from New Hebrides.

Ships bringing supplies are thus afforded greater

protection, but shipments remain small. CO and

staff of 2d Marines arrive on Tulagi from New

Hebrides.

NEW GUINEA—Maj Gen Cyril A. Clowes takes

command of Milne Force, which by this time comprises 9,458 men (7,429 Australians, 1,365 Americans, 664 RAAF). The U.S. component consists

largely of engineers and AA personnel. Japanese Maj

Gen Tomitaro Horii leaves for the front to take personal charge of operations. His forces now total over

11,000 men.

23 August

USSR—German Army Group B presses in steadily

on Stalingrad, spearhead reaching the Volga; Army

Group A gains additional ground along E coast of

Black Sea and captures Elbrus.

24 August

BATTLE OF EASTERN SOLOMONS—American naval

TF’s, centering about CV’s Enterprise and Saratoga,

intercept Japanese fleet units (3 carriers, 8 BB’s, 4

CA’s, 2 CL’s .and 21 DD’s, plus the 4 transports

with reinforcements for Guadalcanal) well E of

Guadalcanal. Major air battle ensues (U.S. carrier

planes being assisted by a few land-based planes),

and Japanese sustain heavy losses before retiring

northward. Japanese carrier Ryuju, 1 CL, and 1 DD

are sunk, and other vessels are damaged. Japanese

lose 90 planes; Americans, 20 planes.

GUADALCANAL—Henderson Field is subjected to

almost daily air attacks and Lunga perimeter is bombarded from sea at frequent intervals. Marine fighters intercepting enemy aircraft over Henderson Field

shoot down 21 for loss of 3. 11 dive bombers from

the Enterprise land on the field and remain for 3

months.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Horii orders general offensive. Japanese amphibious forces leave for Milne Bay,

those from New Ireland in a transports and the force

from Buna in 7 large landing barges. Barges are detected by coastwatcher in afternoon.

25 August

BATTLE OF EASTERN SOLOMONS—U.S. carrier

forces are unable to locate enemy fleet units, but

U.S. Marine and Army land-based bombers attack

Japanese transport force continuing toward

Guadalcanal and cause it to delay landings and retire northward. Enemy transport and DD are sunk

and cruiser is damaged.

NEW GUINEA—Enemy amphibious force bound

for Milne Bay from Buna is stranded on Goodenough I., D’Entrecasteaux Is., when P–40’s from

Milne Bay destroy all 7 of their beached barges.

Aircraft from Australia and Milne Bay attack enemy

convoy proceeding from New Ireland toward Milne

Bay but are hampered by weather conditions and

fail to stop it. After shelling beaches, Japanese begin

landing, night 25–26, at 3 points E of Rabi, their

intended landing site, and push W at once. Elements of Aus 61st Militia Bn stationed at K. B.

Mission, E of Rabi and in path of Japanese advance,

engage enemy who retires at dawn of 26th to landing point. Other elements of 61st Bn are moving

[ 21–25 AUGUST 1942 ]
[ 52 ]

from Ahioma to head of Milne Bay at Gili Gili by

sea and lose to the enemy 1 of 2 ketches loaded with

troops.

MIDDLE EAST—Col Shingler is directed by Gen

Maxwell to take responsibility for construction,

maintenance, supply, and administration of installations in new PGSC area, which comprises Iraq,

Iran, and parts of Saudi Arabia bordering on Persian Gulf.

26 August

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines, 1st Mar Div, prepares for limited attack to eliminate resistance on

W flank of Lunga perimeter.

New Guinea—Planes from Milne Bay and Port

Moresby attack Japanese in Milne Bay, destroying

most of their supplies on shore and damaging large

transport. After nightfall, enemy convoy bringing

rest of 1,170-man force from New Ireland arrives

safely in Milne Bay. Japanese make another night

attack, 26–27, to W, forcing Aus militia back to

Gama R line; at dawn of 27th Japanese retire once

more to landing point. Meanwhile, Japanese forces

in Isurava area renew overland drive on Port

Moresby at dawn and force Australians (depleted

39th Bn, 30th Brig Hq, 2 cos of 53d Bn) back

steadily by overwhelming pressure. Japanese supply lines, which are becoming overextended, are

frequently attacked by air.

INDIA—Training center for Ch troops is activated

at Ramgarh, Bihar Prov, with Col Frederick McCabe

as commandant.

27 August

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn of 5th Marines lands

about 1,000 yards W of Kokumbona and starts E

along shore while Co I of 3d Bn pushes W from

Kukum by overland trail to intercept enemy withdrawal inland. 1st Bn is halted by enemy fire about

1,500 yards E of Kokumbona. 9 more P–400’s of

67th Fighter Sq arrive at Henderson Field.

NEW GUINEA—Fresh AIF troops (2/10th Bn of

18th Brig) advance unopposed to K. B. Mission during day. After nightfall, Japanese, with tanks, renew

attack and split defending force, which withdraws.

Japanese overland drive on Port Moresby continues,

with Australians falling back gradually. Reinforcements (21st Brig) are moving to forward area to assist Australians.

USSR—German Army Group B continues battle

for Stalingrad; Army Group A presses closer to oil

prize of Grozny, seizing Prokhladny and reaching

Terek R.

28 August

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn of 5th Marines, in flanking movement without enemy contact, returns with

Co I of 3d Bn to Kukum area.

NEW GUINEA—Milne Force withstands determined frontal assaults against No. 3 airstrip. Aus

7th Brig, reinf by Americans of 709th Airborne AA

Battery and of 43d Engrs, staunchly defends the

strip. Other Australians continue fighting withdrawal across Owen Stanley Range.

USSR—German Army Group A begins assault on

Novorossisk, on Black Sea.

29 August

NEW GUINEA—Orders for Aus 18th Brig to clear

N shore of Milne Bay are revoked when another

enemy convoy is detected approaching that area. 775

Japanese reinforcements are unloaded from the convoy. Fighting continues along overland trail to Port

Moresby, but because of situation at Milne Bay and

in the Solomons, South Seas Detachment is ordered

to halt upon reaching S foothills of Owen Stanley

Range. Aus 21st Brig relieves 39th Bn and elements

of 53d Bn.

30 August

ALEUTIAN Is.—U.S. occupation force lands on

Adak without opposition.

Guadalcanal—Japanese bombers attack shipping

off coast and sink Colhoun (APD). Rear echelon of

MAG 23 (12 dive bombers and 18 fighters) arrives

at Henderson Field.

NEW GUINEA—After quiet day, Japanese attack

at night in effort to secure No. 3 airstrip but are

repulsed and retreat at dawn of 31st, leaving many

dead. Enemy continues to gain ground in overland

drive on Port Moresby.

EGYPT—During night 30–31, Axis forces open

offensive against El ‘Alamein Line, making main

effort against 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, on S while

conducting a unsuccessful diversionary thrusts

against 30 Corps.

31 August

SOLOMONS Is.—USS Helm (DD) tows 3 harbor

patrol boats to Tulagi. USS Saratoga (CV) is damaged by enemy torpedo while patrolling W of Santa

Cruz Is. and is forced to retire to Tongatabu for

emergency repairs; on 12 September leaves there for

Pearl Harbor where she remains until November.

NEW GUINEA—Australians take the offensive in

Milne Bay area against demoralized enemy. 18th Brig

drives E to K. B. Mission. While tide has turned

against enemy in Milne Bay area, other forces

[ 26–31 AUGUST 1942 ]
[ 53 ]

continue across Owen Stanley Range toward Port

Moresby. Gen Horii is ordered to go on the defensive upon crossing the range.

INDIA—Gen Stilwell agrees to SOS proposal that

main base in India be established at Calcutta rather

than Karachi.

EGYPT—Axis forces, against strong opposition,

breach mine field on S flank of 13 Corps, Br Eighth

Army, and German armor then drives through and

attacks W toward W end of ‘Alam el Halfa ridge

until halted short of it with heavy losses. Air and

arty are employed against enemy with good effect.

Heavy attacks by U.S. and Br planes throughout

August have seriously affected Rommel’s supply position.

USSR—Although Soviet resistance along Terek

R has stiffened considerably, German Army Group A

secures foothold across it in Mozdok area.

[ 1–5 SEPTEMBER 1942 ]

1 September

JAPAN—Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo resigns

and Premier Hideki Tojo is asked to assume duties

of Foreign Ministry.

SOLOMON IS.—USS Betelgeuse lands 200 men of

6th Naval Construction Bn in Lunga area. Throughout September, Americans on Guadalcanal lack

adequate fighter strength, although carrier planes

that can be spared are employed at Henderson Field.

Trickle of supplies to the garrison increases only

slightly.

NEW GUINEA—Australians continue to make

progress in Milne Bay area and to fall back slowly

along trail over Owen Stanley Range. As diversion

for Milne Bay forces, Japanese from Salamaua attack

Aus Kanga Force guarding Bulolo Valley and seize

Mubo.

MAURITIUS, RODRIGUEZ, AND SEYCHELLES ISLANDS—Transferred from command of Br Army Hq,

India, to East Africa Command. These, with

Madagascar, are formed into “Islands Area” under

Maj Gen G. R. Smallwood.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army repels further enemy

attempts to reach W end of ‘Alam el Halfa ridge

and prepares for counterattack to close gap in mine

field on S flank. 30 Corps is thinned out to reinf 13

Corps; 10 Corps is ordered forward.

USSR—Army Group B continues to batter

defense ring about Stalingrad. Anapa, important

Black Sea port, falls to Army Group A.

2 September

SAMOA—7th Marines and part of 5th Defense

Bn embark for New Hebrides.

NEW GUINEA—Australians continue to clear N

coast of Milne Bay but are unable to stem Japanese

drive toward Port Moresby. About 1,000 Japanese

reinforcements from Rabaul land at Basabua, night

2–3.

EGYPT—Massing armor S of ‘Alam el Halfa ridge,

enemy halts to await frontal counterattack, but Br

armor remains in prepared positions.

USSR—Army Group A continues to press toward

Novorossisk and Grozny. Threat to Novorossisk increases as German and Rumanian forces from the

Crimea cross Kerch Strait and join other Axis forces

in the area.

3 September

SWPA—Gen Kenney, Commander Allied Air

Forces, makes Fifth Air Force, the U.S. component,

a separate command in order to achieve greater

efficiency. Fifth Air Force is given responsibility for

operations in NE area; RAAF is to defend the Australian continent, particularly the Darwin area.

EGYPT—Aircraft continue to harass enemy, who

begins to fall back, concentrating on supply transport, which Axis can ill afford to lose. During night

3–4, attack of 13 Corps to close gap in mine field is

begun by NZ 2d Div, reinf, and evokes furious

opposition.

USSR—Germans continue to push toward

Stalingrad, Grozny, and Novorossisk against stubborn resistance; are reported at W suburbs of

Stalingrad.

4 September

SOLOMON IS.—1st Raider Bn patrols Savo I., finding it free of enemy, and returns to Guadalcanal.

U.S. destroyer-transports Little and Gregory are sunk

by enemy warships in Sealark Channel, night 4–5.

NEW GUINEA—Continuing E along Milne Bay,

Australians reach Goroni. After nightfall, Japanese

place wounded on board ship for withdrawal.

EGYPT—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, is still

strongly opposed as it attempts to close gap in mine

field.

5 September

U.S.-U.K.—Final decision is made that TORCH

is to include landings at Algiers and Oran in Algeria

and at Casablanca, Morocco.

SWPA—U.S. 32d and 41st Divs are assigned to

Gen Eichelberger, CG U.S. I Corps.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese continue evacuation of

Milne Bay under cover of darkness. About 1,300 of

original force of some 1,900 are withdrawn by sea.

Australians, following withdrawal closely, capture

supply dump at Waga Waga.
[ 54 ]

EGYPT—Enemy opposition to 13 Corps, Br

Eighth Army, as it continues battle to close gap in

mine field is unabated.

6 September

NEW GUINEA—Aus 18th Brig continues to clear

enemy from Milne Bay against light, scattered resistance. In Owen Stanley Range 2/14th and 2/16th

Bns of 21st Brig, Aus 7th Div, fall back to Efogi Spur,

beyond The Gap, where 2/27th Bn of same brig is

already established.

EGYPT—13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues

offensive, making slow progress southward against

firm opposition.

USSR—Germans announce capture of

Novorossisk, leading port on E coast of Black Sea.

Fierce fighting continues around Stalingrad.

7 September

NEW GUINEA—Organized resistance in Milne Bay

sector ceases; stragglers are eventually mopped up

by Australians. Decisive defeat of Japanese removes

threat to Port Moresby from Milne Bay area, but

enemy drive along trail over Owen Stanley Range

toward Port Moresby is still unchecked.

EGYPT—Gen Montgomery halts battle of ‘Alam

el Halfa before original positions have been restored,

leaving enemy in possession of 4–5 mile stretch of

desert on S flank. Lull ensues in ground action during which Br Eighth Army prepares intensively for

offensive. Deceptive measures are taken on a comprehensive scale to conceal plans from enemy.

USSR—Soviet forces continue stubborn resistance to Army Group B in Stalingrad area and to Army

Group A in vicinity of Novorossisk.

8 September

GUADALCANAL—Prov bn composed of depleted

1st Raider and 1st Para Bns moves E from Lunga Pt

by sea to destroy enemy force at Tasimboko, near

Taivu Pt. Debarking E of Tasimboko, the bn moves

W, clashing with outposts of strong enemy force that

has landed recently near Taivu Pt. Japanese holding

force is driven from Tasimboko. Raiders sustain 8

casualties and kill 27 Japanese. Henderson-based

aircraft support raiders. Japanese in Taivu Pt area

constitute main body of new assault force, smaller

group of which is in vicinity of Kokumbona.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Horii, with 5 reinf bns in

assault, attacks 21st Brig of Aus 7th Div on Efogi

Spur, forcing 2/27th Bn off trail and encircling

2/14th and 2/16th Bns.

9 September

U.S.—Japanese plane, launched from submarine

off coast, drops incendiary bomb on mountain slope

near Brookings, Oregon, causing small forest fire.

This is sole bombing by plane of continental U.S.

during the war.

NEW GUINEA—25th Brig of Aus 7th Div is rushed

toward Owen Stanley Range front. 16th Brig of Aus

6th Div is ordered to Port Moresby.

MADAGASCAR—Br forces of East Africa Command renew offensive in order to insure safety of

certain military objectives and gain air and sea control of Mozambique Channel. 29th Independent Inf

Brig makes surprise landing, night 9–10, on W coast

in vicinity of Majunga and seizes Majunga virtually

unopposed. After being passed through by E African 22d Brig Gp, which starts toward Tananarive,

29th begins re-embarking for another landing. As

diversion for Majunga landing, small landings are

made on Nosy Be I., off NW coast, and at

Morondava, on W coast; forces on N part of island

move southward along W and E coasts.

GERMANY—RAF BC, during heavy attack on

Duesseldorf, night 10–11, drops first 2-ton incendiary

bomb.

11 September

ALEUTIAN IS.—Completion of runway on Adak

permits stepped up air offensive against Kiska, some

250 miles distant.

GUADALCANAL—From 29 August to date, about

6,000 Japanese have arrived, landing mostly at night

from DD’s and destroyer-transports.

NEW GUINEA—Gen MacArthur submits to Gen

Blarney a plan for accelerating operations. While

Australians, upon receiving reinforcements, are to

attack to drive enemy back along Port Moresby–

Kokoda trail, an RCT of U.S. 32d Div is to execute

wide flanking movement to E to get behind Japanese at Wairopi and thus hasten their expulsion from

New Guinea. Aus 2/14th and 2/16th Bns break

through enemy forces and fall back to Nauro; then

yield Nauro under pressure and take up positions

on ridge N of Ioribaiwa, where 2/1st Pioneer Bn

and 3d Bn of 14th Brig are established.

12 September

NEW HEBRIDES—7th Marines and elements of 5th

Defense Bn arrive at Espiritu Santo. Adm Turner,

after conferring with Gen Vandegrift on

Guadalcanal, recommends to Adm Ghormley that

7th Marines be used to strengthen Lunga defenses.

GUADALCANAL—Prov raider-parachute bn conducts reconnaissance in force along ridge, later

[ 6–12 SEPTEMBER 1942 ]
[ 55 ]

called Bloody or Edson’s, S of OPL and about 800

yards E of Lunga R, to close the route of approach

to Henderson Field; despite enemy fire, reaches

southernmost knoll. Fire fight continues throughout

night 12–13, and enemy succeeds in infiltrating.

U.K.—Gen Eisenhower officially announces assumption of command as CinC Allied Expeditionary Force for TORCH, and Allied Force Headquarters

(AFHQ) is activated in London.

13 September

GUADALCANAL—Adm Ghormley orders 7th

Marines to reinforce garrison. Air defense is

strengthened by arrival of 12 dive bombers and 6

TBF’s. Japanese launch air, naval, and ground attacks against Lunga perimeter in attempt to recapture airfield. Prov raider-parachute bn is unable to

advance on Bloody Ridge and digs in on central

knoll, about 250 yards N of previous bivouac area.

After nightfall, main enemy assault force of at least

2 bns drives northward to northernmost knoll where

Prov raider-parachute bn, with close arty support,

holds firm against further determined attacks. Other

Japanese, about 2 cos, attack 3d Bn of 1st Marines

on E flank along Ilu R, night 13–14, but are unable

to break through.

CHINA—Gen Stilwell presents to Chiang Kaishek a proposed plan of operations for China Air

Task Force, calling for defense of ferry route from

India to China as primary mission.

MADAGASCAR—Gen Platt, CG E African Command, establishes hq ashore at Majunga. E African

22d Brig continues toward Tananarive, hampered

chiefly by roadblocks.

LIBYA—During night 13–14, small raiding parties of Br MEF move against Tobruk and Benghazi

in effort to destroy enemy supplies and installations

at the ports. The Tobruk raid is made by land and

sea, overland party moving from Egypt. From

Kufra, motorized column moves overland more than

500 miles to Benghazi. The raids prove costly and

accomplish little.

N ATLANTIC—Large Allied convoy to USSR

suffers heavy losses during enemy air attacks.

14 September

ALEUTIAN IS.—Kiska undergoes its first major air

raid, by 12 heavy bombers with 28 fighters from

Adak.

NEW HEBRIDES—TF 65, organized to transport

7th Marines to Guadalcanal, leaves Espiritu Santo.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese break off attacks on

Bloody Ridge at dawn and withdraw under air

attack, leaving about 600 dead; Marine casualties

are 143. 2d Bn of 5th Marines starts relief of Prov

raider-parachute bn. On E flank along the Ilu, 3d

Bn of 1st Marines moves 6 light tanks against enemy,

but 3 are disabled; Japanese continue sporadic fire

in this sector. In afternoon, Japanese attack 3d Bn

of 5th Marines on ridge commanding coastal road

to W sector of perimeter but are driven off. 3d Bn

of 2d Marines arrives on Guadalcanal from Tulagi.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements (2/31st and

2/33d Bns) of 25th Brig, Aus 7th Div, reach

Ioribaiwa, where they take over defense of ridge from

Aus 21st Brig. Japanese, with 2 full regts in line, force

a further withdrawal, to Imita Ridge, the last before

Port Moresby, lying 32 miles from that objective.

This is the last withdrawal of Aus forces on this front.

LIBYA—To assist withdrawal of Benghazi raiding

party, diversionary raids are made on Gialo and

Barce.

15 September

S PACIFIC—Japanese submarines attack U.S.

warships on patrol S and E of the Solomons, sinking

CV Wasp and damaging BB North Carolina; latter is

forced to return to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines, 1st Mar Div, extends positions S of Henderson Field to include

Bloody Ridge. Enemy SE of Lunga perimeter continues to fire intermittently on 3d Bn of 1st Marines.

NEW GUINEA—First elements (Co E and attachments) of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, fly to Port

Moresby from Brisbane, Australia. This is the first

U.S. infantry force to arrive in New Guinea.

16 September

ALEUTIAN IS.—Enemy, during period 27 August–

16 September, transfers Attu garrison to Kiska.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese overland drive on Port

Moresby grinds to a halt at Ioribaiwa. Australians

are firmly entrenched on Imita Ridge, to S, where

they are preparing for counteroffensive.

CHINA—Gen Chennault presents to Gen Bissell

a plan for employment of CATF that calls for defense of India–China ferry route as primary mission;

suggests that CATF operate directly under Stilwell

and that it be detached from U.S. Tenth Air Force.

MADAGASCAR—French Governor General requests peace terms.

USSR—Army Group B penetrates NW suburbs

of Stalingrad.

17 September

NEW GUINEA—In preparation for wide flanking

movement to E, Allied rcn parties move E along S

coast from Port Moresby. Party of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d

Div, under Capt William F. Boice, leaves by lugger

[ 13–17 SEPTEMBER 1942 ]
[ 56 ]

for Kapa Kapa to reconnoiter inland from there to

Jaure. Another party, headed by SWPA Engineer

officer Brig Gen Hugh J. Casey’s deputy, Col Leif

J. Sverdrup, who is already charged with locating and

developing landing fields, moves towards Abau in

order to reconnoiter trail inland from there. Japanese at Ioribaiwa are in a precarious position. Although within sight of Port Moresby, troops are in

no condition to attack without reinforcements and

supplies, neither of which can be spared.

MADAGASCAR—French plenipotentiaries receive

and reject terms for cessation of hostilities.

18 September

GUADALCANAL—Improved Allied supply situation

permits restoration of full rations to garrison.

TF 65 arrives off Kukum and unloads rest of 1st Mar

Div—4,180 of 7th Marines, reinf—plus vehicles,

equipment, ammunition, and supplies. This is the

first ammunition to arrive in response to request of

22 August, 3 other vessels unload aviation gasoline.

TF 65 retires to Espiritu Santo with 1st Para Bn,

American wounded, and 8 Japanese prisoners.

Marines are patrolling aggressively from defense

perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese Imperial General

Headquarters orders current positions held as long

as possible and Buna-Gona beachhead held as primary defensive position. Gen Horii prepares to thin

lines gradually.

AUSTRALIA—Main body of 126th Inf (less arty),

U.S. 32d Div, embarks at Brisbane for New Guinea.

MADAGASCAR—29th Independent Inf Brig of Br

E African Command lands without opposition on

E coast at Tamatave and moves inland toward

Tananarive virtually unopposed. E African 22d Brig

continues toward Tananarive from W coast.

19 September

GUADALCANAL—Gen Vandegrift establishes continuous defense lines, divides Lunga area into 10

sectors.

20 September

NEW GUINEA—127th Inf of U.S. 32d Div is

ordered to Port Moresby.

INDIA—Base Section 2, SOS, at Calcutta, receives

its first troops from Karachi.

USSR—Stubborn street fighting is in progress

in Stalingrad. Town of Terek falls to German Army

Group A.

U.K.—Outline plan for TORCH is issued; D Day

is set for 8 November.

22 September

U.S.—Combined Chiefs of Staff approve plan

drawn up in Washington by SOS, “The Plan for

Operation of Certain Iranian Communication Facilities between Persian Gulf Ports and Tehran by

U.S. Army Forces.” The plan gives U.S. direct

responsibility for moving supplies through Persian

Corridor to USSR.

23 September

GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div begins limited operation to W of Lunga perimeter to eliminate

enemy within striking distance of Henderson Field:

1st Bn, 7th Marines, is directed to advance along N

slopes of Mt Austen, cross the Matanikau, and push

W to Kokumbona; 1st Raider Bn is to establish

patrol base at Kokumbona at point where inland

trails intersect coastal road.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Blarney arrives in Port

Moresby to take direct command of New Guinea

forces. Lt Gen Edmund F. Herring becomes Commander, Advance New Guinea Force, succeeding

Gen Rowell. 128th Inf of U.S. 32d Div reaches Port

Moresby by air and is assigned to garrison force

under operational control of Aus 6th Div.

MADAGASCAR—E African 22d Brig enters

Tananarive, which has been declared an open city.

USSR—German Army Group B continues to

make slow progress in Stalingrad against bitter

opposition. Army Group A assembles an assault force

for drive on Black Sea port of Tuapse.

24 September

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn of 7th Marines engages

in fire fight with enemy on NW slope of Mt Austen.

25 September

GUADALCANAL—2d Bn of 5th Marines joins 1st

Bn, 7th Marines, on NW slope of Mt. Austen to

continue attack against enemy in MatanikauKokumbona area. 2 COS of 1st Bn, 7th Marines,

return to Lunga perimeter. Patrol of 1st Bn, 1st

Marines, reconnoiters Koli Pt without incident.

NEW GUINEA—25th Brig, Aus 7th Div, opens

counteroffensive to drive enemy back along Port

Moresby–Kokoda trail, attacking strongly for

Ioribaiwa.

MADAGASCAR—E Africa 22d Brig establishes

contact with 29th Independent Brig, giving British

control of central part of island.

26 September

GUADALCANAL—2d Bn, 5th Marines, and elements of 1st Bn, 7th Marines, reach the upper Ma-

[ 18–26 SEPTEMBER 1942 ]
[ 57 ]

tanikau and push N along E bank, encountering

enemy fire from vicinity of Matanikau village. Arty

and aircraft are employed against the enemy position. 1st Raider Bn passes through 5th Regt sector

to join in attack.

MADAGASCAR—Gen Platt moves hq from

Majunga to Tananarive.

27 September

GUADALCANAL—1st Raider Bn attempts to attack

enemy strongpoint in Matanikau village area from

rear but is unable to cross river. 2d Bn of 5th

Marines attacks frontally at river mouth but cannot

force crossing. 1st Bn of 7th Marines lands near Pt

Cruz and takes ridge inland from beach but is prevented by fire from advancing farther; with naval

and air support, returns to shore and re-embarks for

Kukum. 2d Bn, 5th Marines, covers withdrawal of

1st Raider Bn and returns during night to Lunga

perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese abandon Ioribaiwa

Ridge under Aus pressure and are in full retreat.

28 September

NEW GUINEA—Main body of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d

Div, reaches Port Moresby and is assigned to New

Guinea Force to assist in advance on Wairopi.

29 September

SOLOMON IS.—Troop strength of Guadalcanal

garrison is now 19,261; 3,260 troops are on Tulagi.

6th Naval Construction Bn is constructing airstrip.

MADAGASCAR—Continuing S from Tananarive,

Br forces occupy Fianarantsoa. 2 cos of Pretoria Regt

and a few armd cars from Diego Suarez land on SW

coast at Tulear in order to secure the port, airfield,

and seaplane base site for patrolling Mozambique

Channel.

U.K.—U.S. fliers of 3 RAF Eagle Sqs are transferred to USAAF.

30 September

ALEUTIAN IS.—Enemy makes the first of a number of nuisance raids on Adak.

1 October

NEW GUINEA—GHQ issues plan for encirclement and reduction of Buna-Gona beachhead. Upon

securing Kumusi R line from Wairopi southeastward, Goodenough I, and N coast from Milne Bay

to Cape Nelson, concerted assault is to be made on

Buna-Gona area. Advance will be along 3 routes:

Kokoda Trail, where Australians are now pursuing

enemy; from S coast to Jaure along either Rigo or

Abau track, both of which are being reconnoitered;

NW along coast from Milne Bay.

MIDDLE EAST—Letter of Instructions is issued to

Brig Gen Donald H. Connolly, commander-designate of PGSC. CG USAFIME is to exercise administrative supervision over PGSC.

USSR—Bitter fighting continues within and

near Stalingrad throughout October, German Army

Group B making limited progress against determined resistance. Red Army efforts to relieve the

besieged city, which is under severe air and arty

bombardment, prove futile. Drives of German Army

Group A are virtually halted by Soviet resistance.

Red Army contains attacks toward Grozny oil fields.

In NW sector of this front, fierce battles occur in

Novorossisk-Tuapse area along Black Sea coast.

German offensive is steadily losing momentum because of fuel shortage, heavy losses in manpower,

difficult terrain, and firm opposition.

2 October

ELLICE IS.—5th Defense Bn force from Espiritu

Santo, New Hebrides, occupies Funafuti.

MADAGASCAR—Br forces take Antsirabe.

3 October

INDIA—India Air Task Force is activated in upper Assam under Brig Gen Caleb V. Haynes to protect the India end of the Hump ferry route.

USSR—On Caucasian front, Army Group A

captures Elkhotovo, within 7 miles of Darg Kokh.

Fierce fighting continues in Stalingrad area.

4 October

NEW GUINEA—Capt Boice’s rcn party (elements

of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div) reaches Jaure, completing rcn of Kapa Kapa-Jaure trail, which is found to

be difficult but practicable.

ENGLISH CHANNEL—Small Br party raids Sark I.

6 October

U.S.—Second Protocol for U.S. aid to USSR,

covering period to 1 July 1943, is signed in Washington. 3,300,000 tons are to be sent by N Soviet

ports and 1,100,000 by Persian Gulf route.

POA—Gen Harmon recommends to Adm

Ghormley that projected invasion of Ndeni, Santa

Cruz Is., scheduled to follow capture of Tulagi and

Guadalcanal airfield, be postponed and that Guadalcanal be reinf; that naval operations in the Solomons

be increased; and that adequate airdrome construc-

[ 27 SEPTEMBER–6 OCTOBER 1942 ]
[ 58 ]

tion personnel and equipment be sent to Guadalcanal. Adm Ghormley decides to proceed with plan

to occupy Ndeni as landing field site and agrees to

reinf Guadalcanal with an Army regt and to improve airdrome facilities. 164th Inf of Americal Div

is chosen to reinf Guadalcanal and 147th Inf (less 2

bns) to occupy Ndeni.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force completes movement of reinf Aus 18th Brig to Wanigela. Channel

from Milne Bay to Cape Nelson has now been

charted in order to permit shipment of supplies by

water.

EGYPT—Gen Montgomery issues instructions

for El ‘Alamein offensive in Western Desert.

USSR—Oil city of Malgobek, near Grozny, falls

to Army Group A.

7 October

GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div, with air and arty

support, opens offensive to extend perimeter westward beyond arty range of Henderson Field, moving

3 columns forward toward the Matanikau, line of

departure, from Kukum area. While 5th Marines

(less bn) moves along coast to conduct holding

action at Matanikau R mouth, 7th Marines (less

bn), followed by Whaling Group (3d Bn of 2d

Marines and div scout-sniper detachment under

Col William J. Whaling), advances SW with

mission of crossing river and enveloping Pt Cruz.

5th Marines column soon meets opposition and

drives enemy back almost to Matanikau R mouth.

The other 2 columns reach Hill 65, overlooking

Matanikau R, with little difficulty and halt for the

night. After nightfall, attack preparations are simulated at river mouth and 5th Marines is reinf by

co of 1st Raider Bn.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. 32d Div force (platoon of

Co E, 126th Inf; AT and Cannon Cos; native

carriers) under Capt Alfred Medendorp begins difficult march from Kalikodobu, 40 miles SE of Port

Moresby, toward Jaure. The force is dependent

upon airdrops for most of its supplies.

8 October

GUADALCANAL—Marine attack across Matanikau

R is postponed because of heavy rains, but 5th Marines and raiders reduce enemy bridgehead on E

bank in costly fighting. When Japanese plans for

counteroffensive are discovered, 1st Mar Div CG

changes plan of attack. Instead of driving toward

Kokumbona and the Poha, marines are to raid Pt

Cruz area in force and return to Lunga perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese withdrawal across Owen

Stanley Range toward Kokoda slows as preparations

are made for stand at Templeton’s Crossing, N

of Myola.

CBI—Gen Chennault delivers Wendell L.

Willkie a letter for President Roosevelt asking for

increased authority and air power in order to destroy Japanese Air Force in China, then attack Japanese Empire.

9 October

GUADALCANAL—Rear echelon of 2d Marines, 2d

Mar Div, arrives. 164th Inf of Americal Div sails

to Guadalcanal from Nouméa, New Caledonia.

Whaling Group and 7th Marines force cross the

Matanikau and, with arty assistance of 11th Marines,

drive N to coastal area; retire eastward across

Matanikau R mouth, covered by 5th Marines,

concluding 3-day action during which Japanese lose

nearly 700 men as against 65 marines killed and

125 wounded.

FRANCE—In heaviest daylight raid to date, about

100 U.S. heavy bombers with strong RAF and U.S.

fighter support attack industrial targets at Lille.

Many enemy planes are encountered and more than

100 are damaged or destroyed.

10 October

GUADALCANAL—In anticipation of enemy counteroffensive, marines strengthen defense positions

and patrol aggressively. 3 bns of 1st and 7th Marines

plus elements of Special Weapons Co take responsibility for E bank of the Matanikau, where permanent positions are established at river mouth. By

this time, 12 P–39’s of 67th Fighter Sq are at

Henderson Field. B–17’s are occasionally staging

through the field.

NEW GUINEA—Main body of 2d Bn, 126th Inf,

U.S. 32d Div, with supporting units, leaves

Kalikodobu on foot for Jaure.

11 October

BATTLE OF CAPE ESPERANCE—After Japanese

naval force moving toward Guadalcanal is spotted

by U.S. planes in afternoon, TF of 4 cruisers and 5

DD’s under Rear Adm Norman Scott, standing off

Rennell I. to protect convoy bringing elements of

Americal Div to Guadalcanal, moves toward Cape

Esperance to engage enemy and at 2346 opens fire.

During 34-minute battle, the TF sinks Furutaka

(CA) and Fubuki (DD) and damages Aoba and

Kinugasa (CA’s). Enemy retires northward, leaving

DD’s Natsugumo and Murakumo to rescue survivors.

U.S. losses are light: Duncan, Boise, Salt Lake City,

and Farenholt are damaged; of these, only the DD

Duncan sinks, on 12th.

[ 7–11 OCTOBER 1942 ]
[ 59 ]

MADAGASCAR—Gen Platt, CG E African Command, relinquishes command on island to Maj Gen

Smallwood, General Officer Commanding Islands

Area.

12 October

BATTLE OF CAPE ESPERANCE—Henderson-based

planes conclude action against retiring enemy naval

force, sinking DD’s Murakumo and Natsugumo.

SOLOMON IS.—4 boats of MTB Sq 3, the first

naval craft to be permanently based at Tulagi except

for harbor patrol boats, are towed in.

CBI—Gen Stilwell requests that a second 30

Chinese divs be equipped.

13 October

GUADALCANAL—Japanese aircraft, long-range arty

from Kokumbona area, and naval TF that includes

2 BB’s alternate in bombarding Henderson Field

during day and throughout night 13–14, severely

damaging field and sharply reducing U.S. air

strength. First ground force units of U.S. Army,

164th Inf of Americal Div, arrive on McCawley and

on Zeilin, which also bring 210 men of 1st Mar Air

Wing and 85 Marine casuals plus weapons and supplies. Unloading despite air attacks, the vessels embark 1st Raider Bn and sail for New Caledonia.

Troop strength of 1st Mar Div is thus brought up to

23,088, excluding forces on Tulagi. 1st Mar Div CG

divides Lunga perimeter into 5 regimental sectors,

massing greatest strength on W.

CHINA—Gen Stilwell presents to Chiang Kaishek President Roosevelt’s reply of 12 October to

the Generalissimo’s 3 demands.

14 October

GUADALCANAL—Further enemy bombardment of

Henderson Field puts it out of action temporarily,

forcing aircraft to use Fighter Strip No. 1, a rough

runway SE of Henderson. Strength of operational

aircraft is reduced during 13th and 14th from 90 to

42. Supply of aviation gasoline is critically low, but

SBD’s and P–39’s take to the air in effort to halt

enemy convoy of transports escorted by DD’s proceeding toward Guadalcanal. The planes fail to stop

the convoy but sink a transport and set another

vessel on fire.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force begins flying

coastal force (128th Inf of U.S. 32d Div and 2/6th

Aus Independent Co, under command of Brig Gen

Hanford MacNider) to Wanigela. Australians advancing along Kokoda Trail are meeting stubborn

opposition in vicinity of Templeton’s Crossing.

15 October

GUADALCANAL—Japanese 17th Army issues tactical orders for assault on Lunga Pt, setting date tentatively for 18th. 5 escorted enemy transports unload final elements of assault force (3,000–4,000

men) and most of cargo at Tassafaronga. Aircraft

from Guadalcanal and New Hebrides join in attacks

on enemy, sinking 2 vessels and damaging others.

Vitally needed gasoline arrives from Espiritu Santo

on Army and Marine transport planes and on seaplane tender MacFarland.

16 October

GUADALCANAL—Japanese begin march along

narrow trail from Kokumbona assembly area toward attack positions E of Lunga R. Japanese arty

shelling of Lunga perimeter increases in volume and

accuracy. U.S. patrol craft attack enemy coastal

positions from Kokumbona to Cape Esperance.

Operational aircraft number 66 after arrival of 20

F4F’s and 12 SBD’s. Seaplane tender MacFarland is

seriously damaged by enemy aircraft in Sealark

Channel but is salvaged by crew.

17 October

NEW GUINEA—Bitter fighting is in progress on

Kokoda Trail at Eora Creek, where Japanese commit reinforcements. Abel’s Field at Fasari, on upper

Musa R near Mt Sapia, becomes operational. Field

is named for Cecil Abel, a missionary who constructed it with assistance of native labor and equipment dropped by Fifth Air Force. First luggers

reach Wanigela and continue toward Pongani with

men and supplies.

U.K.—Convoys for TORCH begin assembling at

Firth of Clyde.

18 October

POA—Adm Halsey succeeds Adm Ghormley as

Commander, South Pacific Area.

NEW GUINEA—Air movement of most of 128th

Inf, U.S. 32d Div, to Wanigela is completed. Elements are left at Port Moresby temporarily when

Wanigela field becomes unserviceable because of

rains. Hard fighting continues on Kokoda Trail in

vicinity of Eora Creek.

19 October

U.S.—War Department agrees to equip 30 more

Chinese divs.

POA—U.S. 25th Div is alerted for movement

to Guadalcanal.

[ 12–19 OCTOBER 1942 ]
[ 60 ]

NEW GUINEA—Col Sverdrup’s rcn party completes march along Kapa Kapa trail, which is so

poor that it is rejected as a possible route of advance,

to upper Musa R, where Abel’s Field is already in

use; searches for additional airfield sites.

MADAGASCAR—Troops of Br E African Command

continue to clear S part of island and in 2 pronged

attack overcome opposition at Andriamanalina.

20 October

POA–Gen Vandegrift, reporting to Adm

Halsey aboard his flagship in Nouméa harbor, requests and is promised more support for Guadalcanal. Adm Halsey orders 147th Inf, which had been

earmarked for invasion of Ndeni, Santa Cruz Is.,

to Guadalcanal. The Ndeni operation is never

undertaken.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese attack is postponed to

22d, since main enveloping force has not yet reached

line of departure, but patrol of supporting coastal

force is taken under fire at mouth of Matanikau R

and retires after 1 of its 2 tanks is hit.

NEW GUINEA—16th Brig of Aus 6th Div enters

fight for Kokoda Trail, relieving 25th Brig of Aus

7th Div; continues action to clear Eora Creek area.

U.S. 32d Div party under Capt Medendorp, having

left elements at Laruni, where dropping ground is

staked out, arrives at Jaure, where Capt Boice’s party

is searching for airfield sites.

CBI—Ch troops begin moving by air into India

to meet Ramgarh requirements. Ch 22d and 38th

Divs are being brought up to strength.

IRAQ—Gen Connolly reaches Basra, where he

assumes command of PGSC, replacing Col Shingler,

who remains as acting chief of staff until relieved by

Col Stanley L. Scott on 20 November. Strength of

PGSC at this time is about 400 officers and men of

SOS and AAF and just under 1,000 American

civilians.

EGYPT—Allied air action is intensified in effort

to attain high degree of air superiority before Gen

Montgomery’s El ‘Alamein offensive opens. Air

superiority is achieved by assault date, 24 October.

21 October

U.S.—Adm King informs Adm Nimitz that Joint

Chiefs of Staff have agreed to strengthen air forces

in S Pacific by 1 January 1943.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese coastal force, with

support of arty and 9 tanks, attempts to cross to E

bank of the Matanikau but pulls back after losing

a tank to U.S. fire.

NEW GUINEA—From Jaure, 50-man patrol of

Cannon CO, U.S. Sad Div, sets out for Kumusi R

Valley, where it subsequently establishes defense

line and is joined by Medendorp’s main group, the

entire force being called Wairopi Patrol. Australians

maintain pressure on enemy along Kokoda Trail,

slowly gaining ground in flanking attacks.

22 October

GUADALCANAL—Japanese postpone attack on

Lunga perimeter until 23d, since main assault force

is still short of line of departure, but continue arty

fire against Marine positions along Matanikau.

NEW GUINEA—To secure NE coast of Papua,

2/12th Bn of Aus 18th Brig embarks in 2 DD’s at

Milne Bay and during night 22–23 lands at a points

on Goodenough I., from which submarines have

withdrawn 60 of the 353 Japanese stranded there

on 25 August.

INDIA—Combined planning staff conference

opens to consider offensive in Burma.

ALGERIA—In preparation for TORCH, Maj Gen

Mark W. Clark, deputy commander to Gen Eisenhower, and small U.S. party arrive in Algeria by

submarine under cover of darkness to meet secretly

with pro-Allied French party headed by Brig Gen

Charles E. Mast. During the meeting Gen Mast

assures Gen Clark and U.S. Consul General Robert

Murphy that French will co-operate under leadership of Gen Henri Giraud.

EGYPT—U.S. advanced base hq becomes Desert

Air Task Force Hq under command of Gen Brereton.

Br Eighth Army moves secretly into assault positions

during night 22–23.

U.K.—TORCH cargo convoy leaves for Africa.

23 October

U.S.—Forces from U.S. begin movement to N

Africa in preparation for TORCH. First detachment

of Western Naval Task Force, under Rear Adm

Henry K. Hewitt, sails from Hampton Roads,

Virginia.

GUADALCANAL—After quiet day, Japanese arty

opens up at 1800 with heaviest fire to date, after

which assault force (tank co and inf regt) makes

determined but futile efforts to cross Matanikau R

mouth and overrun 3d Bn of 1st Marines. Japanese

sustain heavy losses: 600 are estimated killed and at

least 8 tanks are knocked out. 1st Marines casualties

are 25 killed and 14 wounded. Main enemy enveloping force, which was to have attacked simultaneously with coastal force, is not yet in position and

postpones for another day its attack on S perimeter.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army opens El ‘Alamein offensive at 2140. More than 1,000 guns pound enemy

batteries until 2200, then switch to enemy forward

positions as Br troops move forward, 30 Corps on N

making main effort and 13 Corps conducting diver-

[ 20–23 OCTOBER 1942 ]
[ 61 ]

sionary actions on S. Heavy fighting continues

throughout night.

24 October

U.S.—Final detachment of Western Naval Task

Force sails from Hampton Roads for N Africa.

Covering group of warships sails from Casco Bay,

Maine.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese column is observed E

of the Matanikau on foothills of Mt Austen in afternoon and bombarded by arty and aircraft with unobserved results. Shortly after midnight 24–25, regt

of main Japanese assault force attacks S flank of

Lunga perimeter, where 1st Bn of 7th Marines is

thinly spread along 2,800-yard front, 2d Bn having

been withdrawn to plug gap between Lunga perimeter and forward positions along the Matanikau.

Marines, assisted by fire of adjacent troops—2d Bn

of 164th Inf—and reinf during night by 3d Bn of

164th Inf, hold against repeated attacks, and enemy

retires morning of 25th.

NEW HEBRIDES—2 U.S. naval carrier forces,

based on Enterprise and Hornet, rendezvous NE of

New Hebrides and come under command of Rear

Adm Thomas C. Kinkaid.

NE W GUINEA—Organized resistance on

Goodenough I. ceases; 250 Japanese are withdrawn

to Rabaul by DD after nightfall. After exhausting overland journey, head of 2d Bn, 126th Inf, U.S. 32d

Div, reaches Jaure. From there the force is to move

to Buna area via Natunga and Bofu, AT and Cannon Cos protecting its rear and harassing enemy in

Wairopi area.

EGYPT—30 Corps, with 4 divs in assault, secures

2 corridors through enemy mine fields on N flank

of Br Eighth Army, Aus 9th and Br 51st Divs gaining one on N and NZ 2d and S African 1st Divs one

on S. 10 Corps armor then begins passing through:

1st Armd Div, debouching through N corridor,

breaks through mine field during night 24–25, but

10th Armd Div, using S corridor, is unable to reach

W edge of mine field. On Eighth Army S flank, 13

Corps’ 7th Armd and 44th Divs succeed in breaking

through mine fields N of Himeimat, night 24–25,

and establish small bridgehead; to S, FF 1st Brig

pushes W but is driven back.

ITALY—RAF Lancasters, after flight of some

1,400 miles from Britain, attack Milan in force. This

is the first daylight attack on Italy by Br planes from

home bases.

25 October

BERMUDA—Air group for TORCH (carriers) sails

for N Africa.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese arty and aircraft are

very active during day but ground attacks are withheld until night 25–26, when 2 enemy regts attack

1st Bn of 7th Marines and 3d Bn of 164th Inf on S

flank of Lunga perimeter and other enemy forces

attack 2d Bn of 7th Marines E of Hill 67 and

Matanikau R. Both attacks are repulsed and lull in

ground action follows.

EGYPT—As El ‘Alamein battle continues, Gen

Montgomery decides to make main effort on N flank

of 30 Corps and withhold attacks of 13 Corps in

order to preserve strength of 7th Armd Div. On N

flank of 30 Corps, Aus 9th Div drives N toward

coastal road to Rahman; 1st Armd Div, attempting

to push W in Kidney Ridge area, is unable to advance. Series of determined enemy counterattacks

with strong tank support is repulsed. In 13 Corps

sector, 50th Div attempts to improve positions in

Munassib area with little success.

26 October

NEW HEBRIDES—172d Regt of U.S. 43d Div arrives at Espiritu Santo, but vessel bringing it, President Coolidge, is sunk off coast by U.S. mines.

BATTLE OF SANTA CRUZ IS.—Adm Kinkaid’s

naval force, upon learning of presence of Japanese

naval units near Santa Cruz Is., moves forward and

engages in naval air battle. 3 Japanese carriers and

2 DD’s are damaged and 100 planes are destroyed.

Cost is high, however, since carrier Hornet and DD

Porter are sunk; 4 vessels, one of them the carrier

Enterprise, are damaged; 20 planes are lost to enemy

and 54 from other causes. This is the last time during the Guadalcanal Campaign that Japanese use

carrier aircraft in close support.

GUADALCANAL—Operational aircraft on Henderson Field now total 29.

EGYPT—El ‘Alamein battle continues but with

decreasing momentum. 30 Corps, Br Eighth Army,

improves positions in vicinity of Miteiriya Ridge and

during night 26–27 succeeds in taking Kidney

Ridge. Gen Montgomery decides to regroup for next

phase, the breakout attack, and withdraws NZ 2d

Div into reserve. Allied planes continue effective

support of ground operations and disperse enemy

force concentrating for attack. Enemy air action,

which has been rather light thus far, increases.

USSR—Hard fighting continues in Stalingrad.

In the Caucasus, Nalchik falls to Army Group A.

U.K.—TORCH troop convoy leaves for Africa.

27 October

CBI—Generals Wavell and Stilwell agree that

Stilwell shall conduct offensive in Hukawng Valley

of N Burma and occupy area Myitkyina-Bhamo;

make contact with Ch forces from Yunnan. Americans are to be responsible for construction of Ledo

[ 24–27 OCTOBER 1942 ]
[ 62 ]

Road to Myitkyina; the road is eventually to link with

Burma Road.

EGYPT—Enemy counterattacks strongly against

Kidney Ridge, committing reinforcements that have

moved up from the S, and is repulsed with heavy

losses. Br Eighth Army continues regrouping for

breakout assault. 7th Armd Div, reinf by brig of

44th Div, brig of 50th Div, and Greek Brig, is transferred from 13 to 30 Corps. 1st Armd Div of 10

Corps is withdrawn into reserve.

28 October

NEW GUINEA—2d Bn of 126th Inf, U.S- 32d

Div, and portable hospital begin difficult march

from Jaure toward Natunga and Bofu, preceded by

Cos E and F, which are to secure dropping grounds.

EGYPT—After probing Br positions in Kidney

Ridge area, enemy begins forming for attack but is

forced by Allied aircraft to abandon it. During night

28–29, Aus 9th Div of 30 Corps, Br Eighth Army,

begins northward attack toward the sea in effort

to eliminate enemy’s coastal salient and secure

coastal road and RR. Narrow wedge is driven almost

to the road despite stubborn opposition from

Thompson’s Post, key point in enemy’s coastal

positions.

29 October

WESTERN HEMISPHERE—Alaska Military Highway

opens to traffic.

ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese reoccupy Attu.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese, having suffered heavy

casualties in recent battles, begin general withdrawal

about this time toward Koli Pt and Kokumbona.

1st Mar Div prepares for offensive to drive enemy

westward beyond Poha R. 2d Marines ( — 3d Bn)

is ordered to Guadalcanal from Tulagi to assist in

the offensive; 3d Bn, which has been operating as

mobile reserve in Lunga area, is to return to Tulagi

for garrison duty. Attack is to begin on 1 November

after outposts have been established W of the

Matanikau and bridges have been constructed across

the river.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese commit fresh forces

from beachhead to hold heights at Oivi in order to

cover withdrawal across Kumusi R.

EGYPT—Australians withstand determined

enemy attacks against their wedge in N sector of

30 Corps and Br Eighth Army front. Gen Montgomery, learning of the presence of strong German

reinforcements on N coast, alters breakout plan.

Instead of pushing W along coast, he decides to

shift axis of advance S in order to drive against

Italians.

30 October

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army renews assault on N

flank of 30 Corps during night 30–31. Aus 9th Div

drives N to the sea, then pushes E, trapping large

enemy force. Allied planes provide excellent tactical

support, attacking accurately in small area to neutralize Thompson’s Post. Most of the pocketed

enemy force subsequently succeeds in escaping when

tanks from W break through to assist.

31 October

GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div completes preparations for offensive. 5th Marines and 2d Marines

( — ) move into attack positions along the Matanikau. During night 31 October–1 November, Co E

of 5th Marines crosses the Matanikau and outposts

W bank, and 1st Engr Bn constructs 3 footbridges.

1 November

GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div, with arty, naval

gunfire, and air support, launches attack toward

Poha R. 5th Marines, followed by 2d Marines (less

3d Bn) in reserve, crosses footbridges over Matanikau

R and drives W about 1,000 yards in 2 columns

to positions short of Pt Cruz, 1st Bn, the right flank

column, meeting considerable delaying opposition

along coast. Whaling Group (3d Bn of 7th Marines

and scout-sniper detachment) crosses the river upstream and advances W on inland route to protect

left flank of 5th Marines. To forestall expected

enemy landings in Koli Pt area, E of Lunga

perimeter, 2d Bn of 7th Marines starts E toward

Metapona R.

USSR—Close combat between Soviet garrison

of Stalingrad (62d and 64th Armies) and German

6th and 4th Pz Armies of Army Group B continues,

but the garrison has proved itself capable of weathering maximum effort of enemy. In the Caucasus, Red

Army has frustrated every enemy effort to reach

Grozny and is containing attacks toward Tuapse,

but German Army Group A captures Alagir, blocking

Ossetian Highway, which extends from Alagir

to Kutais.

2 November

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines envelops enemy on

coast at Pt Cruz. 3d Bn joins 1st Bn in coastal battle

E of Pt Cruz while 2d Bn, on left, drives N to coast

W of Pt Cruz and turns E, trapping enemy. 2d

Marines ( — 3d Bn) moves forward on left of 5th

Marines to continue westward attack. Stores, ammunition, and 1 Army and 1 Marine Corps 155-mm

gun battery arrive at Lunga Pt. The 2 batteries are

the heaviest U.S. arty to reach the island and the first

[ 28 OCTOBER–2 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 63 ]

capable of countering enemy fire effectively. E of

Lunga perimeter, 2d Bn of 7th Marines crosses

Metapona R mouth and establishes itself near

Tetere village. During night 2–3, Japanese 17th

Army lands supplies and about 1,500 men E of

Koli Pt to supply and reinf Japanese already there;

orders an airfield constructed.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 25th Brig, which has reentered battle for Kokoda Trail, seizes Kokoda

and its airfield, greatly facilitating supply and reinforcement of Australians in this area. Piecemeal

movement by night of 128th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, less

elements still at Port Moresby, by lugger from

Wanigela to Pongani and Mendaropu is completed

by this time and supplies are being accumulated.

Gen MacArthur sets 15 November as tentative date

for attack to reduce Buna-Gona beachhead and

agrees to proposal by Gen Blarney that troops be

transferred by air to Pongani.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps opens

breakout assault, called SUPERCHARGE, at 0100. NZ

2d Div, in the lead, advances W under cover of arty

barrage and secures new corridor through enemy

mine fields. 9th Armd Brig passes through corridor

in mine field and establishes bridgehead across track

extending S from Rahman. At daybreak, the armd

brig meets furious opposition from enemy AT screen

and sustains over 75% casualties, but maintains the

bridgehead. 10 Corps armor begins debouching

through the bridgehead, and 1st Armd Div becomes

strongly engaged near Tel el Aqqaqir.

3 November

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines completes reduction of Japanese pocket at Pt Cruz. 2d Marines takes

the lead, 1st Bn and Whaling Group attacking W

of Pt Cruz. E of Lunga perimeter, 2d Bn of 7th

Marines encounters enemy moving W along coast

from Tetere and is forced to retire to W bank of

Nalimbiu R and await reinforcements. When information of enemy landing reaches div hq in afternoon, naval and air support is provided immediately; 1st Bn of 7th Marines is dispatched by landing

craft to Koli Pt.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees

conditionally to plans formulated during recent conference in India, promising 15 divs from Yunnan,

provided Allies furnish strong sea and air forces. Gen

Stilwell is to command Chinese Army in India (CAI)

during Burma operations. Chiang’s promise of the

Yunnan divs leads to accelerated planning for reorganization of Yunnan force, called Y-Force.

EGYPT—1st Armd Div of 10 Corps, Br Eighth

Army, is unable to penetrate enemy’s AT screen.

Since enemy is obviously withdrawing, Gen Montgomery orders attack to outflank the screen. During night 3–4, 51st Div and brig of Ind 4th Div

drive quickly to Rahman track S of Tel el Aqqaqir,

breaking through the screen in S sector and forcing

enemy to turn it. Allied aircraft fly over 400 sorties

against enemy retreating along coastal road.

4 November

GUADALCANAL—Lunga perimeter command is

reorganized and garrison is reinf. 2 sectors are established, the commander of each being responsible

to div hq. Brig Gen William H. Rupertus, Asst CG

of 1st Mar Div, is assigned sector E of Lunga R and

Brig Gen Edmund B. Sebree, Asst CG of Americal Div, the W sector. 8th Marines, reinf, of 2d Mar

Div debarks from naval TF in Lunga-Kukum area

and is attached to 1st Mar Div. 1st Mar Div halts

westward offensive short of Kokumbona because of

enemy threat E of perimeter. 2d Marines ( — 3d Bn),

reinf by 1st Bn of 164th Inf, after driving 2,000

yards W of Pt Cruz, breaks off attack and digs in

at Pt Cruz; 5th Marines and Whaling Group return

to positions E of the Matanikau. E of perimeter, Gen

Rupertus and Hq and 1st Bn, 7th Marines, arrive

in Koli Pt area to assist 2d Bn, 7th Marines. 164 Inf

( — 1st Bn) and Co B of 8th Marines march to W

bank of Nalimbiu in region S of 7th Marines and

elements start N along the river. Meanwhile, the

naval TF transporting 8th Marines lands forces at

Aola Bay to establish airfield. Aola Force (1st Bn

of 147th Inf; elements of 2d Raider Bn; 5th Defense

Bn detachment; Battery K of 246th FA Bn, Americal Div; and 500 naval construction troops) establishes beachhead a little E of Aola R without opposition. Work is begun at once on airfield, but site is

later found unsuitable. 2d Raider Bn is ordered to

Koli Pt.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 16th Brig begins attack on

Oivi and finds enemy prepared for firm stand. Col.

Sverdrup by this time has cleared sites for 3 more

airfields in general vicinity of Dyke Ackland Bay,

the most important of these at Pongam. Fifth Air

Force completes movement of rear elements of 128th

Inf, U.S. 32d Div, to Wanigela.

MADAGASCAR—Governor General again seeks

peace terms and accepts those rejected on 17 September.

MIDDLE EAST—Lt Gen Frank M. Andrews relieves Gen Maxwell as CG USAFIME. Gen Maxwell becomes CG SOS USAFIME.

EGYPT—Enemy, now in full retreat, is pursued

W by Br Eighth Army and harassed by aircraft.

10 Corps armor clashes with Axis rear guards S of

Ghazal.

[ 3–4 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 64 ]

5 November

GUADALCANAL— 164th Inf ( — 1st Bn) crosses

flooded Nalimbiu about 3,500 yards S of Koli Pt

and drives N along E bank in effort to outflank

enemy facing 7th Marines.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 16th Brig continues attack

on Oivi against determined resistance. Aus 25th Brig

moves against Gorari from Kokoda.

INDIA—Rcn of Ledo area, terminus of Ledo

Road to Myitkyina, Burma, and base from which

operations in N Burma, RAVENOUS, are to start, is

begun.

MADAGASCAR—Hostilities cease at 1400.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army regroups and continues

pursuit of enemy. 10 Corps, now consisting of 1st

and 7th Armd and NZ 2d Divs, pushes rapidly W,

overcoming rear guard resistance near Fuka. 30 Corps

takes up positions between El ‘Alamein and Matruh.

13 Corps is given task of mopping up battle zone.

NW AFRICA—As convoys from U.S. and U.K.,

with assault forces for TORCH, continue toward NW

Africa, Gen Eisenhower flies to Gibraltar and establishes AFHQ CP. U.S.-Br staff consists of: Adm

Sir Andrew B. Cunningham, naval CinC; Brig Gen

James H. Doolittle, U.S. air forces; Air Marshal Sir

William L. Welsh, Br air forces (Eastern Air Command); Lt Gen K. A. N. Anderson, Br ground forces.

6 November

GUADALCANAL—7th Marines establishes bridgehead on E bank of Nalimbiu. 164th Inf ( — ) continues toward Koli Pt, 3d Bn reaching it after nightfall.

Aola Force transports complete unloading operations and withdraw.

NEW GUINEA—Gen MacArthur arrives at Port

Moresby, where advance echelon of GHQ opens, to

direct operations.

EGYPT—10 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues

close pursuit of enemy, advance elements approaching Matruh bottleneck as heavy rains begin.

USSR—Fighting continues in Stalingrad area

but on a diminishing scale. In the Caucasus, Red

Army is strongly countering enemy efforts to reach

Ordzhonikidze.

7 November

GUADALCANAL— 164th Inf enveloping force completes northward movement along E bank of the

Nalimbiu to Koli Pt and joins 7th Marines. Combined force then moves E along coast without opposition to within a mile of Metapona R.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, with approval of Foreign

Minister T. V. Soong, sends for Gen Wheeler to survey Ch supply situation in preparation for projected

campaign in spring of 1943.

EGYPT—Br pursuit of enemy is delayed in Matruh

area as heavy rainfall immobilizes supporting vehicles. Enemy seizes opportunity to withdraw some

forces. By this time, 4 German and 8 Italian divs are

ineffective as fighting units. British have taken

30,000 prisoners, among them 9 generals.

NW AFRICA—Gen Giraud arrives at Gibraltar for

conference with Gen Eisenhower, having traveled

from France by submarine and plane. TORCH invasion armada from U.S. and U.K. closes in along N

African coast. U.S. transport Thomas Stone is torpedoed off SE Spain and disabled; troops aboard are

transferred to landing boats but do not reach Algiers

until after its surrender.

8 November

GUADALCANAL—7th Marines ( — ) and 2d Bn of

164th Inf, latter being attached to 7th Marines as

reserve, move E along coast to surround enemy now

disposed astride Gavaga Creek, W of Tetere. 1st and

2d Bns of 7th Marines take up positions on W and

E banks, respectively, of the creek. “Tokyo Express”

has been landing reinforcements along coast from

Kokumbona to Cape Esperance during the period

28 October to date.

NEW GUINEA—Final elements of TF Warren (1st

Bn of 128th Inf, U.S. 32d Div) are flown from Port

Moresby to Wanigela; from there are moved forward

by boat.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army, although still delayed

by rainfall, clears opposition in Mersa Matruh area.

NW AFRICA—Allied troops invade French NW

Africa, landing on Algerian and Moroccan coasts.

Warships and carrier planes provide close support.

ALGERIA—Eastern Naval Task Force lands Eastern

Assault Force (RCT 39, U.S. 9th Div; RCT 168, U.S.

34th Div; 11th and 36th Brigs, Br 78th Div; Br 1st

and 6th Cdo Bns), under command of Maj Gen

Charles W. Ryder, USA, E and W of Algiers, beginning at 0100; 11th Brig and RCT 168 go ashore W of

Algiers near Castiglione and Sidi Ferruch, and RCT

39 lands E of Algiers near Cap Matifou. As troops

move forward toward Algiers against little or no resistance, 2 Br DD’s, with 3d Bn of RCT 135, U.S. 34th

Div, embarked, make frontal attack on Algiers Harbor in effort to take it intact; one DD is forced to

withdraw; the other enters harbor and lands troops

about 0530, but is forced to retire under heavy fire,

leaving troops ashore. Eastern Assault Force takes

Blida and Maison Blanche airfields; pushes to edge

of Algiers, which capitulates at 1900.

Center Naval Task Force lands Center Assault

Force (U.S. II Corps assault force, consisting of 1st

Div, 1st Ranger Bn, and CCB of 1st Armd Div),

under Maj Gen Lloyd R. Fredendall, USA, E and

[ 5–8 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 65 ]

W of Oran, beginning at 0130, a half hour behind

schedule. Rangers and RCT’s 16 and 18 of 1st Div

land E of Oran in Arzew area; take Arzew, where

harbor is secured by U.S.-Br naval landing party without opposition; thrust SW toward Oran to St Cloud,

which enemy retains, and Fleurus; elements drive

SE along coast to La Macta. Passing through beachhead, TF Red of CCB seizes Tafaraoui airport, 15

miles S of Oran, enabling 31st Fighter Gp planes to

support operations from there. W of Oran, RCT 26

of 1st Div lands at Les Andalouses; takes Bou Sfer

and Aïn et Turk but is halted short of Oran. TF

Green of GCB, 1st Armd Div, debarks at Mersa Bou

Zedjar, 16 miles W of Les Andalouses, and heads

for La Senia airport, clearing Lourmel and reaching

Sebkra d’Oran. 2d Bn of 509th Para Inf (trained as

2d Bn, 503d Para Inf) is dropped to assist in capture

of La Senia and Tafaraoui airports, but drops are

scattered and paratroopers arrive too late to help.

Meanwhile, HMS Walney and Hartland, carrying

detachments of 3d Bn, 6th Armd Inf Regt, 1st Armd

Div, and Br naval landing party, are sunk by enemy

fire while attempting to take Oran Harbor intact.

MOROCCO—Western Naval Task Force, scheduled to land troops at 0400, is delayed at least an

hour in landing Casablanca assault forces; engages

French fleet at Casablanca. Northern Attack Group

TF (60th Inf of 9th Div and 1st Bn of 66th Armd

Regt, 2d Armd Div) under Maj Gen Lucian K.

Truscott, Jr., USA, lands on beaches N and S of

Sebou R at Mehdia; attempts to reach Port-Lyautey

and airfield 2 miles N but meets considerable opposition and cannot reach objective. TF of Center

Attack Group (3d Div and 1st Bn of 67th Armd

Regt, 2d Armd Div) under Maj Gen Jonathan W.

Anderson, USA, lands NE of Fedala, sustaining

serious loss of landing craft (242, 64 percent), and

takes D-Day objectives. Surprised Fedala garrison

surrenders and advance is continued toward

Casablanca. Southern Attack Group’s landing force

(47th Inf of 9th Div; 2d and 3d Bns of 67th Armd

Regt, 2d Armd Div; and special units) under Maj

Gen Ernest N. Harmon, USA, secures 5,000-yard

beachhead in Safi area and takes Safi. 2 U.S. DD’s,

with Cos K and L of 47th Inf, 9th Div, and naval

contingent aboard, enter Safi Harbor ahead of landings; after silencing batteries with gunfire, land

assault force, which takes harbor facilities without

opposition.

GERMANY—Hitler reaffirms his intention of

taking Stalingrad, despite very heavy losses in men

and equipment, lack of reserves, and overextended

supply lines.

FRANCE—Vichy France breaks off diplomatic

relations with U.S.

9 November

GUADALCANAL—7th Marines, committing 2d Bn

of 164th Inf to its S, completes encirclement of enemy along Gavaga Creek except for small gap on S

at creek line; repels spirited attempts of enemy to

break out. In preparation for renewing attack on

Kokumbona, 164th Inf units (Hq, AT Co, and 3d

Bn) and Co B of 8th Marines are withdrawn from

Koli Pt area to Lunga perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements of 2d Bn,

126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, arrive at Natunga. Airlift

of 126th Inf, less 2d Bn, from Port Moresby to forward area begins. Leading elements of 1st Bn, under Lt Col Edmund J. Carrier, are flown to Abel’s

field, since Pongani Field is temporarily unserviceable, and start toward Pongani on foot. Rest of 1st

Bn (Cos D and C, less 2 platoons), under Maj Richard D. Boerem, is flown to Pongani and starts march

toward Natunga.

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army resumes pursuit of enemy as weather improves. NZ 2d Div reduces opposition at Sidi Barrani and continues W.

TUNISIA—Germans invade Tunisia without opposition from French, initial elements landing on

El Aouïna airport, Tunis.

ALGERIA—Gen Giraud arrives on front. Gen

K. A. N. Anderson takes command of Br First Army

at Algiers and prepares to move light forces as rapidly as possible to Tunis and Bizerte in order to forestall enemy seizure of these important objectives.

Enemy sinks U.S. transport Leedstown off Algiers.

Flanking attack on Oran continues to meet resistance as it reaches outskirts of city, but La Senia airport is captured and Fr resistance at St Cloud is bypassed and contained.

MOROCCO—Western Task Force establishes hq

at Fedala, where Adm Hewitt, USN, transfers to Maj

Gen George S. Patton, Jr., USA, command of troops

ashore. French continue to resist strongly at approaches to Port-Lyautey and airport. 3d Div delays

advance on Casablanca to await unloading of heavy

equipment and arty. RCT 47, 9th Div, organizes Safi

beachhead.

10 November

GUADALCANAL—7th Marines ( — ) and 2d Bn

of 164th Inf continue reduction of pocket astride

Gavaga Creek; make unsuccessful attempt to close

gap in line. Westward offensive toward Kokumbona

is renewed under command of CO, 2d Marines.

1st Bn of 164th Inf and 2d Marines ( — 3d Bn)

attack W from Pt Cruz with 8th Marines protecting

left rear.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 16th Brig forces Japanese

from Oivi toward Kumusi R mouth.

[ 9–10 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 66 ]

EGYPT—Br Eighth Army clears Halfaya Pass.

ALGERIA—Adm François Darlan broadcasts from

Algiers order for Fr forces in N Africa to cease resistance. Troops of 1st Div and of CCB, 1st Armd Div,

converge on Oran; RCT 16 has leading elements

within the city by 0830; CCB columns enter Oran

from S before French CG surrenders at 1230.

MOROCCO—French resistance in Port-Lyautey

area ends. By noon, Twelfth Air Force fighters are

landing on airfield from USS Chenango. U.S. forces

from Fedala close in on Casablanca and prepare for

concerted assault at dawn on 11th. CCB, 2d Armd

Div, breaks off drive toward Marrakech from Safi

area and marches toward Mazagan in order to conserve strength for attack on Casablanca.

11 November

GUADALCANAL—Westward offensive toward

Kobumbona is halted because of strong indications

of an all-out enemy attempt to recover Lunga area.

After reaching positions a little beyond those gained

on 4 November, assault force begins withdrawal

across the Matanikau. E of Lunga perimeter, 2d Bn

of 164th Inf closes gap on S flank of U.S. line about

enemy along Gavaga Creek and drives N to beach

while 7th Marines closes in from E and W. Naval

force bringing reinforcements and supplies from

New Hebrides arrives and begins unloading; when

the 3 transports of the force are damaged by enemy

aircraft, the group retires to join naval forces approaching from New Caledonia.

NEW GUINEA—Hq of 126th Inf, 32d Div, is flown

to Pongani.

EGYPT–LIBYA—10 Corps, Br Eighth Army, drives

last of enemy from Egypt and enters Libya, taking

Bardia without opposition. 1st and 7th Armd Divs

continue pursuit of enemy in Libya. NZ 2d Div

pauses at frontier to reorganize.

NW AFRICA—In response to Adm Darlan’s order of 10th, all resistance of Fr forces in NW Africa

ceases by 0700.

MOROCCO—Western Task Force cancels attack

on Casablanca because of armistice; 3d Div enters

city at 0730. CCB of 2d Armd Div receives surrender of Mazagan and establishes bridgehead at

Azemmour without opposition. Enemy torpedoes

and sinks U.S. transport off coast.

ALGERIA—Br First Army lands elements of 36th

Brig, 78th Div, at Bougie, 110 miles E of Algiers,

without opposition. Hart Force—mobile TF based

on 11th Brig of 78th Div—moves out of Algiers toward Bône, traveling overland.

FRANCE—Axis troops march into unoccupied

France.

12 November

GUADALCANAL—Enemy pocket along Gavaga

Creek is completely eliminated. The action has cost

Japanese 450 killed, and the few who have eluded

the trap are being harassed, while retiring toward

Mt Austen, by Col Carlson’s 2d Raider Bn marching W from Aola Bay. Kokumbona assault force completes withdrawal across the Matanikau. Transports

and cargo ships from New Hebrides and New

Caledonia arrive off Lunga Pt and begin unloading;

withdraw at 1815 under DD escort after all troops,

totaling about 6,000 and including RCT 182 of

Americal Div, and part of the supplies are ashore,

because of news that heavy Japanese naval force,

including 2 BB’s, is moving S toward the island.

Warships remain to engage enemy.

NAVAL BATTLE OF GUADALCANAL—During night

12–13, Japanese warships are located by radar between Savo and Cape Esperance and naval battle

ensues during which 2 enemy DD’s are sunk and 4

damaged. Japanese retire northward without having

accomplished mission of neutralizing Henderson

Field before arrival of transport force. U.S. losses

are heavy: AA cruisers Atlanta and Juneau and DD’s

Barton, Cushing, Laffey, and Monssen are sunk; 5 other

vessels are seriously damaged.

NEW GUINEA—Gorari falls to Aus 25th Brig. Japanese succeed in withdrawing main forces across

flooded Kumusi R, night 12–13. 2d Bn of 126th Inf,

U.S. 32d Div, moves toward Gora and Bofu, Co E,

in the lead, reaching Bofu. 3d Bn of 126th, upon

reaching Pongani by air, starts toward Natunga.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, in memorandum to Foreign

Minister Soong, suggests that a commander be

chosen at once for Y-Force; that units to participate

in offensive be designated and reorganized; that

available 75-mm guns be sent to Yunnan; and that

incompetent commanders be removed.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. Ninth Air Force is established by order of Gen Andrews, CG USAFIME.

Gen Brereton activates Hq Sq, Ninth Air Force, and

IX Air Service Command. Hq and Hq Sq of 19th

Bombardment Wing arrive by sea.

MOROCCO—U.S. transports Hugh L Scott and

Edward Rutledge are lost off Morocco to enemy torpedoes.

ALGERIA—Br First Army takes Bône, 150 miles

E of Bougie, without opposition, but enemy planes

make damaging attacks later in day. 6th Cdos land

by sea and secure port. U.S. transport planes drop 2

cos of 3d Para Bn at Duzerville airdrome, 6 miles

SE of Bône. Paratroop Task Force (60th Troop Carrier Gp and 2d Bn of U.S. 509th Para Inf) is placed

under operational control of Br First Army at

Algiers.

[ 11–12 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 67 ]

13 November

SOLOMON IS.—Crippled Japanese BB Hiei is attacked by air near Savo throughout day and is subsequently scuttled.

GUADALCANAL—8 P–38’s of 339th Sq, 347th

Fighter Gp, arrive on fighter strip just E of

Henderson Field after flight from Milne Bay.

NEW GUINEA—Australians destroy enemy rear

guard at Kumusi R crossing.

LIBYA—Tobruk falls to 10 Corps, Br Eighth

Army.

ALGERIA—Gen Eisenhower flies to Algiers to

conclude agreement with Adm Darlan. Allied convoy arrives at Bône and unloads 17/21 Lancers Regimental Gp (later called Blade Force), 1st Para Brig

( — ), transport of 78th Div ( — ), and Advance Hq

of Br First Army. Main body of 36th Brig, 78th Div,

advances to Djidjelli, 40 miles E of Bougie.

14 November

GUADALCANAL—Japanese continue attempts to

neutralize Henderson Field with naval gunfire in

preparation for landing of reinforcements. Enemy

cruiser-DD force opens fire early in the morning,

but bombardment is cut short by PT boats. The enemy group, as well as large convoy loaded with some

10,000 troops, is later attacked by aircraft with excellent results. Planes of carrier TF under Adm

Kinkaid, based on USS Enterprise, the last carrier in

S Pacific, join land-based planes in attacking enemy

vessels. I enemy CA is sunk and 3 other warships

are damaged. Of 11 transports in the transport convoy, 7 are sunk, but the others continue to

Tassafaronga after nightfall to unload about 4,000

troops and a few tons of supplies. In another effort

to neutralize Henderson Field, Japanese move powerful warship force forward. Elements of Adm

Kinkaid’s naval force intercept enemy warships,

night 14–15, and in long-range gun battle sink a DD

and badly damage BB Kirishima, which is scuttled

by her crew. U.S. losses in this engagement are 3

DD’s sunk and 2 other warships damaged.

NEW GUINEA—New Guinea Force issues attack

plan for reduction of Buna-Gona beachhead.

Advance elements of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, are

consolidating positions at Natunga. TF Warren

(128th Inf of 32d Div and Aus 2/6th Independent

Co) is consolidating and patrolling in Oro BayEmbogu-Embi area. On Kokoda Trail, Aus 25th Brig

starts crossing improvised bridge at Wairopi, and

Fifth Air Force drops bridging equipment.

15 November

GUADALCANAL—The 4 surviving transports of

Japanese convoy are sighted at Tassafaronga and

attacked by arty, naval gunfire, and aircraft from

Henderson Field and the New Hebrides. All 4 are

destroyed and supplies on beach are fired. This decisive defeat almost isolates Japanese on

Guadalcanal.

LIBYA—10 Corps, Br Eighth Army, seizes

Martuba airfields.

ALGERIA-TUNISIA—Br First Army reaches Tunisia

at Tabarka, 80 miles W of Tunis. Tabarka is occupied by 36th Brig, 78th Div. 2d Bn of U.S. 509th

Para Regt lands in Algeria at Youk-les-Bains, near

Tébessa and 100 miles S of Bône.

16 November

NEW GUINEA—U.S. 32d and Aus 7th Divs move

forward to eliminate Buna-Gona beachhead, 32d

toward Buna and 7th toward Gona and Sanananda.

Japanese, expected to be few and dispirited, are prepared for a determined stand and have organized a

series of strong positions favored by terrain for defense. Col Yosuke Yokoyama commands all forces

W of Girua R (Gen Horii having been lost at sea

while withdrawing from Kokoda Trail battle) and

Capt Yoshitatsu Yasuda those E of river. In Aus 7th

Div sector on W, 25th Brig moves toward Gona and

16th toward Sanananda. To E, U.S. 32d Div’s 126th

Inf heads for Buna along axis Inonda–Horanda–

Dobodura, and Warren Force (based on 128th Inf)

moves along coast toward Cape Endaiadere. Although by evening Aus arty is employed to support

coastal advance, Warren Force suffers severe blow

when small craft bringing urgently needed supplies

are destroyed by enemy planes; among personnel

embarked on these is Maj Gen Edwin F. Harding,

CG U.S. 32d Div, who swims to shore.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese establish 8th Army

Area at Rabaul under command of Lt Gen Hitoshi

Imamura. This command comprises 2 armies:

17th, charged with operations in the Solomons, and

18th, to operate in New Guinea.

TUNISIA—Br First Army continues movement

into Tunisia. 1st Para Bn lands at Souk el Arba,

30 miles S of Tabarka. Several thousand Germans

form bridgehead in Bizerte-Tunis area. Fr 19th

Corps reports contact with German patrol on Bédja–

Djebel Abiod highway. Fr forces at Oued Zarga

and Mateur drive off enemy patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN—Allied aircraft from Martuba

protect Malta-bound convoy, which departs from

Port Said.

17 November

NEW GUINEA—Aus and U.S. forces continue

toward Japanese beachhead in Buna-Gona area. U.S.

32d Div’s TF Warren suffers another setback as

[ 13–17 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 68 ]

Japanese planes put 2 more supply luggers out of

action, leaving only I serviceable and necessitating

supply of vital items by air until more luggers become available. Wairopi Patrol reports to Aus 7th

Div at Wairopi. Japanese reinforcements arrive at

Basabua by DD in evening.

TUNISIA—CG Br First Army orders 78th Div to

concentrate for advance on Tunis. 36th Brig of 78th

Div makes contact with Germans W of Djebel

Abiod, 70 miles W of Tunis. To S, 2d Bn of U.S.

509th Para Regt occupies Gafsa airfield.

18 November

GUADALCANAL—Gen Sebree, CG of W Sector,

begins moving forces toward line of departure W of

the Matanikau (from Pt Cruz southward along ridge

containing Hills 80, 81 and 66) in preparation for

full-scale westward offensive. 2d Bn of 182d Inf, covered by 8th Marines, which remains E of the

Matanikau, crosses the river about 700 yards from

its mouth and takes Hill 66, southernmost point of

the line of departure.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 16th Brig drives to Popondetta, where airfield construction is begun, and continues toward Soputa without making contact with

the enemy. U.S. 32d Div’s 126th Inf is ordered to

establish contact with Australians. Because of supply problems, TF Warren remains in place.

TUNISIA—36th Brig of 78th Div, Br First

Army, repels German attack at Djebel Abiod, but

Hart Force (11th Brig), spearheading drive, becomes

isolated in region E of Djebel Abiod. Germans attack Fr forces of 19th Corps at Medjez el Bab, 35

miles SW of Tunis and 30 miles S of Mateur.

19 November

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn, 182d Inf, crosses

Matanikau and moves W along shore with Co B,

8th Marines, covering left flank; digs in just E of Pt

Cruz. Gap of over 1,000 yards separates 1st and 2d

Bns of 182d Inf W of the Matanikau. During night

19–20, Japanese move forward from Kokumbona

and open fire on 1st Bn.

NEW GUINEA—Forward elements of Aus 25th

Brig encounter enemy one mile S of Gona; Aus 16th

Brig makes contact with Japanese just outside

Soputa. After establishing contact with Australians

near Popondetta, 126th Inf of U.S. 32d Div heads

for Buna but, since Japanese appear to be concentrated W of Girua R, is directed to assist Maj Gen

George A. Vasey’s Aus 7th Div instead. Gen Harding

thus loses half his assault force; left flank of TF

Warren is left exposed. 1st and 3d Bns of 128th Inf,

Warren Force, attack in parallel columns, 1st Bn

from Boero and 3d Bn from Simemi. Both meet

accurate enemy fire from concealed positions and

suffer heavy casualties; maximum gain of 200 yards

is made on right along coast.

TUNISIA—Gen Louis Jacques Barré, Fr 19th

Corps, rejects German ultimatum to evacuate

Medjez el Bab, where German tank-infantry assaults

supported by arty and air are repulsed by French

aided by U.S. arty and Br troops.

USSR—Red Army opens winter offensive.

After 7 1/2-hour arty preparation, 6 corps of Don

Front attack from Serafimovich bridgehead across

the Don NW of Stalingrad and make deep penetration in Kletskaya area. This is the beginning of a

pincers movement to isolate Axis forces attacking

Stalingrad. Offensive is well timed and indirectly

aided by Allied offensive in NW Africa.

20 November

GUADALCANAL—Japanese attack left flank of 1st

Bn, 182d Inf, early in day and force it back, but 1st

Bn recovers lost ground with assistance of air and

arty and drives forward until stopped by enemy fire

just W of Pt Cruz. Enemy retains Pt Cruz itself. 164th

Inf moves forward during night 20–21 to bridge gap

between assault bns of 182d Inf.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements of Aus 25th

Brig enter Gona but are driven out after nightfall.

126th Inf of U.S. 32d Div, upon reaching Popondetta, is sent on to Soputa to assist Aus 16th Brig.

Aus 16th Brig clears enemy rear guard from Soputa

and continues along Sanananda track to its junction with main trail to Cape Killerton but is halted

at enemy’s forward defense line. TF Warren continues to meet heavy fire, which pins down 3d Bn of

128th Inf on left; 1st Bn is halted after 100-yard

advance in coastal area. Col Carrier’s detachment

(elements of 1st Bn, 126th Inf) and Aus 2/6th Independent Co arrive at front and prepare to join in

attack along coast.

LIBYA—Benghazi falls to 10 Corps, Br Eighth

Army.

TUNISIA—Fr 19th Corps units, together with

British and attached U.S. forces, withdraw from

Medjez el Bab to Oued Zarga, 10 miles W, where

forward elements of Blade Force, Br First Army, are

located. Main body of Blade Force is concentrated

in Souk el Arba area. Br 1st Para Bn is holding Bédja.

USSR—Continuing offensive, 3 Soviet corps of

Stalingrad Front penetrate German positions S of

Stalingrad.

21 November

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn, 182d Inf, clears enemy

from Pt Cruz but is unable to advance any farther.

To S, 164th Inf attacks from Hills 80–81 ridge line

[ 18–21 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 69 ]

but is halted after negligible gains by Japanese, whose

defenses are skilfully organized in depth and mutually supporting.

NEW GUINEA—126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, upon

reaching Soputa, is attached to Aus 76th Brig, which

continues costly and fruitless efforts to advance toward Sanananda. 2d Bn of 128th Inf, U.S. 32d Div,

begins drive on Buna Mission, moving from Ango

along Dobodura–Buna track; upon reaching trail

junction, called the Triangle, where trails to Buna

Mission and Buna Village converge, is halted by wellorganized bunker positions that are made more

formidable by swampy terrain on both sides of the

Triangle. Since no further progress can be made with

forces present, 2d Bn of 126th Inf is ordered to cross

Girua R and assist. Attack of Warren Force is

delayed by series of mishaps, but gets under way by

1630 after air and arty preparation, which is of little

benefit. Casualties are again heavy and gains negligible. 3d Bn, 128th Inf, attempting to take bridge

between airstrips, is pinned down by enemy fire. Aus

2/6th Independent Co tries to secure E end of New

Strip by infiltration and knocks out a few MG positions in the area. Along coast, 1st Bn of 128th Inf

and Col Carrier’s detachment of 1st Bn, 126th,

attack abreast, gaining a few yards and destroying

some MG nests. Situation improves somewhat as

additional guns are brought forward and airstrip at

Dobodura becomes operational.

LIBYA—B–24’s of IX Bomber Command, staging

out of Gambut, make successful attack on Tripoli

harbor.

TUNISIA—Elements of Hart Force succeed in

rejoining 36th Brig of 78th Div, Br First Army.

Enemy withdraws to E bank of river at Medjez, but

78th Div is too weak to follow up and is ordered to

await reinforcements. 2d Bn of U.S. 509th Para Inf

withdraws from Gafsa to Fériana, 40 miles N.

22 November

GUADALCANAL—182d and 764th Regts again meet

strong resistance while attempting to push W and

are unable to advance. 8th Marines prepares to attack through 764th Inf.

NEW GUINEA—While Aus 25th Brig continues

toward Gona, U.S. 126th Inf ( — ) attacks through

Aus 76th Brig toward Sanananda. Maj Boerem’s

detachment (elements of 1st Bn) moves along road

as 3d Bn advances on flanks along secondary trails.

After nightfall, fresh Japanese forces attack Co L,

flanking on right, to insure safety of food supply

dump in line of advance and are driven off. From

Soputa, 2d Bn of 126th Inf moves forward to assist

2d Bn of 128th, crossing to E bank of Girua R on

rafts during evening. On Warren Force front, 3d Bn

of 128th Inf secretly pulls back to positions just

behind 1st Bn, though Co I holds former position

astride trail just W of New Strip.

TUNISIA—36th Brig of 78th Div, Br First Army,

repels attack at Djebel Abiod. 11th Brig of 78th Div

completes concentration at Bédja. Fr and U.S. troops

reoccupy Gafsa.

USSR—Red Army forces of Don and Stalingrad

Fronts make junction at Kalach, encircling 6th Army

of German Army Group B at Stalingrad.

23 November

U.S.—Bill authorizing Women’s Reserve, U.S.

Coast Guard (SPARS) is signed by President

Roosevelt.

GUADALCANAL—After 30-minute arty preparation, 8th Marines passes through 764th Inf to continue attack westward but is unable to advance. Since

the offensive has proved too costly to be continued

for the time being, attack is halted along Hills 66–

80–81–Pt Cruz line to await reinforcements. By this

time, 84 U.S. (Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) and

New Zealand planes are operating from Guadalcanal.

NEW GUINEA—Main body of Aus 25th Brig arrives at front and begins assault on Gona against

determined resistance. 3d Bn of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d

Div, continues toward Sanananda; Co L, on right is

pinned down by fire at edge of food dump. Airfield

at Popondetta becomes operational, and 4 guns are

flown in and emplaced just S of Soputa. 2d Bns of

126th and 128th Regts are combined to form Urbana Force under command of CO, 128th Inf. 2d

Bn of 128th Inf is slowed by extremely difficult terrain as it advances against the Triangle along main

track and swamps on either side of it. Warren Force

commander, Gen MacNider, is wounded while inspecting front and replaced by Col J. Tracy Hale, Jr.

After ineffective preparatory fire against enemy bunkers, 1st Bn of 128th Inf and Col Carrier’s detachment of 1st Bn, 126th Inf, attack along coast toward

Cape Endaiadere, gaining some 300 yards against

intense fire. Aus 2/16th Independent Co makes limited progress toward E end of New Strip.

LIBYA—Upon being outflanked by 7th Armd Div

of 10 Corps, Br Eighth Army, enemy withdraws from

Agedabia for El Agheila, where he hopes to make a

successful stand.

ALGERIA—AFHQ is moved from Gibraltar to

Algiers.

TUNISIA—Verbal agreement is reached that all

troops N of Le Kef–Zaghouan line are to be under

command of Br First Army and those S of it under

Fr command.

SENEGAL—Dakar falls to Allied forces without a

shot.

[ 22–23 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 70 ]

24 November

NEW GUINEA—Japanese continue to repel efforts

of Aus 25th Brig to take Gona. 3d Bn of 126th Inf,

U.S. 32d Div, pushes on toward Sanananda: 2 Aus

cos join Co L in battle for food dump on right; on

left, Cos I and K reach clearing W of Killerton trail,

some 1,200 yards N of original starting point, but

are driven back into swamp by enemy infiltrators.

Urbana Force launches co-ordinated assault on the

Triangle at 1428 after ineffective air and brief mortar preparation. While Co F of 126th Inf makes frontal assault in which Co H of 128th joins, Co E of

126th takes over left flank positions along Entrance

Creek and Cos E and G of 128th attack on right

flank. The attack, although carefully planned, is a

failure. Warren Force front along coast is quiet.

CBI—Gen Stilwell is informed by U.S. War

Department that little more aid, aside from existing

commitments, can be provided for N Burma

offensive.

LIBYA—Front is quiet generally as Gen Montgomery plans an assault on El Agheila bottleneck.

Br Eighth Army forces must be regrouped and

supplies and reinforcements amassed.

TUNISIA—Br First Army is ordered to advance

on Tunis, with Tebourba and Mateur as first objectives. Main body of CCB, U.S. 1st Armd Div,

begins move from Tafaraoui, Algeria, to Tunisia;

forward elements (1st Bn of 1st Armd Regt) arrive

at Bédja and are attached to Blade Force.

USSR—Soviet forces of Stalingrad Front are exploiting their breakthroughs; on central front, are

attacking in vicinity of Veliki Luki and Rzhev.

25 November

NEW GUINEA—Firm Japanese opposition on entire front has resulted in virtual stalemate. Arty fire

is exchanged and patrols are active in some sectors.

TUNISIA—Br First Army attacks toward Tunis. On

N, 36th Brig of 78th Div advances from Djebel

Abiod toward Mateur. In center, Blade Force penetrates enemy positions between Mateur and

Tebourba; attached elements of CCB, U.S. 1st Armd

Div, raid Djedeïda airfield, 5 miles E of Tebourba,

destroying 30 planes. 11th Brig of 78th Div recaptures Medjez el Bab.

26 November

NEW GUINEA—Stalemate continues on Gona

front. Further frontal and flanking attacks of 126th

Inf, U.S. 32d Div, toward Sanananda make limited

progress: 1st Bn ( — ) is pinned down on Soputa–

Sanananda track after 100-yard advance; on left, 3d

Bn ( — ) drives E to within 700 yards of Killerton

trail; on right, Co L and Australians finally overrun

the bitterly contested food dump. Urbana Force halts

frontal and right flank attacks on the Triangle and

prepares to make strong effort on left, since enemy

is disposed in less strength W of Entrance Creek

and terrain is more favorable. Warren Force, under

personal observation of Gen Harding, makes determined effort to advance after strong air and arty

preparation. Japanese retire into bunkers during

bombardment and emerge afterward to meet attack.

3d Bn of 128th Inf ( — ) and 1st Bn of 126th ( — )

advance abreast, latter on left followed by 1st Bn of

128th. Little is accomplished by the attack. Co I of

128th Inf and Aus 2/6th Independent Co, charged

respectively with securing W and E ends of New

Strip, are unable to advance. Japanese retain air superiority over Buna front and sink lugger bound for

Hariko with ammunition. 127th Inf, U.S. 32d Div,

reaches Port Moresby from Australia.

TUNISIA—Br First Army continues to advance.

Blade Force engages in its first armored battle on

plain S of Mateur

27 November

NEW GUINEA—Three-day lull begins as preparations are made for renewing attack. Col John W.

Mott, Gen Harding’s chief of staff, arrives on

Urbana front and takes command.

TUNISIA—Tebourba, 20 miles W of Tunis, falls

to 11th Brig of 78th Div, Br First Army. German

counterattack on the town, supported by tanks and

dive bombers, is thrown back. CCB, U.S. 1st Armd

Div, is detached from U.S. II Corps, which operated as Center Task Force at Oran, and attached to

Br First Army.

FRANCE—Fr fleet is scuttled in harbor of Toulon

by order of Adm Jean de Laborde to prevent it from

falling into German hands.

28 November

SOLOMON IS.—Enemy submarine torpedoes

Alchiba, off Guadalcanal, leaving only 4 undamaged

cargo ships in S Pacific Force.

NEW GUINEA—Capt Medendorp’s detachment

(Cannon and AT Cos of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div)

arrives on Sanananda front from Wairopi and takes

up positions just behind Cos I and K, W of Killerton

trail.

CHINA—Gen Wheeler reports to Gen Stilwell on

Chinese SOS.

FRENCH SOMALILAND—Nearly one third of

Vichy-controlled garrison of Djibouti crosses into

British Somaliland and declares its adherence to

the Allies.

[ 24–28 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
[ 71 ]

TUNISIA—Br First Army’s 11th Brig of 78th

Div and elements of CCB (2d Bn of 13th Armd

Regt), U.S. 1st Armd Div, reach outskirts of

Djedeïda, 15 miles W of Tunis. This is the point

nearest Tunis to be reached until final phase of

campaign. To S, Germans evacuate Pont-du-Fahs,

35 miles SE of Tunis. At Gafsa, elements of U.S.

1st Div (3d Bn of RCT 26) are attached to 2d Bn,

U.S. 509th Para Regt.

29 November

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn of 147th Inf, elements of

246th FA Bn, part of 9th (Mar) Defense Bn, and

additional Seabees are landed in Koli Pt area, where

an airfield, Carney, is to be constructed; Aola Bay

area has been rejected as unsuitable for an airfield

site.

NEW GUINEA—Allied bombers intercept enemy

force of 4 DD’s, proceeding without air cover, in

Vitiaz Strait and turn it back, thus preventing reinforcement of Gona with fresh troops from Rabaul.

Col Kiyomi Yazawa and part of enemy force that had

withdrawn along W bank of the Kumusi to positions

N of Gona reach Giruwa from there by barge. Lt

Gen Robert L. Eichelberger, engaged in training U.S.

41st Div at Rockhampton, Australia, is ordered to

New Guinea.

TUNISIA—Br First Army is stalled at Djedeïda by

firm opposition, although 11th Brig of 78th Div continues fighting there. Elements of Br 1st Para Brig

are dropped by U.S. transports at Depienne, 10 miles

NE of Pont-du-Fahs, to take Oudna airdrome and

threaten Tunis from S, but vigorous opposition prevents paratroopers from attaining their objective.

USSR—Red Army offensive, which continues to

gain ground in Stalingrad sector, is expanded to the

Caucasus, where attacks are begun against Terek

bridgehead.

30 November

BATTLE OF TASSAFARONGA (LUNGA PT)—U.S. naval TF takes up position at entrance to Savo Sound

to prevent enemy landings in Tassafaronga area;

makes contact and, opens fire on enemy naval force

during night 30 November–1 December, sinking DD

and damaging another vessel. Enemy retires without effecting landings. USS Northampton (CA) is

badly damaged and abandoned, and 3 other cruisers are damaged during the action.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Eichelberger, CG I Corps,

flies from Australia to Port Moresby. Aus 21st Brig,

having rested and reorganized after action in Owen

Stanley Range, takes over attack on Gona front, relieving Aus 25th Brig. In Sanananda sector, left flank

elements of 126th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, establish block

behind enemy on Soputa–Sanananda trail, but

frontal attacks along the trail in center and flanking attacks on right make little headway. Urbana

and Warren Forces each make concerted attacks but

gain little ground. Urbana Force fails in 3 attempts

to take Buna Village; elements protecting flank and

rear seize crossing over Siwori Creek and outpost

region between there and Buna Creek, but are unable to clear Coconut Grove or advance beyond the

Triangle. Warren Force, attacking toward Cape

Endaiadere on right and NE edge of New Strip on

left, encounters enemy’s MLR in Duropa Plantation and is unable to breach it. Bren carriers that

were to have spearheaded assault in this sector fail

to arrive.

TUNISIA—As 11th Brig, Br 78th Div, continues

losing battle at Djedeïda, Br First Army prepares for

attack on Tunis by Blade Force and CCB of U.S. 1st

Armd Div on 2 December. CCB is concentrated in

Medjez el Bab area and Blade Force in vicinity of

Chouïgui. By this time, Axis forces have about

15,500 fighting troops in Tunisia.

1 December

GUADALCANAL—8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, is

withdrawn from forward positions W of Matanikau

R, leaving Americal Div units to hold W sector.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Eichelberger flies to Dobodura and takes command of all troops in Buna area.

Aus 21st Brig, after turning back from Giruwa

3 barge loads of Japanese attempting to reinforce

Gona, attacks and captures Gona, forcing Japanese

back to Gona Mission for final stand. Elsewhere,

Japanese show no signs of weakening. Enemy exerts heavy pressure against roadblock (called

“Huggins” after Capt Meredith M. Huggins) on

Soputa–Sanananda trail and withstands frontal and

flanking attacks toward it. Urbana Force makes another futile attempt to reach Buna Village after arty

and mortar preparation with all available weapons.

Warren Force continues attacks toward Cape

Endaiadere on right and New Strip on left with

little success; 1st Bn of 126th gets elements to NE

edge of New Strip.

CBI—Airlift to China is removed from authority of Gen Stilwell and made part of Air Transport

Command (India-China Wing, ATC).

BURMA—Japanese, having rested and refitted,

start back into battle line Tengchung–Myitkyina–

Kamaing–Kalewa–Akyab.

TUNISIA—Enemy forestalls offensive, intended

for 2d, counterattacking strongly toward Tebourba

with tanks and infantry supported by aircraft. Blade

Force falls back with heavy tank losses. CCB, U.S.

1st Armd Div, is attached to Br 78th Div to help

[ 29 NOVEMBER–1 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 72 ]

hold Tebourba area and moves forward to vicinity

of Tebourba. Concentration of 78th Div, the first

full div of 5 Corps, Br First Army, on Tunisian front,

is now complete.

U.K.—Lt Gen Ira C. Eaker replaces Gen Spaatz

as head of U.S. Eighth Air Force. Gen Spaatz flies

to Algeria.

2 December

NEW GUINEA—Japanese try to reinforce bridgehead. 4 DD’s, with about 800 men embarked, reach

Basabua early in morning, but are forced by Allied

aircraft to move on and land troops near Kumusi R

mouth, about 12 miles N of Gona. Japanese maintain pressure on roadblock on Soputa–Sanananda

trail, which supply party reaches, and whittle down

its perimeter. Efforts to reach the block frontally and

from right flank are again unsuccessful. Urbana Force

attacks again toward Buna Village, in greater strength

and after increased preparatory fire, but is halted short

of objective. Since simultaneous attacks against Cape

Endaiadere and New Strip have proved unfeasible,

Warren Force concentrates on New Strip, leaving

holding force (Co B, 128th Inf) on coastal track, where

it fails to deceive enemy with feint toward Cape

Endaiadere. Warren Force attacks after air and ground

bombardment, which does little damage to enemy,

but results are negligible. Gen Eichelberger visits

Urbana front while his staff officers inspect Warren

front. Afterwards, Gen Eichelberger relieves Gen

Harding of command of U.S. 32d Div and designates

Brig Gen Albert W. Waldron as his successor.

TUNISIA—Br First Army withstands another attack on Tebourba. Br tank losses are now about 40

U.S. forces (2d Bn of U.S. 509th Para Regt with 3d

Bn of RCT 26, U.S. 1st Div) in conjunction with Fr

troops attack Faïd Pass, 65 miles NE of Gafsa.

3 December

NEW GEORGIA—Japanese are discovered to be

constructing airfield at Munda Pt, which becomes

target for almost daily air attacks.

GUADALCANAL—Movement of Aola Force, less 2d

Raider Bn, to Koli Pt, where airfield is to be constructed, is completed. Aola Force is joined by 18th

Naval Construction Bn and rest of 9th Defense Bn.

NEW GUINEA—Situation of 126th Inf roadblock

on Soputa–Sanananda trail remains precarious as

Japanese continue to attack it repeatedly from all

sides and to prevent forward movement of Allied

units attempting to reach it. On Urbana and Warren fronts, troops are being rested and regrouped

in preparation for all-out attack on 5 December.

Lt Col Melvin McCreary replaces Col Mott as commander of Urbana Force. Col. Clarence A. Martin

succeeds Col Hale as commander of Warren Force.

Gen Eichelberger requests that 126th Inf hq be

moved E of Girua R and is promised Aus troops

and tanks. Japanese are successfully supplied by air.

TUNISIA—Germans continue to attack Tebourba

and occupy it during night 3–4. 11th Brig, Br 78th

Div, whose positions are penetrated, withdraws with

heavy losses to region N of Medjez el Bab. CCB,

U.S. 1st Armd Div, engages enemy on El Guessa

heights, SW of Tebourba. To S, Fr and U.S. forces

capture Faïd Pass.

4 December

GUADALCANAL—Carlson’s raiders (2d Mar

Raider Bn) reach Lunga perimeter, having marched

W from Aola Bay. During the month-long journey,

more than 400 enemy dead have been counted for

loss of 17 raiders.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese maintain pressure

against block on Soputa–Sanananda trail, Col

McCreary is replaced by Col John E. Grose as commander of Urbana Force. Hq of 126th Inf moves

from Sanananda to Urbana front; U.S. troops of

this regt that are W of the Girua R remain under

operation control of Aus 16th Brig and pass to command of Maj Bernd G. Baetcke. Advance elements

of 127th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, reach Dobodura. Lines

on Urbana and Warren fronts are rearranged to

permit units operating under bns other than their

own to return to parent bns.

ITALY—20 B–24’s of IX BC, in first attack by

U.S. bombers on Italy, damage docks and shipping

at Naples.

5 December

U.S.—Selective Service System is placed under

War Manpower Commission by Presidential executive order.

S PACIFIC—AAF units in S Pacific are to be

designated Thirteenth Air Force, although this air

force has not yet been formally activated.

NEW GUINEA—In Gona area, Aus 21st Brig

maintains pressure on enemy; Aus 25th Brig withdraws for Port Moresby. Bn of 21st Brig, supported

by elements of Aus 39th Bn, 30th Brig, moves E

to keep enemy from Basabua anchorage while rest

of the 39th Bn advances W because of enemy landings at Kumusi R mouth. Roadblock on Soputa–

Sanananda trail remains under severe pressure, and

food and ammunition of garrison are dwindling

rapidly. Japanese turn back supply party attempting

to reach the block and again repel frontal and

flanking attacks toward it. After air and arty preparation, Urbana and Warren Forces launch all-out

attacks. Some Urbana Force elements drive to

[ 2–5 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 73 ]

within 50 yards of Buna Village; others break

through to the sea; still others invest W bank of

Entrance Creek except for Coconut Grove. Buna

Village is completely isolated. Warren Force attack,

although preceded by Bren carriers, is a total failure

except on left, where slight progress is made toward

bridge between strips. Warren Force suffers heavily

from enemy as well as intense heat. Brig Gen Clovis

E. Byers, I Corps chief of staff, replaces Gen

Waldron, who is wounded, as commander of 32d

Div.

TUNISIA—Combined Chiefs of Staff approve

Gen Eisenhower’s plan to attack on 9 December.

Br First Army is handicapped by lack of advanced

airfields, overextended supply lines, and lack of reserves. While preparations are being made for the

attack, Allied aircraft are conducting strikes against

ports to limit enemy’s build-up.

6 December

NEW GUINEA—Japanese frustrate effort to supply beleaguered roadblock on Soputa–Sanananda

trail with rations and ammunition. The garrison is

near the end of its resources. Urbana Force prepares

for another attack on Buna Village and places first

“time on target” fire of the campaign on Buna Mission. Since frontal attacks by Warren Force have been

futile and costly, it is decided to soften enemy

positions by attrition and infiltration while awaiting arrival of tanks.

TUNISIA—German attack penetrates positions of

CCB, U.S. 1st Armd Div, on El Guessa heights.

7 December

NEW GUINEA—Aus 30th Brig relieves Aus 16th

Brig on Sanananda front where troops are greatly

weakened by malaria as well as protracted fighting.

Cos C, D, and L of U.S. 126th Inf are relieved in

front line by Aus 49th and 55/53d Bns. Americans,

except for those garrisoning the roadblock and holding positions W of it, are ordered to rear of Aus

forces. Fresh Aus troops attack at once toward the

block but cannot reach it; further effort to supply

the block is also futile. Col Clarence M. Tomlinson

takes command of Urbana Force, relieving Col

Grose. After heavy air and arty preparation, Urbana

Force again attacks Buna Village and clears trench

at S edge. Elements on coast repel enemy attacks

from the village and mission. Warren Force patrols

intensively. Gen Eichelberger, who is in the process

of moving his hq from Henahambuti to Simemi

Village and of combining hqs of I Corps and 32d

Div into Hq Buna Force, selects Brig George F.

Wootten, CG Aus 18th Brig, who is at Milne Bay,

to command future operations of Warren Force.

8 December

U.S.—JCS present to President Roosevelt proposal for recapture of all Burma, Operation ANAKIM.

President agrees that Gen Stilwell must be provided

means for his part of the operation-N Burma, Operation RAVENOUS.

GUADALCANAL—RCT 132 ( — ) of Americal Div

arrives.

NEW GUINEA—Allied planes intercept convoy of

6 DD’s, with fighter cover, attempting to reinforce

beachhead and force it back to Rabaul. Japanese

sustain heavy casualties while trying unsuccessfully

to withdraw from Gona to Giruwa. Allied supply

party reaches roadblock on Soputa–Sanananda trail

against bitter opposition. Urbana Force, continuing

battle for Buna Village, concentrates on bunker position on S edge. Newly arrived flame thrower proves

so ineffective that the weapon is not used again during the campaign. Japanese fail in attempt to reinforce garrison of village with troops from mission.

On Warren front, preparations are made to move

guns closer to enemy bunkers as 2 more 25-pounders arrive by sea. Brig Wootten is ordered to Port

Moresby. Navy agrees to provide corvettes for movement of fresh troops to Warren front.

TUNISIA—Gen Eisenhower gives Gen K. A. N.

Anderson permission to withdraw Br First Army to

more favorable positions from which to prepare for

attack.

9 December

GUADALCANAL—Gen Patch, CG Americal Div,

relieves Gen Vandegrift, CG 1st Mar Div, of responsibility for Guadalcanal. 1st Mar Div is gradually

withdrawn during the month for rehabilitation.

NEW GUINEA—After preparatory bombardment from air and ground, Aus 21st Brig launches

final assault on Gona area and by 1630 overcomes

resistance in hand-to-hand combat. Hundreds of

Japanese dead are found. Leading bn (3d) of 127th

Inf, U.S. 32d Div, completes air movement to

Urbana front and prepares for final assault on

Buna Village.

10 December

NEW GUINEA—Japanese remaining on coast

NW of Gona, now greatly depleted in strength by air

attacks as well as pressure of Aus 39th Bn, are

ordered to establish defensive perimeter around

Napapo and await reinforcements. On Sanananda

front, Allied supply party reaches roadblock and finds

garrison in desperate need of relief. On Urbana front,

3d Bn of 127th Inf, U.S. 32d Div, begins relief of

2d Bn of 126th Inf, which by now is also greatly

[ 6–10 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 74 ]

understrength. Warren Force continues to bombard

and probe enemy line in effort to soften it. Aus 2/6th

Independent Co is detached and returns to Aus 7th

Div. Japanese are again supplied by air. Brig Wootten

reports to Gen Blarney for instructions.

TUNISIA—German tank-infantry columns attack

Medjez el Bab from NE and E and are repulsed.

Medjez garrison of 4 Fr bns has been reinf by 1st

Gds Brig ( — ). During night 10–11, 11th Brig of Br

78th Div and CCB of U.S. 1st Armd Div begin withdrawal to Bédja area to refit, CCB sustaining heavy

loss of equipment as it withdraws.

11 December

NEW GUINEA—On Urbana front, 3d Bn of 127th

Inf completes relief of 2d Bn, 126th, in line. Brig

Wootten inspects Warren front, where positions are

virtually static. The first of a number of freighters

to bring supplies and personnel to Oro Bay arrives

night 11–12 and unloads 4 light tanks of Aus 2/6th

Armd Regt and supplies.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. military personnel begin

arriving in Iraq and Iran.

LIBYA—Gen Montgomery issues orders for attack

on El Agheila on 14th. Air action is stepped up in

preparation for the offensive.

TUNISIA—Another German attack on Medjez el

Bab from N and E is repulsed. Br 6th Armd Div

begins arriving in forward area. CCB, U.S. 1st Armd

Div, is relieved in Bédja area by 11th Brig, Br 78th

Div, and is placed in 5 Corps reserve.

USSR—Red Army retains the initiative, making

progress in Stalingrad sector and in the Caucasus;

sharp thrusts are continued against enemy on central and northern fronts without materially changing situation. German 6th Army, isolated between

Don and Volga Rivers on Stalingrad front, is under

strong pressure. German Army Group A withdraws

MLR in vicinity of Terek R in the Caucasus.

12 December

GUADALCANAL—2d Mar Div begins relief of

Americal Div W of the Matanikau. Enemy party

raids Fighter Strip 2 under cover of darkness. 2d

Mar Div Signal Co and 18th Naval Construction Bn

arrive.

NEW GUINEA—From Oro Bay, tanks are moved

forward by sea to Hariko and hidden. Corvettes with

Aus forces embarked (18th Brig Hq, 2/9th Bn, and

CO of 2/10th Bn) arrive off Soena Plantation after

nightfall; withdraw to Porlock Harbor after a few

troops are unloaded because of news that Japanese

naval force is moving on Buna.

TUNISIA—Blade Force, Br First Army, is dissolved, component elements reverting to parent

units. Br 6th Armd Div is in contact with enemy E

and SE of Medjez el Bab.

USSR—Germans open counterattack toward

Stalingrad from Kotelnikov in effort to relieve

isolated 6th Army.

13 December

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn of 182d Inf and Co C of

2d Mar Engr Bn arrive.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy of 5 DD’s,

bringing some 800 men (among them Maj Gen

Kensaku Oda, Gen Horii’s successor as commander

of South Seas Detachment), is detected off Madang

while proceeding toward beachhead and unsuccessfully attacked by Allied planes. Further futile efforts are made to supply roadblock on Soputa–

Sanananda trail, which is now out of contact with

rest of front. Buna Village is subjected to heavy fire

in preparation for attack on 14th; after nightfall,

Japanese garrison, now reduced to about 100, evacuates the village and swims for Giruwa. Corvettes

return to Oro Bay under cover of darkness and finish unloading Aus troops.

LIBYA—Germans begin withdrawing from El

Agheila positions early in morning, leaving rear

guards and numerous mines to delay Br pursuit. 51st

Div, Br Eighth Army, penetrates E sector of defenses.

Western Desert Air Force harasses withdrawing enemy.

TUNISIA—5 Corps, Br First Army, is ordered to

be prepared to renew drive on Tunis. Lull ensues as

preparations are made for attack.

14 December

GUADALCANAL—Additional elements of Americal

Div arrive.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy reaches Mambare R mouth early in morning and unloads without

being detected. Allied planes subsequently deliver

damaging attacks on troops, supplies, and landing

craft. On Sanananda front, supply party succeeds

in breaking through to roadblock. W of the block,

Co K and Cannon Co are relieved by Australians

and move to rear. On Urbana front, Cos I and K

of 127th Inf move cautiously to Buna Village after

arty and mortar preparation and find it void of

Japanese. Recently landed Aus forces move to

Hariko from Oro Bay. Aircraft establish record for

Papuan campaign by bringing 178 tons of matérial

to Dobodura and Popondetta airfields.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army continues to pursue enemy, Br 7th Armd Div taking the lead in westward

push while NZ 2d Div advances rapidly SW into

desert in effort to get behind enemy.

[ 11–14 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 75 ]

15 December

NEW GUINEA—Aus 2/7th Cav Regt begins arriving at Soputa. On Urbana front, 2d Bn of 128th

Inf, employing small force of 80-odd men immediately available, attacks and encircles Coconut Grove,

last enemy position on W bank of Entrance Creek.

After nightfall, Dutch freighter unloads additional

tanks and cargo at Oro Bay. The tanks are moved

forward to Hariko and, with others already there,

are organized into X Sq of Aus 2/6th Armd Regt.

LIBYA—While 7th Armd Div, Br Eighth Army,

engages enemy rear guards from E, NZ 2d Div drives

rapidly to coast in Merduma area to block enemy’s

escape on W.

TUNISIA—Br First Army is slowly building up

strength. 6th Armd Div completes concentration in

Tunisia and is followed early in February 1943 by

46th Div. Tanks and selected personnel of 1st Bn,

1st Armd Regt, are sent back to Oran to rejoin 1st

Armd Regt, U.S. 1st Armd Div. U.S. Ninth Air Force

opens offensive against Tunisian ports with raid on

Sfax.

16 December

GUADALCANAL—Gen Patch orders 132d Inf,

Americal Div, to occupy Mt Austen, which dominates the island, as a preliminary to major offensive

to be undertaken in January. The Mt Austen sector

is to be controlled by Col John M. Arthur, USMC,

commander of W sector.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Eichelberger takes command

of U.S. 32d Div after Gen Byers is wounded while

observing operations on Urbana front. Hq of Advance New Guinea Force moves from Popondetta

to Dobodura. On Urbana front, 2d Bn of 128th Inf

renews attack on Coconut Grove and clears it by

noon; establishes bridgehead across Entrance Creek,

where engineers repair bridge, from which to attack

the Triangle. Platoon of Co F, 126th Inf, called

Schwartz patrol, is ordered to Tarakena, W of Siwori,

to protect left flank.

BURMA—In Arakan coastal sector, Eastern Army

of India Command, under Lt Gen N. M. S. Irwin,

opens limited-objective offensive for Akyab I., at end

of Mayu Peninsula, which at this time is lightly held

by enemy. Lacking resources for an amphibious assault, as planned originally, advance is made overland by Ind 14th Div, which consists at this time of

4 Ind brigs and is later strengthened by 4 more Ind

brigs and one Br brig. Ind 123d Brig, leading off,

finds Maungdaw free of enemy and occupies it.

LIBYA—Enemy, by breaking into small detachments, is able to withdraw from El Agheila positions

after hard fighting, but loses about 20 tanks and

some 500 captured.

USSR—Red Army opens strong offensive on

middle Don against Italian 8th Army, which is forced

to give ground. As a result, Germans are forced to

abandon efforts to relieve 6th Army on Stalingrad

front. In the Caucasus, Germans withdraw Terek

bridgehead.

17 December

GUADALCANAL—Mt Austen operations open with

rcn in force of NE slopes by elements of 3d Bn, 132d

Inf; no enemy are encountered. Advance elements

of 25th Div (RCT 35) arrive.

NEW GUINEA—On Urbana front, Cos G and E

of 128th Inf make fruitless and costly attack on the

Triangle, which they dub “Bloody Triangle.” In this

action, Co G loses 10 of its 27 effectives. Orders are

issued for capture of Musita I., between Buna Village and Mission, on 18th and the Triangle on 19th

to pave way for assault on main objective, Buna Mission. Brig Wootten takes command of Warren Force

and prepares for attack on 18th. Tanks of X Sq start

toward line of departure at 1800, the noise of their

motors covered by mortar fire.

BURMA—Continuing drive toward Akyab, Ind

14th Div seizes Buthidaung without opposition.

TUNISIA—Lull continues on Br First Army front.

2d Bn of U.S. 509th Para Regt and 3d Bn of RCT

26, U.S. 1st Div, raid Maknassy, 30 miles NE of

Tébessa.

18 December

U.S.—JCS authorize occupation of Amchitka,

less than 100 miles from Kiska, provided it is suitable for an advanced air base from which Kiska can

be attacked.

ALEUTIAN IS.—Rcn party surveys Amchitka and

reports that the operation is feasible.

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn, 132d Inf, advances up

NW slopes of Mt Austen to Hill 35, where enemy

fire is encountered.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 39th Bn, which has been

joined by elements of 2/14th Bn, has reduced enemy

strength at Napapo to about half and is being relieved for action on Sanananda front by Aus 2/16th

and 2/27th Bns. Australians, supported by fire of

Americans, begin concerted attack on Sanananda

front. 2/7th Cav Regt, having moved elements into

roadblock against firm opposition, attacks N along

Soputa–Sanananda trail, bypassing resistance just

ahead of the block. Aus 30th Brig attacks at track

junction, employing 2 bns in frontal assault and another in region E of track, but makes little headway.

Urbana Force attempts to clear Musita I. Elements of

Co L, 127th Inf, reach the island by means of cable,

but withdraw upon meeting heavy resistance. On

Warren front, concerted assault against Cape Endai-

[ 15–18 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 76 ]

adere and New Strip is spearheaded by tanks, which

prove invaluable in reducing concrete and steel fortifications. After preliminary air and ground bombardment, Aus 2/9th Bn begins attack on Cape

Endaiadere and soon breaks through main enemy

positions and reaches objective; then drives W along

coast until halted near Strip Pt by new line of bunkers. 3d Bn of U.S. 128th Inf mops up and establishes defensive perimeter in Duropa Plantation.

Americans and Australians attack New Strip from S

and E. While 1st Bn, 126th Inf, pushes toward bridge

between the strips, elements of Aus 2/9th Bn, reinforced during day by 1st Bn of 128th Inf, reduce

strongpoint at E end of New Strip and pursue enemy W along N edge of strip toward bridge. Australians sustain heavy casualties and lose 3 tanks in the

action, which is otherwise highly successful. Advance

elements of Aus 2/10th Bn arrive at front by sea

during night 18–19.

LIBYA—Continuing pursuit of enemy, NZ 2d Div

of Br Eighth Army clashes sharply with rear guards

at Nofilia. After the action, pursuit is largely abandoned for administrative reasons.

19 December

GUADALCANAL—After air and arty preparation,

3d Bn of 132d Inf attempts unsuccessfully to advance

from Hill 35; 3d Bn CO is killed by enemy fire. Reserve bn (1st, 132d Inf), less one co, advances to

positions E of 3d Bn.

NEW GUINEA—Continuing assault on Sanananda

front, Australians reduce several enemy positions just

beyond track junction in frontal drive; flanking elements reach positions near roadblock. Enemy attack

on the block is repulsed. Aus cavalrymen destroy

enemy force 300 yards N of the block and establish

new perimeter, which they call Kano Urbana Force,

after air and mortar preparation, attacks the Triangle, Cos E and G of 126th Inf driving S on it while

Co F blocks from below. Attack is soon halted by

cross fire, which causes heavy casualties. Bn commander is lost in this action. Troops on Warren front

regroup. Rest of Aus 2/10th Bn arrives at front after dark. U.S. troops to operate Oro Bay port and

engineers charged with construction of road from

Oro Bay to Dobodura airfields land at Oro Bay, night

19-20. Additional cargo is also brought ashore.

USSR—Soviet forces continue to gain ground

in broad offensive. Assault forces from middle Don

reach Kantemirovka, on Voronezh–Rostov RR N of

Millerovo.

20 December

GUADALCANAL—Enemy riflemen harass flanks

and rear of 132d Inf on NW slopes of Mt Austen.

1st Bn attempts unsuccessfully to locate enemy’s E

flank. U.S. engineers complete construction of jeep

road to Hill 35.

NEW GUINEA—Australians on Sanananda front

continue to reduce enemy positions beyond track junction; consolidate new Kano perimeter. On

Urbana front, 2d Bn of 126th Inf, except for Co F at

tip of Triangle, is withdrawn as reserve, and 127th Inf

takes over attack. After preparatory bombardment, Co

E attacks the Triangle under cover of smoke but is

unable to advance; another attack is also unsuccessful.

During this action, its first, Co E sustains 39 casualties. The decision is made to bypass the Triangle in the

future. Gen Eichelberger replaces Col Tomlinson with

Col Grose as commander of Urbana Force. On left

flank of Urbana Force, Schwartz patrol, having clashed

with enemy W of Siwori Village on 18th and 19th, is

reinf with 20 men from 2d Bn, 126th Inf. Warren

Force, attacking after heavy arty preparation, clears

most of region E of Simemi Creek. Enemy retains only

small finger of land at creek mouth. Efforts to cross

125-foot bridge W of New Strip are futile as are attempts by engineers to repair it.

21 December

U.S.—JCS direct Amchitka to be occupied as

near 5 January as possible.

GUADALCANAL—Ordered to cut Maruyama Trail,

Co C of 132d Inf pushes 1,000 yards S without making contact with enemy or finding trail.

NEW GUINEA—From Napapo, Gen Oda and his

staff arrive at Giruwa. On Sanananda front, Australians continue to batter enemy positions in front of

track junction. 49th Bn succeeds in entering the roadblock and protects supply line to it. Cavalrymen push

N from Kano position toward Sanananda. Urbana

Force, feinting toward the Triangle, draws enemy from

bunkers and kills many with arty fire. In preparation

for drive through Government Gardens to sea, Co K

of 12th Inf crosses Entrance Creek in rubber boats

under fire, night 21–22, to establish bridgehead above

the Triangle. On left flank, Schwartz patrol meets firm

resistance at Tarakena, about a mile W of Siwori, and

retires eastward; 30 more men of 2d Bn, 126th Inf,

reinf the patrol. Warren Force finishes clearing region E of Simemi Creek and begins to cross after patrol discovers suitable site some 1,300 yards below its

mouth. The crossing is undetected by enemy.

LIBYA—Light forces of Br Eighth Army, pursuing enemy westward, overtake rear guard at Sirte and

are halted.

22 December

NEW GUINEA—Gen Oda takes responsibility

for Japanese beachhead from Col Yokoyama and

[ 19–22 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 77 ]

personally directs operations on Sanananda front.

Aus reinforcements (21st Brig hq and 39th Bn of

30th Brig) reach Soputa from Gona; relieve U.S.

126th Inf forces of roadblock on Soputa–Sanananda

trail. Aus 21st Brig takes command of 49th Bn,

2/7th Cav, and U.S. forces from the roadblock.

30th Brig, which is responsible for clearing pockets

at track junction, retains command of 36th and

55/534 Bns and rest of U.S. forces on this front.

Firm opposition of seasoned Japanese troops limits

efforts to advance N along the track and to clear

track junction. On Urbana front, Co I of 127th Inf

follows Co K across Entrance Creek, strengthening

bridgehead. Other elements of 127th Inf begin to

clear Musita I. after engineers repair bridge to it.

On Warren front, Aus 2/10th Bn (— Co C) continues to cross Simemi Creek near Old Strip, while

2/9th plus Co C of 2/10th mops up E of the creek.

TUNISIA—5 Corps, Br First Army, renews drive

on Tunis, night 22–23. 2d Coldstream Gds of 1st

Gds Brig attacks Djebel el Ahmera (later known as

Longstop Hill), 6 miles NE of Medjez el Bab, and

partially occupies it.

USSR—In the Caucasus, Soviet forces begin

strong attacks SE of Nalchik as enemy starts withdrawal of spearhead in the area. Red Army offensive

continues to gain ground on Stalingrad front and in

middle Don sector. Sharp Soviet thrusts toward

Velikie Luki, on central front, are gaining ground.

23 December

NEW GUINEA—Virtual stalemate exists on

Sanananda front, where Japanese are stubbornly

defending their well-organized positions. On Urbana

front, 127th Inf completes capture of Musita I. and

begins firing on Buna Mission at close range; prepares to drive E across Government Gardens to sea.

Warren Force continues movement across creek,

where engineers repair bridge under fire, and takes

up positions for concerted assault on Old Strip. Aus

2/9th Bn and 3d Bn of U.S. 128th Inf hold their

positions along coast and finish mopping up region

E of the creek. During night 23–24, 2 enemy vessels

sink barge loaded with ammunition and strafe beach

at Hariko; vessel bringing more tanks and supplies

to Warren Force unloads at Oro Bay.

TUNISIA—3-day period of torrential rain begins.

Elements of RCT 18, U.S. 1st Div, relieve 2d

Coldstream Gds on Djebel el Ahmera and are forced

to withdraw under German counterattack.

24 December

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn of 132d Inf, followed by

1st Bn in reserve, moves W without incident to

Hill 31, W of summit of Mt Austen; upon attacking S toward Hill 27, is stopped short by fire from

enemy strongpoint, called Gifu, between Hills 31

and 27. The Gifu position, with fixed defenses and

interconnecting pillboxes, is held by about 500

Japanese.

NEW GUINEA—After arty preparation, Urbana

Force, employing 127th Inf, begins drive toward the

sea through Government Gardens, where enemy

defenses are organized in depth and concealed by

high kunai grass. Progress is very slow. Platoon of

Co L discovers weak spot and drives through to line

of coconut trees near coast; is surrounded there and

suffers heavy casualties before escaping by circuitous

route. As a diversion, elements move to Mission side

of creek from Musita I. and from shallows between

Buna Village and Buna Mission, but withdraw because of intense opposition. Warren Force opens

attack on Old Strip after arty preparation. Aus

2/10th Bn, disposed along N edge of strip, is supported by 3 tanks while making main effort. 1st Bns

of U.S. 126th and 128th Regts attack in parallel

columns along S edge of strip; later 1st Bn of 128th

Inf follows 1st Bn of 126th. Attack gains some 450

yards, but Japanese fire prevents movement onto the

strip and knocks out the tanks.

ALGERIA—Darlan is assassinated in Algiers.

TUNISIA—Decision is made at conference between Gen Eisenhower and Gen K. A. N. Anderson

to abandon attack on Tunis until after rainy season.

Br First Army regains positions on Djebel el Ahmera.

25 December

GUADALCANAL—Further efforts of 3d Bn, 132d

Inf, to advance toward Hill 27 are frustrated by

strong opposition from Gifu strongpoint.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese beachhead is supplied

by submarine. Urbana Force, with 7 cos in assault,

continues efforts to secure corridor to sea through

Government Gardens. After arty and mortars thoroughly cover Buna Mission, troops on Musita I. feint

toward the Mission. Main attack, by Cos A and F,

then opens without preparatory fire, and advance

elements succeed in reaching line of coconut trees

near coast where they establish defense perimeter

and repel counterattacks. Other elements of 127th

Inf press forward toward Cos A and F; still others

continue reduction of enemy positions in Government Gardens, assisted by diversionary thrusts

against the Triangle. Warren Force continues to

make slow progress astride Old Strip, runway of

which remains under intense fire. Co C of Aus

2/10th Bn is disposed on extreme left in an attempt

to turn enemy’s right flank.

LIBYA—Sirte falls to Br Eighth Army upon being

outflanked by light armd force.

[ 23–25 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 78 ]

TUNISIA—Germans recapture Djebel el Ahmera,

concluding seesaw battle for this hill dominating

exits of Medjez el Bab. 1st Gds Brig withdraws to

Medjez el Bab area, night 25–26. RCT 18 of U.S.

1st Div, upon relief by 1st Gds Brig, moves to Teboursouk.

26 December

GUADALCANAL—After arty and air preparation,

3d Bn of 132d Inf renews attack to S, making limited progress against strong opposition from Gifu

strongpoint. 3d and 1st Bns, latter on E, dig in for

night on line between Hill 31 and Gifu. Advance

elements of 2d Mar Air Wing, which is to relieve

1st Mar Air Wing, arrive at Henderson field.

NEW GUINEA—On Urbana front, 127th Inf renews attack to open corridor to sea. Co C is prevented by stubborn opposition from reaching Cos

A and F near the coast, but patrol gets through.

Warren Force, assisted by 25-pound gun emplaced

at SE end of Old Strip, succeeds at last in forming

continuous line across the strip. Advance elements

on flanks push to NW end and begin reduction of

enemy positions there. Japanese planes from Rabaul,

the first to be based there, attack Dobodura but are

driven off by Fifth Air Force. Under cover of darkness, 26–27, additional Allied tanks and troops are

landed at Oro Bay.

FRENCH SOMALILAND—Fighting French farce from

British Somaliland moves into French Somaliland

to seize 2 rail bridges and thus insure safety of rail

line from port of Djibouti to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Action is accomplished without bloodshed.

27 December

GUADALCANAL—While 3d Bn, 132d Inf, conducts

holding attack that gains little ground, 1st Bn, to E,

moves S to locate enemy flanks, elements running

into Gifu strongpoint instead of outflanking it.

NE W GUINEA—Japanese under Maj Gen

Tsuyuo Yamagata at Napapo are ordered to move

to Giruwa by sea. On Urbana front; Co B of 127th

Inf breaks through to Cos A and F near coast, and

Co C engages in clearing bunkers N of the gardens.

Japanese defense of Old Strip slackens as withdrawal is begun. Warren Force finishes clearing

runway except for stubborn bunker position to rear

of dispersal bay. 52 Japanese planes raid Buna without causing serious damage; 14 are shot down.

Additional Allied tanks and cargo are unloaded at

Oro Bay, night 27–28. RCT 163, U.S. 41st Div,

arrives at Port Moresby from Australia.

BURMA—Ind 14th Div continues unopposed

drive on Akyab astride Mayu R and range. E of river,

Ind 123d Brig reaches vicinity of Rathedaung.

In coastal sector, Ind 47th Brig arrives at Indin and

gets patrol to Foul Pt, at tip of Mayu Peninsula.

Advance then halts for various administrative

reasons, one being the difficulty of bringing reinforcements and supplies forward.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army patrols cross Wadi

Tamet.

TUNISIA—Br First Army repels enemy attack in

Medjez el Bab area.

28 December

GUADALCANAL—Patrols of 132d Inf probe Gifu

line but are unable to find gaps. Since effective

strength of the assault bns now totals only 1,541,

132d Inf CO is promised fresh 2d Bn.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese garrison of Buna is

ordered to withdraw to Giruwa, assisted by detachment at Giruwa, which is to attack through U.S. left

flank. Urbana Force’s 127th Inf gains broad corridor from Entrance Creek to line of coconut trees.

Co K makes futile attempt to establish bridgehead

on Mission side of Entrance Creek: some elements

attempting to land from boats are turned back by

fire; others begin crossing bridge between Musita I.

and the Mission, but bridge becomes unusable before many are across. Volunteers from Co E enter

the Triangle in evening and find strong defenses

there deserted. Warren Force overcomes all organized resistance at Old Strip and swings N toward

coast. Aus 2/12th Bn arrives at Oro Bay from

Goodenough I, night 28–29.

CBI—Chiang Kai-shek radios President

Roosevelt that although Chinese army in Yunnan

will be ready for offensive by spring of 1943 as

planned, the offensive cannot be undertaken unless

there are additional naval forces for Bay of Bengal.

FRENCH SOMALILAND—Joins Fighting French.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army patrols reach positions overlooking Wadi el Chebir without enemy

opposition.

29 December

NEW GEORGIA—Enemy completes airfield at

Munda despite frequent Allied air attacks.

GUADALCANAL—At conference at Gen Patch’s CP,

the decision is made to continue attack on Mt

Austen. Patrol of 1st Bn, 132d Inf, finds safe route

to Hill 27, S of Gifu.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Yamagata, charged with

rescue of Buna garrison, arrives at Giruwa. On

Urbana front, Co B of 127th Inf drives from line

of coconut trees to sea SE of Buna Mission, completing corridor from Entrance Creek to coast and

cutting off Japanese at Buna Mission from those

at Giropa Pt. Patrol wades shallows between spits

extending from Buna Village and Buna Mission

[ 26–29 DECEMBER 1942 ]
[ 30–31 DECEMBER 1942 ] [ 79 ]

without opposition. Warren Force attacks northward

toward coast in area between Simemi Creek and

Giropa Pt, 4 tanks spearheading. Little headway is

made because of poor tank-infantry co-ordination

and determined opposition; positions are consolidated at edge of coconut trees. Aus 2/12th Bn arrives at front.

LIBYA—Advance elements of Br Eighth Army

(armd cars of 4th Light Armd Brig) come to a halt

just W of enemy’s Buerat position. Buerat and Bu

Ngem are found to be free of enemy. Lull follows as

British prepare to attack.

USSR—Kotelnikov, SW of Stalingrad, falls to

Red Army.

30 December

GUADALCANAL—In preparation for renewing attack on Hill 27, 2d Bn of 132d Inf begins movement to forward positions. 1st and 3d Bns continue

to patrol.

NEW GUINEA—Urbana Force maintains pressure

against Buna Mission from SE and prepares to envelop it by attacking eastward from Buna Village and

Musita I. Warren Force regroups. Advance elements

of 163d Inf ( 1st Bn and hq), U.S. 91st Div, are flown

to Dobodura and Popondetta from Port Moresby.

TUNISIA—RCT 18, U.S. 1st Div, moves to Medjez el Bab.

31 December

GUADALCANAL—2d Bn of 132d Inf reaches Hill

m, E of the Gifu strongpoint, line of departure for

enveloping movement.

NEW GUINEA—Urbana Force begins envelopment

of Buna Mission. Co E, 127th Inf, and Co F, 128th,

cross shallows E of Buna Village before dawn and,

although Japanese offer strong opposition upon

being alerted, advance about 200 yards along spit

extending from Buna Mission. Other elements of

Urbana Force maintain pressure on enemy from SE

and finish clearing Government Gardens, but enemy retains positions in swamp N of gardens. Patrol

contact is made between Urbana and Warren Forces.

Warren Force finishes regrouping. Fresh Aus 2/12th

Bn is disposed on left, 3d Bn of U.S. 128th Inf in

center, and Aus 2/10th on right. With arrival of

additional cargo at Oro Bay by sea, supplies moved

in this manner since the first vessel arrived on 11

December total some 4,000 tons.

N ATLANTIC—Enemy naval force engaging USSRbound convoy sustains damage to 1 cruiser and at

least 3 DD’s.
[ 80 ]
[ 81 ]

1943

1 January

GUADALCANAL—From Hill 11, 2d Bn of 132d

Inf marches slowly S and W over precipitous terrain

to SE slope of Hill 27, arriving too late in day to

open assault as planned. RCT 27, 25th Div, arrives

on island.

NEW GUINEA—Urbana Force attacks toward

Buna Mission from SE and from the spit after heavy

preparatory fire, but makes little progress. In evening Japanese are seen swimming from the Mission.

Co B, 127th Inf, moves E toward Giropa Pt to assist

Warren Force, which encircles enemy between

Giropa Pt and Old Strip. On left, Aus 2/12th Bn,

supported by 6 tanks, drives to coast at Giropa Pt

and turns SE, clearing coastal strip to Simemi

Creek; 1st Bn, U.S. 128th Inf, mops up bypassed

pockets. On right, 3d Bn of 128th Inf and Aus

2/10th Bn make slow progress in 2-pronged attack

to clear enemy entrenched in dispersal bays off NW

end of Strip.

NW AFRICA—Gen Eisenhower places Gen

Fredendall in command of U.S. II Corps, which is

planning for Operation SATIN, capture of Sfax, Tunisia, to prevent junction of Axis armies. TF SATIN

is to consist of 1st Armd Div and RCT 26 of 1st

Inf Div. AFHQ takes responsibility for communications lines from Bone to Constantine, relieving Br

First Army.

USSR—Encircled German Sixth Army on

Stalingrad front, now compressed into area some 25

by 40 miles, remains under attack from all sides.

Efforts to supply it by air meet with little success

and are costly in aircraft. Soviet troops of Kalinin

Front capture Velikie Luki, important rail center,

which has been under attack for some time. Elista,

S of Stalingrad in Kalmyk steppes, falls to other Red

Army forces.

2 January

GUADALCANAL—Gen Harmon activates XIV

Corps, consisting of Americal and 25th Divs, former

reinf by 147th Inf. 2d Mar Div and other Marine

ground forces are attached to corps. Gen Patch is

placed in command of corps, and Gen Sebree succeeds him as commander of Americal Div. After

heavy arty preparation, 132d Inf of Americal Div

continues offensive against the Gifu strongpoint.

2d Bn, taking enemy by surprise, advances quickly

to crest of Hill 27, S of the Gifu strongpoint, and

digs in; holds firm under a number of counterattacks. 3d and 1st Bns establish lines along N and E

sides of the Gifu, respectively, but gaps remain between the 3 assault bns.

NEW GUINEA—Urbana Force overruns Buna

Mission in concerted assault. Organized resistance

ends at 1632. Top Japanese commanders, Capt.

Yasuda and Col Hiroshi Yamamoto, commit suicide.

With Mission clear, Co C of 127th Inf joins Co B

in attack along coast toward Giropa Pt, and by 1930

makes junction with Warren Force. Warren Force,

in final attack, finishes clearing region from Giropa

Pt eastward. Japanese move forward from Giruwa to

rescue survivors of Buna garrison. Japanese have lost

at least 1,400 men at Buna: 500 W of Giropa Pt and

900 E of it. Casualties of U.S. 32d Div and Aus 18th

Brig total 2,817 (620 killed, 2,065 wounded, 132

missing). In preparation for stepping up action on

Sanananda front, where stalemate has existed for

some time, Gen Herring orders 25-pound arty from

Buna to that area. 1st Bn and Hq, U.S. 163d Inf,

take responsibility for Huggins and Kano blocks on

trail to Sanananda, gradually relieving Australians,

2–4 January. Huggins is renamed Musket.

USSR—German Army Group A begins withdrawing 1st Pz Army northward toward Rostov to prevent

it from becoming encircled.

3 January

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn, 132d Inf, exerts pressure

against E part of the Gifu and establishes contact

with 2d Bn to left.

NEW GUINEA—Urbana and Warren Forces

mop up.

TUNISIA—Enemy tank-infantry force, with arty

and air support, overruns Fr 19th Corps troops at

Fondouk. Br First Army’s 5 Corps, employing 36th

Brig of 78th Div, begins limited attacks to improve

positions on Djebel Azag and Djebel Ajred, W of

Mateur. Br 6th Armd Div conducts rcn in force on

Goubellat plain.

USSR—Exploiting German withdrawal in the

Caucasus, Red Army occupies Mozdok and

Malgobek.

4 January

N PACIFIC—Adm Nimitz replaces Adm Theobald with Adm Kinkaid as commander, TF 8.
[ 82 ] [ 5–8 JANUARY 1942 ]

Rear Adm Charles H. McMorris relieves Adm W.

W. Smith as commander of strike group.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese are ordered to withdraw from Guadalcanal to New Georgia Is. Final

echelon of 25th Div (RCT 161) arrives. 2d Mar Div

hq and 6th Marines, reinf, also land, bringing 2d

Mar Div nearly up to full strength. 132d Inf completes semicircle about E part of the Gifu between

Hills 31 and 27 with patrol contact between 1st and

3d Bns; halts and prepares defenses while awaiting

relief. In 22 days of fighting on Mt Austen, 132d

Inf has killed 400–500 Japanese and suffered 383

casualties.

NEW GEORGIA—U.S. cruiser-DD force bombards

Munda airfield night 4–5.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese overrun outpost near

Tarakena, forcing patrol there to swim for Siwori

Village. With Tarakena spit in their possession,

Japanese are able to rescue some of the survivors

of Buna garrison. Gen Herring confers with commanding officers on plan for reduction of enemy

W of Girua R.

LIBYA—Severe 2-day storm begins, sharply decreasing capacity of Benghazi port and forcing Br

Eighth Army to make greater use of the more distant port of Tobruk. Because of this, Gen Montgomery alters plan of attack, scheduled for 15th,

on Buerat position, from which Italians are already

withdrawing. 10 Corps, which was to have advanced, is to remain in place while all its vehicles

are used to move supplies forward from Tobruk.

Size of the assault force, drawn from 30 Corps, is

reduced by one div.

5 January

GUADALCANAL—Staff section chiefs of XIV

Corps assume their duties. Gen Patch, in letter of

instructions to 25th Div CG, Maj Gen J. Lawton

Coffins, directs 25th Div to relieve 132d Inf, Americal Div, on Mt Austen and attack W some 3,000

yards. 2d Mar Div, holding coastal sector from Pt

Cruz to Hill 66, is to maintain contact with N flank

of 25th Div.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements of Aus 18th

Brig (2/9th Bn and brig hq) and 4 tanks of Aus

2/6th Armd Regt reach Soputa. Additional tanks

and arty are kept E of the river for some time because of poor road conditions. As preliminary to

allout offensive against Sanananda, 127th Inf starts

NW along coast toward Tarakena.

NW AFRICA—U.S. Fifth Army is activated under Lt Gen Mark W. Clark, with hq at Oujda,

Morocco. (The army was previously constituted,

effective 1 December 1942, by War Department

memorandum to CG ETO, dated 8 December 1942,

which assigned to it I Armd and II Corps. GO 67

of Hq ETO, dated 12 December 1942, constituted

the army in accordance with above War Department

authority.) Gen Eisenhower activates Allied Air

Force, containing both EAC and Twelfth Air Force,

under command of Gen Spaatz, who retains command of Eighth Air Force as well.

TUNISIA—5 Corps, Br First Army, breaks off

action on Djebel Azag and Djebel Ajred after hard

fighting in heavy rain, withdrawing assault force

(36th Brig, 78th Div) to original positions.

USSR—Soviet forces take Nalchik, in the Caucasus; column advancing along the Don overruns

Tsimlyansk.

6 January

SWPA—Japanese convoy bound for Lae (New

Guinea) from New Britain is detected and subsequently attacked by Allied planes as it proceeds

toward its destination.

BURMA—Ind 14th Div, renewing offensive on

Arakan front, finds Japanese firmly entrenched at

Donbaik and Rathedaung. Although fighting continues at these points for many weeks, positions remain about the same.

7 January

GUADALCANAL—In preparation for offensive on

10th, 35th Inf of 25th Div leaves Lunga perimeter

for Mt Austen. 147th Inf TF, under Capt Charles E.

Beach, embarks at Kukum in 2 LCT’s for Beaufort

Bay to block trail leading N toward Kokumbona.

About 50,000 Allied air, ground, and naval forces

are now in Guadalcanal area.

NEW GUINEA—127th Inf continues toward

Tarakena. Cos G and F, with fire support of Co E,

reach positions about 500 yards from objective. Aus

18th Brig completes movement to Soputa. 2d Bn,

U.S. 163d Inf, arrives on Sanananda front. Japanese

convoy with reinforcements reaches Lae despite efforts of aircraft to turn it back.

IRAQ—Americans take exclusive jurisdiction over

port of Khorramshahr, where first U.S. troops arrived in December 1942.

8 January

GUADALCANAL—Gen Collins issues FO I to 25th

Div concerning coming offensive. 35th Inf moves

secretly up Mt Austen toward line of departure.

NEW GUINEA—COS A, C, and F of 127th Inf

overrun Tarakena. 163d Inf begins offensive to

clear road to Sanananda: 1st Bn attacks 2 enemy

perimeters located between Musket and Kano,

making limited progress. Allied planes continue

to attack enemy convoy as it unloads some 4,000

reinforcements at Lae.
[ 9–11 JANUARY 1942 ] [ 83 ]

CHINA—In message to President Roosevelt,

Chiang Kai-shek turns down proposal for offensive

in spring of 1943.

MADAGASCAR—Gen Platt, CG Br East African

Command, turns over responsibility for island, except for Diego Suarez area, to Gen P. Legentilhomme, High Commissioner for French possessions

in Indian Ocean.

TUNISIA—CCB, U.S. 1st Armd Div, is detached

from 5 Corps, Br First Army, and reverts to 1st

Armd Div.

USSR—Gen Rokossovski, commanding Soviet

forces of Don Front, sends ultimatum to Field

Marshal Paulus calling for surrender of German

6th Army at Stalingrad. Soviet forces seize Zimovniki, on Stalingrad–Novorossisk rail line.

9 January

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps Completes preparations for attack on 10th. 25th Div, which is to lead

off, moves forward to line of departure. 27th Inf,

on div right (N), takes up positions for assault on

hill mass called Galloping Horse, between NW and

SW forks of the Matanikau. 35th Inf, on left, prepares to make main effort against Hills 43 and 44,

called Sea Horse, lying between the Gifu and Galloping Horse, while exerting pressure against the

Gifu. 3d Bn, followed by 1st, completes wide circling movement about S flank of the Gifu to line of

departure for attack on the Sea Horse. 2d Bn and

Cav Rcn Tr take up positions about eastern part of

the Gifu, relieving 132d Inf of Americal Div.

Americal Div ( — ) holds perimeter defense. Capt

Beach’s 147th Inf TF lands at Beaufort Bay and

establishes beach defenses.

NEW GUINEA—Enemy fire prevents 127th Inf

from establishing bridgehead across Konombi Creek

in Tarakena area. Relief of elements of 126th Inf,

now greatly depleted in strength, is completed on

Sanananda front. While 1st Bn, 163d Inf, continues efforts to reduce the 2 enemy pockets between

Musket and Kano, 2d Bn establishes position, called

Rankin after Capt Pinkney R. Rankin, astride

Killerton trail W of Musket, isolating enemy in track

junction. Japanese convoy departs from Lae early in

morning shadowed by Allied planes. As result of

recent attacks on the convoy, 2 transports have been

sunk and about 80 planes destroyed.

10 January

GUADALCANAL—25th Div, reinf, begins largest

and final offensive to clear Guadalcanal, immediate

objectives being Galloping Horse, Sea Horse, and

the Gifu strongpoint. After 1

/2 -hour arty preparation—first divisional TOT concentration of the campaign—followed by aerial bombardment, 27th Inf

drives S through 2d Mar Div against Galloping

Horse and clears more than half of the objective.

1st Bn on W, attacks from Hill 66 to objective, N

part of Hill 57, and establishes patrol contact with

3d Bn to E. From Hill 55, 3d Bn advances 1,600

yards toward Hill 53, but is halted by stubborn

opposition on Hill 52, intermediate position. 35th

Inf’s 3d Bn begins envelopment of S flank of Sea

Horse, omitting preparatory fire, and takes preliminary objective, a small hill a short distance S of the

Sea Horse, against scattered opposition. Combat

patrols of 2d Bn move against the Gifu after preparatory fire but are unable to make any headway.

NEW GUINEA—COs A and C, 127th Inf, establish bridgehead across Konombi Creek in Tarakena

area. Action is then suspended temporarily. 1st Bn,

163d Inf, finds 1 of the 2 enemy positions between

Musket and Kano evacuated. Kano is renamed Fisk

after 1st Lt Harold R. Fisk, 3d Bn, 163d Inf, reaches

front.

LIBYA—Gen Montgomery briefs assault forces

of Br Eighth Army on projected drive through

Buerat line to Tripoli, which must be accomplished

within 10 days, beginning on 15th, to avoid supply

difficulties.

USSR—Since ultimatum of 8th has not brought

about surrender of German 6th Army at Stalingrad,

Soviet forces with strong arty and mortar support

are attacking to destroy it. Field Marshal Paulus is

holding out in order to cover withdrawal of endangered German spearheads from the Caucasus to

Rostov.

11 January

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn Of 27th Inf, 25th Div,

continues attack on Galloping Horse but is again

unable to take Hill 53. Stiff opposition coupled with

insufficient drinking water make action on this front

very difficult. 3d Bn, 35th Inf, completes circle about

the Gifu with capture of Sea Horse, where it is forced

to rely on air supply until boat line can be completed.

3d Bn of 182d Inf, Americal Div, attached to 35th

Inf, closes gap between Galloping Horse and Sea

Horse. 2d Bn, 35th Inf, continues to meet heavy

fire from the Gifu as it probes the position with combat patrols. Capt Beach’s 147th Inf force, less elements holding beachhead, starts march to Vurai, SW

of Kokumbona, to block this escape route from

Kokumbona.

NEW GUINEA—Small Aus Kanga Force begins 3-

day raid on Mubo, during which considerable damage is inflicted on enemy.

TUNISIA—6th Armd Div of 5 Corps, Br First

Army, improves positions in local attack N of Bou

Arada.
[ 84 ] [ 12–15 JANUARY 1942 ]

USSR—As Germans continue withdrawal from

the Caucasus, Soviet forces occupy Pyatigorsk,

Georgievsk, and Mineralnye Vody.

12 January

ALEUTIAN IS.—Small U.S. Army force under

command of Brig Gen Lloyd E. Jones lands on

Amchitka without opposition.

GUADALCANAL—27th Inf, 25th Div, continues

attack on Galloping Horse, replacing 3d Bn with

2d, and makes limited progress toward Hill 53. CO

C, 35th Inf, starts W toward corps objective along

ridge SW of Sea Horse but is soon halted by enemy

fire. Efforts of 2d Bn to break through the Gifu are

frustrated by strong resistance.

NEW GUINEA—After arty preparation, 2 bns of

Aus 18th Brig, with tank support, attack enemy

positions at trail junction; 163d Inf supports assault with feints from Musket and Rankin. Japanese AT fire soon disables tanks, but Australians

continue battle, progressing slowly at great cost.

Japanese begin withdrawing from the junction,

night 12–13

USSR—Soviet forces of Leningrad and Volkhov

Fronts launch limited offensive, supported by air

and arty, to raise siege of Leningrad.

13 January

POA—Gen Harmon activates U.S. Thirteenth

Air Force under Brig Gen Nathan F. Twining, with

hq at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps offensive broadens

as 2d Mar Div begins coastal attack from line Pt

Cruz–Hill 66, to right of 25th Div. 8th Marines,

on right, attempts to advance W From Hills 80 and

81 but is halted by enemy fire. 2d Marines advances

800 yards W from Hill 66. 27th Inf, 25th Div, completes capture of Galloping Horse with reduction

of Hill 53 by 2d Bn. Americans now hold 4,500-

yard front extending S from Pt Cruz over Hill 66

to Hills 57 and 55. CO C, 35th Inf, is again halted

by enemy fire from SW as it endeavors to push W.

2d Bn makes negligible progress against pillboxes

of the Gifu strongpoint.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Eichelberger assumes duties

of Commander, Advance New Guinea Force, and

takes control of all Aus and U.S. troops. Gen Herring commands New Guinea Force.

14 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—10-day AngloAmerican conference opens at Anfa, near Casablanca,

Morocco, to plan Allied strategy for 1943.

GUADALCANAL—In costal sector, 8th Marines of

2d Mar Div is still unable to advance because of fire

from ravine W of Hills 80 and 81. 6th Marines replaces 2d Marines on div left flank. CO C of 35th

Inf, 25th Div, continues vain efforts to advance W,

but patrols discover route around enemy’s right

flank. Depleted 2d Bn, reinf by AT Co, continues

fruitless efforts to reduce the Gifu strongpoint. Capt

Beach’s 74th Inf force reaches Vurai; moves forward

to Tapananja, about 6 miles S of Sealark Channel,

when patrols find Vurai area free of enemy; establishes outposts on upper Poha. Japanese land about

600 replacements near Cape Esperance to cover withdrawal of forces from Guadalcanal.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Vasey, Aus 7th Div CG,

launches offensive to intercept enemy withdrawal

from trail junction. While 163d Inf pushes S to block

escape routes, Aus 18th Brig quickly clears enemy

remnants from the junction and joins forces with

163d Inf on Sanananda and Killerton trails. Final

mop up is left to Aus 2/7th Cav and 39th and 49th

Bns.

LIBYA—30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, moves forward in preparation for assault on Buerat line and

drive on Tripoli.

15 January

GUADALCANAL—2d Mar Div continues to make

slow progress in coastal sector, despite use of tanks

and a flame thrower. Co B of 35th Inf, reinf by platoon of Co, D, takes over westward attack from Co

C. After 1

/2-hour arty concentration followed by MG

and mortar fire, Co B outflanks enemy position

barring advance and finds it to be a bivouac area

held by a single platoon. Enemy positions in the Gifu

remain practically intact despite further efforts of

2d Bn, 35th Inf, to reduce them. Surrender request

is broadcast to Japanese in the Gifu.

NEW GUINEA—Preparations are made for allout

offensive to clear Sanananda area. Lt Col Merle H.

Howe, 3d Div G–3, takes command of Urbana Force,

which is to renew drive W along coast. Aus 18th Brig

moves N along Killerton trail, passing through Rankin,

in preparation for drive to coast. 2d Bn of 163d Inf—

the Rankin force—then follows Australians northward

and takes over trail junction E of a coconut plantation

about 1 1

/2 miles N of Rankin perimeter. On Soputa–

Sanananda road, 1st Bn of 163d Inf envelops enemy

pocket remaining between Musket and Fisk, elements

infiltrating to attack from inside the perimeter.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army opens drive on Tripoli, moving forward in 3 columns—those on right

and in center under personal command of Gen

Montgomery; outflanking force on left under 30

Corps command. 7th Armd Div and NZ 2d Div,
[ 16–18 JANUARY 1942 ] [ 85 ]

the enveloping force, drive enemy back to Wadi

Zem Zem. Coastal advance by 51st Div begins at

2230 and meets little opposition. 22d Armd Brig

moves forward in center prepared to assist wherever

needed.

16 January

GUADALCANAL—CG XIV Corps orders a second

co-ordinated westward offensive in order to extend

positions through Kokumbona to Poha R; forms

Composite Army-Marine Div (CAM) (consisting of

6th Marines, 182d and 147th Inf Regts, and 2d

Marine and Americal Div arty units) to drive W on

3,000-yard front in coastal sector while 25th Div

attacks SW on corps S flank to envelop enemy’s S

flank. In 35th Inf sector, Co B, reinf, advances W

to corps objective, some 1,500 yards W of the Sea

Horse, without opposition, gaining positions on

precipice overlooking SW fork of the Matanikau.

2d Bn commander decides to make double envelopment attack against the Gifu on 17th and sends elements from Hill 27 to Hill 42 to attack from NW as

other forces drive N from Hill 27.

NEW GUINEA—After preparatory bombardment,

assault against enemy in Sanananda area opens. On

left, Aus 18th Brig drives quickly along Killerton trail

to coast and clears broad coastal strip from Cape

Killerton to outskirts of Sanananda Village. On

Soputa–Sanananda road, 1st Bn of 163d Inf, having been relieved of task of clearing enemy pocket

by 3d Bn, attacks N, bypassing strongpoint immediately ahead to gain position some 400 yards W of

road. 3d Bn finishes clearing pocket between Musket and Fisk. From trail junction E of the coconut

plantation, 2d Bn of 163d Inf hacks its way SE to

Soputa–Sanananda road about 1,000 yards behind

enemy’s main line and makes contact with 1st Bn

and Aus 18th Brig. Attacking toward Sanananda

from E, 1st Bn of 127th Inf makes negligible progress

along coastal road.

IRAQ—Declares war on Germany, Italy, and Japan.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army, having passed through

enemy’s main positions at Buerat, pushes energetically toward Tripoli, coastal force reaching Churgia

and enveloping force crossing Wadi Zem Zem.

USSR—Soviet forces of Voronezh front, having

opened offensive S of Voronezh several days earlier,

are W of the Don at Rossosh, on Voronezh–Rostov

RR, where Italian forces are routed. On Stalingrad

front, progress is being made in reduction of trapped

German 6th Army.

GERMANY—RAF bombers attack Berlin, night

16–17, using target-indicator bombs for first time.

This is the first raid on Berlin since 7 November

1941.

17 January

GUADALCANAL—8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, upon

clearing ravine W of Hills 80 and St and moving

forward to positions abreast 6th Marines, withdraws

from line to perimeter defense. Coastal attack, which

has gained almost a mile beyond Pt Cruz since 13th,

is to be continued by 182d Inf on left and 6th Marines on right. 182d Inf (less 3d Bn) moves into CAM

Div line. After ineffective broadcast calling for Gifu

garrison to surrender, 2d Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div,

pulls back while 2 1

/2-hour arty concentration is

placed on the strongpoint, then returns to previous

positions. Since darkness is approaching rapidly,

ground attack is withheld. 27th Inf, 25th Div, which

is to conduct holding action during corps’ coming

offensive while 161st Inf makes main effort, begins

forward movement. Co C, with light MG section

attached, takes up positions on ridge SW of Hill 66,

called Snake.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements of Aus 17th

Brig are flown to Wan. Brig M. J. Moten, CG Aus

17th Brig, takes command of Kanga Force. Aus 18th

Brig continues to clear coastal region between Wye

Pt and Giruwa. Sanananda Village and Pt are overrun, but enemy retains positions W and S of

Sanananda and in outskirts of Giruwa. On Soputa–

Sanananda road, 163d Inf probes enemy defenses N

of Fisk. 127th Inf, replacing 1st Bn with 2d, continues W along coastal road toward Giruwa, handicapped by extremely difficult and skillfully defended

terrain. 3d Bn pushes S along Konombi Creek and

encounters enemy outpost.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army pursues enemy W toward

Tripoli, hampered by desert terrain as well as mines

and demolitions. Coastal forces reach positions 10

miles from Misurata. S column reaches Beni Ulid.

ALGERIA—U.S. II Corps’ TF SATIN moves forward

in preparation for drive on Sfax, but the operation

is canceled.

USSR—Red Army extends its hold on

Voronezh–Rostov RR with capture of Millerovo.

18 January

GUADALCANAL—Americans gain continuous line

from Hill 53 northward to coast at point some 1,500

yards W of Pt Cruz. CAM Div continues W on N

flank of XIV Corps with 6th Marines on right and

182d Inf on left. In 25th Div sector, 2d Bn of 35th

Inf throws tight cordon about the Gifu and begins

attack on it from NW.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese, although facing certain

defeat, continue to offer last-ditch resistance on

Sanananda front. Australians are stubbornly opposed near Sanananda and Giruwa. 163d Inf works

on formidable bunker positions astride Soputa–
[ 86 ] [ 19–20 JANUARY 1942 ]

Sanananda road N of Fisk. 127th Inf, with Cos G

and F in the lead, continues W along coast against

weakening resistance and gains 300 yards.

BURMA—Ind 47th Brig opens attack on Japanese

positions at Donbaik but can make little headway.

Ind 123d Brig remains near Rathedaung but is

threatened from the E as Japanese in Kaladan Valley skirmish in Kyauktaw area with elements protecting flank.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army continues to pursue enemy toward Tripoli but loses contact because of terrain and obstacles. Gen Montgomery orders pursuit

accelerated and continued day and night.

TUNISIA—Col Gen Jurgen von Arnim, NEW Axis

commander in Tunisia, opens offensive to restore

Tunis bridgehead line by recovering ground lost to

French on 12–13 January and then seizing control

of passes W of Kairouan.

On Br First Army front, 6th Armd Div of 5 Corps

contains tank-infantry thrust down Bou Arada Valley at junction of Br and Fr sectors. Main enemy

attack, in which the NEW Mark VI “Tiger” tank

participates, forces Fr 19th Corps back on N flank

and reaches road leading SW to Rebaa Oulad Yahia.

U.S. 1st Armd Div ( — ) is placed under U.S. II Corps

command.

USSR—Soviet forces of Leningrad and Volkhov

Fronts have reopened land communications with

Leningrad, isolated since fall of 1941, and hold corridor 10 miles wide to it in region S of Lake Ladoga.

In the Caucasus, Red Army troops along the Manych

take Divnoe while Soviet units along the Kuban overrun Cherkessk.

19 January

GUADALCANAL—182d Inf, On CAM Div left, has

gained slightly more than 1,000 yards since entering line on 17th, but gap exists between it and 6th

Marines. 147th Inf, upon relief at Koh Pt by Americal

Rcn Sq, moves to Pt Cruz area. Japanese in the Gifu

strongpoint are beginning to weaken under blows

of 2d Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Yamagata withdraws from

Sanananda front by launch after issuing orders for

general withdrawal westward through Allied lines on

20th. Gen Oda and Col Kiyomi Yazawa are killed

while trying to escape after nightfall. Australians

reduce enemy position immediately S of Sanananda

but are still held up along coast W of Sanananda

and in outskirts of Giruwa. Japanese along Soputa–

Sanananda road, now compressed into 3 pockets,

withstand intensified efforts of 163d Inf to dislodge

them. 127th Inf advances steadily westward along

coast toward Giruwa.

BURMA—Ind 47th Brig continues attack on

Donbaik but is unable to reduce enemy positions.

LIBYA—Continuing toward Tripoli, Br Eighth

Army regains contact with enemy. Coastal force

reaches Homs while column on left presses toward

Tarhuna. 22d Armd Brig, in reserve at Zliten, prepares to drive through 51st Div—the coastal force.

TUNISIA—As German offensive continues to

press Fr 19th Corps back toward Rebaa Oulad

Yahia, Br First Army refuses its S flank to conform with Fr withdrawal. Br and U.S. reinforcements are sent forward, to come under Fr command

upon arrival: 36th Brig Gp of Br 8th Div is given

mission of interdicting road to Rebaa; CCB, U.S.

1st Armd Div, moves N from Sbeïtla to Maktar,

night 19–20.

USSR—Soviet troops seize rail junction of

Valuiki, NE of Kharkov, and Kamensk, N of Rostov

on rail line to Voronezh.

20 January

CHILE—Severs relations with Germany, Italy,

and Japan.

GUADALCANAL—3d Bn of 147th Inf (less Co I

and plus Co C) begins moving into CAM Div line

between 6th Marines and 182d Inf. Div attack halts

to await completion of this move. Gen Collins issues orders to 25th Div for offensive on 22d. 161st

Inf, upon assembling in S part of Galloping Horse,

moves 2d Bn forward to Hill X, SW of Galloping

Horse. 1st Bn of 27th Inf patrols toward Hill 87,

meeting enemy fire upon approaching it. 2d Bn,

35th Inf, continues reduction of the Gifu.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 18th Brig continues to clear

coastal region W of Sanananda, N part of Soputa–

Sanananda road, and outskirts of Giruwa. 163d Inf

battles the 3 pockets astride Soputa–Sanananda

road. 127th Inf drives W along coast to within sight

of Giruwa.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army presses more slowly

westward toward Homs-Tarhuna area as enemy

resistance stiffens.

TUNISIA—Enemy continues down Rebaa Valley

to Rebaa Oulad Yahia; upon gaining entrance to

Ousseltia Valley, which parallels Rebaa Valley, shifts

main weight of attack there and reaches Ousseltia.

Many Fr 19th Corps troops are isolated in mountains to E. Gen Alphonse Juin places CCB, U.S. 1st

Armd Div, under command of Gen Louis-Marie

Koeltz, CG Fr 19th Corps, who orders it to Ousseltia

Valley. Gen Eisenhower, having decided against Operation SATIN by U.S. II Corps, issues directive prescribing that S flank remain on the defensive and

that as much as possible of II Corps be held in mobile reserve.

USSR—Troops of Gen Yeremenko’s South Front

(previously called Stalingrad Front) capture

Proletarskaya, an Stalingrad–Novorossisk RR; some
[ 21–23 JANUARY 1942 ] [ 87 ]

elements then force the Manych while others proceed toward mouth of the Donets.

21 January

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps completes preparations for offensive on 22d. 2d Bn of 161st Inf, 25th

Div, advances to Hill Y, SW of Hill X, where opposition is negligible. 3d Bn, 27th Inf, moves forward

to Snake to follow 1st Bn—main assault force—

turning over position on Hill 57 to 2d Bn. Action

against the Gifu is continued by 2d Bn, 35th Inf.

NEW GUINEA—Aus and U.S. troops effect junctions along coast E of Sanananda and on Soputa–

Sanananda road. 127th Inf column drives through

Giruwa virtually unopposed to join Australians just

W of the village. In afternoon AUS 2/9th and

2/10th Bns launch 3-pronged attack on enemy positions along coast W of Sanananda and clear all except small pocket. Aus 2/12th Bn, clearing southward along Soputa–Sanananda road from

Sanananda Village, makes contact with 2d Bn of

163d Inf. 163d reduces 2 of the 3 pockets on Soputa–

Sanananda road and in the course of the day kills

more than 500 Japanese.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army continues to press W

toward Tripoli, 51st Div overcoming resistance in

Corradini area. Learning that enemy has strengthened Tarhuna at expense of Horns front, Gen Montgomery decides to make main effort along coast.

TUNISIA—Gen Eisenhower gives Gen K. A. N.

Anderson, CG Br First Army, responsibility for coordinating operations of Br, Fr, and U.S. forces. Maj

Gen Laurence S. Kuter, USAAF, is assigned to Gen

K. A. N. Anderson’s hq as executive air commander

with mission of co-ordinating air action. CCB, U.S.

1st Armd Div, with strong arty and air support, begins attack in late afternoon to drive enemy back in

Ousseltia Valley and makes considerable progress

until halted by darkness.

USSR—Voroshilovsk, E of Armavir, falls to

Red Army.

U.K.—CCS directive regarding bomber operations from U.K. relieves VIII Bomber Command to

a large extent of necessity of supporting N African

operations.

22 January

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps Opens final offensive toward the Poha R at 0630. Assault troops are

supported by arty, air, and naval gunfire. CAM Div

pushes W toward heights SE of Kokumbona (Hills

99 and 98) with elements of 3 regts in assault. 6th

Marines, advancing along coast, is stopped by enemy fire from ravine W of Hill 94. 147th Inf in

center and 182d on left are hampered more by

terrain than by enemy. 147th Inf seizes Hill 95. 182d

Inf makes contact with 27th Inf of 25th Div N of

Hill 88. On corps S flank, 25th Div attacks toward

Hill 87. 1st Bn, 27th Inf, with role of conducting

holding action while 2d Bn, 161st Inf, envelops

enemy’s S flank, moves forward from Snake and

quickly takes Hill 87, day’s objective, from which

enemy has withdrawn; continuing attack, also seizes

Hills 88 and 89 by 1035. To exploit this advantage,

div boundary is altered and 27th Inf is ordered to

continue as rapidly as possible toward Kokumbona.

By 1700, 27th Inf holds heights just E and S of

Kokumbona (Hills 90 and 98). 2d Bn, 161st Inf,

the enveloping force, advances slowly through

jungle from Hill Y to Hill 87. 2d Bn, 35th Inf, assisted by a tank, forces 200-yard gap in N part of

the Gifu strongpoint; repels final enemy counterattack, night 22–23.

NEW GUINEA—Papua Campaign ends in decisive defeat of Japanese. This is the first victory of

the war against Japanese on land. Organized resistance on Sanananda front collapses as Aus 18th

Brig eliminates last small pocket on coast W of

Sanananda and 163d Inf finishes clearing Soputa–

Sanananda road. Cost to each side has been heavy.

Of the estimated force of 16,000 committed by enemy in Papua, about 7,000 are buried by Allied

forces; prisoners, for the large part Korean and Chinese, total some 350. Aus troops sustain approximately 5,700 casualties and U.S. forces 2,788.

Battle-weary 126th Inf is withdrawn from zone of

combat.

LIBYA—Passing through 51st Div of Br Eighth

Army, 22d Armd Brig continues coastal drive on

Tripoli, reaching positions beyond Castelverde,

while S column advances to within 17 miles of

Tripoli.

TUNISIA—Allied attack to clear Ousseltia Valley

is halted by strong opposition.

USSR—Soviet forces of Voronezh Front open

assault on Voronezh. Troops of South Front overrun Salsk, on Stalingrad–Novorossisk rail line at its

junction with line to Rostov. German 6th Army remains under attack at Stalingrad; Berlin admits Soviet penetration of positions from W.

23 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Casablanca

Conference to determine strategy for 1943 ends,

conferees having agreed: to continue assault against

Germany, upon completion of Tunisian campaign,

with conquest of Sicily (HUSKY) in July or possibly

June of 1943; to give high priority to a combined

bomber offensive against the European continent

from the U.K.; to advance toward the Philippines

through Central and SW Pacific; to build up U.S.
[ 88 ] [ 24–27 JANUARY 1942 ]

air forces in CBI and mount ANAKIM In fall of 1943,

diverting U.S. landing craft and naval forces from

the Pacific to assist; and to terminate hostilities only

upon “unconditional surrender” of enemy.

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps makes substantial

progress, overrunning Kokumbona and pocketing

enemy remaining E of the Poha in ravine E of Hill

99, between CAM and 25th Divs. Continuing W

in coastal sector, CAM Div reaches Hill 91 on S

and to N takes Hill 92. In 25th Div zone, 27th Inf’s

3d Bn drives N to coast, taking Hills 98 and 99;

1st Bn seizes Kokumbona in 2-pronged attack; 2d

Bn, on S flank, pushes NW to Hill 100. 2d Bn,

35th Inf, meets only slight resistance as it finishes

clearing the Gifu, ending all Japanese resistance on

Mt Austen.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army columns drive into Tripoli from E and S and secure the port.

TUNISIA—Fr 19th Corps, helped by Br and U.S.

units, stabilizes positions on general line Bou Arada–

Djebel Bargou–Djebel Bou Dabouss. Enemy breaks

off attack and consolidates newly won positions.

Elements of U.S. 1st Div join CCB, U.S. 1st Armd

Div, and are temporarily attached to CCB in preparation for attack on 24th to recover Kairouan Pass.

Isolated Fr forces in hills E of Ousseltia Valley withdraw to positions S of Ousseltia covered by CCB,

U.S. 1st Armd Div. U.S. II Corps constitutes CCC,

U.S. 1st Armd Div, and gives it task of raiding Sened

Station.

USSR—Red Army troops penetrate into

Voronezh and begin clearing the town. Armavir, on

Baku–Rostov RR, falls to other Soviet forces.

24 January

ALEUTIAN IS.—Enemy begins series of minor air

raids on Amchitka.

GUADALCANAL—Continuing W in coastal sector,

CAM Div reaches Hills 98 and 99 and gains contact

with 25th Div. 25th Div, upon being resupplied,

begins drive toward the Poha. 2d Bn, 27th Inf, attacks W from Kokumbona at 1300 and reaches Hill

102 on right and 103 on left.

TUNISIA—Implementing order of 21st for Gen

K. A. N. Anderson to co-ordinate efforts of the 3

Allied nations, U.S. II Corps is attached to Br First

Army. Gen Juin agrees to place Fr 19th Corps under Br First Army upon approval by Gen Giraud.

Gen K. A. N. Anderson subsequently directs U.S.

II Corps to take command of all ground troops S

of line Morsott–Thala–Sbiba (all exclusive) –Djebel

Trozza–Fondouk–Sidi Amor el Kenani (all inclusive), and N of line from the salt marshes (chotts)

to Gabés. Full-scale Allied assault northward in Ousseltia Valley is canceled. Germans order attack on

Faïd Pass as soon as possible. CCC of U.S. 1st Armd

Div, U.S. II Corps, moving forward from Gafsa,

conducts successful raid on Sened Station and retires to Gafsa as planned.

25 January

GUADALCANAL—XIV Corps, in FO 2, directs

CAM Div to pass through 25th Div at Poha R and

pursue enemy, now in full retreat. 25th Div, continuing advance with 2d and 3d Bns of 27th Inf,

upon relief of 3d by 6th Marines on Hills 98 and

99, reaches the Poha on right and secures Hills 105

and 106 on left. 161st Inf protects corps S flank.

NEW GUINEA—Maj Gen Horace H. Fuller, CG

first Div, takes operational control of all Allied

troops in Oro Bay-Gona area. Aus 7th Div and U.S.

32d Div troops are relieved gradually during January and flown to Port Moresby; from there they are

moved to Australia by sea.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army, employing 7th Armd

Div in pursuit of enemy to Tunisia, reaches Zavia.

TUNISIA—Gen K. A. N. Anderson, CG Br First

Army, becomes responsible for all Allied forces in

Tunisia as Gen Giraud agrees to place Fr 19th

Corps under his command. Benito Mussolini designates Gen Giovanni Messe to succeed Field Marshal Rommel, commander of German-Italian Panzer

Army, who is to be withdrawn because of protracted

service and ill health, but the shift does not take

place for some time. In Fr 19th Corps sector, CCB

of U.S. 1st Armd Div and elements of U.S. 1st Inf

Div, under command of Col Stark, CO RCT 26,

begin clearing rear-guard resistance from Ousseltia

Valley.

USSR—Red Army completes capture of

Voronezh.

26 January

GUADALCANAL—25th Div, after 2d and 3d Bns

of 27th Inf establish contact and are passed through

at Poha R line by CAM Div, is withdrawn to guard

airfields since there are indications of an enemy attempt to recover Lunga perimeter. 161st Inf, its mission unchanged, passes to control of XIV Corps.

CAM Div, with 6th Marines and 182d Inf abreast,

former on right, pushes forward from the Poha about

1,000 yards against light resistance.

TUNISIA—Fr 19th Corps attacks to regain

Kairouan Pass in Ousseltia Valley.

USSR—Russians report substantial gains against

German pocket at Stalingrad, where defenses have

been penetrated.

27 January

GUADALCANAL—CAM Div, in 2,000-yard advance, reaches Nueha R.
[ 28–31 JANUARY 1942 ] [ 89 ]

BURMA—Royal Ind Navy launch sinks large

Japanese launch loaded with Japanese troops in

Mayu R.

LIBYA—Br Eighth Army’s 7th Armd Div continues to pursue enemy toward Tunisia and meets

stiffening resistance near Zuara.

GERMANY—U.S. Eighth Air Force makes first air

attack on Germany, bombing docks at Wilhelmshaven.

28 January

GUADALCANAL—CAM Div continues W from

Nueha R, eliminating sniper nests.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese make their last attempt

at an overland drive on Port Moresby, striking at Wau

where Australians of Kanga Force offer lively delaying opposition until rest of Aus 17th Brig can be

flown in during next few days.

CHINA—T. V. Soong, Gen Chen Cheng, and Gen

Stilwell reach agreement upon program to train and

equip 30-division Chinese force in Yunnan.

TUNISIA—Fr 19th Corps continues to clear

Ousseltia Valley, gaining control of W exit and half

the length of Kairouan Pass. CCB, U.S. 1st Armd

Div, is detached from corps; during night 28–29,

moves to Bou Chebka. RCT 26 (less one bn) of U.S.

1st Div, ordered to Sbeïtla, breaks off action with

enemy in afternoon. U.S. units remaining with

French in Ousseltia Valley are 2d Bn, 26th Inf; 1st

and 3d Bns of 16th Inf; 7th FA Bn; battery of 33d

FA Bn; TD co; and bn of engrs. U.S. 1st Div (—RCT’s

16, 18, 26) begins move from Guelma (Algeria) into

Fr 19th Corps sector.

USSR—Soviet forces seize Kasternoe, rail junction between Voronezh and Kursk.

29 January

GUADALCANAL—CG XIV Corps detaches 147th

Inf from CAM Div. 147th, reinf by pack howitzers

of 2d Bn, 10th Marines, and Battery A of 9th FA

Bn, under command of Brig Gen Alphonse De

Carre, is ordered to pass through 6th Marines and

continue drive along coast to Cape Esperance. 182d

Inf reverts to control of Americal Div.

TUNISIA—U.S. 1st Div (—) is placed under command of Fr 19th Corps to help defend Ousseltia

Valley. CCB, U.S. 1st Armd Div, reverts to U.S. II

Corps.

USSR—Kropotkin, on Baku–Rostov rail line,

falls to Soviet forces.

30 January

GUADALCANAL—147th Inf takes up pursuit of

enemy westward. 1st Bn, on beach, reaches Bonegi

R mouth but pulls back under fire from W bank; 3d

Bn, on left, is halted by enemy 1,000 yards E of the

Bonegi.

NEW GUINEA—Aus Kanga Force, which is being

reinf by air, decisively defeats Japanese at Wau and

forces them to begin retreating.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, Germans attack

Faïd Pass and overrun it, forcing French back to Sidi

Bou Zid. U.S. II Corps sends CCA, 1st Armd Div,

from Sbeïtla area to help defend Faïd, but the combat command arrives too late. CCC starts NE from

Gafsa toward Sidi Bou Zid–Maknassy road. CCD,

with 1st Bn of RCT 168, U.S. 34th Div, attached,

moves toward Maknassy. RCT 168 is concentrating

in Tébessa area.

USSR—Rail junction of Tikhoretsk, S of Rostov,

falls to Red Army, cutting main line of retreat of

German Army Group A from Novorossisk area. Other

Soviet forces regain oil center of Maikop. German

Army Group Don is no longer an effective fighting

body, having become separated from Army Group A

during northward withdrawal.

GERMANY—RAF Mosquitoes make daylight attack on Berlin during celebration of tenth anniversary of Hitler’s assumption of power.

31 January

GUADALCANAL—147th Inf, with arty and naval

gunfire support, attempts to cross the Bonegi. Stiff

resistance at river mouth prevents 1st Bn from crossing, but 3d Bn crosses about 2,500 yards inland from

Tassafaronga Pt. Small party from 147th Inf sails

from Beaufort Bay to Lavoro to outpost Titi area in

preparation for landing by 2d Bn of 132d Inf, reinf,

Americal Div; 6 of the party go ashore and suggest

by radio that landing be made at Nugu Pt. 2d Bn of

132d Inf sails from Kukum for Nugu Pt at 1800. 2d

and 8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, sail from Guadalcanal

for New Zealand.

NEW GUINEA—Australians place arty fire on enemy in Wau area with good effect.

LIBYA—7th Armd Div of Br Eighth Army finishes

clearing Zuara, near Tunisian border.

TUNISIA—Fr 19th Corps troops, Br First Army,

are being withdrawn for rest and rehabilitation.

U.S. 1st Div takes control of Ousseltia Valley area.

In Rebaa Valley, 36th Brig of Br 78th Div repels

tank-infantry attacks near Sidi Said, N of Rebaa

Oulad Yahia, destroying 5 tanks of which 2 are

Tigers. In U.S. II Corps area, CCA of 1st Armd

Div begins action to regain Faïd Pass, but attack

fails; CCC, continuing toward Eastern Dorsal, is

ordered to join CCD in effort against Maknassy;

CCD moves from Gafsa with task of seizing Sened

Station and then reducing enemy positions near
[ 90 ] [ 1–4 FEBRUARY 1942 ]

Maknassy, but is subjected to demoralizing air

attack and cannot be formed for assault.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Brereton becomes commander of USAFIME, succeeding Gen Andrews,

who is to command U.S. forces in ETO.

2 February

GUADALCANAL—1st Bn, 147th Inf, succeeds in

crossing Bonegi R at its mouth and makes contact

with 3d Bn S of Tassafaronga Pt. 2d Bn of 132d Inf,

Americal Div, begins advance northward along coast

from Verahue, main body reaching Titi.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area,

1st Armd Div hq opens at Sbeïtla; CCD drives to

ridge E of Sened, where it digs in and repels counterattack.

USSR—Final resistance of German 6th Army at

Stalingrad ends, concluding epic struggle that has

turned the tide against the Axis. Action in other

sectors is unabated as Red Army endeavors to drive

enemy as tar W as possible before spring thaw sets

in. Immediate objectives are key positions of Rostov,

Kharkov, and Kursk.

3 February

GUADALCANAL—147th Inf establishes line extending S from Tassafaronga Pt and patrols to Umasani

R. 2d Bn, 132d Inf, patrols northward toward Cape

Esperance as far as Kamimbo Bay.

NEW GUINEA—After heavy arty preparation,

Kanga Force counterattacks from Wau to drive enemy back to Mubo and makes steady progress.

BURMA—On Arakan front, Ind 123d Brig unsuccessfully attacks Rathedaung.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area,

CCD of 1st Armd Div continues attack toward

Maknassy until directed to withdraw; disengages

and withdraws through Gafsa toward Bou Chebka,

where it passes into corps reserve. CCB arrives at

Maktar and is held in Br First Army reserve. 1st

Armd Div ( — ) defends region from Fondouk Gap

to Maizila Pass, CCC covering N sector from point

N of Djebel Trozza to vicinity of Sidi Bou Zid and

CCA covering area to S as far as Djebel Meloussi.

First Rcn Bn is held in 1st Armd Div reserve at

Sbeïtla.

USSR—Continuing toward Rostov, Soviet

forces take rail junction of Kushchevkaya. Other

Red Army troops seize Kupyansk rail junction, SE

of Kharkov. Still others cut rail line between Kursk

and Orel.

4 February

GUADALCANAL—147th Inf advances about 1,000

yards westward toward the Umasani against minor

opposition. Concentration of 2d Bn, 132d Inf, with

its arty, transport, and supplies at Titi is completed.

Japanese withdraw additional forces by sea from

Cape Esperance under cover of darkness.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese, harassed by aircraft,

begin retreating in disorder from Wau area. Pro1 February

GUADALCANAL—Command of western pursuit

passes from Gen De Carre to Gen Sebree. 1st Bn

of 147th Inf, assisted by arty and naval gunfire,

again attempts unsuccessfully to cross Bonegi R

mouth but forces enemy rear guards from E bank.

2d Bn of 132d Inf, Americal Div, makes unopposed landing at Verahue, to rear of enemy in

Cape Esperance area. During night 1–2, Japanese

begin evacuation of forces by sea from Cape

Esperance.

NEW GUINEA—Co G of 163d Inf, U.S. 41st

Div, starts NW along coast toward Kumusi R

mouth.

CBI—Generals Arnold and Somervell and Field

Marshal Sir John Dill open conferences in New

Delhi with Field Marshal Wavell and Gen Stilwell

to prepare detailed plans for ANAKIM for submission

to Chiang Kai-shek. During the conferences agreement is reached upon a series of operations, ultimate objective of which is to recapture Burma in

order to attack Japan from China. Main effort would

begin in November 1943,

BURMA—Ind 55th Brig, which has relieved Ind

47th Brig, attacks enemy’s Donbaik positions but is

no more successful than 47th had been: Of 6 supporting tanks, 2 are knocked out by AT fire and 2

others are abandoned.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area,

CCA of 1st Armd Div continues attack toward Faïd

Pass after very heavy arty preparation but makes

little progress. Fr units and CCA then organize

defense positions and remain in place to await reinforcements. Br First Army cancels projected attack on Maknassy because of enemy threat W of

Kairouan. II Corps, protecting right flank of Allied forces, is to employ CCC and CCD of 1st Armd

Div as mobile reserve near Sbeïtla, although CCD

is to secure more favorable defense position 3–4

miles E of Sened Station first. Brig Gen Ray E.

Porter is to command CCD temporarily, relieving

Col Robert V. Maraist. CCD, reinf by 1st Bn of

168th Inf, 34th Div, attacks and captures Sened

Station. CCC, almost through Maizila Pass, N of

Maknassy, withdraws to Sbeïtla and thence to

Hadjeb el Aïoun.

USSR—Red Army captures Svatovo, SE of

Kharkov, cutting rail line from Kharkov to Donets

basin.
[ 5–9 FEBRUARY 1942 ] [ 91 ]

longed period of intensive patrolling ensues as

Kanga Force attempts to intercept and destroy enemy groups, remnants of which eventually reach

Mubo.

TUNISIA—Br Eighth Army has completed the

conquest of Tripolitania and crossed into Tunisia,

where Rommel is hastily preparing for stand at

Mareth Line. Enemy rear guards are imposing maximum delay as British approach Mareth.

ALGERIA—Hq, North African Theater of Operations (NATOUSA) is established as a separate command under Gen Eisenhower at Algiers. ETO

boundary is altered to give Spain, Italy, and several

Mediterranean islands to NATOUSA. Gen Andrews

becomes head of ETOUSA.

USSR—Red Army spearheads continue to close

in rapidly on Rostov, Kharkov, and Kursk. Soviet

commandos land on Black Sea coast near

Novorossisk and are being engaged by German Army

Group A, which is almost isolated in Novorossisk–

Krasnodar region.

5 February

GUADALCANAL—147th Inf activity is limited to

patrolling. No organized enemy forces are found E

of the Umasani. 2d Bn, 132d Inf, patrols northward

from Titi.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, 2d Bn of RCT

16, Fr 19th Corps, joins U.S. 1st Div, to which it

reverts from attachment to 36th Brig of Br 78th

Div.

USSR—St Oskol, on rail line SE of Kursk, falls

to Soviet troops, as does Izyum, on rail line SE of

Kharkov.

6 February

GUADALCANAL—161st Inf, 25th Div, passes

through 147th Inf to continue pursuit of enemy (3d

Bn moving along beach and 2d Bn to S) and reaches

Umasani R; patrols cross the river. 147th Inf, which

moves to rear, is brought to full strength with arrival of 2d Bn from Fiji Is.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese planes make belated and

unsuccessful attack on Wau airdrome. In air battles

during day, 24 enemy planes are destroyed and many

more damaged. No Allied planes are lost.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, U.S. 34th Div

( — RCT 168) is attached to Fr 19th Corps.

USSR—On southern front, one Soviet spearhead is about 5 miles S of Rostov; another takes

Yeisk, on Sea of Azov, completing isolation of German Army Group A in triangle Yeisk–Krasnodar–

Novorossisk. Deepening salient in the Ukraine below Kharkov, Soviet forces take Lisichansk, on the

Donets.

7 February

GUADALCANAL—161st Inf, 25th Div, crosses

Umasani R and advances NW to Bunina Pt; patrols reach Tambalego R. Moving forward from

Titi, 2d Bn of 132d Inf, Americal Div, arrives at

Marovovo. Night 7–8, Japanese destroyers make

final run down the Slot to Cape Esperance to

evacuate troops.

CHINA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, in

letter to President Roosevelt, presents enlarged

version of the 3 demands and agrees to take part in

Burma offensive.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, 1st Ranger Bn

arrives at Gafsa by air and is attached to U.S. II

Corps. RCT 168 ( — 1st Bn), 34th Div, is attached

to 1st Armd Div.

USSR—Continuing toward Rostov, Soviet

troops take Azov, on Sea of Azov. In the Ukraine,

Kramatorsk, SE of Kharkov, falls to Red Army. Russians cut main highway between Kursk and Orel.

8 February

GUADALCANAL—161st Inf, 25th Div, overcomes

light delaying opposition at the Tambalego and proceeds to Doma Cove. Pushing northward from

Marovovo, 2d Bn of 132d Inf, Americal Div, reaches

Kamimbo Bay.

AUSTRALIA—162d Inf, U.S. 41st Div, sails for

New Guinea.

BURMA—Ind 77th Brig (called Chindits) under

Brig Orde Charles Wingate begins guerrilla warfare

program behind enemy lines: entering Burma

through 4 Corps front, Chindits advance in 7 columns toward Mandalay–Myitkyina railway line.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area,

enemy orders attack against Gafsa area with primary purpose of destroying allied forces. 1st Div’s

RCT 26 ( — 2d and 3d Bns) is released by CCA, 1st

Armd Div, to corps and moves from Sidi Bou Zid

to Fériana.

USSR—Soviet columns converge on Kursk and

overrun this important enemy base.

9 February

GUADALCANAL—Organized resistance on

Guadalcanal ceases at 1625 with junction of 1st Bn

of 161st Inf, 25th Div, and 2d Bn of 132d Inf,

Americal Div, at village of Tenaro. About 13,000

Japanese (12,000 from 17th Army and the rest naval

personnel) have made good their escape to Buin and

Rabaul.

TUNISIA—Kesselring, Rommel, and von Arnim

modify attack plan because Americans are withdrawing from Gafsa; von Arnim is to attack Sidi
[ 92 ] [ 10–15 FEBRUARY 1942 ]

Bou Zid; Gafsa area is to be attacked later by 2

forces under Rommel’s command.

USSR—Soviet troops capture Belgorod, rail

junction on Kursk–Kharkov line.

10 February

NEW GUINEA—Co G of 163d Inf, U.S. 41st Div,

reaches Kumusi R mouth and establishes defense

perimeter.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, U.S. II Corps

assigns 1st Armd Div responsibility for containing

Axis forces at Faïd.

In Br Eighth Army area, heavy rainfall delays operations against Ben Gardane, main outpost of

enemy’s Mareth positions.

USSR—N of Rostov, Soviet forces cut

Novocherkassk–Rostov rail line. Red Army columns

converging on Kharkov take Chuguev and

Volchansk.

11 February

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, RCT 135 of U.S.

34th Div, Fr 19th Corps, begins relief of French in

Pichon–Maison des Eaux region. In Djebel Rihana

area, 2d Bn of RCT 26 is relieved by 2d Bn of RCT

16 and becomes U.S. 1st Div reserve. Gen

Fredendall, CG U.S. II Corps, issues directive on

defense of Faïd position.

USSR—S of Kharkov, Germans are forced from

RR junction of Lozovaya.

12 February

SWPA—GHQ issues draft “Plans for the Seizure

and Occupation of the New Britain–New Guinea–

New Ireland Area,” coded ELKTON.

TUNISIA—Br First Army, which has been strengthened by arrival of 46th Div during first week of February, receives orders for reorganization. Shifts are

scheduled to begin on 15th.

USSR—Soviet forces take Krasnodar rail center

on the Kuban and are pressing W toward Novorossisk.

German escape corridor from Rostov is narrowed as

Red Army troops cut main RR extending NW from

Rostov at Krasnoarmeisk. Shakhty, on Rostov–

Voronezh line, also falls to Russians.

13 February

TUNISIA—CinC Allied Force visits U.S. II Corps

area to review disposition of forces, since an enemy

attack is imminent. Axis commanders meet to review attack plans.

USSR—Germans are containing Soviet attacks

toward Novorossisk, last enemy stronghold remaining in NW Caucasus. Red Army gains complete

control of Rostov–Voronezh rail line with capture

of Novocherkassk and Likhaya.

14 February

TUNISIA—In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area,

enemy begins strong westward push at dawn with

tanks and infantry supported by arty and dive

bombers. CCA, 1st Armd Div, is forced to fall back

toward Sbeïtla from positions E of Sidi Bou Zid.

Elements of CCA and attached 168th Inf are isolated on Djebel Lessouda, NE of Sidi Bou Zid,

and on Djebel Ksaira and Garet Hadid in region

SE of Sidi Bou Zid. To assist CCA, which suffers

heavy tank losses, CCC, reinf by 2d Bn of 1st

Armd Regt of CCB, is released by corps for counterattack on Sidi Bou Zid on 15th. Because of loss

of Sidi Bou Zid on N flank of corps, Fr and U.S.

forces (U.S. being 3d Bn of RCT 26, 1st Div, and

1st Ranger Bn) withdraw from Gafsa to Fériana,

night 14–15

USSR—Red Army occupies Rostov, key communication center through which Germans have

been extricating their forces from the Caucasus.

Voroshilovgrad, already bypassed by Soviet thrust

toward Stalino, also falls. Germans reorganize

forces. Army Group South (formerly Don) takes control of remnants of Army Groups Don and B. 2d

Army transfers to Army Group Center. Army Group

A retains Kuban bridgehead in Novorossisk area.

15 February

NW AFRICA—Gen Alexander, selected at

Casablanca Conference to head all Allied forces

in Tunisia, arrives at Algiers for conference at

AFHQ.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, Gen K. A. N.

Anderson, CG, orders forces holding high ground

W of Faïd withdrawn and Kasserine Pass organized

for defense. In U.S. II Corps area, Hq, SOS

NATOUSA, is established under Brig Gen Thomas B. Larkin. 1st Armd Div’s CCC counterattacks in Sidi Bou Zid area in effort to relieve encircled forces on hills, but is unable to accomplish

its mission and falls back with heavy tank losses.

Most of the U.S. force on Djebel Lessouda succeeds in escaping during night 15–16. While action at Sidi Bou Zid is in progress, Gen K. A. N.

Anderson directs Gen Fredendall to withdraw all

forces, after isolated troops have been extricated,

to positions defending Sbeïtla, Kasserine, and

Fériana. Axis forces, moving cautiously against

Gafsa, discover that it has been evacuated. Fr 19th

Corps is quietly and gradually moving right flank

forces back to Shiba.
[ 16–18 FEBRUARY 1942 ] [ 93 ]

In Br Eighth Army area, improving weather conditions permit resumption of operations toward

Mareth Line.

16 February

ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese make their last nuisance

raid on Amchitka as first Allied plane lands on new

fighter strip there.

GUADALCANAL—In preparation for invasion of

Russell Is.—Operation CLEANSLATE—first echelon of

43d Div assault force (RCT’s 103 and 169) under

43d Div CG, Maj Gen John H. Hester, arrives at

Guadalcanal.

SWPA—U.S. Sixth Army is established in

SWPA under command of Lt Gen Walter Krueger.

Army consists of I Corps (Gen Eichelberger), 2d

Engr Special Brig, and 503d Para Inf Regt; 1st Mar

Div is attached.

TUNISIA—Br First Army releases CCB, U.S. 1st

Armd Div, to U.S. II Corps. RCT 18, U.S. 1st Div,

is released by Br 5 Corps for movement to Shiba,

where positions are being strengthened. In U.S. II

Corps area, enemy, anticipating evacuation of

Sbeïtla, which 1st Armd Div is too weak to hold as

result of heavy losses at Sidi Bou Zid, begins drive

on the town late in day; despite opposition of screening force, of 1st Armd Div between Sidi Bou Zid

and Sbeïtla, arrives at outskirts of latter and is briskly

engaged by CCA and CCB, CCB having arrived

from Maktar, as withdrawal of Americans toward

Western Dorsal begins. Because of unexpectedly

sharp resistance, enemy breaks off attack for night.

Isolated Americans on Djebel Ksaira and Garet

Hadid, under attack throughout day, make unsuccessful attempt to withdraw, night 16–17, and are

virtually wiped out. From Gafsa, Germans advance

25 miles NW toward Fériana and SW through

Metlaoui to Tozeur.

In Br Eighth Army area, 7th Armd Div drives into

Ben Gardane, Mareth Line outpost.

USSR—Soviet troops occupy Kharkov as Axis

forces withdraw toward Poltava.

17 February

SOLOMON Is.—Small party of U.S. officers sails

from Guadalcanal to Russell Is. to reconnoiter in

preparation for invasion; goes ashore on Banika I.

after dark.

CHINA—It is announced that Gen Chen will be

CG Chinese Expeditionary Force.

BURMA—Ind 55th Brig again attempts to reduce

enemy position at Donbaik, on Arakan front, but is

unsuccessful.

MEDITERRANEAN—Mediterranean Air Command is constituted and activated by AFHQ under

Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur W. Tedder, with unified control over all Allied air forces based in

Middle East, NW Africa, and Malta. Air Vice Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham assumes command of

Allied Air Support Command (AASC). Pursuant

to decision reached by CCS on 20 January, AFHQ

issues directives to Gen Alexander, naming him

Deputy CinC of Allied Forces in French North

Africa and Commander of the Group of Armies

(18 Army Group, combining numbers of Br First

and Eighth Armies) operating in Tunisia, effective

20 February.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps

withdraws W to conform with withdrawal of U.S.

II Corps. RCT 18, U.S. 1st Div, is attached to Br

6th Armd Div at Sbiba. U.S. II Corps falls back to

Western Dorsal and stations troops to defend passes

at Sbiba (Fr 19th Corps sector), Kasserine, Dernaïa,

and El Ma el Abiod. Defensive positions are being

organized. CCB covers withdrawal of 1st Armd

Div from Sbeïtla. Germans enter Fériana and overcome rear-guard opposition; take Thélepte air base.

3d Bn of RCT 39, 9th Div, which has moved forward from Souk Ahras (Algeria) comes under

corps command.

Br Eighth Army, with 51st Div and 7th Armd Div

in assault, captures Médenine and its airfields.

USSR—Red Army takes Slavyansk, rail junction

N of Kramatorsk.

18 February

ALEUTIAN IS.—Adm McMorris’ strike force bombards Attu, but weather conditions prevent observation of results. This is the first time naval gunfire

is employed against Attu.

SOLOMON Is.—Rear echelon of Russell Is. assault

force from 43d Div lands on Guadalcanal. Russell

Is. rcn party returns to Guadalcanal, night 18–19,

after learning that Japanese have withdrawn from

the islands.

INDIA—Gen Wheeler, charged with Ledo Road

construction in late December, is given responsibility for defending the road.

BURMA—Ind 77th Brig (Chindits) crosses the

Chindwin unopposed; subsequently reaches and

cuts Mandalay–Myitkyina railway line without

interference.

MEDITERRANEAN—Mediterranean Air Command (U.S. Ninth and Twelfth Air Forces; RAF

EAC, ME, Malta, Gibraltar) begins functioning.

Under Mediterranean Air Command, Northwest

African Air Forces (NAAF), consisting of EAC and

Twelfth Air Force, is activated under command of

Gen Spaatz.

TUNISIA—In Br First Army area, U.S. II Corps

continues organization of defenses at passes through
[ 94 ] [ 19–21 FEBRUARY 1942 ]

Western Dorsal as enemy action subsides to rcn.

Enemy stages demonstration at E exit of Kasserine

Pass in evening, alerting provisional U.S. defense

force ( 19th Combat Engr Regt and elements of 26th

Inf, 1st Div). Reinforcements are moved to the pass,

among them 1st Bn of 39th Inf, 9th Div. During

night 18–19, CO of 26th Inf takes responsibility for

defense of the pass, relieving CO 19th Engrs. As a

precautionary measure, 26th Armd Brig, Br 6th

Armd Div, is sent to Thala, coming under corps

control.

Br Eighth Army, continuing toward Mareth Line,

takes Foum Tatahouine.

USSR—II Corps of German 16th Army begins

withdrawal on northern front.

19 February

SWPA—Naval elements of SWPA force are redesignated U.S. Seventh Fleet.

TUNISIA—Gen Alexander, upon visiting, the

front, finds situation so serious he takes command

of 18 Army Group At once, a day ahead of schedule. 18 Army Group comprises Br First and Eighth

Armies, Fr 19th Corps, and U. S. II Corps. Br First

Army retains command of the Fr and U.S. corps.

Upon taking command, Gen Alexander orders Br,

U.S., and Fr forces organized under separate commands and their respective commanders at once; the

front held by static troops while armored and mobile forces are withdrawn as reserve striking force;

plans made to regain the initiative.

In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps contains

German tank-infantry attack on Sbiba Pass, where

strong defense force (U.S. 34th Div ( — ), RCT 18 of

U.S. 1st Div, elements of Br 6th Armd Div, and Fr

units) is stationed. In U.S. II Corps area, enemy

opens attack on Kasserine Pass with tanks and infantry, supported by arty, and succeeds in gaining

positions within it but cannot drive defenders out.

Some reinforcements are sent forward to bolster

Allied positions. CCB, 1st Armd Div, is alerted for

possible commitment.

USSR—Red Army reports progress S and SW

of Kharkov and announces that Kharkov–Kursk RR

and highway are cleared of enemy.

20 February

SOLOMON Is.—U.S. naval force under Adm

Turner leaves Guadalcanal for Russell Is. with initial assault echelon of 43d Div.

TUNISIA—Axis forces are being reorganized.

Gen Messe assumes command of Italian First

Army; Rommel’s German–Italian Panzer Army ceases

to exist. Rommel remains in Tunisia, however, a

few weeks longer.

18 Army Group: In Br First Army area, Fr 19th

Corps repels another enemy attack against Sbiba,

after which enemy in the area shifts from the offensive to aggressive defensive. U.S. 1st Div

( — ) moves to Bou Chebka and reverts to U.S. II

Corps. In U.S. II Corps area, enemy breaks

through Kasserine Pass and thrusts N toward

Thala and W toward Tébessa. Br force of all arms,

based on 26th Armd Brig of 6th Armd Div, under Brig C. G. G. Nicholson, is given responsibility, under II Corps control, for co-ordinating operations to check enemy and restore positions.

Nicholson’s force is to operate NE of Hatab R

before Thala. CCB, 1st Armd Div, under command of Nicholson, and other troops operating S

of the Hatab are to defend passes in Djebel el

Hamra before Tébessa. Preparations are made for

counterattack on 21st.

USSR—In region S and SW of Kharkov, Soviet

forces take Pavlograd and Krasnograd.

21 February

SOLOMON Is.—U.S. 43d Div invasion force lands

on 3 beaches in Russell Is., 2 of them on Banika I.

and the other on Pavuvu I, without opposition. Initial landing force consists of 43d Div hq, BLT’s I

and 2 and of RCT 103, 43d Cav Rcn Tr, 3d Mar

Raider Bn, 11th Mar Defense Bn detachment, and

43d Signal Co. LCT’s bring rest of 43d Div, less RCT

172, from Guadalcanal to Russell Is. by end of February, at which time 9,000 men are ashore.

BURMA—During night 21–22, coastal craft of

Royal Ind Navy land party at Nyebon, SE of Akyab;

party successfully raids enemy positions and

withdraws.

N AFRICA—Gen Spaatz takes control of Western

Desert Air Force (WDAF).

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders Gen Montgomery to apply pressure against

enemy’s S flank as diversion for Br First Army. In

Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery, who is

now planning for assault on Mareth Line, is not

yet ready for large-scale operations but decides to

risk sending small forces forward along coast and

to move Fr force under Gen Leclerc (called L

Force), which has recently joined Br Eighth Army

and driven from Nalut to Ksar Rhilane, northward

from Ksar Rhilane.

In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps halts probing thrust toward Sbiba with assistance of newly

arrived Churchill tanks. In U.S. II Corps area,

strong enemy forces continue attack from Kasserine

Pass toward Thala and are barely contained short

of this objective after hard fighting. Nicholson’s

force defending Thala is augmented by 2 Hampshires and by 2 FA bns of U.S. 9th Div, latter
[ 22–27 FEBRUARY 1942 ] [ 95 ]

arriving from W Algeria after 4-day forced march.

Limited enemy thrust toward Tébessa is contained

by CCB of 1st Armd Div, reinf by elements of

RCT 16, 1st Div.

USSR—Enemy opens counteroffensive toward

Kharkov from Stalino.

22 February

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

U.S. II Corps area, enemy continues offensive until afternoon, when Rommel abandons effort to

drive through to Le Kef and orders withdrawal.

Attack is broken off and enemy starts back toward

Kasserine Pass, leaving many mines behind. 1st

Armd Div assumes command of Nicholson’s force

at Thala and of its own CCB.

USSR—On central front, Soviet forces open offensive in Orel–Bryansk area and renew efforts to

take Rzhev.

23 February

TUNISIA—Rommel assumes command of German Army Group, Africa, as Axis forces continue

reorganization.

18 Army Group: Gen Alexander informs Gen

Montgomery that situation at Kasserine has improved and orders him not to take undue risks.

In Br First Army’s U.S. II Corps area, final enemy forces withdraw into Kasserine Pass during

morning, followed unaggressively by Allied forces.

Enemy and Allied planes are active during day.

USSR—Sumy, in the Ukraine NW of Kharkov,

falls to Red Army.

24 February

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

U.S. II Corps area, CCB of 1st Armd Div and 26th

Armd Brig of Br 6th Armd Div continue to follow withdrawing enemy. 1st Armd Div prepares

to attack to recover Kasserine Pass; attached 16th

Inf, 1st Div, is to lead off on 25th. RCT 26 (—2d

and 3d Bns), reverting to 1st Div control, moves

to El Ma el Abiod to defend pass.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery

orders 7th Armd and 51st Inf Divs to maintain

pressure on enemy along coast and on Gabès road,

respectively.

25 February

SWPA-S PACIFIC—Rough draft of long-range

plan for advance to the Philippines (RENO) is

drawn up.

RUSSELL Is.—Torpedo boat base at Wernham

Cove becomes operational.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army

area, U.S. II Corps, hampered only by mines and

booby traps, recovers Kasserine Pass. 9th Div is

concentrating in Tébessa area under corps command.

U.K.—RAF begins round-the-clock air offensive

against enemy.

26 February

SWPA—All units of the U.S. Army in SWPA and

all elements of the Philippine Army called into the

service of the USA are assigned to USAFFE, which

has been inactive since April 1942.

BURMA—Pipeline that is to parallel Ledo Road

gets high priority from CCS. Royal Ind Navy

launches sink enemy launch loaded with troops and

damage another N of Ramree I.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

5 Corps area, German 5th Panzer Army, under von

Arnim, opens offensive on broad front, threatening Bédja and Medjez el Bab. On N, attacks W of

Jefna are contained. Br outpost at Sidi Nsir, on

road from Mateur to Bédja, is overwhelmed after

vigorous battle that gains time for 46th Div to concentrate for defense of pass to Bédja. Attack on

Medjez itself is repulsed, but in region to S enemy makes deep penetration that is contained N

of El Aroussa. 38th Brig contains attack N of Bou

Arada, but is in an exposed position because of

enemy’s success to N. Gen K. A. N. Anderson, to

strengthen defenses of Goubellat–Bou Arada region, forms provisional div, called Y, from 38th

Brig and 1st Para Brig. In U.S. II Corps area, RCT

16 reverts to 1st Div, which assumes responsibility for Kasserine Pass and for maintaining contact with 34th Div, which comes under II Corps

command. 1st Armd Div is assembling as reserve

S of Tébessa.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery sets

20 March as D Day for attack on Mareth Line

(PUGILIST); expects to have sufficient troops and

supplies in forward area by 4 March. Because of

enemy movements, Gen Alexander warns Gen

Montgomery that enemy will attack as soon as

possible.

27 February

NEW GUINEA—162d Inf, U.S. 41st Div, reaches

Milne Bay.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5

Corps area, hard fighting continues around Bédja,

but enemy is unable to advance. In U.S. II Corps

area, 9th Div relieves 1st Div at El Ma el Abiod and

Dernaa Pass, NW of Fériana, and 1st Div assembles

E of Tébessa.
[ 96 ] [ 28 FEBRUARY–4 MARCH 1942 ]

28 February

SWPA—GHQ revises ELKTON plan for drive on

Rabaul.

NEW GUINEA—1st Bn of 168d Inf, U.S. 41st Div,

having arrived at front and relieved elements of

163d in Sanananda–Killerton–Gona area and at

Kumusi R mouth, starts N from Killerton by water,

leapfrogging cos.

BURMA—Construction of road from Ledo, India, crosses Burmese border. In order to subdue

Kachin guerrillas in N Burma, Japanese are moving one small force toward Sumprabum, Br outpost

near Fort Hertz, and another toward Tanai R in

Hukawng Valley.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army area,

S Corps continues to contain enemy attempts to

advance on Bédja. In U.S. II Corps area, enemy has

now retired to Eastern Dorsal, abandoning Sbeïtla

and Fériana. II Corps patrols actively.

USSR—Determined German counterattacks in

upper Donets are making progress and have overrun Kramatorsk and Lozovaya. Hard fighting continues in Orel–Bryansk sector. Spring thaw is hampering operations around Kuban bridgehead and on

Mius R.

1 March

BISMARCK SEA—B–24 detects Japanese convoy,

well protected with fighters, en route from Rabaul

(New Britain) to Huon Gulf (New Guinea).

BURMA—Sumprabum is evacuated by Br civil

authorities. Japanese subsequently move into the

village and continue to skirmish with Kachin levies

in the area, but make no further progress toward

Fort Hertz.

N AFRICA—Gen Spaatz takes command of

Twelfth Air Force, an organization that has been

merely a name since air reorganization of February.

Twelfth Air Force is to be continued as administrative hq for U.S. Army elements of NAAF.

USSR—Moscow announces that an offensive of

NW Front, begun a few days earlier by Marshal

Timoshenko, has regained Demyansk, Lichkova, and

Zaluchie.

2 March

BISMARCK SEA—Allied planes make damaging

attacks on enemy convoy bound for Huon Gulf.

Some Japanese are rescued from sinking transport

and put ashore at Lae, night 2–3, by DD’s.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5

Corps area, enemy renews attack on N along

Mateur–Tabarka road near Jefna and forces 139th

Brig, 46th Div, back to Sedjenane. U.S. II Corps is

directed to begin limited offensive on S flank of Br

First Army not later than 115 March in order to divert enemy forces from Br Eighth Army area, gain

forward airfields from which Eighth Army’s offensive against Mareth Line can be supported, and

establish alternative supply line for Eighth Army.

In Br Eighth Army area, NZ 2d Div concentrates S of Médenine, having been rushed forward

from Tripoli.

USSR—German Army Group Center evacuates

Rzhev.

3 March

ALEUTIAN IS.—Adm Kinkaid recommends limited offensive with available forces be conducted

against Attu, bypassing Kiska, the objective for which

planning has been in progress for some time.

BISMARCK SEA—During heavy co-ordinated attacks, Allied planes severely cripple Japanese convoy, which has arrived off Huon Gulf. After nightfall, PT boats of Seventh Fleet destroy one of the

vessels previously damaged by aircraft.

TUNISIA—German Africa Corps issues plan for

attack from Mareth Line.

18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area,

fighting around Bédja subsides, but enemy seizes

Sedjenane, about 12 miles W of Jefna. U.S. II Corps

continues to patrol actively without making contact

with enemy. Sidi Bou Zid and Hadjeb el Aïoun are

free of enemy.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, enemy makes

local probing attack against 81st Div positions near

Mareth and is driven off with heavy casualties.

USSR—On Kharkov–Bryansk rail line, Soviet

forces capture Lgov and Dmitriev Lgovsky. 1st Pz

Army of Army Group South reaches the Donets and

overruns Slavyansk and Lisichansk.

4 March

BISMARCK SEA—Battle of Bismarck Sea ends in decisive victory for Allied land-based planes. During the

running battle (1–4 March), Japanese lose the entire

convoy of 8 transports and 4 DD’s, many of the aircraft protecting it, and many personnel embarked in

it. This is the last enemy attempt to use large vessels to

reinforce positions on Huon Gulf, New Guinea.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5

Corps area, 139th Brig of 46th Div remains under

heavy pressure along Mateur–Tabarka road and during night 4–5 falls back to Tamera, about 8 miles W

of Sedjenane.

Br Eighth Army, having completed concentration

of troops and weapons in forward area, is now prepared to meet enemy attack—which appears to be

imminent because of troop movements in mountains

W of Médenine—and is greatly superior to enemy in

tanks and AT weapons.

USSR—Russians take Sievsk, S of Bryansk.
[ 5–12 MARCH 1942 ] [ 97 ]

5 March

SOLOMON Is.—U.S. naval TF successfully bombards Vila and Munda, night 5–6.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

g Corps area, 1st Para Brig, upon relief by RCT

26 of U.S. 1st Div, moves N to strengthen 46th

Div units in Tamera area, where enemy threat is

still serious. U.S. II Corps continues to patrol

aggressively. Rcn force of 34th Div enters Pichon,

from which Germans have withdrawn, but later

withdraws because of enemy forces on hills to

N and S.

USSR—Red Army troops are attacking toward

Staraya Russa.

6 March

RUSSELL Is.—Islands undergo enemy air attack. This is the first indication that Japanese

have learned of American occupation of the

islands.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5

Corps area, enemy maintains pressure against N

flank of corps in Tamera area. In U.S. II Corps area,

Gen Patton takes command of corps, relieving Gen

Fredendall. As head of I Armd Corps in Morocco,

Gen Patton had been preparing to command U.S.

troops of projected invasion of Sicily. Maj Gen Omar

N. Bradley, who is to succeed Gen Patton after operations in S Tunisia are completed, becomes deputy

corps commander.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Rommel

makes his last attack in Tunisia and is decisively

defeated. Four strong thrusts toward Médenine are

repulsed by British, who commit only one sq of

tanks. Enemy retires after nightfall, having lost about

50 tanks.

USSR—Gzhatsk, on rail line between Moscow

and Smolensk, falls to Red Army.

7 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: SE Algerian Command, disposed generally SW of Gafsa between U.S.

II Corps and Br Eighth Army, occupies Redeyef and

patrols toward Tozeur. This command, which includes Fr Camel Corps, was formed late in January

under Gen Robert Boissau, previously Fr Army commander at Oran.

8 March

CHINA—Japanese cross Yangtze between Ichang

and Yoyang.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Takes command of

U.S. II Corps, but leaves Fr 19th Corps attached

to Br First Army. II Corps continues planning for

offensive in mid-March. Forward elements of SE

Algerian Command occupy Tozeur.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps continues to withstand pressure against N flank in Tamera area.

USSR—Red Army troops capture Sychevka, N

of Vyazma, forcing enemy back toward Smolensk.

9 March

NEW GUINEA—Japanese planes attack Wau in

force. This is the first of a series of heavy air attacks

on strategic points in New Guinea, among them

Dobodura, Oro Bay, Porlock Harbor, Port Moresby,

and Milne Bay.

BURMA—Columns of Ind 77th Brig (Chindits)

begin crossing the Irrawaddy R in order to harass

enemy farther E.

N AFRICA—Axis reorganization of forces continues. Field Marshal Kesselring’s authority aver

ground, air, and sea units in the Mediterranean theater is extended. Gen von Arnim takes command of

Army Group Africa, succeeding Field Marshal

Rommel, who leaves Africa. Gen Gustav von Vaerst

succeeds von Arnim as commander of Fifth Panzer

Army.

18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps area, 1st Div is

joined in Bou Chebka area by RCT 18, which reverts to it from attachment to 34th Div.

10 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s 5

Corps area, enemy continues to attack 46th Div

positions in vicinity of Tamera. French relieve RCT

26, U.S. 1st Div, in Bou Arada area. SE Algerian

Command takes Metlaoui.

In Br Eighth Army area, Fr force under Gen

Leclerc (L Force), screening W flank of Eighth Army

at Ksar Rhilane, repels sharp enemy attack.

USSR—NW of Vyazma, Soviet forces seize

Byelyi.

11 March

CHINA—U.S. Fourteenth Air Force is activated

under Maj Gen Claire L. Chennault.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army area,

5 Corps remains under enemy pressure in Tamera

sector.

USSR—Continuing counteroffensive toward

Kharkov, enemy reaches the town, which Red Army

is staunchly defending.

12 March

U.S.—Pacific Military Conference opens in

Washington to plan for operations against the Japa-
[ 98 ] [ 13–18 MARCH 1942 ]

nese during 1943. During the conference, which

continues through 15th, Gen Sutherland, Gen MacArthur’s chief of staff, presents ELKTON plan for

reduction of Rabaul, as revised on 28 February,

calling for mutually supporting drives, one by

SWPA forces from New Guinea to New Britain

and another by S Pacific forces through the Solomons. Of great concern to the planners is the shortage of shipping in which to transport the necessary

reinforcements to the Far East.

BURMA—Because of recent enemy activity in

Sumprabum sector and Hukawng Valley, Gen Stilwell orders Ch troops to Ledo area. On Arakan

front, Japanese are employing envelopment tactics

against Br Imperial forces and are splitting them

into small groups.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Succeeds in establishing a reserve force, Br 6th Armd and 78th Divs,

under recently arrived hq of Br 9 Corps. 6th Armd

Div is in the process of being refitted with Sherman

tanks. In U.S. II Corps area, RCT 60 of 9th Div is

attached to 1st Armd Div in preparation for coming

offensive.

USSR—Germans report violent street fighting

in Kharkov. Red Army takes important enemy base

of Vyazma.

13 March

NEW GUINEA—Kanga Force continues to press

enemy back inch by inch toward Mubo and is now

N of Guadagasel.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Sets 17 March as

D Day for U.S. II Corps’ offensive, initial objective

of which is Gafsa. 1st Armd Div, reinf by RCT 60

of 9th Div, begins movement from Tébessa area,

where it has been refitting since 26 February, toward

assembly area NE of Gafsa. Elements are formed

into TF, under Col Clarence C. Benson, for detached

service and move to region SW of Sbeïtla during

night 13–14. In preparation for offensive, air operations are begun against enemy landing fields, although weather conditions are unfavorable.

14 March

N AFRICA—Gen Giraud restores representative

government in French N Africa and suppresses organizations of Vichy origin.

18 Army Group: Gen Alexander issues policy

directive regarding forthcoming offensive in

Tunisia.

USSR—Germans claim capture of Kharkov.

15 March

PACIFIC—Central Pacific Force is redesignated

Fifth Fleet.

NEW GUINEA—1st Bn of 162d Inf, U.S. 41st

Div, occupies positions at Mambare R mouth without opposition.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Eisenhower

visits U.S. II Corps hq as preparations for offensive

continue. While corps line from Shiba to Kasserine

is held by 34th Div and from Kasserine to El Ma el

Abiod by 9th Div, assault forces (1st Inf and 1st

Armd Divs) prepare to attack on 17th. 1st Div, reinf

by 1st Ranger Bn and arty and TD units, assembles

in Bou Chebka area.

16 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps completes preparations for attack. 1st Div, which is to

lead off, moves forward, night 16–17, to line of

departure. 1st Armd Div is greatly hampered by

muddy terrain as it moves into position to protect

left flank of 1st Div.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, Y Div (38th

Brig and 1st Para Brig) is dissolved upon relief by

3d Brig of 1st Div. This is the first unit of 1st Div

to arrive in Tunisia.

Br Eighth Army, as a preliminary to main assault

on Mareth Line, conducts limited attacks, night 16–

17, to mislead enemy and drive in his outposts. The

actions are largely successful.

17 March

BURMA—On Arakan front, Ind 55th Brig,

which has previously relieved 123d in region E of

Mayu R, is attacked and outflanked by enemy at

Rathedaung. Assisted by Ind 71st Brig of 26th Div,

55th Brig later succeeds in withdrawing toward

Buthidaung. E flank of forces W of the Mayu is thus

exposed.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps opens

offensive as planned after arty and air preparation,

1st Div attacking for the first time as a div. Employing RCT’s 16 and 18, reinf by bn of RCT 26,

1st Div moves into Gafsa, which enemy has

evacuated, and organizes it for defense. Hamlet

SE of Gafsa, is also occupied. 1st Armd Div, defending left flank, is handicapped by heavy rains

but CCA moves into Zannoueh, between Gafsa and

Sened, without opposition.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 46th Div withdraws under pressure from Tamera.

Br Eighth Army continues local operations in

preparation for assault on Mareth Line.

18 March

INDIA—308th Bombardment Gp (B–24) arrives in India to reinforce U.S. Fourteenth Air

Force.
[ 19–22 MARCH 1942 ] [ 99 ]

BURMA—6th Brig of Br 2d Div, assisted by 71st

Brig of Ind 26th Div, makes final and vain effort

to clear Donbaik. Japanese continue infiltration and

envelopment tactics, leaving Imperial forces no

choice but to withdraw northward. Ind 77th Brig.

(Chindits) completes its crossing of the Irrawaddy,

but because of increasing hardships eventually

abandons plan to cut Mandalay–Lashio rail line and

returns in small groups to India.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps’s 1st

Div, continuing attack with attached 1st Ranger

Bn, takes El Guettar without opposition. Very heavy

rains immobilize 1st Armd Div, but plans are made

for attack on Sened Station on 19th.

In Br First Army area, Gen Anderson orders 5

Corps, which is reinf by 1st Para Brig of Corps

Franc d’Afrique and one Tabor of Fr Goumiers,

to cease withdrawal and to prepare to recover at

least part of lost ground as a necessary preliminary

to launching major assault toward Tunis and Bizerte. Enemy is attacking in Djebel Abiod area.

19 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Lull occurs on U.S.

II Corps front as road conditions force postponement of attack on Sened Station. SE Algerian Command, protecting S flank of II Corps, is moving

forward and has elements S of Gafsa.

Br Eighth Army completes preparations for

attack on Mareth Line on 20th. NZ Corps (NZ

2d Div, Br 8th Armd Brig, LeClerc’s force, and a

regt each of armd cars and medium arty), formed

temporarily for outflanking drive around enemy’s

W flank, starts wide circling movement to S from

concealed positions in Foum Tatahouine area, night

19–20.

USSR—Enemy takes Belgorod, N of Kharkov.

20 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Armd Div opens corps offensive with drive

on Maknassy. While attached RCT 60, motorized,

and CCC thrust toward Sened Station, intermediate

objective, from NW, CCA takes more direct route,

moving along road from Zannouch. Enemy is

found to have evacuated Sened Station; RCT 60

occupies it; night 20–21. With Sened Station in U.S.

hands, 1st Div begins eastward attack from El

Guettar, night 20–21, employing attached 1st

Ranger Bn and 26th and 18th Regts.

Br Eighth Army opens assault on Mareth position, constructed originally by French and improved

later by Germans, in effort to break through it and

Gabès gap to open country. NZ Corps openly continues enveloping movement toward El Hamma

switch line in order to divert enemy’s attention

from E end of Mareth Line; despite very difficult

terrain and enemy opposition, reaches positions a

few miles short of defile between Djebels Tebaga

and Melab. 30 Corps, after very heavy arty barrage, attacks in coastal sector at E end of Mareth

Line at 2230, employing 50th Div, which secures

foothold on fortified N bank of Wadi Zigzaou, a

formidable obstacle because of its width and depth,

against intense enfilade fire. 10 Corps, containing

1st and 7th Armd Divs, in army reserve, is disposed in central sector, prepared to exploit success

of either of the assault forces.

21 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps area,

CCC and CCA of 1st Armd Div bypass Sened

village, which surrenders to RCT 60, and continue

E to Maknassy, placing it under arty fire in preparation for attack on 22d. 1st Div pushes eastward

from El Guettar. 1st Ranger Bn, circling N of El

Guettar–Maharès road (called Gumtree), gets behind enemy at Djebel el Ank defile while 26th Inf

drives directly along road. In this successful action,

over 700 prisoners are taken. To right, 18th Inf takes

Hill 336, S of Gumtree road, and presses on toward

Djebel el Mcheltat.

In Br Eighth Army area, NZ Corps makes slow

progress toward El Hamma switch line. 30 Corps

strengthens bridgehead on bank of Wadi Zigzaou

somewhat but can get only a few tanks across.

Covered by heavy arty fire, 50th Div broadens and

deepens bridgehead, night 21–22.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps is severely menaced on N as enemy forces defenders of important

lateral road between Mateur and Djebel Abiod back

to Djebel Abiod.

USSR—Germans claim to have closed last remaining gap in line of communications with Orel

sector. Russians take Durovo, 57 miles NE of

Smolensk. Operations on entire front are bogging

down because of spring thaw.

22 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Armd Div finds Maknassy free of enemy

and occupies it; renewing attack, night 22–23, with

CCC on N and RCT 60 on S, seizes Djebels

Dribica and Bou Douaou but is unable to clear

enemy from Djebel Naemia, which dominates pass

E of Maknassy. 1st Div consolidates and improves

positions E of El Guettar, 26th Inf probing beyond

Bou Hamran, on Gumtree road, and 18th occupying

Djebel el Mcheltat and moving elements S across
[ 100 ] [ 23–27 MARCH 1943 ]

El Guettar–Gabès road to Djebel el Kreroua and E

tip of Djebel Berda. German armored div heads NW

up Gabès–Gafsa road, night 22–23, for counterthrust toward Gafsa. SE Algerian Command continues forward in conjunction with and to S of U.S.

II Corps and is in contact with enemy at Djebel Bou

Jerra, SW of Djebel Berda.

In Br Eighth Army area, offensive is severely

handicapped by heavy rainfall. Determined enemy

counterattack forces 50th Div, 30 Corps, to give

ground. Since enemy reserves are now committed in

coastal sector and fighting here is proving very

costly, Gen Montgomery decides to switch main

weight of his attack to W flank and conduct holding

action on E. 10 Corps releases 7th Armd Div to

30 Corps.

Br First Army is strengthened as 1st Div completes concentration in Tunisia.

23 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Armd Div continues futile efforts to take

Djebel Naemia, where enemy is building up

strength. 1st Div, by dint of hard fighting, contains

2 strong enemy thrusts toward El Guettar. Both

sides sustain heavy losses. SE Algerian Command

is meeting strong opposition as it continues forward

to S of U.S. II Corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps withdraws

Wadi Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of arty fire

during night 23–24. Ind 4th Div begins operations

to clear Médenine–Hallouf–Bir Soltane road, night

23–24. 10 Corps hq and 1st Armd Div move out

after dark to join NZ Corps, which is still help up

near bottleneck between Djebel Tebaga and Djebel

Melab, in preparation for assault against enemy’s W

flank.

24 March

U.S.—JCS approve plan to occupy Attu in the

Aleutians.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Armd Div attacks Djebel Naemia in

greater strength but cannot dislodge enemy. Gen

Patton orders the position taken during next

morning’s attack. Maj Gen Orlando Ward, CG 1st

Armd Div, personally commands attack, which begins midnight 24–25 without arty preparation.

Enemy, unable to break through positions of 1st

Div on hills SE of El Guettar, maintains pressure in

the area and achieves limited gains.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps is containing

enemy in coastal sector by feints coupled with air

attacks while preparations are made for attack

against W flank of Mareth Line.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy is at last

contained on N flank, where 46th Div holds line Cap

Negro–Djebel Abiod.

25 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Armd Div’s attack against Djebel Naemia

at first makes some progress, but gains cannot be

held. Maintaining pressure against 1st Div on hills

SE of El Guettar, enemy forces 18th Inf elements to

give ground on NE part of Djebel Berda; since no

reinforcements for this position are available, 18th

Inf defense force is ordered to withdraw from

Djebel Berda. U.S. II Corps receives new directive

from Gen Alexander, calling for broadened offensive; is reinf for this purpose by 34th and 9th Divs.

34th Div is to conduct limited offensive for Fondouk

Gap from Sbeïtla. 9th Div ( — RCT 60) and 1st Div

are to open gap SE of El Guettar for passage of 1st

Armd Div. 1st Armd Div is to break off offensive

in Maknassy area and leave small holding force

there in order to drive on Gabès.

26 March

BATTLE OF KOMANDORSKI Is.—Small naval task

group under Adm McMorris encounters superior

enemy surface force attempting to run Allied

blockade and reinforce Japanese positions in the

Aleutians. Joining battle off Komandorski Is. in the

Bering Sea, enemy is forced to retire without completing his mission; his Aleutians garrisons are

henceforth obliged to rely on meager supplies

brought in by submarine.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Br Eighth Army,

having adopted new plan called SUPERCHARGE, and

abandoned original plan, PUGILIST, renews assault

on Mareth Line in afternoon following destructive

aerial bombardment that lasts for 21/2 hours. NZ

Corps, leading assault against W flank of Mareth

Line, jumps off at 1600 and penetrates enemy positions in defile between Djebels Tebaga and Melab.

10 Corps’ 1st Armd Div, exploiting this success,

breaks through the defile and pushes toward El

Hamma as operations are continued through night

by moonlight. Ind 4th Div, 30 Corps, clearing

Médenine–Bir Soltane road, is beyond Hallouf Pass.

27 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 34th Div, in its first action as a div, begins

drive on Fondouk Gap, moving astride road from

Hadjeb el Aïoun with 2 regts abreast, 135th on left

and 168th on right. Frontal and enfilading fire from

heights ahead halt attack short of objective; 135th
[ 28–30 MARCH 1943 ] [ 101 ]

Inf attempts to advance at night but falls back under

intense fire. 133d Inf (less bn at Algiers) remains at

Sbeïtla to defend it. In SE Algerian Command area,

camel troops occupy Sabria and Rhidma, about 25

and 18 miles, respectively, SW of Kebili.

In Br Eighth Army area, Mareth Line collapses

under blows of 10 and NZ Corps on W, but enemy

retains El Hamma and escape corridor through

which main body withdraws, night 27–28. Axis

efforts to strengthen W flank are belated and ineffective. 1st Armd Div continues toward El Hamma

and repels 2 counterattacks. New Zealanders complete difficult task of mopping up during night

27–18. Ind 4th Div, 30 Corps, completes operations

to open Médenine–Bir Soltane road.

28 March

U.S.—JCS approve new directive for Gen MacArthur and Adm Halsey, altering previous directives

of 2 July 1942. Operations are to be confined to the

earlier Task Two, and bases are to be secured in the

Trobriands. Timing is left largely to the discretion

of the commanders. Gen MacArthur is to command

SWPA forces and have general direction of Adm

Halsey’s forces in the Solomons; have strategic control of Pacific Fleet task forces engaged in the

operations.

NEW GUINEA—MacKechnie Force, named after

Col Archibald R. MacKechnie, CO of 162d Inf, U.S.

41st Div, is formed, largely from 1st Bn of 162d Inf,

to secure Waria R mouth and Morobe harbor.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps opens

major attack toward Gabès from positions near El

Guettar, employing 1st Div on left and 9th (less

RCT 60) on right, in effort to force gap in enemy

positions through which 1st Armd Div can attack.

1st Div, with RCT 18 on left, 26 in center, and 16

on right, renews efforts to advance astride Gumtree

road and makes limited progress on left. 9th Div,

in action as a div for the first time, attacks with

47th Inf from positions on Djebel Berda, previously

abandoned by 18th Inf, toward Hill 369 on Djebel

el Kreroua, an eastern spur of Djebel Berda. Attack

is a costly failure because of well-organized enemy

positions on hills and ridges and confusion arising

from inaccurate maps. 1st and 3d Bns, mistaking

Draa Saada el Hamra ridge for Hill 369, clear it

except for Hill 290 at its tip. 2d Bn and reserve bn

(1st Bn, 39th Inf) become lost for more than a day

while trying to reach Hill 369. 2d Bn, 39th Inf, is

sent after nightfall toward Hill 369 but meets such

heavy fire from Hill 290 that main body falls back

to starting point and stragglers return 36 hours later.

1st Armd Div, which has elements at Gafsa to meet

threat of enemy breakthrough, is ordered to concentrate additional elements there during night 28–29.

On N flank of II Corps, 34th Div continues limited

attack toward Fondouk Gap but is unable to make

much headway. Camel troops of SE Algerian Command occupy Douz, S of Chott Djerid.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps continues attack toward El Hamma, from which enemy withdraws, night 28–29. NZ Corps pursues enemy northward toward Gabès. 30 Corps moves forward along

main Mareth–Gabès road, hampered by mines and

demolitions.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps begins counteroffensive to recover northern road and relieve pressure on Medjez el Bab, a dangerously exposed salient. 46th Div, employing 138th Brig, 36th Brig of

78th Div, and 1st Para Brig, assisted on left flank

by Corps d’Afrique and a Tabor of Moroccan

Goumiers, drives steadily eastward despite heavy

rainfall, which is to continue for a week. Enemy

forces in this sector have thinned out.

29 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps’ operations in El Guettar and Fondouk areas continue to

make negligible progress against firm resistance.

Plan of attack toward Gabès is changed by 18 Army

Group late in day: 1st Armd Div is to attack on 30th

in effort to break through enemy positions barring

road to Gabès.

Br Eighth Army pursues enemy northward

through Gabès. NZ Corps takes Gabès and Oudref.

30 Corps’ 51st Div overtakes NZ Corps at Gabès.

10 Corps’ 1st Armd Div advances northward from

El Hamma.

30 March

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps continues efforts to break through enemy positions

astride El Guettar–Gabès road. 1st Div secures most

of S part of Djebel el Mcheltat. After preparatory

arty concentrations, 9th Div takes part of Djebel

Lettouchi, eastern spur of Djebel Berda, but cannot

hold it or advance elsewhere. 1st Armd Div’s TF

Benson attacks through infantry at noon but is soon

stopped by enemy fire and mines. Lane is cleared

through mine field at pass between Djebel el

Mcheltat and Hill 369, night 30–31. 34th Div, to N,

continues futile efforts to reach Fondouk Gap. SE

Algerian Command’s camel troops occupy Kebili.

Br Eighth Army’s forward elements make contact

with enemy’s new line along Wadi Akarit. 10 Corps

is ordered to determine whether the Akarit defenses

can be carried by assault with current forces. NZ

Corps, having served its purpose, is abolished.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ 46 Div recaptures

Sedjenane.
[ 102 ] [ 31 MARCH–4 APRIL 1943 ]

31 March

NEW GUINEA—MacKechnie Force of U.S. 41st

Div moves by water to Waria R mouth and Dona

airstrip.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st Div’s RCT’s 16 and 26 attempt unsuccessfully to clear SE tip of Djebel el Mcheltat. 9th

Div makes little progress against bypassed Hill

772 (on Djebel Berda) and Hill 369 (on Djebel el

Kreroua). TF Benson, 1st Armd Div, attacks about

noon, passing through lane cleared in mine field, and

secures most of region from road to foothills at N,

but loses 9 tanks. 4 more tanks are salvaged. CCA

begins diversionary attack against Djebel Djebs, hill

mass N of Maknassy, and evokes sharp enemy reaction. As a diversion for 34th Div’s attack on Fondouk Gap, CO C of 751st Tank Bn, Co A of 813th

Tank Bn, and motorized co of 109th Combat Engrs

attack on NW slopes of Djebel Touila, about 5 miles

S of infantry. During nights of 31 March–1 April

and 1–2 April, 34th Div assault force pulls back out

of range of enemy fire and establishes defensive

positions, concluding the Fondouk Gap battle.

In Br Eighth Army area, Montgomery decides to

await reinforcements and regroup upon learning

from to Corps CG that an immediate assault across

Wadi Akarit would be costly. 30 Corps, which is

reinf by NZ 2d Div, is to be responsible for securing

bridgehead.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ 46th Div gains

all its objectives on N flank of corps, recovering El

Aouana; enemy withdraws from Cap Serrat. Preparations are begun for next phase of attack: clearing

Bédja–Medjez road and relieving pressure on Medjez. Fr 19th Corps makes contact with U.S. 34th Div

at El Ala, W of Fondouk.

1 April

ALEUTIAN IS.—CINCPAC and WDC CG issue

joint directive for invasion of Attu on 7 May. Adm

Kinkaid as commander of North Pacific Force (TF

16, formerly TF 8) will head the operation. Under

him, Adm Rockwell, Commander Amphibious

Force North Pacific, is to conduct landing operations. Maj Gen Albert E. Brown’s 7th Div, although trained for mechanized warfare in the desert,

is to make the assault.

SOLOMON Is.—Japanese aircraft, whose attention during the preceding month has been devoted

largely to Allied bases in New Guinea, attack Russell Is.

CHINA—Infantry and Arty Training Centers

for Chinese Y-Force officers open.

IRAN—U.S. AAF takes responsibility for assembling aircraft for USSR at Abadan Air Base.

Douglas Aircraft Company, under contract to AAF,

had previously been responsible for Abadan.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, plan of attack is changed after another fruitless attempt by TF Benson of 1st Armd Div to

break through enemy positions barring Gabès road.

Second phase (to secure pass between Djebel

Chemsi and Djebel Ben Khëir for passage of armor) is to begin at once, although enemy still retains Hill 772 on Djebel Berda and Hill 369 and

pass N of it on Djebel el Kreroua. TF Benson goes

on the defensive. 1st Div continues efforts to clear

SE tip of Djebel el Mcheltat. 9th Div is concentrating on Hill 772, which must be cleared before

operations can be continued against Hill 369. In

Maknassy area, CCA of 1st Armd Div continues diversionary attack on Djebel Djebs. SE Algerian Command’s camel troops are maintaining liaison with

Br Eighth Army in Kebili area.

2 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, virtual stalemate exists as enemy checks

dogged efforts of infantry of 1st and 9th Divs to clear

Gumtree and Gabès roads. 1st Div clears rest of

Djebel el Mcheltat, but 9th is unable to take Hill

772 on Djebel Berda. Gap exists between the two

divs. Diversionary action of CCA, 1st Armd Div, in

Maknassy area is suspended.

3 April

NEW GUINEA—Elements of MacKechnie Force

land on shore of Morobe harbor to establish defensive position.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander

alerts Gen Patton to be prepared to move U.S. II

Corps to N flank of Br First Army upon collapse

of enemy’s Wadi Akarit position; 9th Div is to

move first. Hard fighting continues in U.S. II

Corps area for positions dominating Gumtree and

Gabès roads. 1st Div takes village of Sakket, but

9th is still checked by enemy on Hill 772.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, Fr naval party

(detachment of goumiers and elements of Corps

Franc d’Afrique) occupies Cap Serrat. Fr 19th

Corps repels limited enemy thrusts W from Pichon.

4 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: 9 Corps, 18 Army

Group reserve, prepares for offensive to recover

Fondouk Gap. U.S. 34th Div, which is to participate, is transferred to 9 Corps. In U.S. II Corps

area, 1st and 9th Divs continue futile efforts to

clear Gumtree and Gabès roads.
[ 5–9 APRIL 1943 ] [ 103 ]

Br Eighth Army, preparing for assault on Wadi

Akarit line, has nearly 500 tanks concentrated in

the region.

5 April

BURMA—Japanese gain control of Mayu Peninsula as far N as Indin and overrun hq of 6th Brig.

By this time, Ind 26th Div has taken over the front

from Ind 14th Div.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, stalemate continues as enemy halts all efforts

of 1st and 9th Divs to advance. II Corps takes precautionary measures to meet enemy attack, which

hostile concentrations are interpreted to indicate.

When no attack materializes, it is correctly anticipated that enemy is preparing instead to withdraw.

Gen Ernest Harmon assumes command of 1st Armd

Div, replacing Gen Ward.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div assumes

command of sector NE of Bédja.

6 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, while 1st and 9th Divs press forward toward

general line intended originally for first phase, TF

Benson of 1st Armd Div follows up closely and

reaches road junction NE of Djebel Berda. As a

diversion in the Maknassy area, CCB attacks Djebel

Maïzila, and CCC demonstrates at Djebel Naemia.

After nightfall enemy disengages and for the most

part withdraws eastward under cover of arty fire.

II Corps is ordered to apply maximum pressure

on 7th.

Br Eighth Army begins assault on Wadi Akarit

line, from which enemy begins withdrawing, night

6–7. 30 Corps jumps off before dawn with 51st Div

on right, 50th in center, and Ind 4th on left. Progress is made, particularly on flanks, but tenacious

resistance and counterattacks prevent a complete

breakthrough. 10 Corps, which is to drive through

30 Corps’ bridgehead, moves forward at noon.

NZ 2d Div, which reverts to corps, leads drive.

7 April

SOLOMON Is.—Intensifying their aerial offensive

against Allied shipping and aircraft, Japanese attack Guadalcanal area in force, employing 71 bombers and 117 fighters. 3 Allied vessels are sunk: NZ

corvette Moa, U.S. oiler Kanawha, and U.S. DD

Aaron Ward. Japanese plane losses in this action far

outnumber Allied losses of 7 fighters.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: All available aircraft of XII Air Support Command and WDAF

attack enemy, who is retreating in all sectors. 9

Corps completes preparations for assault on Fondouk, designed to block northward retreat of enemy

from Akarit line. Commanding officers reach agreement on final details and decide to open attack at

0300 on 8th. U.S. II Corps makes contact with Br

Eighth Army and SE Algerian Command on

Gafsa–Gabès road. TF Benson, ordered to push forward relentlessly and without regard to cost, advances steadily SE toward Gabès and in afternoon

makes contact with 10 Corps of Br Eighth Army,

then pulls back to help mop up. 9th Div begins

movement to Bou Chebka area, night 7–8, turning

over its sector to 1st Div, which is to conduct

mopping up.

Br Eighth Army, with 30 Corps on right and 10

Corps on left, pursues rapidly retreating enemy

northward to general line Cekhira–Sedkret en

Noual.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps opens offensive

to clear Bédja–Medjez el Bab road and thereby

remove enemy threat to Medjez. 78th Div, with

close air and arty support, begins attack N of Oued

Zarga.

8 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: 9 Corps opens attack on Fondouk before dawn, U.S. 34th Div and

elements of 46th Div leading off in effort to clear

gap through which 6th Armd Div is to debouch for

drive on Kairouan. On the N, 128th Brig of 46th

Div advances through hills E of Pichon to Djebel

Rhorab. S of gap, 34th Div, with 135th Inf on N

and 133d on S, is prevented by intense ground and

air bombardment from reaching its first objective,

lower slopes of Djebel el Haouareb, although tanks

are committed in support of infantry. Attack is supported by arty fire, beginning at dawn, but scheduled air attacks are canceled because of weather

 conditions.

In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps, ordered to

seize Djebel Ousselat and Eastern Dorsal in order

to assist attack of Br 9 Corps, advances to positions

N and NE of Pichon. 5 Corps is methodically clearing mountainous region N of Bédja–Medjez el Bab

road.

9 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In 9 Corps area,

while infantry of 46th and U.S. 34th Divs continue

efforts to clear heights dominating Fondouk Pass,

6th Armd Div is committed at 1500 to speed the

operation and succeeds in forcing the pass, but at

heavy cost in tanks. Meanwhile, 128th Brig of 46th

Div clears Djebel Rhorab, U.S. 34th Div is unable to

clear Djebel el Haouareb during day but gains its

crest in night attack by 1st Bn, 133d Inf. 1st Armd

Div, U.S. II Corps, moves northward to positions
[ 104 ] [ 10–15 APRIL 1943 ]

N of Sidi Bou Zid, leaving RCT 60 to hold

Maknassy sector.

Br Eighth Army continues pursuit of enemy

northward along Gabès Gulf, 30 Corps, in coastal

sector, reaching positions a few miles short of Sfax.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div takes

Chaouach, mountain village 4 miles NW of Medjez

el Bab.

10 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander’s

draft plan of 8 April for final offensive in Tunisia,

Operation VULCAN, is officially approved. Br. First

Army is to make main attack on Tunis. Br Eighth

Army is to exert pressure to S and cut off Cap Bon

from Tunis. U.S. II Corps, from positions on N

flank of Br First Army, is to drive on Bizerte in conjunction with Br First Army’s assault on Tunis. Fr

19th Corps is to operate on extreme S flank of Br

First Army under First Army command. SE Algerian Command, pinched out after junction of U.S.

II Corps with Br Eighth Army, is dissolved; its

components are to operate under Fr 19th Corps.

9 Corps is to be under command of Br First Army.

9 Corps’ 6th Armd Div drives quickly toward

Kairouan, overcoming resistance S of that town.

U.S. II Corps’ CCA, 1st Armd Div, advancing N

through Rebaou Pass, makes contact with 34th Div

E of Fondouk.

Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps takes Sfax and continues N to La Hencha.

In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps now controls Djeloula Pass, between Ousseltia and Kairouan.

5 Corps continues to clear heights dominating

Bédja–Medjez el Bab road.

11 April

NEW GUINEA—Two Allied merchant ships are

lost to enemy aircraft that attack Oro Bay in

strength.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: 9 Corps’ 6th Armd

Div occupies Kairouan unopposed and makes contacts with Br Eighth Army. In U.S. II Corps area,

9th Div moves N to Br 5 Corps zone. 1st Div, which

is to follow 9th to N flank of Br First Army, moves

to Morsott. 1st Armd Div remains in Sbeïtla–Faïd

region.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery holds

30 Corps hq and 7th Armd and 51st Inf Divs in

reserve in Sfax area; sends Ind 4th Div and 50th

Div N to join 10 Corps. Some elements of 10 Corps

make contact with 6th Armd Div of 9 Corps near

Kairouan while others continue northward toward

Sousse. 1st Armd Div remains in place in Fauconnerie area.

12 April

NEW GUINEA—Japanese make heavy air attack on Port Moresby but do little damage.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: It is agreed that

U.S. II Corps will remain under command of 18

Army Group rather than Br First Army, but First

Army is to issue the necessary orders for U.S. II

Corps in order to co–ordinate its operations with

First Army’s drive on Tunis.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery, in

response to request from Gen Alexander for reinforcements for Br First Army, selects 1st Armd Div

and King’s Dragoon Gds for the mission. 10 Corps

captures Sousse and continues N.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, U.S. 9th Div

begins relief of 46th Div. 78th Div continues clearing region NW of Medjez el Bab.

13 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, advance elements of 10 Corps, continuing N

along coast, reach AT ditch guarding enemy’s next

delaying position at Enfidaville. Subsequent efforts, on a limited scale, to force enemy from his

Enfidaville position before it can be strengthened

are futile.

14 April

NEW GUINEA—Japanese conclude series of

heavy air strikes on New Guinea with strong attack

on Milne Bay that causes little damage.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: 9 Corps moves to

assembly area SW of Teboursouk.

In Br First Army’s 9 Corps area, U.S. 9th Div

assumes command of 46th Div sector. 4th Div, in its

first action, has been exerting pressure against enemy

N of Hunt’s Gap in conjunction with 78th Div’s

attack and has reached hills just SW of Sidi Nsir.

78th Div takes commanding ridges, Djebel el

Ang and Djebel Tanngouche, some 8 miles N of

Medjez. Fr 19th Corps has driven enemy from

Eastern Dorsal as far as 10 miles N of Pichon.

15 April

ALEUTIAN IS.—Initial elements of 7th Div begin

embarkation for Attu operation. Reserve force

(RCT 32, less one bn) sails for Adak. Prov bn, consisting of 7th Scout Co and 7th Rcn Tr, less one

platoon, leaves for Dutch Harbor where it is to

transfer to a DD and 2 submarines for last lap of

journey.

RUSSELL Is.—First of 2 airfields is completed on

Banika I.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Bradley assumes command of U.S. II Corps, replacing Lt Gen
[ 16–22 APRIL 1943 ] [ 105 ]

George S. Patton, Jr., who returns to his previous

task of preparing for invasion of Sicily.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ 78th Div loses

Djebels el Ang and Tanngouche to enemy counterattack but recaptures former and part of latter.

16 April

CHINA—Japanese 11th Army is concentrating

forces for offensive to gain control of river shipping

on Upper Yangtze in W Hupeh Province.

TUNISIA—WDAF, including U.S. Ninth Air

Force, begins operating from airfields near Kairouan

and Sousse.

18 Army Group: Issues instructions for coming

offensive to capture Tunis and Bizerte. U.S. II

Corps’ hq moves from Gafsa to region 2 miles NW

of Bédja. 1st Armd Div starts to Br 9 Corps zone,

arty being first unit to go.

Br Eighth Army abandons attempts to force

enemy, by quick jabs, from his Enfidaville position

and prepares to make large-scale effort on night

19–20.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div offensive has gained depth of 10 miles on 10-mile front

and has freed Medjez el Bab from enemy threat.

U.S. 1st Div begins relief of 4th Div NE of Bédja.

18 April

SOLOMON Is.—Adm Yamamoto is killed when

P–38’s from Guadalcanal shoot down plane flying

him from Rabaul to the Solomons for an inspection

visit.

MEDITERRANEAN—In Operation FLAX, Allied

planes, which have been conducting offensive to

disrupt flow of German air transport from Italy and

Sicily to Tunisia since 5 April, have a particularly

good day, destroying 50–70 of some 100 enemy transport planes and 16 of the escort for loss of 6 P–40’s

and a Spitfire. Operation FLAX, while contributing

materially to the success of Operation VULCAN—final

ground offensive to clear Tunisia—had been planned

originally for February, before VULCAN plans had

been formulated. In preparation for VULCAN, other

Allied planes intensify efforts against enemy airfields, beginning night 18–19.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Br Eighth Army

releases 1st Armd Div to Br First Army in preparation for VULCAN.

19 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Plan for main assault on Tunis and Bizerte, to begin on 22d, is

outlined. U.S. II Corps assumes command of new

zone on N flank of Allied line at 1800, with front

extending from coast E of Cap Serrat to Hill 667,

5 miles W of Heïdous. Corps Franc d’Afrique is

attached to 9th Div and given zone on extreme N.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ N boundary is

shifted S as U.S. II Corps takes over coastal region.

Fr 19th Corps, holding line Karachoum–Djebel

Edjehaf–W of Djebel Mansour, is maintaining

patrol contact with Br Eighth Army on right.

Br Eighth Army opens assault on enemy’s Enfidaville position after intensive preparatory

bombardment. To Corps jumps off at 2130, with

50th Div on right, NZ 2d Div in center, and Ind

4th Div reinf by L Force on left. 7th Armd Div

guards W flank. Enemy is initially forced to give

ground.

20 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army

area, as 5 and 9 Corps are preparing for assault on

Tunis, German tank-infantry force counterattacks

sharply, night 20–21, in region between Medjez el

Bab and Goubellat.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, continuing

attack on Enfidaville line, takes Enfidaville and

pushes northward on right but is checked on left at

Djebel Garci by stubborn opposition.

21 April

ALEUTIAN IS.—Adm Kinkaid issues Operation

Order I–43, providing over-all plan for capture of

Attu.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Completes preparations for main VULCAN assault. U.S. 34th Div,

having trained vigorously in vicinity of Fondouk

and Maktar, begins night marches, 21–22, to new

zone of U.S. II Corps.

In Br First Army area, enemy counterattack in

Medjez el Bab–Goubellat area ends in costly failure.

This action delays by a few hours jump-off of 46th

Div, 9 Corps, on 22d.

Br Eighth Army concludes offensive operations

in Tunisia. 10 Corps is so bitterly opposed at Takrouna that Gen Montgomery decides late in day to

confine offensive to coastal region. Army subsequently regroups while holding current positions;

offensive is never renewed.

22 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Br First Army begins final phase of Tunisia Campaign. 5 Corps,

making main effort astride the Medjerda, attacks

enemy positions N and S of Medjez el Bab. 78th

Div attacks to seize rest of Djebel Tanngouche on

left; on right begins northeastward drive along

Djebel el Ahmera (Longstop) ridge. To S, 1st

and 4th Divs attack astride Medjez el Bab–Tunis

highway, 1st Div clearing hamlet of Grich el Oued
[ 106 ] [ 23–26 APRIL 1943 ]

and 4th Div, Goubellat. 9 Corps attacks on Goubellat plain, between Medjez el Bab and Bou Arada, in

effort to destroy enemy’s armored reserve and support 5 Corps to N. 46th Div advances steadily in

region N of Sebkret el Kourzia but is hampered SW

of these salt marshes by enemy defenses and mines.

6th Armd Div is committed in late afternoon and

upon attacking through infantry is strongly opposed

by enemy armor.

23 April

NEW GUINEA—Aus Kanga Force in Mubo area

is dissolved and Aus 3d Div takes over. Stalemate

exists in this sector, where Australians hold broken

line Mubo–Komiatum–Bobdubi.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps begins drive on Bizerte early in morning, making

main effort on right. On N flank, 9th Div, reinf

by Corps Franc d’Afrique, which is disposed along

coast on extreme N and directed on Kef en Nsour,

attacks toward Jefna position on highway between

Djebel Abiod and Mateur, key points of which are

Djebel Azag (Green Hill) and Djebel Ajred (Bald

Hill). While RCT 47 conducts holding action along

highway, RCT’s 39 and 60 make outflanking attacks

in hills to N, RCT 39 attacking toward Djebel

Aïnchouna and RCT 60, farther N, pushing eastward from Djebels Mergueb and Msid. Satisfactory

progress is made on div flanks, but RCT 39 is slowed

in center by stubborn opposition on Djebel

Aïnchouna. On S flank of II Corps, 1st Div, reinf

by 6th Armd Inf of 1st Armd Div, which is disposed on extreme S, attacks toward Djebel Sidi

Meftah. On N, RCT 26 attempts to take Hill 575

(Kef el Goraa) but is halted short of it. In center,

RCT 16 fights indecisively for Hill 400. On S,

RCT 18 begins clearing N side of the Tine, and

attached 6th Armd Inf is similarly employed S of

the river; enemy is driven from Hill ago but retains

Hill 407, to NW.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ 78th Div clears

enemy remnants from Djebel Tanngouche and continues along Djebel el Ahmera ridge, clearing all but

NE slopes. In 9 Corps area, tank battles continue

on Goubellat plain, where enemy is bringing mobile

reserves forward.

U.K.—CCS issue directive for establishment of

an Anglo-American staff to plan for invasion of

western Europe. Lt Gen Sir Frederick E. Morgan,

as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander

(designate), is to head the new headquarters. The

initial letters of his title, COSSAC, come to stand

for his office.

24 April

U.S.—Main body of Attu invasion force sails

from San Francisco for Cold Harbor, Alaska.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 9th Div continues to press toward Jefna position. On N, RCT 60 takes Djebel Dardyss. RCT

39, in center, suffers heavy casualties as it battles

determined enemy on Djebel Aïnchouna. 1st Div

places softening fire on Hill 575 (Kef el Goraa)

throughout day and to right, in sector of RCT 16,

secures hill positions and thus removes threat of

envelopment. RCT 18 seizes Hill 407 while 6th

Armd Inf fights vigorously for Hill 388. Germans

begin withdrawal from 1st Div front during night

24–25. At the same time RCT 168, 34th Div, takes

over N flank positions of 1st Div.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div continues to clear Djebel el Ahmera while 1st and 4th

Divs press eastward astride Medjez el Bab–Tunis

highway. In 9 Corps area, indecisive tank and infantry battles continue on Goubellat plain. Little

progress is made, although 1st Armd Div is committed and follows 6th Armd Div E.

25 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, RCT 39 of 9th Div finishes clearing Djebel

Aïnchouna. Enemy begins withdrawal from 9th

Div zone night 25–26. RCT 168, 34th Div, moves

forward in conjunction with 1st Div units to right,

taking over mopping-up operations. 1st Div follows

up enemy withdrawal on S flank of corps. RCT 26

occupies Hill 575 early in day and presses on to

Djebel Touta. Advance elements of RCT 18 reach

W end of Djebel Sidi Meftah. 6th Armd Inf takes

previously contested hills on S side of Tine R and

patrols eastward.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, Heïdous falls to

78th Div. 9 Corps continues tank battles in vicinity

of Sebkret el Kourzia without appreciable success

within its own zone, but forcing enemy to withdraw

exposed salient to right. Fr 19th Corps makes substantial progress as enemy withdraws salient S of

Bou Arada–Pont–du Fahs road.

26 April

ALEUTIAN IS.—U.S. surface force bombards

enemy installations at Chichagof Harbor and Holtz

Bay, Attu. This is the second naval bombardment

of Attu.

SWPA—GHQ issues ELKTON III, superseding

two previous ELKTON plans, calling for mutually

supporting advances in S Pacific and SWPA toward

Rabaul, the whole operation being under the code

name CARTWHEEL.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: On U.S. II Corps’

9th Div front, RCT 60 swings NE toward Kef en

Nsour, previous objective of Corps Franc d’Afrique,
[ 27 APRIL–1 MAY 1943 ] [ 107 ]

rather than SE toward Jefna position as planned,

since French are unable to advance in region N of

Djebel Dardyss. RCT 39, now solely responsible for

outflanking the Jefna position, takes Hill Sri, SE of

Djebel Aïnchouna. Continuing holding action along

highway, RCT 47 finds enemy disposed in force on

Hill 598, SW of Djebel Aired. 34th Div takes over

zone in Djebel Grembil–Hill 575 region, between

9th and 1st Divs, and prepares for drive on Hill 609

(Djebel Tahent). Enemy positions on hills in this

area are being softened by arty fire. On S flank, 1st

Div gains its initial objectives, permitting 1st Armd

Div to take over Tine valley zone at 2200 in preparation for armored drive through enemy’s second

line of defense to Mateur.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div finishes clearing Djebel el Ahmera. 1st Div reaches

Djebel Bou Aoukaz, 4 miles from Djebel el Ahmera.

On main road to Tunis, 4th Div reaches positions 7

miles E of Medjez el Bab. 9 Corps is now opposed

on Goubellat plain by 3 enemy armd divs that contain further efforts to advance. 6th Armd Div is

withdrawn into reserve. Fr 19th Corps continues to

pursue enemy northward toward Pont-du-Fahs,

reaching Djebel Fkirine.

27 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps continues offensive with 4 divs in assault, its major

objective now being the Jefna position, Hill 609

(Djebel Tahent), and Mateur. Column of 39th Inf,

9th Div, reaches Hill 382, NW of Djebel Azag,

where it is stalled for 4 days by firmly entrenched

enemy. 34th Div begins drive on Hill 609: RCT

168, on N, reaches slopes of Djebel el Hara; RCT

135, to right, drives to Hill 490, just W of 609,

but is forced to withdraw. 1st Div patrols reach

Djebel el Ang. 1st Armd Div begins attack on S

flank of corps, CCA (6th Armd Inf, reinf) making

main effort. Attack fails to gain immediate objectives—Hills 299 and 315, NE of Djebel el Ang—

and elements are forced back from Hill 312, from

which attack on Hill 315 was made.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps’ advance is

checked by series of determined enemy counterattacks. 4th Div is forced to withdraw its left flank

at Ksar Tyr.

28 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 9th Div continues E astride the Sedjenane,

reaching Kraim Lerhmed on N and Kef Saban on

S. RCT 39 clears hills generally N of Hill 382, but

enemy retains 382. In center of II Corps area, main

effort is made to clear approaches to Hill 609, which

is hampering forward movement of 34th and 1st

Divs. While 34th Div’s RCT 168 clears Djebel el

Hara, RCT 135 occupies Hill 490 and withstands

counterattacks against it. In conjunction with 34th

Div, RCT 16 of 1st Div secures foothold on Hill

531, S of 609. RCT 26 reaches Djebel el Anz against

strong resistance. RCT 18, to S, clears part of Djebel

Sidi Meftah. On corps S flank, CCA of 1st Armd

Div takes Hill 315 and part of Hill 299, where

enemy is resisting strongly.

In Br First Army area, 5 Corps is largely successful in containing enemy counterattacks along its

front.

29 April

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander decides to reinforce Br First Army for final push to

clear rest of Tunisia.

In U.S. II Corps area, RCT 60 of 9th Div reaches

Djebel Hazemat, N of Sedjenane R; pushes closer

to Kef en Nsour, S of river. RCT 39 continues outflanking action toward Jefna on N while RCT 47

patrols actively toward Djebels Azag and Aired,

reaching W slope of Azag. 34th Div makes limited

progress against Hill 609, getting elements on S

slopes. RCT 16 of 1st Div begins attack on Hill

523, strongpoint E of Hill 609, but makes little

headway. Rest of 1st Div front is relatively quiet

as positions on Djebel el Anz and Djebel Sidi Meftah are consolidated. CCA, 1st Armd Div, continues

to clear Hill 299 against determined opposition.

30 April

ALEUTIAN IS.—Attu assault convoy arrives at

Cold Harbor, where final attack plan is adopted.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander

calls on Br Eighth Army to supply reinforcements

for Br First Army in preparation for final assault.

Gen Montgomery agrees to release 7th Armd Div,

Ind 4th Div, and 201st Gds Brig, all veteran units.

U.S. II Corps makes substantial gains: On N,

RCT 60 of 9th Div takes Djebel Guermach, a short

distance from Kef en Nsour; RCT 39 seizes the

strongly contested Hill 382 and other heights N of

the Jefna position. 34th Div drives to summit of Hill

609 in tank-supported assault but is subjected to intense fire there. RCT 16, 1st Div, takes a hills E of

Hill 609 but loses both to persistent counterattacks;

1st Armd Div provides tank assistance in the area.

On S flank, 1st Armd Div retains Hill 299 under

enemy fire, but the hill is not yet entirely free of

enemy.

1 May

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Begins regrouping

for final offensive.
[ 108 ] [ 2–6 MAY 1943 ]

In U.S. II Corps area, enemy finds positions facing corps untenable and begins withdrawal, night

1–2. 9th Div suspends offensive on N flank of corps.

In center, Germans make vain efforts to regain Hill

609. On S, enemy remnants are cleared from Hill

299, and 1st Armd Div is ready for drive on Mateur.

In Br First Army area, Fr 19th Corps reorganizes

for final push with 3 divs: from left to right,

Algerian, Moroccan, and Oran.

2 May

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, 9th Div’s RCT 60 occupies Kef en Nsour as

enemy withdraws speedily toward Bizerte.

3 May

U.S.—Gen Marshall transmits to Gen Stilwell

President Roosevelt’s decision to make major U.S.

air effort in China and to continue preparation for

a modified ANAKIM (recapture of Burma).

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Eisenhower decides that

Br and U.S. forces to be employed in Operation

HUSKY shall land abreast on SE coast of Sicily. A

period of indecision by HUSKY planners (Force

141) as to landing sites thus ends.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Gen Alexander

outlines to Gen K. A. N. Anderson his plan for

final attack. 9 Corps, with 2 infantry and 2 armd

divs in assault, is to make main effort, thrusting

directly toward Tunis along road from Medjez el

Bab. Lightning attack is planned in order to split

and destroy enemy rather than compress his bridgehead, since schedule for invasion of Sicily requires

quick conclusion of N African operations.

In U.S. II Corps area, 81st Armd Rcn Bn, followed by other elements of 1st Armd Div, advances to Mateur as enemy is withdrawing from it

and quickly secures the town. 34th Div moves eastward toward Chouïgui, making no contact with

enemy.

ETO—Gen Andrews, CG ETOUSA, is killed

in plane crash in Iceland. Lt Gen Jacob L. Devers

is subsequently chosen to replace him.

4 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Attu invasion convoy leaves

Cold Harbor for target, a day behind schedule because of poor weather conditions. D Day is consequently postponed to 8 May. As the convoy later

approaches Attu, strong winds force a further postponement of D Day to 11 May.

BURMA—Continuing infiltration tactics, Japanese are now established on Buthidaung–Maungdaw

road and resisting efforts of Br Imperial forces to

oust them.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps

pushes forward in preparation for full-scale drive

on Bizerte on 6th. On N flank, 9th Div and Corps

Franc d’Afrique get into position for advance on

Bizerte over hills N of Garaet Achkel. Corps

d’Afrique improves positions W of Djebel Cheniti,

commanding ridge just N of Garaet Achkel. To

right, 1st Armd Div, whose next objective is Ferryville, patrols actively from Mateur. Enemy is subjecting Mateur to heavy air attacks. 91st Rcn Sq

begins limited offensive for Djebel Achkel, a precipitous hill just S of Garaet Achkel commanding

Mateur-Ferryville area, and meets strong opposition.

On S flank of II Corps, 34th Div patrols uneventfully to Eddekhila in preparation for attack on

Chouïgui Pass.

5 May

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, RCT 47 of 9th Div paves way for direct assault on Djebel Cheniti by clearing hilly region NW

of it. 81st Rcn Sq, 1st Armd Div, gains control of

Djebel Achkel, but enemy remains on its E slopes

until 11th. 1st Div moves forward to W bank of the

Tine facing Djebel Douimiss. 34th Div reconnoiters

toward Eddekhila in force against strong opposition.

In Br First Army’s 5 Corps area, 1st Div, with

effective air and arty support, attacks Djebel Bou

Aoukaz, on E bank of Medjerda R between Medjez

el Bab and Tebourba, in order to cover left flank of

9 Corps as it drives on Tunis on 6th. The position

is secured during bitter and costly fighting.

6 May

SWPA—GHQ issues Warning Instructions for

Operation CARTWHEEL, drive on Rabaul.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group opens final assault,

VULCAN, before dawn. Offensive is supported by

massed arty fire, which at dawn is supplemented

with the most intensive air bombardment yet employed in N Africa.

In U.S. II Corps area, while 47th Inf of 9th Div

continues to clear hills N of Djebel Cheniti, 60th

Inf passes through Corps Franc d’Afrique for

frontal assault on Djebel Cheniti and clears most of

it. CCA (6th Armd Inf, reinf) of 1st Armd begins

attack on hills E of Mateur–Ferryville road; takes

first ridge (Djebel el Messeftine), but loses it in

counterattack. CCB ( 13th Armd Inf, reinf), to

right, protects flank of CCA and starts E along

Mateur–Djedeïda road. 1st Div, employing 18th

and 26th Regts and with Co H of 1st Armd Regt

in support, attacks across the Tine to clear Djebel

Douimiss hills but is forced to withdraw to W bank,

during night 6–7, where it conducts holding action.

3d Div ( — RCT 7), upon arrival from Morocco,
[ 7–11 MAY 1943 ] [ 109 ]

assembles behind 1st Div for possible commitment.

34th Div’s 168th and 133d Regts drive beyond Eddekhila.

In Br First Army area, 9 Corps opens attack

toward Tunis with Br 4th and Ind 4th Divs abreast,

latter on left, on narrow front. After enemy line is

breached, 6th and 7th Armd Divs pass through infantry and push on to Massicault, about half way to

Tunis. Enemy attempts unsuccessfully to establish

new line from Djedeïda to St. Cyprien.

7 May

BURMA—Ind 26th Div withdraws NW from

Buthidaung under pressure.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Overruns both

Tunis and Bizerte, splitting enemy forces.

In U.S. II Corps area, 9th Div finishes clearing

Djebel Cheniti and adjacent hills to N; reconnoiters

toward Bizerte as enemy resistance on N front

collapses. Rcn elements of 894th TD Bn, followed

closely by elements of 751st Tank Bn, enter Bizerte,

where they find few enemy but many mines and

booby traps. Ferryville falls to 1st Armd Div; elements driving E to cut Tunis–Bizerte road reach

Oued ben Hassine and take bridge intact. 34th Div

drives toward Chouïgui defile but is stopped a

little short of it by enemy on Hill 242; enemy

abandons the pass before dawn of 8th.

In Br First Army’s 9 Corps area, 7th and 6th

Armd Divs continue NE from Massicault, overrunning St. Cyprien and Le Bardo; Derbyshire Yeomanry

and 11th Hussars enter Tunis in afternoon. Fr 19th

Corps occupies Pont-du-Fahs.

8 May

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In U.S. II Corps

area, Corps Franc d’Afrique makes official entry

into Bizerte. RCT 47 of 9th Div also enters, but

withdraws while French mop up. 1st Armd Div

pushes E in region S of Lac de Bizerte, clearing

Djebel Sidi Mansour. Left flank elements, upon

reaching Tunis–Bizerte road, drive N to Menzel

Djemil. Column on right flank moves toward Protville to establish contact with British moving NE

from Tunis and reaches Hill III, about midway

between Mateur and Protville.

In Br First Army’s 9 Corps area, while 7th Armd

Div pushes northward toward U.S. II Corps zone

from Tunis, 6th Armd Div, followed by 4th Div,

drives SE toward Hammamet in effort to prevent

enemy from making final stand on Cap Bon Peninsula and is halted abruptly at narrow Hamman

Lif defile by enemy rear guards bent on keeping

this line of retreat open. 1st Armd Div, released to

9 Corps from army reserve, is pushing NE from

Goubellat area. 5 Corps’ 1st Div and Ind 4th Div

press eastward in conjunction with Fr 19th Corps.

Fr 19th Corps is meeting firm resistance in hilly

Zaghouan area.

9 May

CBI—Gen Wheeler, CG SOS, is directed to

take charge of U.S. portion of Assam airfield project.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: U.S. II Corps receives unconditional surrender of enemy within its

zone. Thousands of prisoners, including 6 generals,

are taken. 1st Armd Div drives to coast on left

and makes contact with Br 7th Armd Div on right.

Br First Army continues to meet resistance in

region S of U.S. II Corps zone. 9 Corps’ 6th Armd

Div is still held up at Hamman Lif defile. Fr 19th

Corps battles enemy in Zaghouan area.

MEDITERRANEAN—Preparations are begun for

conquest of Pantelleria (Operation CORKSCREW),

largely by air and sea bombardment, before invasion

of Sicily (Operation Husky) in order to remove

this threat to HUSKY and gain an airfield from

which to support HUSKY. NAAF is directed to make

its full strength available for the operation. Fleet

Adm A. B. Cunningham is to provide surface striking force and naval protection for movement of

assault troops—Br 1st Inf Div—and maintain close

naval blockade about the island. D Day is tentatively

set as 11 June.

10 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese, alerted to expect assault on Attu during past week, decide that it will

not be forthcoming and slacken their defenses.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

9 Corps area, 6th Armd Div forces Hamman Lif defile in morning and thrusts rapidly to Hammamet,

cutting off Cap Bon Peninsula. Advance is continued toward Bou Ficha.

11 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—U.S. 7th Div lands at widely

separated points on Attu. Dense fog limits naval

gunfire and air support, but helps infantry achieve

complete tactical surprise. 17th Inf (less BLT 1),

with 2d Bn of 32d Inf attached as reserve, makes

main landing of Southern Landing Force on coast of

Massacre Bay (Beaches Blue and Yellow) in afternoon; 2d and 3d Bns of 17th Inf push rapidly northward up Massacre Valley toward Jarmin (Massacre–

Holtz Bay) Pass until pinned down about 1900 by

intense enfilading fire from heights surrounding the

valley. Platoon of 7th Rcn Tr makes subsidiary landing at Alexai Pt and joins main body at Massacre

Bay without opposition. BLT 1, 17th Inf—the main

assault group of Northern Landing Force—goes
[ 110 ]

ashore at end of W arm of Holtz Bay (Beach Red)

in afternoon; pushes southward toward Jarmin Pass

to within 800 yards of its first objective, hill mass

called Hill X, virtually unopposed. Prov Bn (7th

Scout Co and 7th Rcn Tr, less one platoon) makes

subsidiary landing on N coast W of Holtz Bay

(Beach Scarlet) before dawn and moves inland unopposed toward Jarmin Pass. Gen Brown, 7th Div

CG, arrives on Massacre beach and orders assault

on Jarmin Pass for 12th. Mud of Attu immobilizes

trucks and tractors.

CBI—Monsoon brings work on Ledo Road to

a halt about 47 miles from Ledo.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: In Br First Army’s

9 Corps area, uneventful sweep around Cap Bon

Peninsula by 4th Div reveals that no important

enemy forces are there. 6th Armd Div reaches Bou

Ficha. In Fr 19th Corps area, Axis resistance is

weakening in Zaghouan sector.

12 May

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—TRIDENT Conference—President Roosevelt, Prime Minister

Churchill, and Combined Chiefs of Staff—opens in

Washington to reconsider strategy in the light of

recent events in Tunisia, the Aleutians, and the

USSR.

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, 7th Div, with naval

gunfire and air support, continues 2-pronged thrusts

toward Jarmin Pass. Frontal attacks from Massacre

Bay beachhead fail to gain ground. Patrols are probing to develop enemy positions. 2d Bn, 32d Inf,

goes ashore at Massacre Bay. Northern Force, finding enemy in prepared positions on Hill X, makes

double envelopment attack and gains foothold on

crest.

SOLOMON Is.—Allied surface vessels bombard

Vila and Munda, night 12–13.

CBI—First Arakan campaign ends where it

started as Ind 26th Div evacuates Maungdaw for

defensive positions to N. Cost in casualties has been

heavy. Factors contributing to the failure of this

campaign have been the cancellation of Chinese

drive into Burma from Yunnan plus unexpectedly

limited action of 4 Corps from Assam.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: Collapse of enemy

resistance in the S is all but complete by nightfall.

Enemy is surrendering en masse, among them Gen

von Arnim, General Officer CinC, Army Group

Africa.

In Br First Army’s g Corps area, organized resistance collapses as 6th Armd Div drives S from Bou

Ficha. Br Eighth Army’s 56 Div co-operates by

shelling from S. Isolated pockets of enemy remain

NW of Enfidaville. Resistance in Fr 19th Corps

zone ceases.

13 May

U.S.—CCS, at TRIDENT Conference, approve

final outline plan for invasion of Sicily (Husky).

Br and U.S. forces are to land abreast between Syracuse on SE coast and Palma on S coast on 10 July.

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, further efforts of

Massacre Bay force to break into Jarmin Pass are

repelled by enemy. Positions remain about the same

as those gained on D Day, although 2d Bn of 32d

Inf is committed. Vicious and costly fighting occurs

to N as enemy attempts to drive 7th Div troops from

Hill X, but crest is firmly in American hands by

nightfall. 3d Bn, 32d Inf, lands on Beach Red to reinforce the Holtz Bay force. Naval gunfire and air

support of troops continues insofar as weather conditions permit.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin new series of

heavy air attacks.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group: With surrender of

Gen Messe, Rommel’s successor, who is notified of

his promotion to marshal on this date, Tunisia

Campaign ends.

14 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, Massacre Bay force,

employing 2d Bn of 32d Inf on left and 3d Bn of

17th on right, continues fruitless and costly efforts

to break into Jarmin Pass. Holtz Bay force prepares

for strong southward attack but postpones it since

3d Bn of 32d Inf is unable to reach attack positions

in time. Adverse weather conditions limit air support of troops, but surface vessels continue to bombard enemy positions.

PANTELLERIA—Mediterranean Air Command

orders sea and air blockade of the island.

15 May

U.S.—CCS decide to give first priority to construction of Assam airfields; set goal of 7,000 tons a

month to China, to be reached by 1 July.

ALEUTIAN IS.—3d Bn, 17th Inf, is withdrawn

from Massacre Bay line on Attu, leaving 2d Bn,

32d, to continue attack. No progress is made, despite close arty support before and after jump-off.

Dense fog postpones attack of Holtz Bay force until

1100. As fog is lifting it is discovered that enemy

has withdrawn to ridge in center of valley, abandoning prepared positions and quantities of food and

ammunition. Pursuit of enemy across open valley

is slowed by enemy fire from commanding heights

and is further handicapped by an Allied air strike

that hits 7th Div forces by mistake. Prov bn that

landed on Beach Scarlet on D Day joins main northern force.

[ 12–15 MAY 1943 ]
[ 111 ]

CHINA—Because of Japanese action in central

China, Chiang Kai-shek orders Gen Chen to return

to defend Ichang area.

16 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—In an effort to speed operations

on Attu, Maj Gen Eugene M. Landrum assumes

command of assault force, relieving Gen Brown.

Holtz Bay force secures foothold on N end of Holtz

Valley ridge, thereby gaining control of entire ridge.

Japanese, greatly outnumbered by Americans and in

danger of being taken from the rear, withdraw during night 16–17 toward Chichagof Harbor for final

stand. Most of Adm Rockwell’s naval force retires

northward to safer waters. Gen Landrum directs

Capt H. B. Knowles, USN, to assume control of the

remaining vessels; takes over air-ground control.

GERMANY—RAF Lancasters, in highly successful night operation, 16–17, attack and breach

Moehne and Eder dams, flooding large portions of

the Ruhr and disrupting electric and transportation

systems.

17 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, Holtz Bay force’s 3d

Bn, 32d Inf, moves forward well before dawn and

by daylight finds that enemy has withdrawn. Patrols

report E arm of Holtz Bay free of enemy. Massacre

Bay force also finds positions previously defended

by enemy abandoned and occupies Jarmin Pass.

Patrol moves forward in effort to establish contact

with Northern Force.

18 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Patrol from Massacre Bay front

makes contact with Holtz Bay force before dawn.

Holtz Bay is put into use by Americans as landing

phase ends. This improves the supply situation of

Northern Force somewhat. Co K of 32d Inf sweeps

entire Holtz Bay Valley, making no contact with

enemy. Preparations are made for next phase of

battle-attack on Chichagof Harbor. Northern Force

patrol attempts unsuccessfully to locate an easier

route to Chichagof than the Holtz–Chichagof Pass,

which is commanded by steep Fish Hook Ridge.

1st Bn of 4th Inf arrives.

PANTELLERIA—Allied planes begin strong air

offensive against Pantelleria that is to continue

through 5 June. Porto di Pantelleria and Marghana

airdrome are chief targets. In conjunction with air

attacks, naval blockade is being maintained about

the island, virtually isolating it.

19 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, 2d Bn of 17th Inf,

assisted by Co C of 32d Inf, begins attack before

dawn to capture pass (later called Clevesy Pass after

Lt Samuel H. Clevesy of Co H) into Sarana Valley.

After heavy fighting in which 2d Bn of 32d Inf is

committed, the pass is cleared by nightfall, but

enemy remains on crests of 2 peaks overlooking it.

On N front, Co L of 32d Inf begins operations to

clear the high Holtz–Chichagof Pass at base of Fish

Hook Ridge, moving from Holtz Bay up steep slope

of the valley against enemy fire.

20 May

U.S.—CCS accept TRIDENT recommendations

for CBI.

ALEUTIAN IS.—On S front, Co G of 17th Inf

clears one of the 2 peaks dominating Clevesy Pass

in morning, but efforts of 2d Bn and CO C of 32d

Inf to take the other fail. Co E of 32d Inf then

moves forward for night enveloping attack, scaling

the steep slopes cautiously in effort to take enemy

by surprise. Meanwhile, 1st Bn of 4th Inf moves

through Clevesy Pass to attack heights across upper

part of Sarana Valley and makes substantial progress. 3d Bn, 17th Inf, patrols along Sarana Valley

and fires upon enemy located by 1st Bn, 4th Inf.

Northern Force continues to clear preliminary hill

line of Fish Hook Ridge.

BURMA—Gen Sir George Giffard replaces Gen

Irwin as Commander of Eastern Army. Completion

of 3-months’ mission of Brig Wingate’s Chindits is

announced. About a third of the original force has

been lost. Withdrawal of Chindits into India is completed early in June. The Wingate expedition, supplied wholly by air, becomes a pattern for future

operations behind enemy lines.

21 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—On southern front on Attu, Co

E of 32d Inf reduces last enemy strongpoint on peak

dominating Clevesy Pass. 1st Bn, 4th Inf, pushes

forward to ridge overlooking Sarana–Chichagof

Pass and facing Fish Hook Ridge; patrols to mouth

of the pass. After prolonged bombardment by all

available weapons, Co L of Sad Inf, Northern

Force, takes hill that has been barring its progress

toward Fish Hook Ridge. Remaining 2 cos of 1st

Bn, 32d Inf, land on Attu.

CHINA—Final phase of Japanese expedition in

central China opens.

22 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Southern Force, in morning attack by 3d Bn of 17th Inf, takes rest of high ground

[ 16–22 MAY 1943 ]
[ 112 ] [ 23 MAY–1 JUNE 1943 ]

surrounding entrance to Chichagof Valley. Exploiting this success, 2d Bn of 32d Inf attacks in afternoon and drives wedge into entrance of Chichagof

Valley, the easiest approach to Chichagof. Patrol

contact is made with Northern Force, which remains in place, consolidating positions.

INDIA—Gen Wheeler receives directive calling

for expedited program of airfield construction in

Assam.

USSR—Moscow announces dissolution of

Comintern.

23 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Southern Force, employing 2d

Bn of 17th Inf, begins attack on Fish Hook Ridge

but is soon pinned down by enemy fire. Strong

patrols of Northern Force attempt unsuccessfully to

force Holtz–Sarana Pass. Direct communication between Northern and Southern Forces is possible for

first time as wire is laid between the two. Coordinated attack for the Fish Hook is then planned.

TUNISIA—18 Army Group staff is disbanded,

having served its purpose.

24 May

U.S.—JCS authorize planning and training for

invasion of Kiska.

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, efforts of 3d Bn, 32d

Inf, and 2d Bn, 17th, to gain Fish Hook Ridge meet

intense fire and make little headway.

25 May

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—TRIDENT Conference in Washington ends. The conferees have

selected 1 May 1944 as target date for cross-Channel

invasion of northwestern Europe (OVERLORD).

Large-scale air offensive from United Kingdom will

precede OVERLORD. In the Mediterranean, operations

following capture of Sicily (HUSKY) are to be designed to knock Italy out of the war. Ploesti oil fields

are to be bombed from Mediterranean bases.

Material to China is to be increased and communications with it opened. General approval is given

U.S. “Strategic Plan for the Defeat of Japan,” calling

for drive on Japan through Central Pacific.

ALEUTIAN IS.—On Attu, Southern Force’s 2d

Bn, 17th Inf, gains toehold on crest of Fish Hook

Ridge, breaking through elaborate tunnel system below summit. Northern Force, attacking with 3d Bn

of 32d Inf and supported by Cos A and C of 17th,

clears trench system on its side of the Fish Hook

but is unable to reach crest.

TUNISIA—Combined hq is established at Sousse

by representatives of forces participating in Operation CORKSCREW (conquest of Pantelleria).

26 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Northern and Southern Forces

are slowly expanding positions on Fish Hook Ridge,

former moving elements to crest via route previously

cleared by 2d Bn, 17th Inf. 1st Bn, 4th Inf, joins in

fight for the ridge.

27 May

U.S.—Joint Staff Planners direct Joint War

Plans Committee to determine troop needs and suggest target dates for invasion of the Marshalls, POA.

ALEUTIAN IS.—7th Div. finishes clearing Fish

Hook Ridge. Fighter strip is being constructed at

Alexai Pt.

28 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—7th Div maintains pressure on

enemy, who by end of day is compressed into small

part of Chichagof Harbor. Messages requesting Japanese to surrender are dropped from the air.

29 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese make strong counterattack from Chichagof Harbor before dawn, pushing rapidly toward Clevesy Pass in effort to break

out into Massacre Valley. Main force of attack is

spent by dawn when enemy, dispersed into small

groups, is forced to go into hiding.

30 May

ALEUTIAN IS.—After a last weak counterattack,

organized enemy resistance collapses on Attu. 7th

Div reaches shore of Chichagof Harbor without incident. U.S. Army force under Brig Gen John E.

Copeland occupies Shemya I. without opposition.

31 May

ALEUTIAN IS. 7th Div is rounding up stragglers of the defeated Japanese garrison of Attu, originally numbering about 2,500.

1 June

ALEUTIAN IS.—Plan is formulated for occupation of Kiska. U.S. Eleventh Air Force is to continue

to take advantage of every break in the weather to

hit Kiska while assault troops are being assembled

and trained intensively at Fort Ord, California, and

in the Aleutians. Surface vessels are to assist in the

softening up program and cover landings.

PANTELLERIA—All-out air offensive against the

island continues and is being supplemented with

naval gunfire from small groups of Br vessels.
[ 3–14 JUNE 1943 ] [ 113 ]

3 June

SOLOMON Is.—Adm Halsey issues basic operations plan for assault on New Georgia Is., in central Solomons, in order to secure Munda airfield,

from which to support subsequent offensive against

N Solomons. Adm Turner is to head amphibious

forces. New Georgia Occupation Force (43d Div reinf and 1st and 4th Marine Raider bns) is to be under command of Gen Hester, CG 43d Div.

CHINA—Japanese attain their objective of capturing shipping on Upper Yangtze in W Hupeh

and begin withdrawing.

ALGERIA—French announce formation in Algiers

of French Committee of National Liberation, a

provisional government for the French Empire.

5 June

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Eisenhower orders head

of Force 141 (planning staff that is later to become

Headquarters, 15th Army Group, under Gen Alexander) to draw up plans for invasion of Italy. Gen

Alexander is given command of Br 10 and 5 Corps.

6 June

PANTELLERIA—Air action against the island is

intensified as second phase of air offensive opens.

Main weight of attacks is against coastal batteries

and gun emplacements.

7 June

SOLOMON Is.—Japanese begin another series of

air attacks on Guadalcanal in effort to cut communications lines. Allied fighters intercept and destroy

23 planes for loss of 9.

8 June

ALEUTIAN IS.—Fighter strip at Alexai Pt, Attu,

is completed. Japanese order Kiska abandoned. U.S.

DD blockade is established about the island and

aircraft continue to pound it whenever possible.

PANTELLERIA—Air offensive against the island

becomes increasingly intense as invasion date approaches. Br naval forces of 8 DD’s, 5 CL’s, and

3 torpedo boats bombard shore batteries and harbor

area. Surrender requests, dropped by aircraft, are

ignored.

10 June

U.S.—In preliminary report, Joint War Plans

Committee recommends Marshalls be invaded near

end of October and Gen MacArthur and Adm Halsey conduct holding actions until operations in the

Marshalls are concluded. This arouses unfavorable

reaction in some quarters and the suggestion is soon

rejected.

ETO—CCS issue directive that officially inaugurates Combined Bomber Offensive (later designated Operation POINTBLANK) against Germany.

11 June

PANTELLERIA—After preparatory naval and air

bombardment, Br 1st Div lands on Pantelleria virtually unopposed. Island surrenders unconditionally

at 1735. This is the first occasion on which airpower

has overwhelmed an objective of this type. NAAF,

during period 8 May to date, has flown 5,285 sorties

against the island and dropped 6,200 tons of bombs.

Fall of Pantelleria permits Allied aircraft in Mediterranean to concentrate efforts in direct preparation

for invasion of Sicily (HUSKY).

LAMPEDUSA—Allied planes begin air assault on

island that continues through night 11–12. Br naval

TF from Pantelleria accompanying an LCI with co

of Coldstream Gds embarked joins aircraft in

bombarding island, night 11–12.

GERMANY—Attack by Eighth Air Force on

Wilhelmshaven demonstrates the difficulty of daylight strikes on targets beyond range of fighter escort.

Although B–17 losses are light, intercepting enemy

planes prevent accurate bombing of the submarinebuilding yards.

12 June

SOLOMON Is.—Allied planes intercept large force

of attacking enemy planes in Guadalcanal area and

destroy 31 for loss of 6.

LAMPEDUSA—Surrenders unconditionally after

further bombardment. Coldstream Gds go ashore

and take charge.

13 June

CHINA—Japanese expedition in central China

ends.

LINOSA—Landing party from Br DD accepts

surrender of island.

GERMANY—60 B–17’s of Eighth Air Force attack Kiel submarine yards and harbor against heaviest German Air Force opposition yet encountered.

22 B–17’s are lost in air battle. Main Eighth Air

Force attack of the day, by 102 B–17’s on Bremen, is

lightly opposed.

14 June

NEW GUINEA—On or near this date, U.S. 41st

Div forms Coane Force, consisting of 2d and 3d

Bn, 162d Inf, plus elements of 205th and 218th FA

Bns, under Div Arty Commander, Brig Gen Ralph

W. Coane.
[ 114 ] [ 15–26 JUNE 1943 ]

CHINA—Forward echelon hq of U.S. Fourteenth Air Force is established at Kweilin.

LAMPIONE—Br naval party occupies island without opposition. Allies now control all islands in

Sicily Strait.

15 June

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Giraud is directed by

Gen Eisenhower to name ground forces commander

and staff to prepare plan for invasion of Corsica

(FIREBRAND). Gen Giraud subsequently suggests

Gen Juin as commander.

16 June

SOLOMON Is.—FO No. I, Hq, New Georgia

Occupation Force, directs seizure of preliminary objectives in central Solomons in preparation for capture of Munda airfield on New Georgia I. D Day is

to be 30 June. Some 120 Japanese planes attack

Guadalcanal, damaging 3 ships, 2 of which must

be beached. Intercepting Allied planes, 104 strong,

exact heavy price, claiming almost 100 enemy aircraft destroyed. 6 Allied planes are lost.

17 June

CHINA—Gen Stilwell presents TRIDENT proposals to Chiang Kai-shek.

18 June

SOLOMON Is.—43d Div issues orders for movement to New Georgia Is. COMAIRSOPAC assigns

duties for New Georgia operation to his air units.

CHINA—Gen Chennault reports to the President

on operations of Fourteenth Air Force. Gen Stilwell, now commanding YOKE-Force staff (all U.S.

organizations working with Y-Force), outlines to

Col Dorn, his chief of staff, his mission in the

program.

SICILY—Allied planes begin powerful attacks

on Messina. Other targets on and in vicinity of

Sicily are being pounded in preparation for HUSKY.

U.K.—Prime Minister Churchill announces

that Gen Auchinleck is to replace Gen Wavell as

CinC India and that Wavell will be Viceroy of

India.

20 June

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger opens ALAMO

(U.S. Sixth Army) hq at Milne Bay. 17th Brig,

Aus 3d Div, is holding positions in Mubo–Lababia

Ridge area against sharp enemy counterattacks that

continue for next few days.

CBI—Gen Auchinleck succeeds Gen Wavell as

CinC India.

LAMPEDUSA—Airfield becomes serviceable.

GERMANY—RAF Lancasters, on first RAF shuttle-bombing raid between U.K. and Africa, attack

Friedrichshafen, concentrating on industrial targets,

and land safely in N Africa. On return trip to

Britain, the planes bomb naval base at Spezia, Italy,

night 23–24.

21 June

ALEUTIAN IS.—Airfield on Shemya I. becomes

operational.

SOLOMON Is.—To forestall enemy occupation of

Segi Pt on S tip of New Georgia I., 4th Mar Raider

Bn ( — ) sails there from Guadalcanal and lands unopposed.

22 June

SOLOMON Is.—Cos A and D of 103d Inf, 43d

Div, and airfield survey force join Mar Raiders on

Segi Pt, New Georgia I.

TROBRIAND Is.—Woodlark TF (112th Cav

RCT, reinf) lands advance party on Woodlark I.

without opposition, night 22–23.

GERMANY—Eighth Air Force bombers attack

synthetic rubber plant at Huels in force with particularly good results. Plant is temporarily put out of

operation. This is the first large-scale daylight attack

to be made on the Ruhr.

23 June

TROBRIAND Is.—Kiriwina TF (RCT 158, a

separate regt, reinf) lands advance elements on

Kiriwina I, night 23–24, without opposition.

NEW GUINEA—Enemy pressure on 17th Brig of

Aus 3d Div, in Mubo–Lababia Ridge area, eases as

Japanese withdraw a little.

25 June

SICILY—Preinvasion bombardment by Allied

planes continues. NAAF delivers heaviest single attack of the month on Messina, dropping more than

300 tons of bombs.

26 June

NEW GUINEA—MacKechnie Force, now assembled at Morobe where supplies have been

amassed, starts movement by water to staging area

at Mageri Pt, 15 miles N W of Morobe, in preparation for amphibious assault on Nassau Bay.

PANTELLERIA—33d Fighter Gp (P–40) is established on island.

U.K.—COSSAC planners select Air Marshal Sir

Trafford Leigh-Mallory, air officer commanding in

chief, RAF Fighter Command, to prepare air

plans for OVERLORD.
[ 27 JUNE–2 JULY 1943 ] [ 115 ]

27 June

SOLOMON Is.—From Segi, New Georgia I.,

marines of 4th Raider Bn move by sea to vicinity of

Lambeti Plantation in preparation for overland

march to Viru Harbor.

28 June

NEW GEORGIA I.—Marines of 4th Raider Bn

begin overland journey to Viru Harbor.

29 June

SOLOMON Is.—While U.S. assault forces are

sailing to central Solomons, surface force bombards

Munda, Vila, and the Shortlands, night 29–30.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Eisenhower recommends to CCS that projected landing on heel of

Italy near Taranto (Operation MUSKET) be deferred

by Fifth Army. 3 other actions are under consideration: (I) invasion of toe (BUTTRESS) and instep

(GOBLET); (2) landing on toe from which overland

drives would be made to heel, Naples, and Rome

with seaborne reinforcements moved in at Naples;

(3) invasion of Sardinia (BRIMSTONE).

30 June

PACIFIC—Operation CARTWHEEL, converging

drives on Rabaul by forces of S Pacific and SWPA,

opens with amphibious operations against central

Solomons, Trobriands, and New Guinea.

SOLOMON Is.—Ships and landing craft from S

Pacific Amphib Force (organized as TF 31 under

command of Adm Turner) land New Georgia Occupation Force (commanded by Gen Hester, 43d

Div CG) on central Solomons. New Georgia Occupation Force is divided into Western Force (TG

31.1), which is to make main landing on Rendova I.

and later take Munda airfield on New Georgia I.,

and Eastern Force (TG 31.2), which is to make

subsidiary landings. Preceding main landing, Onaiavisi Occupation Unit (COs A and B, 169th Inf)

secures Onaiavisi Entrance in uncontested landings

on Sasavele and Baraulu Is.; establishes outposts on

Roviana I. 172d Inf, 43d Div, of Western Force

lands on Rendova I. without opposition and pushes

inland 1,000 yards to search for scattered Japanese

forces. Failing to receive signal to land from marines

of 4th Raider Bn ashore, Viru Occupation Force

(reinf Co B, 103d Inf) of Eastern Force lands instead at Segi Pt. The Mar Raiders, moving overland,

reach Viru Harbor in evening. To secure Wickham

Anchorage on Vangunu I., Eastern Force lands reinf

2d Bn, 103d Inf, and elements of 4th Mar Raider

Bn on Vangunu at Oleana. Although landing is unopposed, Japanese resist movement of assault force

1 July

Solomon Is.—43d Div troops on Rendova consolidate beachhead and continue search for enemy.

On New Georgia I., marines of 4th Raider Bn seize

Viru Harbor in double envelopment maneuver.

NEW GUINEA—Allied troops are consolidating

positions along S arm of Bitoi R in Nassau Bay area.

CHINA—Gen Chennault designates shipping

and port installations as primary targets for Fourteenth Air Force.

2 July

SOLOMON IS.— 43d Div is ordered to proceed

with next task in central Solomons—capture of

Munda airfield—and begins movement of assault

force from Rendova to New Georgia. Enemy

bombers make destructive raid on Rendova; subsequent air attacks are much less effective. Japanese

warships shell Rendova, night 2–3.

TROBRIAND IS.—Work is begun on airfield at

Woodlark I.

NEW GUINEA—MacKechnie Force holds firm

beachhead at Nassau Bay. Contact is made with Aus

3d Div.

MEDITERRANEAN—Sicilian and Italian ports continue to receive full attention of NAAF, which, durtoward Wickham Anchorage. Japanese aircraft are

active against shipping, damaging flag ship McCawley, which friendly PT’s later sink by mistake.

TROBRIAND Is.—Main bodies of Woodlark and

Kiriwina TF’s make unopposed landings on their

respective islands, where airfields are to be constructed. These are the first operations to be directed

by U.S. Sixth Army, operating as ALAMO Force.

NEW GUINEA—MacKechnie Force (Col MacKechnie, commander of 162d Inf, 41st Div), consisting now of 1st Bn, 162d Inf, and supporting U.S.

and Aus forces, begins unopposed landing at Nassau

Bay shortly after midnight 29–30, aided by lights of

Aus forces ashore. Final wave, Co B, does not land

until later. MacKechnie Force pushes N toward

Bitoi R and S toward Tabali R, soon meeting enemy

opposition. Papuan Inf Bn (PIB) scouts blocking

enemy movement in Cape Dinga area, S of Nassau

Bay, force enemy back toward American positions.

Aus 3d Div’s 15th Brig opens attack on Bobdubi

Ridge, and 17th Brig maintains pressure against

enemy positions in Mubo salient. All operations are

commanded by New Guinea Force (Gen Herring,

commander, pending arrival of Gen Blarney).

MEDITERRANEAN—As preinvasion bombardment continues, NAAF planes, in period 18–30 June,

fly 883 bomber sorties and IX BC, 107 sorties, against

Sicily and Italy, concentrating on supply points,

ports, and marshaling yards.
[ 116 ] [ 3–7 JULY 1943 ]

ing period 12 June–2 July, drops 2,276 tons of

bombs. Malta-based and Gozo–based fighters contribute cover and escort. Final phase of pre–HUSKY

air offensive, beginning at this time, is directed

toward knocking out enemy planes and wrecking

airfields.

U.K.—Air Marshal Leigh–Mallory establishes

air staff at Norfolk House.

3 July

Solomon Is.—Southern Landing Group (Brig

Gen Leonard F. Wing) of Gen Hester’s MundaBairoko Occupation Force lands 1st Bn of 172d

Inf, 43d Div, on Zanana beach, about 5 air miles E

of Munda, New Georgia I., without opposition.

Small defense perimeter of 1st Bn is gradually

strengthened during next few days. Wickham

Anchorage on Vangunu I, which is to become staging point for landing craft, falls into American

hands.

4 July

Solomon Is.—Co B, 103d Inf, arrives at Viru

Harbor and relieves marines of 4th Raider Bn. From

Zanana, 1st Bn of 172d Inf and Co A of 169th

virtually unopposed move W to Barike R, line of

departure for assault on Munda. As transports carrying Northern Landing Group (Lt Col Harry B.

Liversedge, USMC) of Gen Hester’s Munda-

 Bairoko Occupation Force proceed toward Rice

Anchorage, night 4–5, accompanying warships bombard Vila and Bairoko Harbor and intercept Japanese DD’s bringing reinforcements to Kolombangara from the Shortlands. In the ensuing action,

USS Strong is lost to enemy torpedo, but Japanese

effort to land troops is blocked.

CRETE—Br commandos successfully raid enemy

airfields during night and withdraw safely.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wladislaw Sikorski,

CinC of Polish forces, is killed in plane crash near

Gibraltar.

5 July

U.S.—President Roosevelt proposes to Chiang

Kai-shek that Maj Gen George E. Stratemeyer coordinate air forces matters in India–Burma sector.

Solomon Is.—Gen Harmon recommends to

Adm Halsey that XIV Corps staff prepare to take

over on New Georgia and free Gen Hester for operations against Kolombangara. Almost all the New

Georgia Occupation Force is now ashore in central

Solomons, main body at Rendova. Northern Landing Group—consisting of 1st Raider Bn of 1st Mar

Raider Regt, reinf by 3d Bns of 148th and 145th

Regts, 37th Div—lands without opposition at Rice

Anchorage, beginning at 0130. Leaving elements of

3d Bn, 145th Inf, to defend landing site, Col Liversedge’s force starts S toward Dragon’s Peninsula, between Enogai Inlet and Bairoko Harbor, forward

elements reaching Giza Giza R. Patrol of Southern

Landing Group finds Japanese force blocking

Munda Trail between Zanana and Barike R.

BATTLE OF KULA GULF—U.S. naval surface

force engages enemy vessels bringing second echelon

of reinforcements to Kolombangara, night 5–6.

Japanese lose 2 DD’s and sink USS Helena. Force

of 850 Japanese succeeds in landing at Vila.

USSR—Germans launch offensive on limited

front to reduce Soviet salient at Kursk, 9th Army

pushing S from Orel and 4th Pz Army and Army

Kempf working northward from Belgorod. Limited

progress is made at heavy cost in tanks. By this time,

Axis and Soviet forces have both taken advantage of

spring thaw to reorganize and refit troops. Red

Army is greatly superior in strength.

6 July

ALEUTIAN IS.—U.S. naval vessels, for the first

time in 11 months, bombard Kiska, supplementing

intermittent efforts of aircraft to neutralize the

island. Cruiser-DD TF (Rear Adm Robert C.

Giffen) conducts the action and retires safely.

Solomon Is.—Heavy bombers begin series of

strikes against enemy airfields on Bougainville, the

next objective. Attacks are gradually increased in

strength and frequency and are supplemented by

medium bomber strikes on enemy shipping in the

area. By this time, 43d Div’s 172d and 169th Regts

are on New Georgia I. 172d closes along the Barike

R and 3d Bn, 169th, starts toward the river from

Zanana. Japanese repulse attacks against their roadblock on Munda Trail. Col Liversedge’s force

reaches and crosses Tamakau R.

NEW GUINEA—3d Bn of 162d Inf, part of U.S.

first Div’s Coane Force, goes ashore at Nassau beachhead and begins period of active patrolling. 2d Bn,

162d Inf, takes over positions vacated by 3d Bn at

Morobe.

CHINA—Fourteenth Air Force begins

antishipping operations off West R estuary.

7 July

U.S.—Gen Giraud arrives in Washington to

confer with President Roosevelt and military leaders.

Solomon Is.—First echelon of 145th Inf ( — 3d

Bn), 37th Div, sails from Guadalcanal for Rendova.

On New Georgia I, 43d Div continues futile efforts

to eliminate roadblock on Munda Trail between

Zanana and the Barike. Continuing S, main body

of Col Liversedge’s force reaches Enogai Inlet and
[ 8–10 JULY 1943 ] [ 117 ]

encounters enemy resistance at Triri; 3d Bn of 148th

Inf reaches Munda–Bairoko Trail.

NEW GUINEA—Allied planes, in direct support

of ground operations, attack Mubo area in force,

dropping over 100 tons of bombs. MacKechnie Force,

having pushed inland from beach to Napier, begins

assault on Bitoi Ridge. Aus 2/6th Bn captures Observation Hill, an important terrain feature a mile

W of Mubo.

USSR—Slow enemy advance in Orel sector N

of Kursk is brought to a halt as Red Army opens

counterattacks. Limited progress is being made by

S prong of Axis offensive in Belgorod area.

8 July

NEW GEORGIA I.—43d Div completes reduction of enemy strongpoint astride Munda Trail;

169th Inf closes along the Barike, from which

Munda will be attacked on 9th. Col Liversedge’s 3d

Bn, 148th Inf, establishes roadblock on Munda–

Bairoko Trail and remains there. 1st Raider Bn,

turning over positions at Triri to troops of 145th Inf,

tries in vain to reach Enogai.

9 July

Solomon Is.—On New Georgia I, 43d Div,

with close air, arty, and naval gunfire support, attacks W across Barike R toward Munda with 172d

Inf on left and 169th on right. 172d gains about

1,100 yards but 169th makes little headway beyond

the Barike and still has elements E of the river. 1st

Raider Bn of Col Liversedge’s force again attacks

toward Enogai from Triri, using another route, but

is halted by enemy fire near Enogai Pt. Both sides

are moving reinforcements to central Solomons.

Second echelon of 145th Inf ( — 3d Bn), 37th Div,

sails for Rendova. Japanese land 1,200 reinforcements from the Shortlands on Kolombangara.

SICILY—Tremendous preinvasion air offensive

against island results in Allied air superiority, over

enemy. As convoys of Western (U.S., under Vice

Adm Henry K. Hewitt) and Eastern (Br, under

Adm Sir Bertram H. Ramsay) Naval Task Forces,

with ground assault forces of Gen Alexander’s 15th

Army Group embarked, approach Sicily in preparation for early morning invasion on 10th, Br and U.S.

airborne contingents take off from Tunisia and are

dropped on the island during night 9–10. High

winds prevailing in assault area handicap both sea

and airborne forces, but latter surprise enemy and

take assigned objectives, facilitating forward movement of seaborne forces when they arrive. 1st Air

Landing Brig Gp of 1st A/B Div, 13 Corps, Br

Eighth Army, is dropped near Syracuse to hasten

capture of that port. Most of the 130–odd gliders

land wide of drop zone and nearly 50 fall into the

sea, but group of 8 officers and 65 men reaches and

holds objective–Ponte Grande bridge. U.S. parachute task force under Col J. M. Gavin, consisting of

82d A/B Div’s RCT 505 and 3d Bn of 504th Para

Regt, is dropped from 226 C–47’s to take high

ground near Ponte Olivo airfield, NE of Gela, and

assist seaborne forces of U.S. II Corps, Seventh

Army, in capture of the airfield. Although drops are

very widely scattered over S Sicily, objective is taken.

This is the first major airborne operation to be undertaken by Allied forces in World War II and

consequently becomes subject of intensive study.

USSR—Red Army opens counterattacks in

Obojan region, S of Kursk. Although vigorous fighting continues N and S of Kursk for some time, Axis

forces are unable to advance.

10 July

KURILE Is.—Paramushiro is bombed for first

time, by B–25’s from Attu.

NEW GEORGIA Is.—Maj Gen Oscar W. Griswold, CG XIV Corps, is ordered to New Georgia.

Momentum of 43d Div’s westward drive on Munda

slows, particularly on right, where 169th Inf is

brought to a halt at junction of Munda Trail with

trail leading to coast at Laiana. Jungle terrain makes

close air support increasingly difficult as attack progresses and is also slowing road construction. Liversedge’s force clears most of Enogai area but by now

is dependent upon airdrops for food and water.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. forces from Nassau Bay

effect junction with Aus 3d Div troops at Buigap

Creek, cutting Japanese communications between

Mubo and Salamaua.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Main invasion

forces of U.S. Seventh and Br Eighth Armies, with

close support of Royal and U.S. Navies and Allied

aircraft, land on SE coast of Sicily on broad front

from point W of Licata on W to point S of Syracuse

on E between 0245 and 0600; establish bridgeheads

without serious difficulty.

U.S. Seventh Army, which Gen Patton activates

at sea at 0001, puts 3 assault forces ashore between

Licata and Capo Scaramia. Gen Truscott commands

westernmost TF (3d Div, CCA of 2d Armd Div,

and 3d Ranger Bn), which lands in Licata area and

takes Licata and its small port. Gen Bradley, U.S.

II Corps commander, commands the other two U.S.

assault force. 1st Div ( — RCT 18) and 1st and 4th

Ranger Bns land at Gela. To E, 45th Div goes

ashore near Scoglitti. Both Gela and Scoglitti, as well

as Vittoria, are taken as troops push inland and

along coast against light resistance. U.S. 82d A/B

Div parachutists, upon making contact with 1st Div,

come under II Corps command; elements take
[ 118 ]

Marina di Ragusa. Floating reserve (RCT 18 of 1st

Div, and 2d Armd Div less CCA) is landed during

day in region E of Gela.

Br Eighth Army (Gen Montgomery) lands to E

of U.S. II Corps between Pozzallo and Syracuse. 30

Corps, with 231st Brig on right, 51st Div in center,

and Cdn 1st Div on left, lands on Pachino peninsula and clears town of Pachino and airfield. 13

Corps, on E flank, employs 5th Div on right and

50th on left. While 50th takes Avola, 5th makes

contact with airborne forces of Br 1st A/B Div at

Ponte Grande and crosses bridge to capture Syracuse, night 10–11.

11 July

Solomon Is.—Adm Halsey selects Gen Vandegrift, commander of I Mar Amphib Corps, to head

ground forces that are to invade Bougainville, which

lies between S Pacific forces and Rabaul. Gen Griswold arrives at Rendova by air. On New Georgia I,

supply problem is growing so acute as 43d Div’s attack progresses toward Munda that 172d Inf starts

quietly S to anchor left flank on coast at Laiana and

shorten supply line. Enemy soon discovers the move.

Command of 169th Inf, which is still held up by

opposition from heights dominating Munda–

Lambeti trail junction, passes to Col Temple G.

Holland, former commander of 145th Inf.

Liversedge’s force is mopping up in Enogai area.

Airfield at Segi Pt is ready for limited use by fighters.

SICILY—15th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army

reaches beachhead line Yellow (Palma di

Montechiaro–Campobello–Mazzarino–Caltagirone–

Grammichele) on W flank, where Gen Truscott’s

force expands Licata bridgehead to include Palma

di Montechiaro, Naro, Campobello, and Riesi. II

Corps withstands determined, tank–supported

counterattacks, main force of which hits 1st Div in

Gela area. 45th Div helps repel enemy and takes

town of Comiso and airport and Ragusa. Airdrop

of another contingent of 82d A/B Div (RCT 504)

in Gela area proves costly; drops are scattered and

come under both enemy and friendly fire. In Br

Eighth Army area, 30 Corps expands bridgehead to

Avola–Pozzallo road, seizing Pozzallo. 13 Corps

makes main effort northward along coast toward

Augusta.

USSR—In region S of Kursk, Axis 4th Pz Army

and Army Kempf join forces in drive toward

Prochorovka and make limited progress.

12 July

NEW GEORGIA—172d Inf of 43d Div, now without food and water, pushes to within 500 yards of

Laiana and learns from scouts that Japanese are

firmly entrenched in vicinity of Ilangana. 169th Inf,

up against outer defenses of Munda position, attempts to advance behind rolling arty barrage but

makes little headway.

BATTLE OF KOLOMBANGARA (Second Battle of

Kula Gulf)—Allied surface force under Rear Adm

Walden L. Ainsworth engages enemy force bringing

reinforcements to central Solomons, night 12–13;

sinks Japanese cruiser but loses DD Gwin and

suffers damage to other vessels. Despite this action,

Japanese land 1,200 men on Kolombangara.

NEW GUINEA—Allied troops advancing on

Mubo reduce several enemy strongpoints.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek consents

to TRIDENT recommendations concerning limited

offensive, now called SAUCY, to reopen land route

from Burma to China.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Bridgeheads are

firmly established by end of day. Br and U.S. forces

make contact at Ragusa.

Advance U.S. Seventh Army CP moves ashore

from USS Monrovia. Gen Truscott’s force takes Canicatti, important road junction. II Corps, despite

further determined efforts of enemy to push it back

to the sea, expands bridgehead. 1st Div takes Ponte

Olivo airport and pushes inland toward Niscemi.

Units of 45th Div in Ragusa make contact with

Cdn 1st Div of Br Eighth Army.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps, overrunning

Modica and Palazzolo, reaches general line Sortini–

Palazzolo–Ragusa–Scicli. 13 Corps, though assisted

by air and naval gunfire, is stalled by stubborn

opposition at Priolo Gargallo, about half way

between Syracuse and Augusta.

USSR—Red Army opens strong offensive, supported by concentrated arty fire, to reduce Axis

salient at Orel, concentrating on N and E flanks.

The operation is well timed, coming after enemy

reserves have been committed to the unsuccessful

offensive toward Kursk, which has sharply reduced

tank strength. During fierce battle S of Kursk, in

Prochorovka area, Axis loses over 400 tanks in vain

effort to advance.

13 July

NEW GEORGIA—Adm Halsey directs Gen Harmon to take command of New Georgia operation,

which is falling behind schedule. 169th Inf of 43d

Div, with air and arty support, drives salient into

enemy positions E of Munda with capture by 3d Bn

of hill commanding Munda Trail. Inability of 1st

and 2d Bns to advance, however, leaves 3d Bn in

exposed position. 172d Inf reaches coast at Laiana.

NEW GUINEA—Mubo area is cleared of enemy.

Aus 3d Div, assisted by fire of Americans, finishes

clearing Lababia Ridge.

[ 11–13 JULY 1943 ]
[ 119 ]

SICILY—First Allied fighters fly to Sicily to

operate from Pachino field. Enemy planes are no

longer able to offer effective resistance over the island and are reducing their efforts.

15th Army Group: Gen Alexander establishes

new boundary between Br and U.S. forces, giving

Eighth Army road Vizzini–Caltagirone–Piazza Armerina–Enna–S. Stefano.

U.S. Seventh Army orders Canicatti held while

rcn is pushed W to Agrigento on W, where Gen

Truscott’s assault force has attained its immediate

objective. In II Corps area, RCT 18 is released to 1st

Div, from which 1st and 4th Ranger Bns are detached. 2d Armd Div ( — CCA) and 1st and 4th

Ranger Bns are placed in army reserve. II Corps continues efforts to close along line Yellow. 45th Div

pushes N, taking Licodia and Monterosso.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div is

slowed by enemy near Vizzini. 13 Corps begins offensive, night 13–14, in effort to break out into

Catania plain. Parachutists of 1st Para Brig are

dropped to seize Primasole bridge over Simeto R,

the most suitable exit to Catania plain, and do so.

The operation, however, is costly, since planes come

under enemy and friendly fire. Seaborne commandos are landed and take another bridge in the area.

5th Div, followed by 50th, makes ground assault

from vicinity of Lentini and is firmly opposed.

14 July

Solomon Is.—On New Georgia, 43d Div’s left

flank is reinf as 3d Bn of road Inf, with engineers

and tanks attached, lands at Laiana. The bn is not

committed to action at once, however. 3d Bn, 169th

Inf, holds its exposed hill position under enemy

fire. On Guadalcanal, 25th Div’s RCT 161 is alerted

for movement to New Georgia.

TROBRIAND Is.—Airfield on Woodlark I. is ready

for use by C–47’s.

SICILY—Messina, a primary target for Allied

bombers, is particularly hard hit. 212 heavy and

medium bombers drop about 800 tons of bombs.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

82d A/B Div, in army reserve, is being assembled

and reinf in Gela area for operations on W flank of

U.S. sector. 4th Tabor of goums of Fr N African

Army lands at Licata and is attached to 3d Div. In

II Corps area, 1st Div makes substantial progress,

taking Mazzarino and Niscemi. CCB, 2d Armd Div,

mops up in Niscemi area. Rangers, assisted by naval

gunfire, seize Butera. On II Corps right flank, 45th

Div takes Biscari airfield and to right reaches line

Yellow near Vizzini.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div,

assisted by U.S. 45th Div, overcomes strong opposition at Vizzini. In 13 Corps area, main assault force

is stoutly opposed near Lentini but succeeds in pushing through that town toward Primasole bridge.

Parachute force defending the bridge withstands

strong enemy pressure throughout day and at night

falls back to ridge overlooking the bridge.

ITALY—Air offensive against Italy to interdict

movement of supplies and reinforcements to Sicily is

intensified by NAAF, Naples being a primary

target.

15 July

Solomon Is.—Gen Griswold, CG XIV Corps,

takes command of New Georgia Occupation Force

at midnight 15–16, relieving Gen Hester, who retains command of 43d Div. Adm Turner is relieved

of posts of Commander, S Pacific Amphib Force

(III Amphib Force and TF 32), and Commander,

New Georgia Attack Force (TF 32), and leaves for

Hawaii. 1st Bn of 145th Inf, 37th Div, lands at

Zanana and is attached to 43d Div to relieve elements

of 69th Inf. Co of 103d Inf is committed on left

flank to plug gap in line of 172d Inf. In air battle

over central Solomons, Japanese lose 45 of about 75

aircraft as against 3 U.S. planes lost. As a result, Japanese virtually stop daylight attacks.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, Gen Patton forms Provisional Corps,

comprising 3d Div, reinf by 3d Ranger Bn and supporting troops, and 82d A/B Div, reinf by newly

arrived RCT 39 of 9th Div and supporting troops,

all under command of Maj Gen Geoffrey Keyes, to

operate en W flank of U.S. Seventh Army as it

swings NW. 2d Armd Div, to which CCA reverts,

assembles in Campobello area under army control.

3d Div continues to patrol actively. II Corps reaches

line Yellow all along its front, 45th Div on right

flank co–operating with 30 Corps in vicinity of

Caltagirone.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div,

taking the lead from 51st Div, captures Grammichele and Caltagirone. In 13 Corps area, main

assault force makes contact with paratroopers commanding Primasole bridge; both forces continue

efforts to establish bridgehead over the Simeto.

16 July

NEW GEORGIA—As 172d Inf of 43d Div, assisted

by Marine tanks, slowly expands Laiana beachhead, 1st Bn of 169th Inf attacks through 3d Bn,

taking hill—later called Kelley Hill for 1st Lt John

R. Kelley—where it is exposed to strong enemy

pressure.

TROBRIAND IS.—First Allied plane lands on

Woodlark airstrip.

SICILY—Enemy air attacks during daylight virtually cease, but night attacks are increasing.

[ 14–16 JULY 1943 ]
[ 120 ]

15th Army Group: Axis troops are withdrawing to Messing peninsula, at base of which lofty M.

Etna commands entire island. Gen Alexander issues

directive calling for Br Eighth Army to drive enemy

NE along 3 routes into Messing peninsula while

U.S. Seventh Army, protecting rear of Br Eighth

Army, seizes road net at Enna and cuts E–W road

at Petralia.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s Prov Corps area, 3d Div

begins assault on Agrigento while 3d Ranger Bn

takes its port, Porto Empedocle. In II Corps area,

1st Div seizes Barrafranca. 45th Div begins movement to left flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

pushes northward from Caltagirone, taking Piazza

Armerina, night 16–17. To ease pressure on 13 Corps

to right, 91st Div is ordered to drive on Paterno, NW

of Catania. 13 Corps establishes small bridgehead

across the Simeto before dawn.

ITALY—Prime Minister Churchill and President

Roosevelt make joint appeal to Italian people to

“decide whether Italians shall die for Mussolini and

Hitler—or live for Italy and for civilization.”

USSR—Axis forces go on the defensive, having

lost heavily in futile attempts to reduce Kursk salient

and being under strong pressure in Orel area. Red

Army is mounting secondary attacks on southern

front against enemy’s Kuban bridgehead. Main

Soviet offensive against Orel salient is gaining

ground.

17 July

NEW GEORGIA—43d Div withstands the only organized offensive attempted by Japanese during

Munda operation, beginning night 17–18. The

counterattacks at various points are generally unsuccessful.

NEW GUINEA—From Nassau Bay, Coane Force

(2d and 3d Bns of 162d Inf, U.S. 41st Div, and supporting units) moves out to join Aus 3d Div in drive

toward Salamaua. The attack on Salamaua, under

Aus command, is a secondary effort designed to

divert enemy from next main effort, which is to

secure Markham Valley and Huon Peninsula and

thus gain control of Vitiaz and Dampier Straits.

MEDITERRANEAN—CCS accept Gen Eisenhower’s recommendations of 29 June. At a meeting

between Gen Eisenhower and his commanders at

Carthage to consider post–HUSKY operations, it is

decided that the dual mission of knocking Italy out

of the war and drawing off maximum German

forces from other areas can best be accomplished by

invasion of Italian mainland.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s Prov Corps area, 3d Div, assisted by naval

gunfire, completes reduction of Agrigento. 82d A/B

Div is being moved forward to W flank by motor.

Going into action on W flank of II Corps, 45th takes

Pietraperzia and secures crossings of Salso R, S of

Caltanissetta, while 1st Div seizes crossings 6 miles

E of Caltanissetta.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div

drives to within to miles of Paterno, crossing

Simeto R. 13 Corps expands bridgehead over the

Simeto in coastal sector and during night 17–18

begins northward drive on Catania with 2 brigs of

50th Div.

USSR—While continuing reduction of Orel

salient, Red Army begins local attacks in region S

of Izyum and SW of Voroshilovgrad. Moscow announces that positions in Orel sector held before

German offensive of 5 July have been recovered.

18 July

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps, while preparing

for final push on Munda, repels Japanese counterattacks at several points. 1st and 2d Bns of 148th

Inf, 37th Div, which have landed at Zanana, try unsuccessfully to reach and relieve 169th Inf, 43d

Div.

TROBRIAND Is.—Airfield on Kiriwina I. becomes

operational.

NEW GUINEA—Coane Force secures S headland

of Tambu Bay for supply base.

SICILY—15th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army

is directed to cut N coastal road after capture of

Petralia; upon gaining line across island from

Campofelice on N to Agrigento on S, is to mop up

W part of island. Army advances rapidly all along

line as enemy continues withdrawal to NE part of

island. Prov Corps pushes NW toward Palermo, 3d

Div, in the lead, reaching line Raffadali–S. Cataldo.

82d A/B Div, reinf by RCT 39 of 9th Div, begins

operations on W flank of corps; attacking through

3d Div near Agrigento, seizes crossings of Fiume

delle Canno, about 8 miles W of Porto Empedocle.

II Corps drives NW to attack Palermo from E.

45th Div takes Caltanissetta and pushes on through

S Catering. 1st Div reaches M. Capadarso area, NE

of Caltanissetta.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div

continues toward Paterno while Cdn 1st Div thrusts

toward Leonforte and Adrano. In 13 Corps area,

5th Div drives toward Misterbianco, W of Catania,

while 50th, on coast, continues efforts to reach

Catania.

19 July

ALEUTIAN IS.—Adm Kinkaid approves plans for

invasion of Kiska.

ITALY—Rome undergoes damaging air attack.

More than 500 bombers of USAAF attack military

objectives—Lorenzo and Littoria marshaling yards

[ 17–19 JULY 1943 ]
[ 121 ]

and Ciampino airfields—with about 1,000 tons of

bombs.

SICILY—15th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army

makes rapid progress against light resistance. In

Prov Corps area, 82d A/B Div, driving NW along

coastal highway, reaches positions beyond Ribera.

Casteltermini and Mussomeli fall to 3d Div. 2d

Armd Div is following in order to exploit possible

breakthrough. In II Corps area, 45th Div patrols

actively in S. Caterina area. 1st Div, advancing on

Enna, clears enemy pocket S of objective.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Cdn 1st

Div continues toward Leonforte, bypassing Enna

and reaching positions N of Valguarnera. 51st Div

crosses Dittaino R at Sferro, SW of Paterno. 231st

Brig, bridging gap between Cdn 1st Div and 51st

Div, thrusts to within 3 miles of Agira, where it

halts to await clearance of Leonforte. 13 Corps continues to meet firm resistance near Catania. 5th

Div crosses the Simeto to W of 50th Div, but its supporting weapons remain S of the river.

20 July

U.S.—JCS direct Adm Nimitz to seize bases in

the Gilbert Is. and on Nauru.

NEW GEORGIA—Elements of 145th Inf, 37th

Div, relieve hard–pressed 169th Inf of 43d Div E of

Munda. 148th breaks through enemy positions that

have been checking it and prepares to relieve 145th.

Trail from Laiana to Munda Trail is completed,

easing supply situation. Liversedge Force, after

futile attempt to take Bairoko, falls back to Enogai.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. forces begin lengthy struggle for heights (Roosevelt Ridge, Scout Ridge, and

Mt Tambu) commanding Tambu Bay and Dot

Inlet.

CBI—Gen Bissell is recalled to U.S. to become

Assistant Chief of Air Staff, A–2, and is replaced as

head of Tenth Air Force by Brig Gen Howard C.

Davidson.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders U.S. Seventh Army, upon reaching coastal

road (Highway 113) N of Petralia, to reconnoiter

eastward along it and Highway 120 (Petralia–

Nicosia–Cesarò), which parallels it to S; to drive on

Palermo, which is to be a major supply base; and to

secure left flank on general line S. Giuseppe–

Corleone–Sciacca.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s Prov Corps area, 82d A/

B Div, continuing W along S coast, takes Sciacca and

Menfi. 3d Div clears S. Stefano and heights N of

Mussomeli. 2d Armd Div, assembled in Ribera area,

is attached to Prov Corps. TF X is formed to capture

Castelvetrano and airfield W of it; protect left and

rear of corps’ drive on Palermo. Lt Col William O.

Darby heads the TF, which is composed of 1st and

4th Ranger Bns, RCT 39 of 9th Div, and supporting

units. In II Corps area, 45th Div clashes with Italian

delaying forces in Vallelunga area. 1st Div, in conjunction with Br units to right, takes Enna, im-portant

supply center, and drives on to Villapriola.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery orders reserve, 78th Div, to Sicily from Africa. In 30

Corps area, Cdn 1st Div pushes to within a few miles

of Leonforte. 51st Div, from Sferro area, attacks Gerbini airfield. 13 Corps is virtually stopped by firm

resistance on Catania plain.

MEDITERRANEAN—Planning for invasion of Sardinia (BRIMSTONE) is dropped because of successes

in Sicilian campaign. Attention of planners becomes

focused next on Naples because of its harbor and its

proximity to Rome.

USSR—Mitsensk falls to Red Army, whose assault against Orel salient continues.

21 July

Solomon Is.—Small U.S. rcn party lands on

Vella Lavella at Barakoma, night 21–22, in preparation for full–scale invasion. U.S. control of Vella

Lavella would isolate Japanese at Vila, Kolombangara. On New Georgia, 148th Inf of 37th Div relieves 145th Inf E of Munda.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s Prov Corps area, TF X seizes Castelvetrano

and airport, and 2d Armd Div assembles NE of

Castelvetrano prepared to exploit breakthrough,

which appears imminent. 82d A/B Div takes S.

Margherita and 3d Div seizes Corleone. In II Corps

area, 45th Div continues NW, taking Valledolmo.

1st Div clears delaying opposition in Alimena.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery decides to make main effort on left, where assault

forces will push around N side of M. Etna to take

enemy from rear, major assault to begin on 1 August.

13 Corps and 51st Div of 30 Corps are to go on the

defensive. In 30 Corps area, Leonforte falls to Cdn

1st Div, night 21–22. 51st Div falls back under

enemy pressure to positions S of Gerbini airfield.

22 July

ALEUTIAN IS.—In effort to soften Japanese defenses on Kiska, U.S. warships and aircraft attack

the island in force.

NEW GEORGIA—Gen Griswold orders general

attack on Munda by 37th and 43d Divs on 25th. 37th

Div commander takes charge of his forces on the

island. RCT 161, 25th Div, arrives and is attached

to 37th Div.

SICILY—15th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army

takes Palermo, on N coast, virtually completing

second phase of operations. Limited mopping up

[ 20–22 JULY 1943 ]
[ 122 ]

must be carried out in W part of island before final

phase—drive to E—can start. Prov Corps takes

Palermo without a fight: While TF X thrusts W

along coast protecting left and rear, 2d Armd Div is

committed to action and drives rapidly NE to outskirts of Palermo. At the same time, 3d Div continues NW to positions SE of the city. Since there is

no show of resistance, planned attack on Palermo is

withheld and 2d Armd Div enters without opposition. City surrenders at 2000. In II Corps area, left

flank elements of 45th Div make contact with 3d Div

in outskirts of Palermo while others push on toward

N coast. 1st Div continues N toward coast on right

flank of corps, taking Bompietro.

USSR—Bolkhov, NW of Mitsensk, falls to Red

Army. Soviet troops begin local offensive on northern front S of Lake Ladoga.

23 July

TROBRIAND Is.—6th Fighter Sq arrives on Woodlark to begin operations from airfield there.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders U.S. Seventh Army to exert maximum pressure eastward along Highways 113 and 120 as soon

as possible, leaving elements behind to complete

mop–up of W part of island. As a result of this

order, preparations are made to reinforce II Corps

with 3d and 9th Divs and arty units.

U.S. Seventh Army mops up in W Sicily, taking

many prisoners. Engineers begin to repair badly

damaged port of Palermo. In Prov Corps area, while

3d Div polices Palermo, 82d A/B Div, to which

control of TF X components passes, clears MarsalaTrapani area of W coast. In II Corps area, 157th Inf

of 45th Div cuts Highway 113, N coastal road, 6

miles E of Termini Imerese; while elements push

W from there to Termini Imerese, rest of regt drives

E along highway to positions beyond Campofelice.

179th Inf, 45th Div, takes Collesano and advances

toward Castelbuono. 1st Div overcomes resistance

at Petralia, cutting Highway 120, and patrols eastward.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps is meeting

strong resistance as it attempts to drive E from Leonforte.

24 July

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps prepares for assault

on Munda on 25th. 161st Inf, attached to 37th Div,

runs into tenacious opposition as it tries in vain to

reach line of departure.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, Prov Corps continues to mop up W

part of island, taking record number of prisoners.

II Corps pursues enemy eastward, 45th Div in

coastal sector and 1st Div on S flank. 45th Div takes

Cefalu and Castelbuono. 1st Div overruns Gangi and

attacks toward Nicosia.

USSR—Red Army has recovered positions in

Belgorod area, which was held by the Russians at

start of German offensive on 5 July.

NORWAY—U.S. Eighth Air Force makes its first

attack on Norway. 167 B–17’s drop 414 tons of

bombs on industrial targets at Heroya while 41 release 79 tons on naval installations at Trondheim.

Only 1 plane fails to return. This is the longest

flight yet undertaken by U.S. planes based in England.

25 July

Solomon Is.—Gen Twining replaces Rear Adm

Marc A. Mitscher as COMAIRSOLS. Air strength

of this command has increased from 235 to 539

planes since 2 April. Since invasion of Rendova on

30 June, Fighter Command alone has destroyed 316

planes for loss of 71. Enemy discontinues daylight

air attacks on Rendova.

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps opens final offensive

for Munda airfield. Although supported by naval

gunfire and powerful air bombardment, assault

troops can make only slow progress against strongly

entrenched enemy. 43d Div, with 103d Inf on left

and 172d on right, attacks on left (S) and gets elements to coast near Terere but withdraws the salient

since it is exposed. 37th Div, with 145th, 161st, and

148th Regts in line from left to right, cannot begin

general advance until opposition on ridge (called

Bartley Ridge in honor of 2d Lt Martin E. Bartley)

in front of 161st Inf is cleared and then starts to envelop enemy there. 148th advances without serious

opposition but is out of contact with 161st.

ITALY—King Victor Emmanuel proclaims fall

of Mussolini, whose offices are taken over by Marshal Pietro Badoglio; takes command of Italian

Army.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 45th Div makes limited

progress along N coastal road (Highway 113). 1st

Div, on Highway 120, repels counterattack E of

Gangi.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, hard fighting is in progress in Agira sector.

26 July

U.S.—CCS request Gen Eisenhower to plan at

once for AVALANCHE, invasion of Italy at Salerno, in

order to gain Naples and nearby airfields.

ALEUTIAN IS.—Eleventh Air Force makes heaviest attack to date on Kiska, dropping 104 tons of

bombs.

Solomon Is.—Adm Halsey proposes to Gen

MacArthur that plans for invasion of S Bougainville

[ 23–26 JULY 1943 ]
[ 123 ]

mainland be dropped and that the Shortlands and

Ballale, in Bougainville Strait, be secured as planned

in order to provide airfields and anchorages to

support future operations. Gen MacArthur later

approves.

NEW GEORGIA—43d and 37th Divs are assisted

by tanks and flame throwers as they continue attack on Munda after preparatory fire. 103d Inf, 43d

Div, takes Ilangana and reaches coast at Kia, but

161st Inf, in 37th Div zone, makes little headway

against Bartley Ridge.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, Prov Corps releases RCT 39, 9th Div,

3d Chemical Weapons Bn, and 4th Tabor of goums

to II Corps to strengthen it for eastward drive. II

Corps makes limited progress astride Highways 113

and 120. On Highway 113, 45th Div reaches road

junction N of S. Mauro.

27 July

NEW GEORGIA—37th Div temporarily suspends

attack on Bartley Ridge in center and begins assault

on feature to left called Horseshoe Hill, reducing

several pillboxes. 148th Inf gains tenuous contact

with 161st, but gap remains between the 2 regts.

CBI—Chinese-American Composite Wing

(CACW) is activated in Fourteenth Air Force at

Karachi, India. The wing consists of Ch aircraft

and pilots trained under lend-lease.

MEDITERRANEAN—AFHQ directs CG, Fifth

Army, to prepare plans for capture of Naples and

nearby airfields from which future operations in

Italy could be supported. D Day, which is to depend

upon phase of the moon and availability of landing

craft, is tentatively set as 7 September. Br planners

are already working on plans for Operation BUTTRESS, invasion of toe of Italy by 10 Corps.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In the coastal

sector of the U.S. Seventh Army’s II Corps area,

45th Div’s RCT 180 reaches Tusa, a few miles W

of S. Stefano, and elements cross Tusa R but are

driven back; RCT 179 reaches S. Mauro. 1st Div

clears several strongpoints while pushing toward

Nicosia along Highway 120; its left flank is protected by 4th Tabor of goums and its right by 91st

Rcn Sq, which also maintains contact with British.

28 July

ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese garrison of Kiska is

withdrawn by sea without detection by Allied forces,

who are continuing preparations to invade the island.

Solomon Is.—U.S. rcn party returns from Vella

Lavella and recommends that an advance detachment be moved to Barakoma in preparation for main

landings.

NEW GEORGIA—Gen Griswold calls for replacements. 43d Div is creeping forward in small–scale

actions. 145th Inf, 37th Div, continues to clear

Horseshoe Hill. 3d Bn, 161st, occupies some abandoned enemy positions on Bartley Ridge.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

moves his hq to Sicily.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, coastal cargo vessels

begin arriving at Palermo. In II Corps area, 45th

Div, recrossing Tusa R, pushes a little closer to S.

Stefano in coastal sector. 1st Div takes Nicosia.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Agira falls

to left flank elements of corps.

29 July

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps continues to advance slowly toward Munda airfield, methodically

destroying enemy pillboxes with assistance of tanks

and flame throwers. Maj Gen John R. Hodge takes

command of 43d Div, relieving Gen Hester, and

commits 1st and 3d Bns, 169th Inf, between 172d

and 103d Regts. In 37th Div zone, 145th Inf reaches

crest of Horseshoe Hill but pulls back a little to more

tenable positions; 161st Inf forces on Bartley Ridge

continue to advance cautiously; 148th pulls back to

establish contact with 161st and protect supply route,

but does not quite succeed in closing the gap and is

precariously situated.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, trains begin using RR line between

Palermo and Cefalu. Prov Corps nearly completes

its mop–up task in W Sicily. 3 small islands off

Trapani (Favignana, Marettimo, and Levango) surrender to 82d A/B Div. In II Corps area, 45th Div

meets increasing rear–guard resistance as it approaches S. Stefano, on N coast road, and moves elements SE in effort to outflank enemy; other elements advance to Mistretta, which enemy retains.

From Nicosia, 1st Div probes to outskirts of Mistretta and eastward along Highway 120 toward

Cerami without incident; goumiers clear pocket

about 3 miles W of Capizzi. RCT 39 is attached to

1st Div.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, recently arrived 78th Div, now in position to attack and reinf by

Cdn 3d Brig, opens assault along axis CatenanuovaAdrano, night 29–30. In 13 Corps area, 5th Div

is reinf by 2 bns of infantry and regt of tanks.

30 July

NEW GEORGIA—Alteration of boundaries gives

43d Div a wider front and places S half of Bartley

Ridge within zone of 145th Inf, 37th Div. 145th

Inf repels counterattack on Horseshoe Hill and

shells enemy positions. 161st is reinf by 2d Bn of

145th and continues to clear Bartley Ridge. Ele-

[ 27–30 JULY 1943 ]
[ 124 ] [ 31 JULY–3 AUGUST 1943 ]

ments of 148th gain physical contact with 161st,

but main body of 148th is isolated.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, enemy continues withdrawal eastward

across army front. In II Corps area, 45th Div is

strongly opposed by enemy rear guards in S. Stefano

area during day, but enemy withdraws from the

town and from Reitano, to S, night 30–31. On Highway 120, 1st Div advances toward Troina, its

patrols reaching Cerami.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 78th Div

takes Catenanuova in morning; renews attack, night

30–31, securing heights to N and NE from which to

attack Centuripe. 231st Brig, leading eastward drive

on Regalbuto, is meeting severe resistance near this

objective.

USSR—Enemy attempts to recover ground lost

on Mius front but is unable to retain the initiative.

31 July

NEW GEORGIA—2d Bns of 161st and 145th Regts

finish clearing Bartley Ridge. Enemy continues to

resist on Horseshoe Hill. 148th Inf tries to

return to main body.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, Gen Patton issues directive far major

attack eastward toward Messina, beginning 1 August. II Corps, which is to contain 1st, 3d, and 9th

Divs, and supporting units, will make main effort

along Highways 113 and 120 from line S. Stefano–

Mistretta–Nicosia. Prov Corps is to organize W part

of Sicily and protect rear of II Corps; be prepared to

furnish reinforcements to II Corps. Aircraft and

naval TF 88 are to support offensive. In Corps area,

45th Div is being relieved in S. Stefano sector by 3d

Div. On S flank, 1st Div advances to within 5 miles

of Troina, capturing Cerami; 4th Tabor of goums,

on div left flank, takes Capizzi.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, 231st Brig

is still fiercely opposed just W of Regalbuto. 78th

Div attacks strong enemy position at Centuripe.

1 August

NEW GEORGIA—43d Div’s road and 169th

Regts—172d Inf now being pinched out—reach

outer taxiways of Munda airfield without serious

difficulty since main body of enemy has withdrawn.

In 37th Div zone, Japanese are found to have abandoned Horseshoe Hill; 148th Inf succeeds in breaking through to main body. Hq of 25th Div and 27th

Inf arrive on Sasavele; 35th Inf is alerted for movement to Munda.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div completes relief of

45th Div—which is transferred to Prov Corps—on

N coast in S. Stefano area; continues eastward drive

along coastal highway, gaining several miles. On

Highway 120, 1st Div continues to press toward

Troina, forward elements reaching outskirts, and

begins move to outflank enemy, who is resisting

strongly. 9th Div (less RCT 39 in action with 1st

Div) arrives at Palermo.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

joins 231st Brig in assault on Regalbuto and succeeds in penetrating into the town. Enemy continues

vigorous defense of Centuripe.

RUMANIA—Ploesti oil refineries are targets for

first low-level, mass assault by AAF heavy bombers

based in Libya. 177 B–24’s, some drawn from

NAAF and others on loan from Eighth Air Force,

all under control of Gen Brereton, CG Ninth Air

Force, conduct the attack for which pilots and

crews have been intensively trained in N Africa.

Oil objectives, although heavily defended, are severely damaged. Cost of this operation (TIDALWAVE)

is high: 54 planes are lost, 41 of them in action. 7 of

the B–24’s land in Turkey.

2 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—In preparation for invasion of

Kiska, surface vessels of 2 naval TF’s and aircraft

of Eleventh Air Force bombard the island.

Solomon Is.—RCT 27 of 25th Div and div hq

arrive on New Georgia I, where RCT 27 is given

mission of defending N Hank of XIV Corps and

maintaining contact with 2d Bn of 148th Inf, 37th

Div. XIV Corps is steadily clearing Munda airfield

area.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, mines and demolitions are slowing advance of II Corps’ 3d Div along coastal road. 1st

Div continues efforts to envelop and reduce Troina,

which enemy is defending tenaciously.

In Br Eighth Army area, left flank elements of

30 Corps gain firm control of Regalbuto and continue E while 78th Div fights indecisively in streets

of Centuripe throughout day.

ITALY—Allied warning to Italian people of imminent invasion of Italy is broadcast from Algiers.

3 August

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps continues battle for

Munda airfield and is progressing steadily. Bibolo

Hill mass, just N of airfield, is cleared of enemy.

3d Bn of 148th Inf, Liversedge Force, is moving

forward from Bairoko area to block northward

withdrawal of enemy from Munda. S Pacific Scouts

(Fijian and Solomons natives) are attached to 25th

Div.
[ 4–7 AUGUST 1943 ] [ 125 ]

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div, supported by naval

gunfire, continues E along N coast road toward

Furiano R. 1st Div makes limited progress in Troina

area, where enemy is still offering firm resistance.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, enemy’s

Catania position, which is being thinned out, becomes untenable as 78th Div takes Centuripe, forcing enemy back across Salso R. In 13 Corps’ coastal

sector, 5th Div opens attack on 2-brig front, night

3–4.

USSR—Soviet offensive broadens as troops of

Voronezh and Steppes Fronts open powerful drive

on Kharkov, in N Ukraine. 3 Soviet fronts

(West, Bryansk, and Center) are closing in on Orel.

4 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—Eleventh Air Force offensive

against Kiska reaches its peak as 152 tons of bombs

are dropped during 134 sorties.

NEW GEORGIA—XIV Corps continues to clear

Munda area. 43d Div sector is clear except for

Kokengolo Hill, N of the runway on airfield. Most

of 37th Div’s assault force reaches the sea.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 15th Inf of 3d Div, although

assisted by naval gunfire, is unable to force crossing

of Furiano R. RCT 7 moves by water to positions

on coast behind RCT 15. After strong arty and air

preparation, 1st Div makes all–out effort to take

Troina but cannot break through enemy positions.

In support of assault on Troina, 60th Inf of 9th Div,

reinf by arty and engineer units, moves against

positions N and NW of Cesaro. 9th Div ( — ) completes assembly at Nicosia and is attached to II

Corps.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Cdn 1st and

Br 78th Divs pursue enemy northward across Salso

R. 13 Corps’ 50th Div is alerted for drive on Catania. 5th Div continues toward Misterbianco.

5 August

NEW GEORGIA—Munda airfield, main objective

of central Solomons campaign, falls to XIV Corps

after 12 days of fighting in well-fortified jungle.

25th Div has task of driving on Bairoko and Zieta

in order to clear final resistance and make contact

with Liversedge Force.

NEW GUINEA—Lt Col Malcolm A. Moore takes

command of newly formed Second Air Task Force

based at advanced airfield recently constructed at

Tsili Tsili, in Watut R Valley W of Lae, in order

to facilitate operations against Lae.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, on N flank of II Corps, 3d Div opens

attack on S. Fratello Ridge. 1st Div, with direct air

support, continues battle for Troina, gaining positions overlooking the town. Enemy withdraws from

Troina, night 5–6.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps continues toward Adrano; 13 Corps overruns Paterno, Misterbianco, and Catania.

USSR—Red Army captures Orel and Belgorod,

both valuable prizes, 2d Pz Army is virtually destroyed during the Orel battle, remnants being

absorbed by 9th Army. Fall of Belgorod, key enemy

position on N face of Kharkov salient, greatly

weakens enemy’s Kharkov position.

6 August

BATTLE OF VELLA GULF—Japanese naval force

taking reinforcements to central Solomons is intercepted in Vella Gulf, between Vella Lavella and

Kolombangara, by U.S. naval TF under Cmdr

Frederick Moosbrugger. In the ensuing night action,

3 enemy DD’s are sunk but another vessel escapes.

About 300 Japanese succeed in reaching Vella

Lavella but over 1,500 are lost. This ends enemy

plans for counterattack on New Georgia.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese order air reinforcements to Wewak.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div continues to attack

enemy positions along Furiano R on N coast but is

unable to advance. RCT 16 of 1st Div enters Troina,

from which enemy has withdrawn, and pushes E

until halted by opposition about a mile from the

town. RCT 60, 9th Div, takes heights 7 miles N

of Troina. 9th Div is reinf by 91st Rcn Sq and 4th

Tabor of goums.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Adrano falls

to 78th Div as enemy pulls out, night 6–7. 1st Div

takes Biancavilla.

7 August

NEW GEORGIA—Munda airfield is ready for

emergency use.

INDIA—Gen Stratemeyer arrives in India.

CHINA—Col Dorn reports that Gen Chen will

not return to Yunnan from Enshih to command YForce until more troops and supplies are provided.

At this time only 2 Ch armies have begun to reorganize.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div improves positions on

N coast in S. Fratello region against continued

strong resistance. Night 7–8, small amphibious force

(2d Bn of 30th Inf, reinf) makes landing on coast 2

miles E of S. Agata, greatly facilitating progress in

that area. 9th Div replaces 1st Div and begins drive

on Randazzo, enemy strongpoint that on this date is
[ 126 ]

target for peak air effort. 9th Div pushes E in 2

columns, one from M. Pelato, 8 miles N of Troina,

and the other along Highway 120.

8 August

NEW GEORGIA—RCT 161, 25th Div, starts

northward behind 1st Bn of 27th Inf to clear region

W of Bairoko Harbor in conjunction with Liversedge Force, which is to clear area E of the harbor.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, enemy is forced to fall back

on N coast road and 3d Div takes S. Agata. 9th Div’s

47th Inf reaches Cesaro, on road to Randazzo; 60th

Inf captures M. Camolato, 6 miles NW of Cesaro.

In Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps area, Bronte falls

to 78th Div.

9 August

NEW GEORGIA—25th Div column (1st Bn of

27th Inf) makes contact with Liversedge Force.

35th Inf is ordered to prepare to land on Vella

Lavella.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Alexander directs Gen

Montgomery to seize bridgehead on Calabrian coast

of Italy with current resources.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, II Corps advances steadily eastward

against rear-guard opposition. In coastal sector, forward elements of 3d Div reach Torrenuovo; enemy

falls back to Zappulla R. 9th Div’s 47th Inf advances

along Cesaro–Randazzo highway, and 60th advances in difficult terrain to N. Enemy pulls back to

Simeto R line, between Cesaro and Randazzo.

Since enemy is delaying advance on Messing via

Randazzo in Br Eighth Army’s 30 Corps sector, Gen

Montgomery decides to make a greater effort along

E coast with 13 Corps and commits 5th Div there

to drive N in region E of M. Etna in conjunction

with 50th Div.

10 August

NEW GEORGIA—1st Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div, is

attached to Liversedge Force to assist in clearing

region between Bairoko Harbor and Enogai Inlet.

3d Bn of 148th Inf, 37th Div, is detached from Liversedge Force and attached to 27th Inf of 25th Div

with mission of intercepting northward withdrawal

of enemy from Munda.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army area, II Corps continues to pursue enemy eastward. In coastal sector, enemy retires to heights W

of Naso and is followed by 3d Div. During night

10–11, 3d Div makes another highly successful landing on coast, outflanking enemy in Capo d’Orlando

region. The amphibious force (2d Bn of 30th Inf,

reinf by arty and tanks), with close air and naval

gunfire support, lands 2 miles E of Capo d’Orlando

and establishes positions astride main highway and

RR. 9th Div elements driving along Highway 120

toward Randazzo reach road junction N of Bronte.

11 August

POA—Lt Gen Robert C. Richardson, Jr., organizes small TF (804th Aviation Engr Bn, prov

AAA bn, prov air service support sq, fighter sq, and

service units) to develop Baker I. as a base from

which to support coming offensive in Central

Pacific.

SOLOMON Is.—Adm Halsey issues orders for

further operations in central Solomons. Northern

Force (TF 30 under Rear Adm Theodore S. Wilkinson is to land troops (RCT 35, 25th Div, and

supporting units) under Brig Gen Robert B. McClure on Vella Lavella to seize air and naval bases.

Strong Japanese forces at Vila on Kolombangara

will thus be bypassed. New Georgia Occupation

Force is to extend its positions to Arundel and shell

enemy on Kolombangara. 43d Div amphibious

patrol finds evidence that Japanese are holding

Baanga I.

NE W GUINEA—Fifth Air Force completes

movement of Second Task Force to Tsili Tsili field.

SICILY—Allied aircraft supporting the 15th

Army Group are concentrating on enemy movements and evacuation points with good effect as

enemy withdraws at a rapid rate from Sicily to

Italian mainland.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s II

Corps area, as a result of the successful amphibious

operation on coast, night 10–11, 3d Div overruns

Naso with little difficulty and enemy retires eastward beyond Patti. 9th Div presses closer to Randazzo, passing 39th Inf through 4th on Highway

120; 60th Inf continues toward Floresta on 9th Div

N flank.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Montgomery, anxious to prepare for imminent invasion of Italy, orders

91st Div to relieve 5th Div and 30 Corps hq to take

over duties of 13 Corps hq on 13 August.

USSR—Closing in on Kharkov, some Red

Army units reach Akhtyrka and others cut Kharkov–

Poltava RR.

12 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—In a final preinvasion naval

bombardment of Kiska, 5 cruisers and 5 DD’s expend 60 tons of shells.

Solomon Is.—Advance landing party from

Rendova goes ashore at Barakoma on Vella Lavella,

night 12–13, to pave way for main landing on 15th

and finds only stragglers. Co L of 169th Inf, 43d Div,

begins landing on Baanga to establish beachhead but

[ 8–12 AUGUST 1943 ]
[ 127 ]

runs into heavy opposition and is forced to withdraw, leaving 34 men ashore.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div continues pursuit of

enemy in coastal sector. 9th Div’s 60th Inf reaches

Floresta, N of Randazzo; 39th continues E along

Highway 120, gaining favorable position for assault

on Randazzo, but enemy withdraws, night 12–13.

In Br Eighth Army area, 30 Corps’ 78th Div,

which has been held up for several days S of Maletto,

seizes that town.

USSR—Chuguev, SE of Kharkov, falls to Red

Army as investment of Kharkov continues.

13 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—Kiska invasion force leaves Adak

for target.

Solomon Is.—Elements of 169th Inf, 43d Div,

land on Vela Cela, small island between New

Georgia and Baanga, and reconnoiter without incident. Aircraft search for the American party on

Baanga. First Allied plane lands on Munda airfield,

New Georgia.

NEI—B–24’s of 380th Heavy Bombardment

Group, which has recently arrived in Australia as

part of air reinforcements promised SWPA at

Pacific Military Conference in March, attack oil

center at Balikpapan, (Borneo) in force. The round

trip covers 1,200 miles.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps coastal sector, RCT 30 of 3d Div

continues E toward Patti despite formidable roadblock at Capo Calava that requires movement about

it by water. RCT 15 and 3d Ranger Bn are clearing

pockets SW of Patti. In 9th Div sector, RCT 39

enters Randazzo without opposition and is passed

through by RCT 47, which continues E, as does

RCT 60 to N.

ITALY—Twelfth Air Force makes second largescale attack on marshaling yards at Rome, employing 106 B–17’s, 102 B–26’s, and 66 B–25’s with

fighter escort. Some 500 tons of bombs are dropped,

causing heavy damage. Fighter opposition is strong

but only 2 B–26’s are lost.

USSR—Soviet forces continue to improve positions in Kharkov area against determined opposition. Other Red Army troops driving on Smolensk

take Spas Demensk.

14 August

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—QUADRANT Conference, attended by President Roosevelt, Prime

Minister Churchill, and CCS, opens in Quebec,

Canada.

POA—U.S. Army Forces in Central Pacific

Area (USAFICPA) is activated under Gen Richardson, who is to have charge of administration and

training of ground and air forces in Central Pacific.

Solomon Is.—Brig Gen Francis P. Mulcahy,

USMC, COMAIR New Georgia, opens command

post at Munda airfield, New Georgia. Two sqs of

Marine aircraft (F4U) arrive to begin operations.

3d Bn of 169th Inf, 43d Div, establishes beachhead

on SE Baanga with 3 cos. Co L tries to rescue

the force stranded there earlier but is encircled by

enemy and suffers heavy casualties.

NEW GUINEA—With close air and arty support,

2d Bn of 162d Inf, U.S. 41st Div, pushes to crest

of Roosevelt Ridge, but enemy retains series of

ridges on Dot Inlet.

SICILY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh

Army’s II Corps area, 3d Div speeds eastward along

coast to vicinity of Barcellona. Some 9th Div elements make contact with 3d Div in Montalbano

area; those on Highway 120 are passed through by

RCT 18 of 1st Div, which continues pursuit E of

Randazzo.

Br Eighth Army is out of contact with enemy.

ITALY—Italian Government proclaims Rome an

open city.

MEDITERRANEAN—Naval plan “Western Naval

Task Force Operation Plan No. 7-43” for Operation

AVALANCHE, invasion of Italy at Salerno, is issued.

Elements of the naval force are to make diversionary

feint against beaches NW of Naples.

15 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—Allied invasion force arrives off

Kiska and begins landing without opposition.

Weather conditions prevent air support of the operation (COTTAGE), but Eleventh Air Force, during

final phase of preinvasion bombardment from 10

August to date, has dropped 355 tons of bombs.

Under command of Vice Adm Thomas C. Kinkaid,

Adm Rockwell commands the amphibious force of

nearly 100 ships, and Maj Gen Charles H. Corlett,

USA, is in charge of landing force of over 34,000

troops. Troops employed are: 17th Inf of 7th Div,

which participated in the Attu operation; 53d Inf;

87th Inf, trained in mountain fighting; 184th Inf;

1st Special Service Force; Cdn 13th Brig Gp; hq

troops. 159th Inf of 7th Div, originally earmarked

for the Kiska operation, is garrisoning Attu so that

17th Inf, with battle experience in the Aleutians, can

be employed.

Solomon Is.—Wilkinson’s Northern Landing

Force puts Gen McClure’s Landing Force—RCT

35 of 25th Div and supporting units—ashore on SE

coast of Vella Lavella in Barakoma area, where

[ 13–15 AUGUST 1943 ]
[ 128 ]

beachhead is established without ground opposition.

Japanese aircraft are very active against shipping

but do little damage. Zieta, New Georgia, falls to

27th Inf, 25th Div. On Baanga, the small American

beachhead is strengthened by 2d Bn of 169th Inf,

43d Div, which attacks through Co I after the latter tries in vain to reach Co L. Elements of Co L

succeed in joining main body, but the co is so depleted in strength that it is sent back to Munda.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese make first air attack

on new air base at Tsili Tsili.

BURMA—Work on Ledo Road is progressing

very slowly. From end of March to date, only 3

miles have been constructed.

MEDITERRANEAN—U.S. Fifth Army issues Outline Plan for Operation AVALANCHE. Gen G. Castellano of Italian Commando Supremo begins negotiations for armistice at British Embassy in Madrid.

SICILY—Withdrawing enemy forces are being

subjected to round-the-clock air attacks.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

157th Inf of 45th Div, under Seventh Army control,

lands on N coast NW of Barcellona, night 15–16,

behind forward elements of II Corps’ 3d Div in

order to block enemy withdrawal. In II Corps area,

3d Div continues rapidly along N coast to Spadafora.

9th Div remains in Randazzo area. 1st Div halts

advance.

Br Eighth Army completes drive around M. Etna

as 78th Div clears Randazzo–Linguaglossa road and

51st Div overruns Linguaglossa. 50th Div seizes

Taormina, on road to Messina. Commandos with

tanks land, night 15–16, on E coast at Ali in effort

to cut off retreating enemy, but are too late to accomplish the mission; start inland toward Messina.

USSR—Soviet forces driving W astride Orel–

Bryansk RR overrun Karachev. Hard fighting continues in Kharkov sector.

16 August

SOLOMON IS.— 43d Div commander personally

directs operations on Baanga and commits 172d

Regt ( — ) as well as 169th ( — ). Arty supports attack but progress is still slow. Enemy guns on

Baanga begin shelling Munda.

MEDITERRANEAN—At conference of commanders at Carthage, final decisions are made for invasion

of Italy. 13 Corps of Br Eighth Army, employing

Cdn 1st and Br 5th Divs, which have been withdrawn from Sicilian battle, is to cross Strait of Messina to Calabrian coast between 1 and 4 September.

This operation (BAYTOWN) is to be followed on

9 September, or not more than 48 hours later, by

main assault of U.S. Fifth Army in Salerno area

(AVALANCHE).

SICILY—Enemy continues withdrawal of rear

guards to Italy as rapidly as possible and offers no

organized opposition.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s II

Corps area, RCT 7 of 3d Div, speeding toward Messina, reaches Divieto in coastal sector. Strong 3d

Div patrols enter Messina, which is under fire from

Italian coast, before midnight.

17 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—Main enemy camp on Kiska is

found to be deserted. Search of the island continues.

Solomon Is.—Second echelon of Northern

Landing Force arrives at Vella Lavella and unloads

despite enemy air attacks. 43d Div troops on Baanga

are assisted by dive bombers as well as arty but make

little headway.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force begins series

of heavy air attacks on Wewak and satellite fields

at But, Dagua, and Boram in order to neutralize

them in preparation for offensive against Lae.

SICILY—15th Army Group: Sicily Campaign

ends with official entry of RCT 7, 3d Div, into

Messina at 1000. Americans are joined there a

little later by Br force from All. Fall of Sicily permits stepped–up air operations against the next

objective, Italy.

GERMANY—315 Eighth Air Force bombers

make destructive daylight attacks on aircraft plants

at Schweinfurt and Regensburg, dropping 724 tons

of bombs. In air battles over targets, 60 U.S. bombers

are shot down, but enemy plane losses are far

heavier. RAF begins massive attacks (Operation

CROSSBOW) on German V–weapons experimental

bases with night strike (17–18) against Peenemuende, on Baltic Sea coast, by about 570 aircraft

dropping almost 2,000 tons of bombs.

18 August

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—CCS, at QUADRANT Conference in Quebec, direct Gen Eisenhower

to send representatives to Lisbon to negotiate with

Italians for armistice.

ELLICE Is.—Implementing directive of 20 July

to establish bases from which assault on the Marshalls can be supported, advance party lands on

Nanomea to reconnoiter and choose airfield site.

Solomon Is.—Japanese naval force bound for

Horaniu, at Kokolope Bay on NE Vella Lavella, for

purpose of establishing barge base there, is intercepted early in morning by U.S. naval force, which

sinks 2 submarine chasers, 2 torpedo boats, and 1

barge. 43d Div commits another bn of 172d Inf to

assault on Baanga.

[ 16–18 AUGUST 1943 ]
[ 129 ]

MEDITERRANEAN —Air plan for support of

Operation AVALANCHE is issued.

USSR—Red Army troops further improve

positions about Kharkov with capture of Zmiev; S

of the city.

19 August

Solomon Is.—Japanese troop-laden barges that

escaped U.S. naval force on 18th succeed in unloading at Horaniu, Vella Lavella. On Baanga I.,

Japanese naval guns that have been shelling Munda

are captured.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese abandon positions on

Mt Tambu and Komiatum Ridge, last major obstacles before Salamaua, and fall back to final

defensive positions.

20 August

SOLOMON Is.— 43d Div troops complete offensive

on Baanga, sealing off S peninsula. Action on the

island has cost the div 52 killed and 110 wounded.

A search of rest of island and of islands leading N

to Diamond Narrows is uneventful. Japanese withdraw from S Baanga.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Blarney takes command of

New Guinea Force, releasing Gen Herring, who

proceeds to Dobodura to command Aus I Corps.

21 August

Solomon Is.—Enemy planes intermittently attack vessels taking third echelon of Northern Landing Force to Vella Lavella, but cause little damage.

22 August

ALEUTIAN IS.—Uneventful search for enemy on

Kiska is completed. Light casualties have been suffered by Allied forces during the operation as a

result of mistaken identity.

ELLICE Is.—Advance party of 2d Mar Airdrome

Bn lands at Nukufetau, where air base is to be

established.

NEW GUINEA—Air offensive against Wewak

has neutralized enemy airpower on New Guinea

sufficiently for Allied warships (4 DD’s under Capt

Jesse H. Carter) to risk voyage along coast from

Milne Bay to Finschhafen. After bombarding

Finschhafen, night 22–23, the DD’s return safely.

23 August

Solomon Is.—On New Georgia, 27th Inf of

25th Div reaches Piru Plantation after difficult

march through swampland.

USSR—Enemy abandons Kharkov, having exhausted reserves in a losing battle for the city. Hard

fighting is developing S of Izyum and on Mius front

as powerful Soviet forces attempt to breach enemy

defenses. On Mius front, Red Army troops cut Taganrog–Stalino RR.

24 August

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—QUADRANT Conference at Quebec ends. OVERLORD, invasion of

northwestern Europe, target date 1 May 1944, and

POINTBLANK, Combined Bomber Offensive to destroy economic and military power of Germany as

a prelude to OVERLORD, shall constitute the primary

effort against Germany. Plans for invasion of Italy

are approved, but the forces to be employed are confined to those already allotted at TRIDENT. Advances

against Japan are to be made along both the Central

Pacific and the SWPA route. Action in the Central

Pacific is to begin with invasion of Gilberts and

Marshalls. In SWPA, Rabaul will be neutralized

but not captured; New Guinea will be neutralized

as far W as Wewak; Manus and Kavieng are to be

secured as bases from which further advances can

be supported. A new Allied command, Southeast

Asia Command (SEAC), is authorized to simplify

command structure in Asia; Adm Lord Louis

Mountbatten is to be Supreme Commander and

Gen Stilwell will be his deputy. China theater is

not included in SEAC; as China is an area of U.S.

strategic responsibility, Gen Stilwell is responsible

to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. North Burma

offensive is scheduled to begin in February 1944.

POA—Fifth Amphibious Force is established

under command of Adm Turner.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 5th Div relieves Aus 3d

Div of final operations against Salamaua; primary

objective is to divert enemy attention from Lae.

While Aus 5th Div is clearing heights S of Francisco R on lea, Americans of 162d Inf, 41st Div,

continue operations against ridges in Dot Inlet.

25 August

Solomon Is.—Action on New Georgia I. comes

to a close as Americans seize Bairoko Harbor without opposition. Japanese remnants have withdrawn

to Kolombangara and Arundel. 172d Inf, 43d Div,

is to secure that part of Arundel I. commanding

Diamond Narrows.

MEDITERRANEAN—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth

Army issues Field Order No. 1, putting outline plan

for invasion of Italy into effect. Under 15th Army

Group, U.S. Fifth Army is to conduct Operation

AVALANCHE In Naples area and Br Eighth Army,

Operation BAYTOWN on toe of Italy.

[ 19–25 AUGUST 1943 ]
[ 130 ]

26 August

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—U.S. and several

other Allied nations extend recognition to French

Committee of National Liberation.

MEDITERRANEAN—15th Army Group: AVALANCHE Operation Plan of 15 August is modified

somewhat to meet changes in situation. Br and U.S.

arty is in position on Sicily to support BAYTOWN.

27 August

ELLICE IS.—Rest of 2d Mar Airdrome Bn and

elements of naval construction bn arrive at Nukufetau.

SOLOMON Is.—172d Inf ( — 3d Bn), 43d Div,

lands on SE Arundel at S tip of Nauro Peninsula

without opposition. While Co A holds beachhead,

rest of the force drives N to base of the peninsula.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Br rcn party lands

at Bova Marina, on toe, and finds the area

undefended.

USSR—Sevsk, S of Bryansk, falls to Red Army.

FRANCE—U.S. Eighth Air Force flies its first

CROSSBOW mission, 187 B–17’s bombing Watten.

28 August

ELLICE IS.—Forward echelon of 7th Mar Defense Bn and detachments from 2 naval construction bns land on Nanomea.

29 August

Solomon Is.—Patrols of 172d Inf, 43d Div,

start up E and W coasts of Arundel without opposition. RCT 35 of 25th Div is ordered to secure radar

site on NE Vella Lavella in Kokolope Bay region,

where patrols have observed considerable enemy

activity.

30 August

Solomon Is.—Elements of 1st Bn, 35th Inf, 25th

Div, start N up E coast of Vella Lavella toward

Kokolope Bay.

USSR—Red Army surges forward in several

sectors. Forces driving on Smolensk take Yelnya.

Others, in region W of Kursk, overrun Gluchov.

Breaking through to Sea of Azov on Mius front, Soviet troops take Taganrog.

31 August

Solomon Is.—1st Bn of 145th Inf, 37th Div,

arrives on Vella Lavella from New Georgia and relieves 1st Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div, of perimeter

defense mission so that it can move N to Kokolope

Bay. U.S. patrol on Arundel encounters light opposition on E coast.

1 September

POA—Allied TF arrives on Baker I. to develop

it as a base from which future operations in the

Central Pacific can be supported. Airstrip is constructed within a week. This brings number of

Central Pacific bases within bombing range of the

Gilberts up to 5: Funafuti, Nukufetau, and

Nanomea in Ellice Is.; Canton; Baker. U.S. carrierbased planes make surprise attack on Marcus I.,

heavily damaging installations.

Solomon Is.—In preparation for offensive

against N Solomons, Air Command North Solomons is formed at Espiritu Santo under Brig Gen

Field Harris, USMC. On Vella Lavella, forward elements of 1st Bn, 35th Inf, 25th Div, driving on

Kokolope Bay, reach Orete Cove area, about 14 miles

NE of Barakoma.

NEW GUINEA—Allied air operations are intensified in preparation for offensive against Lae. Fifth

Air Force is concentrating on airfields, supply points,

and shipping in New Guinea–New Britain area.

ITALY—Units of Royal Navy join aircraft and

arty in bombardment of Calabrian coast in preparation for BAYTOWN.

2 September

Solomon Is.—On Arundel, final elements of

172d Inf, 43d Div—the 3d Bn—land at Nauro

Peninsula.

ITALY—As NAAF completes preinvasion attacks in preparation for BAYTOWN, having intensified

them against Calabrian Peninsula during past week,

virtually all airfields in S Italy except Foggia and its

satellites have been neutralized. U.S. bombers, during period 18 August to date, have flown almost

3,000 sorties against communication targets. Small

B–17 attack on Brenner Pass temporarily interdicts

the pass, the shortest route between Germany and

Italy. Allied planes open intensive preinvasion attacks in support of AVALANCHE, pounding airfields

within range of Salerno day and night.

USSR—Red Army is moving steadily westward

toward the Dnieper on broad front from Smolensk

area on N to Sea of Azov on S. Some elements cut

Bryansk–Konotop RR; others take Sumy, between

Konotop and Kharkov; still others are pressing

toward Stalino.

3 September

Solomon Is.—172d Inf patrol, moving up W

coast of Arundel, reaches Bustling Point without

enemy interference. With beachhead defenses of

Barakoma area on Vella Lavella now firmly estab-

[ 26 AUGUST–3 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 131 ]

lished, Adm Wilkinson, CG TF 31, relinquishes

command of operations.

NEW GUINEA—Allied planners meeting at Port

Moresby decide to seize line Dumpu–Saidor to protect movement to Cape Gloucester. As air preparation for landing at Lae continues, the assault force

assembles off Buna.

SICILY—At 1715, after units of Br Eighth Army

have landed on mainland of Italy, Gen Castellano,

on behalf of the Italian Government of Marshal

Badoglio, signs short-term armistice at Cassibile,

near Syracuse, Sicily, to became effective on 8 September, when news of it is to be made public. Because of the Italian armistice, U.S. 82d A/B Div,

scheduled to drop in Capua area of Volturno Valley

to block southward movement of enemy reinforcements, is to be dropped instead in vicinity of Rome

where, with assistance of Italians, it will prevent

German occupation of Rome.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Under Gen Alexander, invades European continent. In Br Eighth

Army area, 13 Corps, under cover of air, naval, and

arty bombardment, is ferried across Strait of Messina and lands on Calabrian coast between Reggio

and Villa S. Giovanni at 0430; against token resistance from Italians, quickly seizes Reggio, its airdrome, and S. Giovanni and pushes northward in

2 columns, 5th Div along coastal road to Schilla and

Cdn 1st Div on parallel inland route to S. Stefano.

During night 3–4, commandos land at Bagnara to

outflank enemy positions and speed advance.

4 September

POA—V Amphibious Corps (VAC), under

command of Maj Gen Holland M. Smith, USMC,

is created to train and control troops for amphibious

landings in Central Pacific.

Solomon Is.—On Arundel, 2d Bn of 172d Inf,

43d Div, moves by sea to Stima Peninsula; leaving

Co G to contain enemy pocket at its base, advances

NW. After amphibious move from Nauro to Bustling Point, 1st Bn begins advance to secure control

of entrance to Wana Wana Lagoon.

NEW GUINEA—While diversionary action by Aus

5th Div and 162d Inf of U.S. 41st Div toward

Salamaua is drawing to a close, offensive operations

are begun against Lae, the main objective. After

brief naval gunfire preparation, 26th and 20th Brigs,

Aus 9th Div, and U.S. scouts of 2d Engr Special

Brig land at points 14 and 18 miles E of Lae without

opposition. The Americans are placed under command of Aus 9th Div upon landing. Fifth Air Force

co–operates by bombing Hopoi and driving off

enemy planes that damage several LST’s and LCI’s

of TF 76. From positions 14 miles from Lae, 26th

Brig and Aus 2/17th Bn start W toward Lae.

Aus 2/13th Bn drives E from Bulu Plantation, 18

miles E of Lae, to Hopoi to secure E flank.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders 1st A/B Div to be prepared to land elements

at Taranto (SLAPSTICK) on 9th in order to secure the

port, airfields, and installations and establish contact with Italians in Brindisi area; cancels projected

invasion of Crotone area (GOBLET) by Br 5 Corps

from N Africa, thereby releasing 5 Corps hq, which

is to take command of forces in heel of Italy and

be prepared to advance upon order.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps moves steadily

northward up Calabrian Peninsula, hampered only

by skillful demolitions.

USSR—Red Army blocks last rail exit from

Kharkov with capture of rail junction of Merefa, S

of the city.

5 September

SOLOMON IS.—172d Inf, 43d Div, unsuccessfully

attacks Japanese positions some 600 yards SE of

base of Bomboe Peninsula on Arundel and strengthens block at base of Stima Peninsula after enemy

counterattacks there.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. 503d Para Regt and detachment of Aus 2/4th Field Regt, transported across

Owen Stanley Range from Port Moresby by Fifth

Air Force, drop unopposed at Nadzab, on Markham

R NW of Lae, after aircraft bomb and strafe landing

zone. Paratroopers are soon joined by Aus force

(2/2d Pioneer Bn and 2/6th Field Co) that has

moved to Nadzab area from Tsili Tsili. Co of Papuan Inf Bn (FIB), which has also moved forward,

covers W approaches to Nadzab. Nadzab airfield

is quickly prepared to receive Aus 7th Div and

eventually becomes a major Allied air base.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Brereton relinquishes command of USAFIME.

ITALY—AVALANCHE assault forces begin movement from N Africa to Gulf of Salerno.

15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army area,

13 Corps has cleared Calabrian Peninsula as far N

as Bagnara on W and Bova Marina on E. 5th Div

is meeting rear-guard resistance N of Bagnara.

6 September

Solomon Is.—On Arundel, 1st Bn of 172d Inf,

43d Div, secures Grant I. and W half of Bomboe

Peninsula; 3d Bn holds the block at base of Stima

Peninsula; 2d Bn works slowly toward base of

Bomboe Peninsula.

NEW GUINEA—26th Brig of Aus 9th Div, followed by 24th Brig, which landed night 5–6, continues W toward Lae, meeting opposition for the

first time at Bunga R. Advance elements of U.S.

871st A/B Engr Bn are, flown in to Nabzab.

[ 4–6 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 132 ]

CHINA—Gen Stilwell proposes that Ch divs

under Chiang Kai-shek, both Nationalist and Communist, be employed in China to forestall Japanese

reaction to U.S. Fourteenth Air Force attacks.

ITALY—Strait of Messina is now open to Allied

shipping.

15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army area, 13

Corps continues to make steady progress northward.

5th Div takes Gioia and is ordered to drive on Nicastro with 231st Brig attached.

USSR—Soviet forces take Konotop by storm.

GERMANY—U.S. Eighth Air Force dispatches

407 heavy bombers, a record number, 338 of them

against factories in Stuttgart area. Weather conditions prevent attack on target, but 262 bombers

attack targets of opportunity. Price of operating

over Germany is again high—45 aircraft are lost.

7 September

U.S.—JCS discuss possibility of mounting invasion of Paramushiro from the Aleutians.

POA—In Central Pacific, 5,000-foot airstrip is

completed at Nanomea, Ellice Is.; sq of aircraft is

operating from there by end of month.

NEW GUINEA—C–47’s begin flying Aus 7th Div

in to Nadzab.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, in effort to get behind retreating enemy on

W coast, 231st Brig of 13 Corps, supported by

commandos, lands, night 7–8, near Pizzo, but because of speed of enemy retreat is engaged by rear

guards. Main body of 13 Corps continues N toward line Nicastro–Catanzaro.

USSR—Germans announce evacuation of

Stalino.

8 September

BAKER IS.—Airstrip suitable for fighters is put

into use.

Solomon Is.—Since 172d Inf of 43d Div is

making little headway on Arundel, 1st Bn of 169th

is attached to it. Japanese move a bn of infantry

from Kolombangara to Arundel in preparation for

counterattack against New Georgia.

NEW GUINEA—Australians of 9th Div moving

W on Lae reach flooded Busu R and find Japanese

holding W bank. Japanese at Salamaua are ordered

to fall back to Lae. Aus 5th Div, continuing toward

Salamaua, is now at Francisco R, near the airfield.

ITALY—As AVALANCHE convoys are approaching Salerno and aircraft are completing a week of

intensive, preinvasion attacks, Gen Eisenhower

broadcasts news of Italian armistice at 1830 and

Marshal Badoglio makes similar broadcast at 1945.

This is the cue for Italian fleet and aircraft to head

for prearranged points to surrender to Allied forces.

AVALANCHE convoys, divided into 2 forces (Southern Assault Force under Rear Adm Hall, USN, from

Oran and Northern Assault Force under Commodore G. N. Oliver, RN, from Tripoli and

Bizerte), pass from command of CinC Mediterranean to that of Adm Hewitt, USN, Naval Commander Western Task Force, upon reaching prescribed area. Learning that Germans are in Rome

area in considerable strength and that Italians cannot assist operations as planned, Gen Eisenhower

cancels scheduled drop of elements of U.S. 82d A/B

Div there, too late to give them another mission

during initial phase of Salerno operation.

USSR—Red Army recovers entire industrial

region of the Donbas with occupation of Stalino.

9 September

Solomon Is.—Adm Halsey proposes that

Treasury Is. and Choiseul Bay be secured as bases

from which S Bougainville–Shortlands area can be

neutralized, a suggestion that is not accepted by

Gen MacArthur. 37th Div returns to Guadalcanal

from New Georgia and subsequently trains there for

Bougainville operation. On Arundel, 172d Inf of

43d Div suspends attack while arty is employed

against enemy.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 9th Div begins to cross

Busu R and holds bridgehead against counterattacks. 162d Inf of U.S. 41st Div, assisted by Australians, takes Scout Ridge in Dot Inlet.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Br 1st A/B Div,

moving by sea from Bizerte, mounts Operation

SLAPSTICK, landing on heel of Italy without opposition and taking port of Taranto.

U.S. Fifth Army, under Gen Mark Clark, invades Italy, landing at H Hour (0330) S of Salerno

with U.S. VI Corps (Southern Assault Force) S of

Sele R and Br 10 Corps (Northern Assault Force)

N of the river. Landings and operations ashore

are closely supported by aircraft and naval gunfire.

By end of day, VI and 10 Corps each hold a bridgehead on shallow Salerno plain but gap exists between them. 82d A/B Div is released by U.S. Fifth

Army to AFHQ. Ventotene I. surrenders. VI Corps

(Maj Gen Ernest J. Dawley) goes ashore in Paestum area. 36th Div’s RCT’s 141 and 142, making

initial assault, secure beachhead and withstand at

least 4 strong tank counterattacks as enemy makes

futile attempts to push the RCT’s back into the

sea. RCT 141, on right, is particularly hard pressed

but retains shallow beachhead. Reserve—RCT 143—

is committed in center upon landing. By end of day,

initial objectives, except on right flank, are secured.

Beachhead extends from heights just W of La Cosa

Creek to Hill 386 (spur of lofty M. Soprano), Capaccio, and M. Soltane. Br to Corps (Lt Gen Sir

[ 7–9 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 133 ]

Richard I. McCreery), making main effort of Fifth

Army, is opposed in greater force than VI Corps.

56th Div, on 10 Corps right flank, reaches its first

major objective, Montecorvino airfield, but is unable

to take it; patrols push to Battipaglia, which enemy

also retains. 46th Div drives northward along coast

toward Salerno. On left flank of corps, Br–U.S.

force (Br 2d and 41st Commandos; U.S. 1st, 3d,

and 4th Ranger Bns) under command of Col Darby,

USA, lands on Sorrento Peninsula W of Salerno.

Commandos take Vietri Sul Mare and push E toward Salerno. Rangers make unopposed landing

at Maiori, on extreme left; while 4th Ranger Bn

secures beachhead, others push N to M. Chiunzi,

which overlooks Nocera–Pagani Valley passes leading to Naples.

USSR—Soviet forces W of Konotop take Bakhmach on rail line to Kiev. Others to N reach Desna

R line S of Bryansk.

10 September

SOLOMON IS.— 2d and 3d Bns of 27th Inf, 25th

Div, are attached to 43d Div and ordered to Arundel

to help 172d Inf. 27th Inf commander is to be responsible for future operations there.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 7th Div relieves U.S. 503d

Para Inf at Nadzab and begins drive E toward Lae

with 25th Brig Gp. Japanese at Lae are thus threatened from both E and W.

MIDDLE EAST—Maj Gen Ralph Royce takes

command of USAFIME, replacing Gen Brereton.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander directs Gen Montgomery to maintain pressure against

Germans on Eighth Army front in order to prevent

their concentration against Fifth Army.

On U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps right flank, RCT

141 of 36th Div, after reorganizing, turns S to

block routes leading to beachhead; RCT 143, also

protecting right flank, patrols E and SE uneventfully; RCT 142 moves against Hill 424 and Altavilla, on its slopes, taking Albanella and reaching

positions on ridgeline to Roccadaspide. RCT 179,

45th Div, lands and starts northward toward Ponte

Sele. Br 10 Corps continues to receive main weight

of enemy opposition and fights indecisively for Battipaglia and Montecorvino airfield on right flank. In

center, 46th Div takes Salerno. On left, 3d Ranger

Bn withstands probing jabs against M. Chiunzi

and 4th Bn patrols W along coast of Sorrento

Peninsula.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps is at neck of

Calabrian Peninsula on line Catanzaro–Nicastro.

Enemy is accelerating withdrawal in order to reinforce Salerno area.

USSR—Soviet forces driving along edge of Sea

of Azov take Mariupol. Other units establish bridgehead across Desna R in vicinity of Novgorod Severski.

11 September

ALEUTIAN IS.—Gen Butler, CG Eleventh Air

Force, is transferred to ETO. Gen Butler is succeeded as head of Eleventh Air Force by Maj Gen

Davenport Johnson. Eleventh Air Force sustains

heavy losses during raid on Kuriles.

Solomon Is.—27th Inf ( — ) of 25th Div lands

on W end of Bomboe Peninsula on Arundel, and 2d

Bn starts E at once toward 172d Inf at base of the

peninsula. Arty and, for the first time in the S Pacific,

4.2–inch mortars support the attack.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 5th Div crosses Francisco R

near Salamaua airfield as Japanese begin withdrawal

from Salamaua to Lae.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Brindisi falls to Br

1st A/B Div, which continues clearing heel without

opposition.

U.S. Fifth Army expands beachhead on Salerno

plain. Since gap still exists between U.S. VI and

Br 10 Corps, boundary is moved N from Sele R line,

and 45th Div assumes command of new left flank

positions of VI Corps. In VI Corps area, RCT 142

of 36th Div takes Altavilla and Hill 424. On N

flank of corps, Germans counterattack RCT 179

of 45th Div on bluffs overlooking Ponte Sele and

force Americans back; RCT 157 is ordered to ease

pressure on RCT 179 by attacking on W side of

Sele R and, with 191st Tank Bn spearheading,

pushes forward until halted at tobacco factory strongpoint on commanding ground across the Sele from

Persano. During night 11–12, enemy withdraws

from Persano but begins infiltration around Hill

424. Br 10 Corps takes Montecorvino airfield, but

enemy is keeping it under heavy fire. 10 Corps is

still unable to clear Battipaglia on right flank. Left

flank is strengthened by elements of VI Corps (1st

Bn of 143d Inf; AA battery; arty battery; co each

of paratroopers, tanks, TD’s, and chemical mortars;

2 engr cos), that help Rangers holding positions

overlooking Nocera–Pagani Valley.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, light forces

move rapidly northward in effort to pin down

enemy, taking port of Crotone on right and reaching general line Castrovillari–Belvedere on left.

MALTA—Italian fleet formally surrenders to

Adm Cunningham. Germans sink BB Roma while

it is en route to surrender.

CORSICA—Fr submarine sails from Algiers for

Corsica with small Fr force embarked to help

patriots clear island of Germans. Additional Fr

forces are later moved to Corsica from time to time

as shipping becomes available. Enemy garrison of

Sardinia is being evacuated via Corsica.

[ 10–11 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 134 ]

U.K.—Since U.S. Ninth Air Force is soon to be

transferred to United Kingdom, Gen Devers names

Gen Eaker, CG U.S. Eighth Air Force, as commanding general of all U.S. Army Air Forces in

United Kingdom.

12 September

NEW GUINEA—As Aus 9th and 7th Divs push

toward Lae from E and W, Aus 5th Div occupies

Salamaua, Salamaua airfield, and the isthmus.

Japanese begin withdrawing from Lae.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander orders Br Eighth Army to advance as quickly as

possible, despite administrative risks.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, critical period begins as

enemy renews strong efforts to reduce beachhead.

Airstrip is completed in Paestum area. Capri, in

Gulf of Naples, is occupied by Allied forces. In VI

Corps area, Germans counterattack, recovering Hill

424 and Altavilla from 142d Inf, 36th Div. Situation

of 45th Div on N flank of VI Corps improves: 179th

Inf occupies Persano; 157th, after seesaw battle,

seizes tobacco factory barring its advance in region

W of the Sele. 36th Combat Engrs takes up positions

on left flank of 157th Inf. Corps begins regrouping

after nightfall to strengthen exposed left flank. 179th

Inf moves from Sele–Calore corridor, which 2d Bn

of 143d Inf comes N to defend, to left flank of 157th

Inf. Strong German counterattack forces Br 10

Corps to yield toehold on Battipaglia. 167th Brig,

56th Div, suffers heavy casualties in this action

and is relieved by 201st Gds Brig. U.S. Ranger

force on left flank of 10 Corps withstands enemy

attacks.

13 September

Solomon Is.—On Arundel, 3d Bn of 27th Inf

begins struggle for Sagekarasa I., NE of Bomboe

Peninsula, while elements of 169th Inf outpost islets

W of Sagekarasa. On Bomboe Peninsula, 2d Bn of

27th makes radio contact with 172d Inf.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander directs

Gen Montgomery, CG Eighth Army, to take

command of Taranto bridgehead forces (Br 1st A/B

Div, which 78th Div is soon to reinforce) as soon

as possible. Gen Montgomery agrees to do so at once.

U.S. Fifth Army’s Salerno bridgehead is still seriously threatened as enemy counterattacks strongly

astride Sele R. VI Corps barely succeeds in containing major enemy thrusts. 36th Div units begin attack to regain Altavilla but meet strong counterattacks that isolate some elements there and force

rest back to La Cosa Creek. On N flank of VI Corps,

Germans overwhelm 2d Bn of 143d Inf in Sele–

Calore corridor and force 157th Inf of 45th Div to

give ground in region W of the Sele. Since offensive

operations cannot be continued with current forces,

troops dig in and prepare to hold on best defensive

line possible until situation improves. Two bns of

141st Inf move N from quiet southern sector. 504th

Para Inf ( — ), 82d A/B Div, is dropped S of Sele

R to strengthen bridgehead. Br to Corps contains

strong tank–infantry attacks from Battipaglia. 167th

Inf is committed on right flank of 45th Div and

makes contact with VI Corps.

AEGEAN—Br units occupy Kos I, where RAF

aircraft are soon established.

14 September

Solomon Is.—On Vella Lavella, 1st Bn of 35th

Inf, 25th Div, opens attack in Kokolope Bay area

after preparatory fire and finds Horaniu vacated by

enemy. 1st and 3d Bns, latter having moved forward, then organize defensive positions in this

region. While 3d Bn of 27th Inf holds off enemy

counterattacking on Sagekarasa, 1st Bn of 172d Inf,

on Arundel, bypasses enemy positions on Bomboe

Peninsula in order to come in behind 2d Bn, 27th

Inf. Reinforcements are sent to Sagekarasa. Japanese begin moving rest of a regt from Kolombangara

to Arundel. 8th Brig Gp, NZ 3d Div, arrives on

Guadalcanal from New Caledonia, having rehearsed

en route (in New Hebrides) for invasion of

Treasury Is. in the Solomons.

NEW GUINEA—Crossing the Busu by newly

completed bridge, 26th Brig of Aus 9th Div joins

24th Brig on W bank. 25th Brig, Aus 7th Div,

continues E toward Lae, seizing Heath’s Plantation.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army,

committing reserves and service troops, contains

further enemy onslaughts with assistance of naval

gunfire and aircraft. RCT 180, 45th Div, lands and

is held in Fifth Army reserve. In VI Corps area,

RCT 505 of 82d A/B Div is dropped S of Sele R

and advances at once to strengthen beachhead. In

behalf of Br 10 Corps, 2d Bn of U.S. 509th Para

Inf is dropped behind enemy lines in Avellino area,

night 14–15, to disrupt enemy communications;

drop is widely scattered and paratroopers retire to

hills, where they wage guerrilla warfare for the

next week. Br 7th Armd Div arrives and begins

unloading.

In Br Eighth . Army area, elements of Taranto

bridgehead force (Br 1st A/B Div) enter Bari.

13 Corps continues northward in light strength.

5th Div is concentrating in Belvedere area.

AEGEAN—Br force occupies Leros.

15 September

U.S.—T. V. Soong presents President Roosevelt

a plan for reorganization of China theater in such

[ 12–15 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 135 ]

a way as to eliminate Gen Stilwell; subsequently

seeks in other ways to have Stilwell recalled.

POA—2d Mar Div is formally attached to V

Amphibious Corps as preparations for offensive in

Central Pacific continue.

Solomon Is.—Maj Gen Charles D. Barrett is

named CG I Marine Amphibious Corps (I MAC),

but his sudden death soon afterwards forces Gen

Vandegrift to resume command of I MAC before

operations against N Solomons are begun.

NEW GUINEA—Australians continue toward

Lae from W and E, 7th Div clearing Edward’s

Plantation and 9th Div taking Malahang airdrome.

Gen MacArthur orders New Guinea Force to seize

Kaiapit and Dumpu with assistance of U.S. planes.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders U.S. Fifth Army to continue attack across

Volturno R.

U.S. Fifth Army front is relatively quiet as German activity subsides. Minor enemy thrusts are repelled. III VI Corps area, 325th Gli Inf of 82d A/B

Div arrives by sea.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, forward elements of 5th Div, attempting to make contact with

VI Corps, reach Sapri. Enemy is threatened with

entrapment between Eighth and Fifth Armies.

USSR—Continuing toward Kiev, Soviet forces

overrun Nezhin. To N, Red Army opens strong

offensive against Smolensk.

16 September

Solomon Is.—Reinforcements are sent to Arundel in preparation for stronger U.S. effort on 17th.

Rest of 27th Inf (1st Bn and AT Co), platoon of

43d Cav Rcn Tr, and Marine tanks move to Bomboe

Peninsula. 2d Bn, 169th Inf, reinforces 172d Inf’s

block at base of Stima Peninsula.

NEW GUINEA—Aus columns coverage on Lae,

from which Japanese have withdrawn. 25th Brig,

7th Div, enters first and is joined there by 24th

Brig, 9th Div.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth and Br

Eighth Armies make patrol contact near Vallo.

Fifth Army makes contact with Taranto bridgehead

force to form Allied line across S Italy.

U.S. Fifth Army’s FO No. 2 directs RCT 180,

reinf, under army command, to drive on Benevento.

In VI Corps area, 504th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div,

begins attack to recover Altavilla, night 16–17.

Patrols of 505th Para Inf find Roccadaspide free of

enemy.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 5th Div patrol makes contact with patrol of VI Corps and rcn

elements of Cdn 1st Div make contact with Br 1st

A/B Div units from Taranto bridgehead.

AEGEAN—Br force occupies Samos.

USSR—Red Army makes substantial gains,

taking Novgorod Severski, SW of Bryansk; Romni,

in region E of Kiev; Lozovaya, S of Kharkov; and

Novorossisk, on Kuban Peninsula.

GERMANY—Berlin announces evacuation of

Bryansk by German troops.

17 September

Solomon Is.—At planning conference at Port

Moresby, Gen MacArthur urges that a base on

mainland of Bougainville be established. On Arundel, 27th Inf ( — ), assisted by tanks, begins co-ordinated drive SE toward 172d Inf’s block at base of

Stima Peninsula. 3d Bn, 27th, suspends attack on

Sagekarasa while fire is placed on enemy positions.

NEW GUINEA—GHQ SWPA decides to employ

Aus 9th Div force in landing on 22d at Finschhafen,

which will serve as an advanced air and light naval

base. U.S. 503d Para Inf, having completed its

mission in Nadzab area is withdrawn. Aus 2/6th

Independent Co is flown to burned off site a few

miles from Kaiapit, NW of Lae, for drive on Kaiapit,

which will be used as an advanced air base from

which to neutralize Wewak.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 504th Inf of 82d A/B Div continues

attack toward Altavilla but is pinned down by enemy

fire before reaching objective. Enemy is retiring

northward, however, and completes withdrawal

from 45th Div front after nightfall.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps begins general

advance northward with main forces toward line

Potenza–Auletta.

USSR—Red Army troops occupy Bryansk.

18 September

U.S.—Joint War Plans Committee recommends

retrenchment of North Pacific Force. Eleventh Air

Force has already been cut to 1 heavy and 1 medium

sq, a fighter gp of 4 sqs, and 1 troop carrier sq.

Solomon Is.—On Vella Lavella, Maj Gen

H. E. Barrowclough, CG NZ 3d Div, takes command, replacing Gen McClure. NZ 14th Brig Gp

lands to round up retreating enemy, but Japanese

eventually succeed in withdrawing from the island.

On Arundel, Co G, reinf, of 103d Inf arrives to

reinforce 172d Inf’s block at base of Stima Peninsula. Additional reinforcements are sent from

mainland to 3d Bn, 27th Inf, on Sagekarasa.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, paratroopers of 504th Inf, 82d A/B

Div, accompanied by tanks of 191st Tank Bn, enter

Altavilla without opposition. 45th Div, discovering

that enemy has withdrawn, patrols northward to

regain contact, reaching heights between Battipaglia

[ 16–18 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 136 ]

and Eboli and entering Persano without opposition.

3d Div, which is to relieve battle-weary 36th Div,

begins landing. In Br to Corps area, 131st Brig of

7th Armd Div occupies Battipaglia without

resistance.

Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps hq lands at Taranto to

take command of forces holding Taranto bridgehead.

SARDINIA—Surrenders without a shot to small

Allied party embarked on 2 Br MTB’s, enemy having completed withdrawal from this and neighboring islands.

USSR—Rail junction of Pavlograd, S of

Lozovaya, falls to Red Army.

19 September

POA—VAC estimates that the capture of

Nauru with forces available will be difficult.

GILBERT Is.—Carrier and AAF planes make coordinated attacks on Tarawa, during which complete photographic coverage is obtained. The carrier

force, TF 15 under Rear Adm Charles A. Pownall,

includes carriers Belleau Wood, Princeton, and

Lexington. 11th Bombardment Gp (Seventh

Air Force) supplies the B–24’s, which operate from

Canton and Funafuti.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 2/6th Independent Co

takes Kaiapit in lively fighting and repels repeated

counterattacks.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

gains firm control of Salerno plain. In VI Corps

area, 45th Div occupies high ground overlooking

Eboli; 36th Div units take Serre and Ponte Sele.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps reaches line

Auletta–Potenza, 5th Div occupying former and Cdn

1st Div latter. From there, light forces are to clear

to line Altamura–Potenza, then continue to Spinazzola and Melfi.

USSR—Soviet troops on Smolensk front overrun Yartsevo and Dukhovshchina. Enemy is forced

to retire toward the Dnieper all along lower front

as Priluki, Piryatin, Lubni, Khorol, and Krasnograd

fall to troops fighting E and SE of Kiev.

20 September

Solomon Is.—27th Inf forces on Sagekarasa find

that Japanese have withdrawn from the island. On

the mainland of Arundel, rest of 27th Inf suspends

attack while patrols try in vain to locate 172d Inf

position.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps is placed under command of Maj Gen

John P. Lucas. 36th Div, upon turning its sector over

to 3d Div, is withdrawn into reserve. 82d A/B Div

is ordered to concentrate in Crotone area and be

prepared to assist advance of VI Corps on army

order. 3d and 45th Divs start northward into mountains, 3d driving through Battipaglia toward Acerno

and 45th on right along Highway 91.

USSR—Velizh, NW of Smolensk, falls to

Soviet troops.

21 September

Solomon Is.—On Arundel, 27th Inf, upon renewing assault, finds that Japanese have withdrawn

from mainland of Arundel as well as islands nearby.

Enemy is estimated to have lost 600 dead on Arundel.

By this time Japanese have decided to abandon the

central Solomons entirely and want only to escape

northward.

NEW GUINEA—Amphibious assault force (20th

Brig Gp, Aus 9th Div) sails from Lae for Finschhafen. Aus 22d Brig starts overland drive from Lae

toward Langemak Bay. 21st and 25th Brigs, Aus

7th Div, are flown to Kaiapit from Nadzab to pursue

enemy up Markham Valley to Dumpu.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander outlines plans for future operations in 4 phases: (1)

consolidation of current positions on line Salerno–

Bari; (2) capture of Naples and Foggia; (3) seizure

of Rome and neighboring airfields as well as communications center of Terni; (4) eventual capture

of Leghorn, Florence, and Arezzo.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3d and 45th

Divs continue N over mountains toward E–W Highway 7, meeting delaying opposition just S of Acerno

and W of Oliveto, respectively. 34th Div, whose

133d Inf is to reinforce VI Corps for drive on Avellino, begins landing at Paestum.

USSR—Soviet forces take Chernigov, between

Gomel and Kiev.

22 September

POA—Adm Halsey issues warning order for

invasion of N Solomons and directs Adm Wilkinson, who is to head landing forces, to make detailed

plans. It is later decided to invade Treasury Is. and

Empress Augusta Bay area of Bougainville.

SWPA—GHQ issues orders for DEXTERITY—

landing on Cape Gloucester, New Britain. ALAMO

Force is to make airborne and amphibious assault

on Cape Gloucester; neutralize Gasmata, and then

take it in shore-to-shore operation. D Day, at first

set for 20 November, is finally postponed to 26

December.

NEW GUINEA—After preparatory naval bombardment, 20th Brig Gp of Aus 9th Div lands at

Song R mouth, 6 miles N of Finschhafen, early in

morning; establishes beachhead with little difficulty

and pushes S toward Finschhafen. Fifth Air Force

[ 19–22 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 137 ]

provides air support and intercepts enemy aircraft

making ineffective attacks on the convoy.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

directs Br 10 Corps to seize Naples and VI Corps to

secure line Avellino–Teora. VI Corps is to be prepared to continue to Benevento. In VI Corps area,

3d and 45th Divs overcome opposition barring their

advance: 3d occupies Acerno and 45th Oliveto.

In Br Eighth Army area, Ind 8th Div arrives

from Africa. In 5 Corps area, special force (elements

of 8th Div and of 4th Armd Brig), under 78th

Div command, lands at Bari, night 22–23, to drive

to Foggia.

USSR—Germans announce evacuation of Poltava, which is untenable. This is the last strongpoint

E of the middle Dnieper. In Kuban area, Soviet

forces take Anapa.

23 September

NEW GUINEA—Continuing S toward Finschhafen, Aus 20th Brig takes airfield and reaches

Bumi R, where Japanese are firmly established.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

begins general advance. Br 10 Corps, making main

effort, attacks toward Nocera–Pagani Pass on left

with 46th Div; 56th drives northward on Salerno–

S. Severino road. Firm enemy opposition makes

progress slow. In VI Corps area, 3d and 45th Divs

continue northward, hampered more by extensive

demolitions than by enemy. Engineers are playing

important role in keeping routes of advance open.

Br Eighth Army drives enemy from Altamura.

USSR—Red Army troops push through Poltava

toward Kremenchug.

24 September

POA—Vice Adm Raymond A. Spruance recommends to Adm Nimitz that an amphibious

operation against Makin be substituted for projected

invasion of Nauru. This plan is subsequently

accepted.

Solomon Is.—First Allied plane lands at Vella

Lavella airfield.

NEW GUINEA—20th Brig, Aus 9th Div, forces

Bumi R, N of Finschhafen. Enemy planes again

attack shipping.

NEW BRITAIN—ALAMO Scouts begin rcn of Cape

Gloucester area in preparation for invasion.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army’s

5 Corps area, 78th Div patrols reach Ofanto R.

USSR—Heavy fighting is in progress in vicinity

of Smolensk and Roslavl.

GERMANY—Berlin announces evacuation of

Smolensk and Roslavl.

25 September

NEW GUINEA—162d Inf of U.S. 41st Div, having successfully completed its mission, begins return

trip to Australia. 20th Brig, Aus 9th Div, continues

battle for Finschhafen.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Montgomery

begins regrouping Br Eighth Army to strengthen

E flank. 5 Corps, which is to include 5th, 1st A/B,

and Ind 8th Divs, is initially to remain in Taranto

area while 13 Corps, with 78th Div on right and

Cdn 1st Div on left, continues advance. 5 Corps is

later to move forward behind 13 Corps and secure

its left flank.

USSR—Soviet forces take Smolensk and

Roslavl on central front; to S, hold E bank of the

Dnieper from Kremenchug to Dniepropetrovsk.

German 4th Army falls back to positions W of

Smolensk and holds.

26 September

NEW GUINEA—Japanese try in vain to destroy

Aus beachhead in Finschhafen area.

CORFU—Surrenders to German force that has

recently landed there.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Is directed by Gen

Eisenhower to secure air bases in Rome area.

U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 10 Corps continues efforts

to break out into Neapolitan plain; enemy positions

are beginning to weaken under its blows. To reinforce W flank, U.S. 82d A/B Div is transferred to

Maiori by sea and, under 10 Corps control, takes

command of Rangers. VI Corps is handicapped by

autumn rains as well as demolitions, but 45th Div

takes Teora and junction of Highways 7 and 91.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps patrols reach

Canosa.

27 September

Solomon Is.—I MAC issues letter of instructions to 3d Mar Div for N Solomons offensive.

ITALY—Marshal Badoglio receives terms of

complete instrument of surrender.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div reaches Highway 7 and is threatening

Avellino.

In Br Eighth Army area, enemy abandons Foggia

and its airfields, major objective of Eighth Army.

USSR—Soviet troops reduce enemy’s bridgehead to narrow strip on Taman Peninsula when they

capture Temryuk and occupy N bank of Kuban R.

GERMANY—U.S. Eighth Air Force attacks Emden port area through overcast, using H2Sequipped aircraft as Pathfinders for the first time.

Of 305 bombers dispatched, 244 attack target or

targets of opportunity. P–47’s, with belly tanks, es-

[ 23–27 SEPTEMBER 1943 ]
[ 138 ] [ 28 SEPTEMBER–3 OCTOBER 1943 ]

cort bombers all the way to target in Germany for

first time.

28 September

Solomon Is.—Japanese begin withdrawing

from Kolombangara after nightfall.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army is

now ready for assault on Naples by Br 10 Corps and

on Avellino by VI Corps. Br 10 Corps forces enemy

back through passes leading to Naples. 23d Armd

Brig advances to Castellammare. Rangers seize Sala.

131st Brig, 7th Armd Div, overruns Nocera.

29 September

CHINA—Gen Stilwell issues “Program for

China,” in which he recommends that 60 Nationalist

divs be re–formed.

ITALY—Marshal Badoglio and Gen Eisenhower

sign complete instrument of Italian surrender on

board HMS Nelson, off Malta.

15th Army Group: Gen Alexander issues instructions for future operations, to be conducted in 2

phases: (1) capture of Naples and airfields to N

and Foggia airfields, while advancing to general line

Sessa Aurunca–Venafro–Isernia–Castropignano–Biferno R–Termoli; (2) advance to general line Civitavecchia–Terni–Visso–S. Benedetto del Tronto.

U.S. Fifth Army directs VI Corps, upon capture

of Avellino, to shift to left along general line Avellino–Montemarano–Teora. Br 10 Corps units seize

bridge at Scafati. This is the only bridge now standing across the Sarno. Rcn units are pursuing retreating enemy. In VI Corps area, 3d Div units converge

on Avellino and open attack on it, night 29–30.

USSR—Soviet troops occupy Kremenchug and

E bank of the Dnieper in that area; continue to close

in on Kiev to NW.

30 September

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Br 10 Corps has surrounded M. Vesuvius. In

VI Corps area, Avellino falls to 3d Div during

morning.

1 October

Solomon Is.—Adm Halsey informs Gen MacArthur of his decision to invade Bougainville at

Empress Augusta Bay on 1 November and is promised maximum air assistance from SWPA.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 9th Div commits another

bn to assault on Finschhafen, making 3 in all.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, King’s Dragoon Gds enter Naples

during morning without opposition. This excellent

port, although damaged by bombing, can be quickly

restored to use.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps occupies Foggia airfields and drives northward toward line Termol–

i Vinchiaturo in order to safeguard the fields, 78th

Div along main coastal road and Cdn 1st Div along

inland route leading into mountains. Gargano

Peninsula is clear of enemy.

USSR—During first week of the month, 3

Soviet army groups apply strong pressure against

enemy’s line along Dnieper bend and succeed in

establishing small bridgeheads in vicinity of Kiev,

Kremenchug, and Dniepropetrovsk.

AUSTRIA—In third attack from the Mediterranean in behalf of Combined Bomber Offensive,

heavy bombers of XII BC and 3 on loan from

Eighth Air Force drop 187 tons of bombs on Wiener

Neustadt. Others are prevented from attacking

Augsburg (Bavaria) by overcast but hit alternate

targets in Germany and Italy. The Eighth Air Force

B–24’s return to England after this attack.

2 October

POA—27th Div, previously authorized to plan

for invasion of Nauru, is notified that its mission

will be to capture Makin Atoll in the Gilberts.

Solomon Is.—Japanese complete withdrawal

from Kolombangara, night 2–3. Efforts of U.S.

naval forces to interfere are largely ineffective and

some 9,400 Japanese escape safely.

NEW GUINEA—Troops of Aus 9th Div seize

village and harbor of Finschhafen and make contact

with Aus 22d Brig, which has moved forward from

Lae. Japanese retain Sattelberg and Wareo, both of

which command Finschhafen area and must be

cleared.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br to Corps area, U.S. 82d A/B Div move, into

Naples to police it while advance is being continued

to the Volturno, a natural barrier covering Naples.

In VI Corps area, while 3d Div drives northward

toward the Volturno on left flank of corps, 34th and

45th Divs, 45th on right, are moving along separate

routes toward Benevento, important road junction.

To hasten advance along Adriatic coast in Br

Eighth Army area, 2d Special Service Brig (commandos) of 13 Corps lands, night 2–3, near Termoli

and secures the town and port; soon joins 78th Div,

which, moving N along coast, secures bridgehead

across the Biferno.

3 October

AEGEAN—Axis forces invade Kos I.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div takes Benevento

and establishes bridgehead across Calore R. 34th
[ 4–9 OCTOBER 1943 ] [ 139 ]

Div is then withdrawn to reserve, leaving 45th Div

to expand bridgehead.

In Br Eighth Army area, Germans rush reinforcements forward in attempt to hurl back bridgehead

across the Biferno at Termoli, and hard fighting

ensues. Brig of 8th Div is landed in the bridgehead,

night 3–4. Cdn 1st Div, hampered by terrain, is

within 15 miles of Vinchiaturo.

4 October

AEGEAN—Germans overrun Kos I. Loss of this

island, site of only Allied air base in the Aegean, endangers Samos and Leros.

CORSICA—Allied forces gain complete control of

Corsica as enemy withdraws from Bastia area. Participating in explusion of Germans were patriots,

Bn du Choc, goums of 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, and

small U.S. OSS party.

5 October

U.S.—JCS approve gradual strengthening of

W Aleutians.

POA—CINCPAC–CINCPOA issues plan for

offensive in Central Pacific. Adm Spruance is to

seize Makin, Tarawa, and Apamama in the Gilberts,

cover amphibious landings on each with air and

naval surface forces, and deny enemy use of land

bases in the Marshalls and at Nauru during the

operation. D Day for landings is set for 19 November (WLT) and later postponed to 20 November

(WLT).

WAKE—U.S. TF 14 begins 2–day operation

against Wake in which carrier-based and landbased planes participate.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Br 10 Corps gets forward elements to the

Volturno.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, indecisive

fighting for Biferno bridgehead at Termoli continues, with Germans penetrating into Termoli

itself.

6 October

Solomon Is.—Action in central Solomons comes

to a close. Elements of 27th Inf, 25th Div, make unopposed landing on Kolombangara during morning.

U.S. casualties during the central Solomons campaign total 1,094 killed and 3,83 wounded.

Counted enemy dead, except on Vella Lavella, total

2,483. The campaign yields Allied forces 4 airfields

(Munda, Barakoma, Ondonga, and Segi) within

range of Bougainville, the next objective.

BATTLE OF VELLA LAVELLA—Although outnumbered 3 to 1, U.S. DD’s engage enemy naval force

during night 6–7 as it is withdrawing 600 Japanese

from Vella Lavella. Japanese succeed in rescuing

their forces but lose a DD. U.S. losses are 1 DD sunk

and 2 others damaged.

NEW GUINEA—Elements of Aus 7th Div takes

Dumpu with unexpected ease. This is to become a

staging field for fighters.

NEW BRITAIN—ALAMO Scouts begin reconnoitering Gasmata area in preparation for invasion.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

reaches S bank of Volturno 1, successfully concluding another phase of the Italian campaign. In Br

10 Corps area, 56th Div takes Capua.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div

gains firm control of Biferno bridgehead at Termoli.

7 October

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

begins preparations for assault across the Volturno.

Crossing date is set tentatively at night 9–10 and

later postponed to night 12–13. VI and Br 10 Corps

improve positions along S bank of the river.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, another brig

of 8th Div, the last to arrive in Italy, lands in

Biferno bridgehead as enemy retires across Trigno

R.

USSR—Soviet forces on central front overrun

Nevel, rail center N of Vitebsk. Enemy resistance is

stiffening all along the line and progress of Red

Army is becoming less spectacular.

8 October

NEW GUINEA—Aus II Corps, under Lt Gen Sir

Leslie Morshead, relieves Aus I Corps.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 30th Inf of 3d Div forces

enemy remnants to withdraw across the Volturno.

34th Div is to take over zone of 30th Inf and join

3d Div in assault across the river.

GERMANY—U.S. Eighth Air Force, for the first

time, uses radio countermeasure called CARPET in

powerful attack on Bremen and Vegesack by 357

bombers. Despite this, the attack is costly.

9 October

U.S.—Gen Arnold recommends to JCS that

Twelfth Air Force be divided into two air forces to

increase power of Combined Bomber Offensive. It

has already been decided that Italy-based planes will

assist in offensive to knock out Germany.

ELLICE IS.—Nukufetau airstrip is ready for use.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 45th Div finishes clearing right flank

of army. 179th Inf replaces 157th, which is withdrawn to reserve.
[ 140 ] [ 11–15 OCTOBER 1943 ]

In Br Eighth Army area, 5th Div is transferred

from 5 to 13 Corps.

USSR—Red Army eliminates final resistance

on Taman Peninsula.

11 October

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, gap is developing between 78th Div on Adriatic

coast and Cdn 1st Div, and Gen Montgomery regroups units: 5 Corps, with 78th Div and Ind 8th

Div under command, is given responsibility for right

flank; 13 Corps is to advance on 2-div front, employing Cdn 1st and Br 5th Divs; NZ 2d Div, which is

to concentrate in Taranto area by mid–November,

is to be held in army reserve.

USSR—Soviet forces closing in on Gomel take

suburb of Novo Belitsa.

12 October

POA—Adm Halsey issues basic plan for invasion of N Solomons.

NEW BRITAIN—U.S. Fifth Air Force begins

strong air offensive against Rabaul in effort to isolate and neutralize Bismarck Archipelago. 349 aircraft participate in the surprise attack and considerably damage Japanese shipping and aircraft at cost

of only 4 planes lost.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

begins assault crossing of the Volturno on 40–mile

front during night 12–13. Operations in VI Corps

sector start at midnight with feint on left flank by

1st Bn of 15th Inf, 3d Div.

13 October

MAKIN—Photographic coverage of the atoll is

obtained.

ITALY—Formally declares war on Germany,

thereby becoming a cobelligerent of the Allies.

15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army establishes

bridgeheads on N bank of the Volturno against

sharp resistance. Engineers play an important part

since enemy has destroyed bridges while making

planned withdrawal. Fall rains and mountainous

terrain make forward movement difficult. Weather

conditions curtail NAAF support of the operation.

Br 10 Corps, on W flank of army, makes main effort

with 46th Div at Cancello while 7th Armd Div, in

center, and 56th Div, on right, make diversionary

attacks at Grazzanise and Capua, respectively. 46th

Div establishes bridgehead in coastal sector, and

7th Armd Div gains toehold on N bank, but 56th

Div is unable to cross at Capua. VI Corps, to right

of to Corps, crosses river on 2-div front. On left,

3d Div crosses E of Capua with 34th Div to its right.

3d Div seizes M. Majulo, M. Caruso, and Piana di

Caiazzo. 34th Div gains bridgehead from Piana

di Caiazzo to junction of Calore and Volturno

Rivers. On right flank of VI Corps, 45th Div is

clearing M. Acero area with 179th and 180th Regts.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 5th Div,

advancing along Route 87, reaches Casacalenda.

14 October

Solomon Is.—8th Brig Gp, NZ 3d Div, begins

rehearsal for the Treasuries at Florida, concluding

on 17th.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Unloading of supplies is transferred from Salerno to Naples.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, Gen Clark, CG, alters

boundary between corps and changes plan of attack. Since 56th Div, on right flank of Br to Corps,

is unable to cross the Volturno at Capua, boundary

is moved E to permit it to use bridge within the Triflisco Gap, formerly 3d Div zone. 3d Div of VI Corps

is to take over mission of 34th and latter is

to move to right to make contact with 45th Div.

45th Div, upon reaching Piedimonte d’Alife, is to

be relieved. VI Corps is to advance astride the Volturno to Venafro–Isernia area, clearing upper Volturno Valley. 3d and 34th Divs are to make converging attacks toward Dragoni, but 34th is forced to

await improvement of its supply situation. Army

bridgeheads across the Volturno are being expanded.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

takes Campobasso.

USSR—On the Dnieper bend, Soviet forces successfully conclude struggle for Zaporodzhe, industrial center of the Ukraine; others are fighting in

streets of Melitopol.

GERMANY—Of 291 B–17’s of U.S. Eighth Air

Force attempting to bomb ball-bearing plants at

Schweinfurt, 228 reach target and drop 483 tons of

bombs accurately. Although severe damage is done,

cost is heavy—60 B–17’s lost and others damaged.

As a result of these losses, daylight bombing attacks

against strategic targets deep in Germany are not

resumed for some time.

15 October

POA—I MAC issues final orders for invasion

of N Solomons. The attack force (TF 31 under

Adm Wilkinson), with ground forces of Gen Vandegrift’s I MAC, will seize Treasury Is. bases on 27

October in preparation for main invasion of Bougainville on 1 November. In support will be carrierbased and land-based aircraft, surface forces, and

submarines.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div crosses the
[ 16–22 OCTOBER 1943 ] [ 141 ]

Volturno, using bridges in former VI Corps sector.

VI Corps’ 3d Div takes Cisterna, but elements are

being strongly opposed near Villa and Liberi. Elements of 34th Div (2d Bn, 135th Inf) take Ruviano.

Enemy withdraws from this area, night 15–16. On

right flank of VI Corps, 45th Div finishes clearing to

Titerno Creek and makes contact with 34th Div

across the Volturno to left.

Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps pauses as Cdn 1st

Div takes Vinchiaturo.

U.K.—Gen Brereton activates U.S. Army Air

Forces in the U.K. (USAAFUK), which includes

Eighth and Ninth Air Forces.

16 October

U.S.—JCS, accepting Gen Arnold’s plan to divide Twelfth Air Force into two forces, propose to

Gen Eisenhower that Fifteenth Air Force be formed

from XII BC with primary mission of increasing

weight of Combined Bomber Offensive.

POA—3d Mar Div, having framed at Guadalcanal for operations against Bougainville, conducts

rehearsals in New Hebrides, concluding them on

20th.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 9th Div, forewarned by a

captured document of imminent attack, repels the

first of a series of sharp counterattacks from

Sattelberg.

CHINA—Adm Mountbatten arrives in Chungking.

U.K.—Gen Brereton assumes command of reconstituted Ninth Air Force.

17 October

NEW GUINEA—Japanese continue vigorous attacks from Sattelberg after attempting to land 4

barge loads of troops, of which only one reaches

shore.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 3d Div finds that enemy has withdrawn from Liberi and Villa. Elements of 34th

occupy Alvignano after patrols report it clear.

USSR—Red Army breaks through enemy line

below Kremenchug and pushes toward Krivoi Rog.

Red Army forces of Center Front, attempting to

complete investment of Gomel, seize Loyev after

crossing the Dnieper S of Gomel.

18 October

Solomon Is.—Air Command, Solomons, begins

intensive attacks on Bougainville airfields in preparation for invasion.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 3d and 34th Divs continue toward

Dragoni, 3d clearing Roccaromana, and prepare to

make concerted effort to take Dragoni and bridges

beyond. To block enemy escape route from Dragoni,

133d Inf of 34th Div begins second crossing of the

Volturno and takes railway-highway bridge there.

19 October

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Conference between Soviet, Br, and U.S. foreign ministers opens

in Moscow.

U.S.—Third (London) Protocol, extending

through 30 June 1944, is signed. It promises

2,700,000 tons to USSR via the Pacific route and

2,400,000 by either the N Soviet ports or the Persian

Gulf.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 9th Div, assisted by arty,

contains further enemy attacks in Finschhafen area.

ITALY—NAAF begins offensive against bridges,

thus, during next 5 days, forcing enemy to make

greater use of motor transport and coastal shipping.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI

Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div opens attack on

Dragoni before dawn and finds that enemy has

withdrawn. 133d Inf finishes crossing the Volturno

NE of Dragoni. 135th crosses to SE and heads

toward Alife.

20 October

GILBERT IS.—Photographic coverage of Tarawa

is obtained.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 26th Brig arrives by sea to

reinforce Aus 9th Div at Finschhafen, where enemy

attacks continue.

JAPAN—Japanese order strong force of carrier

planes to Rabaul to augment land-based air strength

and delay Allied progress while main perimeter defenses of Japan are being strengthened. This plan is

called Operation RO.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, Alife falls to 34th Div and Piedimonte d’Alife to 45th Div. This concludes current

mission of 45th Div, which is withdrawn into corps

reserve. While 3d Div continues northward toward

Mignano in region W of the Volturno, 34th Div is

to drive on Capriati al Volturno in region E of the

river. 133d Inf opens drive on S. Angelo d’Alife.

21 October

SWPA—ALAMO Force hq moves from Milne

Bay (New Guinea) to Goodenough I.

22 October

U.S.—CCS agree to establishment of Fifteenth

Air Force in the Mediterranean.
[ 142 ] [ 23–29 OCTOBER 1943 ]

POA—I MAC directs 2d Para Bn of 1st Mar

Para Regt, FMF, to land at Voza (Choiseul I),

night of 27 October, to conduct diversionary raid

and, if feasible, establish permanent base there.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Eisenhower is notified

that the Fifteenth Air Force will be established under his command, effective 1 November.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div takes

road junction S of S. Angelo d’Alife, from which

enemy rear guards have withdrawn, and prepares

to attack the town.

In preparation for general advance on Rome (line

Pescara–Avezzano–Rome), 78th Div of Br Eighth

Army’s 5 Corps crosses bn over the Trigno, night

22–23.

23 October

POA—27th Div issues field order for invasion

of the Gilberts.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, Acting Deputy Supreme

Allied Commander, SEAC, has by now decided that

he can do little more toward improving the Chinese

Army, his basic mission.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div opens

assault on S. Angelo d’Alife but is unable to take it.

USSR—Hard fighting for Melitopol ends in

victory for Soviet forces.

U.K.—Prime Minister Churchill issues directive outlining mission of Adm Mountbatten as Supreme Allied Commander, Southeast Asia.

24 October

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div takes

S. Angelo and commanding ground beyond without

opposition.

25 October

POA—Adm Spruance issues operation plan,

which is subsequently modified somewhat, outlining organization and tasks of Operation GALVANIC,

invasion of the Gilberts.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin withdrawing toward Sattelberg in coastal sector N of Finschhafen,

suspending attacks on Aus 9th Div.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Allied commanders

decide that the initiative must be retained in Italy

in order to pin down enemy forces there and prevent

them from massing for counteroffensive before

spring 1944.

U.S. Fifth Army, with positions N of the Volturno firmly established, is ready for drive against

German delaying positions in mountains from M.

Massico on W coast to Matese mountains on right

boundary. In VI Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div

moves forward to take up pursuit toward Ailano,

passing through 133d Inf.

USSR—On the Dnieper bend, Red Army

forces overrun Dniepropetrovsk and Dnieprodzerzhinsk.

26 October

POA—Treasury Is. assault force (Rear Adm

George H. Fort’s Southern Force of Adm Wilkinson’s TF 31) sails for target.

27 October

POA—In preparation for invasion of Bougainville, 8th Brig Gp of NZ 3d Div, under Brig R. A.

Row, lands on 2 islands of Treasury group, Stirling

and Mono. The small Japanese force on Mono is

quickly put to flight and must be rounded up. Stirling is undefended. New Georgia-based planes support the operation. Japanese planes attack shipping

with little success. 2d Mar Para Bn (Lt Col Victor

H. Krulak) begins diversionary raid on Choiseul I,

Solomons, landing night 27–28, and subsequently

patrols actively to feign strength that is not present.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div is ordered to

attack on 28th since elements of 135th Inf are being

held up by enemy rear guards on hill S of Ailano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div makes

futile attempt to expand bridgehead across Trigno

R. Failure is largely due to heavy rainfall.

USSR—Soviet forces break through enemy defenses beyond Melitopol, but by this time Germans

have succeeded in stabilizing positions before Nikopol and at Krivoi Rog.

28 October

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 46th Inf and 7th Armd

Divs begin attack on M. Massico and M. S. Croce.

In VI Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div finds that

enemy has abandoned the hill S of Ailano.

In Br Eighth Army area, heavy rainfall forces Gen

Montgomery to postpone planned attack by 13 Corps

along axis Vinchiaturo–Isernia. 5 Corps continues

unsuccessful efforts to expand Trigno bridgehead

in coastal sector.

29 October

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 34th Div continues to pursue enemy northward, 135th Inf taking Pratella and
[ 30 OCTOBER–2 NOVEMBER 1943 ] [ 143 ]

Prata. Elements of 504th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div,

protecting right flank of VI Corps, reach Gallo. 3d

Div continues N on left flank of corps in region W

of the Volturno.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps begins attack

toward Isernia, 5th Div leading off in downpour of

rain, night 29–30.

30 October

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers ends after considering

certain politico-military issues. Although a tripartite

conference (Br-U.S.-Soviet), Ch representatives

have participated in some phases. Conferees agree to

demand “unconditional surrender” of Germany and

establish a world organization for peace. Discussions lead to establishment later in London of European Advisory Commission to study and make recommendations on problems relating to termination

of the war in Europe.

31 October

POA—Adm Turner’s Northern Attack Force

(TF 52) begins rehearsals for GALVANIC—invasion

of the Gilberts—off Hawaii. TF 31 units rendezvous

W of Guadalcanal, then sail for Bougainville.

Enemy airfields on S Bougainville are now unserviceable.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

takes control of Italian 1st Motorized Gp. In Br 10

Corps area, while 7th Armd and 46th Inf Divs continue attacks on M. Massico and M. S. Croce, 56th

Div, on to Corps right flank, takes Teano. In VI

Corps area, some elements of 34th Div reach Fontegreca while others occupy Ciorlano, on slopes of La

Croce Hill.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Cantalupo

falls to 5th Div.

1 November

U.S.—Alaska is made a separate theater of

operations. Alaska Defense Command, separated

from Western Defense Command, is renamed

Alaskan Department and comes under direct control

of the War Department.

U.S. Military Mission to USSR is organized under Maj Gen John R. Deane to establish American

airfields in USSR for shuttle bombing of enemy

territory.

Solomon Is.—After preparatory naval gunfire

and aerial bombardment, Northern Force of Adm

Wilkinson’s TF 31 starts landing 3d Mar Div, reinf,

of Gen Vandegrift’s I MAC on Bougainville about

0730 9th and 3d Marines, 9th on left, land abreast

on N shore of Empress Augusta Bay in Cape Torokina area and establish shallow beachhead despite

opposition from small but determined defense force.

Elements of 2d Mar Raider Regt (Prov) land on

Puruata I, off Cape Torokina, and begin to clear it.

Maj Gen A. H. Turnage, 3d Mar Div CG, takes

command ashore. Japanese air attacks delay unloading of cargo and surf damages many landing craft,

but the operation is otherwise very successful. In

support of the landings, naval vessels of TF 39

(Rear Adm A. Stanton Merrill) and carrier aircraft

of TF 38 (Rear Adm Frederick C. Sherman)

neutralize enemy airfields in S Bougainville–Shortlands area.

BATTLE OF EMPRESS AUGUSTA BAY—During

night 1–2, TF 39 engages enemy force of cruisers

and DD’s proceeding toward Bougainville and f

orces enemy to retire after losing a cruiser and a

DD.

MEDITERRANEAN—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force is

activated pursuant to CCS directive of as October.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Br 10 Corps continues to clear M. Massico–

M. S. Croce hill mass on W flank of Fifth Army.

56th Div takes Roccamonfina. In VI Corps area,

168th Inf of 34th Div reaches Capriati al Volturno.

USSR—In the Crimea, Red Army troops seal

off Perekop Isthmus with capture of Armyansk;

make landings on E end of Kerch Peninsula.

2 November

BOUGAINVILLE—3d Mar Div is slowly expanding beachhead and organizing defenses. 3d Marines,

which has had hard fighting on right flank, is exchanging places with 9th Marines. Puruata I. is

cleared by noon. Carrier planes of TF 38 make 2

strikes against Bonis, continuing neutralization of

airfields; before departing to refuel.

NEW BRITAIN—75 B–25’s, with P–38 escort, attack Rabaul with good effect but meet the strongest

opposition to be encountered by Fifth Air Force

during the entire war.

BURMA—Japanese along Tarung R are withstanding efforts of 112th Rgt, Ch 38th Div, to

advance; wipe out co of 1st Bn.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, patrols of 7th Armd and 46th Inf

Divs reach the Garigliano. VI Corps prepares to

cross 2 divs, 45th and 34th, over the Volturno. Advance elements of 45th Div—Co F of 180th Inf—

cross below Sesto Campano, night 2–3.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps begins main

assault across the Trigno, night 2–3. Firm resistance

is being overcome with help of arty and naval

gunfire.

AUSTRIA—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force joins in

 Combined Bomber Offensive against Germany with
[ 144 ] [ 3–5 NOVEMBER 1943 ]

damaging attack on aircraft works at Wiener Neustadt by 112 heavy bombers. Enemy puts up strong

fighter and AA opposition.

3 November

POA—Northern Attack Force (TF 52) completes rehearsal for GALVANIC at Hawaii.

Solomon Is.—3d Mar Div continues to improve beachhead positions on Bougainville. At 1800,

3d Marines takes responsibility for left flank and

9th Marines for right flank. 3d Raider Bn patrol

moves to Torokina I. and makes search for enemy,

but finds none.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 4th Ranger Bn crosses the

Volturno in 45th Div zone at 1800 to block Highway 6 NW of Mignano, but is stopped short of

objective. 45th Div continues crossing the Volturno.

Rest of 2d Bn, 180th Inf, upon crossing SE of

Presenzano at 2000, drives NW toward Rocca Pipirozzi. After strong arty preparation, 34th Div begins to cross the Volturno, night 3–4.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps is strongly opposed as it attacks S. Salvo ridge.

GERMANY—In largest daylight raid to date by

U.S. Eighth Air Force, over 500 planes, led by Pathfinders, attack Wilhelmshaven port area through

cloud.

4 November

U.S.—War Department Operations Division

recommends that current commitments to China be

fulfilled; that limited bomber offensive from China

be mounted; and that only 30 Ch divs be trained

and equipped, plus equipment for 3 additional divs

in order to start training of ZEBRA Force.

SOLOMON IS.—2d Mar Para Bn withdraws. from

Choiseul in LCI’s. Bougainville beachhead is seriously threatened as Japanese naval force, including

heavy cruisers, arrives at Rabaul from Truk. TF

38, with land–based air cover, is ordered to strike at

Rabaul.

BURMA—112th Regt, Ch 38th Div, digs in in

current positions in N Burma, since all efforts to

advance have been futile and costly. 2d Bn is still

short of Sharaw Ga. By this time, 1st Bn, directed

against Yupbang Ga, is isolated by enemy roadblock and must be supplied by air; 3d Bn is pinned

down at Ngajatzup, 30 miles SW of Ningbyen.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br ro Corps, with M. Massico and M. S. Croce hill

masses under its control, prepares for assault on M.

Camino by 56th Div. In VI Corps area, 2d Bn of

180th Inf, 45th Div, clears Rocca Pipirozzi and digs

in an ridge to NW; makes contact with 4th Ranger

Bn at Cannavinelle. 3d Bn of 179th Inf, upon crossing the Volturno S of Venafro, attacks and captures

Venafro. 1st Bn follows 3d across the river. 34th

Div’s 133d Inf seizes S. Maria Oliveto; 168th takes

Roccaravindola.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps troops enter

Isernia without opposition. 5 Corps takes S. Salvo

ridge, enemy having made general withdrawal in

the area.

USSR—Germans are forced to yield additional

ground along the Dnieper as Soviet troops press forward to its mouth opposite Kherson. Red Army

units open major offensive in Kiev area, pushing S

from Dnieper bridgehead and threatening the city

with encirclement.

5 November

BOUGAINVILLE—In zone of 9th Marines, 3d

Ranger Bn repels Japanese attack against block on

local trail, called Mission Trail. Later the Rangers

and 3d Bn of 9th Marines drive up Mission Trail toward its junction with Numa Numa Trail. The

Numa Numa and East–West Trails are the two

main trails on Cape Torokina.

NEW BRITAIN—Almost 100 carrier aircraft of

TF 38 attack new enemy naval forces concentrated

at Rabaul, taking enemy by surprise; despite intense

AA fire, severely damage 5 cruisers and 2 DD’s at

cost of 10 planes lost. Later, Fifth Air Force planes

bomb wharf area as enemy aircraft are searching

in vain for TF 38. Enemy naval forces are severely

crippled and threat to Bougainville beachhead from

this source ends.

CBI—Gen Stilwell submits report to Chiang

Kai-shek on SEAC planning and progress of preparations for attack from Yunnan by Y–Force.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

begins 10–day period of gruelling action against

lofty hills and mountains that form enemy’s Winter

Line. Designed as a delaying position, this line is

disposed in front of main defense belt known as

the Gustav Line. Fifth Army’s efforts to breach the

line during next 10 days are fruitless. In addition to

a tenacious enemy, Fifth Army is adversely affected

by terrain, rainy weather, and lack of reserves. In

Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div, in conjunction with

 left flank elements of U.S. VI Corps, begins battle

for M. Camino–M. la Difensa–M. Maggiore hill

mass, concentrating on M. Camino. In VI Corps area,

3d Div begins outflanking attacks against positions

commanding Mignano Gap: as 7th Inf columns

press toward German M. la Difensa positions, which

hold out for next 10 days, elements of 15th are sent

northward over M. Cesima toward Cannavinelle
[ 6–10 NOVEMBER 1943 ] [ 145 ]

Hill; 30th Inf, upon passing through 45th Div’s

zone, night 5–6, presses W toward M. Rotondo.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps pursues enemy

northward, 78th Div, on coast, pushing through

Vasto. Ind 8th Div takes Tufillo.

6 November

U.S.—CCS accede to request of Gen Eisenhower for retention of landing craft. 12 U.S. and

56 Br LST’s due to depart from Mediterranean are

to remain until 15 December. A further extension,

until 15 January 1944, is subsequently granted.

ELLICE IS.—Advance Hq, Seventh Air Force,

opens at Funafuti.

Solomon Is.—1st Bn, 21st Marines, arrives on

Bougainville to reinforce 3d Mar Div’s beachhead.

INDIA—Government of India accepts offer of

U.S. troops to help operate Bengal and Assam RR.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div continues attack toward

M. Camino, elements taking Calabritto. In VI Corps’

3d Div sector, 7th Inf is still fighting for M. la Difensa; efforts of 15th Inf to take Hill 253, SE nose

of M. Lungo, are unsuccessful, as are those of 30th Inf

to take M. Rotondo. To E, 45th and 34th Divs batter at hills and mountains with little success.

USSR—Germans withdraw from Kiev to avoid

envelopment.

7 November

POA—Southern Attack Force (TF 53) begins

rehearsal for GALVANIC at Efate, New Hebrides.

A Fifth Fleet carrier force, under command of Rear

Adm Alfred I. Montgomery, reaches S Pacific.

BOUGAINVILLE—Beachhead undergoes its first

major counterattack. Japanese DD’s from Rabaul

land 475 troops between Laruma and Koromokina

Rivers early in morning. The troops attack at once

in vicinity of Koromokina lagoon and are held off

by 3d Marines, although small outpost is cut off

and must be rescued by sea.

CBI—SEAC adopts TARZAN, India–based portion of general offensive in Burma, now called

CHAMPION. TARZAN calls for limited offensive on

Arakan coast for Akyab; drive from Imphal to

Chindwin. R.; establishment of a div on RR to

Myitkyina; amphibious operation against the

Andamans.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4

Corps area, Japanese are becoming aggressive in

Chin Hills and occupy Falam.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

continues to battle enemy in mountains of Winter

Line but makes little headway. In VI Corps sector,

34th Div organizes TF A under Brig Gen Benjamin

F. Caffey, consisting of 135th Inf and supporting

units, for drive on Montaquila.

USSR—Exploiting German withdrawal from

Kiev, Soviet forces push on to Fastov, rail junction

to SW, where they are halted by strong opposition.

8 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Gen Vandegrift (CG I MAC,

pending arrival of Maj Gen Roy S. Geiger) reaches

Bougainville and takes command of operations there

and on the Treasuries. Advance elements of 37th

Div, RCT 148, also arrive to take over left flank of

beachhead and are attached to 3d Mar Div. Battle

of Koromokina Lagoon ends as 1st Bn of 21st Marines, after extremely effective preparatory fire, attacks and eliminates subdued remnants of the

counterlanding force.

CBI—Gen Stilwell directs Col Thomas S.

Arms, of Y–Force Infantry Training Center, to activate ZEBRA Force Infantry Training Center at

Kweilin.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

 orders Fifth Army to plan for amphibious operation on W coast.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div

withstands strong counterattacks at Calabritto and

seizes hill to NE. In VI Corps area, 7th Inf of 3d

Div is still unable to scale M. la Difensa, but 3d Bn

of 15th Inf takes Hill 253 and 3d Bn of 30th reaches

top of M. Rotondo—45th Div continues to fight for

mountains north of Venafro and Pozzilli. 3d Bn,

179th Inf, opens assault on hills between Pozzilli

and Filignano. 34th Div’s TF A takes Montaquila.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 78th Div gains

heights overlooking the Sangro from its mouth to

Paglieta.

9 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Gen Geiger arrives on Bougainville by air: Allied dive bombers raid Koromokina

Lagoon-Laruma R area.

10 November

POA—Main body of Northern Attack Force

for GALVANIC leaves Pearl Harbor.

Solomon Is.—Gen Geiger takes command of

Allied forces on Bougainville and Treasury Is.

NEW BRITAIN—Gen MacArthur cancels projected offensive against Gasmata. Fifth Air Force

strongly attacks Rabaul.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, elements of 45th Div take

hills between Pozzilli and Filignano without opposition. 1st Ranger Bn relieves other elements of 45th

Div on M. Corno.
[ 146 ] [ 11–15 NOVEMBER 1943 ]

11 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Additional elements of 21st

Marines arrive. Marines now hold junction of Mission and Numa Numa Trails, having killed an

estimated 550 Japanese during drive up Mission

Trail. In order to secure airfield site, Gen Geiger

orders 3d Mar Div to drive E and 37th Div, W.

NEW BRITAIN—Powerful air offensive against

Rabaul continues. Carrier planes of TF 38 and

others of Adm Montgomery’s force, as well as landbased RAAF and Fifth Air Force planes, attack with

good effect. Japanese planes locate Adm Montgomery’s group and attack it vigorously but ineffectively.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek replies

to Gen Stilwell’s memo of 5 November at conference of Chinese National Military Council at

Chungking. While agreeing to Br and Ch attack on

Burma, he wants to hold Chinese back until British

are attacking Kalewa. Replacements and supplies

for Y-Force are to be provided.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4

Corps area, Japanese seize Haka.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div commits 157th Inf

between 180th and 179th for drive on Acquafondata.

2d Bn, 509th Para Inf, to which 1st Ranger Bn is

attached, clears saddle of M. S. Croce.

USSR—Russians improve positions W of Kiev,

seizing foothold across Teterev R, but are under

pressure in Fastov area, SW of Kiev, where Germans are taking the initiative. Soviet Center Front

forces attack northward toward Rechitsa, W of

Gomel.

12 November

POA—Southern Attack Force for GALVANIC

completes rehearsal off New Hebrides.

TREASURY IS.—8th Brig Gp, NZ 3d Div, completes elimination of small enemy garrison on Mono.

For 205 Japanese dead counted, 40 New Zealanders

and 12 Americans have lost their lives.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese withdraw their carrier

aircraft from Rabaul. Rabaul no longer presents a

serious threat to Allied forces.

LEROS—Axis force invades Leros by air and sea.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div, exhausted by prolonged

fighting, is to be withdrawn from M. Camino. In

VI Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div makes limited

progress toward Acquafondata but is threatened by

enemy on Hills 769 and 640. 133d Inf, 34th Div,

is pinched out by 135th Inf on right and 179th Inf

on left; 135th Inf makes contact with 504th Para

Inf, which has pushed past Fornelli to Colli and is

maintaining contact with Br Eighth Army.

USSR—Continuing to advance W of Kiev,

 Soviet forces take Zhitomir, important rail center.

13 November

POA—Southern Attack Force for GALVANIC

departs from New Hebrides. Preinvasion air operations against Gilberts are begun. B–24’s from

Funafuti bomb Tarawa without interception but

meet unusually heavy AA fire.

BOUGAINVILLE—Gen Geiger becomes responsible to Adm Halsey as Adm Wilkinson relinquishes

command. 21st Marines begins attack for junction

of Numa Numa Trail with East–West Trail to

ensure safety of airfield site. 129th Inf of 37th Div

arrives.

NEW BRITAIN—U.S. Fifth Air Force begins preinvasion bombardment of targets in W New Britain.

CBI—Col Francis G. Brink is given responsibility for training of GALAHAD forces, a task previously held by Lt Col Charles N. Hunter. In late

December the GALAHAD Force is activated as 5307th

Regt (Prov).

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div scales Hill 640

but is forced off. Hills 640 and 769 must be cleared

before advance on Acquafondata can be continued.

USSR—Red Army intensifies pressure against

enemy in Dnieper bend.

14 November

BOUGAINVILLE—After delay to await air strike,

replenishment of water supply, and repair of communications; 21st Marines, supported by 5 tanks,

renews battle for trail junction and takes it. Perimeter defense is established. 148th Inf reverts to

37th Div from attachment to 3d Mar Div.

CBI—Movement orders are issued to aviation

engineers and dump truck companies required to

build airfields in India in preparation for arrival

of B–29’s.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div withdraws as planned

from slopes of M. Camino, night 14–15.

USSR—Germans launch counteroffensive

aimed at recapture of Zhitomir.

15 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Beachhead perimeter is expanded to inland defense line Dog.

CBI—Gen Wheeler is made principal administrative officer of SEAC. Similar post for Gen

Auchinleck’s India Command is given to Gen Sir

Alan Brooke. Maj Gen William E. R. Covell succeeds Gen Wheeler as commander of SOS CBI.

BURMA—On N Burma front, Ch 38th Div is

moving reinforcements forward for 112th Regt.

114th Regt arrives at front and is followed in early

December by 113th. In 11 Army Group’s Four-
[ 16–20 NOVEMBER 1943 ] [ 147 ]

teenth Army sector, Japanese take Fort White in 4

Corps area, having forced British to abandon it.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

halts advance in order to reorganize in preparation

for another assault on the Winter Line. 7th Armd

Div is withdrawn from left flank of Br 10 Corps

to 15th Army Group reserve in preparation for

movement to England. 46th Div takes over 7th

Armd Div sector. 82d A/B Div, largely engaged

in policing Naples, is also to be withdrawn to England before next offensive. 1st Armd Div begins

arriving at Naples about this time.

USSR—Continuing offensive toward Rechitsa,

Soviet forces cut rail line between Gomel and Pinsk.

16 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Continuous road through

beachhead is completed, vastly improving supply

situation.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten activates his new command, SEAC, and takes over operational control

from CinC India. Movement orders are issued to

U.S. forces who are to help operate the Bengal and

Assam RR. Gen Stratemeyer’s Hq, AAF, IndiaBurma Sector, virtually rejects Gen Chennault’s proposals for 1944 for logistical reasons. Hump tonnage requested cannot be supplied. Since the TWILIGHT plan for B–29’S to be brought to CBI is

approved, priority of Fourteenth Air Force must be

lowered.

LEROS I.—Enemy completes occupation of

island.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

VI Corps area, 36th Div moves forward to relieve

3d Div in Mignano Gap.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps is ordered to

attack toward general line Ortona–Lanciano on 20

November. Adverse weather conditions subsequently force Gen Montgomery to postpone the date.

8th Div has secured small bridgehead on N bank

of the Sangro and is gradually expanding it.

17 November

GILBERTS-MARSHALLS—During period 13–17

November, heavy bombers of Seventh Air Force

have flown 141 sorties against Gilberts and Marshalls

and have dropped some 173 tons of bombs.

BOUGAINVILLE—Final elements of 21st Marines

arrive, but APD McKean is lost to enemy plane en

route.

NEW GUINEA—Australians of 9th Div open

assault against Sattelberg, which is suited by nature

for defense. 26th, 24th, 20th, and 4th Brigs, assisted

by tanks, aircraft, and arty, participate in the battle.

USSR—Some Red Army units in Kiev sector

overrun Korosten, endangering enemy’s supply system, but others are threatened with encirclement in

Zhitomir as German counteroffensive for Zhitomir

gains ground. To N, Soviet forces overrun Rechitsa

and close in on Gomel.

18 November

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, II Corps (Gen Keyes) is given zone of operations in center and takes command of 3d and 36th

Divs. VI Corps contains 34th and 45th Divs.

USSR—Soviet troops force the Dnieper near

Cherkassy, SE of Kiev, and take Ovruch, NW of

Kiev, but continue to fall back under enemy pressure in Zhitomir area. To N, enemy forces in Gomel

are imperiled by rapid expansion of Rechitsa salient.

19 November

CENTRAL PACIFIC—Land–based and carrierbased aircraft join in final bombardment of Gilberts, Marshalls, and Nauru in preparation for invasion of Gilberts.

BOUGAINVILLE—145th Inf of 37th Div arrives.

NEW BRITAIN—Fifth Air Force intensifies action against the island.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy completes withdrawal

across the Sangro in Ind 8th Div sector.

USSR—Red Army forces abandon Zhitomir to

avoid being trapped there.

20 November

GILBERT IS.—U.S. forces invade Makin and

Tarawa Atolls (Operation GALVANIC), opening

series of amphibious operations in Central Pacific

aimed ultimately at invasion of Japan. Air and naval

gunfire bombardment precede and closely support

assault teams. Aerial supremacy over enemy has already been achieved. At both atolls, landing forces

are beset with supply difficulties and communication

failures.

MAKIN ATOLL—TF 52’s landing force (27th

Div’s 165th Inf reinf by 3d Bn of 105th, tanks of

193d Tank Bn, and other supporting units), under

Maj Gen Ralph C. Smith, invades Makin. As a

preliminary to main invasion of Butaritari I., largest

of the Makin group, special landing detachment

sails for Kotabu at 0645 and secures the island without opposition. Invasion of Butaritari is begun on

schedule at 0830, when BLT’s 1 and 3 of 165th Inf

start landing on Red Beaches 1 and 2 on W coast.

At 1041, about 10 minutes behind schedule, BLT

2 begins landing on Yellow Beaches, located on N
[ 148 ] [ 21–22 NOVEMBER 1943 ]

(lagoon) shore between On Chong’s Wharf and

King’s Wharf. Both assault forces secure beachheads

and with tank support push rapidly forward against

light resistance, converging along West Tank Barrier, where enemy opposition is overcome, although

small pocket remains to NW. Arty is emplaced on

Ukiangong Pt.

TARAWA ATOLL—TF 53’s landing force (2d

Marines of 2d Mar Div, reinf by 2d Bn of 8th

Marines and supporting units), under Maj Gen

Julian C. Smith, USMC, invades Betio I., at SW tip

of the atoll, where airfield and main enemy forces

are located. Landings are made with great difficulty

and very heavy casualties. Transports arrive S of assigned area and at 0507 come under fire of previously alerted enemy on Betio. While transports are

moving northward out of range of enemy guns, warships attempt, with some success, to neutralize

enemy positions. Aircraft deliver brief strikes before

forces land. Although H Hour is postponed from

0830 to 0900, first troops do not reach shore until

0910. Marines land under direct fire, many wading

from partly exposed reef that fringes coast; upon

reaching shore, landing teams become intermingled

and disorganized. Landings are made on 3 adjacent

beaches (Red 1, 2, and 3, from W to E) on NW

coast. 3d Bn of 2d Marines, the Red 1 assault force,

gains beachhead on NW tip of island but is isolated there. In center, 2d Bn of 2d Marines is pinned

down by enemy fire on Red 2. 2d Bn of 8th Marines,

favored by more protracted naval gunfire preparation, meets less opposition on Red 3 and gains beachhead extending inland to airfield. To strengthen

precarious hold on the island, 1st Bn of 2d Marines,

from regt reserve, and 3d Bn of 8th Marines, from

div reserve, are committed. Fortunately, counterattacks, expected after nightfall, fail to materialize,

and meager gains are held. Shortly before invasion

of Betio, a scout–sniper platoon clears enemy positions from main pier, partly burning it in the

process.

Solomon Is.—Maj Gen Ralph J. Mitchell,

USMC, relieves Gen Twining as head of Solomons

Air Command. Gen Twining later takes command

of Fifteenth Air Force. On Bougainville, 3d Mar Div

is extending its positions in vicinity of Piva R

forks against lively opposition. 37th Div is unopposed.

BURMA—II Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 15 Corps area, Ind 7th Div starts across

Mayu Range along two crude trails in preparation

for offensive.

21 November

MAKIN ATOLL—BLT 2, 165th Inf, attacks on

Butaritari I, after air and arty preparation, and

overruns fortified area between West and East Tank

Barriers as it pushes eastward to Stone Pier. BLT 1

mops up in W part of island and eliminates pocket

near West Tank Barrier. Rcn detail lands on Kuma

I. early in day, reconnoiters, and withdraws.

TARAWA ATOLL—Marines on Betio continue to

meet grim opposition but strengthen their hold on

the island with assistance of aircraft, arty, and naval

gunfire. Further reinforcements are landed, bringing total bns ashore to 7. RCT 6 is released from

V Amphibious Corps reserve to 2d Mar Div and its

1st Bn lands on Green beach, on W end of island.

Rest of 8th Marines lands on Beach Red 2. 3d Bn

of RCT a secures entire W end of Betio (Green

Beach), while 1st and 2d Bns of RCT 2, from

Red 2 and 3, push across airfield to S coast, splitting

enemy forces. 2d Bn of RCT 8, on Red 3, makes

little progress during day. Meanwhile, arty and

naval gunfire are directed against E end of Betio

to prevent enemy from escaping to next island

(Bairiki), and 2d Bn of 6th Marines lands on Bairiki

after preliminary bombardment that kills the few

enemy there. While fighting is in progress on Betio,

Co D of 2d Tank Bn starts reconnoitering other

islands of Tarawa Atoll.

APAMAMA ATOLL—VAC Rcn CO. (—) lands

from submarine Nautilus and begins reconnoitering

the atoll under naval gunfire cover.

22 November

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—SEXTANT Conference, attended by President Roosevelt, Prime

Minister Churchill, and Generalissimo Chiang Kaishek, opens at Cairo, Egypt, to consider war issues.

MAKIN ATOLL—After preparatory bombardment, BLT 3 of 165th Inf takes over attack from

BLT 2 and drives E on Butaritari well beyond East

Tank Barrier, which enemy has abandoned. Though

E tip of island remains to be explored, Adm Turner

declares the island captured. Gen Ralph Smith assumes command ashore. Night 22–23, Japanese are

virtually wiped out when they make an unsuccessful

counterattack. Steps are taken to cut off enemy’s

escape from Butaritari: elements of Co A, BLT 1,

make waterborne move to narrow neck of island

to intercept enemy; special detail moves to Kuma I.

to halt enemy withdrawal there.

TARAWA ATOLL—Japanese on Betio undergo

heavy air, naval, and arty bombardment as battle for

the island continues. Enemy is brought under cross

fire as arty is emplaced on Bairiki. Passing through

3d Bn of 2d Marines, 1st Bn of 6th Marines drives

E along S coast on narrow front, making contact

with 2d Marines force and continuing advance to

E end of airfield. 2d Bn of 8th Marines, with elements of 3d Bn attached, presses E along N coast
[ 23–25 NOVEMBER 1943 ] [ 149 ]

to E end of airfield. 1st Bn of 8th Marines, attached

to 2d Marines, attacks strongpoint between Red

Beaches 2 and 1 and succeeds in containing it.

Thus by end of day enemy is compressed into E part

of Betio beyond airfield and retains pocket between

Red Beaches 1 and 2. 3d Bn, 6th Marines, lands on

Green Beach and moves forward along S coast behind 1st Bn, 6th Marines. Gen Julian Smith establishes CP ashore. During night 22–23, Japanese

counterattacks are repelled by 1st Bn, 6th Marines.

SWPA—As planning for invasion of New

Britain continues, Gen MacArthur decides to make

subsidiary effort at Arawe.

NEW GUINEA—Aus 9th Div continues to struggle

for Sattelberg, 26th Brig reaching S slopes.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 5 Corps now has 5 bns on N bank of the

Sangro.

23 November

MAKIN ATOLL—Organized resistance on Butaritari I. ends at 1030 when advance elements of

3d Bn, 165th Inf, reach tip of island. Re–embarkation of assault forces begins.

TARAWA ATOLL—3d Bn of 6th Marines, attacking through 1st Bn, reaches the end of Betio

shortly after 1300, and Gen Julian Smith reports

the end of organized resistance on Betio at 1330.

8th Marines, less 1st Bn, moves to Bairiki. 2d Bn,

6th Marines, moves from Bairiki to Betio and is

given task of securing rest of islands in Tarawa

Atoll. 3d Bn, 10th Marines, moves to village of

Eita, where 3d Platoon of Co D, 2d Tank Bn, is

attached to it.

BOUGAINVILLE—3d Mar Div, still strongly opposed in Piva forks area, begins regrouping. 1st

Mar Para Bn arrives.

BURMA—In N Burma, Japanese overrun CP of

112th Regt, Ch 38th Div.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 1st Special Service Force

(SSF), a highly trained group of Canadians and

Americans under Col Robert T. Frederick, is attached to 36th Div.

24 November

MAKIN ATOLL—RCT 165, less 3d Bn, leaves for

Hawaii. 3d Bn and miscellaneous units are left

behind to conduct minor mopping up operations

and to support construction forces. Command is

turned over to Col Clesen H. Tenney, Garrison

Force commander. 27th Div casualties for Makin

total 218, of whom 58 are killed and 8 die of wounds.

Enemy casualties, aside from those subsequently

inflicted during the mop–up, are estimated at 550,

including 105 prisoners. Japanese submarine sinks

escort carrier USS Liscome Bay off Makin; 644 persons aboard are lost.

TARAWA ATOLL—2 Marine RCT’s (8th and 2d)

leave for Hawaii. Embarking from Betio, 2d Bn of

6th Marines, guided by scouts of 2d Tank Bn,

begins uneventful search for enemy on islands up

the long east side of Tarawa Atoll.

BOUGAINVILLE—3d Mar Div makes substantial

progress, gaining commanding ground in Piva

forks area. Marine SBD makes successful forced

landing on Torokina fighter strip, although strip

has not yet been completed.

INDIA—Airfield construction personnel for Ind

air bases begin arriving.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

outlines final plan of attack to begin about 2 December. First phase calls for capture of M. Camino–M.

la Difensa–M. Maggiore area, to be preceded on 1

December by capture of Calabritto. In second phase,

M. Sammucro is to be cleared in conjunction with

drive W along Colli–Atina road. Third phase is to

be attack into Liri Valley.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps captures Castel Alfedena. 5 Corps’ bridgehead N of the Sangro

is now firmly established.

GERMANY—Berlin reports progress toward

Korosten, USSR.

25 November

TARAWA ATOLL—After scouting about half way

up E side of atoll, Co D of 2d Tank Bn is recalled to

village of Eita to prepare to reconnoiter other atolls.

2d Bn, 6th Marines, continues uneventful trek up

Tarawa Atoll.

APAMAMA ATOLL—Apamama Occupation

Force, based on 3d Bn of 6th Marines, is en route to

atoll.

BATTLE OF CAPE ST GEORGE—5 Japanese DD’s

bound for Buka with reinforcements are turned

back to vicinity of Cape St George (New Ireland)

and engaged, night 25–26, by Allied DD’s, which

destroy 3 Japanese DD’s without suffering any

damage. This concludes series of night naval engagements of the Solomon campaigns.

NEW GUINEA—Sattelberg falls to troops of Aus

9th Div.

FORMOSA—U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, in its

first attack on Formosa, destroys 42 enemy planes

while attacking Shinchiku airdrome.

BURMA—AAF and RAF begin series of coordinated strikes against installations in Rangoon

area, despite unfavorable weather conditions.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s

plan for amphibious operations at Anzio (Operation SHINGLE) is approved. A single infantry div,

reinf, is to establish beachhead and attempt to join

main body within a week. Fr increment of Fifth
[ 150 ]

Army general staff arrives from N Africa by air to

prepare for arrival of French Expeditionary Corps

(FEC) under Gen Juin.

USSR—Attacking in Propoisk area, N of

Gomel, Soviet forces achieve breakthrough on

broad front and cut highway between Gomel and

Mogilev, greatly increasing peril to Germans in

Gomel.

ETO—Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory,

heading Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF),

activates his headquarters. Second Tactical Air

Force, RAF, and later Gen Brereton’s U.S. Ninth

Air Force come under AEAF.

26 November

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—First part of

SEXTANT ends at Cairo after inconclusive discussions

concerning OVERLORD and possible expansion of

operations in the Mediterranean. After considering

CHAMPION—plan for offensive in Burma—the conferees have agreed that an amphibious operation

will be undertaken and have received Chiang Kaishek’s promise to commit Yunnan force. Upper

Burma is to be cleared in spring of 1944 to open land

route to China. Also approved is TWILIGHT—plan to

base B–29’s in CBI. Br and U.S. conferees leave for

Tehran, Iran, for further discussions.

TARAWA ATOLL—2d Bn of 6th Marines reaches

Buariki, last relatively large island of atoll, and

prepares to attack enemy forces believed to be there.

APAMAMA ATOLL—VAC scouts are recalled as

Apamama landing force arrives and begins organizing defenses of the atoll.

BOUGAINVILLE—I MAC continues to expand

perimeter of beachhead. 3d Div is now at S shore

of Lake Kathleen.

CBI—Brig Gen Haydon I. Boatner, Chief of

Staff and Deputy Commander, CAI, reports to Maj

Gen Thomas G. Hearn, Chief of Staff, U.S. Forces

CBI, that situation of Ch 38th Div is “critical.”

USSR—Germans abandon Gomel, key position

of central front.

GERMANY—U.S. VIII BC surpasses its 3 November record for aircraft dispatched, sending out

633 bombers, Bremen their primary target. Results

are largely obscured by overcast.

27 November

TARAWA ATOLL—2d Bn, 6th Marines, clears

enemy from Buariki. Small islet of Naa, at N tip,

remains to be explored.

CBI—At meeting of SEAC delegation to Cairo

Conference, Gen Stilwell reveals that the Generalissimo is unwilling to fulfill commitments agreed

to at Cairo and wants Stilwell to hold out for airborne assault on Mandalay (TOREADOR) and 10,000

tons a month over the Hump.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 5 Corps prepares to attack in Adriatic coastal

sector, weather conditions at last permitting close air

support. Tanks of 4th Armd Brig and transport

are brought across the Sangro.

28 November

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and Marshal Stalin

begin conference, coded EUREKA, at Tehran, Iran.

TARAWA ATOLL—Atoll is completely secured.

No Japanese are found on Naa. Marine casualties

on Tarawa total 3,301. Japanese losses are estimated

to be 4,690 killed, 17 captured, and 129 Koreans

taken prisoner.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 5 Corps begins battle of the Sangro at 2130,

Ind 8th Div, in the lead, takes Mozzagrogna, night

28–29. New Zealanders follow across the Sangro.

USSR—Germans report encirclement and destruction of Soviet forces in Korosten area.

29 November

BOUGAINVILLE—Work is begun on an airstrip,

called Piva Uncle, near Piva R.

NEW GUINEA—Pursuing enemy northward

along Huon Peninsula coast, Australians seize

Bonga, former enemy supply base, and Gusika;

press toward Wareo.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, VI Corps begins limited operations on right

flank of army to divert enemy from the coming

main assault against M. Camino. 45th Div begins

clearing region N of Filignano–S. Elia road in effort

to open the road: 1st Bn of 178th Inf leads off against

La Bandita (Hill 855) but cannot take it; 157th Inf,

making diversionary thrusts, secures Hill 460.

34th Div, to right of 45th, begins operations to

clear heights overlooking Colli–Atina road: 1st Bn

of 168th Inf moves against M. Pantano, taking the

first of 4 knobs; 133d Inf moves against hills between

Castelnuovo and Cerasuolo.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps breaches Winter Line in its sector. Driving through Mozzagrogna,

4th Armd Brig, with excellent air support, begins

to clear Sangro ridge.

30 November

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—EUREKA Conference at Tehran ends. Acceding to Soviet desires

to make OVERLORD the main effort, OVERLORD and

ANVIL (southern France) have been given priority

[ 26–30 NOVEMBER 1943 ]
[ 151 ]

over all other operations. Premier Stalin has agreed

to commit Soviet forces against Japan after Germany

is defeated. From Tehran, Br and U.S. delegates

go back to Cairo, where the SEXTANT talks will be

renewed.

GILBERT IS.—2d Tank Bn scouts reconnoiter

Abaiang and Marakei Atolls, N of Tarawa, finding

but 5 Japanese, on former.

SWPA—Gen Krueger forms TF DIRECTOR,

under Brig Gen Julian W. Cunningham, for the

invasion of Arawe, New Britain, on 15 December,

called 2 Day to distinguish it from main D Day

invasion at Cape Gloucester later. The TF is based

upon 112th Cav.

CBI—Chiang Kai-shek again agrees to CHAMPION while inspecting Chinese troops at Ramgarh.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In preparation for

Operation RAINCOAT—U.S. Fifth Army’s first phase

of assault against Winter Line aimed at capture of

Camino hill mass—diversions are begun to deceive

enemy. 3d Ranger Bn feints toward S. Pietro and

23d Armd Brig feints on lower Garigliano. In VI

Corps’ 45th Div sector, 1st Bn of 179th Inf continues fruitless attempts to clear La Bandits. On M.

Pantano, 1st Bn of 168th Inf, 34th Div, retains positions against strong counterattacks and tries unsuccessfully to gain second knob; patrols of 1st Bn, 133d

Inf, move into Castelnuovo while 3d Bn advances to

M. la Rocca and elements of 200th Bn move onto

Croce Hill.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps finishes clearing ridge above the Sangro. 4th Armd Brig and 78th

Div push toward coast, taking Fossacesia. Ind 8th

Div, moving NW along ridge, reaches heights overlooking Castelfrentano. To W, New Zealanders,

having crossed the Sangro with difficulty, join their

bridgehead with that of corps.

USSR—Moscow announces withdrawal of Soviet forces from Korosten.

1 December

GILBERT IS.—2d Tank Bn scouts find Maiana

Atoll free of enemy, concluding their mission.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, air operations are sharply increased in preparation for main assault against Winter Line. Br 10

Corps begins diversionary attack toward Calabritto

at dusk, employing 139th Brig, 46th Div. Numerous

obstacles and strong opposition slow advance. In VI

Corps area, 45th Div continues to meet firm resistance that prevents 1st Bn, 179th Inf, from scaling

La Bandits and 2d Bn from clearing crest and reverse slope of Hill 769 to S. In 34th Div sector, 1st

Bn of 168th Inf remains on first knob of M. Pantano

but is isolated from main body; no further progress

is made by 133d Inf.

2 December

ITALY—About 30 aircraft of German Air Force

attack Bari, night 2–3, with spectacular results.

Bombs blow up 2 ammunition ships in the crowded

harbor, and as a result 17 other ships are lost. Damage to the port reduces its capacity for 3 weeks.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area,

Allied aircraft and arty pound enemy positions in

preparation for Operation RAINCOAT. Arty concentrations are the heaviest thus far in the Italian campaign.

Br 10 Corps continues attack toward Calabritto but

does not take it. Despite this failure, 56th Div begins

attack on M. Camino from S after nightfall. II

Corps opens attack on Camino hill mass from NE,

night 2–3. 1st SSF moves against M. la Difensa, 2d

Regt spearheading, and clears it before dawn. In

VI Corps’ 45th Div sector, enemy continues stout

defense of La Bandita and positions on Hill 769.

34th Div commits additional elements against M.

Pantano and with great difficulty takes the second

knob; Co L of 133d Inf gains Hill 1180, on S slopes

of M. Marrone, in night attack, 2–3, but the regt is

unable to gain further ground in the area after this.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Castelfrentano falls to NZ troops.

USSR—Continuing offensive in Dnieper bend,

Soviet forces break through along Ingulets R and

push to within 6 miles of Znamenka.

3 December

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Br and U.S.

delegates, returning from Tehran, reopen SEXTANT

discussions at Cairo.

SWPA—Dates for invasion of New Britain at

Arawe and Cape Gloucester are finally set for 15 and

26 December, respectively.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div makes substantial progress, taking M. Camino (819) and Monastery Hill (963) but is forced back from latter. In II

Corps area, 1st SSF units, continuing attack from

M. la Difensa before dawn, reach M. la Remetanea.

142d Inf, 36th Div, begins drive on M. Maggiore

and takes it. In VI Corps area, 45th Div is unable to

make further progress against La Bandits or Hill

769. Elements of 3d Bn, 168th Inf, 34th Div, upon

relief by elements of 135th Inf, move to first knob of

M. Pantano and relieve 1st Bn, 168th Inf; 3d Bn

then attacks toward third knob but is driven back.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 8th Div

and 78th Div reach Moro R, overrunning Lanciano

and S. Vito. 78th Div is later relieved there by Cdn

1st Div, which has been transferred to 5 Corps from

13 Corps.

USSR—NW of Gomel, Soviet troops improve

positions and take highway center of Dovsk.

[ 1–3 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 152 ]

ETO—CROSSBOW—operations against German

secret weapon sites—is given top priority for Allied

tactical air forces.

4 December

TARAWA ATOLL—Capt Jackson R. Tote, USN,

Commander, Advanced Base, Tarawa, takes command, relieving Gen Julian Smith. During December and January, air bases are constructed in the

Gilberts.

BOUGAINVILLE—1st Mar Para Regt arrives and

is soon committed to help advance the outpost line.

CHINA—Chang-te, in Tung-ting Lake area, falls

to Japanese, climaxing local offensive by 11th Army

designed to disrupt Ch troop concentrations and

divert Chinese from Yunnan. Having accomplished

their mission and taken the rice center of Chang-te,

Japanese soon begin withdrawal.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 56th Div is unable to regain Monastery Hill but seizes Hills 683 and 615.

In II Corps area, German counterattack forces 1st

SSF from M. la Remetanea to M. la Difensa. 1st

Regt moves up to assist 2d in clearing M, la

Remetanea–M. la Difensa ridge. 142d Inf, 36th Div,

maintains positions on M. Maggiore. In VI Corps

area, 135th Inf of 34th Div relieves all elements of

168th Inf on M. Pantano. 168th has suffered heavy

casualties.

ETO—Intensive aerial rcn is begun to locate

German secret weapon sites.

5 December

U.S.—President Roosevelt accedes to Br wishes

that BUCCANEER be canceled. CCS ask Adm Mountbatten to suggest action to be taken in the event he

loses most of his landing craft.

INDIA—Japanese make strategic air attack on

Calcutta, damaging dock area.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, enemy withdraws from

Monastery Hill (963) since the position is threatened

by 56th Div units, which move up toward Colle, W

of the hill. II Corps retains current positions on M.

la Difensa and M. Maggiore, but they are being supplied only with great difficulty. VI Corps remains

in place, consolidating and patrolling.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps pushes toward

Ortona, whose harbor can be used for supply, Ind

8th Div crossing Moro R.

ETO—U.S. Ninth Air Force begins CROSSBOW

operations. Its P–51’s start escorting strategic bombers of U.S. Eighth Air Force.

6 December

U.S.—On the basis of Adm Mountbatten’s estimate to CCS that no major amphibious operations

can be undertaken if BUCCANEER is canceled, President Roosevelt informs Chiang Kai-shek that there

can be no amphibious operation simultaneously with

TARZAN; inquires whether Chiang will go ahead

under the circumstances or wait until November

1944, when a major amphibious assault might be

undertaken.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Br 10 Corps seizes crest of M. Camino and

for the next 3 days mops up W slopes as far as the

Garigliano. In VI Corps area, elements of 179th Inf,

45th Div, reach top of Hill 769, but enemy retains

positions on reverse slope.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

crosses Moro R.

USSR—Russians cut Smela–Znamenka RR line

SW of Kremenchug.

7 December

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—U.S. and Br

delegates conclude SEXTANT Conference at Cairo. To

gain landing craft for ANVIL, plans for amphibious

operations against Bay of Bengal are canceled. Plans

for north Burma campaign are unsettled. CCS set

up tentative timetable for offensive against Japan

as follows: seizure of Marshalls and New Britain,

January 1944; Manus, Admiralties, April 1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, June 1944; and Marianas,

October 1944. CCS issue directive establishing unified command in the Mediterranean, effective 10

December. Gen Eisenhower, whom President Roosevelt has already decided to make commander of

OVERLORD, is to be responsible for all operations in

the Mediterranean except strategic bombing.

CBI—Since Adm Mountbatten is ordered to

release a large portion of his amphibious resources

for use elsewhere, planning is begun for limited

operation (PIGSTICK) on S Mayu Peninsula as a

substitute for BUCCANEER, subject to approval of

Chiang Kai-shek.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

begins second phase of assault on Winter Line.

II Corps begins envelopment movements against

enemy positions in S. Pietro area astride Highway 6.

In preparation for assault on M. Lungo, Italian 1st

Motorized Gp relieves 1st Bn of 141st Inf, 36th Div,

on SE nose (Hill 253); 2d and 3d Bns, 143d Inf,

prepare for drive on S. Pietro, moving forward to

line of departure on Cannavinelle Hill; 1st Bn of

143d Inf jumps off toward M. Sammucro (Hill

1205) at 1700 and gains crest before dawn of 8th.

On N flank, 3d Ranger Bn attacks at dusk toward

Hill 950, a mile N of M. Sammucro.

[ 4–7 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 153 ]

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps makes unsuccessful attack on Orsogna.

8 December

NEW GUINEA—Wareo falls to Aus 9th Div,

clearing way for drive on Sio.

INDIA—In preparation for offensive, 18 Japanese

bombers and about 50 fighters attack Tinsukia

airfield in Assam.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, II Corps continues battle for positions about

S. Pietro. Italian 1st Motorized Gp begins attack

on M. Lungo but makes little headway against

determined resistance. 143d Inf ( — ) of 36th Div

attacks toward S. Pietro and is soon pinned down

by enemy fire; 1st Bn of 143d withstands strong

counterattack on M. Sammucro. On left flank of

II Corps, 1st SSF finishes clearing M. la Remetanea

(907). In VI Corps area, 2d Moroccan Inf Div, first

of the FEC units to arrive in Italy, begins relief of

34th Div.

USSR—Red Army, continuing offensive SW

of Kremenchug, cuts Znamenka–Krivoi Rog and

Znamenka–Nikolayev RR’s.

ETO—Gen Arnold informs Gen Spaatz that

he (Spaatz) will command U.S. Strategic Air Forces

in Europe.

9 December

BOUGAINVILLE—Torokina airstrip becomes operational. 3d Mar Div begins struggle for hills

around beachhead that is to last until late in the

month.

CBI—Replying to President Roosevelt’s message, Chiang Kai-shek asks for financial assistance

and increased air strength.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, Rocca d’Evandro falls, concluding

action against Camino hill mass. In II Corps area,

2d and 3d Bns of 143d Inf continue to be held up

in S. Pietro area and pull back after dark to line

of departure while arty concentration is placed on

enemy. Germans counterattack on M. Sammucro is

repulsed. In VI Corps’ 45th Div zone, Hill 769 is

completely cleared, but Germans retain Lagone and

La Bandita.

USSR—Rail junction of Znamenka falls to

Soviet forces.

10 December

BOUGAINVILLE—Marine fighter sq flies in to

operate from Torokina airstrip, which is within 220

miles of Rabaul.

MIDDLE EAST—PGSC is redesignated Persian

Gulf Command (PGC); detached from USAFIME

and made responsible to the War Department; and

directed “to further the objective of the United

States in the prosecution of the war.” Gen Connolly,

CG PGC, is to co–ordinate U.S. activities in the area

with those of other Allied nations.

MEDITERRANEAN—CCS directive calling for unified command—Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Allied)—in the Mediterranean becomes effective, although Mediterranean Allied Air Forces has

not yet been activated.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Allied air attacks are stepped up in preparation

for next phase of offensive, which is to begin on

15th. Br 10 Corps takes responsibility for M. la

Difensa from 142d Inf of 36th Div, VI Corps. In

II Corps area, 3d Ranger Bn, with arty support,

renews attack on Hill 950 on N flank of II Corps

and takes it. Activity in S. Pietro area and on

M. Sammucro is on a limited scale. Current U.S.

positions are being consolidated. In VI Corps area,

2d Moroccan Div takes command of zone previously

held by 34th Div.

Br Eighth Army has regrouped to increase weight

of attack in coastal sector, where opposition is heavy.

13 Corps, with 5th Div and NZ Div under its

command, is to move N on left of 5 Corps, leaving

78th Div in previous positions under Eighth Army

command. 5 Corps continues northward along coast

with Cdn 1st and Ind 8th Divs. Cdn 1st Div now

has bridgehead across Moro R and is pressing toward Ortona, assisted by air and naval bombardment of coastal targets.

USSR—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front

resume attack, one force investing Cherkassy and

another pushing toward Kirovo.

11 December

SWPA—GHQ draws up outline plan for

seizure of Saidor (New Guinea).

CBI—Adm Mountbatten issues directive ordering integration of U.S. Tenth Air Force and RAF

Bengal Command into Eastern Air Command

(EAC). All Allied air forces in SE Asia are under

command of Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Peirse

as Allied Air CinC.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

maintains current positions against counterattacks

while preparing for full-scale offensive.

12 December

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, Br 10 Corps extends farther eastward to relieve

final elements of VI Corps on M. Maggiore, and

boundary is adjusted accordingly. In II Corps area,

142d Inf of 36th Div begins preliminary operations

in preparation for assault on M. Lungo on 15th:

[ 9–12 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 154 ]

occupies S. Giacomo Hill, between Lungo and Maggiore, and after nightfall takes Hills 141 and 72.

13 December

SWPA—TF DIRECTOR sails from Goodenough

I. for Buna, en route to Arawe, New Britain.

GERMANY—710 bombers of U.S. Eighth Air

Force with P–51 escort are sent against Kiel, establishing another record for bombers dispatched.

Good results are reported although bombing is by

radar.

14 December

SWPA—Final plans for operation against Cape

Gloucester, New Britain, are made. It is decided

not to use airborne troops as planned.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

completes preparations for offensive by II and VI

Corps on 15th and begins forward movement, night

14–15.

USSR—Russians begin first phase of winter

offensive. From Nevel salient, which has gradually

been improved, Soviet forces push toward Vitebsk

and reach outskirts. Soviet troops of Second

Ukrainian Front overrun Cherkassy. Enemy recovers Radomyshl, S of Malin.

15 December

Solomon Is.—Gen Griswold, XIV Corps CG,

relieves Gen Geiger, I MAC CG, of responsibility for

Bougainville beachhead, where final defensive

perimeter is virtually secure, although 21st Marines,

3d Mar Div, is still clearing heights near the beachhead.

NEW BRITAIN—Operation DEXTERITY opens

when, as a preliminary to main invasion of New

Britain, TF 76 (Rear Adm Daniel E. Barbey) lands

TF DIRECTOR (112th Cav, reinf) under command

of Brig Gen Julian W. Cunningham, USA, on W

coast of Arawe Peninsula about 0700, after naval

gunfire and aerial bombardment. Scattered opposition on the peninsula is overcome without difficulty.

Before the main landing, cavalrymen try in vain to

make surprise landings at Umtingalu, on mainland

E of the peninsula, and on Pilelo islet. Despite

alerted enemy, Tr B succeeds in landing on Pilelo

and quickly clears it. Japanese planes are active

against troops and shipping, attacking at frequent

intervals during this and the next few days. Plans to

use Arawe as a base for light naval forces never materialize, nor is the site used as an air base. Plan for

Cape Gloucester landing is amended to increase

size of initial assault force and limit objective of

secondary landing.

NEW GUINEA—Road from Lae to Nadzab is

completed.

CBI—Gen Stratemeyer takes command of

EAC. Troop Carrier Command is activated. First

infantry class completes 6-weeks’ course at Kweilin

Infantry Training Center for ZEBRA Force.

BURMA—In N, 1st Bn of 114th Inf, Ch 38th

Div, tries unsuccessfully to relieve isolated 1st Bn,

112th Regt. After the attack, Japanese return to

previous positions, which they proceed to strengthen.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

renews offensive against Winter Line before dawn.

On II Corps’ S flank, 142d Inf of 36th Div opens attack on M. Lungo from S at dusk and advances

rapidly. Second battle for S. Pietro opens about

noon, with 143d Inf ( — ) attacking from slopes of

M. Sammucro and 2d Bn of 141st advancing from

M. Rotondo area. Progress is slow and costly. 1st Bn

of 143d Inf, with 2d Bn of 504th Para Inf to its right,

begins attack on W slopes of M. Sammucro shortly

after midnight, 14–15. Paratroopers suffer heavy

casualties during fruitless attempt to take Hill 687;

1st Bn is pinned down short of Hill 730. In VI Corps

area, 45th Div, on S flank of corps, begins attack toward heights dominating La Rava Creek on left and

toward Lagone on right: 157th Inf gains positions on

Hills 640 and 470, N of La Rava Creek, and makes

futile attempt to clear Fialla Hill and Hill 770, S of

the creek; 179th Inf is stopped short of Lagone; platoon of 45th Rcn Tr fails in attempt to clear hill just

N of Lagone, but elements of 1st Bn, 179th Inf, occupy La Bandita, farther N, without opposition after

nightfall. On N flank of VI Corps, 8th Rifle Regt of

2d Moroccan Div seizes M. Castelnuovo and S.

Michele Pass.

ETO—AEAF takes operational control of U.S.

Ninth Air Force.

16 December

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 142d Inf of 36th Div finishes

clearing M. Lungo by 1000. Italian 1st Motorized

Gp secures ridge between Hills 253 and 343 in afternoon. Further attacks on S. Pietro fail to gain ground

but the position becomes untenable for enemy after

fall of M. Lungo. To cover withdrawal, Germans

launch strong counterattack that continues into the

night 16–17. 1st Bn, 143d Inf, repels counterattack

on W slopes of M. Sammucro. In VI Corps area,

patrols of 179th Inf, 45th Div, find that enemy has

withdrawn from Lagone. Fr troops clear hill just

N of Lagone and second knob of M. Pantano.

17 December

BOUGAINVILLE—Torokina strip is put into use as

staging base for Rabaul-bound fighters.

[ 13–17 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 155 ]

SWPA—Gen MacArthur orders Gen Krueger to

prepare plans for next phase of DEXTERITY—seizure of Saidor, New Guinea, as advanced air and

naval base. To perform this task, Gen Krueger

forms TF MICHAELMAS under Brig Gen Clarence A.

Martin, 32d Div ADC, consisting of RCT 126, reinf,

32d Div. The TF is largely that originally scheduled

to invade Gasmata, New Ireland.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, in another message to President Roosevelt, again calls for

financial aid and increased air strength.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 36th Div pursues enemy beyond S. Pietro; 1st Bn of 141st Inf relieves 1st Bn of

143d on M. Sammucro; 2d Bn of 504th Para Inf is

being relieved in same area by 1st Bn. In VI Corps

area, Germans are making limited withdrawal in

center of corps front. After nightfall, 180th Inf of

45th Div, passing through 179th, takes M. la Posta

without opposition. Germans begin withdrawal

from M. Pantano positions, leaving a small number

of rear-guard forces to delay pursuit.

18 December

NEW BRITAIN—Preinvasion air operations

against Cape Gloucester area are intensified.

CBI—Chiang Kai-shek gives Gen Stilwell full

command of Ch troops in India and in the

Hukawng Valley of Burma.

CHINA—Enemy planes attack Kunming in

preparation for offensive against India.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, patrols find enemy still clinging to W slopes of M. Sammucro. VI Corps advances

in center along S. Elia road as enemy withdraws.

Fr troops occupy rest of M. Pantano hill mass; on

road to Atina, clear Cerasuolo area.

19 December

CBI—Chiang Kai-shek rejects Adm Mountbatten’s proposal for a major attack.

SICILY—AFHQ asks Seventh Army hq at

Palermo to estimate requirements for planning staff

to plan for an operation on scale of HUSKY.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 36th Div’s 143d and 141st Regts attempt to clear S and W slopes of M. Sammucro

from which enemy is barring access to Highway 6

and Mignano Gap, but make little headway. 15th

Inf of 3d Div relieves 142d Inf on M. Lungo.

20 December

PACIFIC—At a planning conference at Port

Moresby, attended by representatives of S Pacific and

SWPA, it is decided that S Pacific will plan to

invade Green Is. as next step in isolation of Rabaul,

since no immediate action can be taken against

Kavieng, New Ireland, the next objective of ELKTON

III.

TREASURY IS.—Army planes fly from New Caledonia to Stirling I. to begin operations from there.

RUSSELL IS.—Army bombers move from New

Caledonia to Russell Is.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese force moving against

Arawe beachhead reaches Pulie R, east of Arawe.

CBI—In reply to Chiang Kai-shek’s message

of 17th, President Roosevelt suggests that China

carry out her part in offensive to regain Burma;

promises U.S. help in reopening land route to China,

which would afford greater protection to Hump

air route; says the requested loan is under consideration. Chiang Kai-shek replies that Y-Force

will move only if Andaman Is., Rangoon, or Moulmein are seized by Allies; that Ch troops will move

into Burma without an amphibious operation if

Mandalay or Lashio can be recovered.

MEDITERRANEAN—Mediterranean Allied Air

Forces is activated in accordance with CCS directive of 5 December, as of to December. Under it are

placed all air units in the Mediterranean: USAAF/

NATO, all RAF elements including RAF Malta

and RAF ME, and Fr and Italian units operating

within the area. Air Chief Marshal Tedder is made

Air CinC, with Gen Spaatz as his operational

deputy. Spaatz also takes over duties of CG USAAF/

NATO.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Plans for an amphibious operation by U.S. Fifth Army on W coast

are canceled because of slow progress against the

Winter Line and lack of sufficient landing craft.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps continues efforts to clear W slopes of M. Sammucro and reaches

next objective, S. Vittore. 36th Div, in night attack 20–

21, fails in attempt to clear Hill 730 and Morello Hill.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

pushes into outskirts of Ortona, where violent fighting ensues.

21 December

BOUGAINVILLE—Relief of 3d Mar Div in beachhead line begins.

SWPA—TF BACKHANDER (Maj Gen William

H. Rupertus, USMC) conducts final rehearsal for

invasion of Cape Gloucester, New Britain, at Cape

Sudest, New Guinea.

CBI—Gen Stilwell arrives at Ledo to take personal charge of N Burma campaign.

USSR—Soviet salient beyond Zhlobin is under

strong enemy attack.

[ 18–21 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 156 ]

22 December

CHINA—Continuing preparations for offensive

against India, Japanese planes attack Kunming.

MTO–ETO—Gen Spaatz is ordered to take

command of U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe at

once. Gen Eaker is to command Allied air forces in

the Mediterranean upon relief by Air Chief Marshal

Tedder, who is to become Deputy CinC for OVERLORD. Gen Eaker is subsequently given permission

to remain in ETO until he can advise Generals

Spaatz and Doolittle in England and does not reach

MTO until mid-January. NATOUSA directive results in reorganization of AAF elements in MTO.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army’s

S Corps area, Villa Grandi falls to Ind 8th Div.

Cdn 1st Div continues battle for Ortona.

23 December

Solomon Is.—Army bombers begin operations

from Munda airfield, New Georgia.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, 3d Bn of 114th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, having crossed the Tanai at

Kantau earlier in the month, skirmishes with enemy

9 miles from Kantau.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 13 Corps area, 5th Div takes Arielli. 5 Corps

continues to fight for Ortona.

24 December

BOUGAINVILLE—With elimination of enemy on

heights about beachhead perimeter, airfields are

secure.

SWPA—ALAMO Force hq moves from Goodenough to Cape Cretin, New Guinea.

NEW BRITAIN—Preinvasion bomber effort

reaches its peak in number of sorties flown, 280.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, 1st Bn of 114th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, after arty preparation, attacks to

relieve beleaguered 1st Bn of 112th in Yupbang Ga

area and succeeds in joining it, although Japanese

retain positions W of the river blocking crossing at

Yupbang Ga.

MTO-ETO—President Roosevelt and Prime

Minister Churchill announce appointment of Gen

Eisenhower to post of Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, to head OVERLORD. Gen

Wilson will command Allied forces in the Mediterranean under title of Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater (SACMED).

Churchill also announces appointment of Gen Montgomery as commander of 21 Army Group, succeeding Gen Sir Bernard Paget. Gen Sir Oliver

Leese is to succeed Gen Montgomery.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div, moving to outflank Orsogna, reaches heights commanding that

town on NE.

MIDDLE EAST—Gen Connolly is relieved as CG

PGC by Brig Gen Donald P. Booth.

USSR—In Vitebsk sector, Russians overrun

Gorodok in 2-pronged attack, bringing about collapse of whole series of defense points that depend

upon it. At dawn, Soviet forces open new offensive;

driving along axis of Kiev–Zhitomir highway, they

breach enemy lines and soon recover ground lost to

German counteroffensive and more.

ETO—U.S. Eighth Air Force makes major

effort against CROSSBOW targets—German secret

weapon sites—exceeding previous records in number of aircraft dispatched. Of more than 1,300 aircraft sent out, 722 are heavy bombers.

25 December

BOUGAINVILLE—First echelon of Americal Div

(RCT 164) arrives to relieve 3d Mar Div.

TREASURY IS.—U.S. Navy Seabees complete

fighter strip on Stirling.

NEW IRELAND—After surface bombardment of

Buka to entice enemy aircraft from Kavieng, carrier TF under Adm Frederick Sherman strikes at

Kavieng harbor with 86 planes but finds few

shipping targets there.

NEW BRITAIN—TF BACKHANDER sails for Cape

Gloucester from New Guinea. Japanese attack

Arawe beachhead, forcing outposts and observation

posts back.

INDIA—About 50 Japanese aircraft raid Chittagong.

TUNISIA—15th Army Group: Military leaders

meeting at Tunis revive plan for amphibious landing below Rome; draft plan for 2 divs plus airborne

troops and some armor to land as near 20 January

as possible in conjunction with drive from S.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 1st Regt of 1st SSF, jumping

off night 24–25, captures Hill 730 early in morning.

504th Para Inf clears several hills to N.

USSR—Soviet forces cut Vitebsk–Polotsk highway.

26 December

NEW BRITAIN—After preparatory naval gunfire

and aerial bombardment, during which enemy observation from Target Hill, commanding landing

beach, is masked by smoke, TF BACKHANDER, commanded by Gen Rupertus, 1st Mar Div CG, and

consisting of 1st Mar Div ( — ), reinf, begins main

invasion of New Britain at Cape Gloucester at 0746.

Forested, swampy terrain is more formidable than

the surprised enemy, who offers only light opposition. 7th Marines establishes beachhead, clearing

[ 22–26 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 157 ]

Target Hill, and is passed through by 1st Marines.

Gen Rupertus establishes CP ashore. Successful

secondary landings are made by reinf 2d Bn, 1st

Marines, at Tauali, SW of the airdrome, and by

elements of 2d Engr Special Brig on Long I. Night

counterattacks are repulsed. Japanese aircraft attack

the landing force, sinking 1 DD and damaging

other vessels. Japanese force reaches positions NW

of Arawe MLR.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, some elements of 36th Div

clear Morello Hill; others take responsibility for

Hill 730. Sammucro hills are now completely cleared

of enemy. In VI Corps area, 8th Rifle Regt of 2d

Moroccan Div attacks Mainarde ridge, N of Atina

road, unsuccessfully.

27 December

NEW BRITAIN—1st Mar Div expands Cape Gloucester beachhead despite torrential monsoon rainfall

and difficult terrain. 1st Marines drives 3 miles W

toward airfield without enemy interference. Co G of 158th Inf arrives at Arawe, where

Japanese are becoming aggressive, in response to

Gen Cunningham’s request for reinforcements.

BURMA—Brig Gen Lewis A. Pick opens military road to Shingbwiyang, in Hukawng Valley.

Commander of 3d Bn, 112th Inf, Ch 38th Div, is

killed and the bn is later withdrawn to main body.

65th Regt of Ch 22d Div, reinf, is given mission,

previously held by 3d Bn of 112th, of clearing Taro

Plain plus task of pushing back into Hukawng

Valley to threaten enemy’s flank.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, Fr troops gain positions on

slopes of Mainarde ridge.

USSR—In Vitebsk sector, Soviet forces cut

Polotsk–Vitebsk RR.

28 December

BOUGAINVILLE—Americal Div takes command

of E sector of beachhead, relieving 3d Mar Div.

NEW BRITAIN—Gen Krueger releases reserve—

5th Marines, reinf—to Gen Rupertus. 1st Marines

reduces prepared enemy trail block about 1,000

yards E of the airfield. Japanese attack on Arawe

beachhead is repulsed.

BURMA—Ch 38th Div, attacking with 1st and

2d Bns of 114th Regt and 1st Bn of 112th, clears

several enemy strongpoints along Tarung R.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s VI Corps area, French continue attack on

Mainarde ridge and overrun Hill 1190.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Germans are

finally cleared from Ortona.

[ 27–30 DECEMBER 1943 ]

USSR—Soviet forces take Korostyshev, important position E of Zhitomir.

29 December

NEW BRITAIN—1st Marines secures main objective, the airfield, at Cape Gloucester with singular ease. 5th Marines arrives to reinforce beachhead

and make wide sweep inland toward airfield to

block enemy withdrawal. Enemy makes another

unsuccessful counterattack on Arawe beachhead.

NEW GUINEA—TF MICHAELMAS issues formal

orders for invasion of Saidor. D Day is tentatively

set for 2 January.

BURMA—Continuing attack to clear Tarung R

line, Ch 38th Div eliminates another Japanese

strongpoint and forces enemy to break into small

groups.

NORTH AFRICA—AFHQ informs U.S. Seventh

Army planners of general objectives of ANVIL, projected invasion of S France.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, 9th Commando makes seaborne

raid just N of Garigliano R mouth to secure information for future operations. In II Corps area,

combat patrols of 36th Div enter S. Vittore but are

forced out. In VI Corps sector S of Atina road, Fr

forces seize 3 hills on E end of M. Monna Casale and

dig in.

USSR—Soviet forces overwhelm enemy at

Korosten and, to S, gain control of long stretch of

RR to point below Chernyakhov. Red Army troops

drive W along RR toward Sarny.

30 December

BOUGAINVILLE—First Piva airstrip is completed.

Fiji patrol, having advanced along Numa Numa

trail, establishes outposts near coast at Ibu village,

where it can observe enemy movements. Airstrip

for use of Piper Cubs is cleared there.

NEW BRITAIN—Cape Gloucester airdrome is declared secure; has been taken by Marines at very

light cost.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Martin learns officially that

D Day for invasion of Saidor will be 2 January.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 34th Div relieves battle-worn 36th

Div. RCT 142 is attached to 34th Div to garrison

positions on M. Sammucro. In VI Corps area, 180th

Inf of 45th Div attempts to clear hills astride S. Elia

road in region E of Acquafondata and succeeds in

getting elements on one, M. Rotondo.

USSR—Kazatin is overwhelmed by Soviet

forces.
[ 158 ]

31 December

NEW GUINEA—TF MICHAELMAS sails from Goodenough I. for Saidor.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, elements of 113th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, relieve 2d Bn of 112th in region

4 miles N of Yupbang Ga.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 6th Armd Inf of 1st Armd Div relieves 15th Inf of 3d Div on M. Lungo. In VI Corps

area, 180th Inf of 45th Div attempts in vain to clear

more hills E of Acquafondata.

USSR—Soviet forces recover Zhitomir as German garrison evacuates it. Vitebsk is almost encircled, but subsequent efforts of Red Army to take

it fail.

[ 31 DECEMBER 1943 ]
[ 159 ]

1944

1 January

NEW BRITAIN—Brig Gen Lemuel C. Shepherd,

ADC 1st Mar Div, issues first order to ADC Group,

calling for attack SW toward Borgen Bay on 2d.

ADC Group, as strengthened for the attack, consists

of 7th Marines, reinf by bn of 5th Marines, and

supporting units.

NEW IRELAND—U.S. carrier-based planes under

command of Adm Frederick C. Sherman attack

enemy shipping in Kavieng harbor.

NEW GUINEA—As Saidor assault force joins

DD escort in Oro Bay, Allied planes pound coastline

in Saidor area with over 200 tons of bombs.

CBI—Gen Stilwell creates an operations staff

for ZEBRA Force.

MTO—Gen Patton turns over command of

U.S. Seventh Army to Gen Clark. Gen Clark, who

also retains command of U.S. Fifth Army, is to

plan for Operation ANVIL. In accordance with

NATOUSA directive of 22 December, AAF units

are reorganized, effective this date: USAAF/NATO

becomes Army Air Forces, Mediterranean Theater

of Operations (AAF/MTO); XII Air Force Service Command becomes Army Air Forces Service

Command, MTO (AAFSC/MTO); II Air Service

Area Command becomes XV Air Force Service

Command; III Air Service Area Command becomes

XII Air Force Service Command; XII Air Force

Engineer Command (Prov) becomes AAFEC/

MTO. The new organization is approved in behalf

of Gen Eisenhower by Maj Gen Walter Bedell

Smith.

2 January

BOUGAINVILLE—182d Inf, Americal Div, relieves

21st Marines in line.

NEW BRITAIN—In Cape Gloucester area, Co E

of 5th Marines establishes physical contact with Mar

patrol from Green Beach at Dorf Pt. ADC Group

attacks toward Borgen Bay with 3 bns abreast, moving around 2d Bn, 7th Marines; is halted by enemy

strongpoint, which it partly envelops.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. Sixth Army’s TF MICHAELMAS (RCT 126, 32d Div, reinf) makes surprise

landing at Saidor under cover of smoke screen, and

captures harbor and airfield. Weather conditions

prevent aircraft from joining DD’s in preliminary

bombardment, but effective air strikes are made in

co-ordination with the landing. Aus troops driving

along Huon coast from Finschhafen occupy Sialum.

CBI—Maj Gen Daniel I. Sultan arrives at New

Delhi to act as Gen Stilwell’s deputy, freeing Stilwell

of administrative burdens.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander

orders U.S. Fifth Army to mount amphibious operation below Rome (SHINGLE) between 20 and 31

January; shortly before the assault landing at Anzio,

Fifth Army is to thrust sharply toward Cassino and

Frosinone; Eighth Army is to keep enemy pinned

down in its sector by exerting pressure and employing deceptive measures. Air preparation for Anzio

landing begins.

3 January

POA—U.S. Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51

under Adm Turner) issues Operation Plan A6-43

for assault on the Marshalls, specifying shipping to

be involved and giving pre-D–Day bombardment

plan.

NEW BRITAIN—1913th Aviation Engr Bn begins

work on Cape Gloucester airdrome. Japanese attack

Target Hill in early morning and are beaten back.

Attack of ADC Group halts at small stream, dubbed

Suicide Creek, NW of Target Hill. Efforts to bridge

the creek so that tanks can cross are unsuccessful.

CBI—To hasten clearing of Tanai R line, Gen

Stilwell promises commander of Ch 38th Div the

use of 3d Bn, 112th Regt, from reserve, provided

he takes Taihpa Gain 2 days.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, II Corps prepares for final phase of assault

on Winter Line, to begin on 5th. During night

3–4, 1st SSF, as preliminary for attack on M. Majo,

begins clearing ridge SE of this feature. French

Expeditionary Corps (FEC), under Gen Juin, takes

command of zone on N flank of Fifth Army as

U.S. VI Corps withdraws from line to participate

in amphibious assault on Anzio. 3d Algerian Div

begins relief of 45th Div.

USSR—Soviet forces take Olevsk, NW of Kiev;

press beyond there to achieve first crossing of prewar

frontier of Poland. Novograd Volyinsk falls, giving

Russians control of another rail line from Korosten.

4 January

NEW BRITAIN—After arty preparation, ADC

Group continues attack. Tanks cross improvised

ramp over Suicide Creek and support marines by

destroying enemy positions at point-blank range.
[ 160 ] [ 5–7 JANUARY 1944 ]

Assault force, now expanded to 4 bns, pushes southward without opposition to next phase line—N of

Hill 150 and Aogiri Ridge.

NEW IRELAND—Carrier-based aircraft of Adm

Frederick Sherman again attack Kavieng but find no

ships there.

NEW GUINEA—Extensive patrolling of Saidor area

is uneventful. Australians reach Cape King William,

16 miles SE of Sio.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 10 Corps area, in preparation for attack on Cedro

Hill, 138th Brig of 46th Div establishes bridgehead

across Peccia R, night 4–5, against strong opposition.

In II Corps area, 1st SSF gains positions on ridge

SE of M. Majo, overrunning Hill 775 and M.

Arcalone. Other elements of II Corps move forward

to line of departure for main offensive, overcoming

some opposition en route.

USSR—Belaya Tserkov, another enemy strongpoint SW of Kiev, falls to Red Army. Advance

continues toward Uman.

WESTERN EUROPE—U.S. planes begin flying

supplies, under code name CARPETBAGGER, from

United Kingdom to underground patriot forces in

Western Europe. Full-scale supply missions will

come to an end in September 1944

5 January

NEW BRITAIN—ADC Group remains in place

in Cape Gloucester area, patrolling and regrouping.

NEW GUINEA—Gap between U.S. and Aus

troops is narrowed to about 60 miles as Australians

reach Kelanoa. U.S. patrols meet opposition at Cape

Iris, W of Saidor.

BURMA—Ch 38th Div makes vain attempt to

clear last strongpoint remaining between it and

Tarung R.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army begins final assault on Winter Line. Br 10 Corps withdraws Peccia R bridgehead, since tanks are un-able

to cross river. M. Porchia, which dominates Cedro

Hill, is still held by enemy. In II Corps area, TF A

(6th Armd Inf, reinf) of 1st Armd Div

pushes toward M. Porchia, reaching N–S road in

front of it. 3d Bn, 135th Inf, jumping off night 4–5,

clears part of village strongpoints of S. Vittore. 1st

Bn, 135th, attacks toward La Chiaia, NW of S. Vittore, beginning night 4–5, but is stopped by fire

from S. Giusta. In conjunction with assault of 135th

Inf, 168th Inf begins move to outflank La Chiaia

and takes Hill 425. 1st SSF confines its activity to

probing M. Majo with patrols.

USSR—Red Army forces overrun Berdichev, rail

junction SW of Kiev.

U.K.—U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe

(USSAFE) is established in United Kingdom, under command of Gen Spaatz to co-ordinate operations of Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces. Official

abbreviation of this headquarters is changed on 4

February 1944 to USSTAF.

6 January

POA—COMCENPAC issues Operation Plan

No. Cen 1-44 for invasion of Marshall Is. 7th Div

FO 1 calls for occupation of Kwajalein in several

phases. Maj Gen Hubert R. Harmon takes command

of U. S. Thirteenth Air Force.

BOUGAINVILLE—Logistical situation improves

as Prov Service Command, activated on 15 December at New Caledonia, begins operations on

Bougainville.

NEW BRITAIN—ADC Group, renewing southward attack, clears Hill 150, S of Target Hill. Gen

Cunningham reports to Gen Krueger the presence

of enemy positions near Arawe beachhead.

NEW GUINEA—808th Aviation Engr Bn arrives

at Saidor.

CBI—Since remaining landing craft are recalled to the Mediterranean, Adm Mountbatten cancels PIGSTICK. Gen Sultan warns Gen Stilwell that

SEAC planners want to bypass Burma until Germany is defeated, then mount a major offensive

beginning with invasion of Sumatra. Gen Stilwell in

his capacity of Chief of Staff, China Theater, later

decides to seed a mission (Gen Boatner, Brig Gen

Benjamin G. Ferris, Col Francis Hill, and Col

Brink) to Washington to present his views.

BURMA—Brig Gen Frank D. Merrill is assigned

command of the GALAHAD force, whose designation

is made “unit.” Chinese make another unsuccessful

attempt to reduce enemy strongpoint on Tarung R.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, TF A of 1st Armd Div reaches

crest on N end of M. Porchia and holds firm against

counterattack. 135th Inf completes clearing S. Vittore

by 1700 and drives closer to La Chiaia. 168th Inf

continues outflanking movement to N, making slow

progress. 1st SSF is reinf by 2 bns of 133d Inf, 34th

Div, to temporarily continue operations as TF B.

TF B attacks toward M. Majo from M. Arcalone,

night 6–7. RCT 142 is detached from II Corps and

returns to 36th Div as reserve.

ETO—Gen Order No. I of USSAFE names

Maj Gen Frederick L. Anderson and Brig Gen

Hugh J. Knerr as deputy commanders for operations and administration, respectively.

7 January

JAPAN—Japanese Imperial General Headquarters authorizes Southern Army to secure positions in
[ 8–13 DECEMBER 1944 ] [ 161 ]

Imphal area of India when the opportunity presents

itself.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten drops plans for

CUDGEL, small operation in Arakan coastal sector

of Burma.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, M. Porchia falls to TF A of

1st Armd Div, making nearby Cedro Hill, in Br

to Corps zone, untenable for enemy. 135th Inf occupies M. La Chiaia and continues W, clearing Hill

224 and Cicerelli Hill, between M. La Chiaia and

Highway 6. 168th gains control of ridge NE of

La Chiaia, contributing to success of 135th Inf.

Right flank column of TF B, 1st SSF, takes M.

Majo early in day and holds it against series of

counterattacks while column on left attempts to

reduce Hill 1109, overlooking Cervaro, without

success.

USSR—Moscow announces breakthrough on

60-mile front in Kirovograd sector. Kirovograd is

practically surrounded.

8 January

U.S.—War Department Operations Division

planners decide that present positions in CBI should

be maintained and that airpower should be built up

so that CBI can support main offensive against

Japan to be made in the Pacific.

SOLOMON Is.—U.S. warships under command

of Adm Ainsworth bombard Shortlands, starting large

fires.

MTO—Gen Eisenhower turns over command of

Allied Forces in MTO to Gen Wilson. Gen Devers

takes command of NATOUSA.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 139th Brig of 46th Div

takes M. Cedro without opposition. In II Corps area,

TF B outflanks and captures Hill 1109. Enemy has

now been forced back to M. Trocchio and hills

above Cervaro to defend approaches to Liri Valley,

which leads to Rome.

USSR—Kirovograd, highway and rail center of

Dnieper bend, falls to Red Army. Germans are

reporting offensive in Zhlobin area.

9 January

BOUGAINVILLE—Americal Div continues relief of

3d Mar Div on Bougainville: 132d Inf enters line.

Second Piva airfield, called Piva Yoke, is completed.

NEW BRITAIN—ADC Group secures foothold on

Aogiri Ridge, W of Hill 150, which enemy has been

told to hold at all costs since it covers a good supply

route that they have constructed.

CBI—In Hukawng Valley, 112th and 113th

Regts of Ch 38th Div are converging on Taihpa Ga,

and 114th is active in jungle S of the Tanai. 3d Bn,

114th, begins lively action with enemy infiltrators

who have surrounded its supporting battery.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

15 Corps overruns Maungdaw on Arakan front.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army area, II Corps orders attack on 10th, 34th

Div making main effort, to secure Cervaro and M.

Trocchio, final Winter Line objectives. Last elements of U.S. 45th Div are relieved by 3d Algerian

Div, FEC.

10 January

NE W BRITAIN—ADC Group repels enemy

charges against Aogiri Ridge, beginning at 0115,

then continues attack southward toward Hill 660.

Arawe beachhead is being reinforced.

NEW GUINEA—Since enemy attack on Saidor is

expected, Gen Martin asks Gen Krueger for reinforcements and is granted BCT’s 1 and 3 of RCT

128.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 34th Div’s 168th Inf columns push

toward Cervaro across hills N of S. Vittore–Cervaro

road; 2d Bn of 135th, to left, advances NW from

La Chiaia to threaten Cervaro from S; TF B, on

right, heads toward Capraro Hill. Enemy strongly

resists all these thrusts.

USSR—Large enemy pocket N of Kirovograd

is eliminated.

11 January

NEW BRITAIN—ADC Group reaches next phase

line S of Aogiri Ridge and Hill 150.

NEW GUINEA—C–47’s start using Saidor airfield.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps closes in on Cervaro.

USSR—On central front, Russians announce

resumption of offensive in vicinity of highway

junction of Mozyr. Berlin has previously announced

this.

GERMANY—Strategic air offensive against German aircraft industry and the German Air Force

(POINTBLANK), in preparation for OVERLORD, begins.

663 heavy bombers are dispatched against plants at

Oschersleben, Halberstadt, and in Brunswick area.

Although extensive damage is done, aggressive

enemy fighters exact a high price. Total loss is 60

bombers.

12 January

U.S.—War Department planners in Washington, considering the matter of a new directive for

SEAC, reject CULVERIN—assault on Sumatra—and

favor opening of a land route to China.
[ 162 ] [ 13–15 JANUARY 1944 ]

Advance part of U.S. Third Army leaves Fort

Sam Houston, Texas, to embark for ETO.

SOLOMON Is.—Americal Div completes movement to Bougainville.

NE W BRITAIN—Arawe beachhead is now

strengthened by Co B, 1st Tank Bn, 1st Mar Div,

and Co F, 158th Inf.

AFHQ—U.S. Seventh Army planning group

under Brig Gen Garrison H. Davidson moves from

Sicily to Algiers to work on plans for ANVIL, invasion of S France. Planning headquarters for

ANVIL is designated Force 163.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Gen Alexander, CG,

directs U.S. Fifth Army to impose maximum losses

on enemy S of Rome and to clear Rome; advance to

general line Civitavecchia–Viterbo–Terni and later

to Pisa–Pistoia–Florence. Long-range objective of

Br Eighth Army is Faenza–Ravenna region. Importance of speed is stressed.

U.S. Fifth Army orders VI Corps (Gen Lucas) to

land in Anzio–Nettuno area at H Hour (0200) on

D Day (22 January) and drive on Colli Laziali. In II

Corps area, 2d Bn of 168th Inf, 34th Div, overruns

Cervaro; other units of the div continue to clear hills

near the town. On right flank of II Corps, TF B

reaches Capraro Hill. FEC, with 3d Algerian Div

on left and 2d Moroccan Div on right, opens drive

toward S. Elia and makes steady progress.

USSR—Russians envelop Sarny, in prewar

Poland, and take it from rear. Germans are counterattacking around Vinnitsa, SW of Kiev.

13 January

PACIFIC—CINCPAC-CINCPOA Campaign

Plan GRANITE outlines tentative operations to be conducted and timetable: carrier raid on Truk about 24

March in support of invasion of the Admiralties and

Kavieng; capture of Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls

in the Marshalls (CATCHPOLE), 1 May; capture of

Mortlock and Truk in the Carolines, 1 August; invasion of the Marianas (FORAGER), 1 November. If

Truk can be bypassed, it is proposed that the Palaus

be invaded on 1 August. 27th Div is alerted to prepare to seize Eniwetok.

NEW BRITAIN—ADC Group continues attack

toward Hill 660 with 3d Bn, 7th Marines, but is

pinned down short of objective. Arty and aerial

bombardment precede the attack. 864th Engr Aviation Bn arrives to help repair Cape Gloucester airdrome.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, Ch 38th Div

gains firm control of Tarung R line as 114th Regt

reduces the last strongpoint in Yupbang Ga area.

112th, to N, has cleared region between the Tarung

and Sanip Rivers. 1st Bn, 113th Regt, upon crossing

the Tarung at Yupbang Ga, patrols N to Tabawng

Ga.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div finishes

clearing heights overlooking Le Pastinelle and the

Rapido Plain. TF B (1st SSF and 133d Inf) is dissolved, having completed its mission; RCT 133

remains in position. 2d Bn of 135th Inf reduces

troublesome strongpoint (Pt 189) S of Cervaro. II

Corps is now in position for assault on last hill

barring access to the Rapido, M. Trocchio.

BOUGAINVILLE—Arty units of Americal Div begin relieving those of 3d Mar Div.

14 January

U.S.—President Roosevelt, in message to

Chiang Kai-shek of this date, delivered on 15th,

asks that Yunnan forces be committed in Burma in

conjunction with operations from India; hints that

if they are not, lend-lease to China may be curtailed.

NEW BRITAIN—3d Bn, 7th Marines, drives to

top of Hill 660, final objective of ADC Group.

USSR—Breaking through enemy positions on

broad front, Soviet forces take Mozyr and Kalinkovichi; during next few days deepen the salient.

15 January

U.S.—War Department abolishes Central Defense Command and transfers its functions to

Eastern Defense Command.

NEW BRITAIN—Relief of ADC Group is begun.

NEW GUINEA—Elements of Aus 9th Div reach

Sio, on N coast of Huon Peninsula.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, 1st Bn of 113th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, followed by 3d, reaches Kaduja

Ga; 2d Bn is in reserve at Yupbang Ga. 3d Bn of

114th Inf is reinf by 2d Bn of same regt.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

successfully concludes operations against Winter

Line with capture by II Corps of M. Trocchio; is

now confronted by Gustav Line, which follows the

Garigliano, Gari, and Rapido Rivers to Cassino and

continues to Br Eighth Army boundary along hills

above Cassino. U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 10 Corps prepares for assault across lower Garigliano. 5th Div

moves quietly forward, night 15–16. II Corps overruns M. Trocchio without a fight, Germans having

withdrawn main forces across the Rapido. 135th Inf,

34th Div, takes this last height before the Rapido

while 168th Inf on right and 141st Inf, 36th Div

(which has relieved 6th Armd Inf on M. Porchia),

on left keep pace. In FEC area, Germans abandon

S. Elia, corps’ objective.

USSR—Troops of Leningrad Front, having quietly concentrated W of Leningrad, open power-
[ 16–21 JANUARY 1944 ] [ 163 ]

ful offensive for that city on northern front. Other

Red Army forces begin assault on Novgorod from S.

ETO-COSSAC is redesignated Supreme

Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force

(SHAEF).

16 January

BOUGAINVILLE—3d Mar Div completes withdrawal from island.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese make their last counterattack in W New Britain, a futile and costly

effort to recover Hill 660. Relief of ADC Group

continues. 2d Bn of 158th Inf, with tank support,

attacks to reduce enemy positions near Arawe perimeter after air and arty preparation, gaining 1,500

yards.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, replying to President Roosevelt’s message, threatens to

discontinue supplying food and housing for U.S.

forces in China after 1 March 1944 unless he is

granted the previously requested billion-dollar loan

or unless the U.S. will finance the Cheng-tu project

at the exchange rate of 20 to 1. This arouses sharp

criticism in Washington. Adm Mountbatten, in

letter to Gen Marshall, offers to provide Br troops

to lead Chinese Army in India, but Gen Stilwell

prefers and eventually secures operational control of

GALAHAD.

In Hukawng Valley of Burma, 3d Bn of 114th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, crosses the Sanip but is halted

by enemy pocket near junction of Tanai and Tarung

Rivers. 112th Regt secures Gum Ga; subsequently

pushes on to Warang, where it halts.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps is ordered to make main effort toward

Anzio.

ETO—Gen Eisenhower takes over post of

Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force.

17 January

NEW BRITAIN—Enemy positions in Arawe area

are mopped up.

BURMA—In Hukawng Valley, 113th Regt of

Ch 38th Div bypasses enemy position on Brangbram

Stream, leaving company to contain the position,

and heads for Taihpa Ga, advancing very cautiously.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, VI Corps concludes brief but strenuous amphibious training program for SHINGLE with rehearsal, called WEBFOOT, from 17th to 19th on

beaches S of Salerno. Br 10 Corps opens Operation

PANTHER, assault across the Garigliano, at 2100.

5th and 56th Divs, latter on right, cross in several

columns and at first make good progress.

ETO—Reorganization of ETOUSA SOS into

a single headquarters is announced.

18 January

ETO—Gen Eisenhower gives USSAFE administrative responsibility for all U.S. Army air forces

in the United Kingdom.

19 January

NEW BRITAIN—Extensive program of patrolling is begun in W New Britain in effort to regain

contact with Japanese and secure W part of the

island to line Borgen Bay–Itni R.

NEW GUINEA—Saidor beachhead is by now

reinf with most of RCT 128.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Hq is redesignated

Hq, Allied Central Mediterranean Force (ACMF).

In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 10 Corps area, 5th and

56th Divs enlarge bridgehead across the Garigliano.

5th Div gains Minturno and 56th is approaching

Castelforte.

USSR—Soviet forces of Leningrad Front seize

Novgorod.

20 January

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 10

Corps continues to expand bridgehead across the

Garigliano, 5th Div gaining heights overlooking

Capo d’Acqua Creek on coast. 201st Gds Brig is

withdrawn from reserve to attack M. Scauri and concentrates S of Minturno. II Corps’ 36th Div, with

close air and arty support, begins assault across the

Rapido in S. Angelo area with 141st and 143d Regts

in evening and meets intense opposition. 34th Div

makes diversionary thrust toward Cassino.

USSR—Soviet troops advancing SW from Pulkovo and SE from Oranienbaum join, encircling

enemy and sealing off corridor to Gulf of Finland.

ETO—Gen Spaatz takes responsibility for all

U.S. Army air forces in United Kingdom in accordance with order of Gen Eisenhower of 18th.

21 January

BURMA—Gen Stilwell decides to drive an armored spearhead, followed by infantry, down

Kamaing Road to Walawbum. 113th Regt of Ch

38th Div reaches Ningru Ga, less than a mile from

Taihpa Ga.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps begins uneventful voyage from Naples area

toward Anzio. To deceive enemy, naval forces bombard Civitavecchia and feint landings there. In Br

10 Corps area, Germans, having brought up reinforcements, begin series of strong counterattacks

against Garigliano bridgehead, which extends from

the river to Hill 413 and thence to Salvatito Hill.

II Corps’ 36th Div, which has gained a weak hold on

far bank of the Rapido during night 20–21, attempts
[ 164 ] [ 22–24 JANUARY 1944 ]

to expand and strengthen bridgehead against continued severe opposition. 1st Bn, 141st Inf, holds

bridgehead across the river but is out of contact with

main body, which retires to assembly areas. 1st Bn,

143d, which crossed, night 20–21, withdraws under

heavy fire to E bank. Renewing attack at 1600, 3d

Bn of 143d Inf succeeds in crossing S of S. Angelo

and 2d Bn starts across during night 21–22.

USSR—Soviet troops capture rail junction of

Mga, SE of Leningrad.

ETO—OVERLORD Is. discussed during first meeting of Gen Eisenhower with his commanders at

Norfolk House, London.

22 January

POA—Main body of GALVANIC assault force, the

largest U.S. force to be assembled in the Pacific

thus far, sails for the Marshalls. Enemy interception

of land-based planes over Kwajalein ceases.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Preinvasion air attacks begin

with B–25 strike on shipping off the coast. Photo

planes obtain photographs of Lorengau and Momote.

ITALY—ACMF: After brief, intense rocket bombardment of beaches, U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

begins 3 simultaneous landings in Anzio area at

0200, completely surprising enemy, who offers but

feeble resistance. Assault forces reach preliminary

objectives by noon and continue toward initial

beachhead line, some 7 miles inland. On right, 3d

Div lands on X-Ray beaches E of Nettuno and seizes

all crossings on Mussolini Canal; hard fighting develops along the canal during night as enemy reinforcements arrive, and Germans regain most of the

bridges. In center, 6615th Ranger Force (Prov)—3

Ranger bns plus 83d Chemical Bn and 509th Para

Inf Bn—lands near Anzio port; seizes it intact and

Nettuno as well. On left, 2d Brig Gp of Br 1st Div

and 2d Special Service Brig (9th and 43d Cdos)

land 6 miles NW of Anzio on Peter Beach to block

main road from Anzio to Albano. Allied planes

provide close support for landings. Enemy aircraft

make ineffective attacks. Br 10 Corps continues to

meet strong enemy counterattacks against Garigliano

bridgehead and loses M. Natale. Particularly hard,

indecisive fighting occurs N of Tufo. In II Corps

area, 36th Div continues losing battle for Rapido

bridgehead, abandoning it under heavy pressure.

The div suffers heavy casualties in this futile attempt

to force the Rapido.

USSR—Germans announce frustration of Soviet

attacks in Vitebsk sector. Red Army troops have

almost encircled Vitebsk.

23 January

POA—Attack Force Reserve for GALVANIC and

Majuro Attack Group sail for target.

NEW GUINEA—Australians of 18th Brig, 7th

Div, helped materially by recent heavy attacks of

Third Air Task Force, gain control of Shaggy

Ridge, 6 miles N of Dumpu in Ramu Valley. This

victory plus that at Saidor gives Allied forces control of Huon Peninsula. Japanese withdrawing to

Madang are subjected to air attacks.

ALGERIA—AFHQ orders ANVIL planners to assume that 3 U.S. divs will be employed in invasion

of S France.

ITALY—ACME: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps expands beachhead with little difficulty except on right flank, where 3d Div continues battle

for Mussolini Canal bridges. Enemy planes make

strong effort against the beachhead. Br 10 Corps

withstands further enemy efforts to reduce the

Garigliano bridgehead and falls back slightly in

Minturno area. II Corps prepares for another assault

across the Rapido, this time by 34th Div. FEC recovers M. S. Croce and is ordered to turn SW

toward Terelle and Piedimonte as preparations are

made to envelop Cassino from N.

USSR—Moscow announces that rains have

halted Soviet offensive in Vitebsk area.

U.K.—Gen Eisenhower proposes to CCS that

OVERLORD be mounted in greater strength and in a

wider zone than originally planned; that airborne

forces be used in the Cotentin instead of at Caen.

He also recommends that target date of 1 May be

postponed a month, largely because of shortage of

assault craft; for the same reason he recommends

that the ANVIL assault force be limited to one div.

24 January

ALGERIA—ANVIL planners learn that assault

force for invasion of S France will contain but one

U.S. div.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps reaches initial beachhead line, where main

body pauses to consolidate and await reinforcements.

On left flank, 2d Brig of Br 1st Div advances to

Moletta R line. On right flank, 504th Para Inf

secures rest of bridges along main Mussolini Canal

after relieving 3d Rcn Tr there. Ranger Force relieves 7th Inf ( — 3d Bn) in quiet left sector of 3d

Div front. 15th and 30th Regts, 3d Div, are disposed

along W branch of canal facing Cisterna. In preparation for drive on intermediate objectives of

Campoleone and Cisterna, Br 1st Div probes toward

former and 3d Div toward latter. 2d Special Service

Brig (9th, 10th, and 43d Cdos) is withdrawn from

Anzio to Br 10 Corps zone. Enemy aircraft again

attack bridgehead strongly. In Br 10 Corps area,

after a last counterattack against Garigliano bridgehead, enemy goes on the defensive, having gained

M. Rotondo (Hill 342), N slopes of Hill 413, and
[ 25–27 JANUARY 1944 ] [ 165 ]

Castelforte at great cost. In II Corps area, after

30-minute arty preparation, 133d Inf of 34th Div

attacks, night 24–25, to secure bridgehead across

the Rapido N of Cassino; elements reach river line

but are unable to cross. FEC completes preparations

for attack on N flank of southern front.

GERMANY—Berlin announces fresh Soviet offensive in Kirovograd area of the Dnieper bend.

25 January

U.S.—U.S. Third Army is relieved at Fort

Houston, Texas, by U.S. Fourth Army at midnight

25–26.

BURMA—65th Regt, Ch 22d Div, whose mission

is to clear Taro Plain (a responsibility previously

held by 3d Bn of 112th Regt, Ch 38th Div) and then

push eastward into Hukawng Valley, has encircled

and eliminated enemy force during 23–24 January;

323 enemy dead are counted in gorge where the

Tanai enters the Taro Plain.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div attacks with 1st Bn of 30th Inf up

Campomorto–Cisterna road and with 2d Bn of 15th

up Conca–Cisterna road until stopped by enemy

strongpoints. As a diversion, 504th Para Inf attacks

across Mussolini Canal toward Littoria and retires

after dark. On left flank of VI Corps, Br 1st Div

makes limited attack for Aprilia, called the Factory,

N of Carroceto, and clears it. In II Corps area, 133d

Inf of 34th Div continues efforts to establish bridgehead across the Rapido N of Cassino and gets all 3

bns to W bank. Bypassing M. Cifalco, 4th Tunisian

Inf, FEC, secures Le Propaia and advances to foot

of Belvedere Hill. Enemy recovers part of Le

Propaia in counterattack.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps assumes command of Cdn 5th Armd Div.

USSR—Red Army troops SW of Leningrad

capture Krasnogvardeisk rail junction.

26 January

ARGENTINA—Severs relations with Germany and

Japan.

MARSHALL Is.—B–25 strike on Maloelap, for the

first time with fighter escort, destroys most of enemy

air strength there.

CHINA—U.S. Ambassador to China, Clarence E.

Gauss, delivers President Roosevelt’s reply to Chiang

Kai-shek. Roosevelt’s reply proposes that a Chinese

representative discuss exchange rate with Treasury

officials in Washington and states that U.S. expenditures in China, beginning 1 March 1944, will be

limited to U.S. $25,000,000 a month. In letter to

President Roosevelt, Gen Chennault proposes that

B–29’s, under Fourteenth Air Force command, be

used against industrial targets in Japan after air

supremacy has been established in China and

enemy’s ocean shipping has been pounded; then,

Japanese Army installations in China, Formosa, and

Hainan should be attacked. Chennault warns Gen

Arnold that B–29 operations from Cheng-tu area

would be costly and suggests that all air forces in

China be under control of commander of air forces

in China.

BURMA—65th Regt, Ch 22d Div, reaches Ahawk

Stream. The Ahawk Trail along this stream is the

shortest route from Taro to the Hukawng Valley.

ITALY—ACMF: Continuing limited attacks toward Cisterna in U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area,

3d Div reduces strongpoint near Ponte Rotto. Br

1st Div repels strong enemy counterattack against

the Factory. Br 10 Corps completes regrouping to

renew offensive. 46th Div is committed E of Castelforte, shortening line of 56th Div. In II Corps area,

advance elements of 133d Inf, 34th Div, reach edge

of Hill 213 against strong opposition but at nightfall

fall back to W bank of the Rapido. At 0330, 1st Bn

of 135th Inf crosses one co over the Rapido just N

of Cassino and presses to edge of town; after daybreak joins elements of 133d Inf in unsuccessful attack against Pt 225, between Cassino and the

barracks. RCT 142, 36th Div, is attached to 34th

Div to assist French in operations to N. In FEC

area, 4th Tunisian Inf, 3d Algerian Div, seizes Belvedere Hill and Abate Hill; 3d Algerian Inf drives

enemy from Le Propaia.

27 January

YUGOSLAVIA—Allied commando party successfully raids Hvar, night 27–28.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div, after another futile attempt to reach

Cisterna, breaks off attack to regroup for a stronger

push. Br 1st Div makes slow progress N of the

Factory on left flank of corps. Br 10 Corps renews

attack to expand Garigliano bridgehead. 46th Div

presses toward M. Jugo and 5th Div toward M.

Natale. Enemy resists vigorously. In II Corps area,

after hour-long arty preparation, 168th Inf and 756th

Tank Bn attack through bridgehead of 133d Inf,

34th Div. A few tanks cross with great difficulty

and clear lanes for infantry. 1st and 3d Bns, former

on left, then cross under heavy fire and drive to

vicinity of Hills 56 and 213. After nightfall 3d Bn

withdraws to river and moves N along it to cross

500 yards upstream. In FEC area, 3d Algerian Div

loses Abate Hill and Hill 700 to SE during strong

counterattack but retains Belvedere Hill.

USSR—Red Army units gain ground in Leningrad area. Enemy is cleared from RR between Tosno

and Lyuban, and Tosno is overrun.
[ 166 ] [ 28–30 JANUARY 1944 ]

28 January

BURMA—65th Regt, Ch 22d Div, crosses Ahawk

Stream.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, assault elements of Br 1st Div reach positions

11/2 miles N of the Factory, then halt to regroup for

assault on Campoleone. Br 10 Corps continues

struggle to expand Garigliano bridgehead. In II

Corps area, 1st Bn of 168th Inf, 34th Div, after

getting a few men to Hill 213, falls back to river.

By dawn, 3d Bn has small bridgehead across the

Rapido near Cairo. In FEC area, 3d Algerian Div

repels determined counterattacks between Belvedere

Hill and Le Propaia.

USSR—Red Army forces moving down Leningrad–Moscow RR capture Lyuban and drive on

toward Chudovo.

ETO—Lt Gen Omar N. Bradley succeeds Lt

Gen George Grunert as commander of First U.S.

Army.

29 January

U.S.—In order to improve Calcutta–Assam

LOC, now in Br civilian hands, Gen Marshall suggests to President Roosevelt that the LOC be placed

under Anglo-American military control and that

the President write Prime Minister Churchill on this

matter. President Roosevelt agrees and urges

Churchill to intervene personally.

NEW GUINEA—863d Aviation Engr Bn arrives

at Saidor.

MARSHALL Is.—As invasion forces approach the

Marshalls, carrier planes and naval vessels join in

final neutralization program, supplementing action

of land-based planes that has been in progress for

some time. Carrier aircraft of Adm Mitscher’s TF

58 thoroughly cover airfields and other targets on

Kwajalein Atoll; completely neutralize Taroa airfield on Maloelap Atoll; make repeated attacks on

Wotje airfield. These strikes are followed by naval

bombardment by TF 58 warships. In addition, the

neutralization group (TG 50.15) bombards Wotje

and Maloelap. Land-based planes concentrate on

Roi-Namur and Kwajalein Islands in Kwajalein

Atoll and attack targets on Wotje, Maloelap, Jaluit,

and Mille Atolls.

CBI—5303d Hq, commanding service units

supporting the Chinese, becomes an “area command.”

In Burma, Gen Stilwell’s plan to block road leading from Kamaing to enemy positions along the

Tanai goes astray as 1st Bn, 114th Regt, Ch 38th

Div, upon arriving at front, is ordered by div CG to

clear Japanese from river bank instead. 3d Bn of

114th Regt is withdrawn for rest.

YUGOSLAVIA—Allied base for coastal craft is

established at Vis, already the chief base for supplying Tito’s forces.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps regroups in preparation for strong assault on

Campoleone and Cisterna, immediate objectives before Colli Laziali. AA cruiser HMS Spartan and a

Liberty ship are sunk during heavy enemy air attack. In Br 10 Corps area, 138th Brig, on right flank

of 46th Div, reaches M. Jugo. 56th Div makes unsuccessful attack on Hill 413. In II Corps area, 168th

Inf of 34th Div is strongly reinf by tanks, arty, and

engineers as it renews attempts to take Hills 56 and

213 and saddle between them. Tanks, using alternate

route, cross the Rapido in force, permitting all 3 bns

of 168th Inf to advance rapidly to objectives, which

are overrun before dawn of 30th. In FEC area, 2d Bn

of 142d Inf arrives at Belvedere Hill.

USSR—With fall of Chudovo on Leningrad

front, Leningrad–Moscow rail line is cleared of

enemy. Germans announce their withdrawal from

Smela, in the Dnieper bend. Red Army launches

co-ordinated assault by troops of First and Second

Ukrainian Fronts against faces of salient held by

German 8th Army in the Ukraine.

GERMANY—In the largest U.S. air strike to date,

over 800 heavy bombers of Eighth Air Force attack

industrial center of Frankfurt am Main, using radar.

30 January

MARSHALL Is.—Carrier planes of TF 58 continue neutralization of the Marshalls, attacking

Eniwetok Atoll, where 19 planes are destroyed on

the ground, in addition to targets on Kwajalein,

Wotje, and Maloelap Atolls. Immediate objectives

on Kwajalein Atoll—Roi-Namur and Kwajalein

Islands—are pounded during 400 sorties and subjected to naval bombardment of surface vessels for

4 hours. Assault forces arrive at target after nightfall; accompanying DD’s and cruisers turn aside en

route to objective in order to bombard Maloelap and

Wotje. Rear Adm Harry W. Hill’s Majuro Attack

Group (TG 51.2), consisting of reinforced 2d Bn

of 106th Inf, 27th Div, and VAC Rcn Co, begins

invasion of Majuro Atoll, which is to become an

advance naval base, night 30–31. Scouts of VAC

Rcn Tr makes unopposed landings on Calalin and

Dadap Islands in the atoll.

NEW BRITAIN—Cape Gloucester airfield is ready

for use.

CBI—GO 13, Hq USAF CBI, directs that XX

BC be under command of Gen Stilwell, on whose

behalf Gen Stratemeyer will exercise control. In

Burma, 65th Regt, Ch 22d Div, gains control of

Taro Plain; overruns Taro.
[ 167 ]

ITALY—ACMF: U.S. Fifteenth Air Force, with

dual purpose of destroying German airpower and

assisting Allied troops, attacks targets in Po Valley

so successfully that German Air Force in the future

sharply curtails opposition to strategic bombing during daylight.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps launches major

offensive toward Colli Laziali, forestalling planned

enemy counterattack to reduce Anzio beachhead.

On left, Br 1st Div and 1st Armd Div make main

effort up Albano road. After sharp action, beginning night 29–30, of 24th Gds Brig to secure line of

departure for 3d Brig, 3d Brig jumps off in afternoon and takes heights just S of Campoleone overpass. 1st Armd Div moves left of Albano road to

attack Colli Laziali from W. On right flank of VI

Corps, 1st and 3d Ranger Bns spearhead attack of

3d Div toward Cisterna, moving forward quietly,

night 29–30; spotted by Germans at dawn, Rangers

are ambushed and virtually destroyed within 800

yards of Cisterna. Meanwhile, efforts of 4th Ranger

Bn and 3d Div to relieve the ambushed Rangers are

costly and futile. 504th Para Inf makes diversionary

attack along Mussolini Canal but stops short of

Highway 7. In Br 10 Corps area, 17th Brig of 5th

Div takes M. Natale. In 11 Corps area, 168th Inf of

34th Div repels strong enemy counterattacks W of

the Rapido. In FEC area, 2d Bn of 142d Inf, U.S.

36th Div, begins attack toward Manna Farm.

U.K.—Prime Minister Churchill promises

President Roosevelt that he will investigate the matter of the Calcutta–Assam LOC.

31 January

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—Under over-all command

of Fifth Fleet (TF 50) commander, Adm Spruance,

U.S. Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51, commanded

by Adm Turner) invades Marshalls at Kwajalein

Atoll, opening Operation FLINTLOCK. Air, naval,

and ground operations are well co-ordinated. Little

opposition is met and U.S. casualties are extremely

light. Underwater demolition team is employed for

first time in the Pacific to explore beaches at W end

of Kwajalein I. Southern Attack Force (TF 52, also

under Adm Turner) invades S Kwajalein Atoll. Preliminary operations begin early in morning. Provisional units attached to RCT 17, 7th Div, secure

channel for entry of shipping into lagoon with occupation of Cecil (Ninni) and Carter (Gea), small

islets NW of Kwajalein I. Reconnaissance elements

and part of Co B, 111th Inf, take Cecil without opposition by 1235 after having landed earlier by mistake on Chauncey (Gehh), where some infantrymen

are left to contain enemy. Troops of another provisional force from 7th Div manage to land on

Carter at 0620 and overcome opposition by 0930.

After preparatory air and naval bombardment,

RCT 17 begins invasion of Carlos (Ennylabegan) and

Carlson (Enubuj) at 0910, 40 minutes behind

schedule. BLT 1 occupies Carlos and BLT 2, Carlson, with little trouble. Arty is put ashore on Carlson and registered on next objectives, Kwajalein I.,

(Porcelain) and Burton (Ebeye). Northern Attack

Force (TF 53 under Rear Adm Richard L. Conolly) invades N Kwajalein. 4th Mar Div opens

operations with preliminary landings by 25th

Marines, reinf, on islands adjacent to main objective, twin islands of Roi-Namur (BurlesqueCamouflage), in order to secure safe passage for

naval vessels into lagoon and for arty sites. 1st Bn,

25th Marines, quickly quells token resistance on

Ivan (Mellu) and Jacob (Ennuebing), SW of Roi,

during morning, making Jacob Pass available for

shipping. In afternoon, 3d Bn, 25th Marines, takes

Albert (Ennumennet), and 2d Bn seizes Allen (Ennubirr), SE of Namur, with ease. 3d Bn then proceeds to Ennugarrett (Abraham) and occupies it.

Arty is brought ashore and registered on RoiNamur.

MAJURO ATOLL—Atoll is secured without a

fight as VAC scouts complete uneventful reconnaissance.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, superior enemy forces bar 3d Div from Cisterna. Br 1st Div and 1st Armd Div are stubbornly

opposed from Campoleone area. Attack up Albano

road halts upon VI Corps order at night. In Br 10

Corps area, 138th Brig of 46th Div reaches M. Purgatorio. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div seizes

Cairo village and repels further counterattacks. 133d

begins clearing barracks area N of Cassino. In FEC

area, 2d Bn of 142d Inf, U.S. 36th Div, overruns

Manna Farm. French recapture Abate Hill.

1 February

U.S.—CCS agree to postpone the cross-Channel

assault about a month, the exact date to depend upon

weather conditions during early days of June.

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—Troops of VAC open attack for main objectives. The generally light opposition met is a tribute to the effectiveness of preliminary bombardment by naval vessels, aircraft, and

arty, which was closely integrated and overwhelming. In Southern Landing Force area, 7th Div invades Kwajalein I., at S bend of the atoll, advance

elements touching down at 0930. BLT’s 184-3 and

32-1 land abreast, former on N, on Beaches Red 1

and 2 at W end of island and quickly secure beaches.

In zone of 184th Inf enemy clings to ruins of his

main beach defenses along lagoon shore. Both teams

move steadily eastward to N–S Wilma Road, which

connects coastal roads Will on N and Wallace on S.

[ 31 JANUARY–1 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 168 ]

BLT 32-2 attacks through BLT 32-1 in afternoon.

By end of day 7th Div holds about a third of island,

including W edge of airfield. Gen Corlett, 7th Div

CG, lands on Carlson and takes command ashore.

U.S. forces are withdrawn from Chauncey, infantry

elements to Cecil and 7th Rcn Tr aboard the Overton. A few naval troops are left to guard barges.

In Northern Landing Force area, 4th Mar Div lands

2 BLT’s of RCT 23 on S shore of Roi and similar

force from RCT 24 on S shore of Namur. Assault

hour, set for 1000, is delayed because of boating

difficulties, and landings actually occur between 1145

and noon. On Roi, which airfield largely covers,

stunned and disorganized Japanese offer no effective

resistance as RCT 23 speeds to N coast and clears

island except for small pocket in center of airfield.

RCT 24 is less fortunate on Namur, where thick

vegetation and many buildings provide concealment

for enemy. BLT’s 2 and 3 push N abreast, 2d on

right, meeting considerable opposition as Japanese

rally from preliminary bombardment. BLT 2 suffers

more than 50% of its casualties from powerful explosions of a blockhouse containing ammunition.

Reinf by reserves from BLT 1 and tanks from RCT

23, RCT 24 reaches line extending from initial objective (O–1) on eastern shore to positions 175 yards

N of O–1 on W flank. Landing Force Commander

establishes CP on Namur. Enemy infiltration attempts, night 2–3, culminate in counterattack by

about 100 at dawn, but attack is repelled in close

combat.

BURMA—5303d hq, previously designated “area

command,” is redesignated Northern Combat Area

Command (NCAC). The term “combat” is included to permit Gen Stilwell to retain command,

since SEAC controls forces in line of communications areas. Gen Boatner heads NCAC. All Allied

units, upon entering N Burma, are to be attached

or assigned to NCAC, except for GALAHAD Force,

which on arrival is attached to CAI and later assigned to NCAC. British hq in N Burma, Fort

Hertz area, under Brig John F. Bowerman, is attached to NCAC. Engineers begin construction of

permanent road in Hukawng Valley and combat

road to support Ch divs. The combat road is to

consist of improved Kamaing Road plus Kachin and

Naga trails and is to run through Shingbwiyang,

Yupbang Ga, Taihpa Ga, Maingkwan, and Tinghawk Sakan. During period 30 January–1 February,

3d Bn of 113th Regt, Ch 38th Div, moves through

Taihpa Ga to attack enemy strongpoint in that area.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div, after another futile attempt to reach

Cisterna in morning, breaks off attack and digs in

to meet expected enemy counterattack. Entire VI

Corps is now on the defensive. Enemy build-up

presages imminent counteroffensive to drive corps

back into the sea. Gen Clark confers with Gen Alexander. By this time 45th Div and 1st Armd Div (

— CCB) are ashore. Br 10 Corps continues efforts

to expand Garigliano bridgehead against stubborn

opposition. In II Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div

attacks toward Castellone and Majola Hill with fire

support of 168th from Hills 56 and 213 and reaches

top of both objectives. Enemy counterattacks vigorously in region from Manna Farm to Hill 706.

USSR—Red Army troops approaching Estonian

border capture Kingisepp, last Russian station on

RR to Narva.

ETO—Initial Joint Plan, NEPTUNE (formulated by air, ground, and naval planners) for invasion of Normandy is issued. The code name

NEPTUNE is more restricted in its connotation than

the term OVERLORD; NEPTUNE applies only to movement across the Channel, seizure of a beachhead in

Normandy, and the Normandy area.

2 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—In Southern Landing

Force campaign, 7th Div meets increased resistance,

which planes, arty, and naval gunfire help to neutralize as the division continues clearing Kwajalein.

2d Bn, 184th Inf, passing through 3d, advances along

lagoon side of island on left while 2d Bn of 32d Inf

continues attack on ocean side. Overwhelming

enemy strongpoints, both assault forces soon reach

Carl Road, which crosses island at E end of airfield.

As advance continues toward next cross-island road,

Nora, some 300 yards ahead, 3d Bn, 32d Inf, attacking through 2d Bn, crosses tank ditch and clears

strongpoint, called Corn. Although forward elements of division get well beyond Nora Road, line

is organized for night short of it, 3d Bn of 32d Inf

taking up positions in Corn Strong Point and 2d

Bn of 184th on line 75–100 yards NE of Carl Road.

Elements of 7th Rcn Tr land on Chauncey, where

enemy is becoming aggressive, and clear it during

sharp fire fight. Japanese dead total 125. In preparation for invasion of Burton, island is searched from

DD and seaplane and pounded by arty and naval

gunfire. In Northern Landing Force campaign, 4th

Mar Div completes mop up of Roi and capture of

Namur; begins search of remaining islands of N

half of Kwajalein Atoll. On Namur RCT 24, with

tank support, attacks with BLT 3 on left and BLT

1 on right. Organized resistance ceases by 1215, ending battle for S Kwajalein except for mopping

up. Maj Gen Harry Schmidt, 4th Mar Div CG, announces end of organized resistance on Namur at

1418. RCT 25 is given task of securing other islands

of N half of Kwajalein Atoll and begins uneventful

search for enemy.

[ 2 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 169 ]

SWPA—U.S. Sixth Army hq moves from Australia to Cape Cretin, New Guinea.

CBI—Replying to President Roosevelt’s message of 26 January, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek

reports that he has discussed the exchange rate,

Chinese offering 30 to 1, with the Minister of

Finance and reiterates offer to move Yunnan troops

to Burma when large-scale amphibious operation

can be undertaken.

ITALY—ACMF: Gen Clark, CG U.S. Fifth

Army, orders Gen Lucas, CG VI Corps, to consolidate beachhead and prepare for defense. In Br

10 Corps area, 2d Special Service Brig fails in effort

to take M. Faito. In II Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th

Div presses southward toward Highway 6, 2d Bn

crossing Hill 445 and pushing on toward Hill 593

while 1st Bn clears Hill 324 to E. 3d Bn of 168th Inf

is committed because of counterattacks on 2d Bn. 1st

Bn of 142d Inf, 36th Div, takes responsibility for

M. Castellone. 133d Inf finishes clearing barracks

area N of Cassino and attacks S with tank support

to N end of Cassino but withdraws about 1,000

yards after nightfall.

USSR—In the Ukraine, Soviet forces attack

German 6th Army on 60-mile front W of the

Dnieper. First Estonian village falls to other Soviet

forces. Stalin agrees to provide 6 bases for U.S.

Planes in USSR.

3 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—Adm Hill arrives by plane

from Majuro to take part in formal planning for

invasion of Eniwetok with forces previously allocated as reserves for Kwajalein. Planning continues

until the expeditionary force sails on 15th. In Southern Landing Force campaign, 7th Div attacks to

clear rest of Kwajalein I., with Nathan Road (E–W

road opposite Nob Pier) as immediate objective;

assault forces encounter dense construction and must

destroy blockhouses and concrete positions in detail.

1st Bn of 184th Inf advances on lagoon side, 3d Bn

of 32d Inf attacks on ocean side. Beyond Nora Road;

frontal attacks prove so costly, particularly in 184th

Inf’s zone where Co B is virtually halted along

lagoon at W edge of built-up Admiralty area, that

plan of attack is changed. 1st Bn, 184th, swings left

to lagoon shore while 2d attacks through its right

flank toward Nathan Road, forcing exposed salient

into enemy positions. 3d Bn, 32d Inf, assisted by

1st Bn, continues toward Nathan Road, advance

elements getting to within 100 yards of it. Numerous

enemy pockets have been bypassed. Enemy counterattacks are repulsed during night. After effective

naval gunfire, arty, and carrier aircraft bombardment that eliminates enemy opposition, 1st Bn of

17th Inf, 7th Div, invades Burton, 2 cos going

ashore abreast (Co A on right; Co C on left) on

S part of lagoon beach at 0935. After crossing S end

of island, 1st Bn drives N supported by amphibian

tractors and later by light and medium tanks. Opposition develops about an hour after the landing,

particularly on left where Co B passes through Co C

shortly before 1700. By 1900, forward elements halt

for night on line that crosses island just S of Bailey

Pier, a concrete structure extending into lagoon

about midway up the island. 3d Bn, upon landing,

takes responsibility for rear area. Illumination

throughout night and fire of supporting arms help

prevent enemy counterattacks. Amphibious tank

detachments sent to Buster and Byron, islets (no

known native names) between Kwajalein and

Burton, take them without opposition.

ITALY—ACMF: Gen Alexander forms NZ 2d

Div and Ind 4th Div into NZ Corps under Lt Gen

Sir Bernard C. Freyberg and places the corps under

U.S. Fifth Army command. VI Corps issues verbal

orders to beachhead forces to prepare defensive positions at once. In II Corps area, while 1st Bn of 135th

Inf, 34th Div, completes clearing Hill 324, 2d Bn,

135th, and 3d Bn, 168th, drive to within 11/2 miles

of Highway 6. 133d Inf attacks with tanks toward

Cassino but is driven back; renewing attack in afternoon, gets forward elements to northern edge of

town, where they dig in. Enemy continues to counterattack between Manna Farm and Hill 706, but

the hill is cleared by 3d Bn, 135th Inf.

USSR—Soviet forces converge S of Korosun

and surround 2 corps of German 8th Army. Germans make desperate attempts to relieve the besieged

forces, curtailing offensive operations to do so.

4 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—RCT 184, in southern part

of atoll, continues difficult mop-up of enemy along

lagoon shore, completing this as far as Green Beach

4 by 1435. 1st Bn, 32d Inf, attacks through 2d Bn

of 184th and 3d Bn of 32d toward end of island,

arriving at Nate Road in a highly disorganized state.

Here 2d Bn, 32d, passes through 1st Bn to complete

capture of island. Advance elements reach Nero Pt,

at tip of island, by 1515, but organized resistance

continues until 1920. Gen Corlett announces capture

of Kwajalein I., to Adm Turner at 1610. A considerable number of Japanese and Koreans surrender

during the day. 1st Bn, 17th Inf, continues northward attack on Burton, this time meeting main

opposition on right, in zone of Co A. At 1130, 3d

Bn attacks through 1st Bn. Co K reaches NE corner

of island at 1210 and Burton is completely secured

by 1337. Troops of 2d Bn, 17th Inf, secure Burnet

(no known native name) and Blakenship (Loi),

N of Burton, capturing about 40 natives on Burnet

[ 3–4 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 170 ]

and subduing more than 20 Japanese and Koreans

on Blakenship.

CBI—In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell alters plan

of attack: Ch 22d Div is to envelop enemy in

Yawngbang area. 1st Bn of 113th Regt, Ch 38th

Div, reaches Kaduja Ga. After stubborn defense of

Taihpa Ga area during past few days, Japanese

withdraw secretly about this time.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Japanese open offensive on 15 Corps’ Arakan front,

2 TF’s pushing northward around E flank of Ind

7th Div while a holding force makes frontal attacks

on Ind 7th Div N and NW of Buthidaung. Enveloping enemy forces overrun Taung Bazaar and

head S and W.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps receives plan of defense. 45th Div is to hold

Moletta R line with one RCT on left flank. Newly

arrived 1st SSF is to hold right flank. 1st and 3d

Divs are to hold central sector. In VI Corps reserve,

1st Armd Div ( — CCB) and 45th Div ( — an RCT)

are to be prepared to counterattack. 36th and 39th

Engr Combat Regts are to help defend coastline and

be prepared to assemble as corps reserve. Enemy

counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead begins,

night 3–4, with limited effort against Campoleone

salient held by Br 1st Div. After hard fighting

throughout day, British fall back to new line about

a mile N of Carroceto and the Factory with heavy

losses. In II Corps area, 34th Div is stubbornly opposed as it continues efforts to break through enemy

positions. 3d Bn, 135th Inf, reaches S. Angelo Hill

but enemy counterattack forces it back to Hill 706.

2d Bn get to within 500 yards of Hill 593. 1st Bn

gains weak hold on Pt 445. 133d Inf and supporting

tanks consolidate positions on N edge of Cassino;

1st Bn penetrates NE corner but is driven back;

takes Hill 175.

USSR—Moscow announces that entire coast of

Gulf of Finland is cleared as far as Narva R estuary,

as is rail line from Novgorod to Leningrad.

5 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—While mopping up is conducted on Kwajalein I., other islands in S Kwajalein

Atoll are being reconnoitered. 3d Bn, 17th Inf, finds

3 Japanese on Beverly (S Gugegwe); 1st Bn clears

about 200 Japanese from Berlin (N Gugegwe). Co C

with tanks then proceeds to Benson, next island to

N, and secures it. 7th Rcn Tr invades Bennett

(Bigej); is assisted there by 3d Bn of 184th Inf with

2 tanks; 94 Japanese are killed before island is secured. 2d Bn ( — ) of 17th Inf, organized into Eastern and Western Forces, continues to mop up. Eastern Force works south from N end of southeastern

leg of atoll toward Bennett, taking 5 islands without opposition. Western Force advances N from

Carlos and takes 4 islands, 3 of them without

opposition.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten’s representatives,

Axiom Mission, leave New Delhi for London and

Washington, where they will present his views. 16th

Brig of Gen Wingate’s Special Force begins southward trek from Ledo. Wingate’s long-range penetration columns are to divert enemy from Myitkyina

area in behalf of Gen Stilwell, facilitate advance of

CEF across the Salween from Yunnan, and impose

losses on enemy in N Burma. Special Force consists

of Ind 77th and 111th Brigs and 3 independent brigs

04th, 16th, 23d) formed from Br 10th Div. U.S.

5318th Air Unit, under Col Philip G. Cochran, is

responsible for supplying, transporting, and

evacuating Wingate’s columns.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps receives probing jabs, particularly in front of

Cisterna. Enemy continues build-up of forces for

main counteroffensive. Airstrip at Nettuno is

abandoned as a permanent base because of enemy

shelling. Port operations are hampered by continuing

enemy air attacks. II Corps continues battle for Cassino, but cannot break through. Small force from

1st Bn of 135th Inf, 34th Div, reaches walls of Abbey and withdraws; this is the farthest advance to

be made by 34th Div during battle for Cassino.

Night 5–6, 1st and 3d Bns, 168th Inf, assemble on

Pt 445; 1st Bn, 135th, concentrates on left flank to

block enemy infiltration from Castle Hill. 1st Bn,

133d, drives S from Hill 175 to Castle Hill but is

forced back to Hill 175 by strong night counterattack. 3d Bn repels counterattack at N edge of

Cassino and takes another block of houses. 36th

Div is ordered to move around 34th Div and be

prepared to capture Piedimonte from NE.

USSR—Moscow reports Lutsk and Rovno, previously reported evacuated by enemy, occupied by

troops of First Ukrainian Front.

6 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—In Southern Landing

Force area, Western Force of 2d Bn, 17th Inf, occupies Cohen (Ennugenliggelap), next island N of

Clifton (Eller), without opposition, bringing to an

end offensive against S Kwajalein Atoll. Southern

Landing Force losses total 142 killed, 845 wounded,

and 2 missing. Japanese losses are estimated at 4,938

killed and 206 captured. Northern Landing Force

continues uneventful reconnaissance of islands of

N Kwajalein Atoll.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Momote and Lorengau airfields are unserviceable as result of Fifth Air Force

attacks.

[ 5–6 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 171 ]

CBI—Responsibility for Calcutta–Assam LOC

is given to Calcutta representative of GHQ, India.

Port is to be controlled by an outstanding man who

will be assisted by 2 deputies, one of them an American. Port director will be a civilian responsible to

War Transport Department of Indian Government.

11 Army Group: In 15 Corps area, Japanese overrun headquarters of Ind 7th Div and separate it

from Ind 5th Div. The headquarters is re-established later in day at Sinzweya.

ITALY—ACMF: U.S. 88th Div arrives at Naples

but is not committed to action until it has received

combat training.

U.S. Fifth Army takes control of supply at

beachhead and control of 540th Engr Combat Regt

to defend X-Ray and Nettuno beaches. About midnight 6–7, enemy begins diversionary attack on

Moletta R in company strength and is engaged by

2d Bn, 157th Inf, of VI Corps. II Corps is in position for assault on last ridge (Hill 593, Monastery

Hill, Castle Hill, and Cassino) barring access to

Highway 6. NZ Corps takes over sector S of Highway 6, releasing elements of II Corps for action

against Cassino.

USSR—Moscow announces major breakthrough by troops of Third Ukrainian Front in

region NE of Krivoi Rog and Nikopol where Apostolovi, rail junction between the 2 places, is overrun.

Enemy forces are trapped as the Dnieper is reached

near Nikopol. On N front, E bank of the Narva N

and S of Narva is free of enemy.

7 February

KWAJALEIN ATOLL—Northern Landing Force

concludes uneventful search of islands of N Kwajalein, completing offensive against Kwajalein Atoll.

During the action, 4th Mar Div has suffered 737

casualties, of whom 190 were killed or died of

wounds. Japanese losses are 3,472 killed and 91

captured.

CBI—President Roosevelt replies to Chiang

Kai-shek assuring him that the U.S. will study the

exchange rate and U.S. military expenditures in

China. Chinese advance $15,000,000,000 in Chinese

national currency to CBI to cover U.S. expenditures

for March, April, and May 1944 without specifying

rate of exchange for repayment. Of this, $500,000,-

000 is allocated for Cheng to airfields for B–29’s.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, after strong air and arty action, enemy begins

main counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead at

2100 and takes Buonriposo Ridge from Br 1st Div

by daybreak. Br 10 Corps makes limited attack,

night 7–8, toward M. Faito in effort to reach mountains behind Castelforte and open Liri Valley, but

attack is a failure. In II Corps area, 36th Div takes

over Castellone–Manna Farm area and corps prepares for second drive to cut Highway 6.

USSR—Troops of Third Ukrainian Front drive

to outskirts of Nikopol.

8 February

CBI—Gen Stilwell’s mission to Washington reports that a major Japanese offensive is about to

begin, according to estimate of situation by GHQ,

India.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wilson informs JCS that

he must have more definite information regarding

the size of ANVIL assault in order to plan campaign

in Italy.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps’ Br 1st Div commits reserves to counter enemy

offensive, and hard fighting continues throughout

day in Factory area. In Br 10 Corps area, bridgehead

across the Garigliano reaches its maximum depth,

with 46th Div holding about 6 square miles NE of

Castelforte. When 56th Div is withdrawn to reinforce Anzio beachhead, plan for drive up Ausonia

Valley is abandoned and 10 Corps goes on the defensive. II Corps begins another strong effort to

break through to Highway 6 in Cassino area. While

133d Inf, 34th Div, continues to struggle in Cassino,

168th opens attack on Monastery Hill, its right

flank protected by 135th. 168th Inf jumps off at 0400

with 2 bns in assault but is pinned down short

of Monastery Hill and suffers heavy casualties. 135th

Inf repels counterattacks on right flank. 100th Bn

joins rest of 133d inf in fight for Cassino and makes

slow progress within and near Cassino. In NZ

Corps area, Br 78th Div is placed under control of

corps.

USSR—Nikopol, important manganese center

in the Ukraine, falls to forces of Third Ukrainian

Front assisted by troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front.

German bridgehead at Nikopol is reduced.

9 February

U.S.—President Roosevelt asks Chiang Kaishek if an American observer mission might be

permitted to go to N China.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy overruns strategically situated Factory

and holds its against counterattacks supported by

naval and air bombardment; continues attacks, night

9–10, forcing British back even farther. Relief of

hard-pressed and badly depleted Br 1st Div is begun

during night 9–10 by 180th Inf. II Corps is still

unable to break through to Highway 6 in Cassino

area.

[ 7–9 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 172 ]

10 February

SWPA—CG, Sixth Army, terminates Operation DEXTERITY (W New Britain and Saidor, New

Guinea). 5th Aus Div and TF MICHAELMAS make

patrol contact about 4 miles SE of Saidor, completing Huon Peninsula campaign. On New Britain,

patrols of 1st Mar Div and RCT 112 make contact.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, 15 Corps’ Ind 7th Div is isolated at

Sinzweya as Japanese cut Ngakyedauk Pass and

contact other forces to S. Ind 26th Div, released from

Fourteenth Army reserve to assist in restoring communications, recaptures Taung Bazaar. Ind 7th Div

and 16th LRP must be supplied by air from this

time.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy captures Carroceto RR station despite

efforts of Br 1st Div with close support of air and

arty to stem advance. Relief of Br 1st Div continues,

night 10–11, when 179th Inf replaces 168th Brig S

of the Factory. II Corps prepares for another effort

to break through at Cassino.

ETO—CCS announce that D Day for OVERLORD will be postponed about 3 weeks. All LST’s

in the Mediterranean not vitally needed are to be

returned to U.K.

11 February

ITALY—ACME In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 179th Inf of 45th Div, assisted by 191st Tank

Bn, attacks to recover the Factory. 1st Bn reaches

objective but is driven back. II Corps tries again to

reach Highway 6. 36th Div, with 141st and 142d

Regts in assault, suffers heavy casualties while attacking in vain toward Albaneta Farm. 168th Inf,

34th Div, attacks through violent rain and snow

storm toward Monastery Hill but is also unsuccessful. Gen Alexander directs Ind 4th Div, NZ

Corps, to attack as soon as possible to cleat heights

W of Cassino.

USSR—Shepetovka, rail center W of Kiev near

prewar Polish border, falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.

12 February

PACIFIC—TF 58, less one attack group, sails for

Truk from Majuro. Allied assault force begins voyage toward Green Is.. Co B of 1st Marines, 1st Mar

Div, moving by sea from Cape Gloucester, New

Britain, lands on Rooke I., and begins uneventful

search for enemy.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 15 Corps area, Ind 7th Div is ordered to

hold its positions and contain enemy forces that Ind

26th Div and Ind 5th Div are moving against from

N and S, respectively.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 45th Div, after another unsuccessful attempt

to recover the Factory, goes on the defensive. In II

Corps area, 36th Div breaks off offensive on N flank

of corps; in bitter fighting repels very heavy enemy

counterattack preceded by extremely heavy arty barrages. NZ Corps relieves II Corps of responsibility

for Cassino sector.

USSR—Soviet forces pushing toward Luga

overrun important rail junction of Batetskaya and

get to suburbs of Luga.

ETO—CCS issue directive to Gen Eisenhower

on his duties as Supreme Allied Commander, Allied

Expeditionary Force, which will invade the European continent to destroy German armed forces.

Target date is set as May 1944

13 February

SWPA—Gen MacArthur directs forces of

South and Southwest Pacific Areas to take Manus I.,

Admiralty Is.., and Kavieng, New Ireland, about

1 April in order to gain control of Bismarck Archipelago and isolate Rabaul.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, Ind 4th Div, NZ Corps, begins relieving 168th

Inf, which is depleted in strength. 133d Inf retains

positions in Cassino. NZ Corps prepares to take

over battle for Cassino. FEC is reinf by combat team

of Italian 1st Motorized Gp.

USSR—Soviet forces clear E shore of Lake

Peipus.

ETO—CCS order a combined bomber offensive

against Germany aimed at destruction of “military,

industrial, and economic systems”; disruption of

communication lines and reduction of airpower.

14 February

CBI—Adm Mountbatten warns Br Chiefs of

Staff of impending Japanese attack on 4 Corps after

Arakan offensive is successfully concluded.

ETO—Gen Eisenhower, upon receiving CCS

directive of 12 February, establishes headquarters,

Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force

(SHAEF). COSSAC staff comes under control of

SHAEF.

15 February

MARSHALL Is.—Eniwetok Expeditionary Group

(TG 51.11 under Adm Hill) leaves Kwajalein for

Eniwetok.

GREEN Is.—Amphibious force under command

of Adm Wilkinson invades Green Is.. The landing

force (NZ 3d Div, less 8th Brig Gp; supporting and

construction units, including U.S. 976th AAA Gun

Bn), headed by Gen Barrowclough of NZ 3d Div,

[ 10–15 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 173 ]

goes ashore on Nissan I., without opposition and

starts search for Japanese. Construction is begun at

once for advanced-naval base. Enemy planes attempting to interfere with the operation are driven off

by aircraft and AA fire.

CBI—GO 16, Hq USAF CBI, rescinding GO

13 of 30 January, removes Gen Stratemeyer from

command of XX Bomber Command but gives him

mission of controlling logistics and responsibility

for administration of the XX BC in India; maintaining efficiency of transportation facilities between

India and China; making recommendations, with

approval of CG XX BC, to theater commander for

missions in Southeast Asia-China area.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps is reorganizing and strengthening beachhead

to meet threat of enemy counteroffensive. 36th

Engrs now hold part of Moletta R line, replacing

most of 157th Inf. Night 15–16, 56th Div, which is

in process of moving to VI Corps zone from Br 10

Corps sector, takes over left flank from positions

of 36th Engrs almost to Albano road. To E, 45th

Div holds front line. Br 1st Div is withdrawn for

rest and refitting. In II Corps area, relief of 168th

Inf is completed by Ind 4th Div. NZ Corps begins

offensive to clear heights W of Cassino and establish bridgehead across the Rapido S of Cassino,

night 15–16, with preliminary attack by elements of

Ind 4th Div for Hill 593. The attack fails. Earlier

in day, alternating air and arty bombardment destroy Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino, which

enemy has been using extensively as a base for

offensive operations.

GERMANY—RAF BC makes powerful night

attack on Berlin.

16 February

MARSHALL Is.—In preparation for invasion of

Eniwetok, TG 58.4 attacks and photographs the

atoll. Most buildings are destroyed, 1 of 2 coastal

guns on NE corner is wrecked, and Engebi airfield

is left temporarily unserviceable. 14 enemy planes

are estimated destroyed on the ground.

NEW BRITAIN—Campaign for W New Britain

ends successfully as Army and Marine patrols make

contact at Itni R.

GREEN Is.—New Zealanders discover enemy

force of about 70 on S part of Nissan I.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 66th Regt of Ch

22d Div, which in conjunction with 65th was to

have enveloped enemy in Yawngbang area, takes

wrong trail and clears village that is mistakenly

believed to be Yawngbang.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI

Corps area, Germans sharply increase air effort in

conjunction with all-out offensive against Anzio

beachhead, flying some 170-odd sorties, the peak of

their performance. Instead of attacking in support

of NZ Corps at Cassino as planned, Allied aircraft

are diverted to support of Anzio beachhead forces.

Enemy attack starts at 0630, after half-hour of arty

preparation, with thrusts at various points held by

56th, 45th, and 3d Divs, main effort being against

45th on left flank. 3d Div repels all attacks before

Cisterna, but enemy makes limited gains in other

sectors at great cost in tanks and personnel. Germans

renew attack down Albano road before midnight.

17 February

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58, less the group supporting

Eniwetok operation, begins powerful 2-day strikes

against Truk in effort to test enemy’s strength.

ENIWETOK ATOLL—Adm Hill’s Eniwetok Expeditionary Group (TG 51.11) invades Eniwetok

Atoll (Operation CATCHPOLE) after preliminary

naval gunfire, air bombardment, and minesweeping

operations. Troops of VAC Rcn Co make unopposed landings from lagoon side on Canna (Rujoru) and Camellia (Aitsu) Islands, SE of Engebi,

at 1318. Quick search reveals no Japanese and arty

is brought ashore and registered on Engebi, main

objective in N part of atoll. In order to insure safety

of arty units, VAC scouts then take several small

islands in vicinity of Canna and Camellia without

enemy interference. 4th Mar Div scouts, of Co D,

4th Tank Bn, head for Zinnia (Bogon), W of

Engebi, to block withdrawal from Engebi; in the

darkness land by mistake on a islands below there

but work back to Bogon without opposition. First

day’s objectives are thus secured without any American casualties. In preparation for invasion of Engebi, naval gunfire supplemented by shore-based arty

fire is placed on island and underwater demolition

teams reconnoiter beaches.

GREEN Is.—As New Zealanders continue elimination of enemy garrison, PT boat base is opened.

ITALY—ACME: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy commits his full strength to counteroffensive. Pressing down Albano road, Germans

drive deep wedge into center of 45th Div front, between 157th and 179th Regts. Allied aerial, arty, and

naval bombardment is helpful in preventing enemy

breakthrough. Air effort is the heaviest yet undertaken in support of troops; about 1,100 tons of

bombs are dropped. Br 1st Div ( — 3d Brig) is given

task of holding sector of final beachhead line in Albano road area in order to relieve pressure on 45th

Div. 45th is reinf by 2d Bn of 6th Armd Inf. Br

56th Div recovers ground lost to enemy in its sector.

Gen Truscott, relieved of command of 3d Div by

Brig Gen John W. O’Daniel, becomes deputy commander of VI Corps. In NZ Corps area, elements of

Ind 4th Div make night assault in Cassino area and

[ 16–17 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 174 ]

reach crest of Hill 593 but are driven off. Reinforcements move up and occupy heights between Pts

450 and 445. Br 78th Div, having been delayed by

deep snow, arrives in NZ Corps zone from Br

Eighth Army front. Planned air support is again

shifted to Anzio.

USSR—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front

complete reduction of enemy pockets W of Cherkassy. Germans suffer some 100,000 casualties in this

battle.

18 February

ENIWETOK ATOLL—22d Marines, supported by

elements of an Army cannon company, invades

Engebi after preparatory bombardment. Enemy offers organized resistance only at S tip of island,

which by 1450 is declared secure. Part of the assault

force re-embarks for Parry. Scouting parties begin

search for enemy on smaller islands between Engebi

and S part of the atoll.

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 completes attacks on Truk

during which most airfields are left unserviceable

and many aircraft are destroyed on the ground and

in the air. Although most of the Japanese Fleet has

withdrawn, merchant shipping suffers heavily, some

200,000 tons being destroyed in harbor. Support

ships intercept and sink one CL and one DD trying

to escape. As a result of this action, it is decided to

bypass enemy on Truk.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Allied DD’s bombard

Rabaul, New Britain, and Kavieng, New Ireland.

NEW GUINEA—Maj Gen William H. Gill, 32d

Div CG, arrives at Saidor and takes command.

Elements of 126th Inf are pushing W in effort to

destroy enemy forces bypassing Saidor.

BURMA—Gen Stilwell personally checks on location of missing 66th Regt, Ch 22d Div, and finds it

and 3d Bn of 65th near CP of 66th. When main

trail from Yawngbang to Lakyen is found, Japanese

have withdrawn and the opportunity of trapping

them is lost.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy makes main effort against 45th Div.

Although salient is broadened and deepened, no

breakthrough can be made. Weather conditions prevent the tremendous air support of the previous day,

but arty fire is still employed on large scale. 179th

Inf falls back to final beachhead line, where it contains enemy. This is the deepest penetration to be

achieved by enemy in Anzio beachhead. In NZ Corps

area, Ind 4th Div continues limited attacks for Hill

593, taking part of it and holding against several

counterattacks. Other elements of Ind 4th Div attack

at 0200 toward Monastery Hill but gain little

ground. Jumping off night 17–18, NZ 2d Div’s 5th

Brig takes Cassino station but loses it by midafternoon, 18th. Action in Cassino area subsides during

late February and early March as both sides regroup.

USSR—Soviet forces overrun Staraya Russa.

19 February

ENIWETOK ATOLL—RCT 106, 27th Div, lands

on lagoon shore of Eniwetok I., after naval and air

bombardment. Two bns go ashore abreast, 1st Bn

on right and 3d on left. Pushing through outposts,

assault forces reach ocean side of island. 1st Bn then

pivots to right to secure arty sites in S part of island.

Strong enemy counterattack delays southward attack. 3d Bn, 22d Marines, the reserve force, is committed to strengthen 1st Bn in afternoon. 3d Bn,

which was to have conducted holding action, is

ordered to N end of island instead and at 1230 starts

northward cautiously. Unexpectedly slow progress

on Eniwetok forces postponement of attack on

Parry I., scheduled for this date.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI

Corps area, predawn enemy attacks make slight

penetration, but further efforts during morning to

advance down Albano road are frustrated. TF under

Maj Gen Ernest N. Harmon (6th Armd Inf less 2d

Bn, 30th Inf, and supporting units) counterattacks

strongly after heavy arty and air preparation and

gains some 2,000 yards. 169th Brig, Br 56th Div,

which has just landed, cannot get ready in time to

attack in conjunction with Harmon’s TF. British

eliminate enemy pocket formed by enemy attack

during morning. By this time enemy has committed

his reserves in fruitless and costly effort to break

through and tide of the battle has turned in favor of

VI Corps.

20 February

ENIWETOK ATOLL—While 3d Bn of 106th Inf

works slowly northward on Eniwetok I, 3d Bn of

22d Marines, assisted by 1st Bn, 106th Inf, overcomes resistance in S part of island. 1st Bn ( — ),

106th Inf, conducts mopping up operations on S

Eniwetok I. Preparations for assault on Parry, last

of the 3 big islands of the atoll, continue. Arty on

Eniwetok I., is registered on Parry and supplements

other bombardment. 2d Separate Pack Howitzer Bn

is emplaced on Japtan I., and joins in bombardment

of Parry.

JALUIT ATOLL—Carrier planes of TF 58 pound

targets on atoll.

GREEN Is.—Japanese garrison is completely destroyed by this time at cost of 10 Nev, Zealanders

and 3 Americans killed.

ROOKE I.—Co B, 1st Marines, withdraws after

uneventful stay of 8 days.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s area, VI

Corps decisively defeats enemy in center of salient.

[ 18–20 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 175 ]

This ends Axis efforts to achieve a breakthrough.

Enemy is maintaining pressure against flanks of

salient while preparing to renew offensive.

GERMANY—USSTAF begins a week of strong

air attacks against aircraft factories (ARGUMENT),

dispatching powerful force of over 1,000 bombers of

Eighth Air Force against a number of plants, most

of them in Brunswick–Leipzig area. Several factories

are reported severely damaged.

21 February

ENIWETOK ATOLL—Capture of Eniwetok I., is

completed, but mopping up continues. 3d Bn, 106th

Inf, reaches N tip at 1630. 3d Bn, 22d Marines, is

withdrawn in preparation for invasion of Parry,

which is still under large-scale preliminary bombardment. Plan for capture of Parry is completed

and approved.

NEW BRITAIN—5th Marines is working eastward along N coast from Natamo toward Iboki

Plantation. 3d Bn, in overland and amphibious operation, seizes Karai-ai, Japanese supply point near

Cape Raoult.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s NZ

Corps area, Gen Freyberg issues plan for another

assault on Cassino. In VI Corps area, relief of battleworn 45th Div is begun: elements of Br 56th Div

advance under fire, during night 21–22, to replace

2d Bn, 157th Inf, which has been isolated W of

Albano road. Enemy is maintaining pressure against

shoulders of salient, especially against 180th Inf.

USSR—Soviet forces break into outskirts of

Krivoi Rog.

22 February

MARIANAS—Enemy planes make costly and

futile efforts to turn back carrier TF 58 (Adm

Mitscher) as it is proceeding toward the Marianas.

ENIWETOK ATOLL—1st Bn, 106th Inf, takes responsibility for N part of Eniwetok I., as well as

S part 3d Bn is withdrawn as floating reserve for

Parry I., operation. 22d Marines starts landing on

Parry at 0900 as a 3-day preliminary bombardment

draws to a close. During the preparatory phase,

Parry receives 9444 tons of naval shells, 245 tons of

arty shells, and 99 tons of bombs. 22d Marines lands

on lagoon shore and meets lively resistance at once.

After pushing across to ocean shore, 1st Bn on left

turns N and clears N part of island by 1330; 2d Bn,

which is joined by 3d Bn, drives S and by 1930 overwhelms enemy in S part of island, whereupon Parry

is declared secure.

SWPA—Japanese appear to be withdrawing aircraft from Southeast Area. U.S. Seventh Fleet DD’s

operating near Rabaul and others bombarding

Kavieng meet no air opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Merrill receives oral

orders for operation to trap Japanese.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d and Br 1st Divs relieve elements of 45th

Div on left flank of corps.

USSR—Soviet forces take Krivoi Rog, important industrial center in the Ukraine, by storm.

GERMANY—USSTAF employs Fifteenth Air

Force as well as Eighth against German aircraft

plants. From Italian bases, Fifteenth strikes at

Regensburg while Eighth attacks plants at Bernburg, Aschersleben, and Halberstadt.

23 February

MARIANAS—Carrier planes of TF 58 attack

enemy positions as planned, damaging shipping and

destroying a number of aircraft on the ground and

aloft.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Low-level aerial rcn evokes no

Japanese reaction.

NEW BRITAIN—80th Fighter Sq moves to Cape

Gloucester.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, 65th and 66th

Regts, Ch 22d Div, jointly occupy Yawngbang, but

too late to block retreat of enemy.

11 Army Group: In 15 Corps area of Br Fourteenth Army, Japanese, after determined but fruitless efforts to overrun Ind 7th Div at Sinzweya,

begin to withdraw.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps is placed under command of Gen Truscott.

Enemy, continuing limited actions, wipes out those

elements of Br 56th Div that have replaced 45th Div

in region W of Albano road.

USSR—On northern front SW of Lake Ilmen,

Soviet forces break into outskirts of Dno.

24 February

SWPA—Gen MacArthur orders Admiralties

reconnoitered in force by ground forces not later

than 29 February, since aerial rcn of 23d was unopposed.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. patrols from Saidor reach

Biliau at Cape Iris.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, U.S. 5307th

Prov Unit (Marauders), starts from Ningbyen on

expedition to harass Japanese in Hukawng Valley,

with ultimate goal of capturing Myitkyina airfield in

conjunction with Chinese forces.

11 Army Group: Elements of Ind 7th Div, 15

Corps, Br Fourteenth Army, pushing over Ngakyedauk Pass, make contact with elements of Ind 5th

Div.

USSR—Troops of Second Baltic Front, assisted

by troops of Leningrad Front, overrun Dno. In a

[ 21–24 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 176 ]

new offensive begun a few days ago by First White

Russian Front forces, enemy bridgehead on left

bank of the Dnieper S of Vitebsk is reduced and

Rogachev, N of Zhlobin, is overrun.

GERMANY-AUSTRIA—Continuing offensive

against aircraft industry, U.S. Eighth Air Force

planes strike hard at Schweinfurt, which RAF BC

further damages in night attack, and Gotha. Fifteenth Air Force attacks plants at Steyr for second

successive day. Both forces are strongly opposed and

engage in intense air battles.

25 February

NEW BRITAIN—2d Bn, 5th Marines, lands at

Iboki Plantation without opposition.

CBI—U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, NCAC, makes

contact with enemy patrols.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 15

Corps area, 81st W African Div takes Kyauktaw in

Kaladan valley.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 18th Brig of Br 1st Div arrives to bolster that

badly depleted div. Br 56th Div is also greatly under-strength.

USSR—First echelon of U.S. personnel for

FRANTIC Mission enters USSR via PGC.

GERMANY—U.S. Eighth and Fifteenth Air

Forces, concluding series of all-out attacks on German aircraft industry, closely co-ordinate their efforts against plants at Regensburg. Eighth Air Force

also strikes at Augsburg (target for night attack by

RAF BC), Stuttgart, and Fuerth. German Air Force

opposition is directed particularly against Fifteenth

Air Force, which loses nearly one fifth of its attacking force.

U.K.—Prime Minister Churchill assures President Roosevelt that the upper Burma campaign will

not be curtailed for the sake of CULVERIN or any

other amphibious operation. The subject of a new

SEAC directive is under consideration by Allied

planners.

26 February

SWPA—Alternate plans for Operation BREWER

(invasion of the Admiralties) are approved. TF

BREWER, based on 1st Cav Div under Maj Gen Innis

P. Swift, the div CG, is constituted as the occupation force. Elements are to reconnoiter Momote airdrome area in force on 29 February, and if possible

remain there. If beachhead is established, rest of the

TF will reinforce it. Preinvasion softening by Fifth

Air Force is curtailed by unfavorable weather

conditions.

U.S.—CCS agree to suspend decision on ANVIL

until situation is reviewed on 20 March and give

Italian campaign “overriding priority over all existing and future operations in the Mediterranean.”

USSR—Moscow reports Dno–Novosokolniki

rail line clear of enemy. Soviet forces E of Pskov

take Porkhov.

27 February

ADMIRALTY Is.—As reconnaissance force of TF

BREWER begins loading on ships of Rear Adm William M. Fechteler’s attack group at Oro Bay, PBY

lands small ALAMO scouting party on SE coast of

Los Negros, where Japanese bivouac area is discovered. Preinvasion air attacks are delivered against

Momote and Lorengau and on New Guinea at

Wewak and Hansa Bay.

USSR—Moscow announces repulse of German

counterattacks against positions on W bank of Styr

R in prewar Poland.

28 February

SWPA—BREWER Rcn Force (Brig Gen William

C. Chase, 1st Cav Brig CG) sails for Los Negros,

Admiralty Is. The scouting party there is withdrawn. Allied planes continue preinvasion attacks

against the Admiralties and New Guinea targets.

ALGERIA—At AFHQ, Gen Clark is relieved of

responsibility for ANVIL. Davidson continues to head

ANVIL planning group (Force 163) pending assignment of new army commander.

ITALY—ACME: Allied commanders meeting at

Caserta plan for drive on Rome.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Germans

open another offensive to reduce Anzio beachhead,

making preliminary thrust against Br 1st and 56th

Divs in region W of Albano road in morning; screen

preparations for assault on 3d Div on right flank of

corps with smoke in afternoon; begin arty preparation for next phase of assault after nightfall. In

II Corps area, 36th Div is relieved on M. Castellone

by elements of 88th Div and FEC. By this time

only one U.S. bn is in line on southern front.

29 February

SWPA—GHQ issues outline plan for assault

on Hollandia, New Guinea.

ADMIRALTY Is.—After preparatory naval and air

bombardment, latter being sharply curtailed by

heavy overcast, BREWER Rcn Force (2d Sq of 5th

Cav, 1st Cav Div, reinf) begins landing on E

coast of Los Negros I., at 0817. Momote airfield is

occupied against negligible resistance by 0950. Since

strength of the BREWER force is inadequate to defend the airfield, beachhead perimeter is withdrawn

for night to base of Jamandilai Peninsula. Gen

MacArthur and Adm Kinkaid inspect beachhead;

[ 25–29 FEBRUARY 1944 ]
[ 177 ]

MacArthur orders it held at all costs. Expected

counterattack develops after nightfall but is un-coordinated and fails to achieve much although enemy

is superior in strength. Intermittent air and naval

bombardment of Lorengau airfield on Manus and

Seeadler Harbor is begun.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, 15 Corps, after prolonged fighting, completes reopening Ngakyedauk Pass.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, Germans, after exchange of arty fire, begin

main offensive against right flank of VI Corps in

effort to force 3d Div back to Mussolini Canal but

make little headway. 2d Bn, 30th Inf, counterattacks at 1930 and recovers some of the lost ground.

1 March

ADMIRALTY Is.—On Los Negros, BREWER Rcn

Force clears out infiltrators and organizes defenses

while awaiting reinforcements. Japanese counterattack in evening but are unable to breach perimeter;

continue infiltration attempts throughout night.

Gen Krueger orders Gen Swift to seize the entire

Admiralties group and begin development of air

and naval bases.

BURMA—88th Regt of Ch 30th Div, NCAC,

leaves Ledo for Shingbwiyang.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy continues offensive against Anzio

beachhead on a reduced scale. Main effort, in Ponte

Rotto area, is contained by 3d Div.

2 March

LOS NEGROS—BREWER Support Force (Col

Hugh T. Hoffman), consisting of 1st Sq, 5th Cav,

reinf, lands; after preparatory air bombardment,

joins with 2d Sq in attack that gains Momote airdrome with ease.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit

assembles across the Tanai. Advance elements of

16th LRP, Br Special Force, pushing southward

from Ledo, cross the Chindwin on rafts and dinghies

dropped from air near Singkaling Hkamti.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

81st W African Div, 15 Corps, captures Apaukwa

but later retires to positions NW of Kyauktaw under

strong enemy counterattack.

MEDITERRANEAN—Lt Gen Alexander M. Patch

is designated by AFHQ as commander of U.S.

Seventh Army, which is to conduct ANVIL.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI

Corps area, 509th Para Inf Bn withdraws to reserve

upon relief by 30th Inf, 3d Div. Br troops repel

limited enemy attacks on W flank of corps. 9th and

40th Royal Mar Commandos arrive and are assigned to Br 56th Div. MAAF support of Anzio

beachhead forces is the heaviest to date. 351 heavy

bomber sorties are flown in addition to many by

medium, light, and fighter bombers.

3 March

SWPA—Preliminary planning for invasion of

Hollandia, New Guinea, is continued at meeting

in Brisbane by S and SW Pacific Area representatives. Since Hollandia is not within range of landbased aircraft, carrier support must be obtained.

Japanese have air bases within 125 miles of Hollandia in Wakde I: Sarmi area of Dutch New

Guinea.

LOS NEGROS—U.S. cavalrymen prepare to meet

night counterattack, having learned of enemy’s intentions of making strong effort to destroy the beachhead. Enemy attacks as expected, making no attempt to conceal his movements, but all efforts to

break through are frustrated and casualties suffered

are so severe that no further action on this scale is

attempted.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit

moves forward to block road on either side of Walawbum, 3d Bn clearing Lagang Ga, where drop field

is established. Japanese begin moving back to Walawbum, believing Americans to be there. 1st Prov

Tank Gp (Chinese-American), supported by bn of

Ch 65th Regt, 22d Div, reaches Ngam Ga, 5,000

yards NW of Maingkwan; repels enemy attacks

during night. 64th Regt is near Ngam Ga in region

E of Kamaing road. 66th, on W, is in contact with

65th as it emerges from Taro Plain.

ITALY—ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI

Corps area, 3d Div withstands limited attack in

Ponte Rotto sector; later in day counterattacks, regaining some ground. Enemy’s final major assault

against Anzio bridgehead thus ends.

4 March

GREEN Is.—Fighter field is completed and a

bomber field will be late in the month.

LOS NEGROS—2d Sq, 7th Cav, and 82d FA Bn

arrive to reinf beachhead. 2d Sq, 7th Cav, replaces

2d Sq, 5th Cav, in line.

CBI—At request of Gen Marshall, Gen Stilwell

meets Adm Mountbatten in effort to improve relations with him and iron out major differences of

opinion. The meeting is amiable and current problems are settled.

In NCAC area of Burma, 2d Bn, U.S. 5307th Prov

Unit, blocks Kamaing road N of Walawbum while

3d Bn, less elements at Lagang Ga, opens fire on

Walawbum from heights E of the town. Japanese

make unsuccessful attempt to cross river and out-

[ 1–4 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 178 ]

flank Americans; open strong attacks against 2d

Bn. 3d Bn holding force at Lagang Ga withstands

organized enemy attack. 1st Prov Tank Gp, finding

that Japanese have withdrawn, advances about 3

miles SE from Ngam Ga to Tsamat Ga, near Maingkwan.

ITALY—ACMF: Enemy forces facing VI Corps

of U.S. Fifth Army are ordered to hold present positions and organize them for defense. Lull ensues.

GERMANY—Eighth Air Force delivers the first

U.S. bomber attack on Berlin.

5 March

SWPA—Gen MacArthur, hoping to isolate

Japanese forces in New Guinea and prevent buildup of enemy air strength in W New Guinea, proposes to JCS that Hansa Bay operation be canceled

in favor of invasion of Hollandia during April;

recommends that operations against Kavieng, New

Ireland, be undertaken as planned on 1 April.

NEW GUINEA—126th Inf ( — 2d Bn), 32d Div,

and supporting units land without opposition at

Yalau Plantation, about 30 miles W of Saidor. Aus

forces have broken out of Ramu Valley. Enemy is

retreating toward Madang.

LOS NEGROS—Gen Swift arrives and takes command of TF BREWER. 2d Sq of 7th Cav begins attack

N across skidway upon relief in line by 2d Sq of

5th Cav.

CBI—In NCAC area, 66th Regt of Ch 22d Div

outflanks and captures Maingkwan. 2d Bn, U.S.

5307th Prov Unit, maintains roadblock N of

Walawbum under enemy attack until ordered to

replenish supplies at Wesu Ga and then joins 3d Bn

below Walawbum. 3d Bn continues blocking mission, but I & R Platoon is forced back across river.

GALAHAD makes contract with 1st Prov Tank Gp

moving southward about midnight and arranges

to guide it to GALAHAD lines. Adm Mountbatten

asks Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group, for details

of reinforcement program for central front, where

enemy is expected to begin offensive operations.

In Br Fourteenth Army area, Gen Wingate’s

Special Force of long-range penetration brigs

(largely from Br 70th Div but called Ind 3d Div

and popularly known as Chindits) begin dropping

from air on Japanese lines of communications in

central Burma. U.S. engineer personnel drop first,

followed by 77th and 111th Brigs. No. 1 Air Commando, USAAF, under Col Cochran, Chindits’ own

air force, flies Chindits in and drops them on airstrip called BROADWAY, about 50 miles NE of Indaw.

Another projected dropping site, PICCADILLY, some

20 miles S of BROADWAY, cannot be used since enemy

has blocked it. 15 Corps begins offensive toward

Maungdaw–Buthidaung road and Naaf R mouth.

USSR—Red Army opens drive in the Ukraine

to destroy enemy in Dnieper bend.

6 March

BOUGAINVILLE—XIV Corps patrols discover

large numbers of Japanese near Hill 700, highest

ground of Empress Augusta Bay beachhead, indicating an imminent counterattack. By this time perimeter is well organized, but enemy retains control of

some hills commanding it.

NEW BRITAIN—In shore-to-shore operation,

Combat Team A (reinf 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div)

lands about midway up W coast of Willaumez

Peninsula, in vicinity of Volupai, for drive on

Talasea, though scheduled air preparation is withheld because of unfavorable weather conditions.

Swampy terrain and elaborate enemy defenses make

progress difficult, but beachhead is expanded to

depth of about 2,000 yards.

LOS NEGROS—12th Cav arrives to reinforce

beachhead and joins in action at once against retreating enemy. Bridgehead is expanded to include

Salami and Porlaka.

BURMA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek orders

Gen Stilwell to halt Chinese offensive temporarily

because of Japanese offensive on Arakan front. 3d

Bn, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, repels determined attack

across river and kills some 400 Japanese. Arrival of

1st Prov Tank Gp and junction between forward

elements of Ch 38th Div and GALAHAD forces at

Kasan Ga ends Japanese hopes of victory. Commanders of 1st Prov Tank Gp and GALAHAD arrange

for co-ordinated assault on Walawbum on 7th.

Japanese abandon Walawbum area.

7 March

LOS NEGROS—Elements of 5th Cav take Papitalai. 12th Cav is securing E shore of Seeadler Harbor; 2d Sq crosses to Papitalai Mission and secures

beachhead. B–25 makes successful forced landing on

Momote airfield.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Merrill decides to

withdraw GALAHAD force S to block Kamaing Road

since Ch troops are now in Walawbum area. 113th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, its rear and right flank protected by 112th, closes in Walawbum area and reestablishes roadblock vacated by GALAHAD. CO of

1st Prov Tank Gp, after unsuccessfully attempting

to persuade 113th Regt to join in frontal attack on

Walawbum, finds 64th Regt, Ch 22d Div, agreeable

to suggestion that they move S together and block

Kamaing Road near Walawbum. Two blocks are

established—one and two miles W of the Nambyu

Stream. Tank forces intercept enemy forces on the

march and disperse them.

[ 5–7 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 179 ]

8 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese arty opens up against

beachhead perimeter and Piva strips, destroying 1

B–24 and 3 fighters and damaging 19 aircraft on the

ground. Allied bombers, except for small local support force, withdraw to New Georgia. Corps arty

counters enemy fire and is augmented by naval gunfire and air attacks. Japanese troops, about 2 cos

strong, begin attack on Hill 700, in 37th Div zone,

night 8–9.

SWPA—41st Div begins move from Australia

to Cape Cretin, New Guinea, where it is to stage for

Hollandia.

LOS NEGROS—2d Sq, 7th Cav, secures Lombrum

Plantation. This virtually completes capture of Los

Negros. Supply vessels enter Seeadler Harbor without drawing enemy fire.

NEW BRITAIN—5th Marines continues toward

Talasea almost unopposed, and scouts find this

objective free of enemy.

CBI—In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell orders coordinated assault on encircled enemy in Walawbum

area, but communication difficulties prevent the

various units from complying. On W, Ch 22d Div

is fighting near Kumnyen Ford. 113th Regt, Ch

38th Div, is at Wesu Ga. 1st Prov Tank Gp, after

constructing ford across Nambyu Stream, enters

Walawbum, but lacking infantry support pulls back

to Nambyu Stream for night. Communications between Gen Stilwell and GALAHAD are restored late

in evening and Merrill is ordered to halt.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Japanese launch strong drive on Imphal, in 4 Corps

sector, a week before it is anticipated by SEAC,

thrusting northward toward Tiddim and Tamu.

9 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Continuing attacks on Hill 700,

Japanese drive small salient into line of 145th Inf,

37th Div, on saddle. Efforts to regain the saddle fail.

Enemy arty fire shifts to Torokina strip.

LOS NEGROS—2d Cav Brig, reinf, lands at

Salami Plantation. First echelon of Allied fighter

garrison arrives at Momote airfield.

NEW BRITAIN—Marines secure Talasea airdrome without opposition. Rcn of Garua I., off

Talasea, is negative.

BURMA—In NCAC area, elements of Ch 22d

and 38th Divs and of 1st Prov Tank Gp enter

Walawbum after Japanese have made good their

escape. Fall of Walawbum gives Chinese virtual

control of Hukawng Valley.

USSR—Soviet forces break into Tarnopol,

where prolonged street fighting ensues.

10 March

U.S.—JCS agree on timetable for operations in

the Pacific: invasion of Hollandia on 15 April, Marianas on 15 June, Palaus on 15 September, Mindanao

on 15 November 1944; Formosa on 15 February

1945

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese bn begins assault on

Hill 260, in Americal Div sector, seizing South

Knob from 182d Inf and holding it against counterattack. In co-ordinated counterattack, 145th Inf,

37th Div, narrows enemy salient on saddle of Hill

700 but cannot eliminate it.

ADMIRALTY Is.—On Los Negros additional service elements and aircraft arrive. Allied planes begin

series of preinvasion attacks on Manus I.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, the first Japanese reaction to landing of

Chindits in central Burma is an air attack on one

airfield—Chowringhee.

ITALY—Hq, Allied Central Mediterranean

Force is renamed Hq, Allied Armies in Italy (AAI).

USSR—Soviet forces on the offensive SW of

Smela capture Uman, German air base.

WESTERN EUROPE—U.S. Ninth Air Force,

which has thus far assisted Strategic Air Force, is

authorized to concentrate now on preinvasion operations.

11 March

BOUGAINVILLE—As indecisive fighting for Hills

100 and 260 continues, a third Japanese force (2 bns)

begins main attack toward Piva airfields, achieving

2 minor penetrations in line of 129th Inf in center

of 37th Div sector. In 145th Inf sector, envelopment

attack by elements of 148th Inf gains some ground

on saddle of Hill 700. 182d Inf, Americal Div, is

unable to regain South Knob of Hill 260.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Preliminary operations are begun in preparation for invasion of Manus I. Patrols

find Bear Pt, on Manus proper, free of enemy but

unsuitable for arty; seize Butjo Luo, N of Manus,

where arty is to be emplaced; upon landing on Hauwei I., also N of Manus, are ambushed by enemy

and withdraw with difficulty.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, airdrop of Chindits (77th and 111th

Brigs) in central Burma is completed. Buthidaung

falls to Ind 7th Div, 15 Corps.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps issues preliminary plans for resuming offensive in Albano road sector. Relief of Br 56th Div

by Br 5th Div of Br 10 Corps is completed.

USSR—Red Army troops pushing down

Dnieper R overrun Berislav.

[ 8–11 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 180 ]

12 March

U.S.—JCS issue directive to Gen MacArthur

and Adm Nimitz calling for dual advance to Luzon–

Formosa area by February 1945. Emirau, St. Matthias Is., is to be invaded instead of Kavieng, New

Ireland; Hollandia, New Guinea, instead of Hansa

Bay. Rabaul and Kavieng are to be isolated with

minimum forces.

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese are unable to exploit

penetration toward Piva airfields and yield some

ground to 129th Inf counterattack. Continuing attack on saddle of Hill 700, 148th Inf restores line

of 145th Inf. Counterattack by 182d Inf on Hill 260

gains ground on South Knob but this cannot be

held.

ADMIRALTY Is.—After preparatory bombardment, 2d Sq of 7th Cav lands on Hauwei and establishes small beachhead against strong resistance.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit

opens second drive to encircle Japanese 18th Div.

After putting 2 roadblocks behind enemy, Americans are to be relieved by Ch 38th Div. 1st Bn,

5307th, is to cut Kamaing Road S of pass through

Jambu Bum ridge line, at junction of Hukawng and

Mogaung Valleys; 2d and 3d Bns are to make wide

circling movement to E and cut road several miles S

of first block.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Ind 5th Div of 15 Corps clears enemy from Razabil

area.

13 March

U.S.—Main body of U.S. Third Army hq sails

from N.Y. for England.

BOUGAINVILLE—129th Inf of 37th Div, in coordinated tank-infantry counterattack, regains all

ground lost to enemy in its sector. Japanese withdraw from Hill 100 area. 1st Bn of 132d Inf, Americal Div, tries in vain to recover South Knob of Hill

260.

ADMIRALTY Is.—2d Sq of 7th Cav, with tank assistance, completes clearing Hauwei I. Arty is

brought ashore to assist operations against Manus.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 1st Bn of U.S. 5307th

Unit reaches Makuy Bum.

Adm Mountbatten orders diversion of 30 aircraft

from Hump to fly in Ind 5th Div to central front in

11 Army Group’s Br Fourteenth Army area, where

enemy is gaining ground. Japanese aircraft attack

Chindits’ BROADWAY airstrip.

USSR—Troops of Third Ukrainian Front

plunge across lower Dnieper; take Kherson.

14 March

POA—Adm Nimitz proposes to make carrier

strikes against Wakde-Sarmi and Hollandia before

D Day in support of Hollandia operation; promises

air support for landings and, for limited period thereafter, for operations ashore. Adm Wilkinson is

directed to seize Emirau, St Matthias Is..

BOUGAINVILLE—129th Inf, 37th Div, improves

positions during lull. Americans decide to suspend

attacks on Hill 260 and to harass enemy there

instead.

CBI—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army

area, Ind 17th Div of 4 Corps, having been authorized to withdraw when threatened with isolation, begins withdrawal but finds route to Imphal

cut by Japanese.

15 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese renew attack toward.

Piva airfields, making slight penetration in 129th

Inf line, but tank-infantry counterattack restores

situation. To strengthen main attack on 129th Inf,

Japanese decide to withdraw all but a screening force

from Hill 260. Attack is temporarily suspended.

ADMIRALTY Is.—After preliminary arty, naval,

and aerial bombardment, 8th Cav of 2d Brig, 1st

Cav Div, lands on N coast of Manus I., in vicinity

of Lugos Mission. 1st Sq overruns Lugos Mission

and starts E along coastal road (No. 3) toward

Lorengau airdrome. 2d Sq advances due S to Road

No. I, an inland route to Lorengau airdrome. 7th

Cav follows 8th ashore and is committed to defense

of beachhead. On Los Negros, elements of 5th Cav

are driving W in S part of island toward Hill 260.

CBI—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div, with 64th

and 66th Regts in assault, and 1st Prov Tank Gp

are now about 3 miles N of Jambu Bum ridge line.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Japanese 15th and 31st Divs cross the Chindwin in

strength at several widely separated points N of

Tamu.

ITALY—AAI: Allied planes, in greatest air effort

yet made in MTO, level Cassino with 1,200 tons of

bombs. At noon, heavy arty barrage opens, and

under its cover NZ Corps begins third battle of

Cassino. NZ 2d Div begins clearing Cassino, where

preparatory bombardment has reduced opposition

in N and E part of town, but enemy is clinging

stubbornly to rubble in S and W part. Ind 4th Div

attacks toward Monastery Hill, making slow progress. 85th Div is arriving to reinforce U.S. Fifth

Army.

USSR—Red Army forces break through enemy

defenses on right bank of Bug R on wide front.

16 March

ADMIRALTY Is.—On Manus, 8th Cav, with tank

support, continues twin drives on Lorengau airdrome. On Road No. 3, 1st Sq pushes about half

[ 12–16 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 181 ]

way across the airstrip against tenacious resistance

and is then relieved by 1st Sq of 7th Cav. 2d Sq

drives NE along Road No. 1 toward the airfield.

Softening fire is placed on enemy positions, night

16–17. On Los Negros, elements of 1st Sq, 12th

Cav, make unopposed landing at Chaporowan Pt.

5th Cav forces continue to extend perimeter westward.

NEW BRITAIN—Marines clash with enemy for

last time upon entering Kilu, on E coast of

Willaumez Peninsula N of Numundo Plantation.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force, continuing

interdiction of waterborne movements to and from

Wewak, damages merchant vessel of supply convoy

approaching Wewak. Wewak is left virtually undefended as Japanese withdraw fighters to Hollandia

to cover the supply convoy.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten confirms verbal order

of 13th for diverting Hump aircraft. Gen Stilwell

asks Gen Marshall to urge Chinese to cross the

Salween in order to relieve pressure on NCAC and

Br Fourteenth Army fronts. In Mawlu area of central Burma, 77th Brig, Special Force, successfully

engages enemy; blocks communication lines leading

to N Burma; establishes airstrip.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ

Corps continues stiff battle for Cassino and Monastery Hill, making limited progress.

17 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Renewing attack on 129th Inf,

37th Div, Japanese make small penetration, which

is soon eliminated in tank-infantry counterattack.

Positions remain static for the next few days while

Japanese are assembling their forces from Hills 700

and 260 in preparation for a stronger effort against

129th Inf.

ADMIRALTY Is.—On Manus, 2d Cav Brig, in

co-ordinated attack by elements of 7th and 8th Cav,

overruns Lorengau airdrome, principal objective on

Manus. Extensive preliminary and supporting arty

fire assists materially in breaking enemy resistance

at the airdrome. Lorengau airdrome is found to be

inadequate as a base and another site is later found

at Mokerang Plantation. On Los Negros, 1st Sq

of 5th Cav seizes Hill 260, where 40–50 Japanese

dead are counted.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten asks President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill to ask Chiang

Kai-shek for another Chinese div for Burma. In N

Burma, elements of Ch 22d Div and some tanks

of 1st Prov Tank Gp reach crest of Jambu Bum.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, New

Zealand troops of NZ Corps seize RR station in

Cassino, where enemy continues to resist tenaciously.

USSR-POLAND—Forces of First Ukrainian

Front make progress SW of Rowno, overrunning

Dubno, a road and rail junction.

FINLAND—Formally rejects Soviet peace terms.

18 March

SWPA—GHQ and CINCPAC-CINCPOA

issue operation plans for invasion of Hollandia.

Amphibious force (Commodore Lawrence F. Reifsnider), with Emirau landing force embarked, sails

from Guadalcanal for target.

ADMIRALTY Is.—On Manus, 2d Sq of 8th Cav,

attacking across Lorengau R, takes Lorengau village with unexpected ease. Enemy must still be

cleared from Road 2, which runs S to Rossum via

Old Rossum. On Los Negros, 2d Sq of 12th Cav

meets sharp resistance while reconnoitering NW of

Hill 260 from Papitalai Mission perimeter. Some

RAAF fighters are by now based on Momote and

others arrive later in month.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese supply convoy reaches

Wewak, missing naval bombardment of this objective by Seventh Fleet DD’s, night 18–19.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten receives permission

from Washington to keep the aircraft diverted from

the Hump for one month. Gen Stilwell orders U.S.

5307th Unit to block approaches to the Tanai Valley from the S.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ

Corps fights bitterly for limited gains within and

near Cassino.

USSR—Red Army units pushing toward Bessarabia reach border with capture of Yampol, on E

bank of the Dniester. Forces of First Ukrainian

Front, after hard fighting, take Zhmerinka.

GERMANY—In heaviest attack of the war to

date, RAF bombers drop over 3,000 tons of bombs

on Frankfurt, night 18–19.

19 March

MANUS I.—8th Cav is given task of clearing E

end of Manus; 7th is to eliminate main enemy positions on the island along Rossum road.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force planes destroy

the Japanese Wewak convoy as it is moving toward

Hollandia.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Fort Hertz detachment seizes Sumprabum. 2d and 3d Bns, U.S. 5307th

Unit, less ORANGE Combat Team of 3d Bn, are ordered to block Kamaing Road near Inkangahtawng

while ORANGE CT patrols from Janpan area.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Ind 5th Div begins movement by rail and air from

Arakan sector to central front to assist in repelling

enemy there.

[ 17–19 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 182 ]

ITALY—MATAF issues directive for Operation

STRANGLE, to interdict movement of enemy supplies

in Italy, calling for destruction of marshaling yards

and attacks on rail lines and ports. Communication

lines have been targets for bombers since early in

the year.

AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps is

almost halted by determined opposition in Cassino

area; during night 19–20, regroups.

USSR—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front

reach the Dniester on broad front and cross to W

bank. To NW, enemy stronghold of Mogilev–

Podolski falls to Soviet forces storming it from NE

and SE. In region S of Dubno, Germans yield Kremenets to advancing Red Army.

20 March

ST MATTHIAS Is.—Landing force consisting of

4th Marines under command of Brig Gen Alfred H.

Noble, USMC, lands without preparatory bombardment on Emirau I., which is undefended. Seizure of Emirau for use as a light naval and air base

concludes series of CARTWHEEL offensives against

Rabaul.

NEW IRELAND—In general support of landing

on Emirau, U.S. warships bombard Kavieng.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ

Corps continues Cassino battle until 23d without

making appreciable headway.

BURMA—In NCAC area, leading tanks of 1st

Prov Tank Gp reach Hkawnglaw Stream, some 4

miles S of Jambu Bum, but fall back when infantry

fails to follow. 112th Regt, reinf, Ch 38th Div, is

ordered to envelop Japanese below Kamaing.

USSR—Highway and rail junction of Vinnitsa

falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.

HUNGARY—Germans occupy Hungary.

21 March

LOS NEGROS—5th and 12th Cav begin concerted

effort to clear rest of island. While 1st Sq, 5th Cav,

and 2d Sq, 12th Cav, attempt to effect junction by

drives from Hill 160 and Papitalai Mission, respectively, 12th Cav forces at Lombrum and Chaporowan push inland to cut off westward retreat of

enemy.

NEW GUINEA—Patrols of U.S. 32d Div and Aus

7th Div establish contact about 8 miles from Yalau

Plantation.

BURMA—After brief halt at Janpan in NCAC

area, 2d Bn and elements of 3d, U.S. 5307th Unit,

resume southward advance on Inkangahtawng. Elements of 64th Regt, Ch 22d Div, cut Kamaing Road,

night 21–22.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wilson, having reviewed

the situation as directed on 26 February, recommends that ANVIL be canceled in favor of strong

campaign in Italy.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. 34th Div begins to disembark at Anzio.

22 March

CBI—In NCAC area, 1st Bn of 5307th Unit

finds Japanese blocking trails, so is forced to cut

another.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

additional elements of Wingate’s Special Force are

being flown to central Burma. Japanese offensive

into India in 4 Corps sector has reached serious

proportions.

U.K.—British Chiefs of Staff recommend that

plans for ANVIL be dropped. This would insure a

greater effort in Italy. Americans disagree, holding

out firmly for ANVIL despite problems of acquiring

sufficient shipping for it.

USSR—Pervomaisk falls to Soviet forces.

23 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese begin general assault

against 129th Inf, 37th Div, after dark. Counterpreparation by U.S. arty makes attack largely ineffective, but enemy achieves small penetration.

SWPA—ALAMO Force FO 12 gives Gen Eichelberger’s I Corps responsibility for ground operations

at Hollandia. The corps is designated TF RECKLESS

and is to include 24th and 41st Divs, latter less one

RCT. TF PERSECUTION is organized under Brig Gen

Jens A. Doe, ADC first Div, to establish air base at

Aitape.

ST MATTHIAS Is.—U.S. DD’s bombard Eloaue,

small island off SW coast of Mussau, where patrol

from Emirau has discovered that Japanese are

operating small seaplane base.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. forces of 5307th

Unit arrive in position to block Kamaing Road in

Inkangahtawng, although 1st Bn is still far behind.

Patrols find enemy entrenched at Inkangahtawng.

Flanking forces of 64th Inf, Ch 22d Div, join

66th Inf.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ

Corps breaks off attack on Cassino. Germans have

been forced into narrow zone in W edge, of the

town but still hold positions commanding Cassino,

including the Monastery.

USSR—Troops of First Ukrainian Front

achieve breakthrough E of Tarnopol and almost

complete circle around Tarnopol.

24 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese try in vain to gain

further ground and are decisively defeated during

[ 20–24 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 183 ]

counterattack. This is the last enemy offensive in the

Solomons, although skirmishes continue sporadically

during April and May. Beachhead perimeter is subsequently expanded slightly.

LOS NEGROS—1st Sq, 5th Cav, and 2d Sq, 12th,

begin co-ordinated westward attack abreast from

Hill 260 after brief arty preparation; assisted by

concentrated fire on enemy positions, succeed in

gaining objective heights. This is the last big action

on Los Negros, although considerable time is required to mop up isolated parties.

CBI—In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Unit attempts to envelop Inkangahtawng but finds it too

strongly held. Japanese strongly oppose efforts to

block Kamaing Road in this region. Learning that

enemy force is moving to outflank them, 2d Bn

troops withdraw to Manpin area. 3d Bn then pulls

back to Ngahgahtawng to bivouac.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Maj Gen O. C. Wingate, commander of Special

Force (Ind 3d Div), is killed in plane crash while

flying from Imphal to Lalaghat. Brig W. D. A. Lentaigne succeeds him as commander of Chindits. To

avert enemy threat on central front, preparations are

being made to bring in 33 Corps and commit

it in Dimapur–Kohima area, to N of 4 Corps.

Br 2d Div starts to this region.

MTO-ETO—It is decided not to mount ANVIL

and OVERLORD simultaneously as planned. ANVIL

target date is tentatively set at 10 July and is later

postponed to 15 August.

25 March

U.S.—JCS approve the liquidation of South

Pacific (SOPAC) forces and transfer of units to

SWPA and POA. XIV Corps hq and corps troops

and 25th, 37th, 40th, 43d, 93d, and Americal Divs

are transferred to SWPA. I Marine Amphibious

Corps and corps troops and 1st and 3d Mar Divs are

given to POA. SWPA receives Thirteenth Air Force

as well as Navy and Marine air units and reinforcements for its Seventh Fleet.

MANUS Is.—Organized fighting ends as 2d Cav

Brig completes clearing No. 2 Road to Rossum. Air

strikes, arty, bazookas, flame throwers, and tanks are

employed during the battle. Small enemy groups remain to be located and eliminated.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese withdraw their air

headquarters from Wewak to Hollandia.

USSR—Proskurov falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.

26 March

NEW BRITAIN—Allied PT base is established at

Talasea.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese moving N

from Kamaing are harassed by aircraft. 2d and elements of 3d Bn, U.S. 5307th Unit, start from Manpin toward Nhpum Ga to block enemy force moving N. I and R Platoon delays Japanese at points

between Manpin and Nhpum Ga. 65th Regt, Ch

22d Div, having moved forward from reserve positions and been reinf by elements of 66th and 64th

Regts, continues drive on Shaduzup.

ITALY—AAI: Extensive regrouping is in progress and inter-army boundary is redefined. U.S.

Fifth Army retains control of Br 10 Corps. Br

Eighth Army takes over sectors of FEC and NZ

Corps. NZ Corps is disbanded and its components

pass to command of 13 Corps, which then consists of

2d NZ, Ind 4th, 3d Algerian, Br 78th, and Br 4th

Divs. Pol 2 Corps takes responsibility for sector of

2d Moroccan Div. 5 Corps assumes charge of area

from Palena to Adriatic coast.

USSR—Forces of Second Ukrainian Front

reach Prut R on 53-mile front. Enemy troops

in Kamenets-Podolsk and Tarnopol are enveloped.

ETO—Gen Eisenhower approves plan to isolate invasion area by air attacks on transportation

system, particularly rail centers and facilities.

27 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Japanese begin withdrawal

from Empress Augusta Bay area.

SWPA—FO 1 of TF RECKLESS specifies Humboldt Bay landing areas for Hollandia operation.

CBI—In NCAC area, main body of 2d and 3d

Bns, U.S. 5307th Unit, arrive at Auche. 1st Bn and

Ch 113th Regt take up positions along Nam Kawng

Chaung, night 27–28.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

4 Corps is strengthened at Imphal by arrival of 2

brigs of Ind 5th Div from Arakan.

USSR—Soviet forces overrun KamenetsPodolsk.

28 March

BOUGAINVILLE—Elements of 93d Div—RCT 25

and 1st Bn of 24th Inf—arrive at Empress Augusta

Bay for combat duty. Hill 260 is found to be abandoned by enemy.

ADMIRALTY Is.—1st Sq, 5th Cav, occupies Loniu

Village, Los Negros. Widespread patrolling on both

Los Negros and Manus evokes little opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 2d and 3d Bns of U.S.

5307th Unit reach Nhpum Ga area and establish

defensive positions, 2d Bn at Nhpum Ga and 3d at

Hsamshingyang. Crossing river before dawn, 1st

Bn surprises enemy in camp and blocks Kamaing

Road below Shaduzup; repels enemy efforts to re-

[ 25–28 MARCH 1944 ]
[ 184 ]

duce the block. Ch 113th Regt relieves Americans at

the block. Japanese in this region are now caught

between Ch 22d Div, disposed 4–5 miles to N, and

Ch 38th Div. Japanese counterattack Ch 22d Div

near Shaduzup 5 times.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. IV Corps hq, under Maj Gen

Willis D. Crittenberger, arrives in Italy.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 34th Div arrives at Anzio beachhead and relieves 3d Div before

Cisterna.

USSR—Forces of Third Ukrainian Front overrun Nikolaev.

29 March

CBI—Gen Stilwell, conferring with Chiang

Kai-shek on 28th and 29th, asks for reinforcements

and is promised Ch 50th Div. A few days later

Chiang Kai-shek offers Ch 14th Div.

In NCAC area of Burma, 2d Bn of 65th Regt,

Ch 22d Div, enters Shaduzup. Japanese are exerting

pressure against 2d Bn, U.S. 5307th Unit, at Nhpum

Ga.

11 Army Group: In 4 Corps area of Br Fourteenth Army, Japanese cut Imphal–Kohima road

near Kohima. Ind 50th Para Brig, which has been

delaying enemy at Ukhrul, begins to retire toward

Imphal. Kohima garrison is now reinforced by 161st

Brig, Ind 5th Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 10

Corps is relieved in Garigliano sector by FEC and

II Corps, latter on left.

MEDITERRANEAN—AFHQ submits outline plan

for ANVIL.

30 March

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 begins 3-day attack on

targets in W Carolines in order to support coming

invasion of Hollandia and to destroy enemy air and

surface units.

BOUGAINVILLE—93d Div troops on island are

attached to Americal Div and enter lines to gain

experience.

ADMIRALTY Is.—As mopping up on Los Negros and Manus continues, operations are begun

against outlying islands. After preparatory bombardment of Pityilu, 3 miles N of Lugos Mission,

1st Sq, reinf, of 7th Cav lands without opposition

and virtually destroys the small Japanese garrison

while searching most of the island.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force bombers, with

long-range fighter escort, make first daylight attack on Hollandia.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 2d Bn of U.S. 5307th

Unit withstands further enemy attacks at Nhpum

Ga. 1st Bn starts to Janpan. 113th Regt, Ch 38th

Div, makes contact with Ch 22d Div.

USSR—Cernauti (Bessarabia) falls to Soviet

forces of First Ukrainian Front.

GERMANY—RAF BC suffers such heavy losses

during night attack on Nuremberg, 30–31, that

heavy night penetration is suspended temporarily.

Of about 800 bombers dispatched, almost 100 are

lost.

31 March

ADMIRALTY Is.—1st Sq, 7th Cav, completes mopup of Pityilu.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force again strikes at

Hollandia, achieving excellent results.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, 2d Bn of U.S.

5307th Unit becomes isolated as Japanese cut trail

to Hsamshingyang. Merrill is flown out because of

ill health.

11 Army Group: In 4 Corps area of Br Fourteenth

Army, Japanese are blocking Ukhrul–Imphal road

and besieging Imphal garrison, which must be supplied by air. In 15 Corps area, Br 36th Div takes

tunnels on Maungdaw–Buthidaung road, but Japanese still hold part of the road.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army releases Br 10

Corps but retains Br 1st and 5th Divs at Anzio.

USSR—Red Army forces pushing toward

Odessa take part of Ochakov, SW of Nikolaev.

1 April

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 concludes 3-day action

against W Carolines, having made air attacks on the

Palaus, Yap, Ulithi, Ngulu, and Woleai. During

the attacks, Japanese lose about 150 aircraft either

on the ground or in the air. Enemy shipping also

suffers heavily: 2 DD’s, 4 escort vessels, and 104,000

tons of merchant or naval auxiliary shipping are

sunk; many other vessels are damaged. Airfields

and shore installations are hit. Main channel into

Palau fleet anchorage is blocked by mines. The

threat of Japanese naval interference from the

Palaus to the approaching Hollandia operation is

thus removed. TF 58 loses 20 planes.

SWPA—Naval plans for Hollandia operation

are issued.

ADMIRALTY Is.—12th Cav begins operations

against small islands off Mokerang. After preliminary bombardment of Koruniat I., 1st Sq moves

from Mokerang Pt to the island in canoes. Finding

no Japanese there, the force proceeds to Ndrilo I.,

which is also free of enemy.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell asks that

50th and 14th Ch Divs be flown in over the Hump.

ORANGE CT of U.S. 5307th Unit attacks to reopen

Hsamshingyang–Nhpum Ga road but is unable to

break through to 2d Bn.

[ 29 MARCH–1 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 185 ]

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 509th

Para Inf Bn leaves Anzio beachhead. 504th Para

Inf has already left there to rejoin 82d A/B Div.

2 April

NEW GUINEA—When weather conditions prevent attack on Hollandia, Fifth Air Force bombers

strike instead at Hansa Bay.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Nhpum Ga remains

under siege despite further efforts of 3d Bn, U.S.

5307th Unit, to break through to 2d Bn. 2 field

pieces are dropped at Hsamshingyang airstrip and

soon registered on enemy.

USSR—Red troops cross Prut R east of Cernauti

and occupy Gertza.

3 April

U.S.—JCS directive to CBI theater stresses importance of capture of Myitkyina.

ADMIRALTY Is.—2d Sq, 12th Cav, lands without opposition on Rambutyo I., after preparatory

bombardment and begins search for the few Japanese

concealed there.

NEW GUINEA—Fifth Air Force, in its heaviest

attack to date, again pounds Hollandia. During

period 30 March to date, over 300 Japanese planes

have been destroyed or damaged, most of them on

the ground. Enemy air opposition from Hollandia

is insignificant after this time.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, meeting at Jorhat with Adm

Mountbatten and Gen Slim, learns that he may

continue his N Burma campaign despite grave situation in Kohima area. It is agreed that 2 brigs of Ind

3d Div (Chindits) will assist his drive on Mogaung

and Myitkyina by harassing enemy lines of communication.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

skeleton staff of 33 Corps (Lt Gen Sir Montagu Stopford) arrives at Jorhat. Corps is to assist in stemming

enemy offensive.

In NCAC area of Burma, efforts of 2d and 3d

Bns, U.S. 5307th Unit, to open Hsamshingyang–

Nhpum Ga road are again futile, although supported

by air and arty. 1st Bn is directed to move as quickly

as possible to Hsamshingyang.

4 April

CBI—In NCAC area, 3d Bn of U.S. 5307th

Unit, making all-out effort to reach Nhpum Ga, gets

to within 1,000 yards of objective. Aircraft and arty

closely support attack. Feints are made to divert

enemy from main battle. 2d Bn withstands very

strong enemy attack against its Nhpum Ga perimeter. Ch reinforcements—forward elements of 1st

Bn, 112th Regt, 38th Div—arrive at Hsamshingyang

and are disposed to guard trail junction. Ch 114th

Regt is given mission originally assigned to 112th

of blocking road below Kamaing. Ch 22d Div’s 64th

Regt is to envelop left flank of enemy while 65th and

66th Regts conduct holding action in Shaduzup

area.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

air movement of 14th Brig, Ind 3d Div, to central

Burma (ABERDEEN, in Manhton area) is completed.

In 4 Corps area, Japanese begin assault on Kohima

in force. 161st Inf of Ind 5th Div, which has been

withdrawn from Kohima to Dimapur because of

threat to latter, is ordered back to Kohima, now garrisoned by a heterogeneous force.

5 April

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, further efforts

by 3d Bn, U.S. 5307th Unit, to break through to

Nhpum Ga are vain; beleaguered 2d Bn checks

Japanese efforts to reduce perimeter.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

33 Corps is concentrating around Dimapur. Advance elements of Br 2d Div arrive there.

RUMANIA—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force drops 588

tons of bombs on Ploesti rail targets. Although not

admitted as such, this is actually the beginning of an

oil offensive in which U.S. Eighth Air Force joins,

starting on 12 May.

6 April

NEW GUINEA—As a result of Fifth Air Force

attacks on Hollandia, Japanese by now have only 25

serviceable planes there.

CBI—In NCAC area, ORANGE CT of 3d Bn,

U.S. 5307th Unit, continues attack toward Nhpum

Ga, gaining 200 yards.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Ind 7th Div begins air movement from Arakan front

to Dimapur. Two Ind 7th Div brigs are to join 33

Corps at Dimapur and the third brig will join 4

Corps at Imphal. Leading elements of 161st Brig,

Ind 5th Div, enter Kohima, but rest of regt is unable

to break through enemy forces investing the town.

7 April

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, 1st Bn of U.S.

5307th Unit completes difficult forced march to

Hsamshingyang and prepares to join in attack toward Nhpum Ga. Elements of 3d Bn continue efforts to reach Nhpum Ga but make little progress.

11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, Japanese make deeper inroads at

Kohima and seize main water supply. In 4 Corps

area, Ind 17th Div completes northward drive along

[ 2–7 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 186 ]

Tiddim Road to Imphal and subsequently concentrates N of that town. Ind 23d Div troops have assisted 17th during later stages of drive to Imphal.

8 April

NEW GUINEA—Final rehearsals for Hollandia

operation are begun at Taupota Bay by 24th Div

and near Lae by 41st Div.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Forward echelon of XIII

Bomber Command hq moves to Los Negros.

BURMA—In NCAC area, frontal and flanking

attacks by 3d Bn and 250 men of 1st Bn, U.S. 5307th

Unit, toward Nhpum Ga make little headway.

USSR—Soviet forces open new offensive in the

Crimea.

9 April

ST. MATTHIAS Is.—On Emirau, Island Commander, Maj Gen James Moore, USMC, assumes

command.

ADMIRALTY Is.—1st Sq, 12th Cav, makes unopposed landing on Pak I., and begins search for

enemy stragglers. This completes action in the Admiralties of 1st Brig Combat Team. 2d Brig continues search for enemy remnants on Manus. On

Los Negros, radio station and message center are

established at Salami Plantation.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, U.S. 5307th

Unit finds that Japanese have withdrawn from

Nhpum Ga. No effort is made to follow, since forward movement beyond Nhpum Ga is not desirable

at this time. During action at Inkangahtawng and

siege of Nhpum Ga, 5307th has suffered 59 men

killed and 314 wounded. Total of 379 must be evacuated because of wounds or illness.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

envelopment of 4 Corps at Imphal is completed as

Japanese cut E–W trail from Bishenpur to Silchar.

4 Corps must now be supplied entirely by air, a difficult task that is to become even harder with arrival

of monsoon season.

10 April

NEW GUINEA—Hollandia assault forces (TF

RECKLESS) complete rehearsals and being loading

for movement to target.

CBI—11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of

Br Fourteenth Army area, Br 2d Div begins operations to clear road to Kohima.

ITALY—AAI: In Fifth Army area, Germans

abandon plans for attack on Anzio. 85th Div begins

moving into Allied line W of Minturno.

USSR—Odessa, important Black Sea port, falls

to troops of Third Ukrainian Front.

11 April

ST. MATTHIAS Is.—147th Inf assumes garrison

duties on Emirau.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Gen Kenney establishes Thirteenth Air Task Force (Maj Gen St. Clair Streett)

under operational control of ADVON Fifth Air Force

pending arrival of Thirteenth Air Force hq in the

Admiralties.

USSR—Soviet forces in the Crimea break

through enemy defenses on Kerch Peninsula to

seize Kerch.

12 April

ADMIRALTY Is.—Pak I., is now free of Japanese.

Mop-up of Manus continues.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, 114th Regt of

Ch 38th Div relieves 113th in line. To E, 112th is

holding salient about Nhpum Ga.

11 Army Groups: In Br Fourteenth Army area

air movement of another long-range penetration

column, W African 3d Brig, Ind 3d Div, to central

Burma is completed. 33 Corps, responsible for Kohima area, is being reinf as rapidly as possible. 23d

Brig, Ind 3d Div, is relieved of task of guarding

Jorhat RR and ordered S to assist Br 2d Div and

cut communication lines W of the Chindwin. In 4

Corps area, elements of Ind 20th Div relieve detachment of Ind 23d Div on Tiddim Road S of Imphal.

13 April

NEW GUINEA—Elements of Aus 15th Brig,

under command of Aus 11th Div, enter Bogadjim

without opposition.

WESTERN EUROPE—Tactical air forces (U.S.

Ninth and Br 2d) begin offensive against Normandy coastal batteries.

14 April

CBI—Chinese agree to undertake offensive

across the Salween with Y–Force. Adm Mountbatten

recommends to British Chiefs of Staff that N Burma

campaign be confined to capture of Myitkyina.

ETO—Gen Eisenhower receives operational

control of British and U.S. strategic air forces; CCS

have previously had this responsibility.

15 April

U.S.—Northwest Sea Frontier (Oregon and

Washington) and Alaska Sector are abolished,

former coming under Western Sea Frontier (Vice

Adm David W. Bagley) and latter becoming Alaskan Sea Frontier (Adm Fletcher). 17th Naval District (Territory of Alaska and its waters) is established.

[ 8–15 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 187 ]

CBI—Hq, Supreme Allied Commander South

East Asia, is transferred from New Delhi, India, to

Kandy, Ceylon. Gen Chennault warns Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to expect an enemy air offensive in China. The Generalissimo urges Gen

Stilwell to advance cautiously in Mogaung Valley.

Airlift of Ch 50th Div to Maingkwan is almost completed. Ch 14th Div is to follow soon.

MEDITERRANEAN —Gen Wilson (SACMED)

learns that Gen Jean de Lattre de Tassigny will command French forces in ANVIL.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army is regrouping for

spring offensive. Br 10 Corps relieves Pol 2 Corps in

N sector.

POLAND—Tarnopol falls to Soviet forces of First

Ukrainian Front.

ETO—AEAF issues over-all air plan for Operation NEPTUNE. Major plans are about completed by

this time, although planning continues until late in

May.

16 April

SWPA—TF RECKLESS begins voyage to Hollandia via Admiralty Is.

USSR—Soviet Independent Maritime Army

captures Yalta, in the Crimea.

17 April

ADMIRALTY Is.—2d Sq, 7th Cav, having completed mop up of its assigned portion of Manus I.,

begins movement to Hauwei I.

CBI—Gen Stilwell orders Gen Chennault to

defend B–29 bases at Cheng-tu as a primary mission.

Japanese open their last major offensive against

China, crossing a div over Yellow R in Honan Province at night to assembly areas along the river.

In NCAC area of Burma, Chinese make progress

down Mogaung Valley where Japanese have

abandoned Warazup.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 4

Corps is going over to the offensive in Imphal area.

ETO—Directive by Gen Eisenhower to strategic

air forces gives German Air Force top priority on

target list. Attacks on oil plants will have twofold

purpose of getting German Air Force into the air

and diminishing oil supply.

18 April

CAROLINE Is.—B–24’s of 5th Bombardment Gp,

Thirteenth Air Force, begin series of attacks on

Woleai from Momote airfield, Los Negros, in

preparation for landings on Hollandia.

NEW GUINEA—TF PERSECUTION begins voyage

to Aitape from Finschhafen and joins TF RECKLESS

vessels moving toward the Admiralties.

USSR—Red Army continues to gain ground in

the Crimea, where Balaklava is overrun.

19 April

CHINA—Two Japanese divs start S along Peiping–Hankow RR in Honan Province.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wilson receives directive from CCS to launch an offensive in Italy in support of OVERLORD.

20 April

SWPA—Hollandia assault forces rendezvous

near the Admiralties and begin last leg of journey to

target.

ADMIRALTY Is.—Thirteenth Air Force bombardment sq equipped for night attacks completes fly-in

to Momote airfield.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten returns 10 of 20 aircraft borrowed from the Hump route; the rest are

returned after repairs are made.

In NCAC area, Ch 38th Div, pressing S in

Mogaung Valley toward Kamaing, overruns Hill

1725, S of Tingring, which enemy has defended

tenaciously in order to cover withdrawal of main

forces to line Wala–Malakawng.

11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, Br 2d Div, advancing along Dimapur–Kohima road, reaches besieged Kohima garrison, but enemy retains Kohima and is still

blocking road from there to Imphal.

ITALY—AAI: Fr 1st Motorized Div begins landing at Naples and is followed by other Fr forces in

early May.

21 April

ADMIRALTY Is.—Seabees and aviation engineers

complete airstrip at Mokerang Plantation, Manus I.

NEW GUINEA—As assault convoys approach

Hollandia, carrier planes of TF 58 join land-based

planes in smashing attacks on airfields in this region.

Air attacks are supplemented by naval gunfire.

BURMA—In NCAC area, TF called END RUN is

organized for drive on Myitkyina, combining Ch

troops with Americans of depleted GALAHAD Force.

Three combat teams are formed: K (89th Regt, Ch

30th Div, and 3d Bn of GALAHAD); H (150th Regt,

Ch 50th Div; 1st Bn of GALAHAD; 3d Co; Animal

Transport Regt; battery of Ch 22d Div arty); M

(2d Bn of GALAHAD plus 300 Kachins). Surgical

units are to accompany the force.

ETO—U.S. Eighth Air Force offensive against

German oil targets, scheduled to begin on this date,

is canceled because of weather conditions.

22 April

NEW GUINEA—TF’s RECKLESS and PERSECUTION, assisted by aircraft of TF 58 and gunfire of

[ 16–22 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 188 ]

U.S. and Aus naval vessels, make unopposed landings on N coast. TF RECKLESS begins pincers operation against Hollandia region of Dutch New

Guinea with landings at Tanahmerah and Humboldt Bays. 24th Div ( — ) quickly secures beachhead

at Tanahmerah Bay, where 19th Inf ( — ) and 21st

Inf ( — ) land on N at Beach Red 2 and 1st Bn,

21st Inf, goes ashore on Red 1, in Dépapré Bay.

Red 2, from which principal effort was to have been

made, is found to be extremely narrow, backed by

swamp, and lacking a road to connect it with Red 1.

Supplies must be transshipped to Red 1. 21st Inf

units begin movement, Co I advancing overland,

from Red 2 to Red 1, leaving 19th Inf to hold Red

2. From Red I, 1st Bn of 21st Inf starts along trail to

Lake Sentani and airfields; after reaching Jangkena,

about 8 miles inland, pulls back to Kantome for

night. Enemy efforts to cut the trail, night 22–23,

are futile. Meanwhile, 41st Div ( — ) lands at Humboldt Bay. 162d Inf goes ashore on N sandspit between Humboldt and Jautefa Bays on Beaches White

1 and 2, former on N. From White 1, 2d and 3d

Bns push inland to Hollandia–Pim track and northward to ridge overlooking Hollandia. Reinf rifle

platoon of Co A, 162d Inf, lands on White 2 and

moves S to Cape Pie, securing northern spit for

landing of Cos K and L of 186th Inf. Because of

mangrove swamp there, 186th Inf force proceeds

by water between the sandspits to Beach White 4,

on coast of Jautefa Bay N of Pim; takes Leimok

Hill, Pim, and Suikerbrood Hill. Co I, 186th Inf,

lands on S sandspit (Beach White 3); secures Cape

Tjeweri at N tip and moves SE toward Hollekang.

TF PERSECUTION, based on RCT 163, 41st Div,

begins subsidiary operation to gain base at Aitape,

E of Hollandia. Landing at Wapil, the force easily

secures beachhead, which includes Tadji airfields;

outposts E flank at mouth of Nigia R and extends

W flank to Pro Mission, beyond Waitanan Creek.

Base development is begun at once.

NEW BRITAIN—1st Mar Div patrol clashes with

enemy for last time.

23 April

ADMIRALTY Is.—2d Sq, 12th Cav, turns over

responsibility for Rambutyo I. to native police.

NEW GUINEA—In Hollandia area, 21st Inf advances beyond Sabron to small stream, where first

organized resistance develops; pulls back to Sabron.

Since logistics problem is becoming acute, forward

movement of the regt is halted. Div reserve (2d

Bn, 19th Inf) and AT and Cannon Cos of 19th and

21st Regts move to Dépapré to assist in getting supplies inland. Beaches are so congested that D+2

convoy is diverted to Humboldt Bay, where main

effort must now be made. In Humboldt Bay sector,

2d and 3d Bns of 162d Inf, 41st Div, take Hollandia

without opposition and heights about the town.

186th Inf advances along axis Pim–Lake Sentani;

flanking elements on right clash with enemy. In

Aitape area, 1st and 2d Bns of 163d Inf push W to

Raihu R, 2d Bn using coastal route. 1st Bn overruns

uncompleted Tadji West Strip. RCT 127 (less 1st

Bn and Cos F and G), 32d Div, lands and relieves 3d

Bn, 163d Inf, on E flank of beachhead. 3d Bn then

moves to Tadji Plantation. Cos F and G, RCT 127,

land on Tumleo and Seleo Islands and easily secure

both.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten’s AXIOM Mission returns to New Delhi without having gained acceptance of CULVERIN.

In NCAC area of Burma, 1st Bn of 112th Regt,

Ch 38th Div, moves from Tategahtawng to relieve

END RUN Force, now within a mile of Manpin.

Final attack order calls for Ch 22d Div to make

main effort while 112th Regt blocks from S. Subsequent efforts of Chinese to change this plan are

rejected by Gen Stilwell.

24 April

U.S.—War Department Operations Division’s

Strategy Section states, “collapse of Japan can be assured only by invasion of Japan proper.”

NEW GUINEA—U. S. 31st Div arrives at Oro

Bay. Aus forces enter Madang, from which enemy

has withdrawn. Markham–Ramu trough and Huon

Peninsula are now secure. In Hollandia area, Tanahmerah Bay elements of TF RECKLESS continue to

be beset with supply problems and confine activities

to patrolling and moving supplies forward. 1st Bn,

19th Inf, moves forward from Red 2 to assist in

carrying supplies inland. Scheduled airdrop of supplies is canceled because of weather conditions. In

Humboldt Bay sector, 186th Inf advances to shore

of Lake Sentani and seizes jetty. TF RECKLESS reserve—34th Inf, 24th Div—is transferred from

Tanahmerah Bay to Humboldt Bay. In Aitape area,

163d Inf secures Aitape and Rohn Pt. After Aus

engineers complete work on Tadji fighter strip, 25

P–40’s of RAAF land there.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 1st and 3d Marauder

Bns start to Naubum in preparation for drive on

Myitkyina. 2d Bn is patrolling N of Hsamshingyang.

25 April

NEW BRITAIN—1st Mar Div turns over responsibility for island to 40th Inf Div.

NEW GUINEA—In Hollandia area, 21st Inf renews attack from Sabron although supply situation

is still difficult and weather conditions again prevent airdrop. Additional forces are assigned to sup-

[ 22–25 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 189 ]

ply carrying. 186th Inf continues W from Humboldt

Bay sector to Nefaar, some elements moving overland and others across Lake Sentani. In Aitape area,

active patrolling is conducted along coast and inland.

Co G, 127th Inf, occupies Ali I. Balance of an RAAF

wing arrives at Tadji airfield.

26 April

NEW GUINEA—Elements of Aus 5th Div occupy Alexishafen. In Hollandia area 21st Inf, against

negligible opposition, overruns Hollandia airdrome;

makes patrol contact with Humboldt Bay force between Weversdorp and the airdrome. Supply situation improves as clearing weather permits airdrops.

186th Inf easily secures Cyclops and Sentani airdromes. Junction of patrols of 21st and 186th Regts

closes pincers on enemy in Hollandia area. In Aitape

area, 1st Bn of 127th Inf arrives.

ETO—5 naval assault forces for Normandy invasion complete assembly. One, Force U, conducts

rehearsal exercise (TIGER), during which it suffers

heavy damage from German E-boat attacks. Rehearsals are conducted by the other TF’s in early

May.

27 April

NEW GUINEA—Gen MacArthur sets target date

for next offensive, Wakde-Sarmi, as 15 May. Plans

are being made for invasion of Biak in early June.

In Hollandia area, Cyclops airdrome is ready for

limited use. Elements of 186th Inf reconnoiter two

islands in Lake Sentani as well as N shore of the

lake. 162d Inf seizes Cape Soeadja, at NW limits of

Humboldt Bay.

CBI—Final arrangements are made for drive

on Myitkyina by Marauders and for offensive across

the Salween by Y–Force. Gen Merrill, who has recovered from his illness, will lead the Marauders.

Chiang Kai-shek arranges details for assault across

the Salween with Gen Wei Li-huang by telephone.

Gen Wei has replaced Gen Chen Cheng as Ch commander of Yunnan forces.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

4 Corps is desperately resisting enemy efforts to

break through to Imphal before the monsoon rains

begin. Japanese hold 6 miles of trail from Imphal to

Silchar. Ind 17th Div has moved S from concentration area N of Imphal and, together with elements

of Ind 20th Div, is attempting to halt enemy’s

advance.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps takes command of M. Cassino sector from 13

Corps.

FRANCE—U.S. Eighth Air Force joins in air offensive against transportation, striking at Blainville

and Châlons-sur-Marne.

28 April

U.S.—Secretary of Navy Frank Knox dies.

NEW GUINEA—First organized resistance in

Aitape sector is met by outpost of 3d Bn, 163d Inf, at

Kamti village. Some 200 Japanese are estimated to be

in this region. TF, known as Nyaparake Force, consisting of Co C of 127th Inf reinf by elements of Co

D, embarks for Nyaparake village, about 17 miles E

of Nigia R, to intercept westward movement of

enemy from Wewak. Landing near Dandriwad R

mouth, about 8 miles E of Nyaparake, the force begins patrolling without detecting many Japanese.

CBI—As Japanese offensive in Honan gathers

momentum, U.S. Fourteenth Air Force begins attacks on Yellow R bridges. Chinese-American Composite Wing is disposed to guard B–29 fields at

Cheng-tu; besides this task and that of knocking

out bridges across Yellow R, the force is to neutralize RR yards at Cheng-hsien and Kaifeng.

In NCAC area of Burma, END RUN Force opens

drive on Myitkyina. K Force leads off, moving by

indirect route that crosses Kumon Range toward

Ritpong. Ch 38th Div, by frontal and flanking

moves, is, slowly forcing enemy back toward Wala.

29 April

NEW GUINEA—ALAMO Force orders RCT 163,

upon relief in Aitape area, to begin staging for

Wakde-Sarmi operation.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Brig Gen Frank Dorn

establishes Field Hq, Y-FOS, which is to accompany Gen Wei Li-huang’s hq.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

16th LRP Brig of Ind 3d Div is being flown out of

Burma for rest.

MEDITERRANEAN—Ground, naval, and air outline plans for ANVIL are presented to Supreme Allied

Commander, Mediterranean Theater.

30 April

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58, while returning from

Hollandia operation, begins 2-day air attack on Truk.

Atoll.

NEW GUINEA—163d Inf withdraws outpost at

Kamti village.

CBI—In NCAC area, H Force of TF END RUN

starts forward behind K Force toward Myitkyina.

Ch 22d Div, apparently having received permission

from Chiang Kai-shek, begins aggressive action.

11 Army Group: In 4 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army, Ind 5th and 23d Divs are driving N

toward Ukhrul, 5th on W. Ind 30th Div, less elements on Tiddim Road, contains enemy in front of

Palel.

[ 26–30 APRIL 1944 ]
[ 190 ]

1 May

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 completes 2-day action

against Truk, during which some 120 Japanese aircraft are destroyed, about half of them on the

ground.

NEW GUINEA—Upon returning to Kamti village, Co I of 163d Inf finds that Japanese have

withdrawn. Little contact is made with enemy on

W flank after this. Nyaparake Force moves back to

Nyaparake by water and sets up outposts at Charov

and Jalup.

BURMA—Air supply situation improves as Air

Marshal Sir John Baldwin becomes responsible for

co-ordination of activities of Troop Carrier Command with those of 3d TAF.

In NCAC area, SOS takes responsibility for

Y-FOS.

ITALY—AAI: Final details of plans for drive on

Rome are ironed out at meeting at Caserta.

2 May

U.S.—JCS directive orders Gen Stilwell to stockpile supplies in China in order to support Pacific

operations. Hump tonnage at this time is inadequate

for current U.S. operations in China.

ADMIRALTY Is.—8th Cav withdraws to Hauwei

I., having accounted for 285 enemy dead and sustained losses of 4 killed and 7 wounded.

3 May

BURMA—In NCAC area, as 65th Regt and elements of 66th Regt, Ch 22 Div, continue push down

Kamaing road toward Inkangahtawng, 64th Regt,

Ch 22 Div, cuts Kamaing road about 500 yards S

of Hwelon Stream.

4 May

NEW GUINEA—32d Div’s RCT 726 and other

div troops arrive at Blue Beach; div CG assumes

command of TF PERSECUTION. From 22 April to

date, Japanese casualties in Aitape area are estimated

at 525 killed and 25 captured as against Allied

losses of 19 killed and 40 wounded. Adm Barbey

proposes that D Day for Wakde-Sarmi operation

be postponed until 21 May in order to take advantage

of higher tides and to have more time to complete

preparations.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div overruns

Inkangahtawng, on road to Kamaing, in co-ordinated effort by air, armor, and arty. Chinese then

halt in this region for some time.

5 May

ADMIRALTY Is.—8th Cav begins final mop up of

Manus, which is largely clear of enemy.

BURMA—In NCAC area, K Force of TF END

RUN reaches trail junction N of Ritpong; patrol

starts cutting trail through jungle so that enemy

can be taken by surprise from rear.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander issues Operation

Order No. 1, AAI, for drive through Gustav Line

to Rome and pursuit of enemy thereafter to line

Rimini–Pisa.

6 May

NEW GUINEA—At conference of military leaders to consider Adm Barbey’s proposal that the

Wakde-Sarmi operation be postponed, it is agreed

that 21 May for D Day is preferable to 15 May and

that the operation cannot be undertaken earlier than

16 May. Gen MacArthur, informed of this by Gen

Krueger, proposes a major change: Wakde I., from

which aircraft can cover future move to Biak, should

be taken as planned but the Sarmi part of the operation should be cancelled, since terrain there does

not appear to be of a suitable type to support heavy

bomber operations. 32d Div staff becomes Hq, PERSECUTION TF. Aitape defenses are reorganized; E

and W sectors, separated by Waitanan Creek, are

to be held respectively by RCT 127 and RCT 726.

BURMA—In NCAC area, KHAKI CT, followed

closely by ORANGE CT, cuts its way around Ritpong

and emerges on trail S of village. 88th Regt, Ch 30th

Div, makes unsuccessful attack on Ritpong from N.

Elements of 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, cross

Nawngmi Stream.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander sets 11 May as

D Day for offensive.

7 May

NEW GUINEA—Nyaparake Force patrol, after

clashing with strong enemy patrol across the Dandriwad R, withdraws to W bank.

NEW BRITAIN—Elements of 40th Div occupy

Cape Hoskins airdrome without opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, TF END RUN blocks

exits from Ritpong from S and during night 7–8

frustrates efforts of Japanese to withdraw.

8 May

NEW GUINEA—126th Inf completes relief of

163d in W sector of Aitape perimeter. Nyaparake

Force is strengthened by arrival of rifle platoon and

light MG section from Co A.

BURMA—In NCAC area, TF END RUN provides

fire support for another attack by 88th Regt, Ch 30th

Div, on Ritpong, but enemy retains the village. 114th

Regt, Ch 38th Div, begins general advance on Kamaing, while 112th prepares to attack Warong.

[ 1–8 MAY 1944 ]
[ 191 ]

ETO—Gen Eisenhower sets D Day for Normandy invasion as 5 June. This is subsequently postponed to 6 June.

9 May

NEW GUINEA—Planners meeting at ALAMO

Force hq decide to undertake the Wakde-Biak operation as proposed by Gen MacArthur with forces

originally assigned to the Wakde-Sarmi operation.

D Day for Wakde is set for 17 May and Z Day for

Biak for 27 May. Japanese withdraw their MLR to

line Sorong–Halmahera. Nyaparake Force patrols,

using coastal trail and an inland one paralleling it,

advance almost 5,000 yards E of the Dandriwad

against some resistance and retire to Babiang at

dusk.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 198th Div, Y–

Force, is ordered to move forward to crossing site

over Salween. Salween crossings are to be made

night 10 or 11 May. Japanese are driven from Ritpong, and Chinese troops remain there to mop up

while Marauders move S to Lazu and block trail.

114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, overruns East Wala and

Hlagyi and is approaching 112th Regt’s outposts

just N of Manpin.

USSR—Sevastopol falls to Soviet forces.

FRANCE-BELGIUM—U.S. Eighth Air Force begins large-scale attacks on airfields, striking at

Laon, Florennes, Thionville, St Dizier, Juvincourt,

Orleans, Bourges, and Avord. The offensive against

airfields, in which RAF BC, AEAF, and U.S.

Eighth Air Force are to participate, is started less

than a month before Normandy invasion so the

enemy will not have time to recover by D Day.

10 May

U.S.—James V. Forrestal is appointed Secretary of the Navy.

NEW GUINEA—GHQ SWPA issues instructions

for Wakde-Biak operation. After air strike by

RAAF, Nyaparake Force pushes E from Babiang

and takes Marubian without opposition.

CBI—In NCAC area, H and K Forces are now

concentrated at Lazu.

On Salween front Y–Force begins crossing the

Sal-ween without incident, night 10–11.

ITALY—AAI: On eve of offensive, Allied dispositions are as follows: U.S. Fifth Army, with II

Corps on left and FEC on right, holds sector from

Tyrrhenian Sea to confluence of Liri and Gari Rivers; 36th Div is in Fifth Army reserve. Br Eighth

Army has 13 Corps on left and Cdn 1 Corps behind

it; Pol 2 Corps and then 10 Corps to right, and 5

Corps in Adriatic coastal sector; S African 6th Armd

Div is in Eighth Army reserve.

11 May

CBI—In NCAC area, Chinese Y–Force continues crossing the Salween under cover of darkness. Three regts of 36th Div and 346th Regt, 116th

Div, cross at Mengta Ferry. K Marauder Force

starts toward Ngao Ga.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 4

Corps regroups. Ind 23d Div is given responsibility

for Palel–Tamu road. Ind 20th Div drives N in 2

columns toward Ukhrul.

ITALY—AAI: AAI opens drive on Rome at 2300

with tremendous arty bombardment of Gustav Line

by weapons of U.S. Fifth and Br Eighth Armies.

While 5 Corps, under direct control of AAI, contains Adriatic coastal sector, U.S. Fifth Army’s II

U.S. Corps and FEC and Br Eighth Army’s 13 and

Pol 2 Corps attack, night 11–12. Tactical surprise is

achieved, but enemy rallies quickly.

U.S. Fifth Army jumps off first, moving forward

under cover of arty bombardment. U.S. II Corps, in

Gulf of Gaeta coastal sector, attacks with 85th Div

on left and 88th on right. 85th Div’s 339th Inf makes

limited progress above Scauri: elements secure positions on slopes of M. dei Pensieri and part of S.

Martino Hill, but others make no progress against

S. Domenico Ridge, SW of Tremensuoli. 338th Inf,

co-ordinating its attack for S Ridge—so-called because of its shape—which extends SW from Tamo

to Solacciano, with that of 88th Div’s 351st Inf toward S. Maria Infante, is unable to take Solacciano

or advance up draw between S Ridge and S. Maria

Ridge. Pushing N along S. Maria Ridge from Minturno area, 351st Inf gets forward elements to Hills

146 and 150. 350th Inf, 88th Div, in co-operation

with FEC to right, attacks hills SW of Castelforte

and clears 3—413,316, and Ceracoli. On left flank of

FEC Corps, 4th Moroccan Mtn Div attacks toward

Castelforte in conjunction with left flank elements

of II Corps. To right, 2d Moroccan Div overruns

M. Faito and Cerasola Hill.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps attacks across

the Rapido in force in region between the Liri and

Cassino, employing 4th Div on N and Ind 8th Div

on S. Enemy vigorously opposes crossings but

bridgehead is established. Pol 2 Corps begins attack

in Cassino area to right of 13 Corps at 0100, 12th.

10 Corps, on extreme right of Eighth Army, secures

right flank of assault forces and demonstrates to mislead enemy.

FRANCE—Ninth Air Force begins program of

attacks on selected airfields within range of Caen,

hitting those at Beaumont-le-Roger and Cormeillesen-Vexin.

[ 9–11 MAY 1944 ]
[ 192 ]

12 May

NEW GUINEA—Charov outpost is withdrawn in

order to strengthen base at Nyaparake.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, K Force clashes

with enemy near Tingkrukawng and is soon pinned

down by superior numbers. Ch 38th Div is now able

to maintain communications between its 114th and

112th Regts; 113th is approaching West Wala and

Maran.

On Salween front, 198th Regt begins clearing

Mamien Pass. 36th Div, Ch 53d Army, which is to

clear Tatangtzu Pass, surrounds enemy outposts at

E end of it; night counterattack forces 36th Div back

to the Salween.

ITALY—AAI: Aircraft join in battle for Rome

at dawn.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, enemy is

resisting strongly and making determined counterattacks. Elements of 339th Inf, 85th Div, withstand

attacks on S. Martino Hill and are passed through

by 1st Bn, 337th, which completes capture of this

feature. Co F, 339th, is isolated on M. dei Pensieri

during enemy counterattack. 338th Inf makes another vain effort to drive up draw between S Ridge

and S. Maria Ridge but takes Solacciano. Stiff opposition slows progress of 351st Inf, 88th Div, toward

S. Maria Infante; Co F is isolated and wiped out.

350th Inf takes Ventosa village with ease and halts

to await forward movement of French. In FEC

area, 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, reinf by regt of 3d

Algerian Div, tanks, and TD’s, clears Castelforte

on left and assists 2d Moroccan Div on right. 2d

Moroccan Div is unable to advance. 1st Motorized

Div is committed on right flank; 4th Motorized

Brig assisted by armor pushes N toward S. Andrea

but makes little headway. Mtn Corps, consisting of

1st, 3d, and 4th Groups of Tabors, 1st Moroccan

Inf of 4th Mtn Div, and 2d Bn of Algerian Arty

Regt, follows 4th Moroccan Mtn Div into Castelforte.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Ind 8th Div

gains firm bridgehead on W bank of the Rapido

and puts 2 bridges across the river, but Br 4th Div

is unable to expand its small bridgehead. Pol 2

Corps, in Cassino area, seizes Phantom Ridge, NW

of the Monastery, but is forced back to line of

departure, where it remains for several days.

GERMANY—In powerful experimental blow at

oil fields in central Germany to test enemy reaction,

more than 800 heavy bombers of Eighth Air Force,

escorted by U.S. and RAF fighters, attack oil plants

at Zwickau, Merseburg–Leuna, Bruex, Leutzkendorf, Boehlen, and other points with 1,718 tons of

bombs. Damage at Bruex, Boehlen, and Zeitz is so

severe that the plants are temporarily put out of

operation. Excellent results are also achieved at

Merseburg–Leuna. German Air Force reacts violently and 46 bombers of Eighth Air Force and 10

Allied fighters are lost. Almost 200 enemy aircraft

are claimed destroyed.

13 May

NEW GUINEA—Gen Gill decides to abandon

Marubian area.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, when frontal

and flanking attacks on Tingkrukawng by K Force

fail, the village is bypassed.

On Salween front, Japanese almost wipe out a

Ch bn in Mamien Pass but situation is restored after reinforcements arrive. Japanese resistance in this

region ends. Regt of 53d Army crosses the Salween

and attacks Japanese flank, regaining positions in

Tatangtzu Pass.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Germans, after offering stiff resistance throughout day,

begin withdrawal to next delaying position night

13–14. In II Corps area, efforts of Co F of 339th

Inf, 85th Div, to break through enemy encirclement

fail. 2d Bn, 338th, clears Cave d’Argilla and Hill 60,

in region N of S. Martino Hill, while 1st Bn pushes

from Solacciano toward Hill 126, on S Ridge. 351st

Inf, 88th Div, continues toward S. Maria Infante.

Renewing attack on right flank of II Corps, 350th

Inf’s 1st Bn seizes M. Rotondo. FEC smashes

through Gustav Line in spectacular push. 2d Moroccan Div overruns M. Girofano, M. Feuci, and

M. Maio in center of corps zone. Exploiting this

success, 1st Mtzd Div speeds forward on right flank

to S. Apollinare while 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, on

left flank, clears opposition about M. Ceschito, N

of road to Coreno, in skillful enveloping attack.

Over 1,000 prisoners are taken. Mtn Corps, upon

moving forward from Castelforte to positions N

of M. Rotondo, halts until opposition can be cleared

from Ceschito. Mtn Corps is organized into 3

groups. One pushes northward toward Ausonia and

the other 2 drive W toward Spigno, night 13–14.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps expands

Rapido bridgehead. Bridge is completed in sector

of 4th Div.

14 May

NEW GUINEA—Co C, 127th Inf, withdrawing

from Marubian, finds its route cut by enemy. Japanese also harass Co A at Ulau Mission. Since these

positions are becoming untenable, it is decided to

withdraw.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II

Corps makes progress all along line against rearguard opposition. 338th Inf, 85th Div, clears Hill

131 of S Ridge, previously an enemy strongpoint,

and outposts Formia–Ausonia road. 2d Bn, 337th

[ 12–14 MAY 1944 ]
[ 193 ]

Inf, then continues toward next 85th Div objective,

Castellonorato, reaching Hill 108, N of Spigno–S.

Maria Infante road junction, and patrolling beyond

there. 351st Inf, 88th Div, seizes Hill 126, at E end

of S Ridge, and S. Maria Infante village, initial objectives. Div, with elements of 3 regts in assault,

begins drive on Spigno. 350th Inf advances W across

Ausente Creek to N slopes of M. dei Bracchi; 349th

occupies M. dei Bracchi and, in conjunction with

351st, clears M. la Civita. In Mtn Corps area, two

groups advance W to positions just E of Ausonia

road, where they are stopped by enemy. Third group

reaches base of Fammera escarpment, leaving containing force at Ausonia. On left flank of FEC area,

4th Mtn Div and 3d Algerian Div mop up region

W of M. Majo. In center, 2d Moroccan Div, thrusting toward S. Giorgio, reaches Castellone and Cantalupo Hills; elements are pushing toward Castelnuovo. On right flank, 1st Motorized Div, advancing

along the Liri, reaches S. Giorgio.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues to

expand and strengthen Rapido bridgehead. Preparations are made for next phase of attack, to isolate

Cassino in conjunction with Pol 2 Corps, on 15th,

but delay of 78th Div in crossing the Rapido forces

postponement of assault.

15 May

NEW GUINEA—U.S. outposts at Ulau and

Marubian are withdrawn by sea to Nyaparake.

BURMA—In NCAC area, H Force reaches upper

Namkwi R, about 15 miles from Myitkyina.

ITALY—In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area,

337th Inf of 85th Div overruns Castellonorato. To

left, 3d Bn of 338th reaches junction of Highway 7

and Ausonia road. 88th Div, thrusting to Spigno,

finds town undefended and in ruins; is ordered to

push on to Itri at once. On left flank in FEC sector,

one gp of Mtn Corps pushes steadily W along difficult mountain trails toward M. Revole. Another gp

continues northward, scaling Fammera escarpment;

6th Moroccan Inf is relieved of containing role at

Ausonia and joins main body. Enemy is driven from

Ausonia by noon but retains La Bastia Hill to N in

effort to keep control of Esperia road. 3d Algerian

Div relieves holding force at Ausonia; armored

elements push on to Castelnuovo, which 2d Moroccan Div has cleared earlier in day, thereby gaining control of Ausonia Defile. German fire prevents forward movement of 1st Motorized Div

from S. Giorgio on right flank of FEC.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues

working through the Gustav Line, with 78th Div

moving forward between 4th Div and Ind 8th Div,

in preparation for concerted assault with Poles on

Cassino. Cdn 1 Corps begins passing through 13

Corps and relieving Ind 8th Div.

16 May

NEW GUINEA—TF TORNADO—Wakde assault

force—begins voyage to target from Hollandia area.

CBI—In NCAC area, H Force crosses the

Namkwi after confining inhabitants of Namkwi

village in order to assure secrecy.

On Salween front, 593d Regt, Ch 190th Div,

reaches Shweli valley near Laokai, having moved W

over mountains. Rest of 190th Div is clearing strongpoints in Mamien Pass. On S flank, where enemy

has thinned out in order to strengthen upper Shweli

valley, elements of Ch 76th and 88 Divs are progressing rapidly toward Pingka and have taken 13 villages NE of that objective.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Kachin guerrillas gain temporary possession of Washang, about 30 miles E of Myitkyina.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps

rapidly pursues enemy. In 85th Div sector, 339th Inf,

after clearing Scauri and M. Scauri, is pinched out

by 338th, which drives along Ausonia road to Highway 7 and to Acquatraversa Creek. 337th Inf, pushing W from Castellonorato, meets opposition from

M. Campese and halts in valley below it. 349th Inf,

88th Div, advances in conjunction with 337th Inf.

Continuing toward Itri, 351st reaches M. Ruazzo

and M. Mesola. In FEC area, one column of Mtn

Corps completes difficult trek, almost unopposed, to

M. Revole; another reaches positions S of Esperia.

Elements of 3d Algerian Div secure junction of S.

Giorgio–Esperia roads and hold it against counterattack. On right flank, 1st Motorized Div silences

fire on S. Giorgio and drives W, pinching out 2d

Moroccan DIV.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes over

sector to left of 13 Corps and relieves Ind 8th Div.

In 13 Corps area, 78th Div, assuming burden of

assault, pushes NW through last defenses of Gustav

Line in effort to isolate Cassino in conjunction with

Poles. Pol 2 Corps, which has been reorganizing

after its initial defeat, is ordered to renew offensive

on 17th.

17 May

NEI—Carrier-based planes of British Eastern

Fleet attack Soerabaja naval base, Java. B–24’s of

SWPA follow up, night 17–18, with attack on docks.

NEW GUINEA—TF TORNADO begins preliminary

phase of Wakde I. operation. 163d Inf lands without

opposition near Arare, on Dutch New Guinea mainland opposite Wakde I., after preparatory naval

bombardment; extends flanks W to Tor R and E to

Tementoe Creek. Arty is landed and registered on

Wakde. Co E and Prov Groupment of shore-based

[ 15–17 MAY 1944 ]
[ 194 ]

arty land on Insoemanai I., and find it free of

Japanese.

CBI—In surprise attack in NCAC area, H

Marauder Force seizes Myitkyina airstrip. While

the strip is being taken by 150th Regt of Ch 50th

Div, 1st Marauder Bn seizes Pamati, site of Irrawaddy ferry. In response to request for reinforcements in order to begin assault on Myitkyina itself,

elements of Ch 89th Regt are flown in from Ledo.

M and K Forces are moving toward Myitkyina to

assist H Force. Ind 3d Div ( — ) is transferred from

control of Br Fourteenth Army to Gen Stilwell’s

command. 23d Brig remains attached to Br forces.

16th Brig has been flown out for rehabilitation.

Squadron of American Dakotas is ordered diverted

from Troop Carrier Command to Fourteenth Air

Force to supply Yunnan Force. Bombers of Strategic

Air Force are used to replace the Dakotas temporarily.

On Yunnan front, Ch force securing Huei-jen

Bridge area gets forward elements to Hongmoshu

village, well behind Japanese and only 24 air miles

from Teng-chung, but Japanese later recover the

village.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, 85th Div continues pursuit of enemy through

Formia corridor, 338th Inf entering Formia where

enemy is still resisting; 337th Inf, after strong arty

concentration on M. Campese, drives to Maranola.

351st Inf, 88th Div, with 3d Bn in the lead, attempts

to take M. Grande, W of Itri–Pico road, but is halted

by heavy fire and tanks. 350th Inf ( — ), moving

forward in 2 convoys to Trivio, advances on foot

through Maranola to positions S of 351st Inf. In

FEC area, one column of Mtn Corps is clearing

region W and NW of M. Revole as far as Itri–Pico

road; a second reaches positions S of M. del Lago.

3d Algerian Div enters Esperia, which is undefended, but meets strong opposition while continuing pursuit toward S. Oliva; elements begin ascent

of M. Oro, key position overlooking Hitler Line.

1st Motorized Div, continuing NW along S bank of

the Liri, is halted by fire from M. Oro and extensive

mine fields.

Br Eighth Army begins general offensive. Cdn 1

Corps drives W on left flank of army toward Hitler

Line. 13 Corps and Pol 2 Corps, in concerted attacks

to isolate Cassino, make substantial progress, but

Germans are keeping an escape route open and

withdrawing Cassino garrison through it. 13 Corps

cuts Highway 6; Pol 2 Corps recovers Phantom

Ridge and captures Colle S. Angelo.

18 May

ADMIRALTY Is.—Campaign is officially terminated by CG Sixth Army. Air and naval bases

have been developed. Japanese casualties during

operation total 3,280 killed and 75 captured as

against U.S. casualties of 326 killed, 1,189 wounded,

and 4 missing.

NEW GUINEA—After preparatory bombardment, 163d Inf lands 3 cos of 1st Bn and Co F of 2d

on S coast of Insoemoar I., main island of Wakde

group and site of Wakde airfield; despite opposition

from mutually supporting pillboxes and bunkers,

clears most of airfield and island. Enemy retains NE

end of the island and counterattacks unsuccessfully,

night 18–19. On mainland, 3d Bn, 163d Inf, begins

westward advance across Tor R, establishing small

bridgehead.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Marauders begin

assault on town of Myitkyina while elements of

89th Regt, Ch 30th Div, defend Myitkyina airfield.

1st Bn overruns Zigyun, S of Myitkyina. 150th

Regt, Ch 50th Div, attacks from N, seizing RR

station.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 36th

Div begins movement to Anzio beachhead. In II

Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div mops up Formia

and pushes N to M. di Mola and W to M. Conca

against rear-guard resistance, while 337th, swinging

SW, reaches Highway 7 between Formia and Itri

and thereby protects flank of 338th. 339th Inf moves

forward along Highway 7, night 18–19. In 88th Div

sector, 351st Inf remains in place under intense fire

that abates with arrival of supporting arty; 349th

reverts to control of 88th Div. FEC meets strong

resistance as it attacks toward Pico. While one Mtn

Corps column continues to clear left flank, another

reaches heights commanding S. Oliva. 3d Algerian

Div reduces opposition on M. Oro feature in conjunction with 1st Motorized Div to right and drives

enemy from Monticello and S. Oliva. 1st Motorized

Div continues along S bank of the Liri to Forma

Quesa Creek.

Br Eighth Army completes reduction of Gustav

Line in Liri Valley with capture of Cassino. Cdn 1

Corps continues toward Hitler Line at Pontecorvo.

In 13 Corps area, Cassino, now in ruins, falls to 4th

Div. Detachment of 78th Div thrusts to outskirts of

Aquino, key position in Hitler Line. In Pol 2 Corps

area, 3d Carpathian Div takes Cassino Monastery.

19 May

NEW GUINEA—Organized resistance on Insoemoar I., rapidly disintegrates, and Japanese remnants

are compressed into small pocket at NE tip. Engineers begin to repair airdrome. Prov Groupment

on Isoemanai is disbanded; its components return

to mainland or to Wakde. Cos E and I land on Liki

and Niroemoar and find them undefended. Fifth

Air Force establishes radar detachments on the

[ 18–19 MAY 1944 ]
[ 195 ]

islands. In Aitape sector, 32d Rcn Tr replaces Cos

C and D, 127th Inf, at Nyaparake. Brig Gen Clarence A. Martin, 32d Div ADC, takes command of

East Sector, replacing Col Howe.

CBI—In NCAC area, at Myitkyina, 1st Bn of

Marauders turns over Pamati ferry to Chinese and

takes up position on Namkwi R, S of the town.

K Force, approaching from N, takes Charpate without difficulty. M Force reaches Namkwi. Japanese

garrison of Myitkyina is thus partially encircled.

Ch 22d Div commits 65th Regt to line. Ch 38th

Div, upon receiving permission from Chiang Kaishek to push toward Kamaing, decides to send 112th

Regt around E flank of enemy to block Kamaing

Road S of Seton and move 114th down Kumon

Range toward Mogaung.

Br Fourteenth Army commander recommends

that Gen Stilwell be given command of all operations to open land route to China.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders 509th

Para Inf Bn dropped in Galla di M. Orso area N of

M. Romano to speed advance of II Corps. In II

Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div finds Gaeta

abandoned by enemy. Elements of 339th move toward Itri to assist 88th Div while others clear hills S

of Highway 7. 351st Inf, 88th Div, captures M.

Grande with ease; patrol clears stragglers from Itri,

where 349th Inf soon arrives. 350th Inf takes up

positions E of Itri. Germans order withdrawal of

troops S of the Liri and E of Pico to line Pico–Pontecorvo. In FEC area, Mtn Corps column takes Campodimele and cuts Highway 82 near M. Vele.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps and Br 13

Corps attempt unsuccessfully to breach Hitler Line

before its defenses can be organized, former in Pontecorvo area and latter at Aquino.

20 May

MARCUS I.—Carrier planes of Fifth Fleet TF

begin 2-day assault on island.

NEW GUINEA—After mopping up NE tip of

Insoemoar I., TF TORNADO assault force returns to

mainland, turning over control of island to AAF.

Japanese casualties on Insoemoar total 759 killed and

4 captured. At least 50 more have been killed on the

mainland. Total U.S. casualties during the Wakde

operation is 43 killed and 139 wounded; of these,

Army losses were 40 killed and 107 wounded. On

the mainland, Japanese efforts to recover Tor R

crossing site fail. ALAMO Force warns PERSECUTION

TF to expect major Japanese effort against Toem–

Arare beachhead.

CBI—In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell reminds

Adm Mountbatten that his (Stilwell’s) forces will

be released upon reaching Kamaing according to

Cairo agreement. 112th Regt, Ch 38th Div, takes

Warong.

On Salween front, Ch engineers complete landing strip begun on 12th.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, elements of 349th Inf, 88th Div, clear Fondi

and drive on to M. Passignano. FEC closes in on

Pico.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps begins battle

for Piedimonte and reaches outskirts, where indecisive fighting continues for next few days.

21 May

MARCUS I.—Fifth Fleet carrier planes conclude

damaging attacks on the island.

NEW GUINEA—Wakde airstrip becomes operational. RCT 158, ALAMO Force reserve, arrives at

Toem.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 3d Marauder Bn, moving S from Charpate, is halted near Radhapur and

repels enemy attacks down Mogaung road.

ITALY—AAI: In II Corps sector of U.S. Fifth

Army area, 85th Div, whose next objective is Terracina, lands 1st Bn, 338th Inf, at Sperlonga without opposition. 337th Inf drives overland toward Terracina, reaching positions near the town and overrunning M. S. Biagio. 88th Div takes M. Calvo and

Cima del Monte. 351st Inf relieves 349th Inf forces

on M. Passignano. FEC undergoes determined

enemy attacks at various points. On left, one Mtn

Corps gp attacks across Itri–Pico road toward Lenola. 1st Motorized Div reaches positions between

M. Leucio and M. Morrone. 3d Algerian Div gains

foothold in Pico but withdraws after nightfall to

avoid encirclement.

FRANCE-GERMANY—AEAF fighters begin operations, called CHATTANOOGA CHOO-CHOO, against

enemy train movements.

22 May

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger enlarges mission

of TF TORNADO, whose task of securing Wakde

airdrome and adjacent strip of mainland is completed. Drive is to continue W toward Sarmi, 16

miles W of the Tor. Since enemy stragglers are

interfering with work on Wakde airdrome, Co L

of 163d Inf moves to Insoemoar I., to mop up. In

Aitape sector, Nyaparake Force, now consisting of

32d Rcn Tr and Co A, 127th Inf, continues active

patrolling against increasing enemy resistance,

which forces it back along beach to Parakovio.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 3d Marauder Bn withdraws to Charpate.

ITALY—AAI is preparing for major effort: Br

Eighth Army against Hitler Line, and U.S. Fifth

[ 20–22 MAY 1944 ]
[ 196 ]

Army to effect junction between VI and II Corps.

U.S. Fifth Army revokes order to 509th Para Inf

Bn and directs it to be prepared to drop in mountains above Pontine Marshes to facilitate drive of

II Corps on Terracina. This does not become necessary. 36th Div closes in Anzio beachhead. In II

Corps area, 337th Inf of 85th Div recovers part of

M. S. Croce under enemy fire from Terracina. 338th,

attacking to block Highway 7 behind Terracina, is

diverted by lively action at RR tunnel. 350th Inf,

88th Div, pushes from M. Calvo toward Roccasecca;

349th secures M. Monsicardi; 351st thrusts to M.

Chiavino. In FEC area, Hitler Line collapses. One

Mtn Corps gp seizes Lenola and links left flank

with U.S. II Corps. 7th Inf, 3d Algerian Div, and

another gp of Mtn Corps converge on Pico and

clear it.

In Br Eighth Army area, as a preliminary to

main offensive, Cdn 1st Div of Cdn 1 Corps tries

unsuccessfully to outflank enemy from left in

limited attack.

23 May

NEW GUINEA—RCT 158 relieves elements of

163d Inf at Tor R mouth and begins westward

drive toward Sarmi. 3d Bn is pinned down on coastal

track some 400 yards E of Maffin No. I. 1st Bn

crosses the Tor to assist, but darkness prevents it

from joining in battle. In Aitape sector, Nyaparake

Force continues to fall back, elements reaching

Tadji. TF HURRICANE holds limited rehearsal for

Biak.

CBI—In NCAC area, Marauders at Charpate,

Burma, withstand strong enemy attack.

On Salween front, Japanese drive Chinese from

hill positions on S flank.

ITALY—AAI: Opens general offensive. In U.S.

Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Operation BUFFALO—

attack to break out of Anzio beachhead—begins at

0630 after arty and air preparation. While 45th Div

on extreme left conducts holding action, main body

of VI Corps attacks enemy’s Cisterna defense line.

On left, 1st Armd Div, employing CCA on left and

CCB on right, gets forward elements beyond the

RR. In center, 3d Div, with elements of 3 regts in

assault, meets strongest opposition but gets about

half way to Cisterna. 1st SSF, followed by elements

of 133d Inf, 34th Div, attacks on right along Mussolini Canal to RR but falls back to Highway 7

under counterattack. Almost 1,500 prisoners are

taken during day. On left flank in II Corps area,

85th Div’s 337th Inf pushes slowly down M. S. Croce

to outskirts of Terracina; 338th presses steadily

toward M. Lenano; 339th seizes Sonnino. In 88th

Div sector, 350th Inf reaches Roccasecca. FEC attacks to prevent enemy withdrawal from Liri Valley;

makes slow progress since enemy is intent on holding until withdrawal of Hitler Line can be completed. Mtn Corps relieves 88th Div of II Corps

on M. Chiavino and seizes M. Pizzuto. 2d Moroccan

Div attacks from S. Oliva area toward Pastena and

3d Algerian Div from Pico toward Ceprano against

determined resistance. 1st Motorized Div guards

right flank along the Liri.

Br Eighth Army opens general assault against

Hitler Line. Cdn 1 Corps, employing Cdn 1st Div,

pushes toward Aquino–Pontecorvo road, penetrating enemy’s defense line. Cdn 5th Armd Div is

ordered to attack through the gap.

24 May

WAKE—Carrier aircraft of Fifth Fleet attack

Wake.

NEW GUINEA—158th Inf (TF TORNADO, assisted by tanks and flame throwers, drives slowly W

along coast to Tirfoam R. In Aitape sector, Nyaparake Force continues withdrawal to defensive positions at mouth of creek about 3,000 yards W of

Yakamul.

CBI—In NCAC area, Japanese drive 3d Marauder Bn from Charpate, thus recovering N approach to Myitkyina.

On Salween front, Ch 226th and 228th Regts

make unsuccessful frontal attacks against ridge that

forms SE end of Pingka valley.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army takes direct control of 36th Engr Combat Regt, with attachments,

from VI Corps; orders it to push S via Littoria to

link up with II Corps. VI Corps continues attack

toward Cisterna after 30-minute arty preparation.

1st Armd Div drives well beyond Highway 7, CCA

thrusting toward Velletri against stiffening resistance and CCB toward Cori against weakening opposition. In center, 3d Div’s 30th and 7th Regts close

in on Cisterna. 133d Inf, 34th Div, takes over right

flank attack toward M. Arrestino from 1st SSF and

advances to RR beyond Highway 7. In II Corps area,

elements of 337th Inf, 85th Div, take Terracina—

from which enemy has withdrawn—virtually completing current mission of corps. Engineers and rcn

elements are opening road to Anzio beachhead. In

FEC area, some troops of Mtn Corps are driven

from crest of M. Pizzuto but recover it with aid of

U.S. 88th Div; others fight seesaw battle for Vallecorsa. Germans continue effective defense of Pastena

against 2d Moroccan Div thrusts. 3d Algerian Div

makes little progress on right flank of FEC.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes Pontecorvo early in day and reduces enemy positions as

far N as Aquino, which Germans retain. Attacking

through breach made by infantry, Cdn 5th Armd

Div reaches Melfa R and establishes bridgehead

across it, night 24–25, against heavy fire.

[ 23–24 MAY 1944 ]
[ 197 ]

25 May

NEW GUINEA—Command of TF TORNADO

(Wakde-Sarmi) passes from Gen Doe, 41st Div

ADC, to Brig Gen Edwin D. Patrick. Hq, RCT

158, replaces Hq, RCT 163, as TORNADO hq. Gen

Doe is to head assault force for Biak operation. TF

HURRICANE leaves Humboldt Bay for Biak in evening. Continuing W toward Sarmi, with 1st Bn in

the lead, 158th Inf takes Maffin No. 1 against

scattered opposition. 1st and 2d Bns cross Tirfoam

and press W toward next objective, Lone Tree Hill,

against strong resistance.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, Ind 3d Div

columns begin withdrawal, some elements up

Bhamo–Myitkyina road and others toward Mogaung, abandoning roadblock (BLACKPOOL) on railway near Namkwin. This is a matter of some concern to Gen Stilwell, who wants blocking of enemy

on S continued. Outflanking enemy, elements of

Ch 38th Div block Kamaing road at Seton, evoking

strong enemy reaction.

On Salween front, Ch 88th Div is ordered to join

87th and New 28th Divs (71st Army) in drive on

Lung-ling, leaving Ch 2d Army responsible for

operations in Pingka–Hsiangta–Mangshih area. 2d

Army orders 76th Div to bypass Pingka, leaving

226th Regt to besiege the valley. 226th maintains

thin line before Pingka until Japanese yield the

valley in late September. Japanese are finally forced

from defensive positions at E end of Tatangtzu

Pass and fall back 8 miles to another line of defense.

ITALY—AAI: U.S; Fifth Army achieves a solid

front with junction of VI and II Corps during

morning. Brett Force (1st Bn of 36th Engrs, TD’s,

and rcn elements of Br 1st Div) makes contact

with 91st Cav Rcn Sq of II Corps below Borgo

Grappa. Opening of Highway 7 permits supplies

to move northward for assault on Rome. VI Corps

overruns Cisterna, Cori, and M. Arrestino as enemy

opposition collapses. Supporting aircraft take extremely heavy toll of German vehicles fleeing toward

Velletri and Valmontone. Over 2,600 prisoners are

taken by noon. 1st Armd Div makes little progress

toward Velletri but cuts Giulianello–Velletri road

just W of Giulianello. 34th Div ( — 133d Inf) takes

up positions behind 1st Armd Div. In center, 3d

Div seizes Cisterna and Cori 3d Regt, 1st SSF,

attacks through 133d Inf on right flank of VI Corps

and secures M. Arrestino. II Corps is informed of

impending relief by IV Corps; maintains current

positions while waiting for FEC to come up abreast

it to right. 339th Inf, 85th Div, crosses Amaseno R

into hills W of Priverno. FEC overcomes organized

resistance within its sector, at S. Giovanni Incarico

on right and Vallecorsa on left. 3d Algerian Div

takes former and Mtn Corps, latter. 1st Motorized

Div is withdrawn as FEC reserve.

Br Eighth Army also makes rapid progress as

enemy begins general withdrawal. Cdn 1 Corps

expands bridgehead across the Melfa and passes infantry through armor to exploit toward the Liri.

13 Corps begins forward movement, taking Aquino

without opposition and reaching the Melfa, where

bridgehead is established. Pol 2 Corps secures rest

of Piedimonte as Germans withdraw.

FRANCE—U.S. Eighth Air Force joins in air

offensive against coastal batteries, attacking Fecamp

and St Valery.

26 May

NEW GUINEA—1st Bn, 158th Inf, continues

slowly W toward Lone Tree Hill. Preliminary

bombardment by naval vessels and arty is poorly

timed and permits Japanese to reoccupy positions

previously vacated. Enemy is found to be strongly

disposed on approaches to Maffin Strip.

CBI—In NCAC area, Japanese further weaken

positions of Marauders in Myitkyina area with recovery of Namkwi from 2d Bn.

On Salween front, 27th Troop Carrier Sq arrives

at Yun-nan-i and within 2 days is dropping badly

needed supplies to Y–Force.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps boundary is altered to give the Factory to

British. Upon completing extensive regrouping and

preparatory bombardment, VI Corps renews attack

at 1100. On left flank, 45th and 34th Divs, pushing

toward line Campoleone Station–Lanuvio, make

average gains of about 11

/2 miles despite considerable

opposition. 1st Armd Div tries in vain to reach

Velletri over terrain unsuitable for armor; after

nightfall withdraws to reserve, turning over its

sector to 36th Div. 143d Inf, 36th Div, and rcn elements bridge broad gap between 34th and 3d Divs

and apply limited pressure toward Velletri. 3d Div,

assisted by TF Howze of 1st Armd Div, on left, and

1st SSF, on right, drives northward on right flank

of corps to positions S and W of Artena; TF Howze

cuts Velletri–Valmontone road in push toward

Highway 6. In II Corps area, 339th Inf of 85th Div

consolidates positions W of Priverno. 88th Div’s

350th and 349th Regts advance from Roccasecca

area across Amaseno Valley, beginning at 2300. In

FEC area, 2d Moroccan Div overruns Pastena and

advances into hills E of Castro dei Volsci, pinching

out 3d Algerian Div. Falvaterra falls to 3d Algerian

Div.

Br Eighth Army issues orders for regrouping

while pursuing retreating enemy. Cdn 1 Corps

reaches the Liri, where bridges are down. Patrols

find Ceprano clear of enemy. In 13 Corps area, 6th

Armd Div, driving on Arce, is checked by delaying

opposition at Providero Defile. Ind 8th Div takes

Roccasecca; later it attempts to outflank Arce in

[ 25–26 MAY 1944 ]
[ 198 ]

support of 6th Armd Div. Pol 2 Corps is being

pinched out by 13 Corps on left and to Corps on

right and loses contact with enemy. 10 Corps begins

pursuit, with NZ 2d Div taking axis S. Biagio–

Atina–Sora and Italian Liberation Corps directed

along Highway 83 toward M. Cavallo.

27 May

NE W GUINEA—TF HURRICANE, consisting

largely of 41st Div ( — RCT 163), lands on Biak I.

in Bosnek area after naval and air preparation.

Against token resistance 186th Inf secures initial

beachhead and trail over ridges to inland plateau

N of Bosnek. 162d Inf starts W toward airfields,

overcoming opposition in Parai Defile to reach

Parai. Gen Fuller, commander of 41st Div and of

TF HURRICANE, takes command ashore. Japanese air

attack causes little damage. In Wakde-Sarmi

area, 158th Inf continues drive on Lone Tree Hill

and gains positions on it. Japanese begin series of

attacks against beachhead—some 200 are committed

against Toem, night 27–28.

CBI—In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, 2d Marauder

Bn, reinf by 209th Engr Combat Bn, completely

spends its strength in battle just S of Charpate while

endeavoring to reach Radhapur.

On Salween front, Ch force securing Huei-jen

Bridge area has elements within 5 miles of Hongmoshu. Monsoon rains are restricting activities of

both sides.

In China, Japanese begin second phase (TOGO)

of ICHI GO operation, moving 2 divs S in region E

of Hsiang R.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S, Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 45th and 34th Divs gain ground on left flank

of corps against spotty resistance. 1st Armd Div is

alerted for breakthrough attempt. 142d Inf, 36th

Div, is to exploit breakthrough if it is achieved by

armor. 36th Div commits 141st Inf NE of Velletri

to plug gap existing between 143d Inf and 3d Div.

On right flank of VI Corps, 3d Div’s 15th Inf clears

Artena. TF Howze again fails to reach Highway 6

north of Artena but holds positions dominating it.

1st SSF emplaces arty on crest of hill above Artena

on extreme right. 3d Div organizes Artena area for

defense and repels tank-infantry counterattacks. II

Corps turns over its sector and troops, except for

organic units and 85th Div, to IV Corps, night 27–

28. 85th Div troops move into Sezze and hills S of

Roccagorga. 350th Inf, 88th Div, seizes Roccagorga.

351st relieves 85th Div on left of 350th. FEC clears

Amaseno, M. Siserno, and Castro dei Volsci.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps crosses

elements over the Liri in assault boats under fire

and occupies Ceprano. In 13 Corps area, elements

of 78th Div start toward Ceprano to pursue enemy

toward Frosinone from there. 6th Armd Div, assisted by Ind 8th Div, continues efforts to take Arce.

In 10 Corps area, Italian Corps of Liberation seizes

M. Cavallo from enemy rear guards. NZ 2d Div

gets elements to Atina.

28 May

NEW GUINEA—While 186th Inf expands beachhead on Biak, 162d continues W toward airfields.

Strong opposition develops at road junction W of

Mokmer village, but leading elements (3d Bn) of

162d Inf get to within 200 yards of Mokmer airfield.

Japanese counterattack strongly, forcing 3d Bn back

and splitting it. 2d and 1st Bns try to clear terrace

behind 3d but make little headway under fire from

East Caves on dominating cliff N of Mokmer village. Small craft take ammunition and medical supplies to 3d Bn, and platoon of tanks is sent W along

coastal road. Deciding that the position is untenable,

Gen Fuller recalls 3d Bn to positions held night of

27th and requests reinforcements. In Wakde-Sarmi

area, 158th Inf continues costly efforts to advance

after preparatory arty bombardment. When forward

positions become untenable, attack is halted, and

assault forces are ordered back to Snaky R line.

Gen Patrick requests RCT 163, scheduled for Biak,

kept in Wakde area pending arrival of elements of

6th Div.

BURMA—On Salween front, Gen Wei, having

decided to commit Ch 71st Army, less 88th Div

already over the Salween, across the river below

Hwei-tung Bridge to seize Lung-ling while a containing force attacks Japanese on Sung Shan, prepares for ferrying operations at Shihtien, 8 miles

S of Hwei-tung Bridge. The Salween is rising

sharply because of monsoon rains.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps meets increased resistance on left flank. 180th

and 157th Regts, 45th Div, advance to RR W of

Albano road, but 157th is forced back in counterattack. 179th Inf moves forward to fill gap along

RR between 45th and 34th Divs. 34th Div, with

133d Inf on left and 168th on right, battles enemy

strongpoints below Lanuvio. 3d Div patrols actively

on right flank of VI Corps. 1st SSF repels enemy

thrust down Valmontone road. FEC continues clearing Lepini Mountains. On right, 2d Moroccan Div

is approaching Ceccano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Germans

withdraw from Arce, night 28–29. In 10 Corps area,

NZ 2d Div reaches the Melfa and establishes bridgehead.

29 May

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, first tank battle of

SWPA is fought as Japanese attempt to dislodge

[ 27–29 MAY 1944 ]
[ 199 ]

2d Bn, 162d Inf, from positions W of Parai. Enemy

cuts road E of Parai but counterattack restores

situation. Since opposition cannot be neutralized,

162d Inf withdraws by land and sea, 2d and 3d Bns

to Bosnek and Mandom and rest of RCT 162 to

small defense perimeter near Ibdi. Japanese move

back into Parai Defile, but achieve this success at

cost of more than 500 dead. Gen Krueger orders 2

bns of 163d Inf to Biak, although Toem–Arare

beachhead on the mainland is still threatened. In

Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick directs 158th Inf

to send I bn back across Tor R; 1st Bn is replaced

by 3d and returns to relieve 3d Bn, 163d Inf, at

Arare.

CBI—Gen Chennault warns of serious Japanese

threat to objectives in E China and asks that Fourteenth Air Force supplies be increased so that enemy

can be stopped.

On Salween front, supply situation of Chinese

improves as footbridge is repaired. This is later

found to be inadequate and air supply is required

for Chinese in Mamien Pass.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 1st Armd Div attacks up Albano road with

CCB on left and CCA on right, passing through

45th Div; clears Campoleone Station by noon but is

slowed beyond there by firm opposition and suffers

heavy tank losses. 45th Div’s 180th Inf follows CCB

northward while 179th pushes N in region E of

Albano road; 157th is withdrawn into reserve. 36th

Div continues holding action below Velletri. Enemy

continues effective defense of Lanuvio area and inflicts heavy casualties On 34th Div. II Corps takes

over sector E of Frascati between VI Corps and Br

Eighth Army; assumes command of 3d Div. 337th

Inf, 85th Div, closes in Rocca Mass ima–Giulianello

area. In IV Corps area, relief of 88th Div is begun

by FEC. 349th Inf is relieved and departs for Anzio

beachhead. In FEC area, 2d Moroccan Div is taking

over Siserno hill mass from 4th Mtn Div and repels

enemy attack to keep Palombara Pass open until

withdrawal is completed.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps begins

drive on Frosinone from Ceprano and takes Pofi.

13 Corps finds Arce undefended; establishes bridgehead across upper Liri. 10 Corps takes over inactive

zone of Pol 2 Corps, which is to relieve 10 Corps in

Adriatic coastal sector and continue drive under AAI

control.

30 May

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf meets few

enemy as it patrols from Parai Defile eastward. 162d

Inf patrols evoke opposition from Japanese in Ibdi

pocket, on ridge NW of Ibdi. In Wakde-Sarmi area,

158th Inf organizes new defense line along Tirfoam

R. 1st and 3d Bns, 163d Inf, leave for Biak. Japanese

attack Arare perimeter after nightfall.

BURMA—Gen Boatner replaces Col John E. McCammon as head of Myitkyina TF.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, enemy continues stubborn defense of Albano,

Velletri, and Lanuvio. CCB, 1st Armd Div, reaches

Campoleone Creek and is reinf by 157th Inf. 135th

Inf, 34th Div, reduces small enemy position SW of

Lanuvio 36th Div continues holding action below

Velletri and at night attacks toward M. Artemisio.

1st Br Div is attached to corps at midnight. II

Corps continues movement to new zone. During

night 30–31, 85th Div relieves elements of 3d Div.

349th Inf, 88th Div, arrives SW of Cori and is attached to 85th Div. In FEC area, elements of 3d

Moroccan Div move into Palombara Pass.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps continues

toward Frosinone and makes contact with French

at Ceccano.

U.K.—Loading of assault forces for OVERLORD

begins.

31 May

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE continues patrolling and regroups in preparation for renewing attack. 1st and 3d Bns of 163d Inf arrive. In

Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick reduces defense

perimeter of TF TORNADO. Main position is between

the Tor and Tementoe, but bridgehead is retained

across the Tor. In Hollandia–Aitape area, Co G of

127th Inf relieves Nyaparake Force. 1st Bn, 126th

Inf, begins offensive from East Sector to drive enemy

back across the Drindarai, advancing against light

resistance through Yakamul to Parakovio. Japanese

are becoming aggressive in 127th Inf sector along

the Driniumor and begin crossing the river.

CBI—On Salween Front, Ch 53d Army’s supplies are replenished during period 28–31 by 27th

Tr Carrier Sq.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders offensive

for Colli Laziali by VI and II Corps. In VI Corps

area enemy continues stout defense of Albano. 1st

Armd Div is withdrawn to reserve. 34th Div is still

stalled by stubborn resistance below Lanuvio. Germans thin out between Lanuvio and Velletri after

nightfall. 36th Div makes substantial progress on

right flank: 142d Inf takes Maschio d’Ariano and

positions commanding Velletri–Nemi road; 143d

moves forward to M. Artemisio; 141st pushes slowly

toward Velletri. II Corps attacks toward line of

departure for main offensive, I June. 85th Div,

which takes over left half of II Corps line leaving

right half to 3d Div, attacks with 337th Inf on left

and 338th on right, securing positions on M. Artemisio, clearing Lariano, and reaching positions

[ 30–31 MAY 1944 ]
[ 200 ]

across Velletri–Artena road. 88th Div is attached to

II Corps. IV Corps sector is taken over by 4th Mtn

Div, FEC. FEC extends positions northward in

Lepini Mountains to Supino and Carpineto.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps finds Frosinone undefended. 10 Corps seizes Sora.

1 June

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE begins

offensive to expand perimeter. While 163d Inf holds

beachhead, 186th Inf, with supporting tanks and

arty, moves N to surveyed airstrip on inland plateau

and repels strong enemy attacks from N and S.

2d Bn, 162d Inf, begins laborious trek northward

in effort to make contact with 186th Inf on inland

plateau while rest of regt probes westward from

Ibdi. Japanese seize water hole in coastal sector and

block main coastal road. Naval and engineer units

explore 3 islands of Paidado group—Mios Woendi,

Aoeki, and Owl. In Hollandia–Aitape area, ALAMO

Force gives Gen Patrick permission to keep rest of

163d Inf until arrival of 6th Div detachment. In

sector of TF PERSECUTION, Japanese force 1st Bn,

126th Inf, to return to Yakamul, where it will maintain base from which Harech R line can be explored

from coast inland.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, Ch 22d Div

force cuts Kamaing Road in Mogaung Valley just

SE of Nanyaseik, above Kamaing. With Ch 38th

Div holding Seton block below Kamaing, Kamaing

garrison is in grave danger, but monsoon rainfall is

slowing operations. U.S. reinforcements are being

rushed to Myitkyina. 2 engr bns, GALAHAD replacements, and GALAHAD evacuees have arrived by air

between 26 May and 1 June. Supplies are dangerously low, Americans having only food enough for

1 day and Chinese for 2 days. Chinese attack makes

little progress. U.S. 236th Engr Bn pushes toward

Namkwi with dual purpose of clearing that region

and of gaining combat experience; attack fails,

although elements succeed in reaching objective.

On Salween front, elements of Ch 2d Reserve

and 36th Divs (54th Army) reach Shweli Valley

from Tatangtzu Pass and join 593d Regt, Ch 198th

Div, from Mamien Pass. Japanese are drawing off

forces from upper Shweli Valley to strengthen

Lung-ling area to S. Two regts of 9th Div, Ch 2d

Army, cross the Salween; 76th Div of same army

patrols toward Burma Road.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army opens offensive

to destroy German Fourteenth Army. In VI Corps

area, Br and U.S. troops continue futile efforts to

break through to Albano and block escape of enemy

to E. Br 1st Div, on extreme left, is unable to advance. 45th Div makes limited progress. 34th Div

gains a little ground below Lanuvio. 141st Inf, 36th

Div, takes Velletri after hard battle. 142d Inf consolidates positions on M. Artemisio; 143d, relieved

of Maschio d’Ariano by 337th Inf of 85th Div,

advances SW along the ridge. II Corps opens final

offensive for Rome, aiming first at Highway 6 and

Cave road. On left flank, 85th Div, with 337th Inf

on left and 338th on right, attacks toward M. Ceraso

against strong resistance. 349th Inf, 88th Div, is

committed to right, where gap is developing, and

drives to heights N of RR. On right flank of II

Corps, 3d Div attacks northward in Valmontone

area. 30th Inf and TF Howze, reinf by elements of

7th, make slow progress on left. On right, 15th Inf

pushes to Highway 6, and 1st SSF takes high ground

SE of Valmontone. 91st Cav Rcn Sq screens right

flank ahead of 3d Div. IV Corps is officially withdrawn from line at 1400.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps, moving

up Route 6 toward Rome, reaches Ferentino.

2 June

U.S.—CCS issue new directive to SEAC, a compromise between Br and U.S. positions. Br view that

air link to China should be developed in order to

support operations in the Pacific is accepted. Ground

operations are to be pressed only insofar as they are

of assistance to build-up of Hump tonnage. Capture

of Myitkyina area of N Burma and construction of

pipelines to China are to be integral parts of the

main operation.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf attacks W

along inland plateau toward airfields; against sporadic but persistent opposition, reaches positions

almost abreast those of 162d Inf in Ibdi area. 2d Bn,

162d Inf, joins 186th Inf and is attached to it. In

coastal sector, 162d Inf recovers water hole, reduces

roadblock, and blocks trail leading inland. Co A,

163d Inf, occupies Owi and Mios Woendi Islands.

In Hollandia–Aitape area, TF PERSECUTION’s 1st Bn,

126th Inf, is formed into 2 forces: Herrick Force is

to hold Yakamul; Bailey Force is to patrol southward from Yakamul along the Harech.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, formal siege

of Myitkyina begins, with Chinese tunnelling toward enemy.

On Salween front, Ch 36th Div takes Kaitou village and surrounds Chiaotou in Shweli Valley.

In China, Japanese offensive in Honan draws to

a close, enemy having secured his objectives there

at light cost.

ITALY—AAI: Temporarily alters interarmy

boundary to permit U.S. Fifth Army greater freedom of movement.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, the enemy,

after stubborn defense through day, withdraws

main forces, night 2–3. 45th Div makes little prog-

[ 1–2 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 201 ]

ress toward Albano. 168th Inf, 34th Div, takes Villa

Crocetta and crosses Genaro Hill to reach RR;

patrols enter Lanuvio, night 2–3. 142d and 143d

Regts of 36th Div advance abreast on right flank

of VI Corps, seizing hills just E of M. Cavo and

hills E of Tano Hill. 141st Inf reaches Highway 7

before dawn and drives W along it until relieved

by 157th Inf of 45th Div, which has moved from

left flank of VI Corps to Velletri area to reinforce

36th Div. 157th continues W along the highway to

positions 21/2 miles W of Velletri. RCT 361, 91st

Div, closes at Velletri and is attached to 36th Div,

but is not committed to action before fall of Rome.

II Corps gains initial objective and enemy begins to

withdraw. 85th Div, having regrouped, attacks with

339th Inf on left, 337th in center, and 338th on

right. 339th, which is to finish clearing Maschio

d’Ariano, takes M. Fiore. 337th seizes M. Ceraso

and pushes almost to Highway 6. 1st Bn, 338th,

reaches Highway 6 at S. Cesareo. 88th Div’s 351st

Inf overruns S. Cesareo and cuts Highway 6; 349th

captures Gardella Hill. On left flank of 3d Div, TF

Howze and 7th Inf drive to Labico; 7th Inf continues toward Palestrina area. 30th Inf pushes

through Valmontone, which enemy has abandoned,

to positions near Cave. 15th Inf takes over from

1st SSF task of guarding right flank. 1st SSF, under

II Corps control, drives down Highway 6 and gains

contact with FEC east of Colle Ferro at 1530. In

FEC area, Lepini Mts have been cleared of stragglers by 3d Algerian and 2d Moroccan Divs.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps seizes Alatri.

U.S. Fifteenth Air Force begins shuttle bombing

(coded FRANTIC) between Italy and Soviet bases. 130

bombers and 70 fighters, after attacking rail targets

at Debrecen (Hungary), continue E and land at

the 3 new American bases in USSR—Poltava, Morgorod, and Piryatin.

3 June

NE W GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE’s

186th Inf continues W on broad front to positions N

of Parai. Japanese do not oppose advance, but terrain makes progress slow. Supply line is tenuous

and water must be brought inland from coast. 162d

Inf ( — ) attempts unsuccessfully to push W through

Parai Defile. It is decided that the Ibdi Pocket must

be cleared before westward attacks can continue.

Engineer, AA, radar, and arty units move to Owi I.

In Hollandia–Aitape area, Japanese in TF PERSECUTION zone are still active around Yakamul and bypass Herrick Force to reach positions W of

Yakamul.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 42d and 150th

Regts and 1st Bn of 89th continue attack on Myitkyina; suffering 320 casualties. Operations are to be

temporarily suspended in order to avoid further

casualties and to train U.S. troops.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 45th and 34th Divs push toward Albano from

S and SE. 45th drives N to RR and is followed by

1st Armd Div, reinf by 135th Inf of 34th Div,

which is to continue attack through 45th Div. In

34th Div sector, 168th Inf takes Lanuvio early in

day; 100th Bn (Nisei) overcomes rear-guard opposition on M. du Torri by 0100 on 4th; 133d Inf overruns Genzano before dawn of 4th. 157th Inf is

attached to 34th Div upon entering its sector; bypassing M. du Torri, seizes road junction on Albano

road north of RR, night 3–4. 36th Div’s 141st Inf

takes Nemi and road junction E of Lake Albano;

142d clears crest of M. Cavo; 143d eliminates strongpoint on Tano Hill. II Corps, having regrouped

extensively in order to swing W on Rome, gets

into position for final assault. 85th Div pushes toward Frascati, elements reaching hills NE of town.

88th Div column drives through Colonna to final

phase line S of Tor Sapienza by 0400 on 4th. 349th

Inf, guarding Highway 6 near Zagarolo, is attached

to 3d Div. TF Howze, which is reinf and attached

to 1st SSF, drives up Highway 6 against rear-guard

resistance and secures Osteria Finocchio road center.

1st SSF, upon relief on right flank by FEC, moves

forward to right of TF Howze. 3d Div guards

right flank while awaiting relief by FEC. 15th Inf,

the first unit to be relieved, takes up positions NE

of Osteria Finocchio. 7th Inf moves W in region

N of Highway 6. FEC moves forward to rear of

II Corps. 3d Algerian Div advances along Highway

6, relieving right flank elements of II Corps. 2d

Moroccan Div takes up positions facing Paliano and

Genazzano to defend right rear of FEC.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes

Anagni.

U.K.—Loading of cross-Channel assault forces

is completed.

4 June

SWPA—GHQ begins preparations for seizure

of Noemfoor I., between Biak and Manokwari. The

island, containing 3 airdromes, can be used as a

staging area and also as base from which to cover

sea lanes W of Biak.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE halts westward drive because of possible

enemy attack and spends rest of day in uneventful

patrolling. In Ibdi area, 162d Inf makes limited

progress in clearing trail leading inland and ridge

lines extending from it. In Hollandia–Aitape area,

Japanese, after preparatory bombardment, counterattack Herrick Force of TF PERSECUTION in

Yakamul area, forcing elements on far side of

stream to retire. Bailey Force is ordered to relieve

[ 3–4 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 202 ]

Herrick Force and starts N toward Yakamul, bypassing enemy block on trail.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese silence enemy

fire on heights commanding Huei-jen Bridge.

88th and 87th Divs, Ch 71st Army, are converging

on Lung-ling, 88th from Pingka and 87th along

Burma Road. Elements of Ch New 28th Div take

Lameng; others are containing Sung Shan garrison.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army columns, some

motorized, converge on Rome against rear-guard

opposition and are enthusiastically welcomed by

the populace. Elements of 88th Rcn Tr of II Corps

are the first to enter but cannot deepen penetration.

Gen Clark designates garrison of the Eternal City:

3d Div, less one regt that will remain in the city

as Fifth Army reserve; Br 1st Bn, the Duke of

Wellington’s Regt; 1 composite bn of FEC. 3d Div

is to command the garrison forces. In VI Corps

area, 1st Armd Div takes Albano and drives up

Highway 7 into Rome while 36th Div, to E, advances into E suburbs. 45th and 34th Div task forces

secure crossing sites below Rome. In II Corps area,

1st SSF and 88th Div columns, making main effort,

1st SSF along Highway 6 and 88th Div along Via

Prenestina, are delayed W of Centocelle for about 9

hours but push on through to city. 1st SSF fans out

within Rome to take Tiber bridges N of Ponte

Margherita. 88th Div TF’s, based on 1st Bns of 351st

and 350th Regts, drive through the city and seize

Ponte Milvio and Ponte del Duca d’Aosta. On left

flank of II Corps, one 85th Div force drives through

Frascati and along Via Tuscolana to Rome, taking

Ponte Cavour there; another cuts Highway 7. FEC

completes relief of 3d Div on right flank of II

Corps. Forward elements of 3d Algerian Div reach

Aniene R at Lunghezza. 1st Motorized Div is

committed to right.

Br Eighth Army regroups in order to place 2 fresh

armd divs, Br 6th and S African 6th, in van of pursuit that 13 Corps is to lead. 13 Corps takes command of S African 6th Armd Div from Cdn 1

Corps. Cdn 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve.

U.K.—At SHAEF, Gen Eisenhower postpones

D Day 24 hours, to 6 June, because of unfavorable

weather forecasts.

5 June

SWPA—Gen MacArthur tells Gen Krueger

that ALAMO Force will direct the Noemfoor operation.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Gen Krueger urges

TF HURRICANE to intensify efforts to take airfields

quickly. 186th Inf resumes westward attack without

opposition and reaches main ridge, NE of Mokmer

airfield, which 3d Bn scales. In Ibdi area, 162d Inf

succeeds in clearing trail inland and making contact

with 186th Inf but, despite support of naval vessels

offshore, can make little headway in Parai Defile. In

Hollandia–Aitape area, initial elements of 6th Div

arrive at Toem and begin relief of 158th Inf, TF

TORNADO. TF PERSECUTION’S Herrick Force is withdrawn from Yakamul to beachhead by water. Bailey

Force completes arduous trek via perimeter of Co

G, 127th Inf, 2 miles W of Yakamul, and is sent

W along coast to the Driniumor, to which Co G

and its supporting arty also retire. During action in

Yakamul area, 1st Bn, 126th Inf, has suffered 18

killed, 75 wounded, and 8 missing and has killed

200–250 Japanese. 1st Bn of 127th Inf, which has

been trying for several days to drive enemy from

ridge N of Afua, makes stronger effort and finds

that Japanese have abandoned the ridge.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, conferring with Gen. Stilwell, asks that B–29 tonnage

be diverted to meet Japanese threat in E China.

Gen Stilwell agrees to request permission if situation

grows worse.

On Salween front, 20,000 troops of Ch 71st Army

have crossed to W bank of the Salween. Drive on

Lung-ling continues.

11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, battle of Kohima is successfully

concluded as Br 2d Div clears Aradura Spur, S of

Kohima, but Kohima–Imphal road must still be

opened by 33 Corps working S and 4 Corps pushing

N.

THAILAND—B–29’s of U.S. XX Bomber Command, on their first mission, attack Bangkok in

force.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander orders vigorous

pursuit of enemy to line Rimini–Pisa. Fifth Army,

on W, is to seize Viterbo airfield and port of

Civitavecchia, then advance on Leghorn. Br Eighth

Army is to advance astride the Tiber to clear Terni

and Rieti.

U.S. Fifth Army gets most of assault forces across

the Tiber and pursues enemy as rapidly as possible,

VI Corps using Highway 1 and II Corps, Highway

2. Fifth Army takes control of 3d Div for garrison

duty within Rome. In VI Corps area, Br 5th and

1st Divs in coastal sector get advance elements to

lower Tiber, where bridges must be built. 1st Armd

Div’s CCB spearheads advance of 36th Div and

CCA, that of 34th Div. II Corps employs 85th Div

on left and 88th on right as it speeds northward.

91st and 117th Cav Rcn Sqs provide flank protection.

FEC crosses the Aniene and drives to the Tiber,

then suspends forward movement until S African

6th Armd Div of Br Eighth Army can cross its

front.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div concentrates E of Rome in preparation for pursuing enemy northward along Route 3

[ 5 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 203 ]

(Via Flaminia) W of the Tiber. Br 6th Armd Div,

advancing along Route 4 (Via Salaria) E of the

river, makes contact with enemy outposts N of

Rome. 10 Corps, which is initially to advance on

Rieti, takes command of Ind 8th Div.

6 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group (Gen Montgomery,

CG): Allied forces invade France, landing on coast

of Normandy. Although OVERLORD is under supreme

command of Gen Eisenhower, Gen Montgomery

heads all land forces, Air Chief Marshal LeighMallory the air forces, and Adm Ramsay the naval

forces. Powerful air and naval bombardment precedes and follows landings. Strategic aircraft join

with tactical in pounding assault zone. Surprise as

to time and place of invasion is achieved and

casualties are extremely light on all beaches except

OMAHA. Naval opposition is absent and air reaction

is feeble. Seaborne assault—H Hour being 0630 for

Americans and a little later for British—is preceded

4–5 hours by the largest airborne operation yet attempted. 3 divs are dropped to facilitate inland

movement of seaborne assault forces. Drops are

scattered, but paratroopers largely accomplish their

mission of securing beach exits, advancing in small

groups across hedgerow country.

In Gen Bradley’s U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps (Gen Collins), on extreme right, lands W

of Vire Estuary on UTAH Beach. Its primary mission is to seize port of Cherbourg as quickly as possible. 101st and 82d A/B Divs are dropped behind

UTAH Beach in region between Ste Mère-Eglise and

Carentan. 101st secures beach exits in St Martinde-Varreville–Pouppeville region and makes contact with seaborne 4th Div; blocks roads at Foucarville, which enemy surrenders night 6–7; takes lock

at La Barquette, N of Carentan, but is unable to

secure crossings of the Douve on either side of

Carentan as planned. Enemy is resisting strongly

in Carentan–St Côme-du-Mont area. 82d A/B Div,

upon dropping astride the Merderet, takes Ste MèreEglise but fails to gain its other objectives—crossings

of the Merderet and Douve, and making contact

with 101st A/B Div in Beuzeville-au-Plain area—

small groups are isolated W of the Merderet. At

H–2, 4th Cav Gp detachment makes unopposed

landings on Iles St Marcouf. 4th Div, reinf by 359th

Inf of 90th Div, lands at H Hour, 8th Inf leading,

and against relatively light opposition secures beachhead; 8th Inf gets some elements to Les Forges crossroads and others to Turqueville area, but enemy retains salient between these and 82d A/B Div units

at Ste Mère-Eglise. Tank-infantry TF (from 325th

Gli Inf of 82d A/B Div and 746th Tank Bn) arrives in Les Forges area but is unable to break

through to 82d A/B Div. 12th Inf, 4th Div, reaches

Beuzeville-au-Plain area to left of foist A/B Div, and

22d advances along coast to general line Hamelde-Cruttes–St-Germain-de-Varreville. V Corps (Maj

Gen Leonard T. Gerow) lands to E of VII Corps

on OMAHA Beach at H Hour but suffers heavy losses

in men and equipment because of adverse surf conditions and raking fire delivered from sharply rising bluffs that command the narrow beach. 1st Div,

reinf by 116th Inf of 29th Div, initially puts 116th

and 16th Regts ashore; rest of 1st Div and 115th Inf

of 29th land later in day. 2d and 5th Ranger Bns are

attached to 116th Inf to clear Pointe du Hoe. 3 cos

of 2d Ranger Bn, supported by fire from naval vessels offshore, scale steep cliff of Pointe du Hoe and

take coastal battery, which enemy has abandoned;

during next 2 days withstand series of sharp counterattacks against their isolated position. Other Rangers

and 116th Inf ( — ) land between Vierville-sur-Mer

and Les Moulins and overrun former. Elements of

116th Inf land E of Les Moulins and make futile

effort to reach St Laurent-sur-Mer. On left flank of

V Corps, 16th Inf and follow-up regts (115th, 18th,

26th) make maximum penetration of about 11

/2

miles between St Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville;

3d Bn of 16th Inf, on extreme left, takes Le Grand

Hameau.

Br Second Army (Lt Gen Myles C. Dempsey)

lands to E of U.S. First Army on 3 beaches (GOLD,

JUNO, and SWORD) between Le Hamel and Ouistreham and presses inland toward Bayeux and

Caen. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div, reinf by 8th

Armd Brig, elements of 79th Armd Div, and 47th

Royal Mar Cdo, lands on GOLD Beach in Le Hamel—

La Rivière sector; against strong opposition at Le

Hamel, drives inland toward Bayeux, reaching general line Vaux-sur-Aure–St Sulpice-Vaux-sur-Seulles–Brécy–Creuilly; makes contact with Cdn 3d Div

to left. Preparations are made for attack on Bayeux

at daylight. I Corps puts troops ashore on JUNO and

SWORD and drives on Caen from NW and N. Well

before the seaborne assault, 6th A/B Div ( — ) is

dropped E of the Orne in Caen area; secures bridges

over Orne R and Caen Canal at Bénouville and destroys coastal battery at Merville. Cdn 3d Div, reinf,

lands on JUNO in Courseulles area and thrusts rapidly inland 3–6 miles; armored patrols reach

Bayeux–Caen highway at Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse.

Br 3d Div, reinf, lands to left on SWORD and drives

inland to Biéville, within about 2 miles of Caen,

but gap exists between it and Cdn 3d Div. Germans

make their only major counterattack of the day

through the gap but are forced back almost to starting line.

FRANTIC—104 B–17’s and 42 P–51’s of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force attack airfield at Galati (Rumania), staging from bases in USSR.

[ 6 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 204 ]

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI

Corps races northward, CCB of 1st Armd Div reaching positions about 25 miles from Rome where it is

passed through at 2200 by 168th Inf, 34th Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps progresses

rapidly W of the Tiber; S African 6th Armd Div

reaches Civita Castellana. Stronger opposition E of

the river makes going slower, but Br 6th Armd Div

reaches Monterotondo. In 10 Corps area, Ind 8th Div

pursues enemy to Subiaco.

CBI—Because of Japanese offensive in China,

Gen Stilwell increases Hump allocation to Fourteenth Air Force to 8,325 tons. 1,500 more tons from

B–29 allocation bring total tonnage for Fourteenth

Air Force to the 10,000 Gen Chennault requested.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, upon orders from Gen

Fuller to clear Mokmer airfield at once and drive

on to coast S of there, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE

prepares to drive on the airfield instead of clearing

heights commanding it as planned. Attack is postponed until 7th in order to amass sufficient supplies.

After receiving supply of water, 3d Bn, followed by

1st, moves down W slope of ridge in preparation

for attack on airfield. 162d Inf continues to meet

lively opposition in coastal sector.

POA—TF 58 sails from the Marshalls for the

Marianas.

U.S.—JWPC issues study, “Operations Against

Japan, Subsequent to Formosa,” in which the following schedule for 1945 is suggested for planning purposes: Phase 1—take Bonins and Ryukyus and attack

China coast (1 April–30 June); Phase 2—consolidate

and exploit (30 June–30 September); Phase 3—invade Japanese home islands, Kyushu on 1 October

and Honshu on 31 December.

7 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

continues attack toward D Day objectives. Gen

Eisenhower, visiting the front, orders VII and V

Corps to make speedy junction through Isigny and

Carentan. VII Corps gives 101st A/B Div task of

clearing Carentan. V Corps makes 29th Div responsible for seizing Isigny. In VII Corps area, 4th Div,

with 22d Inf on right and 12th on left, drives northward toward line Quinéville–Montebourg until

halted by strong opposition from permanent fortifications at Crisbecq and Azeville; 8th Inf columns

converge on Ste Mère-Eglise, where they assist elements of 82d A/B Div in throwing back major

enemy counterattack from N. Tanks of 10th and

746th Tank Bns also give valuable assistance. Other

elements of 82d A/B Div clear E bank of the Merderet but are violently opposed at La Fire bridge

across it and are unable to relieve isolated elements

W of the river. 82d A/B Div is strengthened by

arrival of 325th Gli Inf Regt in gliders and by sea.

Seaborne elements (1st Bn) move forward with

8th Inf of 4th Div; the other bns are committed at

La Fière and N of Ste Mère-Eglise. To S, 101st

A/B Div units on N bank of the Douve temporarily

suspend efforts to establish bridgeheads but receive

surrender of enemy detachments from Le Port and

La Barquette; 506th Para Inf ( — 3d Bn) moves S

from Culoville to reconnoiter in force toward the

Douve but is stopped near St Côme-du-Mont. V

Corps continues toward initial objectives with 29th

Div on right and 1st on left. 116th Inf of 29th Div

and Rangers are clearing bluffs on V Corps right

flank; relief force pushing toward Rangers on

Pointe du Hoe reaches St Pierre-du-Mont area. 175th

Inf of 29th Div, upon landing, is given task of taking Isigny; moving between 116th and 115th Regts,

advances quickly along Longueville–Isigny road,

taking La Cambe before dawn of 8th; 115th Inf

clears St Laurent region and pushes SW toward Louviéres and Montigny. Elements of 26th Inf, 1st Div,

on right flank of div, make futile attempt to reach

Formigny; 18th Inf, in center, thrusts to En-granville,

Mandeville, and Mosles; 16th, on left,

takes Huppain. Enemy retains narrow corridor

between U.S. and Br bridgeheads along Drome R to

its junction with Aure R. 2d Div begins landing

in evening.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div

overruns Bayeux and gets 2 regts S of Bayeux–Caen

highway. 47th Royal Mar Cdo begins battle for

Port-en-Bessin in afternoon. In 1 Corps area, Cdn

3d Div brig pushes S of Bayeux–Caen highway.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander issues new orders

for pursuit of enemy. U.S. Fifth Army is to advance

to general area Pisa–Lucca–Pistoia, while Eighth

Army is to push toward line Florence–Bibbiena–

Arezzo as rapidly as possible. 5 Corps is to remain

on the defensive in Adriatic coastal sector. 2 Pol

Corps will be committed only if enemy cannot be

cleared from Ancona.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 168th Inf of

34th Div, advancing through night 6–7, seizes Civitavecchia and its port, 40 miles NW of Rome. This

port, although damaged, soon becomes valuable in

supplying assault forces.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps shifts axis of

advance from N to NW. S African 6th Armd Div,

followed by 78th Div, turns toward Orvieto, important road center, on Viterbo–Bagnoregio road.

E of the Tiber, Br 6th Armd Div swings toward

Terni instead of Rieti.

CBI—In NCAC area, Chinese commanders

call Gen Boatner’s attention to the dangerously reduced strength of Chinese forces in Myitkyina area.

Limited operations are continued there while preparations are being made for offensive on 10th.

[ 7 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 205 ]

On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st Army

reaches East Gate of Lung-ling. Ch 87th Div, moving along Burma Road, is approaching the city.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf, assisted by

arty and aircraft, drives quickly across Mokmer airfield to beach without opposition, but Japanese then

subject entire area to intense fire. Supply of 186th

Inf by sea is begun under fire. 162d Inf begins

movement by sea of bulk of its troops in coastal

sector to Mokmer airdrome via Parai in order to

exert pressure against Parai Defile from Was well as

E and open it to coastal traffic. Limited effort is

being made against Ibdi Pocket area. Enemy’s East

Caves position, E of Mokmer airfield, is being

neutralized by fire. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 2d

Bn joins 1st Bn of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, in Tor R

bridgehead. Both patrol uneventfully toward Maffin

No. 1. In TF PERSECUTION’S sector, Japanese become

active about 1,300 yards W of Afua on Afua–Palauru

supply line. Gap exists in outer defense line along

the Driniumor, where regrouping is conducted. 1st

Bn, 128th Inf, replaces 1st Bn, 126th, in N part of

line.

U.S.—Gen Marshall rejects request, made by

Gen Stilwell at instigation of Chiang Kai-shek and

Gen Chennault, that B–29 stocks be used by Fourteenth Air Force in the event of an emergency in

China.

8 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Contact is established between U.S. First and Br Second Armies

near Port-en-Bessin.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins all-out.

drive on Cherbourg with 4 refits—505th Para Inf

(82d A/B Div) and 8th Inf (4th Div) on W and

4th Div’s 12th and 22d Regts on E. Enemy again

halts assault of 22d Inf at edge of Azeville–Crisbecq fortifications; 12th Inf fights bitterly for Edmondeville. On W, attack reaches general line from

Montebourg highway through Magneville to the

Merderet. 82d A/B Div remains under strong enemy

pressure along the Merderet. On VII Corps S flank,

101st A/B Div opens battle for Carentan in effort

to effect speedy junction with V Corps: 506th Inf

( — ), strongly reinf, forces enemy from St. Cômedu-Mont; div then regroups along the Douve with

orders to cross in vicinity of Brévands. V Corps

secures D Day objectives. 116th Inf of 29th Div and

Rangers succeed in relieving hard-pressed units of

2d Ranger Bn on Pointe du Hoe and push on to

Grandcamp; 175th Inf continues rapid drive on

Isigny and takes it with ease, night 8–9; 115th drives

S to the Aure through Longueville. In 1st Div sector, Formigny falls to elements of 18th Inf from

Engranville; 26th Inf, making main effort to trap

enemy between U.S. and Br bridgeheads, overruns

Tour-en-Bessin and, night 8–9, Ste Anne; 16th attempts to block enemy escape from Port-en-Bessin,

but enemy retains escape corridor and withdraws

bulk of his forces through it, night 8–9.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Port-enBessin falls to 47th Royal Mar Cdo early in day.

50th Div compresses enemy’s escape corridor in

conjunction with U.S. V Corps, taking Sully and

château at Fosse Soucy, but pulls back under enemy

pressure.

ITALY—AAI: Br 5 Corps, holding Adriatic

coastal sector, finds that enemy is withdrawing and

moves forward.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf,

leading 34th Div’s pursuit up Highway 1, encounters delaying opposition S of Tarquinia. II Corps,

to speed advance, commits 2 TF’s ahead of 85th

and 88th Divs—TF Howze on left and TF Ellis

(91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinf) on right. Forward elements

get to within 6 miles of Viterbo before corps is

halted in order to give S African 6th Armd Div right

of way. Shift of interarmy boundary to left greatly

narrows zone of 88th Div.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div makes rapid progress toward Orvieto

on left flank. E of the Tiber, Br 6th Armd Div

encounters enemy positions extending W from

Monte Maggiore and is held up at Passo Corese;

puts infantry in the lead, night 8–9.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st

Army penetrates outer defenses of Lung-ling. Ch

87th Div reaches North Gate of the city and blocks

Japanese supply route at Manio Bridge, on Tengchung-Lung-ling road.

NEW GUINEA—Seventh Fleet PT boats begin

operating from Mios Woendi. On Biak, 186th Inf

of TF HURRICANE improves and consolidates positions in Mokmer airdrome area. 2d Bn of 162d Inf

meets heavy fire as it advances E to rejoin parent unit

and halts on ridge N of East Caves. 162d Inf completes movement of bulk of its 1st and 3d Bns to

Parai. Japanese continue to resist stubbornly in Parai

Defile despite pressure from W and E by elements

of 163d, 186th, and 162d Regts. Elements of 162d

Inf pushing W from Parai toward Mokmer airfield are strongly opposed but reach positions near

Mokmer village. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 1st and

2d Bns of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, with tank support, attack W after brief arty preparation. Considerable resistance develops, but attack progresses to

within 1,500 yards of the Tirfoam.

9 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 4th Div makes significant progress

at some points as it continues drive on Cherbourg:

[ 8–9 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 206 ]

on right flank, 22d Inf forces German garrison of

Azeville fortifications to surrender and organizes

TF Barber to drive on Quinéville through Azeville

gap; 12th Inf thrusts quickly northward from Edmondeville, reducing strongpoint at Joganville;

during hard and costly fighting, 8th Inf overruns

enemy positions at Magneville and drives to Ecausseville, from which enemy withdraws after nightfall.

505th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div, reinf by bn of 327th

Gli Inf, makes limited progress W of Magneville;

82d A/B Div makes main effort at La Fière, where

2 bns of 325th Gli Inf, followed by 1st Bn of 508th

Para Inf, cross the Merderet and secure bridgehead

of sufficient depth to include all units that had been

isolated W of the Merderet. 101st A/B Div prepares for 2-pronged attack on Carentan via causeway and Brévands, but its jump-off is delayed

awaiting bridge repairs. V Corps attacks S toward

Fôret de Cerisy on 3-div front, committing 2d Div

in narrow zone between 29th and 1st. From Isigny,

main body of 175th Inf, 29th Div, thrusts S to its

objectives, reaching La Fotelaie, while Co K, reinf

by Rcn Tr and tanks, forces crossing of the Vire

R at Auville-sur-le Vey; 115th Inf crosses the Aure

S of Canchy and fans out to Bricqueville, La Folie,

and Le Carrefour. In center of V Corps, 2d Div’s

38th Inf pushes into Trévières and begins clearing

it while 9th, to E, thrusts to Rubercy. 1st Div, attacking with 18th Inf on right and 26th on left,

reaches its left flank objectives, Agy and Dodigny.

2d Armd Div begins landing.

Br Second Army is pushing forward toward Tillysur-Seulles in 30 Corps zone and Caen in 1 Corps

zone against strong opposition.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps

area, 133d Inf of 34th Div overruns Tarquinia.

361st Inf of 91st Div enters line, taking over coastal

sector under command of 36th Div. Viterbo falls

without a fight to CCA, 1st Armd Div, early in day.

II Corps is being relieved by FEC.

Br Eighth Army establishes new boundary between 13 and 10 Corps along Tiber R. Elements of

13 Corps E of the river (Br 6th Armd and 4th Inf

Divs) pass to command of 10 Corps. In 13 Corps

area, S African 6th Armd Div makes contact with

U.S. Fifth Army at Viterbo and pushes on toward

Orvieto. In 10 Corps area, Br 6th Armd Div continues toward Terni. Ind 8th Div reaches Arsoli.

USSR-FINLAND—As prelude to main summer

offensive, Soviet troops of Leningrad Front launch

attacks to eliminate Finnish threat on Karelian

Isthmus, between Lake Ladoga and Gulf of Finland,

striking at Finnish Mannerheim Line after 3-hour

preparatory bombardment.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten directs Gen Giffard,

CG 11 Army Group, to clear Dimapur–Kohima–

Imphal road not later than mid-July; to clear

Dimapur–Kohima–Imphal Plain–Yuwa–Tamanthi

region; to prepare to attack across the Chindwin in

Yuwa–Tamanthi area after the monsoon.

On Salween front, Ch 71st Army begins attack

on 2 of 3 hills in Lung-ling. 9th Div of Ch 2d Army

blocks Burma Road 4 miles S of Mang-shih; because of disagreement between army and group

army commanders, 9th Div later withdraws the

block and confines its activities to patrolling.

NEW GUINEA—Engr aviation bns begin building strip on Owi. On Biak, main body of 162d Inf,

TF HURRICANE continues W along coast toward

Mokmer airfield against heavy fire from East Caves;

makes contact with 2d Bn, which reverts to regt.

Efforts are being made to discover limits of the East

Caves position. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 1st and

2d Bns of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, continue to Tirfoam R, overrunning enemy defenses en route. Forward movement from there is halted since 158th Inf

is to be prepared to attack Noemfoor I. at short

notice. A second RCT of 6th Div is to relieve 158th

Inf. In sector of TF PERSECUTION, Japanese are

found to have withdrawn from Afua–Palauru trail.

Sq of RAAF Beaufighters of Wing 71 arrives at

Tadji, where only 110th Rcn Sq of U.S. Fifth Air

Force has been stationed from 25 May to date.

10 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VII and V Corps establish contact at Auvillesur-le-Vey, but enemy remains in Carentan. In VII

Corps area, TF BARBER, on 4th Div right, makes

little headway through Azeville gap toward enemy’s

MLR on Quinéville ridge, since enemy is disposed in

strength on the TF flanks; efforts to reduce Ozeville and Château de Fontenay are futile; 12th Inf

reaches positions just below Montebourg–Quinéville

highway in region E of Montebourg and is well

ahead of rest of 4th Div; 8th Inf gains its objectives

along Le Ham–Montebourg highway. 505th Para

Inf, 82d A/B Div, takes one of its objectives, Montebourg Station, but is halted a little short of the

other, Le Ham. 60th Div (less 359th Inf, attached

to 4th Div) attacks W toward the Douve through

82d A/B Div’s Merderet bridgehead but makes little

headway; 357th Inf crosses at La Fière and pushes

toward Les Landes; 358th crosses at Chef-du-Pont

and moves on Pont l’Abbé, getting a little beyond

Picauville. 101st A/B Div begins envelopment of

Carentan: 327th Gli Inf moves in from NE upon

crossing the Douve near Brévands and cuts E exits

from the town; bitter battle develops on W, where

3d Bn, 502d Para Inf, inches across causeway NW

of Carentan under enemy fire, which supporting

arty is unable to silence; elements of 401st Gli Inf

make contact with V Corps units at Auville-sur-le-

[ 10 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 207 ]

Vey. 9th Div arrives and begins to debark. V Corps

gains its objectives with little difficulty since German lines above Caumont have given way and gap

10 miles wide is virtually undefended. 29th Div’s

115th Inf reaches Elle R line. 38th and 9th Regts of

2d Div speed through Fret de Cerisy to objectives.

18th Inf, 1st Div, reaches St Lô–Bayeux highway.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps commits 7th

Armd Div to action in Tilly-sur-Seulles region,

where enemy is resisting strongly. I Corps continues

to press toward Caen.

ITALY—AAI: Br 5 Corps pursues enemy up

Adriatic coast, Ind 4th Div taking Pescara and

Chieti.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 1st Armd

Div, relieved by 36th Div on left and FEC on right,

is withdrawn from line. 36th Div is responsible for

entire VI Corps zone. In II Corps area, final elements of corps are withdrawn from line. In FEC

area, Lt Gen Edgar de Larminat, as head of Pursuit

Corps, directs advance of 3d Algerian Div on W

and 1st Motorized Div on E in narrow sector, largely

W of Highway 2, on Fifth Army right flank.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, enemy rear

guards are slowing S African 6th Armd Div below

Bagnoregio. 4th Div reverts to corps from Br 10

Corps upon relief E of the Tiber by Ind 8th Div.

10 Corps is meeting considerable resistance below

Terni. NZ 2d Div reaches Avezzano.

CBI—In NCAC area, Allied troops launch coordinated attack on Myitkyina but make little

progress. In Mogaung Valley, Ch forces are pushing

closer to Kamaing, which is besieged.

On Salween front, Ch 87th and 88th Divs are

supplied with ammunition by air as they continue

to attack hills in Lung-ling.

In China, Japanese have 5 divs along the Liu-yang

R and are threatening Changsha.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Gen Krueger again

urges Gen Fuller to secure airfields as quickly as

possible. Bulk of 162d Inf, TF HURRICANE, advances

cautiously W toward Mokmer airdrome. Enemy

continues to resist in Parai Defile. AT Co of 162d

Inf and Co A, 186th, are recalled from ridges

extending W from trail inland, which they have

been trying in vain to clear since 7th. In Hollandia–

Aitape area, hq of TF PERSECUTION orders positions

along the Driniumor improved quickly; in the

event of attack, enemy is to be delayed first along

line X-ray R–Koronal Creek and second at the

Nigia. Main line of resistance about the airfields is

to be held. Japanese patrol activity is decreasing in

Driniumor area but increasing along S branches of

Niumen Creek, about 3,000 yards E of the

Driniumor.

U.S.—U.S. Eighth Army is activated at Memphis, Tennessee.

11 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 4th Div’s TF Barber continues futile

efforts to break through Azeville gap to Quinéville

ridge in coastal sector; 12th Inf gains its objective—

W end of Montebourg–Quinéville ridge—but pulls

back behind Montebourg–St Floxel road since its

flanks are exposed; 8th Inf digs in along Le Ham–

Montebourg road when enemy fire prevents forward

movement to the RR. 82d A/B Div’s 505th Para

Inf, making main effort with 2d Bn of 325th Gli

Inf, thrusts into Le Ham under heavy fire and finds

Le Ham deserted. 90th Div continues to make slow

progress W of the Merderet, but partly surrounds

Pont l’Abbé. 101st A/B Div presses in slowly on

Carentan against unabated opposition: On right,

3d Bn of 502d Para Inf, after crossing the Madeleine

R and clearing enemy strongpoints, is joined by

1st Bn; determined counterattacks are repelled and

2d Bn, 502d Para Inf, takes over line, night 11–12.

While main body of 327th Gli Inf conducts holding

action along canal on left, elements move in to outskirts of Carentan along Bassin Flot. Destructive

fire is placed on Carentan during night 11–12, and

Germans quietly abandon the town. In V Corps area,

elements of 2d Armd Div (3d Bn, 41st Armd Inf

Regt) are committed to strengthen bridgehead at

Auville-sur-le-Vey, since VII Corps’ 101st A/B is

fully occupied with battle for Carentan. V Corps

front is quiet except at tip of Fôret de Cerisy, where

elements of 2d Div reduce strongpoint at Haute

Littée crossroads.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div breaks into Tilly-sur-Seulle but is forced out

by enemy.

USSR-FINLAND—Continuing offensive against

Mannerheim Line, Soviet forces drive wedge 15

miles deep on 30-mile front in Finnish positions.

FRANTIC—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force planes attack Focsani airfield while returning to Italy from

their first shuttle bombing mission between there

and USSR.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps (Gen Crittenberger) takes command of VI

Corps sector and of 36th Div. VI Corps, which is

to participate in Operation ANVIL under U.S. Seventh Army, has driven nearly 65 miles N of Rome

with little difficulty, but there are indications that

rear-guard opposition will soon increase. In FEC

area, Montefiascone falls to 1st Motorized Div. 3d

Algerian Inf Div secures Valentano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div is unable to break through enemy

delaying line below Bagnoregio. In 10 Corps area,

Br 6th Armd Div crosses Galantina R, from which

enemy has departed, and takes Cantalupo.

[ 11 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 208 ]

CHINA—Japanese attack in strength across Liuyang R and meet little opposition from Chinese of

IX War Area.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. 6th Div commander, Maj

Gen Franklin C. Sibert, his hq, 20th Inf, and miscellaneous units of 6th Div arrive at Toem. On

Biak, TF HURRICANE opens assault with 2 regts

abreast to clear region N and W of Mokmer airfield.

186th Inf, on left along coast, easily reaches first

phase line, about 1,350 yards beyond W end of runway. 162d Inf gets left flank to first phase line but

is halted a little short of line of departure, extending inland from coast at Monoebaboe, on right. Japanese laborers bring news of Japanese West Caves

strongpoint, some 1,000 yards NW of 3d Bn, 162d

Inf. Elements of TF HURRICANE probing toward East

Caves are recalled to Mokmer airdrome. Japanese in Parai Defile finally yield to pressure from

E and W.

MARIANAS—As invasion convoy, after rendezvousing off the Marshalls, sails for Saipan, carrier

planes of TF 58 begin preinvasion softening of the

Marianas, a day ahead of schedule, with fighter

sweep in afternoon that gains control of the air.

Enemy losses through destruction or serious damage

are estimated to be from 147 to 215 planes. Of 225

U.S. aircraft launched, only 12 are lost.

12 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 39th Inf of 9th Div, attached to 4th

Div, is given part of 22d Inf’s sector along coast and

takes Crisbecq, from which enemy has withdrawn,

as well as Dangueville and Fontenay-sur-Mer, forcing enemy back to his MLR on Quinéville ridge.

With strong fire support, including naval, 22d Inf

makes concerted assault on Ozeville and captures

it; 12th Inf moves forward again to Les Fieffes

Dancel, at W end of Quinéville ridge; 8th Inf makes

limited attack on Montebourg, but finds it strongly

held and pulls back. W of the Merderet, 90th Div

commits 359th Inf, which is returned to it by 4th

Div, between 357th and 358th but is still unable to

make much headway; night attack, 12–13, on Pont

l’Abbé by 358th overruns the town, which has been

leveled by arty and aerial bombardment. 508th Para

Inf of 82d A/B Div, reinf and organized as a TF,

crosses the Douve at Beuzeville-la-Bastille, night 12–

13, in effort to make contact with 101st A/B Div at

Baupte. 101st A/B Div envelops and captures

Carentan: Brig Gen Anthony McAuliffe coordinates final assault, which is made by 506th Para

Inf, replacing 502d, on right and 327th Gli and to

its E 501st Para Regts on left; after 501st and 506th

Regts close circle about Carentan, elements of latter

and 327th Gli Inf drive rapidly into the town and

eliminate stragglers; to secure approaches to Carentan, 506th and 501st Regts thrust toward Baupte and

Priers, respectively, but are soon stopped; 327th

Gli Inf pushes SE to Montmartin-en-Graignes region

and makes contact with elements of V Corps. In V

Corps area, 29th Div TF (2 cos of 115th Inf) crosses

the Vire to reconnoiter in Montmartin-en-Graignes

area and take bridges over Vire–Taute Canal but is

halted by strong opposition in Montmartin-enGraignes region. To meet expected enemy counterattack in weak sector between VII and V Corps, elements of 2d Armd Div are ordered to Montmartinen-Graignes area. V Corps begins attack toward St.

Lô and is vigorously opposed on right. 115th Inf,

29th Div, makes futile attempt to cross Elie R SE of

Ste Marguerite-d’Elle; 3d Bn crosses but is driven

back with severe casualties. 116th Inf attacks

through 115th in evening and succeeds in crossing.

23d Inf, 2d Div, attempts to reach Hill 192, which

commands approaches to St. Lô from N and E, but

is stopped at Elie R; 9th Inf, on div left, against

lighter resistance, advances in conjunction with 1st

Div and takes Litteau ridge. On left flank of V

Corps, 1st Div, with 18th Inf on right and 26th on

left, thrusts to edge of Caumont.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div

maintains pressure on enemy near Tilly-sur-Seulles.

7th Armd Div begins flanking attack on right flank

of corps and pushes through Livry to positions E of

Caumont.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area,

Civitavecchia port is opened to LST traffic. IV Corps

continues pursuit of enemy northward, advancing

a little less rapidly than VI Corps had, against gradually increasing resistance. 36th Div, reinf by 361st

Inf of 91st Div and tanks and TD units, is in assault,

its advance screened by 117th Cav Rcn Sq. TF

Ramey, under Brig Gen Rufus S. Ramey, consisting

of 91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinf by 141st Inf of 36th Div

and supporting units, is formed to screen right flank

of IV Corps and maintain contact with French.

Enemy is offering delaying opposition in vicinity of

Orbetello.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 115th Inf recovers

Hongmoshu, in Huei-jen Bridge area.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 2d Bn of 163d Inf,

41st Div, arrives; 186th Inf remains on first phase

line patrolling actively while awaiting forward movement of 162d Inf to right. Regimental boundary is

extended 300 yards on N; 162d Inf is still furiously

opposed on right, where 3d Bn works slowly forward, advance elements gaining but 300 yards; gap

of almost 900 yards exists between 3d and 2d Bns

at end of day. Engineers begin repairs on Mokmer

airdrome. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Sibert takes

command of TF TORNADO. Hq, 6th Div, becomes

[ 12 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 209 ]

headquarters of TF TORNADO, replacing Hq, RCT

158.

MARIANAS—Aircraft of TF 58 continue attacks

to complete destruction of enemy planes and wreck

airfields; attack enemy convoy attempting to escape,

sinking 10–14 ships; sink a cargo vessel just off

Saipan and severely damage another; sink enemy

vessel in Tanapag harbor.

13 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

halts southward attack of V Corps at end of day,

ordering it to hold positions while VII Corps makes

main effort to cut Cotentin Peninsula and take Cherbourg. XIX Corps (Gen Corlett), which is not yet

operational, is given mission of securing and deepening corridor between VII and V Corps in

Carentan–Isigny region. In VII Corps’ 4th Div

sector, 39th Inf (attached) makes limited progress

against coastal strongpoints S of Quinéville; 22d Inf

gets into position for drive down ridge to Quinéville; 12th maintains positions at W end of Quinéville ridge; 8th contains enemy at Montebourg.

90th Div, whose commander is replaced, continues

extremely slow advance, reaching general line

Gourbesville–Pont l’Abbé. The 508th Para Inf force

of 82d A/B Div reaches Baupte by 0800 as Germans

withdraw hastily. Enemy makes strong effort from

SW to recover Carentan and gets almost to city

limits before 101st A/B Div, assisted by elements of

2d Armd Div, halts attack. 101st A/B Div then

attacks with 502d Regt, which passes through 506th,

on N and 501st on S and reaches line along road

from Baupte to Carentan–Périers highway; 327th

Gli Inf, expecting counterattack that does not materialize, pulls back to defense positions along N side

of RR between Carentan and the Vire. VII Corps is

now securely joined with V Corps. V Corps halts

attack toward St Lô at end of day. Isolated elements

of 175th Inf, 29th Div, withdraw from Montmartin-en-Graignes area; 116th Inf takes St Clairsur-Elle and Couvains. 38th Inf, 2d Div, with strong

arty support, pushes about 2 miles beyond Elle R

toward St Lô. Caumont falls to 1st Div in morning.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div reaches Villers-Bocage, important communications center, but withdraws northward to tie in

with U.S. V Corps, after enemy counterattack gets

almost to road from there to Caumont. 50th Div is

still held up near Tilly-sur-Seulles.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps

area, S African 6th Armd Div breaks through

enemy positions at Bagnoregio and pushes on toward

Orvieto. In 10 Corps area, Br 6th Armd Div advances through Narni to Terni, arriving just as

enemy demolishes bridge.

BURMA—In NCAC sector, hard fighting is in

progress in Myitkyina area, where Japanese penetrate positions of Co K, NEW GALAHAD, but are

finally halted.

CHINA—CBI theater ships trainload of arms and

ammunition from Kweilin to Hengyang for Chinese

IX War Area in response to information by U.S.

observer group there that Chinese need them.

NEW GUINEA—Acceding to request by Gen

Fuller for a fresh regt, Gen Krueger alerts 34th Inf,

24th Div, for movement to Biak on 18 June. On

Biak, Mokmer airfield is repaired sufficiently for

fighter planes to use it. 186th Inf, 41st Div, continues to patrol from first phase line; 162d endeavors in vain to close gap between 3d and 2d Bns;

1st Bn moves forward to protect right and rear of

162d Inf. Enemy fire from East Caves position has

been neutralized enough for trucks to use coastal

road.

MARIANAS—G–2 estimates that 15,000–17,600

enemy troops are on Saipan and 10,150–10,750 on

Tinian. TF 58 continues aerial bombardment of the

Marianas and begins naval bombardment as well in

effort to destroy enemy’s defenses. 7 fast BB’s and

11 DD’s pound W coast of Saipan and Tinian at

long range with doubtful results. During further

air attacks on enemy shipping, a transport is sunk

and other vessels are set on fire. Mine sweepers

operate off W coast of Saipan under protection of

TF 58. Enemy offers no opposition to air attacks

on Saipan.

U.S.—JCS ask Adm Nimitz and Gen MacArthur to comment on the following proposals: (1)

advance target dates so that invasion of Formosa,

tentatively planned for 15 February 1945, can be

advanced; (2) bypass certain objectives, among

them S Philippines, also to hasten invasion of Formosa; (3) bypass certain targets, including S Philippines and Formosa, in order to advance directly

to Japan. Both men subsequently reply in the negative.

14 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, enemy’s MLR on N crumbles under

attacks of 4th Div: 39th Inf (attached) overcomes

strong opposition in Quinéville and finishes clearing coastal region to S with capture of Fort St

Marcouf; 22d Inf clears heights W of Quinéville.

90th Div is relieved of task of driving W to the

Douve by 9th Inf and 82d A/B Divs and starts

pivoting northward to protect left flank of 9th Div:

357th Inf begins fighting in Gourbesville; 359th

starts swing to N; 358th, after pushing about 1,000

yards W of Pont l’Abbé, is relieved by 82d A/B

Div. 60th Inf, 9th Div, attacks toward Ste Colombe

on narrow front as 90th Div turns N, reaching

[ 13–14 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 210 ]

Valognes–Pont l’Abbé highway. 82d A/B Div

thrusts W astride Pont l’Abbé–St Sauveur-leVicomte road with 507th Para and 325th Gli Regts

abreast and gains about a mile. 79th Div arrives at

UTAH Beach. XIX Corps becomes operational and

has under its command 29th Div, transferred from

V Corps, and 30th Div, which is concentrating between the Vire and Taute.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, additional

enemy pressure from S forces 7th Armd Div to withdraw farther northward to Parfouru-l’Eclin area.

U.S. V Corps arty assists in repelling enemy attacks.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander learns that VI

Corps hq will be withdrawn for ANVIL at once, 3d

Div on 17 June and 36th on 27 June; 2 Fr divs are

to be withdrawn to Naples area, one on 24th and the

other in early July. AAI is still committed to task

of clearing Italy S of line Pisa–Rimini. Advanced Hq

opens at Frascati.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, Liberty ships are now

able to use Civitavecchia port. IV Corps continues to

push N and NW, elements taking Magliano. FEC

boundary is moved W and TF under Gen Guillaume (1st Gp of Tabors and 1st Moroccan Inf) assumes responsibility for left flank.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Orvieto falls

to S African 6th Armd Div without a struggle. 78th

Div, to E, overtakes enemy rear guard and inflicts

heavy losses in vehicles and guns.

CBI—In NCAC area, battle for Myitkyina continues, with Allied forces making slight progress

against stiff resistance. Gaps in Allied positions

around Myitkyina are being used by enemy to isolate small units. Gen Boatner orders Morris Force

(Ind 3d Div TF), on E bank of the Irrawaddy opposite Myitkyina, to attack at once and is informed

by its leader, Brig G. R. Morris, that Japanese command routes of approach, terrain is flooded, and men

are exhausted. In Mogaung Valley, Chinese are

tightening ring about Kamaing.

On Salween front, Japanese are reinforcing positions within and near Lung-ling and begin vigorous

counterattacks. Of 21 bns of Ch XI Group Army in

Lung-ling area, only 9 are participating in action for

this city. Chinese are forced from Manio Bridge,

which Japanese at once put into use.

Continuing offensive in China, Japanese take

Liu-yang, increasing threat to Changsha.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger orders Gen Eichelberger, CG of U.S. I Corps and of TF RECKLESS, to

Biak to replace Gen Fuller as CG TF HURRICANE.

1st Bns of 162d and 186th Regts circle northward

around 3d Bn of 162d Inf to positions above low

ridge that is barring forward movement and then

push W abreast, 1st Bn of 162d on left coming up

against perimeter of Japanese West Caves strongpoint. Japanese efforts to oust 1st Bns, night 14–15,

fail. In Wakde-Sarmi area, rest of 6th Div arrives

at Toem; 20th Inf relieves 158th Inf at the Tirfoam.

158th takes up positions on W bank of Tementoe

Creek and patrols S and E.

MARIANAS—As Adm Hill’s Western Landing

Group, with 2d and 4th Mar Divs embarked, approaches Saipan, 2 bombardment groups under

Rear Adm Jesse B. Oldendorf open fire. These, consisting of 7 old BB’s, 11 cruisers, 26 DD’s, a few

APD’s, and mine sweepers, get within closer range

and achieve better results than did ships of TF 58.

Underwater demolition and mine sweeping operations are conducted along coast.

15 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps (Maj Gen Troy H. Middleton)

becomes operational and has mission of establishing

defensive positions from Carentan W across the

Cotentin Peninsula and protecting SW flank of

VII Corps, 101st A/B Div is transferred to it

from VII Corps in current positions. In VII Corps

area, Gen Collins decides that main effort of corps

will be to cut off Cotentin Peninsula as soon as

possible. 357th Inf of 90th Div completes capture of

Gourbesville, but div makes little progress elsewhere; bn of 358th Inf is committed on right flank.

In 9th Div sector, 47th Inf is committed on right

and moves quickly to high ground W of Orglandes;

60th Inf is forced back to line of departure by

strong counterattack, the last E of the Douve, but

recovers about half the lost ground. Against decreasing resistance, 82d A/B Div’s 505th Para Inf,

after relieving 507th, drives to positions S of Reigneville; 325th Gli Inf advances to within 1,000 yards

of St Sauveur-le-Vicomte. XIX Corps begins limited

attacks to improve defensive positions. 30th Div,

which has not yet landed all of its components, attacks with 120th Inf and takes Montmartin-enGraignes. 29th Div’s 175th Inf—upon relief, night

15–16, N of Elle R by 119th Inf, 30th Div—moves

to line of departure S of river.

ITALY—AAI: Br 5 Corps continues N along

Adriatic coast, 3d Carpathian Div replacing Ind

4th Div in line.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps hq is assigned

to U.S. Seventh Army for Operation ANVIL. IV

Corps reaches Ombrone R line and sends patrols into

Grosseto; begins crossing the river after nightfall.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps overcomes

rear-guard opposition at Ficulle and Allerona. In

10 Corps area, pursuit of enemy toward Perugia is

continued beyond Todi after bridge is completed at

Terni.

[ 15 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 211 ]

CBI—In NCAC area, indecisive fighting for

Myitkyina continues. On Salween front, Ch forces

containing Sung Shan—triangular hill mass that

dominates 36 miles of Burma Road where it crosses

the Salween—make limited attack that overruns

peak at SE corner; Ch efforts to take another, at

SW corner, are unsuccessful.

JAPAN—China-based B–29’s of XX BC make

their first attack on Japanese homeland, dropping

221 tons of bombs on Imperial Iron and Steel Works’

Yawata plant, Kyushu I.

SWPA—Planners issue RENO V, the last of the

RENO series of plans, calling for establishment of

air bases, between July and October, on Vogelkop

Peninsula and on Morotai, latter being timed simultaneously with POA’s invasion of the Palaus; invasion of the Philippines at Mindanao on 25 October

in order to gain bases from which to support operations in mid-November against Philippine targets

farther N; invasion of Luzon in early 1945

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Gen Eichelberger

arrives and takes command of TF HURRICANE. Forward movement is limited by enemy tank attacks

from West Caves stronghold. 1st Bn, 162d Inf,

presses slowly S toward ridge where 3d Bn is fighting. Efforts of 162d Inf to close gap between 3d

and 2d Bns are frustrated, but the gap is narrowed

to about 500 yards. Air support of the Marianas

from Biak is impossible. Enemy is still interdicting

use of Mokmer airdrome.

SAIPAN—U.S. VAC marines invade island, beginning at 0840, landing on W coast after saturation

naval and aerial bombardment. While reserve elements conduct diversionary demonstration in Tanapag Harbor area, 2d and 4th Mar Divs make main

landings near Charan Kanoa. 2d Mar Div, employing 26th Marines on N and 8th Marines on S, lands

N of Afetna Pt. 4th Mar Div, with RCT 23 on left

and RCT 25 on right, goes ashore S of Afetna Pt.

Gap between the assault divs at Afetna Pt. is broader

than expected since elements of 2d Mar Div land N

of assigned beaches. Against strong opposition, including scattered tank attacks, marines press inland,

overrunning town of Charan Kanoa. By end of day

beachhead is about 10,000 yards long and over

1,000 yards deep in most places, but flanks are insecure and enemy retains Afetna Pt. Good progress

is made in unloading reserves and supporting weapons. CP’s of 2d and 4th Mar Divs are established

ashore. Japanese suffer heavy casualties in determined but abortive attempts to destroy the beachhead, night 15–16. Illumination of naval star shells

assists marines in the night action. 27th Inf Div,

VAC reserve, is en route to Saipan; RCT 106 is

detached for duty with Guam assault force.

BONIN-VOLCANO Is.—U.S. carrier-based planes

attack Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin

group and Two Jima in the Volcano Is., concentrating on airfields, barracks, and fuel stores.

16 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VII Corps finishes clearing region E of the

Douve and establishes bridgehead. Corps objectives

are advanced as attack progresses very rapidly

against retreating enemy. 90th Div employs 358th

Inf in region to right of 9th Div. 9th Div attacks

with 4 regts: 39th, which 4th Div has released;

359th of 90th Div, temporarily attached; 47th; and

60th. Driving rapidly through Ste Colombe, 60th

Inf establishes bridgehead across the Douve before

Néhou with 2d Bn; rest of 9th Div clears region E

of the Douve. 82d A/B Div makes substantial gains:

325th Gli and 505th Para Regts reach St Sauveur-leVicomte before noon and are joined there by 508th

Para Inf, which 507th has relieved at Baupte; 505th

and 508th then establish bridgehead 2,000–3,000

yards deep. In XIX Corps area, 120th Inf of 30th

Div takes heights commanding Vire–Taute Canal

and remains there defending canal line while 29th

Div, in conjunction with V Corps’ 2d Div, pushes

toward St Lô. 175th Inf drives against Hills 90 and

97, NW of St Lô, while 116th, reinf by bn of 115th,

attacks toward NE end of Martinville ridge (Hills

147 and 150). Strong opposition halts attack well

short of objectives. In V Corps area, 2d Div, with 3

regts in assault, attacks for Hill 192; 3d Bn of 38th

Inf gets to within 700 yards of its crest; div attack is

then halted for some time.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps

elements meet delaying opposition at Citta della

Pieve. In 10 Corps area, Ind 8th Div, driving toward

Perugia, overruns Bevagna and Foligno.

CBI—In NCAC area, Ch forces (149th Regt of

50th Div attached to 22d Div) in Mogaung Valley

overrun Kamaing. 114th Regt of Ch 38th Div, bypassing Kamaing, effects junction with Chindits of

Ind 3d Div at Gurkhaywa.

On Salween front, continuing counteroffensive

in Lung-ling area, Japanese have driven Ch 87th Div

back 3 miles from the city. To N, Ch 2d Reserve and

36th Divs overrun Chiaotou.

In China, Japanese open attacks on Changsha,

from which Ch garrison from 4th Army is leaving

for Paoching.

NEW GUINEA—Allied commanders meet to consider invasion of Noemfoor. 30 June is tentatively

chosen as D Day. On Biak, TF HURRICANE continues attack with 2d Bn of 186th Inf making main

effort. The bn closes gap on low ridge and develops

W limits of enemy’s West Caves position before

withdrawing for night.

[ 16 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 212 ]

MARIANAS—Adm Spruance postpones indefinitely landing on Guam, tentatively scheduled for

18 June, since major naval battle appears to be

imminent from enemy fleet movements; issues

orders to meet this threat. Naval surface forces

begin preinvasion bombardment of Guam. On N

flank of Saipan beachhead, 2d Mar Div consolidates

and strengthens present positions, committing 2d

Marines on left; 8th Marines, on 2d Div right,

quickly clears Afetna Pt and Charan Kanoa pier

and establishes contact with 4th Mar Div. 4th Mar

Div, rearranging its lines before renewing assault,

commits reserves, 24th Marines. Jumping off at 1230,

4th Div advances to positions generally along 0–1

ridge line against strong resistance particularly on

right where terrain is also an obstacle. Advance

party of XXIV Corps Arty lands and establishes

CP. 27th Div’s 165th Inf lands, night 16–17.

17 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 9th Div, against disorganized resistance, breaks through to W coast, sealing off Cotentin

Peninsula as attack continues through night 17–18.

Coastal road is cut at Barneville-sur-Mer and Grande

Huanville. 90th Div reaches assigned defensive line

Golleville–Urville and halts. 82d A/B Div, which

is to pass to VIII Corps control, is ordered to establish bridgehead S of the Douve at Pont l’Abbé.

In XIX Corps area, efforts of 29th Div to advance

are largely contained by enemy strongly established

in gap between 175th and 116th Regts near VilliersFossard. 115th Inf is committed in center but is

unable to reduce the enemy salient. 175th Inf, employing a single bn, is stopped on Hill 108.

ITALY—AAI: 2 Pol Corps, under AAI control,

takes command of Adriatic coastal sector from Br 5

Corps, which by this time has advanced to line

Teramo–Giulanova. Poles are to continue pursuit

toward Ancona.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps commits RCT

517 (Para) on right of Highway I to give it battle

experience before it joins U.S. Seventh Army for

Operation ANVIL. 36th Div continues steadily

northward.

In Br Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, torrential

rains begin, slowing movement. When bridge across

the Tiber 3 miles N of Todi is completed, advance

on Perugia continues astride the river. Ind 8th Div

encounters strong opposition SE of Perugia at

Bastia, where Chiasco R is forced.

ELBA—Fr TF based on 9th Colonial Inf Div,

under control of AFHQ, lands on Elba and begins

clearing the island. This operation, coded BRASSARD

and originally planned for an earlier date, is undertaken to disrupt enemy’s seaborne traffic and assist

offensive on mainland.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 88th and 87th Divs

are ordered to fall back in Lung-ling area, and XI

Group Army later withdraws to line Mengmao–

Hwangtsoapa.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

Br casualties during battle of Imphal Plain, 4 March

to date, total 2,669 killed and nearly 10,000 wounded

and missing. Japanese are estimated to have lost

30,000.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE, attacking with 1st Bns of 186th and 162d Regts, clears

heights commanding West Caves strongpoint.

P–38’s, unable to reach Wakde I., after attack on

Sorong, land successfully at Owi, although the field

is not yet completed. Since reinforcement of Aitape

sector is being considered to meet imminent threat,

Gen MacArthur offers Gen Krueger use of a regt of

31st Div.

SAIPAN—RCT 105, 27th Div, lands but is not

committed to action; 2d Bn is attached to 4th Mar

Div and 1st to 165th Inf. NTLF commander, Gen

Holland Smith, and XXIV Corps Arty commander,

Brig Gen Arthur M. Harper, set up CP’s ashore.

After intense preparatory bombardment, marines

begin attack that gains immediate objectives except

in center, where heavy enemy fire is directed from

600-yard gap existing between 2d and 4th Mar Divs

in difficult terrain around Lake Susupe. On N flank

of beachhead, 2d Mar Div’s 2d and 6th Marines

press NE and 8th Marines, reinf by elements of

29th Marines, advances due E. Enemy holds out

stubbornly in coconut grove in 8th Marines sector.

In 4th Mar Div zone, enemy soon pins down left

flank of 23d Marines, causing gap to develop between the assault bns that is filled after dark by

3d Bn of 24th Marines. 24th Marines, in 4th Div

center, and 25th Marines, on right, reach 0–2 line,

24th against strong resistance; 25th Marines, from

N part of ridge W of Aslito airfield, penetrates

building area N of airfield proper. 165th Inf of

27th Div, attached to 4th Mar Div, is closely supported by arty and naval gunfire as it fights for

Aslito airfield and heights commanding it. Because

of threat of naval battle, planes of TF 58 are diverted

from support duties to conduct searches and neutralize Guam and Rota.

18 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery,

CG, issues his first written directive since invasion

of France, calling for speed-up of operations to take

Caen and Cherbourg.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, plans are

completed for drive on Cherbourg, next big ob-

[ 17–18 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 213 ]

jective of First Army. 9th Div improves blocking

positions and frustrates enemy efforts to escape

southward from Cotentin Peninsula, inflicting heavy

losses. In XIX Corps area, enemy continues stubborn opposition to advance on St Lô. 3d Bn of 175th

Inf, 29th Div, which 119th Inf of 30th Div has relieved at Meauffe, drives to Le Carillon and from

there is sent to aid of 1st Bn of 175th Inf on Hill 108.

USSR-FINLAND—Soviet forces break through

Finnish Mannerheim Line on Karelian Isthmus.

ITALY—AAI: On right flank of U.S. Fifth

Army’s FEC, 1st Motorized Div occupies Radicofani, which dominates Rome–Florence road.

Br Eighth Army CG decides to confine advance

of 10 Corps beyond Perugia to road through Umbertide and Citta di Castello instead of along Route

71 as originally planned. 13 Corps, making main

effort, is to use Route 71 and secondary road through

Sinalunga. Br columns converging on Perugia are

meeting delaying opposition near the town. Germans quietly abandon positions at Citta della Pieve,

in 13 Corps zone, night 18–19.

CBI—In NCAC area, activity of Myitkyina TF

subsides to patrolling and skirmishing.

On Salween front, in Shweli Valley, Ch 36th Div

of 54th Army begins assault on Watien, and 116th

and 130th Divs reach positions near Chiangtso, 4

miles SE of Watien.

In China, Japanese overrun Changsha, which

Chinese have abandoned.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE is regrouping and getting into position for final assault

to clear entire region from which enemy can fire on

Mokmer airfield. 34th Inf, 24th Div, arrives from

Hollandia and takes over positions of 186th Inf W

of Mokmer airdrome. Gen Fuller leaves Biak to take

new position in SEAC. Gen Doe replaces Gen Fuller

as CG of 41st Div. Gen Krueger informs Gen MacArthur that he prefers to use Cav RCT 112 to reinforce Aitape rather than break up 31st Div. Gen

Krueger orders Gen Sibert to begin offensive in

Wakde-Sarmi area. Sibert plans to attack W from

the Tirfoam on 20th with 20th Inf, which 1st Inf is

to relieve for this purpose.

SAIPAN—LCI gunboats and Marine arty defeat

efforts of Japanese to move reinforcements from

Tanapag Harbor to the front early in day. 2d Mar

Div remains in place except on right, where coconut

grove in 8th Marines’ sector is cleared. 4th Mar Div

drives to E coast of Saipan at Magicienne Bay,

cutting island in two. 25th and 24th Marines, on

right and in center, respectively, drive to 0–3 line,

which lies partly along E coast, but 23d Marines, on

div left, fights hard to get 400 yards E of Lake

Susupe, short of objective. 27th Div’s 165th Inf takes

ridge W and SW of Aslito airfield and the airfield

itself during morning against light resistance, enemy

having fallen back to Nafutan Pt. The field is renamed Conroy Field for Col Gardiner J. Conroy,

commander of 165th Inf, who was killed at Makin;

later, it is renamed Isley Field for Comdr Robert H.

Isely, naval aviator lost over Saipan, and misspelled

“Isley” consistently. Main attack, later in day, is

made by RCT 165 on left and RCT 105 on right;

RCT 165 gets almost to Magicienne Bay without

opposition, but RCT 105 is slowed by terrain. Transports with 106th Inf are detached from Southern

Attack Force and ordered to Saipan.

19 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery

schedules offensive for Br Second Army for 22–23

June. Violent storm, lasting through 22d, seriously

handicaps build-up of troops and supplies.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins final

drive on Cherbourg with 3 divs abreast. On left,

9th Div, attacking with 60th and 39th Regts, advances quickly northward to Helleville, St Christophe-du-Foc, and Couville; 4th Cav Sq of 4th Cav Gp,

which is attached to div to screen right flank, reaches

St Martin-le-Gréard; bn of 359th Inf, 90th Div, is

also committed on div right flank, to hold Rocheville area. In center, 79th Div’s 313th and 315th

Regts attack from line Golleville–Urville, which

60th Div has previously secured; 313th reaches its

objective, Bois de la Brique, but 315th, directed to

bypass Valognes and cut Cherbourg highway NW

of there, is halted SW of Valognes and left in position to contain town from W; 314th moves forward

during night to take over div left, and 313th shifts

to right flank of div. 4th Div, on VII Corps right,

encounters firm opposition from forces deployed for

defense of Cherbourg. 8th and 12th Regts attack on

either side of Montebourg, which 3d Bn of 22d

Inf finds clear of enemy, well before dawn, 8th

reaching positions just SE of Valognes and 12th

abreast it to right. 24th Cav Sq, 4th Cav Gp, screens

right flank of 4th Div. In VIII Corps area, 82d A/B

and 90th Divs are transferred to VIII Corps from

VII Corps. Starting night 18–19, 82d A/B establishes

bridgehead S of the Douve at Pont l’Abbé.

ELBA—French complete occupation of island.

CBI—On Salween front, Ku-tung falls to elements of Ch 2d Reserve Div pushing S toward

Teng-chung. Ch 53d Army is preparing to attack

Chiangtso.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE opens

co-ordinated assault for airfields after preparatory

arty fire. 186th Inf, making main effort in region

N and W of West Caves, reaches ridges W of Hill

320, cutting road leading S to West Caves and

enveloping rear of West Caves position. Enemy

opposition is scattered. New orders call for 162d

[ 19 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 214 ]

Inf to reduce West Caves while 186th continues to

clear region to NW and 34th seizes Borokoe and

Sorido airdromes.

SAIPAN—New phase opens as marines pivot N,

4th Mar Div moving around 2d Mar Div, to clear

N part of island. 27th Div is to clear Nafutan Pt and

S coast, a task presumed to be merely a mop-up mission. 165th Inf reaches S coast of Magicienne Bay

without opposition. In 105th Inf sector, 3d Bn is

virtually unopposed as it moves forward over rugged terrain; 1st Bn, after frontal assault on the first

of a series of ridges of enemy’s Nafutan position

fails, moves to outflank enemy. Late in day, 1st Bn

of 165th Inf is sent back to airfield to plug gap that

has developed in line of 105th.

BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA—Over the Marianas, carrier planes of TF 58 engage huge force of

planes from enemy carriers and inflict crippling

losses. Japanese lose over 400 aircraft; there is only

superficial damage to a few vessels of TF 58 and only

17 U.S. planes are destroyed. Efforts are made to

locate Japanese fleet.

20 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery

decides that Br offensive cannot begin before 25

June since arrival of VIII Corps units has been

delayed.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues

rapidly toward Cherbourg, 9th and 79th Divs coming up against semicircular belt of fortifications 4–6

miles from the city. 9th Div’s 60th Inf moves quickly

N through Vasteville to positions just short of its objective—Hill 170—E of Haut Biville; 47th follows to

Vasteville, then turns E and advances short distance

toward Bois du Mont du Roc. 79th Div reaches

positions between St Martin-le-Gréard and Bois de

Roudou. 4th Div is virtually unopposed as it moves

to line from Le Thiel to Bois de Roudou, just short

of enemy’s MLR within its sector. In XIX Corps

area, 29th Div elements, assisted by tanks and engineers, make limited and futile effort to reduce Villiers-Fossard salient.

USSR-FINLAND—Viipuri falls to Soviet forces

of Leningrad Front, insuring safety of Leningrad

and opening Gulf of Finland to Soviet fleet.

ITALY—AAI: Period of rapid advance northward comes to a close about this time since enemy

has been able to re-form his units and strengthen his

positions. Delaying line is disposed across Italy below

Gothic Line, where enemy is prepared to make a

stand. Pol 2 Corps, across Aso R, seizes Fermo and

Pedaso.

U.S. Fifth Army is about half way between the

Tiber and the Arno. IV Corps, which has met increased rear-guard opposition during past 10 days,

holds line extending E from junction of Highways 1

and 73. FEC gets forward elements to Orcia R, a

tributary of the Ombrone, where it is halted. 1st

Motorized Div, which is to participate in ANVIL, is

replaced in line by 2d Moroccan Div at midnight,

20–21.

In Br Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, 6th Armd

Div enters Perugia without opposition. 13 Corps,

in center and on right flank, encounters forward

positions of enemy delaying line extending from

Lake Trasimeno W to Chiusi.

CBI—Gen Stilwell and his force of NCAC are

transferred from operational control of Fourteenth

Army commander to direct control of Supreme

Allied Commander. GALAHAD situation is now critical because of battle exhaustion and disease, and it

is apparent that Myitkyina cannot be taken quickly.

Personnel from rear area are forced to return to the

battle when at all fit for duty.

On Salween front, Ch 36th Div seizes Watien,

in Shweli Valley.

Vice President Henry A. Wallace arrives in Chungking, China, for talks with Chiang Kai-shek and

Gen Chennault.

SWPA—During planning conference at Gen

Krueger’s hq, it is decided that D Day for Noemfoor should be postponed to 2 July.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf

begins attack on West Caves strongpoint but makes

little headway. 163d Inf establishes outpost on Hill

320. 34th Inf occupies Borokoe and Sorido airdromes and the village of Sorido against negligible

resistance; establishes blocking positions to prevent

enemy from reinforcing main battle area. On Aitape front, Japanese strengthen positions in Yakamul

area and halt patrolling in this region by 128th Inf.

In Wakde-Sarmi area, 6th Div begins westward attack from the Tirfoam toward Lone Tree Hill. 20th

Inf drives along coast to Snaky R without difficulty

but is stopped by heavy fire from defile between

Lone Tree Hill and E nose of Mt. Saksin.

SAIPAN—Marines complete pivoting movement

for northward drive, 4th Div coming up to right of

2d, and are on 0–4 line, a little below enemy’s MLR,

which crosses island from just below Garapan to

NW corner of Magicienne Bay. As 4th Div swings

around 2d, 25th Marines encounters and reduces

well-organized enemy positions on Hill 500, just

W of Tsutsuuran village. 27th Div begins converging drives on Nafutan from N and W. 165th Inf,

reinf by 1st Bn of 105th, attacks S toward Nafutan

Pt at noon after preparatory fire and gains about

1,000 yards. 3d Bn, 105th, continues E along S coast

for about 600 yards; it is then but 100 yards from

165th Inf force. 106th Inf lands on Saipan and is

[ 20 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 215 ]

placed in corps reserve. 2d Bn, 105th Inf, reverts

to 27th Div.

BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA—In final phase

of this major sea action, planes from TF 58 attack

strong Japanese naval force well W of Saipan and

sink 2 carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 tanker; severely damage 3 carriers, 1 BB, 3 cruisers, 1 DD, and 3 tankers.

16 U.S. planes are destroyed by enemy; 73 others

are lost because they cannot locate carriers in darkness or because they run out of fuel. Subsequent efforts to overtake the enemy fleet are unsuccessful.

21 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, while 9th and 79th Divs patrol

and reorganize for final assault on Cherbourg, 4th

Div closes along the city’s main defenses to right—

Hill 178—NW edge of Bois du Coudray–Hill 158.

22d Inf gets bn on Hill 158, cutting lateral road

between Cherbourg and St Pierre-Eglise. At night,

Gen Collins issues ultimatum to the German garrison commander, Maj Gen Karl-Wilhelm von Schlieben to surrender by 0900 22d.

USSR-FINLAND—Soviet forces of Karelian

Front begin offensive on both sides of Lake Onega.

FRANTIC—U.S. Eighth Air Force begins shuttle

raids between Br and Soviet bases. 114 B–17’s and

70 P–51’s, after bombing oil targets at Ruhland,

S of Berlin, land at Soviet bases. Enemy discovers

the base at Poltava and makes highly destructive

attack on it by light of flares, night 21–22, causing

heavy damage to aircraft and stores of ammunition

and gasoline.

ITALY—AAI: In Pol 2 Corps area, advance

elements reach Chienti R line, behind which enemy

is prepared to make a stand, and establish small

bridgehead.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps commits 1st

Armd Div, reinf by 361st Inf of 91st Div, to right

of 36th Div in sector previously held by TF Ramey,

since IV Corps zone is widening and resistance is

increasing. 36th Div continues slowly along Highway I. FEC is held up by determined opposition

along Orcia R line.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps battles outlying positions of enemy’s Trasimeno line. 78th

Div takes Sanfatucchio after hard fighting but is

unable to progress against hamlet of Vaiano.

S African 6th Armd Div reaches heights leading to

Chiusi but cannot break into the town. 13 Corps

commander decides to commit reserves—4th Div

and Cdn 1st Armd Brig—and continue advance on

3-div front; orders 4th Div to relieve 78th Div of

positions below Vaiano on night 22–23 and be prepared to relieve rest of 78th, which is scheduled to

leave the theater at end of June.

SWPA—TF CYCLONE Is. formally organized to

take Noemfoor. Gen Patrick sets up temporary CP

at Finschhafen.

NEW GUINEA—Owi airfield is put into use by

fighters of Fifth Air Force. On Biak, 1st Bn of

162d Inf continues attack on West Caves without

avail, although tanks and flame throwers are used.

Japanese efforts to withdraw from the position

through 186th Inf lines to NW are frustrated. 186th

Inf probes enemy position, called the Teardrop, just

NW of Hill 320. 3d Bn, 163d Inf, which was to have

driven into the Teardrop from NW and N in conjunction with 186th Inf’s pressure from S and SW,

is too far N to reach it. In Wakde-Sarmi area, after

probing to locate strongpoints, 3d Bn of 20th Inf

renews attack toward Lone Tree Hill but meets such

heavy fire from well-organized positions that it

pulls back to E bank of Snaky R. Arty and mortar

fire are placed on Lone Tree Hill, night 21–22.

SAIPAN—Marine action is confined to patrolling.

Gen Holland Smith, preparing to make main attack

on N and being informed that only 300–500 Japanese remain on Nafutan Pt, orders most of 27th Div

to assemble in corps reserve and places its arty under

control of XXIV Corps Arty; directs single infantry bn and platoon of tanks to continue clearing

S Saipan and protect the airfield. Gen Ralph Smith

requests use of RCT 105 and Gen Holland Smith

agrees, but orders to this effect do not reach 27th

Div until 22d. Meanwhile, 27th Div continues assault on Nafutan Pt, replacing 2d Bn of 165th Inf

with 2d Bn of 105th on left of line. Day’s action gains

little ground. 3d Bn, 105th, reduces cave strongpoint

while continuing E along S coast and at end of day

is only a short distance from troops moving down

from N. At 2000, before receiving word that 105th

Inf may be retained, Gen Ralph Smith orders RCT

105 to conduct holding action facing Nafutan Pt and

to relieve RCT 165 units by 0630 22d; upon reorganization of lines, not later than 1100 22d, to

continue offensive. Gen Holland Smith orders 27th

Div to reconnoiter northward toward Marines.

22 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VII Corps, receiving no reply to ultimatum

begins final assault on Cherbourg fortress. Intense

air preparation, beginning at 1240, does more to

demoralize enemy than to damage his positions.

VII Corps attack opens at 1400. On left flank, 9th

Div presses NE toward Cherbourg with 60th Inf on

left and 47th on right; 60th quickly takes Acqueville

but is halted at edge of Flottemanville fortifications;

47th gets forward elements to slopes of Hill 171,

just W of Bois du Mont du Roc. In center, 79th Div

attacks with 3 regts: while 315th is clearing Hardin-

[ 21–22 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 216 ]

vast region and 314th the draws E of Tollevast,

313th makes main effort on div right astride Valognes–Cherbourg highway and thrusts to positions just

S of La Mare a Canards, an enemy strongpoint. On

right flank of VII Corps, 4th Div also attacks with

3 regts: on left, 8th Inf makes limited progress toward La Glacerie; 12th, in center, makes main effort

toward Tourlaville but is held to small gains; to

right, 22d Inf, with mission of clearing Digosville,

becomes surrounded by enemy and is unable to

advance.

USSR—German Air Force makes night attack

on base at Mirgorod, but U.S. planes escape before

the raid. Dumps and supplies are considerably

damaged.

ITALY—AAI: Pol 2 Corps is forced to abandon

its small bridgehead across the Chienti in Adriatic

coastal sector. Activity along the river subsides to

patrolling as corps moves troops and supplies forward in preparation for stronger assault.

U.S. Fifth Army continues to advance slowly, particularly in sector of FEC, where it is decided to

outflank enemy holding Orcia R line. On right

flank in IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div commits TF

Howze between CCA on right and CCB on left.

CBI—In NCAC area, Chindits of 77th Brig,

Ind 3d Div, begin assault on Mogaung and are

joined by 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div. On Salween

front, Japanese fall back hastily from Chiangtso

toward Teng-chung, harassed by Allied planes. Ch

XX Group Army has firm control of Shweli Valley,

and is ready for drive on Teng-chung.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

4 and 33 Corps troops meet, reopening Dimapur–

Kohima–Imphal road. Enemy offensive has failed,

and Japanese are obliged to withdraw as best they

can under difficult monsoon weather conditions.

NEW GUINEA—PT’s land Allied rcn party on

Noemfoor, night 22–23. First big cargo ships arrive

at Biak. Fifth Air Force P–40’s begin operations

from Mokmer airdrome. 1st Bn, 162d Inf, continues

to work on West Caves, using TNT charges and

flame throwers, and at 1555 reports them clear.

However, small groups of Japanese emerge from

caves during night 22–23 and have to be eliminated

by 1st Bn and 186th Inf to N. 186th Inf continues

to probe the Teardrop; attempts unsuccessfully to

seize 3 enemy guns that are firing from new positions NW of perimeter. In Wakde-Sarmi area, RCT

158 is relieved in preparation for Noemfoor I. operation. RCT 158 has had 70 killed, 257 wounded,

and 4 missing during Wakde-Sarmi action; has

killed an estimated 920 Japanese and captured 11.

After air attack by P–47’s from Wakde and intense

arty preparation, 3d Bn of 20th Inf drives to crest

of Lone Tree Hill and establishes defense perimeter.

2d Bn also reaches the crest but gap exists between

the two bns. Japanese counterattack 3d Bn in evening, isolating both it and 2d Bn. Co L, 1st Inf, starts

forward with supplies for 3d Bn. On Aitape front,

3d Bn of 127th Inf replaces 1st Bn at Afua.

SAIPAN—2d and 4th Mar Divs begin northward

attack toward 0–5 line, extending from W coast

below Garapan across Mt. Tapotchau to Laulau

village on Kagman Peninsula on E. On W, left flank

of 2d Mar Div, 2d Marines remains in place since

it is already on 0–5; in center, 6th Marines gets elements to top of Mt. Tipo Pale, about 1,200 yards

SW of top of Mt. Tapotchau, achieving greatest div

gain for day; on right, 8th Marines makes slow

progress toward Mt. Tapotchau, which commands

entire island, over extremely difficult terrain. 4th

Mar Div attacks with 25th Marines on left and 24th

on right; commits 23d in center during day. 25th

and 23d Regts drive almost to objective, while 24th

advances rapidly along E coast. 27th Div (less 105th

Inf) is ordered to attack between 2d and 4th Mar

Divs, relieving left flank elements of latter to permit 4th Mar Div to shift E to cover Kagman Peninsula. 27th Div regroups units about the Nafutan

position. 3d Bn of 105th Inf shifts N, relieving 1st

Bn on right flank, while 2d Bn replaces 3d Bn of

165th on left. No advance is made against the

strongpoint and a little ground is lost on left, where

relief is accomplished with difficulty. Late in day,

2d Bn of 105th Inf is ordered to continue mop up

of Nafutan Pt, a task still believed to be an easy

one.

23 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Unloading is resumed as storm abates.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps penetrates

outer defenses of Cherbourg. On left, 9th Div’s 60th

Inf overruns Flottemanville area, and 47th completes capture of Hill 171; 39th overcomes bypassed

resistance near Beaudienville. 79th Div makes limited progress in vicinity of La Mare à Canards but

is unable to reduce this strongpoint. In 4th Div zone,

12th Inf, assisted by tanks, advances steadily toward

Tourlaville, but units flanking it make little progress.

In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, 51st Div, in

limited offensive, takes Ste Honorine, NE of Caen

and E of the Orne. 1 Corps subsequently exerts

limited pressure against enemy N of Caen without

making decisive gains.

USSR—Red Army opens summer offensive on

central front, where main attack, on 350-mile front,

is made by First Baltic and 3 White Russian Fronts

against enemy’s Minsk salient in White Russia.

Particularly strong pressure is applied near Vitebsk

and Bobruisk. Soviet aircraft and arty lend powerful support to troops. Both German and Soviet

forces have by this time completed extensive reor-

[ 23 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 217 ]

ganization, but enemy is spread thin and lacks

adequate reserves.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander, meeting with his

commanders, proposes that AAI advance through

Ljubljana gap into S Germany.

In Br Eighth Army area, elements of 13 Corps

break into Chiusi after hard battle, but German

counterattack isolates the troops. 4th Div takes command of sector in center of 13 Corps, between Vaiano and Lake Chiusi, relieving elements of 78th

Div. In 10 Corps area, King’s Dragoon Gds gain

foothold on M. S. Croce.

CHINA—At meeting between Mr. Wallace and

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, a proposal is presented that a U.S. observer group be sent to Chinese

communists to secure information and assist pilots

shot down over N China. When approval is gained,

the project (coded DIXIE Mission) is undertaken by

16 officers and enlisted men and 2 civilians.

NEW GUINEA—TF CYCLONE Issues FO 1 for

Noemfoor operation. On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf

continues to probe West Caves area. 3d Bn, 163d,

makes patrol contact with 186th Inf at the Teardrop.

Photographs of the Teardrop indicate that Japanese

are concentrated on W of the position and preparations are made for attack. 186th Inf is still unable to

seize weapons firing on it from NW. In Wakde-Sarmi

area, 2d Bn of 20th Inf repels dawn attack

against its perimeter on Lone Tree Hill in costly

fighting; after unsuccessful attempt to push N to

make contact with 3d Bn, moves back down hill

and up again, along route used by 3d Bn, to positions

just NW of 3d Bn’s perimeter. Some supplies are

obtained from volunteer groups and from Co L,

1st Inf, which arrives after hard fight. Japanese

make determined attempt to destroy forces on

Lone Tree Hill in evening; attack in small groups

through night 23–24. Gen Sibert decides to try to

outflank enemy on the hill.

SAIPAN—VAC attacks northward on 3-div front

as 27th Div enters center of line. 2d Mar Div’s left

and center regts remain in place until more progress

can be made to right; 8th Marines, on div right,

gains cliff commanding most practical route to crest

of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div is slow in accomplishing relief of left flank elements of 4th Mar Div and

consequently slow in opening attack up valley, called

“Death Valley,” which is flanked on left by hill mass

of Mt. Tapotchau and on right by ridge, called

“Purple Heart Ridge.” Upon attacking, with 106th

Inf on left and 165th on right, div meets intense opposition from cave-studded heights; progress is slow

and costly, particularly on left. On right flank, 4th

Mar Div attacks with 23d Marines on left and 24th

on right: 23d Marines is slowed by inability of 165th

Inf to advance but gets to top of Hill 600; 24th continues to make rapid progress along Magicienne Bay

and reaches 0–5 line just E of Laulau. Enemy tanksupported counterattacks down Death Valley and

against Hill 600 are repelled, night 23–24. On S

Saipan, 2d Bn of 105th Inf, after reorganizing

throughout morning, continues attack on Nafutan

position, getting platoon to top of Mt. Nafutan; rest

of bn, after small initial gains, pulls back to starting

line.

24 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VII Corps closes in on Cherbourg. While 9th

Div’s 60th Inf clears N flank, 47th and 39th Regts

move in on the city, 47th toward Equeurdreville

fort and Redoute des Fourches and 39th toward

Octeville. In 79th Div zone, 314th Inf overruns La

Mare à Canards and pushes toward Fort du Roule,

while 313th, to right, keeps abreast and takes Hameau Gringer; 315th, on div left, is still clearing Hardinvast region, far to rear. 12th Inf continues to

make main effort of 4th Div. Reinf by bn of 22d, the

regt overcomes strong resistance in Digosville area

and enters Tourlaville unopposed at night. 8th Inf

reduces strong positions E of La Glacerie, on div

left. 22d Inf, on div right, contains enemy in Maupertus area. 3d Armd Div, XIX Corps, arrives on

Continent.

ITALY—AAI: 1st Motorized Div is the first of

the French units to leave Italy for Operation ANVIL.

In Fifth Army area, IV Corps continues northward against strong rear-guard opposition, 117th

Cav Rcn Sq on coast overrunning Follonica. In FEC

area, Guillaume Group, reinf with light armor,

crosses Ombrone R in order to continue advance in

contact with 1st Armd Div of IV Corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps opens concerted drive northward with 3 divs. 78th Div, on 13

Corps right flank, establishes bridgehead across Pescia R with infantry, but armor is unable to follow.

In center, 4th Div battles in vain for Vaiano throughout day; Germans abandon the hamlet,

night 24–25. S African 6th Armd Div continues to

meet stubborn opposition on left flank of 13 Corps

at Chiusi. In 10 Corps area, enemy has shortened his

line, which now runs through Magione, in order to

shift armor W to oppose 13 Corps. Br progress up

the Tiber Valley is very slow because of mountainous terrain.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE cuts

exits from the Teardrop. 2d Bn, 186th Inf, moves

N and E to reach NW corner; Co K of 163d Inf

blocks N exits and Co C, 163d, guards E side. In

Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO begins outflanking attacks on Lone Tree Hill. Cos K and L, 1st Inf,

move by sea to coast just W of the hill and establish small beachhead; try in vain to push inland to

[ 24 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 218 ]

clear W side of the hill. 2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf,

assisted by Co L of 1st, make slow progress against

numerous enemy defenses on top of the hill and

open supply route. Co M, 1st Inf, moves along coast

to assist.

SAIPAN—On W flank of V Amph Corps, 2d

Marines of 2d Mar Div reaches 0–6 line at S outskirts of Garapan, where the regt must remain for

some days awaiting units to right. 6th Marines is

battling enemy strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale.

On div right, 8th Marines, reinf by bn of 29th

Marines, reaches ridge within MG range of top of

Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div’s zone is broadened eastward as 165th Inf is given responsibility for clearing valley E of Purple Heart Ridge; 106th Inf alone

is thus responsible for clearing Death Valley. Further efforts of 27th Div to move forward are futile.

4th Mar Div veers E to clear Kagman Peninsula,

23d Marines pivoting about 24th Marines. Gap develops between marines and 27th Div because of

turning movement. Against moderate resistance,

div overruns Laulau and Chacha villages. Failure of

27th Div to advance, despite urging of Gen Holland

Smith, results in replacement of its commander,

Gen Ralph Smith. Maj Gen Sanderford Jarman,

Island Commander, assumes command temporarily,

pending arrival of a permanent commander. Gen

Jarman’s chief of staff takes control of 27th Div

elements on S Saipan, where no progress is made

during day, and the force on Mt. Nafutan is recalled.

25 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, naval gunfire supplements aerial

and ground bombardment as battle for Cherbourg

nears its end. 9th Div’s 47th Inf drives into W suburbs of Cherbourg, overrunning fort at Equeurdreville, Hameau de Tot, and Redoute des Fourches;

elements reach coast but are withdrawn. 39th Inf

attacks Octeville, where enemy continues to hold

out. 79th Div’s 314th Inf gains upper defenses of

Fort du Roule against stubborn resistance; 313th gets

advance elements into outskirts of Cherbourg. In

4th Div zone, 12th Inf gains its objective with drive

to coast E of Cherbourg; when orders are changed

to permit div to participate in capture of Cherbourg,

12th Inf enters the city and clears assigned portion

in E part; 22d Inf is ordered to take Maupertus

airfield.

Br Second Army opens offensive in 30 Corps

zone for commanding ground in Rauray area. 49th

Div, reinf by 8th Armd Brig, attacks S in region E

of Tilly-sur-Seulles and makes limited progress

against strong resistance. Some elements reach Fontenay; others thrust to Tessel–Bretteville area.

USSR—Soviet forces envelop Vitebsk, trapping

5 enemy divs, and cut Smolensk–Minsk highway.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, port of Piombino falls without opposition to

39th Engineers. This is last day of action in Italy

for 36th Div. FEC begins crossing the Orcia in

strength as enemy opposition diminishes.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div

expands its Pescia bridgehead slowly. 4th Div forces

enemy rear guards from Vaiano. Enemy retains Chiusi throughout day but withdraws after nightfall,

blocking exits.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese reluctantly

admit to U.S. liaison personnel with 71st Army that

Japanese have routed 261st Regt, 87th Div, and that

the 87th Div commander has attempted suicide.

Although 8th Army is moving forward from Indochina border to reinforce troops in Lung-ling area,

the battle has already been lost to small enemy force

of 1,500. Ch effectives in this region have totaled

10,000. Failure at Lung-ling brings orders from

Chiang Kai-shek to take Teng-chung and Sung Shan

at all costs in preparation for renewing attack on

Lung-ling.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf

makes limited penetration into underground positions of West Caves. Co L, 186th Inf, seizes the

enemy guns that have been firing from positions

NW of perimeter. Elements of 2d and 1st Bns,

186th Inf, overrun the Teardrop, which has been

largely evacuated by enemy, killing 38 Japanese.

In Wakde-Sarmi area, under combined attacks of

2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf, and 3d Bn of 1st, Japanese

begin withdrawing from Lone Tree Hill, having

received and inflicted heavy casualties there. 3d Bns

of 63d and 1st Regts are to mop up on N while

1st Bns of 20th and 1st Regts conduct holding and

mopping up operations to S.

SAIPAN—6th Marines, 2d Mar Div, is still held

up by strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale. To right, 8th

Marines and attached elements of 29th Marines gain

crest of Mt. Tapotchau, whose 1,554-foot height

commands the island. Some elements of 27th Div’s

106th Inf begin wide outflanking movement eastward while others continue northward pressure on

enemy in Death Valley, but progress is slow. 165th

Inf makes futile efforts to scale Purple Heart Ridge.

On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div easily secures

all of Kagman Peninsula, sharply reducing corps

front; elements are now on 0–6 line. Turning point

in Nafutan battle on S Saipan comes as 2d Bn,

105th Inf, succeeds in crushing Japanese MLR on

Ridge 300, which controls Nafutan Pt. Enemy’s

position on Saipan is by now hopeless, but fanatic

resistance continues.

[ 25 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 219 ]

26 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 47th Inf of 9th Div attempts to clear

NW section of Cherbourg but cannot gain the

arsenal; 39th drives through Octeville and Cherbourg to coast, taking Gen Schlieben, fortress commander, and Rear Adm Walther Hennecke, enemy’s

naval commander, prisoner at St Sauveur-leVicomte. Schlieben refuses to surrender the entire

fortress, however. 79th Div completes capture of

Fort du Roule and its assigned portion of Cherbourg. 22d Inf, 4th Div, begins attack on Maupertus

airfield.

Br Second Army continues limited offensive

within 30 Corps zone while beginning main attack

with 8 Corps. In 30 Corps zone 8th Armd Brig,

spearheading attack of 49th Div, drives to outskirts

of Rauray. 8 Corps attacks to E of 30 Corps with

15th and 43d Inf and 11th Armd Divs. 15th Div

gets elements to Colleville and patrols to Grainvillesur-Odon. 11th Armd Div thrusts to Mouen.

FRANTIC—Eighth Air Force planes leave USSR

for Italy, bombing oil plant at Drohobycz, Poland,

on the way. Upon reaching Italy, the planes remain

long enough to fly one mission with Fifteenth Air

Force before returning to England.

USSR—Vitebsk and Zhlobin fall to Red Army

as offensive continues on central front. Vitebsk is one

of 3 key positions generally E of Minsk, the others

being Orsha and Mogilev, which Hitler has ordered

to be held at all cost.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div takes control of coastal sector, releasing 36th Div for Operation ANVIL. Para RCT 517

Is. also withdrawn from line. 34th Div has under its

command RCT 442 (Nisei) ( — 1st Bn), 100th

Bn, 804th TD Bn, and other units. FEC completes

crossing the Orcia and pushes on toward Siena. The

battle along the Orcia has been costly to the French.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div enters Chiusi. 4th Div moves forward

to positions almost abreast 78th Div, on 13 Corps

right flank, then halts to await 4th Div. 10 Corps is

reinf by Ind 10th Div, which arrives to replace 6th

Armd Div. Latter is to shift to 13 Corps front a little

later. Ind 8th Div takes M. Pilonica.

CBI—In NCAC area, Brig Gen Theodore F.

Wessels, USA, takes command of Myitkyina TF, replacing Gen Boatner who has malaria. Mogaung

falls to 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, and 77th Brig, Ind

3d Div. 77th Brig is withdrawn from action by its

commander soon afterward on grounds of exhaustion despite orders from Gen Stilwell, who has operational control of the unit, for it to prevent Japanese

from reinforcing Myitkyina. Fall of Mogaung permits Chinese to link up with Myitkyina TF, which

thus far has been isolated from other friendly forces

in Burma. On Salween front, offensive against Tengchung is begun with air attacks by B–25’s from

Yun-nan-i.

In China, Japanese seize Heng-yang airfield.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, mopping up W of Mokmer begins. 1st Bn of 34th Inf (less Co C,

which is ambushed en route) seizes abandoned positions on ridge extending N from NW corner of the

Teardrop. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 3d Bn of 63d Inf

replaces battle-worn 2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf, on

Lone Tree Hill.

SAIPAN—In early morning, 2 LCI(G)’s attack

enemy barges moving from Tanapag Harbor, sinking 1 and damaging 1. This concludes enemy attempts to counterland. In 2d Mar Div zone, 6th

Marines bypasses and later reduces the stubborn

pocket that has been barring advance N of Mt. Tipo

Pale; 8th Marines consolidates positions on Mt.

Tapotchau. 27th Div continues attack in center of

corps with 106th Inf and 2d Bn of 165th. On div

left, 1st Bn of 106th is held up by strongpoint, called

“Hell’s Pocket,” at SW end of Death Valley. On

right, 3d Bn of 106th and 2d Bn of 165th batter at

Purple Heart Ridge from W and E slopes, respectively; enemy there is beginning to weaken. CO of

106th Inf is replaced. 4th Mar Div, to which 165th

Inf ( — 2d Bn) and 1st Bn of 105th are attached at

night, mops up on right flank of corps. On S Saipan,

2d Bn of 105th Inf closes in on enemy in Nafutan

Pt area. After nightfall, Japanese make futile breakout attempt.

27 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, organized resistance at Cherbourg

ceases during morning when Brig Gen Robert Sattler, deputy commander of the Cherbourg fortress,

surrenders the arsenal to 47th Inf, 9th Div, after

Allies broadcast an ultimatum. 4th Div takes over

garrisoning of Cherbourg; its 22d Inf overruns

Maupertus airfield and quickly clears Cap Lévy.

9th Div prepares to attack to clear Cap de la Hague.

Advance engineer units arrive at Cherbourg to restore facilities. In VIII Corps area, newly arrived

83d Div takes over defensive positions on corps

left flank held by 101st A/B Div.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 49th Div

gains Rauray and holds it against strong counterattacks. 8 Corps secures small bridgehead across the

Odon near Baron, bypassing resistance in Grainvillesur-Odon region.

USSR—Red Army overruns Orsha, NE of

Minsk, and envelops Bobruisk.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps continues toward Highway 68. In FEC

[ 26–27 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 220 ]

area, enemy, after resisting strongly during day,

begins retiring after nightfall.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 4th Div drives

enemy rear guards from Gioiella. In 10 Corps area,

Germans begin general withdrawal in region between Lake Trasimeno and the Tiber and are being

pursued by corps. Elements of 6th Armd Div find

M. Pacciano and M. Bagnolo free of enemy.

CBI—On Salween front, regt of Ch Hon 1st

Div, 8th Army, relieves New 28th Div, but in the

process Japanese are able to recover ground lost

during June. Enemy is reinforcing Sung Shan by

infiltration through Ch lines.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Co C rejoins 1st Bn,

34th Inf. Preparations are made by 34th Inf to

clear Japanese from cliffs NW of 1st Bn area. Gen

Eichelberger decides that situation on Biak is now

stable enough for him to leave. 1st Bn of 162d Inf,

accompanied by members of 41st Counter Intelligence Detachment, patrols into innermost depths of

West Caves. A hasty count reveals that at least 125

Japanese have been killed there. This is the last

enemy position that can threaten Mokmer airdrome.

On Aitape front, Maj Gen Charles P. Hall, CG XI

Corps, takes command of TF PERSECUTION at midnight, 27–28. Reorganization and regrouping of

forces is quickly undertaken. Cav RCT 112 arrives

to reinforce TF PERSECUTION, which is threatened

with enemy attack. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 3d Bn of

63d Inf encounters fire from few remaining MG positions as it mops up on Lone Tree Hill.

SAIPAN—6th Marines, 2d Mar Div, continues to

clear div center against heavy resistance; 8th

Marines, elements of which are relieved by 2d Bn,

25th Marines, starts clearing N slope of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div’s 106th Inf again attacks Hell’s

Pocket on div left with 1st Bn and for first time

makes some progress in reducing it. On div right,

other elements of 106th arid 2d Bn, 165th, clear

further ground on Purple Heart Ridge; 3d Bn of

106th, followed by 2d Bn, then drives W across

Death Valley under enemy fire. On right flank of

corps, 4th Mar Div gets additional elements to line

0–6; attached elements of 165th Inf make substantial progress on div left, but gap develops and bn of

24th Marines is brought forward to fill it. Japanese

decide to make their final stand on N Saipan on

line across island from Tanapag through Hill 221 to

Tarahoha, delaying in current positions as long as

possible while the new line is being organized. On

S Saipan, 2d Bn of 105th Inf concludes operations

against Nafutan Pt, which is declared secure at

1840. 550 Japanese dead are counted. Total number

estimated to have held the position exceeds 1,000,

rather than the 300–500 originally thought to have

been there.

28 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 79th Div, upon relief in Cherbourg,

moves S to U.S. VIII Corps zone. 9th Div continues

preparations for attack to clear Cap de la Hague.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps secures Brettevillette but later loses it to enemy counterattack. 8

Corps expands its Odon bridgehead near Baron and

secures another, near Gavrus; fights to clear enemy

from flanks.

USSR—Soviet threat to Minsk increases as

Second White Russian forces take Mogilev.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, salvage

parties reach Piombino, and the port is made ready

for use by Liberty ships in less than a month. In IV

Corps area, 117th Cav Rcn Sq is withdrawn from

line to participate in Operation ANVIL. IV Corps is

pushing steadily northward, with 34th Div on left

and 1st Armd Div on right, toward Highway 68,

which Cecina R parallels.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div reaches Chianciano without making

contact with enemy. In center, 4th Div breaks

through enemy positions on Casamaggiore–Frattevecchia ridge. Elements of 78th Div move forward

on 13 Corps right flank to conform. In 10 Corps area,

Ind 10th Div is relieving Ind 8th Div.

CBI—Vice President Wallace recommends to

President Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be replaced or

that he be given a presidential representative with

considerable powers as his deputy; suggests that

steps be taken to meet Japanese threat in E China.

In NCAC area, 1st Bn of 42d Regt, Ch 14th Div,

attacks toward Sitapur in order to cut off Japanese N

of Myitkyina.

On Salween front, Japanese planes make their

first appearance, dropping supplies to Sung Shan

garrison.

In E China, Japanese begin assault on Heng-yang

itself and for the first time in E China are being

firmly opposed by Chinese.

NEW GUINEA—Amphibian vehicles conduct rehearsal for Noemfoor operation. On Biak, Gen

Eichelberger turns over command of TF HURRICANE

to Gen Doe and leaves the island. It is learned that

34th Inf must serve as ALAMO Force reserve for

pending operation, necessitating regrouping of forces

on Biak. 34th Inf continues mopping up. Japanese

begin a second withdrawal (first being on 22d), with

orders to prepare for guerrilla warfare; about this

time begin withdrawing from East Caves. Largescale infantry action against Ibdi Pocket ends, but

the position is kept under fire from ground and air.

SAIPAN—2d Mar Div continues clearing difficult

terrain N of Tipo Pale and on crest of Mt. Tapotchau.

Maj Gen George W. Griner takes command of

[ 28 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 221 ]

27th Div, which completes reduction of organized

resistance at Hell’s Pocket on left but makes little

headway and suffers heavy casualties in Death

Valley proper and on Purple Heart Ridge. 4th Mar

Div maintains and improves positions on right flank

of corps, additional elements reaching 0–6 line;

provides fire support for 27th Div.

29 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VII Corps area, 9th Div—employing 47th Inf on

right, 60th in center, and 4th Cav Gp ( — ) on left—

attacks to clear Cap de la Hague; comes to a halt

before enemy line through Gruchy, Gréville, and

crossroads SE of Beaumont-Hague. Forts in Cherbourg harbor surrender. In VIII Corps area, 101st

A/B Div is detached from corps and starts from

St Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Cherbourg. In XIX Corps

area, first elements of 3d Armd Div enter combat:

CCA begins limited action to reduce VilliersFossard salient in 29th Div’s line NE of St Lô in

preparation for renewing drive on St Lô.

In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps, as it continues action to expand Odon bridgehead and corridor leading to it, undergoes determined counterattacks by enemy armor against W flank, which temporarily gain some ground but leave the attackers

exhausted. In view of the strong concentration of

enemy armor in front of 8 Corps, it is decided to break

off offensive and consolidate present positions.

USSR—Germans yield Bobruisk to First White

Russian troops.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 442d Inf, which has recently cleared villages of

Belvedere and Sassetta, is withdrawn from center of

34th Div line and replaced by 135th Inf; 133d Inf,

driving along Highway 1, is stubbornly opposed

but gets to within a mile of Cecina.

Br Eighth Army takes command of Pol 2 Corps

in Adriatic coastal sector. Germans begin general

withdrawal in front of Eighth Army. 13 Corps

commander orders 6th Armd Div to relieve 78th

Div, night 3–4 July; 9th Armd Brig to move to 10

Corps sector between 30 June and 4 July. S African

6th Armd Div takes Acquaviva and Montepulciano.

4th Div advances to ridge through Petrignano and

Valiano, which enemy rear guards are defending.

78th Div takes Castiglione del Lago, former enemy

strongpoint N of the Pescia, without opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Col Charles N. Hunter

takes command of all U.S. troops at Myitkyina.

1st Bn of 42d Regt, Ch 14th Div, after making considerable progress through enemy territory, is halted

by fire. Co F, NEW GALAHAD, attempts to support

the bn but loses its way and is destroyed as a

fighting body.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 34th Inf continues

mopping up in region N of 186th Inf against little

opposition. Mortars and tanks fire on East Caves,

from which engineers have recently received fire. On

Aitape front, Gen Hall reorganizes TF PERSECUTION

into 3 commands—Western Defense Area (Brig

Gen Alexander N. Stark, Jr.), Eastern Defense Area

(Gen Gill), and Eastern Defense Command (Gen

Clarence Martin). Gen Martin’s command, holding

outer defense line along Driniumor R, includes 3d

Bn of 127th Inf, 128th Inf (less 3d Bn), and Cav

RCT 112.

SAIPAN—6th and 8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, continue to clear rugged terrain on left flank of corps.

27th Div’s 106th Inf, after regrouping, drives northward in Death Valley with 1st and 2d Bns of 106th

Inf and 3d Bn of 105th abreast, gaining about 1,000

yards. To right, 2d Bn of 165th tries in vain to take

northernmost hill of Purple Heart Ridge. 4th Mar

Div, with elements of 165th Inf still attached, consolidates and improves positions on right flank of

corps, meeting strong opposition on left.

30 June

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery,

CG, orders U.S. First Army to make breakout attack while Br Second Army continues efforts to

take Caen and contains enemy between there and

Villers-Bocage.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy’s defense line on Cap de la Hague Peninsula collapses

under 9th Div’s attacks. 39th Inf begins exploring

tip of the peninsula after nightfall. 101st A/B Div

relieves 4th Div at Cherbourg and latter starts S

for coming offensive. In XIX Corps area, CCA of

3d Armd Div gains its limited objectives NE of St

Lô and is relieved there by 115th Inf, 29th Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div continues battle for Cecina: bn of

135th Inf establishes bridgehead across the Cecina

R and, with assistance of tanks, defends it successfully; 133d Inf makes main effort against town of

Cecina, which is still stoutly defended; to protect

right flank, 168th Inf is moved forward to Cecina

R by truck, and 3d Bn begins crossing without

opposition.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 4th Div overruns Petrignano in lively fighting.

NEW GUINEA—Main body of Noemfoor attack

forces leaves Toem at 1800. On Biak, 34th Inf

finishes mopping up its sector, ending main phase of

action on Biak, and withdraws to beach. 162d and

186th Regts move into assigned positions on main

and reserve lines. In Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO completes mop up of Lone Tree Hill and surrounding region.

[ 29–30 JUNE 1944 ]
[ 222 ]

SAIPAN—At commander’s conference on Saipan,

it is decided to land on Guam on 21 July and to

reinforce Southern Troops and Landing Force (III

Amphib Corps) for this purpose with 77th Div.

Postponement of Guam invasion allows time for

77th Div to arrive from Hawaii and permits

stronger and more prolonged preliminary bombardment.

2d Mar Div continues to advance its center and

right flank over difficult terrain above Tipo Pale

and Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div finishes clearing Death

Valley and Purple Heart Ridge; makes contact with

Marines on either flank. This successfully concludes

battle for central Saipan. 4th Mar Div continues to

consolidate on Kagman Peninsula and patrols deeply

beyond 0–6 line.

1 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army’s

Field Order No. I, as amended, prescribes general

offensive to be opened on 3 July by VIII Corps on W

flank of army and extended progressively eastward

by other corps upon order. In VII Corps area, organized resistance on Cherbourg Peninsula ceases

as 9th Div pushes to tip of Cap de la Hague. V Corps

improves positions slightly in limited attack by elements of 38th Inf, 2d Div.

Br Second Army repels determined counterattacks against its salient between Tilly-sur-Seulles and

Caen. 30 and 8 Corps, supported by massed arty

concentrations, throw enemy back and inflict heavy

tank losses.

USSR—Third White Russian troops take

Borisov by storm.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div’s 133d Inf gets forward elements to

Cecina R and clears Cecina town; 135th maintains

its small bridgehead E of Cecina despite enemy

efforts to destroy it; 168th crosses 3d Bn over the

Cecina on div right flank before dawn. 1st Armd Div

makes limited progress on right flank of corps: CCA,

on E, is near Casole d’Elsa, where enemy is disposed

for strong defense. FEC pushes forward toward

Siena.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, which is virtually out of contact with enemy, replaces 6th Armd

Div in line with Ind 10th Div. 9th Armd Brig is

arriving.

NEW GUINEA—As TF 77 (Adm Fechteler),

consisting of most of combat elements of VII Amphib Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet, plus Aus units,

steams toward Noemfoor with TF CYCLONE, Allied

aircraft pound the island with over 200 tons of

bombs, continuing a program of aerial bombardment of enemy bases there and on Vogelkop

Peninsula. On Biak, TF HURRICANE begins aggressive patrolling to prevent enemy remnants from organizing for guerrilla warfare. In Wakde-Sarmi

area, to insure safety of Maffin Bay staging sector,

TF TORNADO begins clearing inland between the

Woske and Tor Rivers. 1st Inf pushes along coast

to the Woske.

SAIPAN—VAC drives toward next phase line,

0–7, which extends across northern neck of Saipan.

On W flank of corps, 2d Mar Div gains about 800

yards in center and on right. In center, 27th Div

gains about 600 yards on left and 400 on right

against moderate opposition. 4th Mar Div maintains

positions on right flank of corps and patrols uneventfully.

U.S.—Gen Marshall asks Gen Stilwell for his

reaction to a possible split of CBI into two theaters,

with Gen Sultan commanding in Burma and Gen

Stilwell leading Chinese forces in China proper.

2 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Regroups in preparation for renewing offensive.

U.S. First Army commits VII Corps, with 4th,

9th, and 83d Divs under its command, between

VIII and XIX Corps. VIII Corps commands 8th,

79th, 82d A/B, and Both Divs. XIX Corps retains

29th and 30th Divs. V Corps has command of 1st

and 2d Inf and 2d Armd Divs. 3d Armd and 101st

A/B Divs are held in First Army reserve.

USSR—Third and First White Russian forces are

enveloping Minsk; latter cuts Minsk–Baranovichi RR.

ITALY—AAI: Chief of Staff, AAI, issues “Appreciation” concerning course of action after the

necessary forces for ANVIL have withdrawn from

Italy; concludes that offensive in Italy can be continued on a limited scale but recommends that AAI

be reinf if possible in order to secure Ljubljana Gap

and invade S Germany.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 133d Inf of

34th Div closes along the Cecina and takes Cecina

Marine at its mouth, concluding bloody action on

left flank of corps. 135th consolidates and strengthens bridgehead across the Cecina then moves W,

pinching out 133d. CCA, 1st Armd Div, suffers

heavy losses in tanks and personnel during futile

attempts to enter Casole d’Elsa. FEC takes Simignano, SW of Siena, and pushes on toward Siena.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, patrols reach

junction of Highways 71 and 75 without opposition. S African 6th Armd Div advances through Sinalunga, from which enemy has withdrawn. 4th Div

takes Fojano without opposition. 10 Corps is unopposed throughout day but regains contact with enemy after nightfall.

[ 1–2 JULY 1944 ]
[ 223 ]

CBI—In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, Gen Wessels

withdraws the Chinese forces directed toward Sitapur in order to strengthen N flank, toward which

enemy is reported to be moving in strength. Fighting during the past week has resulted in little change

in positions, although Ch 150th Regt and 236th

Engrs have gained a few hundred yards.

On Salween front, Chinese troops begin assault

on Teng-chung in violent monsoon rainfall. 348th

Inf of Ch 116th Div, 53d Army, reduces 7 pillboxes

41/2 miles NW of the city. Previous medium-level

and skip-bombing attacks on the city have done

little harm to enemy in dugouts.

In E China, Japanese halt attack on Heng-yang

to await arrival of arty at front.

NEW GUINEA—At Noemfoor, after extremely

heavy and effective naval gunfire and air bombardment of assault zone, which started 80 minutes before H Hour, TF CYCLONE (RCT 158, reinf) lands

at 0800 on N part of island in Kamiri airfield region

without opposition. Gen Patrick assumes command

ashore, relieving Adm Fechteler, who directed the

amphibious phase; after inspecting Kamiri airdrome, requests that reserves—503d Para Inf—be

dropped there. Light resistance develops as assault

bns of 158th Inf move cautiously inland, mopping

up as they go, but beachhead—800 yards deep and

3,000 yards wide—is secured. Arty is landed and

put into use, and work is begun on Kamiri airdrome.

TF CYCLONE inflicts over 100 casualties on enemy

while suffering only 3 men killed, one of them accidentally. At Aitape, RCT 124 of 31st Div is assigned to TF PERSECUTION as reserve.

SAIPAN—On extreme left of corps, 2d Marines,

2d Mar Div, easily seizes Garapan, which has been

leveled by bombardment. Gains of 800–1,200 yards

are made in div center and on right. In 27th Div

zone, 106th Inf advances some 400 yards on left

flank and 3d Bn of 165th about 1,700 yards on right

flank, but 3d Bn of 105th is held up by enemy strongpoint in center. 1st Bn, 105th, released from reserve,

bypasses the strongpoint and makes contact with

right flank units. Assault elements of 4th Mar Div

advance right flank 1,500 yards against negligible resistance. After nightfall, Japanese fall back to their

final defense line on N Saipan.

3 July

FRANCE—Field Marshal Guenther von Kluge

relieves Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt as German Commander in Chief West.

21 Army Group: U.S. First Army opens general

offensive, to become known as the Battle of the

Hedgerows, on W flank. VIII Corps, in driving rain

that prevents air support and hampers movement,

attacks southward down W coast of Cotentin Peninsula toward La Haye-du-Puits with 79th, 82d

A/B, and 90th Divs, from W to E, abreast. Progress

is limited by firm opposition in hedgerow country,

but 82d A/B Div gains Hill 131, NE of La Hayedu-Puits.

USSR—Minsk falls to Third and First White

Russian Fronts.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div begins drive on Leghorn, employing

135th Inf on left, 442d in center, and 168th on right,

and meets strong resistance. 3d Bn, 135th Inf, pushes

into S edge of Rosignano, beginning bitter battle

for this enemy stronghold SE of Leghorn. In zone

of CCA, 1st Armd Div, Cos K and L of attached

361st Inf take over attack on Casole d’Elsa but are

unable to enter the town. In FEC area, Siena falls

to 3d Algerian Div during morning.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div

finds Cortona undefended and is passed through by

6th Armd Div.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, replying to Gen Marshall’s

inquiry of 1st, expresses no eagerness for a field

assignment in China and comments on situation in

China.

11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, Ukhrul falls to troops of Ind 7th

Div and 23d LRP Brig, but enemy remains near

this important communications center.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, moving E along

N coast, 2d and 3d Bns of 158th Inf extend beachhead perimeter some 1,800 yards toward Kornasoren

airfield. 1st Bn of 158th Inf patrols S of Kamiri R,

eliminating some stragglers. 1st Bn, 503d Para Inf,

moving from Hollandia in C–47’s, drops on Kamiri

airfield and takes responsibility for central sector

of the airfield defenses. Casualties during the airdrop are extremely high, almost 10%, although

enemy offers no opposition. On Biak, elements of

Co E, 542d Engr Boat & Shore Regt, and Co E of

163d Inf push into East Caves with unexpected

ease. Patrolling throughout the caves is continued

during next few days. Japanese 18th Army issues

plan for attack in force across Driniumor R on

the mainland, beginning night 10–11. RCT 124,

31st Div, begins landing at Aitape, final elements

going ashore on 6 July.

SAIPAN—VAC pushes quickly toward 0–7 line.

On left flank, 2d Mar Div is being pinched out as

27th Div, making main effort, veers NW toward

Tanapag Harbor. Attacking with 106th Inf on left,

1st Bn of 105th in center, and 3d Bn of 165th on

right, 27th Div gains positions commanding Tanapag, although enemy strongpoint is delaying elements of 106th Inf near boundary of 2d Mar Div.

4th Mar Div encounters heavy fire from Hill 721

and nose jutting S from it, which holds up 3d Bn

[ 3 JULY 1944 ]
[ 224 ]

of 23d Marines on div right. Heavy fire is placed on

this position, night 3–4.

VOLCANO-BONIN Is.—TF 58 makes destructive

attacks on ground installations and shipping at Iwo

Jima in Volcano Is.. and Haha Jima and Chichi Jima

in Bonin Is.., employing naval gunfire as well as

carrier aircraft.

4 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps continues to make slow progress

southward on W flank of army. 82d A/B Div takes

Hill 95, overlooking La Haye-du-Puits from NE,

where it remains until pinched out by 79th and 90th

Divs on its flanks. VII Corps opens attack to E of

VIII Corps on narrow front between swamps of

Prairies Marcagéuses and Taute R. 83d Div, in action for first time, leads off toward Priers but meets

firm resistance that makes progress negligible.

In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, in preparation for all-out assault on Caen, Cdn 3d Div seizes

Carpiquet but is held up short of its airfield for some

time by enemy defenders. In 8 Corps area, 43d Div

is attacking NE astride the Odon to ease pressure on

1 Corps.

USSR—Troops of First Baltic Front overrun

Polotsk.

ITALY—U.S. Seventh Army moves to Naples in

preparation for invasion of S France.

AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th

Inf, on 34th Div’s W flank, clears about a third of

Rosignano; 442d Inf slightly improves positions in

center; to right, 168th attempts in vain to reach

Castellina, key enemy position, but overruns Hill

675 (M. Vitalba); 363d Inf is committed to right of

168th and gains ground on heights E of Hill 675.

CCA, 1st Armd Div, gets elements of 361st Inf into

Casole d’Elsa before dawn after most of the enemy

garrison has withdrawn. After this action 361st Inf

is detached from 1st Armd Div and reverts to 91st

Div. Subsequent action of 1st Armd Div on right

flank of IV Corps is limited until time of its relief.

In FEC area, 3d Algerian Div completes withdrawal

from corps zone to Naples and is replaced by 4th

Mtn Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps, with S African 6th Armd Div on left, Br 4th Div in center, and

Br 6th Armd Div on right, moves forward to M.

Lignano hill mass below Arezzo against sporadic

resistance. 6th Armd Div, using Highway 71, most

direct route to Arezzo, quickly reaches Castiglion

Fiorentino but is slowed soon afterward by

demolitions.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 3d Bn of 158th

Inf, continuing along N coast unopposed, takes

Kornasoren airfield. 1st Bn ( — ) crosses Kamiri R

and seizes Kamiri village without enemy interference; continues SE against scattered fire to large

Japanese garden area, some 1,700 yards distant,

where defensive perimeter is established for night on

Hill 201. 3d Bn, 503d Para Inf, drops on Kamiri airfield, suffering casualties exceeding 8%, and relieves

elements of 3d Bn, 158th Inf. Because of high

casualty rate during airdrops, it is decided to fly rest

of 503d Para Inf to Kamiri airfield when the field

can receive C–47’s safely. In Wakde-Sarmi area,

Hill 225 falls to elements of 63d Inf.

POA—CINCPOA, in radio message to

COMINCH, rejects suggestion of 13 June that target

dates for operations in the Pacific be advanced; states

that air forces should be established on Mindanao

before Formosa is invaded; expresses doubt that Gen

MacArthur can reach Mindanao by 25 October as

hoped.

SAIPAN—VAC completes drive to northern neck

of Saipan and prepares for final phase of battle in

which 2 divs will advance NE on Marpi Pt and its

airfield. 2d Mar Div’s 2d Marines completes mop

up of Garapan and forces enemy remnants into tip

of Mutcho Pt, but 6th Marines is checked on ridge

about 1,000 yards from coast. 27th Div, after fire

fight with large group of retreating enemy, completes drive to Tanapag Plain. 106th Inf reaches

seaplane base at Flores Pt and is joined by 8th

Marines; eliminates the cave strongpoint to rear; in

center, 1st Bn of 105th Inf reaches beach; on right,

1st Bn of 165th Inf quickly gains last ridge overlooking Flores Pt seaplane base. 4th Mar Div drives

forward to Hill 767 area, taking Hill 721 and the

nose from it with ease. In preparation for 2-div

assault on 5th, 2 bns of 165th Inf, 27th Div, relieve

2 left flank bns of 4th Mar Div in late afternoon;

during the relief, gap develops in line through which

almost a hundred Japanese infiltrate, but the hole is

later filled and Japanese are driven back or killed.

U.S.—JCS, in memorandum to President

Roosevelt, recommend that Gen Stilwell be promoted from rank of It gen to general; that Chiang

Kai-shek be urged to place Gen Stilwell in command

of all Chinese forces; that G en Sultan be given command of Chinese Corps in Burma; and that Gen

Wheeler replace Stilwell as Deputy to Adm Mountbatten.

5 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, 35th Div begins landing on the Continent.

VIII Corps overruns RR stations of La Haye-duPuits. VII Corps continues to make slow progress

toward Priers.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Wilson, as result of decision

to undertake ANVIL, issues new directive calling for

AAI to advance to Po R line and from there to line

Venice–Padua–Verona–Brescia; promises that U.S.

[ 4–5 JULY 1944 ]
[ 225 ]

92d Div and a Brazilian div may be expected as reinforcements, former about 15 September and latter by end of October.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of

34th Div gains about half of Rosignano as stubborn

fighting continues; 442d secures positions on ridge

some 2 miles E and 1 mile N of Rosignano; 168th

and 363d Regts maintain and consolidate positions

to right.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps meets stiffening resistance all along line. Efforts to break

through to cut Highway 69 W of Arezzo fail. 4th

Div takes Tuori. In 10 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

reaches Umbertide. Germans are again withdrawing

in front of corps. In Pol 2 Corps area, Badia falls

to 3d Carpathian Div.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 8th Army (82d,

103d, and Hon 1st Divs), which has assembled E

and S of Sung Shan, begins assault on that enemy

stronghold after night-long arty preparation. 2 Ch

regts attack at dawn and make limited gains, which

they lose to Japanese counterattack.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 1st Bn ( — ) of

158th Inf, on Hill 201, repels the only major counterattack offered by Japanese during the Noemfoor

operation early in morning and virtually annihilates

the enemy force of 350–400. 2d Bn, 158th, prepares

to land at Namber airdrome, on SW coast, while

other elements of TF CYCLONE continue search for

enemy. In Wakde-Sarmi area, elements of 63d Inf

take crest of Mt. Saksin.

SAIPAN—VAC begins final phase of assault on

island with 27th Div on left and 4th Mar Div on

right. 27th Div’s 105th Inf pushes slowly forward

along coast and in coconut grove to E, but is stopped

on right by deep canyon, called Harakiri Gulch,

ideally suited for defense. 165th Inf tries in vain to

enter the canyon on left but has little action on

right. 4th Mar Div advances with 24th Regt on left

and 25th on right, after 23d clears to line of departure in morning; is almost unopposed as it drives

about 1,200 yards from line of departure to its

objective for day, since enemy has been unable to

establish line in this region.

6 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. Third Army

establishes hq in France at Nehou. Corps assigned

to it are: VIII (now with U.S. First Army), XII,

XV, and XX.

In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues to

close in on La Haye-du-Puits, which is nearly

enveloped, but enemy is putting up a staunch defense. VII Corps commits 4th Div to W of 83d

as attack toward Priers continues against unabated

opposition.

USSR—Elements of First White Russian Front

occupy Kovel, from which Germans have withdrawn.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 135th Inf of 34th Div continues clearing

Rosignano; 168th breaks into Castellina and takes

it; cuts road from there to Chianni; 363d overruns

Hill 634 (M. Vase) NE of Castellina.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps is still meeting

strong opposition below Arezzo, but 4th Div takes

Poggio all’Olmo. 10 Corps advances rapidly until

halted by new enemy delaying line. In Pol 2 Corps

area, 3d Carpathian Div seizes Osima.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, after naval and

air preparation, 2d Bn of 158th Inf makes amphibious assault on Namber airfield and takes it

without opposition by 1240. Arty liaison plane lands

there soon afterward. Aus P–40 sq arrives at Kamiri

airdrome for operations. Vigorous patrolling of

Noemfoor discloses few enemy. On Biak, loudspeakers are moved into East Caves in effort to

induce Japanese to surrender. The few remaining

alive are found to have abandoned their positions

there. RCT 124 of 31st Div completes movement

to Aitape from Oro Bay.

MARIANAS—In preparation for invasion of

Guam, Gen Holland Smith attaches 77th Div to

III Amphib Corps.

SAIPAN—After futile attempt by 27th Div to

draw abreast 4th Mar Div, new orders are issued at

0900. 27th Div zone is limited in W coastal area to

point just beyond Makunsha village; extends inland

to include valley running S of it, dubbed Paradise

Valley, and Harakiri Gulch. Marines are given responsibility for rest of island to NE. Some progress

is made toward Makunsha on left, but efforts to

overrun Harakiri Gulch and push to coast via Paradise Valley are largely futile. 4th Mar Div attacks

with 23d, 24th, and 25th Regts abreast, from left to

right, in expanded zone, making rapid progress

against sporadic resistance except on left, where 23d

Marines is strongly opposed while attempting to

push into Paradise Valley from W and is out of

contact with 24th Marines. 24th Marines gains

1,400–1,800 yards. 25th Marines moves quickly up

E coast, assisted by naval gunfire, to Mt. Petosukara;

accepts surrender of 700–800 civilians.

U.S.—President Roosevelt, accepting recommendations of JCS of 4th, radios Chiang Kai-shek

as suggested.

7 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In preparation for

all-out assault on Caen by Br Second Army, heavy

bombers of RAF BC attack in force, night 7–8,

dropping 2,662 tons of bombs on military targets.

[ 6–7 JULY 1944 ]
[ 226 ]

In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 79th and

90th Divs continue efforts to break through enemy

positions in La Haye-du-Puits–Mont Castre Forest

area and repel several counterattacks. VII Corps

inches forward down Carentan–Périers road against

steadily increasing resistance. XIX Corps, to E of

VII Corps, opens attack with 30th Div that establishes

bridgehead in St Jean-de-Day area and takes

that town: after preparatory bombardment, 117th

Inf forces the Vire on div left at 0430 and 120th attacks across Vire–Taute Canal to W at 1345. After

nightfall, CCB, 3d Armd Div, crosses into bridgehead at Airel with mission of expanding it toward

St Gilles; 113th Cav Gp moves forward on 30th

Div’s right flank.

ITALY—AAF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 135th Inf of 34th Div completes clearing

Rosignano, but enemy is holding out just beyond the

town; after heavy concentrations of fire on M. Vase,

enemy counterattacks and recovers it from 3d Bn,

363d Inf. FEC gets forward elements beyond Highway 68. 4th Mtn Div takes Colle di Val d’Elsa, SW

of Poggibonsi. Offensive operations of FEC later

subside as preparations are made for its movement

to Naples area upon relief by Br 13 Corps.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th

Armd Div retains foothold on slopes of M. Lignano

against strong counterthrusts. In 10 Corps area, Ind

4th Div, which has been trained recently in mountain

warfare, is concentrating S of Umbertide to re-inforce

corps as it continues advance on Sansepolcro.

CBI—Br 36 Div, which has moved forward to

replace 77th LRP Brig, Ind 3d Div, is transferred to

command of Gen Stilwell.

In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF begins training

on program for forces in reserve and those in contact with enemy.

On Salween front, Ch 8th Army continues operations to clear Sung Shan with night attack, 7–8,

by 246th Regt of 82d Div. Although peak is seized,

Japanese counterattack and drive Chinese off, causing 200 casualties.

JAPAN—Small force of B–29’s attacks Kyushu I.,

night 7–8, most of planes concentrating on Sasebo

naval targets. This is the third B–29 mission and

the second against Japanese homeland.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, co of 163d Inf attempts to move into Ibdi Pocket but finds enemy

repairing old fortifications and building new ones.

Bombardment of the position is resumed.

POA—Adm Nimitz orders his commanders to

prepare for invasion of S Palaus (Angaur, Peleliu,

Ngesebus) on 15 September and of Yap and Ulithi,

NE of the Palaus, on 5 October.

SAIPAN—Japanese remnants, estimated to number about 3,000, make a last desperate counterattack, which overwhelms most of 105th Inf, on 27th

Div left flank, as well as guns of 3d Bn, 10th Marines, before it is stemmed at 105th Inf CP. 106th

Inf is committed to relieve 105th and recovers most

of the lost ground, but stops a little short of 105th,

isolated remnants of which are withdrawn by water.

Meanwhile, 165th Inf clears Harakiri Gulch without serious opposition. 4th Mar Div continues to

make rapid progress on right.

U.S.—Gen Marshall informs Gen Stilwell of

action taken by President Roosevelt and urges Stilwell to maintain friendly relations with Chiang

Kai-shek.

8 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps overruns La Haye-du-Puits during

attack from W by 79th Div. Newly arrived 8th

Div enters line between 79th and 90th Divs. VII

Corps continues efforts to advance down Carentan–

Priers road against strong opposition. In XIX Corps

area, 113th Cav GP, 30th Div, and 3d Armd Div

expand bridgehead despite difficulty in co-ordinating

movement of infantry and armor within limited

sector. On W, 113th Cav Gp overruns villages of

Goucherie and Le Mesnil-Veneron; late in day the

group is attached to CCA, 3d Armd Div, which has

crossed into bridgehead and is pushing toward Le

Desert. 30th Div, with 120th Inf on right, 117th in

center, and 119th on left, advances toward Le Désert and Cavigny. CCB, 3d Armd Div, gets almost

to La Bernardrie; is attached to 30th Div late in day.

35th Div, which has completed landing on the

Continent, is attached to XIX Corps.

In Br Second Army area, I Corps opens assault

Caen at 0420, employing Cdn 3d Div on right,

59th Div in center, and 3d Div on left. Br troops

penetrate into the city at NE corner. U.S. heavy

bombers provide close support for the attack.

USSR—Units of First White Russian Front

overrun Baranovichi.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div continues drive on Leghorn and

makes some headway. 88th Div takes command of

zone previously held by 1st Armd Div and attacks

with 350th Inf on left and 349th on right: bypassing Volterra, div gains heights N and E of the town;

350th presses toward Laiatico, commanding strongpoint, and 349th overruns Roncalla. In FEC area,

4th Gp of Tabors attacks toward S. Gimignano, W

of Poggibonsi, and takes Hill 380, 2 miles N of

Highway 68.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps undergoes

further enemy counterattacks. In 10 Corps area, Ind

4th Div takes command of sector W of the Tiber.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees

in principle to President Roosevelt’s request that

Gen Stilwell be permitted to command Ch forces,

[ 8 JULY 1944 ]
[ 227 ]

but asks that an influential personal representative

of the President’s be sent to China.

On Salween front, 5 Ch divs have encircled Tengchung.

NE W GUINEA—During conference at Gen

Krueger’s CP, plans are made for operations in

Sansapor-Mar region of the Vogelkop but on a

tentative basis since terrain information is lacking.

In Aitape area, Gen Krueger orders Gen Hall to

reconnoiter in force across the Driniumor. The 3

commands of TF PERSECUTION are renamed to avoid

confusion, Western Defense Area becoming Western

Sector, Eastern Defense Area becoming Eastern

Sector, and Eastern Defense Command becoming

PERSECUTION Covering Force.

SAIPAN—2d Mar Div ( — ), with 165th Inf attached, attacks through 27th Div to clear remaining

enemy from Saipan. 6th Marines reaches beach by

1830 against little opposition; 8th Marines, to E,

mops up in hills and ravines. 165th Inf attacks on

right from positions above Harakiri Gulch, driving

through Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks toward N tip of Saipan. 23d Marines drives through

Karaberra Pass to the sea by 1205. To right, 2d

and 24th Marines reach assigned positions in afternoon. 25th Marines is unopposed as it continues up

E coast about 600 yards.

GUAM—Warships of Southern Attack Force

begin naval bombardment of Guam coastal defenses.

9 July

FRANCE—U.S. 5th Div arrives on Continent.

21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII

Corps attempts to push beyond La Haye-du-Puits

but makes little headway against dual handicaps of

stubborn enemy and hedgerow terrain. In VII Corps

area, 4th and 83d Divs gain several hundred yards

toward Périers in violent fighting, 83d overrunning

St Eny. 9th Div arrives from Cherbourg and is

given sector E of the Taute, previously right flank

of 30th Div’s zone. Boundary between VII and XIX

Corps is adjusted accordingly. In XIX Corps area,

while 113th Cav Gp and CCA of 3d Armd Div

hold on right flank of corps, 30th Div and attached

CCB continue offensive toward Hauts-Vents, immediate objective. Strong enemy counterattack in

region W of main road to St Lô is checked, largely

by arty fire. CCB, attacking between assault regts

of 30th Div, thrusts rapidly toward Hauts-Vents

along main highway until stopped short of objective

by div order. Late in day CCA, 3d Armd Div, is

attached to 9th Div, VII Corps.

In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, Caen falls as

3d Div, driving S into the city, meets Cdn 3d Div,

which enters from W. Elements of Cdn 3d Div at

last take Carpiquet airfield, which enemy has defended stubbornly, and Bretteville-sur-Odon.

USSR—Lida falls to Third White Russian

Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div’s 135th and attached 442d Regts make

slow progress above Rosignano; with recapture of

Hill 634 (M. Vase) by 363d Inf on div right, 363d

and 168th are able to continue northward; 168th

thrusts into Casale and clears it before dawn of 10th.

On right flank of IV Corps, 88th Div’s progress is

also limited by strong opposition. TF Ramey is given

mission of protecting right flank of corps along

Highway 68 and maintaining contact with FEC.

The TF, consisting entirely of armd units, begins

slow advance on road net E of Villamagna. In

FEC. area, enemy forces 4th Gp of Tabors from

Hill 380 after seesaw battle. 1st and 6th Moroccan

Inf relieve goumiers and start toward Hill 380, regaining it before dawn of 10th. Germans apply

pressure against other units, forcing back Fr salient

on Highway 2.

In Br Eighth Army area, plans are made for attack by 13 Corps on Arezzo on 15th, by which time

N7, 2d Div of Cdn 1 Corps will have moved forward to strengthen the assault. 13 Corps will meantime maintain pressure on limited scale against

enemy below Arezzo. In Pol 2 Corps area, Italians

take Filottrano after about a week of hard fighting.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, AAF joins in bombardment of Ibdi Pocket. In Wakde-Sarmi area,

1st Bns of 1st and 63d Regts complete battle for

crest of Hill 265, SW of Hill 225. This is the last

enemy strongpoint in Maffin Bay region.

SAIPAN—2d Mar Div mops up additional enemy

on W flank of corps; attached 165th Inf reaches

coast except for company that remains behind to

mop up Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks with

2d Marines of 2d Mar Div and 24th and 25th

Marines and quickly reaches Marpi Pt, final objective. Saipan is declared secure by Adm Turner at

1615. Final mop up of stragglers is assigned to 2d

and 4th Mar Divs, with 165th Inf still attached to

latter. During the Saipan operation, Northern

Troops and Landing Force suffers 14,111 casualties,

about 20% of its total strength of 71,034. Of the

14,000 casualties, 3,674 are Army and 10,437 are

Marine Corps. Japanese garrison of about 30,000 is

virtually destroyed. Saipan is within bombing range

of Japan and is to become base for B–29’s.

10 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery

issues orders for offensive, calling for strong southward drive (COBRA) by U.S. First Army, which will

[ 9–10 JULY 1944 ]
[ 228 ]

be assisted by Br Second Army attack E and S of

Caen.

In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps advances

some 3,000 yards beyond La Haye-du-Puits, 90th

Div overrunning Mont Castre Forest. VII Corps

continues attack with 3 divs—4th, 83d, and 9th,

from W to E—and reaches general vicinity of St

Eny, Tribehou, and Le Désert. In XIX Corps area,

CCB of 3d Armd Div renews efforts to reach

Hauts-Vents but is stopped a little short. 120th Inf,

30th Div, pulls up almost abreast CCB, forward

elements reaching village of Le Rocher; 119th Inf,

on 30th Div left flank, reaches positions just short

of Belle-Lande.

In Br Second Army area, 1 Corps mops up within

Caen. 8 Corps begins drive toward Thury Harcourt,

attacking between the Odon and the Orne. 43d Div

takes Eterville and Hill 112, between Eterville and

Evrecy, but is unable to secure Maltot.

USSR—Field Marshal Walter Model, who has

replaced Field Marshal Ernst Busch as commander

of German Army Group Center, proposes that

Army Group North be withdrawn behind the Dvina

in order to employ elements on central front, but

Hitler refuses. By this time, German 9th and 4th

Armies have been virtually destroyed on central

front. Troops of Third White Russian Front encircle

Vilno.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 135th and 442d Regts, on 34th Div left flank,

make slow progress toward Leghorn; on right, 133d

Inf attacks through Casale and 363d moves forward

abreast it. Progress on right flank of IV Corps is

negligible.

CBI—On Salween front, 307th Regt of 103d

Div, Ch 8th Army, is continuing costly efforts to

clear enemy from Sung Shan.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33

Corps area, Japanese have been cleared from immediate vicinity of Ukhrul.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Cos K and L of 163d

Inf push into Ibdi Pocket. In Aitape area, TF

PERSECUTION begins rcn in force E of the Driniumor.

1st Bn, 128th Inf, crosses at mouth of river and drives

along coast almost to Yakamul, dispersing 2 enemy

groups en route. 2d Sq, 112th Cav, crosses to S and

moves cautiously through jungle about a mile, making no contact with enemy. Rest of TF PERSECUTION

forces in Driniumor area regroup. During night 10–

11, enemy attacks W across the Driniumor in force,

breaking through line of PERSECUTION Covering

Force on 1,300-yard front and threatening Paup

villages along coast. Co E, 128th Inf, is overwhelmed and suffers heavy casualties. Co G is also

heavily hit but checks enemy onslaughts. Rcn

forces E of the river are ordered to withdraw to

river line.

11 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

attacks with 4 corps abreast as V Corps joins in

offensive on extreme E. VIII Corps makes further

progress below La Haye-du-Puits. VII Corps bears

brunt of strong German counterattack on its left

flank and on right flank of XIX Corps. Enemy tanks

penetrate 9th Div lines in Le Désert area, but positions are restored by combined efforts of infantry,

tanks, TD’s, arty, and aircraft. Germans lose a number of tanks in this action. To W, 83d and 4th Divs

continue forward slowly. XIX Corps opens attack

on St Lô with 30th Div W of the Vire and 35th

and 29th Divs E of the river. 30th Div, with less

difficulty than 9th, checks enemy counterattack

NW of Pont Hébert; attached CCB, 3d Armd Div,

secures Hauts-Vents crossroads; 119th Inf meets

increasingly strong opposition in Pont Hébert area.

35th Div attacks with 137th Inf along the Vire and

320th on left from La Méauffe–Villiers-Fossard region, but makes little headway; strongpoint at St

Gilles stops 137th Inf well above Pont Hébert. 29th

Div attacks on left flank of XIX Corps in conjunction with V Corps: 115th Inf progresses slowly toward La Luzerne against stubborn resistance;

116th, penetrating enemy positions, drives S through

St André-de-l’Epine and then W along Martinville

ridge toward St Lô. V Corps renews attack on Hill

192, NE of St Lô. 2d Div, employing 38th and 23d

Regts, makes the final assault and with tremendous

arty support overcomes opposition on this important

feature that has withstood vigorous attacks during

June; crushes enemy defense in St Georges-d’Elle

area; cuts Bayeux–St Lô highway at La Calvaire.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div

improves positions near Hottot against lively resistance. In 8 Corps area, 43d Div holds Hill 112 against

counterattack. In I Corps area, 51st Div tries in vain

to advance on Colombelles, E of the Orne.

ITALY—AAI: Orders MALLORY MAJOR, air offensive against Po R bridges, to go forward.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442d Inf,

in 34th Div sector, gets almost to Pastina; 133d Inf

bypasses Pastina to E but is stopped short of Hill

529; limited progress is made in other sectors of div

front. 351st Inf, 88th Div, is released from reserve to

continue attack on Laiatico but is pinned down short

of objective.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

begins concentrating within corps zone to assist in

drive on Arezzo.

CHINA—Japanese, having completed preparations for stronger assault on Heng-yang, renew attack, and are stoutly opposed by Chinese garrison,

which is assisted by aircraft.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, TF CYCLONE starts

regrouping for systematic mopping up opera-

[ 11 JULY 1944 ]
[ 229 ]

tions. 158th Inf is given N sector and 503d Para

Inf the S. 2d Bn of 503d arrives, having moved by

air from Hollandia to Biak and thence by sea to

Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION

Covering Force begins general withdrawal from

Driniumor R line to next delaying positions, along

line of X-ray R and Koronal Creek, after futile attempt by 1st Bn, 128th Inf, to reopen Anamo–Afua

trail. Gen Krueger orders positions along the Driniumor restored. On Biak, 3d Bn of 163d Inf begins

steadily compressing Japanese in Ibdi Pocket.

12 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

relinquishes command of 101st A/B Div, which is

to return to England for rest and training. VIII

Corps makes substantial progress southward toward

the Ay and Sèves Rivers as enemy opposition

diminishes. 8th Div, in center, overruns Hill 92. VII

Corps makes limited gains toward Raids, on Carentan–Périers road, and toward Les Champs-de-Losque

crossroads against strong resistance. XIX Corps continues attack on St Lô, moving in slowly. 30th Div

is still held up in Pont Hébert area. 35th makes negligible progress N of St Lô. 29th advances its right

flank (115th Inf) to villages of La Luzerne and

Belle-Fontaine, NE of St Lô, but 116th is practically

halted on ridge leading W to St Lô. In V Corps area,

2d Div, against light resistance, finishes clearing all

assigned objectives in Hill 192 area and gains firm

control of highway to St Lô from Bérigny to La Calvaire.

Br Second Army is largely engaged in regrouping.

USSR—Soviet offensive is broadening. Moscow

announces opening of attacks in region between

Nevel and Ostrov by Second Baltic Front, which

overruns Idritsa, on rail line to Riga.

ITALY—Air offensive against Po R bridges,

MALLORY MAJOR, is begun by TAF medium bombers under ideal weather conditions.

AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, U.S.

armored units driving on Leghorn along Highway

1 in coastal sector get beyond Castiglioncello. 34th

Div makes limited progress to right: 442d Inf pushes

into outskirts of Pastina, but 133d battles in vain for

Hill 529, from which enemy begins withdrawing

after nightfall. 363d Inf reverts to 91st Div as that

div prepares to enter action. 88th Div’s 351st Inf,

with strong arty and mortar support, overruns Laiatico. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div drives forward almost to S. Gimignano.

CBI—In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF, with air

support, makes major effort against Myitkyina, but

the attack fails. As result of poor air-ground liaison

some bombs hit friendly forces.

On Salween front, Japanese continue to repel

Chinese efforts to clear Sung Shan, although 2 Ch

regts are committed to this task. 2-week lull ensues

and Ch 8th Army breaks off attacks.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Gen Gill, CG

of 32d Div and of Eastern Sector, takes control of

PERSECUTION Covering Force, relieving Gen Martin,

who becomes commander of Eastern Sector. Gen

Gill sets up hq at Tiber and prepares for attack to

recover positions along the Driniumor, dividing

covering force into 2 groups: North Force, consisting of 124th Inf (less 2d Bn) reinf by 1st Bn of

128th Inf; South Force, consisting of 112th Cav and

3d Bn of 127th Inf. 2d Bn of 128th Inf, holding

Tiber while reorganizing, is held in reserve. Co B,

128th Inf, moves from Tiber to Anamo in preparation for general attack. After dark, Japanese attack

2d Bn, 128th Inf, but are forced to withdraw. On

Biak, about 200 Japanese escape from Ibdi Pocket.

13 July

FRANCE—4th Armd Div arrives on Continent.

21 Army Group: U.S. First Army commander

approves Outline Plan for COBRA—breakout attack

in St. Lô area. Minor amendments altering boundaries are subsequently made. VIII Corps continues

steadily southward all along line. VII Corps makes

progress on left flank, where 9th Div gets almost

to crossroads at Les Champs-de-Losque. Offensive

on rest of VII Corps front is virtually suspended.

XIX Corps continues costly battle for St Lô. On E,

29th Div passes 175th Inf through 116th in vain

attempt to drive W along highway ridge toward

the city. In V Corps area, 5th Div replaces 1st Div

in line. 1st Div withdraws to Colombières area in

preparation for movement to VII Corps zone.

In Br Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps becomes

operational with Cdn 2d and 3d Divs under its command. 12 Corps takes command of 8 Corps sector

and of 43d, 15th, and 53d Inf Divs; 11th Armd

Div; 4th Armd Brig; and 31st Tank Brig.

USSR—After several days of street fighting,

Vilna falls to troops of Third White Russian Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div gains about 3 miles toward Leghorn

and to E overruns Pastina and Hill 529. 91st Div is

committed in center of corps front and attacks toward the Arno with 363d Inf on left and 362d on

right; presses close to Chianni and heights to E despite strong opposition. 88th Div, on IV Corps right

flank, makes substantial progress against decreasing

resistance. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div overruns S

Gimignano and commanding ground nearby as

enemy begins withdrawal in that region. Against

diminishing resistance, 2d Moroccan Div drives

[ 12–13 JULY 1944 ]
[ 230 ]

almost to Poggibonsi on W and to outskirts of Castellina in Chianti on E.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

pursues enemy northward toward Arezzo, taking

crest of M. Castiglione Maggiore without opposition. Corps is directed to press NW to Alpe di Poti

with Ind 4th Div while Ind 10th Div protects right

flank.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 1st Bn of 503d

Para Inf encounters main enemy forces remaining

on Noemfoor at Hill 670, some 3 miles NE of Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering

Force attacks to restore positions along the Driniumor. North and South Forces succeed in reaching

the river, but broad gap exists between them. 1st

Bn of 128th Inf, while clearing coastal sector from

Anamo to the Driniumor, on N flank of North

Force, decisively defeats enemy’s Coastal Attack

Force and destroys most of its arty. In region W of

the Driniumor, Japanese make a number of small

attacks on 2d Bn of 128th Inf, in Tiber area, and

are driven off.

SAIPAN—3d Bn of 6th Marines, 2d Mar Div,

occupies Maniagassa I., in Tanapag Harbor without

serious opposition. This concludes Marine activities

on Saipan.

U.S.—President Roosevelt, preparing to depart

for Hawaii to discuss Pacific strategy with Gen MacArthur and Adm Nimitz, replies to Chiang Kaishek’s letter of 8th, agreeing to choose a political

representative and urging that the way be quickly

cleared for Gen Stilwell to take command of Ch

forces.

14 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps closes along Ay and Sèves Rivers,

where forward movement is stopped by army order.

In VII Corps area, 9th Div continues to clear Les

Champs-de-Losque–Le Désert area against tenacious

resistance. In XIX Corps area, 119th Inf of 30th

Div captures Pont Hébert, concluding bitter struggle

for this objective. Just across the Vire, 35th Div

breaks through to Pont Hébert–St Lô highway.

29th Div maintains positions NE and E of St Lô.

In V Corps area, commander of 5th Div assumes

responsibility for former zone of 1st Div on left

flank of corps.

USSR—Broadening offensive southward, troops

of First Ukrainian Front attack above and below

Brody, in region E of Lwow. Pinsk falls to First

White Russian forces.

ITALY—AAI: Directs Br Eighth Army to take

Ancona and Florence and U.S. Fifth Army, Leghorn; later, attack is to carry through the Gothic

Line between Dicomano and Pistoia to the Po R

line, where bridgeheads are to be established.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf

of 34th Div meets little opposition as it continues

toward Leghorn; 442d takes S. Pieve di Luce; 133d

is approaching Usigliano. Elements of 91st Div’s

363d Inf take Chianni without opposition early in

day; patrols of 362d find that enemy has abandoned

Terricciola. 88th Div gains about 4 miles on right

flank of IV Corps, overrunning key positions at

Belvedere and Villamagna. In FEC area, as enemy

resistance collapses, French take Poggibonsi and

continue toward Certaldo.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ troops

gain summit of M. Carmucino, but German opposition then stiffens all along line.

CBI—In NCAC area, request by Maj Gen Lentaigne for withdrawal of Morris Force (of Ind 3d

Div) from positions across the Irrawaddy from

Myitkyina is denied. By this time the force has only

3 platoons left.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area,

33 Corps completes envelopment and elimination of

Japanese force on Ukhrul–Imphal road, completely

clearing Ukhrul area. 4 Corps, pressing down Tiddim road, has been stubbornly opposed thus far, but

Japanese are beginning to weaken under attacks of

Ind 5th and 17th Divs and aircraft.

POA—CINCPAC-CINCPOA issue Joint Staff

Study for STALEMATE (invasion of the Palaus).

NEW GUINEA—Gen MacArthur orders TF

CYCLONE to have Kornasoren airdrome ready to receive 50 P–38’s by 25 July in preparation for invasion

of Vogelkop Peninsula. Rcn party moves by PT

boat from Noemfoor to Cape Opmarai, N coast of

the Vogelkop, where it stays for 3 days gathering

information upon which final plans for the operation

are made. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 31st Div (less

RCT 124) begins unloading at Maffin Bay to relieve

6th Div. In Aitape area, South Force narrows gap

between it and North Force along the Driniumor

by moving 3d Bn of 127th Inf northward, but the 2

forces are still out of contact with each other. 3d Bn

of 124th Inf, North Force, kills about 135 Japanese

in the gap, night 14–15.

15 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

halts offensive W of Taute R while regrouping extensively in preparation for COBRA. 4th Armd Div

is temporarily held in reserve. VIII Corps, now holding initial objectives along Ay R except for town of

Lessay, maintains current positions while regrouping to include 8th, 79th, 90th, 4th, and 83d Divs.

VII Corps continues offensive with 9th Div while

regrouping on rest of front to include 30th and 1st

Inf Divs and 2d and 3d Armd Divs. Zone is extended

E to Vire R when 30th Div is transferred to corps

[ 14–15 JULY 1944 ]
[ 231 ]

in place at 2400. 9th Div secures crossroads at Les

Champs-de-Losque. In XIX Corps area, 30th Div,

before its transfer to VII Corps, attacks with 117th

Inf to outskirts of Le Mesnil-Durand, forcing salient

into enemy positions. 35th and 29th Divs, with close

air and arty support, continue battle for St Lô. 134th

Inf, on left flank of 35th Div, gains N slopes of Hill

122, where it is within 2,000 yards of St Lô, but

rest of div is held up well to rear in Le Carillon–

Pont Hébert area. 29th Div makes main effort on

left flank of XIX Corps with 116th Inf along

Martinville Ridge: 2d Bn of 116th Inf succeeds in

breaking through to Bayeux–St Lô highway near La

Madeleine but is isolated there; 175th Inf holds its

positions on left flank of div; 115th, on right flank,

makes slow progress SW from La Luzerne. V Corps,

upon regrouping, contains 2d and 5th Divs on inactive left flank of army.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps begins attack

toward line Bougy–Evrecy–Maizet, between the

Odon and the Orne, night 15–16, 15th Div moving

forward with illumination from searchlights.

USSR—Troops of Second Baltic Front overrun

Opochka.

ITALY—Allied air attacks on Po bridges between

Piacenza and the Adriatic (MALLORY MAJOR) are

successfully concluded, but tactical bombers subsequently continue interdiction program on an expanded scale, hitting bridges W of Piacenza and

throughout Po Valley.

AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th

Inf of 34th Div continues rapidly toward Leghorn

until hit in evening by counterattack on left flank

near heights overlooking the town; enemy is driven

off with aid of arty. 442d Inf advances to left rear of

168th as latter begins attack in right half of 442d’s

zone. 168th and 133d Regts push toward Pisa with

100th Bn filling gap between them; bypassing Lorenzana, 133d gets nearly 2 miles beyond the town. In

center of IV Corps, 91st Div’s 363d Inf takes Bagni

di Casciana without opposition, then withdraws in

preparation for assisting attack of 34th Div on Leghorn; 361st Inf replaces 362d on div

right and takes Morrona, NW of Terricciola. 88th

Div continues northward on right flank of corps.

In FEC area, 8th Moroccan Inf takes Castellina in

Chianti while 4th Moroccan mops up E of Poggibonsi. By nightfall FEC is up against enemy delaying line in Certaldo–Tavernelle area.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps opens attack

on Arezzo at 0100 after strong arty preparation, employing 6th Armd Div on left and NZ 2d on right.

Air support begins at dawn. 6th Armd Div drives

salient into center of enemy line, and NZ 2d Div

takes M. Lignano. After nightfall, Germans begin

general withdrawal.

BURMA—Thus far in the siege of Myitkyina,

Japanese garrison has suffered 790 dead and 1,180

wounded, and its commander is contemplating

withdrawal. No co-ordinated attacks have been attempted by Myitkyina TF since 12th, but daily attacks on a limited scale have gradually constricted

Japanese positions.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, PERSECUTION

Covering Force is still endangered along the Driniumor by gap, now 1,500 yards wide, between North

and South Forces. 124th Inf, North Force, is ordered

to extend southward to left flank of South Force.

Japanese are becoming active in vicinity of Afua.

On Biak, Americans move back into Ibdi Pocket,

where Japanese are continuing to resist. Arty bombardment of the enemy position is resumed.

16 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VII Corps continues S toward Périers–St Lô

road with 9th Div on right and 30th on left. 9th Div

is slowed by enemy below Les Champs-de-Losque.

30th Div deepens its salient between Terrette and

Vire Rivers beyond Le Mesnil-Durand. CCB reverts

to 3d Armd Div from attachment to 30th Div. In

XIX Corps area, 35th Div makes little headway on

right flank of corps. 29th tries in vain to relieve isolated 2d Bn, 116th Inf, astride Bayeux–St Lô road

and repels tank-infantry counterattacks.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps attacks with

59th Div toward Noyers and partially envelops this

objective. 50th Div, to W, improves positions near

Hottot. In 12 Corps area, while 53d Div overruns

Cahier, 15th takes Gavrus, Bougy, and Esquay, in

region above Evrecy.

USSR—Converging columns of Third and

Second White Russian Fronts overrun Grodno, rail

and road junction on route to East Prussia.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 135th Inf of 34th Div, jumping off at 0100,

seizes Hill 232 and M. Maggiore (Hills 449 and

413), SE of Leghorn. 168th Inf takes Lorenzana

and pushes on to vicinity of Fauglia. 2d Bn of 133d

Inf seizes Usigliano and drives to within 3 miles of

the Arno Valley. 91st Div continues attack in IV

Corps center with 361st Inf on left and 362d on

right: 361st gets within sight of Arno Valley floor

against diminished resistance and holds its gains

against armored counterattacks; 362d gets almost to

Capannoli. 88th Div continues steadily northward

on right flank of corps, accelerating advance as opposition weakens suddenly during day. Plan for

relief of FEC by British is completed. FEC goes on

the defensive until relief can be accomplished.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Br 6th Armd

Div captures Arezzo, where enemy’s delaying action

[ 16 JULY 1944 ]
[ 232 ]

has gained time for him to improve the Gothic Line;

elements thrust to the Arno, take bridge intact, and

establish bridgehead. Next objective of corps is

Florence. In 10 Corps area, fall of Arezzo menaces

German positions on the Alpe di Poti. Corps is now

able to concentrate on drive toward Bibbiena. On

right flank, enemy forces at Scheggia, on Route 3,

are threatened.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, 3d Bn of 124th

Inf, North Force, guided by Tr E of 112th Cav,

advances S to close gap in Driniumor line. Elements succeed in breaking through to South Force

lines, killing about 40 Japanese. Japanese are seen

crossing the Driniumor about 2,500 yards S of Afua.

1st and 2d Bns, 127th Inf, which have been released

from MLR, begin mopping up W of the Driniumor.

On Noemfoor, 503d Para Inf finds that enemy has

withdrawn from Hill 670 and contact is again lost

for a time. Kamiri airdrome is ready to accommodate an entire fighter group.

17 July

FRANCE—Rommel’s participation in the war

ends. Severely wounded when his car is strafed by

aircraft, he is unable to continue his duties as commander of Army Group B and von Kluge takes

over this post in addition to his other duties.

21 Army Group: U.S. First Army places 4th

Armd Div under command of VIII Corps. In VII

Corps area, 9th Div breaks through enemy’s MLR

on right flank of corps and drives quickly toward

St Lô highway, while 30th Div deepens salient on

left flank to La Houcharderie. In XIX Corps area,

35th Div penetrates enemy positions on right flank

of corps; 137th Inf, along the Vire, reaches objective

near Rampan. Enemy withdraws salient at Le Carillon, 29th Div makes further vain attempts to relieve

isolated 2d Bn, 116th Inf, and push on into St Lô

from W; 3d Bn, 116th Inf, reaches 2d Bn but cannot

move forward from there and it too becomes isolated; 115th Inf gets elements to Martinville Ridge.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps makes limited

progress near Noyers. In 12 Corps area, 15th Div tries

unsuccessfully to break into Evrecy. 53d clears most

of right flank of corps N of the Odon and

begins relief of 15th Div. 8 Corps completes preparations for attack in new zone E of the Orne.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 135th Inf of 34th Div makes little progress

toward Leghorn; armored units on coast cover its

flank; 442d Inf takes Luciana; 168th and 133d

Regts reach S edge of Arno R Valley, 168th after

stiff battle for Fauglia. 361st Inf, 91st Div, drives

through Ponsacco toward Pontedera; 362d advances

through Capannoli and across Era R toward the

Arno. Enemy resistance to 88th Div stiffens, but

3d Bn, 349th Inf, seizes Palaia. On extreme right

of IV Corps, TF Ramey, consisting so far of armored units, is reinf by bn of 351st Inf and takes

Montaione.

Br Eighth Army commander concludes that the

Gothic Line must be assaulted by two corps up axes

Florence–Firenzuola and Florence–Bologna. 13

Corps pursues enemy toward Florence. In 10 Corps

area, Ind 4th Div reaches the Alpe di Poti and begins

clearing that hill mass. Pol 2 Corps, with close air

support, begins assault on Ancona.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, PERSECUTION

Covering Force closes gap in line along the Driniumor, but enemy forces another in it, night 17–18.

Japanese are getting into position for attack on

Afua.

18 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. 6th Armd Div

begins landing at UTAH Beach.

U.S. First Army, with capture of St Lô by XIX

Corps, successfully concludes Battle of the Hedgerows, during which it has gained suitable positions

from which to launch breakout attack (COBRA).

In VII Corps area, 9th and 30th Divs continue

steadily toward Périers–St Lô road, which patrols

reach. XIX Corps completes costly struggle for

St Lô. On right flank of corps, 35th Div advances

rapidly southward all along line, left flank elements

reaching N edge of St Lô. After 115th Inf, 29th

Div, closes in on the city from NE, TF C (special

force of 29th Div) attacks into the city from E and

clears it by 1900. St Lô remains under enemy fire

that adds to wreckage already wrought by Allied

air and arty bombardment. 113th Cav Gp is attached

to 29th Div to reconnoiter southward and determine

extent of enemy’s withdrawal.

Br Second Army begins offensive in Caen area

that, despite its limited-objective nature, receives

the strongest air support (7,700 tons of bombs)

ever provided for ground forces in Normandy. Purpose of the offensive is to draw off German armor

from U.S. First Army’s breakout attack (COBRA),

scheduled for 24 July. Cdn 2 Corps crosses the Orne

to open exits from Caen. Cdn 2d Div is heavily

engaged near Louvigny. Cdn 3d Div takes Colombelles and Giberville. 8 Corps, making main effort,

attacks through bridgehead of I Corps with 3 armd

divs, 11th, 7th, and Gds, from W to E. Although

resistance stiffens considerably in afternoon, attack

reaches general line Hubert-Folie–Tilly-la-Campagne–La Hogue–Frenouville–Cagny. 1 Corps, in

supporting role, clears 3 villages W of Troarn.

USSR—Troops of First Ukrainian Front overrun Brody. To N, First White Russian forces begin

westward drive from Kowel. Troops of Third Baltic

Front go on the offensive S of Lake Peipus, threat-

[ 17–18 JULY 1944 ]
[ 233 ]

ening Ostrov and Pskov. Soviet forces on East

Prussian border are brought to a halt at Augustow

by German counterattack.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div begins final assault on Leghorn with

135th Inf and attached RCT 363 of 91st Div, latter

organized as TF Williamson under Brig Gen Raymond Williamson. Attack reaches outskirts of the

city, but enemy is able to extricate most of its

garrison. Along coast, 804th TD Bn reaches

Montenero. Elements of 361st Inf, 91st Div, reach

the Arno at Pontedera by 0800; 362d arrives at last

ridge commanding the river, where it is ordered to

halt. 88th Div comes to a halt on last heights overlooking the Arno above Palaia. FEC renews pursuit of enemy upon finding that he is withdrawing

all along front.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African

6th Armd Div on left flank of corps overruns Radda

in Chianti. In Arno Valley, 4th Div and Br 6th

Armd Div are almost halted by the first of a series

of enemy delaying lines above Arezzo, but 4th Div

takes Montevarchi, on Highway 69. Ind 8th Div

passes to command of corps. 10 Corps begins regrouping and shifting westward for drive on Bibbiena while conducting limited attacks. Ind 4th Div

is slowly extending its hold on Alpe di Poti. Enemy

is stubbornly defending heights on either side of

Citta di Castello but is forced back from M. Arnato.

Pol 2 Corps breaks through to Ancona on Adriatic

coast.

JAPAN—Cabinet of Premier Tojo falls. A new

one is subsequently formed under Kuniaki Koiso.

NE W GUINEA—Gen Sibert, 6th Div commander, relinquishes command of TF TORNADO to

Maj Gen John C. Persons, 31st Div commander, in

order to take charge of TF TYPHOON, comprising

reinf 6th Div (less RCT 20, attached to 31st Div),

for Sansapor-Mar operation in the Vogelkop,

scheduled for 30 July. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION

Covering Force closes gap in Driniumor R line and

holds W bank of the river from the coast to Afua.

Japanese withdraw both E and W under attack by

124th Inf. 127th Inf finishes clearing region between Koronal Creek and the Driniumor and is

moving forward to establish patrol base on East

Branch, Koronal Creek. In evening Japanese attack

1st Sq of 112th Cav, South Force, from right and

rear in Afua area and force it to fall back 250 yards.

19 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, XIX Corps mops up within St Lô. 113th Cav

Gp finds that enemy withdrawal southward has

been a’ limited one. 35th Div is ordered to take over

entire corps sector, relieving 29th Div. It is to be

reinf by 29th Div Arty and 113th Cav Gp.

In Br Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, 2d Div

takes Louvigny, on N bank of the Orne, and Fleury

and Ifs, on S bank. 3d Div clears Faubourg de Vaucelles and Cormelles. In 8 Corps area, Cagny falls

to Gds Armd Div. 1 Corps continues to fight for

Troarn.

USSR—Moscow announces encirclement of

some 4 or 5 German divs W of Brody.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, Leghorn falls to 34th Div without serious

opposition, but retreating Germans have carried out

a thorough demolition program within the city and

on harbor facilities. 3d Bn of 135th Inf enters first,

at 0200, and is followed by 363d Inf. 100th Bn is

given responsibility for policing Leghorn and 363d

Inf for left flank of 34th Div while 135th Inf assembles to SW. Patrols of 363d Inf moving N of

Leghorn toward the Arno meet little opposition. To

E, zone of 168th Inf is expanded to include that

previously held by 133d Inf. 91st and 88th Divs

patrol actively in center and on right flank of corps.

In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div seizes Certaldo; 2d

Moroccan Div takes S. Donato, NW of Castellina.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th

Armd Div begins clearing main ridge of the Chianti

hills on left flank of corps, but stubborn enemy

opposition limits progress elsewhere. Elements of Br

6th Armd Div secure new crossing site over the Arno

at Laterina.

SWPA—GHQ issues Outline Plan for Occupation of Southwest Morotai.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, South Force of

PERSECUTION Covering Force attacks S on right

flank and recovers ground lost on 18th in Afua area,

but in afternoon Japanese attempt to encircle Tr A,

112th Cav, necessitating another attack. Tr A drives

enemy back 600 yards SW of its original positions

astride Afua–Palauru trail.

20 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army continues to prepare for COBRA, shifting 4th Div from

command of VIII to that of VII Corps. In XIX

Corps area, 134th Inf of 35th Div relieves TF C,

29th Div, in St Lô.

In Br Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, 2d Div

takes St André-sur-Orne against strong opposition.

In 8 Corps area, Bourguebus falls to 7th Armd Div

and Frenouville to Gds Armd Div. This ends action

to expand Orne bridgehead and threaten Falaise.

GERMANY—In East Prussia, near Rastenburg,

attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler fails.

USSR—Soviet forces driving W from Kowel

reach Bug R on 40-mile front.

[ 19–20 JULY 1944 ]
[ 234 ]

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 442d Inf, in 34th Div sector, establishes outpost

line along Highway 67 SE of Pisa. 91st Div zone is

expanded westward to include part of that previously

held by 34th Div and eastward into 88th Div sector.

On right flank of IV Corps, TF Ramey, moving forward with 88th Div, gains heights along Orlo R,

6 miles E of Palaia, where it halts during relief of

FEC by British. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div gains

line S. Stefano–Castelfiorentino–Certaldo on left

flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps commander

changes plan of attack. Since corps is soon to extend

W to relieve FEC and since region between the

Chianti hills and Route 2 is lightly defended by

enemy, main effort is to be made on left flank,

where NZ 2d and Ind 8th Divs are to attack up

Route 2. S African 6th Armd Div takes M. S.

Michele and M. Querciabella, permitting 4th Div

and Br 6th Armd Div in Arno Valley to move

forward again.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE completes reduction of enemy positions in East Caves.

Bombardment of the Ibdi Pocket continues. In

Aitape area, 43d Div begins arriving. 1st and 2d

Bns of 127th Inf, now at patrol base site on East

Branch, Koronal Creek, where they are supplied

chiefly by air, are ordered to prepare to move SE

toward Afua.

MARIANAS—Volume of aerial attacks on Guam

by carrier-based planes reaches peak. The island

continues to be pounded by naval gunfire as well.

Tinian is also under preinvasion air and naval

bombardment, but on a smaller scale.

21 July

USSR-POLAND—Ostrov falls to troops of Third

Baltic Front. Upon crossing the Bug W of Kowel,

some elements of First White Russian Front drive

toward Brest Litovsk while others advance toward

Lublin.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues orders for

next phase, drive to the Gothic Line. While Br

Eighth Army is clearing heights N and NW of

Florence, Fifth Army is to cross the Arno in vicinity

of Montelupo, tentatively between 5 and 10 August,

and take M. Albano, Pistoia, and Lucca. II Corps

is to take over entire Fifth Army front while preparations are being made for attack. 34th Div, upon

reaching the Arno, is to be detached from IV Corps

and pass to army control. In IV Corps area, 91st Div

begins clearing enemy from S bank of the Arno

without meeting serious opposition. TF Ramey releases 1st Armd Div elements under its command.

Relief of FEC in current positions is begun by

British, night 21–22.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, elements of

NZ 2d and Ind 8th Divs move forward to relieve

FEC. S African 6th Armd Div battles enemy on

heights near Greve. 10 Corps finishes regrouping.

After nightfall enemy begins withdrawing salient at

Citta di Castello.

BURMA—In NCAC area, withdrawal of exhausted Morris Force of Ind 3d Div from Myitkyrna area is authorized.

NE W GUINEA—In Aitape area, Gen Hall

strengthens line along the Driniumor. 2d Bn of

169th Inf, 43d Div, moves forward to Anamo. 2d

Bn of 124th, released from reserve, advances to

Palauru village. Tr A, 112th Cav, is replaced by

Tr C. Renewing attacks in Afua area, Japanese isolate Tr C from rest of South Force in battle that

continues through night 21–22. Platoon of Co I,

127th Inf, succeeds in reaching the isolated unit.

TINIAN—Preinvasion bombardment is intensified.

GUAM—After preparatory bombardment by

naval vessels and carrier aircraft, U.S. marines of

III Amphib Corps (Southern Landing Force land

on W coast of Guam about 0830. 3d Mar Div, with

3 regts abreast, goes ashore at Asan; 1st Prov Mar

Brig, with 22d Marines on left and 4th on right,

lands to S at Agat. Against moderate opposition,

marines push inland and by nightfall hold 2 beachheads near the ends of final beachhead line, each of

them extending about a mile inland on a 2-mile

front. RCT 305, 77th Inf Div, lands on S beaches

to help hold the beachhead.

22 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VIII Corps area, 90th Div elements move to area of

St Germain-sur-Sèves but are later forced to withdraw.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 43d Div, in

limited attack, takes Maltot.

FRANTIC—Renewing shuttle bombing after

lapse of about a month, 76 P–38’s and 58 P–51’s of

U.S. Fifteenth Air Force attack airfields in Rumania, claiming destruction of 56 enemy planes,

and land at Soviet bases. At the same time, heavy

bombers of same air force attack Ploesti oil targets

in force.

USSR-FINLAND—Russians on Finnish front are

now at 1940 Soviet-Finnish border.

POLAND—Soviet forces driving on Lublin overwhelm Chelm.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div begins clearing region below the

Arno on left flank of corps at 2200. 91st Div finishes cleaning out its zone below the Arno.

[ 21–22 JULY 1944 ]
[ 235 ]

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps extends

westward to take over sector previously held by

FEC, including Highway 2. Ind 8th Div now holds

positions, on extreme left with NZ 2d Div to its

right. In 10 Corps area, Ind 10th Div takes Citta di

Castello and continues N.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, in radio message to Gen

Hearn, his chief of staff, establishes CBI policy on

support of Chinese forces in E China. Stilwell says

that Gen Chennault should admit his failure to

stop Japanese by air alone to Chiang Kai-shek, who

could then decide what revision should be made in

allocation of Hump tonnage.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, 2d Bn of 169th

Inf, 43d Div, moves to right of 124th Inf, North

Force, along the Driniumor. Japanese make unsuccessful attacks against North Force in effort to

regain crossing of the Driniumor. Enemy continues

active in Afua area. Efforts to relieve isolated Tr

C, 112th Cav, are futile, and South Force is

obliged to refuse its right flank, leaving Afua to

enemy and Tr C isolated. On Biak, after air and arty

preparation, 2 cos of 163d Inf attack Ibdi Pocket

and clear it without serious opposition.

TINIAN—Softening up of island continues.

GUAM—Marines repel counterattacks on both

beachheads and then expand them toward final

beachhead line. 3d Mar Div thrusts salient 1,000

yards inland toward Mt. Chachao and seizes Piti

Navy Yard; in shore-to-shore operation, elements

begin clearing Cabras I. 1st Prov Mar Brig, reinf

by RCT 305, gains Mt. Alifan and final beachhead

line on S flank of corps. Gen Geiger orders 1st Prov

Mar Brig to clear Orote Peninsula upon relief by

77th Div. Advance party of 306th Inf, which is to

accomplish the relief, arrives to prepare for landing

of rest of the regt.

23 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Cdn First Army

(Gen Henry D. G. Crerar) takes control of Br 1

Corps on extreme E flank.

USSR—Pskov, last prewar Soviet city held by

Germans, falls to forces of Third Baltic Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 34th Div finishes clearing to the Arno with

little difficulty; 363d Inf takes Marina di Pisa by

0330 and reaches S Pisa below the Arno by 1330.

All bridges over the Arno have been destroyed.

Enemy is placing heavy fire on S Pisa and on port

of Leghorn. 88th Div begins clearing right flank of

IV Corps below the Arno and is briskly engaged at

some points.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Tavernelle

falls to NZ troops. S African 6th Armd Div makes

progress on heights near Greve, taking crests of

M. Domini and M. Fili. 4th Div reaches S. Giovanni.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, in message to President Roosevelt, reaffirms his willingness

to place Gen Stilwell in command of Ch forces but

specifies 3 conditions that must be met: (1) Chinese

communists, before coming under authority of Gen

Stilwell, must agree to obey orders of Chinese Government; (2) Stilwell’s role must be clearly defined;

(3) Chinese must have full authority for lend-lease

distribution.

Adm Mountbatten outlines 2 plans of attack:

CAPITAL, an attack across the Chindwin; and

DRACULA, an attack on Rangoon area by seaborne

and airborne forces.

On Salween front, Ch 8th Army, renewing attack

on Sung Shan with 3 regts supported by direct fire

of howitzers, makes substantial progress.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur radios his proposed

schedule of operations to Washington: invasion of

Morotai on 15 September, Talauds on 15 October,

and Mindanao on 15 November.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Trs A and B of

112th Cav, upon relief by 1st Bn of 127th Inf N of

Afua, attack W toward isolated Tr C while 2d Bn,

127th Inf, moves in from SE. Cavalrymen recapture

Afua with little difficulty; 2d Bn reaches perimeter of Tr C. North Force frustrates further enemy

efforts to secure crossing of the Driniumor, night

23–24. On Biak, final mop up of Ibdi Pocket is begun. On Noemfoor, patrols of 503d Para Inf regain contact with enemy about 4 miles NW of Inasi

village, on E coast.

TINIAN–Surface vessels, arty, and aircraft successfully execute final preinvasion bombardment.

GUAM—3d Mar Div fights stubbornly to expand N beachhead; completes occupation of Cabras

I., where guns are emplaced to support future operations. 306th Inf, 77th Div, lands at Agat and begins

relief of 1st Prov Mar Brig in S beachhead.

24 July

FRANCE—U.S. 28th Div arrives on Continent.

21 Army Group: Air preparation for Operation

COBRA is begun, but weather conditions are so unfavorable that the attack is postponed. Minor alteration of interarmy boundary becomes effective as

Br 30 Corps extends W to take command of part of

U.S. 5th Div zone on left flank of U.S. V Corps.

15th Scottish Div makes the relief.

POLAND—Troops of First White Russian Front

overrun Lublin. Right flank elements of First

Ukrainian Front cross San R NW of Lwow.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army begins regrouping along the Arno. Army sets new boundary between IV and II Corps, IV on W, but II Corps

troops within current IV Corps zone are to remain

under operational control of IV Corps until new

[ 23–24 JULY 1944 ]
[ 236 ]

boundary becomes effective, on or about 25 July;

directs relief of infantry divs of IV Corps.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 50th Div is joined

by 149th Regt, which relieves portions of 42d and

150th Regts in line in Myitkyina area.

CHINA—Ch garrison of besieged Heng-yang has

been without air support since 17th because of

weather conditions but continues to resist strongly

and has forced enemy to halt briefly to reorganize.

NEW GUINEA—TF TYPHOON embarks at Maffin

Bay for Sansapor-Mar operation. In Aitape area,

North Force of PERSECUTION Covering Force repels

the last enemy attempts, in limited strength, to secure

crossing of the Driniumor, night 24–25. The region

then becomes relatively quiet. Japanese, at least 2,000

strong, are disposed on South Force’s right flank and

rear in Afua area and prevent 2d Bn, 127th Inf, and

Tr C, 112th Cav, from breaking out.

TINIAN—Following strong preparatory bombardment, U.S. 4th Mar Div lands on NW coast,

beginning at 0830, against light opposition. While

landing is in progress, 2d Mar Div conducts diversionary demonstration to S and then returns to

landing site and puts 1st Bn, 8th Marines, ashore

to operate under control of 4th Mar Div. 4th Mar

Div pushes inland and secures beachhead, which

includes part of the old Ushi Pt airfield on the N.

GUAM—Gen Geiger orders attack to link the

beachheads and secure Orote Peninsula on 26th.

77th Div completes relief of 1st Prov Mar Brig in S

beachhead and holds it with 305th and 306th Regts

abreast, 305th on N. 3d Mar Div continues to meet

bitter opposition while endeavoring to take heights

commanding N beachhead.

25 July

SHAEF—Gen Eisenhower directs that U.S.

forces in Normandy be regrouped under a new U.S.

army group, 12th. Gen Bradley will head the new

command and set the time of its activation.

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

launches breakout assault (COBRA) in VII Corps

zone as weather conditions improve. Saturation

bombing by Eighth and Ninth Air Forces precedes

the ground assault and stuns enemy. More than

4,000 tons of bombs are concentrated in a small area,

some falling short and inflicting casualties on U.S.

forces. Gen McNair, who has recently replaced Gen

Bradley as commander of U.S. 1st Army Group, an

organization confined to paper to deceive enemy, is

killed by a bomb while watching the attack. Gen

DeWitt later replaces Gen McNair. VII Corps attacks across Périers–St Lô road on narrow front at

1100 to force passage through enemy positions in

Marigny–St Gilles region. 9th Div on right, 4th in

center, and 30th on left advance steadily and force

enemy back about 2 miles to line La Butte–La

Chapelle-en-Juger–Hébécrevon. VIII Corps is reinf

by attachment of 6th Armd Div, now assembled at

Le Mesnil.

In Br Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps attacks at

0330 with 2d Div on right and 3d on left, pushing a

short distance along Falaise road against stubborn

opposition and then breaking off attack. This action

helps to divert enemy from COBRA.

FRANTIC—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force fighter

bombers from Soviet bases attack Mielec airdrome

(Poland), near Lwow, with good effect.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Baltic

Front cut Dvinsk–Riga road. Lwow is enveloped by

forces of First Ukrainian Front. Four Soviet columns

are converging on Brest Litovsk.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps

takes over sector of 88th Div on right flank of army,

previously right flank of IV Corps. 88th Div finishes

clearing its zone below the Arno and releases TF

Ramey.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues drive

on Florence, reaching next delaying line, extending

through S. Casciano, in zones of NZ 2d Inf and S

African 6th Armd Divs.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF is further strengthened by arrival of 1st Bn, 90th Regt,

Ch 30th Div. By now it is evident that Japanese are

preparing to abandon Myitkyina.

NEI—Warships of Br Eastern Fleet bombard

Sabang naval base, off N tip of Sumatra, causing

extensive damage. Carrier-based aircraft attack airdromes near Sabang.

NEW GUINEA—TF TYPHOON conducts practice

landing near Toem in preparation for invasion of

the Vogelkop. In Aitape area, relief of Tr C of 112th

Cav is finally accomplished after 4 days of strenuous

efforts as Cos B and E, 127th Inf, make contact and

open escape route. To exploit this success, 1st and 2d

Bns, 127th Inf, attack S to Afua–Palauru trail, but

enemy remains in considerable strength in this

region. On Noemfoor, 503d Para Inf loses contact

with Japanese, who withdraw from Inasi area.

Kornasoren airfield is ready to accommodate one

fighter group.

TINIAN—After repelling determined Japanese

counterattack with heavy losses to enemy, 4th Mar

Div continues attack and, against light opposition,

considerably expands beachhead, which now includes about half of the new airfield. Additional elements of 2d Mar Div land; rest of 8th Marines is

placed under operational control of 4th Mar Div.

GUAM—While 77th Div defends S beachhead,

3d Mar Div continues attacks against heights commanding N beachhead and efforts to close the 4-mile

gap between it and 77th Div, but progress is still

limited.

[ 25 JULY 1944 ]
[ 237 ]

26 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps joins in Operation COBRA, attacking at 0530 on W flank of army with 8th, 90th, and

83d Divs, from W to E. 8th Div cuts Lessay–

Périers road about midway between the 2 towns.

90th establishes bridgehead across Sèves R. 83d

makes minor gains. At night 79th Div begins crossing Ay R behind 8th Div. VII Corps commits additional units to exploit breakthrough. Passing

through 9th Div, 1st Div seizes Marigny. CCB, 3d

Armd Div, then drives through to positions W and

SW of Marigny. 4th Div speeds S to La Conviniere.

2d Armd Div attacks through 30th Div on left flank

of corps and takes St Gilles and Canisy. Meanwhile, 9th and 30th Divs broaden and deepen positions on flanks of the penetration. In XIX Corps

area, 28th Div is attached to corps. V Corps attacks E of St Lô at 0600 after arty preparation by

both Br and U.S. guns. 5th Div on right and 2d

on left push forward to Vidouville–Rouxeville road.

FRANTIC—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force fighter

bombers, while returning to Italy from USSR,

make successful sweep over Ploesti–Bucharest area

of Rumania.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces of Leningrad

Front take Narva, Estonia. Elements of First White

Russian Front reach the Vistula E of Radom.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps relieves infantry units as ordered. TF 45—

consisting of 91st AAA Gp, 107th AAA Gp, and

2d Armd Gp—is organized under hq of 45th AAA

Brig and replaces 34th Div on W flank. 34th Div

releases 363d Inf to parent unit, 91st Div, and

assembles near Rosignano.

CBI—On Salween front, Japanese defending

Sung Shan request and receive air support that

damages Ch batteries and brings attack to a halt

temporarily. After preparatory aerial bombardment,

Chinese attack Teng-chung in force with mortar and

arty support and seize Lai-feng, fortified peak dominating approaches to the town. At the same time,

other Ch forces attack SE wall of the town but

cannot get over it.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, since enemy

appears to be preparing for further attacks in Afua

sector, U.S. forces in this region are rearranged for

defense. No large-scale attacks are forthcoming, each

side being in the dark as to strength and disposition

of the other’s forces.

TINIAN—2d Mar Div completes landing, resumes command of 8th Marines, and is committed

to action. 4th and 2d Mar Divs, with close air, naval

gunfire, and arty support, make co-ordinated attack that progresses rapidly against light resistance,

securing N quarter of the island. Front line extends

roughly across island from points S of Faibus San

Hilo Pt on W coast to Asiga on E coast and embraces

Ushi Pt airfield and Mt. Lasso.

GUAM—Attack to clear Orote Peninsula opens

after heavy preparatory bombardment during which

7 bns of arty are employed. 1st Prov Mar Brig,

with 4th Marines on left and 22d on right, begins

to clear narrow neck of the peninsula and gains

1,500 yards despite difficult jungle terrain. 3d Mar

Div repels strong enemy counterattack against N

beachhead and, in close combat, eliminates enemy

infiltrators who have succeeded in penetrating lines.

HAWAII—President Roosevelt, Gen MacArthur,

Adm Nimitz, and Adm Leahy meet at Pearl Harbor to consider strategy for the Pacific. The feasibility of bypassing the Philippines in favor of Formosa

is discussed. This question remains the subject of

heated debate for some time to come.

27 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps is hampered more by delaying

obstacles than by enemy opposition as it moves forward on W flank of army. 79th Div overruns Lessay,

and 8th pushes southward between there and Périers.

90th Div occupies Priers and crosses the Taute just

E of there. 83d Div gets patrols across the Taute on

left flank of corps. First elements of 6th Armd Div

(Tr A of 86th Cav Rcn Sq, mechanized) are committed through 8th Div and clear heights near Le

Bingard. 13th Inf, 8th Div, is attached to 4th Armd

Div. In VII Corps area, 1st Inf and 2d and 3d Armd

Divs make main effort southward while other elements of corps facilitate their movement and expand

positions on flanks of salient. 1st Div and CCB, 3d

Armd Div, drive SW toward Coutances, reaching

Camprond. 2d Armd Div thrusts spearheads to

Notre Dame de Cenilly and Fervaches. XIX Corps

commits 28th Div to line in preparation for attack.

V Corps extends W during day to include 35th Div,

which is now attacking in St LB area, and takes high

ground just W and S of St Lô. 5th and 2d Divs make

limited progress against strong opposition, overrunning Notre Dame d’Elle.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Baltic

Front seize Dvinsk, on Dvina R. Bialystok falls to

forces of Second White Russian Front after hard

battle of about a week. Columns of First Ukrainian

Front take Lwow and Stanislawow.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps

area, enemy falls back toward Florence as NZ 2d

Div takes S Casciano.

CBI—In NCAC area of Burma, 3d Bn of NEW

GALAHAD succeeds in taking northern airstrip at

Myitkyina and turns it over to 209th and 236th Engr

Bns to defend. Japanese garrison of Myitkyina is

[ 26–27 JULY 1944 ]
[ 238 ]

becoming less aggressive. On Salween front, after

mopping up on Mt. Lai-feng, Chinese count some

400 Japanese dead for their loss of 1,200.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, 2d Bn of 127th

Inf, South Force, drives S beyond Afua–Palauru

trail, but returns to starting line when enemy threatens its communications. 1st Bn, 127th Inf, and part

of 1st Sq, 112th Cav, clear enemy from heights near

South Force’s supply base. In Wakde-Sarmi area,

6th Div, less RCT 20, begins to leave for the

Vogelkop operation.

TINIAN—After preparatory bombardment, marines continue attack and advance rapidly, clearing

northern third of island by 1600. Ushi Pt airfield is

under repair.

GUAM—1st Prov Mar Brig continues to clear

Orote Peninsula: 22d Marines advances steadily

against light resistance on right, but 4th Marines

is soon pinned down by fire from prepared enemy

positions. In N beachhead, 3d Mar Div extends its

right flank 1,500 yards and its left 200 yards across

Chonito cliff but is still unable to make much progress in center toward Mt. Chachao. To accelerate link

up of the 2 beachheads, 77th Div is ordered to extend

its positions northward beyond Mt. Tenjo, decreasing ground to be covered by 3d Mar Div.

28 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army

orders exploitation of breakthrough and rapid pursuit of disorganized enemy. VII Corps, instead of

continuing SW to coast, is to drive S to left of VIII

Corps. VIII Corps commits 6th and 4th Armd Divs

through infantry to spearhead pursuit, 6th on W.

CCA, 6th Armd Div, speeds S through 79th Div to

positions SW of Coutances. CCB, 4th Armd Div,

races down Périers–Coutances road and takes

Coutances by 1700. With fall of Coutances, COBRA

has largely accomplished its purpose. Infantrymen of

VIII Corps move forward behind armor. 106th Cav

Gp protects W flank of corps, advancing along coast

to mouth of Sienne R W of Coutances. Many of the

enemy are trapped as junction is made with VII

Corps on E flank. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd and

1st Inf Divs make contact with VIII Corps near

Coutances. CCB of 2d Armd Div reaches St Denisle-Gast. XIX Corps, attacking to exploit breakthrough, extends W to include 30th Div and CCA,

2d Armd Div, in current positions. CCA thrusts S

through Villebaudon to vicinity of Moyen. 30th Div

drives S along W side of Vire R toward Tessy-surVire. In V Corps area, 35th Div continues S along E

bank of the Vire to Ste Suzanne-sur-Vire. 2d Div,

whose 9th Inf has been relieved by 10th Inf of 5th

Div, takes St Jean-de-Baisants. 5th Div straightens

line in limited advance.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First White Russian Front overrun Brest Litovsk. Jaroslaw and Przemysl, on W bank of the San, fall to forces of First

Ukrainian Front.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, organized resistance

ends as mopping up of Ibdi Pocket draws to a close,

but general mopping up continues for some time.

The Ibdi Pocket had been held by some 800 Japanese; of these, 300 are estimated to have been killed

during period 22–28 July and 154 are dead by actual

count. In Aitape area, South Force of PERSECUTION

Covering Force shortens lines to improve defensive

positions and insure safety of its supply base, pulling

back again from Afua.

TINIAN—Marines continue to advance rapidly

against light resistance from retreating enemy and

clear Gurguan Pt airfield.

GUAM—On Orote Peninsula, Marine and Army

tank reinforcements are supplied to 4th Marines of

1st Prov Mar Brig and spearhead attack during

afternoon that brings 4th Marines abreast 22d

Marines at E end of the airstrip. Final beachhead line

is gained as 3d Mar and 77th Inf Divs join the N and

S beachheads. 3d Mar Div, reinf by 3d Bn of 307th

Inf, clears Mt. Chachao and Mt. Alutom, opening

road from Adelup Pt to Mt. Tenjo. Co A of 305th

Inf, 77th Div, moves to top of Mt. Tenjo with little

difficulty and is relieved there by 2d Bn, 307th Inf.

29 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army

area, VIII Corps continues pursuit with 6th and 4th

Armd Divs abreast spearheading and motorized

combat teams of infantry following. CCA, 6th

Armd Div, secures crossing of Sienne R near Pont

de la Roche on W flank of corps. CCA, 4th Armd

Div, drives to Cerences. VII Corps’ attack swerves

from SW to S and reaches general line Cerences–

Hambye–Percy. Enemy tank columns withdrawing

along highway from Roney to St Denis-le-Gast

suffer extremely heavy losses under air, arty, and

tank attacks. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div is committed on right flank of corps, relieving elements

of CCA, 2d Armd Div, and drives to positions E

of Percy, where it is in contact with VII Corps. 30th

Div meets strong opposition as it continues S along

W bank of the Vire toward Tessy-sur-Vire. V Corps

pushes quickly toward Torigny-sur-Vire.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps

area, Ind 8th Div, on W flank of corps, reaches the

Arno near Empoli. 4th Div takes M. Scalari after

hard battle.

BURMA—Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group,

orders Gen Slim, CG Br Fourteenth Army, to draw

up detailed plans for CAPITAL.

[ 28–29 JULY 1944 ]
[ 239 ]

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Gen Hall decides to counterattack with 124th Inf, reinf by 2d

Bn of 169th. 1st Bn, 169th, relieves 2d Bn, 124th,

of task of patrolling Palauru–Chinapelli region. 1st

Sq, 112th Cav, and 2d Bn, 127th Inf, attack to improve positions of South Force in Afua area but

make little progress. Co G, 127th Inf, holding exposed outpost, is forced E under enemy attack to

heights about 300 yards W of Afua.

TINIAN—2d and 4th Mar Divs continue to

clear Tinian, 2d gaining ground rapidly on W but

4th slowed by considerable resistance on heights

to E.

GUAM—1st Prov Mar Brig clears tenacious

enemy defenders from Orote airstrip and completes capture of the peninsula by 1700. 3d Mar and

77th Inf Divs are patrolling actively from beachhead perimeter in preparation for next phase of

attack.

30 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VIII Corps area, 6th and 4th Armd Divs speed

toward Granville and Avranches. CCB, 6th Armd

Div, attacks through bridgehead of CCA and drives

some 3 miles beyond Bréhal along road to Granville. CCB, 4th Armd Div, pushes into Avranches,

where bridges over Sée R are captured. In VII

Corps area, 1st Inf and 3d Armd Divs continue S

on right flank of corps, while units to E mop up.

CCA forces crossing of the Sienne at Gavray, and

bridge construction is begun; CCB drives quickly

toward Villedieu-lès-Poëles. XIX Corps repels strong

counterattack on right flank near Percy but makes

little forward movement because of strong opposition. V Corps runs into stout resistance as it continues southward. 5th Div succeeds in crossing

Torigny-sur-Vire–Caumont road on left flank, but

progress elsewhere is negligible.

Br Second Army, having regrouped, renews offensive with powerful air support. RAF BC and

AEAF bombers drop 2,227 tons of bombs. 8 Corps,

on W flank of army, attacks astride Caumont–Le

Bény-Bocage road with 11th Armd Div on W and

75th Div on E, pushing beyond La Fouquerie and

Les Loges. 30 Corps attacks with 43d Div on W

and 50th on E to left of 8 Corps. Progress is slow,

particularly on E.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, NZ 2d

Div begins attack on Pian dei Cerri ridge in region

W of Route 2.

BURMA—In NCAC area, commander of Japanese forces at Myitkyina issues withdrawal order and

commits suicide.

NEW GUINEA—On Vogelkop Peninsula, TF

TYPHOON lands on N coast near Mar, omitting

preparatory bombardment in order to attain surprise.

1st Inf of 6th Div, with 2d Bn on left, 1st in center,

and 3d on right, lands without opposition, first

wave going ashore at 0701, one minute late. Left

flank advances 800 yards inland to low hills and

right flank 2,500 yards W along coast to mouth of

Wewe R. Amphibious force (6th Cav Rcn Tr with a

mortar section and riflemen of 1st Bn, 63d Inf) lands

on Middleburg I., at 0730 and then moves to Amsterdam I. Neither of these small islands is defended.

TF TYPHOON has no battle casualties. Gen Sibert

takes command ashore at 1020. Air assistance is not

required. In Aitape area, 2d Bn of 124th Inf joins

its regt on the Driniumor in preparation for counterattack in sector of North Force. South Force patrols

actively. Co G, 127th Inf, is surrounded by enemy on

high ground W of Afua.

TINIAN—Marines push steadily southward

against increasingly stiff resistance, capturing town

of Tinian and compressing Japanese into about 5

square miles at S tip of island. Island Commander

takes command of Garrison Forces.

GUAM—Gen Geiger issues orders for pursuit

of enemy northward on 31st.

31 July

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div’s CCR, attacking

in coastal sector, overruns Granville and entire div

moves SE to Avranches area. At 2100 6th Armd is

ordered to relieve 4th Armd Div at Avranches and

secure bridges in that area. 4th Armd Div probes

southward from Avranches and secures crossing of

the Selune near Pontaubault. In VII Corps area, 1st

Inf Div and CCA of 3d Armd Div drive rapidly to

Brécey on right flank of corps and secure crossing

of See R. 4th Div and CCB, 3d Armd Div, drive

forward beyond Villedieu-lès-Poëles. XIX Corps

continues attacks toward Tessy against heavy resistance. 30th Div overruns Troisgots, N of Tessy. V

Corps drives S toward the Vire, 35th Div taking

Torigny-sur-Vire.

In Br Second Army area, 8th Corps gets forward

elements across the Soulevre R near Le Bény-Bocage.

Gds Armd Div reaches Le Tourneur. 30 Corps takes

Cahagnes and is approaching Jurques.

Cdn First Army takes command of Cdn 2 Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—In Latvia, troops of First

Baltic Front seize Jelgava, near Gulf of Riga, threatening to isolate German Army Group North. Third

White Russian forces press forward toward East

Prussia, elements entering Kaunas (Kovno), former

capital of Lithuania, where street fighting is in

progress. Troops of Second White Russian Front

also continue toward East Prussia. Closing in on

Warsaw (Poland), First White Russian Front takes

Siedlce.

[ 30–31 JULY 1944 ]
[ 240 ]

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF Ramey, consisting of elements of 1st Armd

Div with tanks and TD’s, relieves 91st Div on right

flank of corps. 91st Div is transferred to II Corps to

relieve 88th Div in place. II Corps now has command of 3 of the army’s 4 infantry divs—88th, 91st,

and 85th.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, 4 Corps hq is withdrawn to India and

its components on Tiddim road are transferred to

command of Hq, 33 Corps, which now has full responsibility for forcing enemy back across the Chindwin. Japanese are in full retreat down Tiddim road.

15 Corps, on Arakan front, has engaged in patrolling

throughout June and July despite heavy monsoon

rainfall.

NEW GUINEA—In Vogelkop area, 3d Bn of 1st

Inf, 6th Div, moves by sea to Cape Sansapor and

makes unopposed landing at 0844. Sansapor Plantation and Village are quickly secured and defensive

positions established. Cape Sansapor is found to be

unsuitable for PT base but is to become site of radar

Warning installation. In Aitape area, 124th Inf, reinf

by 2d Bn of 169th and dubbed TED Force, begins

counterattack in North Force sector at 0800 under

direction of Col Edward M. Starr. The 4 bns cross

the Driniumor and advance in separate columns toward Niumen Creek, which 3 of the 4 reach, the

other being halted 800 yards short by enemy rear

guards. 128th Inf protects sector previously held by

North Force. In sector of South Force, Co G of

127th Inf breaks out of encirclement near Afua and

returns to main body. From 13 July to date, South

Force has suffered almost 1,000 casualties; 260 of

them within 112th Cav; over 700 Japanese are estimated to have been killed by South Force.

TINIAN—Marines continue S over rugged terrain against moderate resistance. Unusually heavy

bombardment by naval vessels, aircraft, and arty

precedes attack.

GUAM—3d Mar and 77th Inf Divs begin pursuit

of enemy northward, 3d Mar on left, and reach

first phase line, extending generally from Agana on

W to Yona on E, without trouble except for skirmish

at Yona, where 77th Div meets some enemy troops.

HAWAII—81st Div begins preliminary rehearsals for Palaus operation.

1 August

FRANCE—12th Army Group: U.S. 12th Army

Group (Gen Bradley) becomes operational and

takes command of U.S. divs engaged in France,

these being divided between U.S. First and Third

Armies. Gen Montgomery, however, is to retain

command of all ground forces through month of

August. XIX TAC of U.S. Ninth Air Force becomes

operational with mission of supporting Third Army.

IX TAC continues to assist First Army.

U.S. Third Army (Gen Patton) becomes operational with 4 corps under its command (VIII, XII,

XX, XV) as well as Forces Françaises de l’Interieur

(FFI). Operating on right of First Army and on

extreme right of Allied forces, Third Army is to

secure Brittany Peninsula and its valuable ports.

VIII Corps, consisting of 4th and 6th Armd Divs and

8th and 79th Inf Divs, passes from First to

Third Army command; with 4th and 6th Armd Divs

spearheading, pours through the narrow Avranches

corridor and fans out to S, SW, and W. Crossing La

Selune R at Pontaubault, 6th Armd Div swings W

into Brittany in 2 columns and reaches Pontorson–

Antrain area. 4th Armd Div drives southward to

cut off the peninsula and reaches positions near

Rennes. XV Corps (Maj Gen Wade H. Haislip),

consisting of 83d and 80th Inf and 5th Armd Divs, is

concentrating between Sée and Selune Rivers to block

enemy movement toward Avranches.

U.S. First Army, command of which passes from

Gen Bradley to Lt Gen Courtney H. Hodges, directs

all but V Corps to drive SE. V Corps is to take

heights N of Vire and remain there until pinched

out. VII Corps expands Brécey bridgehead on right

flank with 1st Div reinf by CAA of 3d Armd Div.

4th Div, reinf with CCB of 3d Armd Div, pushes

forward toward St Pois. 9th Div moves southward

on left flank of corps. XIX Corps overruns Percy

and Tessy, Percy falling to 28th Div and Tessy to

CCA, 2d Armd Div. V Corps continues southward

toward Vire on 2-div front after 5th Div is pinched

out on right flank by British. 5th Div assembles in

rear in Army reserve.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps

area, 11th Armd Div overruns Le Bény-Bocage. To

left, Gds Armd Div is driving on Estry. 30 Corps

works forward toward Mont Pincon on right and

Villers-Bocage on left. 7th Armd Div is committed

to drive on Aunay-sur-Odon.

In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps evokes strong

opposition as it attacks below Caen in Tilly-la-Campagne–La Hogue area. In Br 1 Corps are, 49th Div

takes control of Sannerville–Troarn sector.

MEDITERRANEAN—AFHQ changes code word

for invasion of S France from ANVIL to DRAGOON.

Plans for the operation are largely completed by

this time. Hq of 6th Army Group (Gen Devers)

is formed at Bastia, Corsica, and will eventually take

control of the U.S. and Fr forces in S France.

EASTERN EUROPE—Pol underground forces revolt as Soviet offensive nears Warsaw; fighting continues throughout the next two months. First Baltic

Front pushes to Gulf of Riga at point 25 miles W

of Riga. Kaunas (Kovno), Lithuania, falls to Third

[ 1 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 241 ]

White Russian Front, which is headed toward

Konigsberg.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, who is promoted to rank

of full general, arrives in Kandy, Ceylon, and Adm

Mountbatten leaves there for London to discuss

future strategy in SEAC.

In China, siege of Heng-yang continues despite

efforts of Chinese to break through enemy lines.

U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, during period 26 May to

date, has flown 4,454 sorties in support of Chinese

in E China.

NEW GUINEA—PT sq begins operations from

Amsterdam. LCT’s are shuttling aviation engineers

and equipment to Middleburg, a more suitable airfield site than the mainland of the Vogelkop. On

Biak, engineers complete 4,000-foot runway at

Borokoe airdrome. Mokmer airfield has been extended to 7,000 feet. In Aitape area, TED Force gets

last of its 4 columns to Niumen Creek and consolidates perimeters along the creek. Japanese attack

right flank of South Force in strength just as South

Force is preparing a rcn in force. About 2 enemy

cos make suicidal onslaughts against Tr C, 112th

Cav, N of Afua, but are repulsed with heavy

casualties. Tr G and elements of Co K, 127th Inf,

then reconnoiter well beyond South Force’s perimeter against scattered opposition.

POA—U.S. Army Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas,

under command of Gen Richardson, supersedes U.S.

Army Forces in Central Pacific Area and contains

all Army forces of South Pacific area as well. AAF

POA is activated under Lt Gen Millard F. Harmon.

Adm Halsey issues outline plan for invasion of W

Carolines.

TINIAN—Organized resistance comes to an end,

and marines begin to mop up.

GUAM—111 Amphib Corps continues to pursue

enemy northward, reaching 0–2 phase line beyond

Agana–Pago Bay road.

2 August

FRANCE—Gen Eisenhower urges Gen Montgomery to press the attack.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 8

Corps is meeting stronger opposition above Vire.

11th Armd Div pushes to N outskirts of the town

and patrols cross Vire–Vassy road. Gds Armd Div

is brought to a halt short of Estry. Corps is reinf by

3d Div. In 30 Corps area, on right flank of corps,

43d Div continues southward toward Mont Pincon,

while 7th Armd Div continues toward Aunay. On

corps left flank, 50th Div takes Amaye-sur-Seulles,

W of Villers-Bocage.

12th Army Group: To exploit success of. VIII

Corps, orders Third Army to secure line St Hilairedu-Harcourt–Fougères–Rennes and then clear Brittany Peninsula, bypassing St Malo if it cannot be

taken easily.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, continuing

W along Brittany Peninsula, 6th Armd Div bypasses

Dinan to S when strong opposition develops there.

83d Div is attached to corps to follow 6th Armd

Div, replacing 79th Div. 79th Div is transferred to

XV Corps for drive on Fougères. TF A (TD’s,

cavalry, and engrs), under Brig Gen Herbert L.

Earnest, is formed to clear bypassed resistance along

N coast of Brittany Peninsula. 4th Armd Div gains

additional ground near Rennes. 13th Inf of 8th Div,

motorized, moves forward to Rennes area.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 1st Div and

attached elements of 3d Armd Div speed southward

toward Mortain. 4th Div continues toward St Pois.

9th Div cuts road NE of Villedieu. Corps releases

2d Armd Div to XIX Corps. XIX corps advances

steadily SE from Percy–Tessy area against moderate

opposition from retreating enemy. In V Corps area,

continuing S toward Vire with 35th Div on W and

2d on E, corps crosses the Vire and Soulevre Rivers.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps

area, enemy begins limited withdrawal behind the

Arno as NZ 2d Div maintains pressure on ridge

below Florence.

GERMANY—Hitler orders counterattack between

Mortain and Avranches to isolate U.S. forces in

Brittany.

CBI—On Salween front, aircraft supporting Ch

assault on Teng-chung succeed in breaching the

thick wall at 5 places.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 2d Bn of 163d Inf

lands at Korim Bay. In Aitape area, South Force of

PERSECUTION Covering Force remains on the defensive, repelling determined enemy attacks that probably cost Japanese some 300 killed. TED Force prepares to attack S in region E of the Driniumor.

GUAM—Garrison Force takes responsibility for

Orote Peninsula and Cabras I., to release additional

units for movement northward. Gen Geiger orders

the attack pressed toward Yigo area, where Japanese

are reportedly concentrating. On right flank of corps,

77th Div, with 305th Inf on right and 307th on left,

attempts to reach 0–3 line, beyond Mt. Barrigada,

but finds Japanese controlling the road junction at

Barrigada village, below the mountain, from wellconcealed positions in jungle and halts over 2 miles

short of objective. On left flank of corps, 3d Mar Div

moves steadily northward, taking Tiyan airfield.

3 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army

area, 8 Corps makes little progress in vicinity of

Vire and Estry. 30 Corps is firmly opposed as it

continues toward Mont Pincon, Aunay, and Vil-

[ 2–3 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 242 ]

lers-Bocage. 12 Corps, with 50th Div on right and

53d on left, gains positions along Villers-Bocage–

Caen highway. 53d Div overruns Noyers and Missy.

12th Army Group: Directs Third Army to complete capture of Brittany Peninsula with minimum

forces, clear region W of Mayenne R and N of Loire

R, and secure crossings of the Mayenne; First Army

is to extend its operations to Mayenne–Domfront

area.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, forward

elements of 6th Armd Div get to within a few miles

of Loudeac when attack is halted upon order to return and reduce Dinan. TF A moves forward to

clear bypassed resistance in St Maio area. 13th Inf

reverts to 8th Div from attachment to 4th Armd Div

and begins assault on Rennes, while 4th Armd Div

continues S, passing W of Rennes. In XV Corps

area, 79th Div reach Fougères.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps overruns

Mortain. 4th Div continues to close in on St Pois.

9th Div reaches positions just NW of Fort de St

Sever. XIX Corps, continuing steadily SE, reaches

St Sever-Calvados on right and is about half way

to Vire on left. V Corps meets stiffening resistance

as it approaches Vire.

USSR—Troops of First Ukrainian Front cross

the upper Vistula at Baranow and within the next

few days expand the bridgehead.

CBI—In NCAC area, Myitkyina falls to Myitkyina TF at 1545. Raiding force of Ch 50th Div

leads final assault, which begins before dawn. Of 187

Japanese prisoners taken, most are patients. During

the battle for Myitkyina, Allied forces have sustained

the following losses: 972 Chinese and 272 Americans killed; 3,184 Chinese and 955 Americans

wounded; 188 Chinese and 980 Americans sick.

Capture of Myitkyina is a major victory and permits

support of the Pacific offensive from bases in China.

On Salween front, elements of Ch 107th and 348th

Regts, from 36th and 116th Divs, respectively, reach

top of wall around Teng-chung just E of S corner

by 1500. One platoon clings there throughout night

3–4 Ch 8th Army renews operations against Sung

Shan, 308th Regt of 103d Div, armed with flame

throwers, takes one of its peaks, Kung Lung-po,

and, since Japanese are short of ammunition, is not

counterattacked.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, TED Force attacks S along Niumen Creek toward Torricelli Mts

to cut E–W trails and destroy enemy. 3d Bn of 124th

Inf and 2d Bn of 169th advance abreast, spearheading attack, but are soon halted. 1st Bn, 124th Inf,

then bypasses enemy to W. Japanese activity against

South Force in Afua area subsides after small attack early in morning fails. 1st Bn, 169th Inf, moves

into perimeter of South Force from Palauru.

GUAM—Renewing attack toward Mt. Barrigada

after regrouping, 77th Div finds that enemy has

withdrawn northward and takes Barrigada village

and its much-needed reservoir with ease. Progress

beyond the village is slowed by difficult jungle terrain and small-scale opposition. 3d Mar Div continues to make steady progress on left flank of corps,

taking Finegayan and driving beyond Tumon Bay

area. Warships begin shelling Mt. Santa Rosa (870

ft), which dominates N part of Guam, day and

night.

4 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery

orders Br Second Army to continue pivoting eastward about 12 Corps and Cdn First Army to attack toward Falaise as soon as possible.

In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps is still held up

by stiff resistance in Vire and Estry areas. In 30

Corps area, 43d Div seizes Hermilly, NW of Aunay.

Villers-Bocage falls to 50th Div. 12 Corps, swinging

eastward toward Orne R SW of Caen, is beyond

line Le Locheur–Evrecy–Esquay–Notre-Dame–

Feugerolles-sur-Orne.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, planned attack on Dinan is canceled and

6th Armd Div continues toward Brest instead. Advancing through night 4–5, 6th Armd Div reaches

vicinity of Carhaix, which supporting FFI forces

report strongly held. TF A and elements of 83d

Div reach enemy stronghold of St Maio, where prolonged struggle ensues. Rennes falls to 13th Inf, 8th

Div. 4th Armd Div is driving toward Vannes.

U.S. First Army releases 5th Div to XX Corps,

Third Army. In VII Corps area, 1st Div, to which

39th Inf of 9th Div and CCB of 3d Armd Div are

attached, improves positions in Mortain area on right

flank of corps; patrols probe southward toward Mayenne. 4th Div, which releases CCB of 3d Armd Div

to 1st Div, battles vigorously but indecisively

for St Pois and heights about the town. 9th Div

pushes into Forêt de St Sever against strong opposition. XIX Corps is almost halted by stiffening

resistance and mine fields. V Corps reaches its objectives above Vire, 2d Div continuing advance

through night 4–5, and halts to permit XIX Corps

to cross its front to take Vire. 30th Div is transferred

to corps from XIX Corps.

FRANTIC—In response to the first direct Soviet

request for air support, group of U.S. Fifteenth

Air Force fighter bombers attacks airfields in Rumania and then lands at Soviet bases.

ITALY—AAI: Alters plan of attack on Gothic

Line. New plan, OLIVE, calls for main effort by

right flank of Br Eighth Army, which will be

quietly strengthened, rather than attack against

center of enemy’s line as previously planned. U.S.

[ 4 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 243 ]

Fifth Army, which is to be strengthened by attaching Br 13 Corps, is to make a subsidiary attack

up road from Florence to Bologna after enemy has

thinned out in center.

Br Eighth Army successfully concludes campaign

for central Italy as 13 Corps reaches the Arno at

Florence and drives into S part of the city. Enemy

has destroyed all bridges except the Ponte Vecchio.

Period of extensive regrouping is begun by Eighth

Army in preparation for coming assault on the

Gothic Line in N Apennines.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese break into

Teng-chung, where prolonged battle for the city

ensues. In 33 Corps sector of 11 Army Group’s Br

Fourteenth Army area, Tamu falls to Br 2d Div.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Japanese, suffering from casualties, logistic problems, and disease,

withdraw southward from front of South Force in

Afua area after a last desperate attack that costs

them over 200 dead. South Force patrols move forward in pursuit against scattered fire and make contact with TED Force. Both the main assault force

and the enveloping column of TED Force continue S

in region between the Driniumor and Niumen

Creek to E–W trail. Co-ordinated attack by TED

Force and South Force scheduled for this date must

be postponed until TED Force reaches the Driniumor.

GUAM—77th Div succeeds in reaching 0–3

line, overrunning Mt. Barrigada, and makes contact

with 3d Mar Div to left, closing dangerous gap.

Progress during day is slowed more by terrain than

by skirmishes with enemy. 3d Mar Div is obliged

to hold up its advance on left flank of corps in order

to tie in with 77th Div. Gen Geiger prepares to

commit 306th Inf, which is comparatively fresh, in

pursuit toward Mt. Santa Rosa. 1st Prov Mar Brig

( — ) is relieved of defense duties on S flank and

held in reserve.

5 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army

area, 8 Corps is clearing enemy pockets. In 30 Corps

area, Aunay falls to 7th Armd Div, which pushes

on toward Thury-Harcourt. 12 Corps closes along

the Orne on 7-mile front between Grimbosq and

Caen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

VIII Corps is attacking W, SW, S, and E simultaneously. 6th Armd Div continues W toward Brest,

bypassing Carhaix and reaching Huelgoat area.

83d Div attacks outer defenses of St Maio; TF A

continues W along N coast of Brittany. Brittany

Peninsula is cut off as CCA, 4th Armd Div, reaches

Vannes. In XV Corps area, 90th Div TF seizes Mayenne. 79th Div is approaching Laval.

U.S. First Army adjusts boundary between U.S.

and Br forces and gives new mission to V Corps.

In VII Corps area, 1st Div, reinf, continues to consolidate positions in Mortain area and probe southward with patrols. 4th Div overruns St Pois and

advances slightly beyond there. 9th Div pushes on

through Forêt de St Sever. 30th Div is transferred

to VII Corps from V Corps. In XIX Corps area, 29th

Div progresses toward Vire despite strong

opposition. V Corps is to drive through Vire to take

region between Tinchebray and St Jean-du-Bois, employing 2d and 29th Divs. 29th is to remain under

XIX Corps until it captures Vire. 35th Div reverts to

Third Army.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps

takes crest of M. il Castello.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, main body of

TED Force is held up short of main E–W trail E of

Afua by stubborn enemy rear guards, who are keeping Driniumor crossing, point open, but the flanking

column reaches the trail about 1,500 yards E of the

river.

GUAM—306th Inf enters center of 77th Div line

and moves NW to pinch out 307th Inf, but is slowed

by enemy rear guards. Dense jungle on div right delays 305th Inf. 3d Mar Div continues steadily northward on left flank of corps.

6 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery

orders drive to the Seine.

Br Second Army undergoes enemy counterattacks

between Vire and Mont Pincon. In 8 Corps area,

enemy armor penetrates positions of 11th Armd Div

in Vire area, but lost ground is later recovered. Gds

Armd Div is strongly engaged at Le Busq, on Vire–

Aunay road. 15th Div has moved forward to Estry

area but is unable to dislodge enemy from that town.

3d Div is attacking southward toward Vire. In 30

Corps area, 43d Div gains feature on Mont Pincon

massif. 7th Armd Div continues attack toward

Thury-Harcourt. In 12 Corps area, 59th Div attacks

across the Orne in Grimbosq area late in day and

establishes shallow bridgehead.

12th Army Group: Group orders establishment of

bridgehead over Sarthe R in Le Mans–Alençon area.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCB, on

right flank of 6th Armd Div, overcomes opposition S

of Morlaix and at Lesneven; CCA makes slow

progress along secondary routes to S. 83d Div continues to hammer at St Maio stronghold. TF A gets

beyond St Brieux as it continues W along N coast on

Brittany. RCT 121, 8th Div, is attached to 83d Div

for attack on Dinard, W of St Maio. 4th Armd Div

is advancing on Lorient. XV Corps, with major elements now across the Mayenne, is driving rapidly on

Le Mans. 79th Div takes Laval. XX Corps (Maj

Gen Walton H. Walker), consisting at present of

[ 5–6 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 244 ]

5th Div, is reinf by 35th Div in order to protect S

flank of army.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 1st Div,

relieved by 30th Div in Mortain area, continues

swiftly SE with 3d Armd Div to Ambrières-leGrand and Mayenne, relieving elements of 90th

Div (XV Corps) at Mayenne. 4th Div is pinched

out W of St Pois. 9th Div pushes southward toward

Sourdeval against strong resistance. In XIX Corps

area, 29th Div breaks into Vire and clears the city.

With fall of Vire to XIX Corps, V Corps is out of

contact with enemy.

FRANTIC—Returning from USSR to Italian

bases, fighters of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force raid rail

targets in Bucharest–Ploesti area of Rumania. 76

B–17’s and supporting fighters of U.S. Eighth Air

Force attack aircraft factory at Gdynia (Poland)

and then land at Soviet bases.

ITALY—AAI: Issues orders for preliminary operations before assault on the Gothic Line.

CBI—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, which is

moving S down RR corridor, seizes Sahmaw.

In 11 Army Group’s Br Fourteenth Army area,

Gen Slim directs 33 Corps to pursue enemy to the

Chindwin; occupy Sittaung and, if possible, Kalewa;

cross the Chindwin in Kalewa area.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Japanese rear

guards that are protecting withdrawal from Afua

attack TED Force before dawn and bitter fighting

ensues until TED Force column laboriously outflanks

enemy and forces him to withdraw in afternoon.

When new enemy trail is found to have been cut

about 800 yards to S of main trail, TED Force prepares to cut it and move in on Afua from SE. South

Force, which has been reinf by 3d Bn of 128th Inf,

starts S astride Driniumor R, meeting disorganized

resistance.

P.I.—U.S. aircraft begins night harassing attacks on Davao area of Mindanao.

GUAM—III Amphib Corps drives to 0–4 line,

gaining control of more than two thirds of Guam.

Small but determined force of Japanese with tanks

attacks 305th Inf, on 77th Div’s right flank, during early morning and inflicts heavy casualties before retiring abruptly. 305th then moves forward

about 1,000 yards to 0–4 line with little difficulty.

306th Inf reaches div left boundary, pinching out

307th Inf.

7 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second

Army’s 30 Corps area, 43d Div completes capture

of Mont Pincon, inflicting and suffering heavy casualties during enemy counterattacks. 12 Corps maintains bridgehead across the Orne and attacks S along

the river toward Thury-Harcourt.

In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps, with Cdn 2d

Div on right and Br 51st Div on left, attacks S toward Falaise at 2330 after half hour of preparatory

bombardment by heavy bombers.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 6th Armd Div closes in on Brest. Rear

elements arrive outside the city too late in day to

begin concerted assault, thus giving enemy time to

strengthen defenses and bring up reinforcements.

TF A is approaching Morlaix. 83d Div continues

battle for St Malo. 4th Armd Div invests Lorient.

XV Corps is rapidly approaching Le Mans.

In U.S. First Army area, Germans open strong counterattack with massed armor toward Avranches early

in morning in effort to break through to the sea and

split U.S. forces. Attack penetrates line at junction of

XIX and VII Corps, overrunning Mortain and rolling

on to Juvigny and Le Mesnil- Tôve before it can be

stemmed with assistance of aircraft. In VII Corps area,

30th Div bears brunt of enemy counterblows and elements are isolated in Mortain area. To help stabilize

center of corps line, 4th Div and 2d Armd Div are

committed at once, latter being transferred from XIX

Corps, and prep-arations are made to return 35th Div

to First Army. RCT 12, 4th Div, and CCB, 3d Armd

Div, are attached to 30th Div, 4th Div is reinf by RCT

39, 9th Div. Progress is made on flanks of enemy penetration, 9th Div advancing slightly near Mortain

and 1st Div crossing the Mayenne and reaching St

Fraimbault-de-Prières on S. XIX Corps pushes

southward to relieve enemy pressure in Mortain

area. In V Corps area, 9th Inf of 2d Div releases elements of 29th Div (XIX Corps) in Vire for

movement to S.

USSR—By this time, Germans have about

stopped Soviet summer offensive. Soviet armies have

driven over 400 miles from the Dnieper to the Vistula and consequently supply and communications

lines are becoming overextended.

FRANTIC—Some of the Eighth Air Force planes

that bombed Gdynia on 6th attack oil refineries at

Trzebinia (Poland).

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army tentatively postpones D Day of offensive to 19 August; makes minor

changes in plan of attack; promises to make available from army reserve 34th Div to II Corps and

RCT 442 ( — ) and RCT 370, 92 Div, to IV Corps.

II Corps is still to make main effort while IV Corps,

whose 1st Armd Div is to be replaced by RCT 442,

demonstrates in Pontedera–Cascina area.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 2d Bn of 162d Inf

starts N along Sorido–Korim Bay track to make

contact with 163d Inf, which is moving S. In Aitape

area, TED Force cuts the new Japanese trail below

main trail and drives westward toward the Driniumor. South Force continues to patrol actively while

[ 7 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 245 ]

awaiting arrival of TED Force at the Driniumor.

Japanese appear to be in full flight.

GUAM—III Amphib Corps, with air and naval

gunfire support, attacks in greatest strength yet employed on Guam to clear N third of the island.

77th Div makes main effort toward Yigo and Mt.

Santa Rosa on right flank of corps. After destructive

preparatory bombardment, 77th Div attacks at noon

with 306th Inf on left, 307th in center, and 305th on

right. 307th, assisted by 306th, overcomes opposition

along Finegayan–Yigo road and seizes Yigo. 305th

advances slowly through jungle in coastal sector toward Mt. Santa Rosa. Enemy tanks are again active

after nightfall, but U.S. lines hold firm. 3d Mar Div

in center of corps front and 1st Prov Mar Brig on

left flank drive northward.

8 August

FRANCE—Gen Montgomery orders U.S. forces

to drive almost due N on Alençon as quickly as possible in order to make a short envelopment of enemy

in Falaise–Mortain area while the broad envelopment toward the Seine is in progress.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30

Corps makes limited progress toward Condé-surNoireau. 12 Corps continues to hold bridgehead E

of the Orne, but efforts to thrust S along E bank

toward Thury-Harcourt in conjunction with drive

down W bank fail because of determined enemy

counterattacks.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div

seizes Fontenay-le-Marmion and Requancourt. 51st

Div overruns Garcelles-Secqueville. At 1355, following air preparation, Cdn 4th Armd and Pol 1st

Armd Divs pass through infantry, former on right,

to exploit southward toward Falaise, but soon meet

strong opposition from enemy’s MLR. Air support

of the Cdn offensive during night 7–8 and on this

date is the second heaviest of Normandy, exceeded

only by support of British on 18 July. U.S. Eighth

Air Force and RAF BC drop more than 5,200 tons

of bombs.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, ultimatum calling for surrender of Brest

is ignored. 6th Armd Div prepares for all-out assault

on the city on 9th until enemy threat to rear forces a

change in plans. Enemy div is found to be moving

toward Brest via Plouvien. 1st Bn of 28th Inf, 8th

Div, is attached to 6th Armd Div but does not join it

until later. Bitter fighting continues in outskirts of

St Malo. RCT 121, attached to 83d Div, meets strong

opposition as it advances on Dinard. XV Corps envelops and overruns Le Mans and crosses Sarthe R

in that area. 79th Div enters Le Mans. 2d Fr Armd

Div is attached to corps to help it secure line Sées–

Carrouges, both inclusive. 80th Div of XX Corps is

to take over Le Mans bridgehead. In XX Corps area,

5th Div invests Angers and Nantes.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy continues efforts to deepen penetration of U.S. lines

without avail. 30th Div elements are still isolated

near Mortain. 35th Div, released to VII Corps by

XX Corps, and elements of 2d Armd Div are attacking eastward near Mortain. XIX Corps makes small

gains in Gathemo–Vire region.

FRANTIC—U.S. Eighth Air Force planes, returning from Eastern Command bases in USSR to England via Italy, attack airfields in Rumania.

CHINA—Japanese complete capture of Hengyang. This has far-reaching effects on Chinese

politics.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, most of TED

Force reaches the Driniumor near Afua.

GUAM—Effective enemy resistance comes to an

end. 77th Div clears Mt. Santa Rosa and virtually

all of its sector.

9 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army

area, 2 Corps continues S astride Caen–Falaise road.

Cdn 4th Armd Div overruns Bretteville-le-Rabet

while Pol 1st Armd Div seizes Cauvicourt and St

Sylvain in costly fighting. Infantry units are clearing flanks.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 6th Armd Div, leaving small force to

contain Brest, moves N to meet threat to its rear

and virtually destroys enemy div in Plouvien area;

makes contact with TF A near Brest. 83d Div continues assault on St Malo, where resistance is now

confined largely to the Citadel. 4th Armd Div is

still containing Lorient and sends elements toward

Nantes. XV Corps mops up Le Mans and swings

N toward Alençon, 5th Armd Div on right and

Fr 2d Armd Div on left, followed by infantry. 80th

Div, temporarily attached to corps, is mopping up

near Le Mans. In XX Corps area, 5th Div closes in

on Angers.

U.S. First Army orders a turn NE toward Argentan to meet British working southward toward Falaise to trap enemy in Vire–Mortain–Domfront–Ger

region. In VII Corps area, enemy counteroffensive

toward Avranches loses its momentum but

heavy fighting continues. 39th Inf, 9th Div, is detached from 4th Div. In XIX Corps area, 28th Div

is unable to advance in Gathemo region, but 29th

moves slowly forward below Vire. V Corps orders

2d Div, whose mission is still primarily defensive,

to move one reinf regt SE. 102d Cav Gp is attached to 2d Div, which relieves additional elements

of 29th Div (XIX Corps) on hills near Vire.

[ 8–9 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 246 ]

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps

completes clearing region below the Arno in Florence area.

CBI—On Salween front, Japanese raid Ch 8th

Army’s arty positions and supply dumps in Sung

Shan sector with some success. In China, Marshal Li

Chi-shen, President of the Military Advisory Council

of Chungking, sends message to U.S. Consulate in

Kweilin that E China war lords are about to form

a provisional government in order to effect national

unity and defeat Japanese; that Chiang Kai-shek

will be asked to resign. U.S. attitude to this is one of

watchful waiting.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Gen Gill reports to Gen Hall that resistance along the Driniumor has ceased.

GUAM—77th Div and 3d Mar Div are clearing

final resistance on Guam. Bypassed enemy groups

show a determination to be killed rather than

surrender.

10 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s

Br 1 Corps area, 49th Div, in conjunction with Cdn

2 Corps, advances to Vimont against strong opposition.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII

Corps continues to attack Dinard and the Citadel at

St Malo and to contain Brest and Lorient. 1st Bn,

28th Inf, is attached to CCA, 6th Armd Div, in

preparation for attack on Hills 95 and 105 at Brest.

Elements of 4th Armd Div drive rapidly E, forcing

enemy back into Nantes. In XV Corps area, armored

columns continue steadily northward toward

Alençon and Sées. In XX Corps area, 5th Div overruns Angers. 7th Armd Div is attached to corps.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, which has

regained the initiative, is slowly driving enemy back

toward Mortain. 9th Div improves positions NW of

Sourdeval. Stubborn enemy defense of Mortain limits progress of 30th and 35th Divs toward that town.

22d Inf, 4th Div, is committed to right of 35th Div

in Le Teilleul area. 2d Armd Div repels counterattack NE of Barenton. In XIX Corps area, CCA

of 2d Armd Div and 28th Inf Div make co-ordinated

attack on right flank of corps, overrunning Gathemo;

armor then drives eastward along road toward

Tinchebray. 29th Div, attacking toward St. Sauveurde-Chaulieu on narrow front, is hard pressed by

enemy and makes little headway. In V Corps area,

2d Div begins limited attacks to SE while continuing

to defend Vire. 9th Inf advances to Maisoncelles–la

Jourdan area where it is ordered to halt.

MEDITERRANEAN—At AFHQ Gen Wilson receives directive from Br Chiefs of Staff to proceed

with DRAGOON as planned. Phase I of air operations

in preparation for invasion of S France ends. During

this phase (28 April to date) MAAF has dropped

more than 12,500 tons of bombs. During Phase II

enemy coastal batteries, radar stations, and troops

are to be hit, and target area is to be isolated by

destruction of highway bridges across the Rhône.

To deceive enemy, similar targets are to be bombed

between Via Reggio in Italy and Beziers, near

French-Spanish border.

USSR—Units of Second White Russian Front

force Narew R near Bialystok.

CHINA—Brig Gen Patrick J. Hurley’s name is

proposed to Chiang Kai-shek as President Roosevelt’s representative; Donald M. Nelson is suggested

at the same time as Presidential representative to

study China’s economy.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 503d Para Inf

regains contact with enemy near Hill 380, 21/2 miles

SSW of Inasi. During the next few days 3d Bn, assisted by arty and aircraft, works in toward the hill

while 1st Bn blocks escape of Japanese. In Aitape

area, PERSECUTION Covering Force begins movement

back to Blue Beach.

GUAM—All organized resistance on island ends

as marines finish clearing their zone to N tip. In

subsequent mopping up of scattered groups, several

hundred Japanese are killed. Of an estimated 18,500

Japanese on Guam, those dead by actual count total

a little over 10,000.

11 August

FRANCE—Gen Montgomery commends Allied

forces and urges that the attack be pressed.

21 Army Group: In Second Army’s 8 Corps area,

3d Div drives S across Vire–Condé road about 2

miles E of Vire and presses toward Tinchebray. 30

Corps continues slowly SE from Mont Pincon toward Cond. 50th Div, having moved forward on

left flank, is beyond St Pierre-la-Vieille. In 12 Corps

area, forward elements of 53d and 59th Divs, continuing S astride the Orne, reach outskirts of Thury–

Harcourt. Elements E of the river patrol NE to establish contact with Cdn 2 Corps.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corp area, while armored

elements of corps are clearing opposition astride road

to Falaise, 2d Div crosses Laize R at Bretteville and

advances SW to link up with 12 Corps to right, and

51st Div clears left flank S of Caen–Mézidon RR.

Br 1 Corps zone is expanded as corps takes command of 51st Div in place from Cdn 2 Corps.

12th Army Group: Gap between U.S. Third

Army units moving N and Cdn and Br forces moving S is now about 20 miles wide. In U.S. Third

Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy garrisons of Dinard

and St Maio’s Citadel continue to hold out against

83d Div attacks. CCA, 4th Armd Div, reaches

Nantes area and relieves elements of 5th Div, XX

Corps, containing that city. In XV Corps area, 2d

[ 10–11 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 247 ]

Armd and Fr 5th Armd Divs continue steadily

northward followed by infantry, meeting increasingly strong rear-guard opposition. Corps is directed

by Gen Patton to push beyond Falaise although U.S.

boundary is S of there. XX Corps is directed by

army to attack NE to line Carrouges–Sées after assembling on line Mayenne–Le Mans; one RCT of

80th Div is to maintain bridgehead at Le Mans;

7th Armd Div is to move to rear of line of departure

from its assembly area.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div

makes further gains NW of Sourdeval. 30th Div, in

the course of hard fighting, forces enemy back to

Mortain. Below Mortain, 35th Div advances slowly,

and 2d Armd Div withstands further counterattacks NW of Barenton. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div

and CCA of 2d Armd Div attack heights around

St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu, while 28th Div continues

SE from Gathemo. V Corps improves defensive

positions at and near Vire.

USSR—Troops of Third Baltic Front break

through enemy defenses below Lake Peipus on

42-mile front and press northward.

ITALY—Assault force begins movement from

Naples area toward target in southern France.

AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps has

cleared Adriatic coastal sector as far as Cesano R.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese begin tunneling and mining under enemy positions remaining

in Sung Shan hill mass, since other methods of

attack have not resulted in taking the position.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, 103d Inf of 43d

Div begins relief of PERSECUTION Covering Force

units remaining along the Driniumor.

U.S.—CCS confirm orders for DRAGOON to proceed as planned.

12 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army

area, 8 Corps is heavily engaged 3 miles SE of Vire.

In 30 Corps area, forward elements of 50th Div

are within about 3 miles of Cond. 12 Corps is clearing opposition in vicinity of Thury-Harcourt.

In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps is still held up

astride road to Falaise but succeeds in linking up

with Br 12 Corps to right at Barbery.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 83d Div continues to inch forward

against St Malo Citadel and Dinard. CCA, 6th

Armd Div, attacks toward limited objectives at

Brest but makes little headway. Late in day, div

mission is changed: CCA is to contain Brest while

rest of div relieves 4th Armd Div at Lorient and

Vannes. VIII Corps is to relieve 5th Div units (XX

Corps) at Angers. Patrols of CCA, 4th Armd Div,

enter Nantes. XV Corps drives beyond Alençon and

Sées toward Argentan. 2d Fr Armd Div thrusts

to Carrouges. 5th Armd Div takes Sées. Infantrymen

continue to follow armor closely. XX Corps is ordered to make contact with XV Corps in Alençon

area and then await new orders. 5th Div moves to

St Calais area, leaving containing force behind at

Angers.

U.S. First Army has completely defeated enemy

efforts to break through to Avranches. VII Corps

recovers ground lost to enemy and relieves isolated

elements of 30th Div. 3d Armd Div assembles for

new mission; CCA is detached from 1st Div and

CCB from 30th Div. XIX Corps releases 29th Div

(less 116th Inf, which relieves 2d Div at Vire) to V

Corps in current position. 28th Div, against moderate opposition, drives rapidly southward to Sourdeval on right and positions near St Sauveur-deChaulieu on left. CCA, 2d Armd Div, improves

positions in St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu area. V Corps,

employing 29th Div on right and 2d Div on left,

attacks SE, 29th reaching positions overlooking St

Sauveur-de-Chaulieu-Tinchebray road and 2d overrunning Truttemer-le-Grand.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps

zone is extended eastward to include sector held by

6th Armd Div. 13 Corps thus has 4 divs: NZ 2d, Br

1st, Ind 8th, and Br 6th Armd. 10 Corps now has

but one div, Ind 10th.

CHINA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees

to accept Gen Hurley and Mr. Nelson as Presidential

representatives.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Sorido airdrome, now

consisting of a 4,000-foot strip, is being used by

transport planes, but the field is later abandoned.

13 August

FRANCE—12th Army Group: In U.S. Third

Army’s VIII Corps area, 83d Div continues to make

slow progress against strongpoints at St Malo and

Dinard. CCA, 6th Armd Div, batters at outer defenses of Brest without avail. Rest of 6th Armd Div

moves forward to relieve 4th Armd Div at Vannes

and Lorient. 4th Armd Div, finding Nantes free of

enemy, moves toward St Calais. 8th Div ( — )

advances to Dinan from Rennes. XV Corps reaches

Argentan area and is halted there by order of Gen

Bradley. During next few days Germans succeed

in withdrawing thousands from Falaise–Argentan

trap before it can be closed. XX Corps, with Chartres

as its next objective, moves forward in preparation

for attack. 80th Div is pinched out by XV Corps

near Alençon. XII Corps (Maj Gen Gilbert R.

Cook), which is given command of 4th Armd Div

(VIII Corps) and 35th Div (VII Corps), receives

its first offensive mission—to drive E on Orléans

and protect S flank of army. Assault forces are

assembling SE of Le Mans.

[ 12–13 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 248 ]

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3d Armd

and 1st Inf Divs swing NE around Domfront, driving rapidly toward Vire–Argentan road to constrict

pocketed enemy forces. 3d Armd Div, on corps

right, moves through Javron toward Ranes, making

contact with Fr 2d Armd Div (XV Corps). 1st Div

cuts Domfront–Alençon road in Couterne–La

Chapelle Moche area. 4th and 9th Divs await new

mission. 30th Div passes to control of XIX Corps.

XIX Corps probes eastward, 2d Armd Div units

threatening Domfront and Ger and 28th Div moving toward St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu through Sourdeval. In V Corps area, 29th Div pushes southward

in direction of Ger on right flank of corps, forward

elements reaching La Françaisere, E of Sourdeval.

2d Div heads for Tinchebray, overrunning

Truttemer-le-Petit.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 1st Armd Div, which has been completely reorganized in the field, takes responsibility for right

flank of corps, replacing TF Ramey.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, elements of

Ind 8th Div cross into N Florence via Ponte Vecchio to help Italians extend their hold on the city.

CBI—SWPA—Rcn of Manila docks, P.I., by

Gen Chennault’s Fourteenth Air Force evokes unfavorable reaction from both Gen Stilwell and Gen

MacArthur. MacArthur warns Chennault not to

bomb Manila.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, relief of 127th

Inf along the Driniumor is completed.

14 August

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army

area, 8 Corps continues southward toward Tinchebray while V Corps of U.S. First Army pushes toward same objective from W. 30 Corps is closing in

on Vassy and Condé. In 12 Corps area, 59th Div

takes Thury-Harcourt. Advance is continued toward Falaise.

In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps, making main

effort on Falaise from N, begins attack to outflank

opposition on Caen–Falaise highway. Cdn 2d Div

secures bridgehead across Laize R and pushes to

within 4 miles of Falaise. In support of troops, RAF

BC drops 3,723 tons of bombs.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 6th Armd Div’s CCB and CCR move

to Vannes and Lorient, respectively, to relieve 4th

Armd Div’s units. CCB finds Vannes deserted and

moves on to Lorient, relieving CCR. Lorient containing force now consists of CCB, 15th Tank Bn,

and 86th Cav Rcn Sq (mechanized). 83d Div continues struggle for St Malo Citadel and Dinard.

8th Div ( — ) joins in assault on Dinard. XV Corps

mops up in Alençon–Sées–Argentan area and prepares to drive E on Dreux. XX Corps begins drive

toward Chartres with 7th Armd and 5th Inf Divs,

armor spearheading. XII Corps continues E toward

Orléans with elements of 4th Armd Div.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div drives steadily northward through Carrouges to

Ranes against strong opposition as enemy struggles

to keep escape routes open. 9th Div is following up.

1st Div gets forward elements well beyond La FertéMacé. 4th Div, disposed along the Varenne, is out of

contact with enemy. In XIX Corps area, CCA of

2d Armd Div pushes E, overrunning Domfront,

Lonlay-l’Abbaye, and Get. 28th Div, except for 109th

Regt, which moves S toward Forêt de Mortain, goes

into reserve. 30th Div moves forward behind armor.

In V Corps area, 29th Div, advancing E from positions below Sourdeval–Tinchebray highway, reaches

St Jean-du-Bois. 2d Div continues toward Tinchebray but is soon stopped by lively opposition.

MEDITERRANEAN—After rendezvousing off Corsica, DRAGOON convoys head for target area of southern France.

POLAND—British begin dropping supplies to Pol

forces within Warsaw.

NEW GUINEA—In Vogelkop area, crippled B–24

makes successful landing on Middleburg I. airstrip.

 15 August

N FRANCE—Gen Montgomery moves boundary

between Br and U.S. forces northward.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 8

Corps makes contact with U.S. V Corps forces near

Tinchebray. 30 Corps overruns Vassy and continues

to clear region near Condé. 12 Corps progresses toward Falaise from NW.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd

Div advances toward Falaise in region E of Caen–

Falaise road. Pol 1st Armd Div establishes bridgehead across Dives R NE of Falaise.

12th Army Group: Plan to drop airborne forces

W of the Seine to block enemy escape routes

(TRANSFIGURE) is by now unnecessary.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 83d Div

takes Dinard, but enemy continues effective defense

of St Malo Citadel. 6th Armd Div contains Brest

and Lorient. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th

Inf Divs are pushing rapidly toward Dreux. Corps

elements containing enemy pocket in Argentan–

Falaise area (Fr 2d Armd Div, 90th Inf Div, and

80th Inf Div, less 319th Inf), are formed into Prov

Corps under command of Maj Gen Hugh J. Gaffey, U.S. Third Army chief of staff. Enemy continues vigorous efforts to escape trap. In XX Corps

area, 7th Armd Div reaches edge of Chartres, where

heavy fighting ensues. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd

Div, followed by 35th Div, pushes rapidly toward

[ 14–15 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 249 ]

Orléans. Elements of 35th Div are driving toward

Châteaudun, NW of Orléans.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps progresses

well against light resistance. 3d Armd Div, upon

capture of Ranes, moves some elements NE toward

Ecouché and others NW toward Fromental. 1st

Div continues northward toward Vire–Argentan

highway to left of armor. 9th Div continues to follow spearheads. In V Corps area, 29th Div secures

heights S of Tinchebray; 2d Div overruns Tinchebray. This concludes current mission of corps.

S FRANCE—U.S. Seventh Army, under control

of AFHQ, begins preliminary operations to isolate

main DRAGOON invasion beaches on Fr Mediterranean coast about midnight 14–15. To secure left

flank of assault area, SITKA Force (U.S. Special

Service Force) invades small islands of Levant and

Port Cros, clearing former and part of latter; ROMEO

Force (Fr Commandos) lands on mainland at and

E of Cap Nègre and soon clears coastal defenses and

blocks coastal highway. Rosie Force (Fr Naval

Assault Group) lands SW of Cannes in Theoule-surMer area to secure right flank of assault area, but

is unable to accomplish its mission and suffers heavy

casualties. RUGBY Force (1st ABTF) drops in rear

of assault beaches, beginning at 0430, and accomplishes its task of blocking off invasion coast from

the interior along “Blue Line” in Le Muy–Le Luc

area before H Hour. RUGBY Force is unable to clear

Le Muy but overruns a number of villages. These

ground operations, plus final pounding of assault

zone by aircraft and naval gunfire, leave enemy incapable of offering much resistance. VI Corps (Gen

Truscott) lands, 3 divs abreast, between Nice and

Toulon at H Hour (0800) and moves inland against

light, scattered resistance. 3d Div (ALPHA Force)

lands on left flank between Bay of Cavalaire and

Bay of Pampelonne; moves quickly W and N, left

flank forces overrunning Cavalaire and making contact with Fr Commandos, who are placed under 3d

Div, at Cap Nègre; right flank troops reach St

Tropez as 1st ABTF elements and FFI are completing its capture and join in attack that clears the town

and St Tropez Peninsula. Other towns taken by 3d

Div are La Mole, Cogolin, Grimaud, and La Croix.

In center of corps, 45th Div (DELTA Force) lands

near Ste Maxime and quickly secures beaches,

although town of Ste Maxime holds out until afternoon; speeds inland toward Le Muy and Fréjus.

Contact is made with 1st ABTF and with friendly

forces on each flank. 179th Inf is held in reserve.

On right flank of VI Corps, 36th Div (CAMEL Force)

lands E of St Raphaël, 141st Inf leading at H Hour

and 143d following soon afterwards. 141st Inf overruns Drammont and coastal fortifications near Agay

and pushes rapidly northward. 143d drives W toward St Raphaël. RCT 142, scheduled to land at

1400 W of Fréjus and take that town, is forced to

land 10 miles E of the town instead when obstacles

at planned site cannot be breached; starts ashore at

1532, moving to heights NE of Fréjus.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army begins largescale shift of units to E flank in preparation for assault on Gothic Line.

SWPA—ALAMO Force issues FO for invasion of

Morotai. XI Corps TF, called TRADEWIND Assault

Force, under command of Gen Hall and consisting

of 31st Div with RCT 126 of 32d Div as reserve, is

to conduct the operation.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, Japanese succeed in withdrawing main force of some 200 toward

Pakriki, on S central coast, from Hill 380, night 15–

16. On Biak, 162d and 163d Regts split enemy remnants on island as they make contact on Sorido–

Korim Bay track. In Aitape area, Tadji Defense

Perimeter and Covering Force, consisting of 43d

Div and Cav RCT 112, under command of Maj

Gen Leonard F. Wing, who also commands 43d

Div, takes over mission of PERSECUTION Covering

Force and latter is dissolved. In Wakde-Sarmi area,

31st Div, less RCT 124, arrives. In Vogelkop area,

ALAMO Force warns TF TYPHOON that enemy force

of 250 has been moving along N coast from Manokwari to Sorong.

POA—111 Amphib Corps, having completed its

operations in the Marianas sooner than expected, is

definitely committed to task of invading the Palaus

next.

16 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second

Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Div finds Flers clear of

enemy. In 30 Corps area, Condé-sur-Noireau falls

to 11th Armd Div without opposition. 12 Corps, continuing SE toward Falaise, gets almost to Falaise–

Condé railway line.

In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps has virtually surrounded Falaise. Br I Corps begins general advance

eastward toward the Seine in coastal sector. 6th A/B

Div, on coast, finds enemy firmly established along

the Dives in Cabourg area. 49th Div crosses the

Dives at Mézidon. 51st Div seizes St Pierre-surDives and continues toward Lisieux. 7th Armd Div is

operating on corps right flank.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 83d Div continues to batter at St Malo

Citadel; releases 121st Inf to 8th Div. Elements of

8th Div are now in Brest area. XV Corps reaches

Eure R and establishes bridgehead. Dreux falls to

5th Armd Div. XX Corps assembles near Chartres

and establishes bridgehead across Aunay R. In XII

Corps area, Orléans falls in co-ordinated assault by

CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 137th Inf, 35th Div. RCT

320, 35th Div, reaches outskirts of Châteaudun.

[ 16 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 250 ]

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues

northward with little difficulty except in Fromental

area, where 3d Armd Div is strongly opposed.

XIX Corps reaches its objectives and is pinched

out by British; releases CCA, 2d Armd Div, to

parent unit. V Corps remains in place. 116th Inf of

29th Div defends corps front.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, Army

CP is established ashore W of St Tropez. Enemy

garrison of Port Cros I., is resisting stoutly from

fort on W end of island. 1st ABTF consolidates in

rear of beachhead and overcomes opposition at

Le Muy. VI Corps orders exploitation inland. 7th

Inf, 3d Div, is slowed by roadblocks as it continues

W along coast beyond Cap Nègre; attached Fr

Commandos are clearing Cap Bénat, W of Cap

Nègre. 15th Inf assembles near Collobrières. 30th

Inf overruns La Guarde Freinet, Les Mayon, Gonfaron, and Collobrières to establish itself along Blue

Line. 45th Div completes clearing its zone, closing

along Blue Line. 36th Div is in contact with 45th

Div to left and French survivors of Rosie Force on

right. 142d Inf overruns Fréjus and Puget while 143d

clears St Raphaël. 141st continues N along coast,

seizing Theoule and taking up defensive positions

near La Napoule. Fr Army B (Gen de Lattre de

Tassigny), under command of U.S. Seventh Army,

begins landing 2d Corps over VI Corps beaches in

preparation for drive on Toulon and Marseille from

Blue Line.

ITALY—AAI: Operation Order No. 3 presents

plan, secretly drawn up on 4th, for breaking

through Gothic Line: Br Eighth Army initially is

to make main effort in Adriatic coastal sector. U.S.

Fifth Army, previously unaware of this alteration

in plans, is forced to change its strategy. Gen Clark

issues instructions to mask build-up of II Corps from

enemy. New interarmy boundary becomes effective,

and 85th Div of II Corps relieves NZ 2d Div in

Montelupo area. Fifth Army, upon reaching Bologna area, is to continue to Modena and exploit

beyond there.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, 128th Inf returns to Blue Beach from former sector of North

Force along the Driniumor., 43d Div, with 169th,

Inf on W flank, 172d S of Tadji strips and along

the Nigia, and 103d along the Driniumor, patrols

without meeting organized resistance except at

mouth of the Dandriwad.

17 August

N FRANCE—Hitler replaces von Kluge as commander of OB WEST with Field Marshal Model.

21 Army Group: Br Second Army presses southward against enemy pocket from vicinity of Flers,

Condé, and Falaise.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, capture of

Falaise by Cdn 2d Div narrows enemy’s escape corridor. Crossing Dives R near Morteaux, Cdn 4th

Armd Div drives SE toward Trun in conjunction

with Pol 1st Armd Div to left.

12th Army Group: Directs First Army to clear

Chambois–Trun area and, in conjunction with British, to complete encirclement and reduction of enemy

pocket; orders Third Army to drive on Mantes- Gassicourt while completing capture of Brittany Peninsula; orders regrouping for above missions; adjusts

boundaries.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, opposition at St Malo ends with surrender of the Citadel

to 83d Div. To speed reduction of Brittany, 2d Div

and 2d and 5th Ranger Bns are allocated to corps;

29th Div is to be attached within the next 2 days. In

XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th Inf Divs

maintain their bridgeheads across the Aunay and

move elements toward Mantes-Gassicourt. In XX

Corps area, 7th Armd Div completes mop-up of

Chartres; 5th Div blocks exits. XII Corps mops up

in Orléans and Châteaudun. Enemy withdraws

across the Loire on S flank.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps establishes

positions along Vire–Argentan highway between

Ecouché and Flers. 3d Armd Div overcomes strong

resistance at Fromental. 9th Div is on highway in

Fromental–Briouze area. 1st Div is on its objective

to left and in contact with British. Regrouping must

take place before further offensive action can be

undertaken. V Corps takes over new zone and units

previously under control of Prov Corps, Third Army,

with orders to close Argentan–Falaise gap. XIX

Corps is given responsibility for sector and troops

previously held by V Corps. As reconstituted, V

Corps consists of Fr 2d Armd Div, 80th Div (less

319th Inf), and 90th Div. 90th Div seizes Le BourgSt-Léonard, below Chambois, against bitter opposition.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, small

German garrison of Port Cros I., surrenders to U.S.

Special Service Force. In U.S. VI Corps area, 3d

Div, with 7th Inf and attached Fr Commandos,

continues to clear left flank toward Toulon, reaching Blue Line in La Londe–Les Maures area. 1st

and 2d Bns of 30th Inf assemble E of Brignoles,

night 17–18. On right flank, 36th Div, moving elements through Trans-en-Provence to Draguignan,

also reaches Blue Line, completing assault phase;

makes contact with 1st ABTF near Le Muy.

EASTERN EUROPE—Germans are strongly counterattacking about Siauliai in Lithuania. Troops of

Third White Russian Front reach border of East

Prussia along Sesupe R.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders attack on

8-mile front between Florence and Pontassieve on 72

[ 17 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 251 ]

hours’ notice after 0001, 25 August. During first

phase, II Corps, raking main effort, is to take

M. Morello, M. Senario, and M. Calvana; Br 13

Corps is to take M. Giovi. Attack is to penetrate

Gothic Line during second phase.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps postpones

attack across the Cesano, planned for this time, until

mine fields can be cleared.

CHINA—Gen Chennault asks Gen Hearn to

send U.S. supplies to Chinese to assist them in recapturing Heng-yang, regardless of Nationalist

Government’s view on this matter.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 503d Para Inf

regains contact with enemy and overcomes last organized resistance. On Biak, 1st Bn of 186th Inf

less Co B but reinf by Co E, lands from LCM’s at

Wardo Bay against token resistance. After this,

enemy remnants on Biak break up into small groups

without hope of making a further stand. In Vogelkop area, Gen Barnes of XIII Air Task Force reports

strip on Middleburg I., ready for fighters, a day

ahead of schedule.

18 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second

Army area, 8 Corps, now pinched out, is held in

army reserve. Its transport is used by units driving

toward the Seine. 30 Corps is rapidly reducing enemy

pocket from N. 11th Armd Div reaches Putanges

and Ecouché. 12 Corps, also compressing the enemy pocket, continues SE toward Argentan.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd

Div seizes Trun and continues SE in conjunction

with Pol 1st Armd Div to left. Stiff fighting develops

in Chambois area as enemy makes furious attempts

to keep escape corridor open, counterattacking vigorously from within and without the pocket.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 2d Div, moving from First Army zone

to Brest to relieve 6th Armd Div, is attached to corps.

8th Div is concentrated N of Brest, and TF A is in

Morlaix area. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th

Inf Divs drive quickly toward the Seine at MantesGassicourt. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div takes

over bridgehead at Dreux; 5th Div moves to Chartres. In XII Corps area, 35th Div finishes mopping

up in Orléans and begins movement to Janville area.

4th Armd Div continues to clear region near Orléans.

U.S. First Army, while reducing Argentan–

Falaise Pocket, regroups in preparation for future

action. VII Corps mops up, maintains contact with

British at Briouze, and prepares to renew offensive.

V Corps, with 90th Div on right and 80th on left,

attacks northward to close Falaise–Argentan gap.

90th pushes into Forêt de Gouffern while 80th advances through Bordeaux toward Argentan. Fr 2d

Armd Div assists with fire and provides flank protection; CCL is attached to 90th Div.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh .Army area, VI

Corps overruns enemy’s primary defenses in coastal

sector. While 7th Inf of 3d Div continues W along

Highway 98 (St Tropez–Toulon), 30th and 15th

Regts drive W along Highway 7, S of Argens R.

30th Inf begins assault on Brignoles, where fighting

continues throughout night 18–19. CC1, Fr 1st Armd

Div, which has moved forward between 3d and 45th

Divs, overcomes enemy opposition in Cabasse–

Carces region. 45th Div’s 179th Inf begins assault

on Barjols, where enemy is putting up strong delaying opposition. Prov Armd Group, headed by

Deputy Commander, VI Corps, Brig Gen Frederick

B. Butler, and called TF Butler, starts NW from

Le Muy area to spearhead advance inland toward

Grenoble, reaching Riez. 36th Div, which is to follow TF Butler northward, moves elements against

Callian, E of Fayence, where group of paratroopers

is surrounded by enemy. 143d Inf, upon relief by

141st, moves to assembly area at Draguignan. In

Fr Army B area, 2d Corps begins drive toward

Marseille with 3d Algerian Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Sandomierz, on W bank of

the Vistula, falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.

Germans continue to counterattack strongly in

Siauliai area of Lithuania in effort to reopen communications with Baltic forces.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army takes command

of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, in place. In II Corps

zone, 85th Div relieves 91st Div in line below

Fucecchio and 91st begins training near Certaldo.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps starts preliminary attack toward Gothic Line in Adriatic sector, crossing Cesano R with Italian Corps of Liberation (previously Utili Div) on left, 5th Kresowa Div

in center, and 3d Carpathian Div on right.

19 August

N FRANCE—German Field Marshal von Kluge

commits suicide. As a result of general uprising of

Fr resistance forces in Paris, Germans ask for and

are granted truce to last until 23d so that they may

withdraw troops. Falaise–Argentan trap is closed

as Cdn 2 Corps elements make junction with U.S.

V Corps troops at Chambois. German Seventh

Army and elements of Fifth Panzer Army are

encircled.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps

zone, 11th Armd Div reaches Argentan–Bailleu

area. In 12 Corps area, 53d Div is approaching

Bailleu–Trun region.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd

Div takes St Lambert-sur-Dives, on Trun-Chambois

road, and holds it against lively counterattacks.

[ 18–19 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 252 ]

Patrol of Pol 1st Armd Div makes contact with U.S.

V Corps at Chambois. In Br I Corps area, forward

elements are crossing La Vie R, although considerable resistance continues to rear.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div TF enters Mantes-Gassicourt,

which is clear of enemy. 5th Armd Div starts N

along W bank of the Seine toward Louviers to

cut off enemy retreat across the river. In XX Corps

area, 5th Div completes mop up of Chartres. In XII

Corps area, Maj Gen Manton S. Eddy takes command of corps, relieving Gen Cook.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 80th Div is

closing in on Argentan; 90th reaches Chambois and

at 1930 contacts Pol patrol, closing Falaise–Argentan gap. XIX Corps attacks N toward Evreux from

Brezolle, W of Dreux, with 2d Armd Div on left and

30th Div on right, to cut off enemy from the Seine

between Paris and Elbeuf. 28th Div is concentrating in Mortagne area.

S FRANCE—U.S. Seventh Army directs VI Corps

to seize Aix-en-Provence while French Army B continues drives on ports of Toulon and Marseille and

takes responsibility for region S of Highway 7. In

VI Corps area, 3d Div completes capture of Brignoles

and speeds W along Highway 7 toward Aix-enProvence. 179th Inf, 45th Div, overcomes opposition at Barjols and thus opens route to lower

Durance Valley; continues advance to Rians. Main

body of TF Butler crosses the Durance at Oraison

and moves N along W bank to Sisteron. Detachments moving N from Riez and along E bank of

the Durance to intercept enemy forces moving southward from Grenoble converge on Digne, where

enemy surrenders. 141st Inf, 36th Div, clears Callian

after indecisive fighting throughout day. In Fr

Army B’s 2d Corps area, 1st Armd Div is protecting

N flank of corps. 3 Algerian Div, after driving

through Méounes, on northern road to Marseille,

splits into 3 groups, called Linares, Bonjour, and

Chapuis, Linares turning S into hills N of Toulon.

9th Colonial Div starts W from Collobrières area to

outflank enemy in Hyères–Toulon region from the

N. On S flank, 1st Div moves along coastal road

toward Hyères until stopped by heavy fire near the

town, then sends elements N to outflank enemy.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps

area, 3d Carpathian Div is slowed in coastal sector

by opposition at S Constanzo.

20 August

N FRANCE—Gen Montgomery directs 21 Army

Group to eliminate Falaise–Argentan Pocket before

driving to the Seine; elements of 12th Army Group

to drive N across Br front to lower Seine in order

to cut off enemy retreat.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, Br 1

Corps crosses additional elements over La Vie R.

Br 7th Armd Div captures Livarot. Cdn 2 Corps

frustrates final desperate enemy attempt to escape

from Falaise–Argentan Pocket.

Br Second Army heads for the Seine, passing

through U.S. forces in Argentan area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div establishes bridgehead across

the Seine near Mantes-Gassicourt. 5th Armd Div

continues N toward Louviers. XX Corps attacks E

toward the Seine, with 7th Armd Div on N and

5th Div on S, in effort to gain bridgeheads at

Melun and Montereau. XII Corps attacks for bridgehead over Yonne R at Sens, 4th Armd Div spearheading.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 80th Div overcomes moderate resistance at Argentan. XIX Corps

continues N, elements forcing the Aure between

Verneuil and Nonancourt.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div reaches suburbs of Aix-en-Provence.

7th Inf, upon relief by French in coastal sector, joins

3d Div. 45th Div’s 157th Inf crosses the Durance

in St. Paul area, using partially destroyed bridge,

and takes Mirabeau and Pertuis; 180th Inf, advancing along S bank of the river, takes Peyrolles

and Meyrargues. TF Butler blocks routes running

S from Grenoble. 36th Div, relieved of defensive

positions on E flank of corps by 1st ABTF, moves

NW behind TF Butler. 1st ABTF is placed under

direct command of Seventh Army and made responsible for region generally along line from Fayence to La Napoule. In Fr Army B’s 2d Corps area,

while Chapuis Group of 3d Algerian Div and elements of 1st Armd Div continue W toward Marseille

on N flank, Chapuis Group reaching Le Camp,

Linares Group continues to work southward

through hills overlooking Toulon, and Bonjour

Group turns SE toward Toulon. 9th Colonial and

1st Inf Divs isolate Hyères. Frontal assault against

E outskirts by 1st Div fails.

EASTERN FRONT—Red Army opens offensive

against Rumania. Troops of Second and Third

Ukrainian Fronts push forward with strong air and

arty support toward Iasi and Kishinev. Germans

continue efforts to reopen communications with

Baltic forces.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army regroups extensively in preparation for attack. IV Corps, with TF

45 and 1st Armd Div under command, takes over

most of the army front, spreading thin along 55-mile

line. 85th Div, in positions formerly held by NZ 2d

Div, is placed temporarily under corps pending arrival of S African 6th Armd Div. In II Corps area,

RCT 442 (less 100th (Nisei) Bn), attached to 88th

[ 20 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 253 ]

Div, occupies 5-mile sector W of Florence, replacing Br units.

CBI—On Salween front. after mines under

enemy positions on Sung Shan are exploded, Ch

troops with flame throwers clear this feature, which

has held out for so long, but scattered pockets of

enemy remain about Sung Shan.

SWPA—CTF 77 issues Operations Plan 8–

44 for Morotai operation.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger declares the Biak

operation at an end. Base development is well advanced. Although airfields were not ready in time

to support Marianas operation as hoped, they are to

contribute materially to subsequent offensive in

SWPA and POA. TF HURRICANE, during period 27

May to date, has suffered about 400 killed, 2,000

wounded, 150 injured in action, and 5 missing, aside

from those removed from action because of sickness. Japanese, during the same period, have lost

about 4,700 killed and 220 captured. 41st Div continues to mop up Biak for some months to come.

21 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, 2 Corps, leaving Pol 1st Armd and Cdn

3d Divs to complete reduction of Falaise–Argentan

Pocket, drives E toward the Seine at Rouen.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 11th Armd

Div, spearheading for corps, bypasses Gacé and

drives on toward Laigle.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 80th Div is relieved of responsibility for its

sector near Argentan by Br 30 Corps. 102d Cav Gp,

which has closed in Sées area, begins rcn NE of Sées

and E of Exmes. VII Corps commits 9th Div in

defensive role in Mortagne area. In XIX Corps area,

2d Armd Div bypasses Verneuil and advances toward Breteuil. 28th Div moves up to clear Verneuil.

30th Div overruns Nonancourt.

In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, while 79th

Div improves and expands bridgehead across the

Seine in Mantes-Gassicourt area, 5th Armd Div continues N toward Louviers. In XX Corps area, 7th

Armd Div drives to Arpajon–Rambouillet area. 5th

Div overruns Etampes. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd

Div captures Sens. 35th Div pushes through Pithiviers.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st

ABTF begins clearing coastal sector around La

Napoule in preparation for drive on Cannes. In

VI Corps area, 30th Inf of 3d Div, assisted by FFI

forces, takes Aix-en-Provence, from which most

Germans have withdrawn. Gen Truscott orders

3d Div to halt on line Le Puy–Rognac until strength

of enemy armor can be determined. 45th Div columns are moving on Avignon, Apt, and Volonne.

TF Butler, turning over roadblocks below Grenoble

to 36th Div, drives W through Die and Crest to the

Rhône Valley, destroying enemy vehicle convoy N

of Livron. 36th Div shuttles to Grenoble corridor

to relieve TF Butler and continues across the Durance toward Grenoble; is ordered to provide reinforcements for TF Butler in Rhône Valley. In Fr

Army B area, 2d Corps continues drive on Toulon

and Marseille. 1st Div takes Hyères, on E approach

to Toulon. Groupe de Commandos takes Mt. Coudon and Linares Group of 3d Algerian Div neutralizes Mt. Caumes, both hilltop fortresses N of Toulon. Bonjour Group, 3d Algerian Div, gets rcn elements to Bandol, on coast W of Toulon, completing investment of Toulon. Chapuis Group, 3d Algerian Div, and elements of 1st Armd Div continue W

on N flank of 2d Corps toward Marseille, reaching

Aubagne.

EASTERN EUROPE—Continuing counteroffensive, Germans regain Tukums, 35 miles E of Riga.

ITALY—AAI: Orders U.S. Fifth Army, which

has been pretending to build up forces in vicinity

of Pisa and Fucecchio, to extend its feigned concentrations, particularly in Florence area, to cover

preparations for main Br Eighth Army push.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 88th Div sends

350th Inf to Leghorn to assist IV Corps. Br 13

Corps prepares for limited operations across the

Arno, since enemy appears to be withdrawing.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues

northward in Adriatic sector, forcing enemy to withdraw behind the Metauro R, night 21–22.

NEW GUINEA—In Wakde-Sarmi area, RCT 20

reverts to 6th Div from attachment to 31st Div.

22 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br I Corps area, Deauville falls to Belgian

Brig, under command of Br 6th A/B Div. 6th A/B

Div is engaging enemy in Pont Evêque area. Br

49th Div crosses the Touques near Pont Evêque. Br

7th Armd Div thrusts beyond the Touques, passing

through S outskirts of Lisieux. 2 Corps, less elements mopping up Falaise–Argentan pocket, reaches

Touques R.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 11th Armd

Div, speeding eastward, reaches Laigle.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, Br 30 Corps units relieve 80th Div, from which

CCL is detached and reverts to Fr 2d Armd Div.

80th and 90th Divs assemble for maintenance and

rehabilitation while awaiting new orders. V Corps,

now entirely out of contact with enemy, is given

mission of freeing Paris. Fr 2d Armd Div is alerted

for the task. 4th Div is transferred to V Corps from

VII Corps. Advance into Paris is to begin at con-

[ 21–22 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 254 ]

clusion of German-FFI armistice on 23d. In XIX

Corps area, 2d Armd Div continues steadily northward, overrunning Breteuil; 28th Div clears Verneuil. 30th Div reaches vicinity of Evreux.

In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div

holds Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead against enemy

counterattack. 5th Armd Div continues N toward

Louviers despite strong opposition between Eure

and Seine Rivers. XX Corps speeds toward Melun

and Montereau, 7th Armd Div approaching Melun

and 5th Div threatening Fontainebleau. In XII

Corps area, 4th Armd Div, continuing E from Sens,

overcomes opposition at Villeneuve. 35th Div

reaches W outskirts of Montargis. In VIII Corps

area, main body of 29th Div is moving W by motor

to Brest.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st

ABTF is reinf by 1st SSF, which is committed in

center to replace Br 2d Para Brig. RCT 517 is given

task of patrolling roads W and S of Larche Pass

and maintaining contact with friendly forces to W.

In VI Corps area, 3d Div improves positions on left

flank of corps. Elements of 157th Inf, 45th Div, and

FFI forces clear Apt; 180th Inf reduces light rearguard opposition in Rognes area; 179th moves toward Grenoble to join 36th Div. 36th Div units take

Grenoble without opposition and reconnoiter beyond there without incident; RCT 141 starts W to

Rhône Valley to back up TF Butler in Montélimar

area and emplaces 2 FA bns near Marsanne to fire

across the Rhône; RCT 142 arrives at Gap. In Fr

Army B area, USS Omaha accepts surrender of

garrison of Porquerolles I., off Giens Peninsula. In

2d Corps area, while 1st Div continues W toward

Toulon along coast against strong resistance, Linares

Group of 3d Algerian Div seizes Mt. Faron, last of

the big hilltop fortresses N of Toulon, and 9th

Colonial Div forces enemy from La Vallette, NE

of Toulon. With reduction of Mt. Faron, a way is

opened into Toulon through Dardennes ravine. On

N flank, Chapuis Group of 3d Algerian Div and

elements of 1st Armd Div invest Marseille.

EASTERN EUROPE—Offensive against Rumania

by troops of Second and Third Ukrainian Fronts is

overwhelming enemy. Iasi falls to forces of Second

Ukrainian Front.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps occupies S bank of the Metauro from S.

Ippolito to the coast. Italian Corps of Liberation,

moving up on left flank, reaches Cagli, SW of S.

Ippolito.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten returns to Ceylon

from London, having presented his views on strategy there.

On Salween front, Japanese remnants around

Sung Shan, during 21 and 22, make futile counterattacks against Chinese.

SWPA—TF TRADEWIND (Morotai force) issues

FO No. 1.

23 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, Br 1 Corps continues to make slow

progress in coastal sector. 2 Corps is heavily engaged in vicinity of Orbec.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, mechanized

patrols reach Bernay. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div

reaches Verneuil–Breteuil area, where it halts while

U.S. XIX Corps moves across its front toward

Elbeuf.

12 Army Group: Attaches XV Corps and its 5th

Armd and 79th Inf Divs to First Army, effective

0600 24th; alters boundary between First and Third

Armies to run along line Chartres–Melun (both

towns to First Army).

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, Fr 2d Armd

Div, reinf by Tr B of 102d Cav Sq, starts toward

Paris along 2 routes to assist FFI forces in taking

the city but is halted in Versailles–Bois de Meudon

area by strongpoints and roadblocks. 4th Div, preceded by 102d Cav Gp (less Tr B) follows Fr armor

along southern route and reaches Arpajon, S of

Paris. In XIX Corps area, one 2d Armd Div column,

bypassing Conches, which 28th Div clears, reaches

Le Neubourg, while another drives toward Elbeuf.

30th Div finds Evreux free of enemy and makes

contact with 5th Armd Div (XV Corps) on right.

In U.S. Third Army’s XV corps area, 79th Div

maintains Seine bridgehead at Mantes-Gassicourt

while 5th Armd Div continues clearing region W

of the Seine. In XX Corps area, 5th Div takes Fontainebleau and continues toward Montereau.

7th Armd Div closes in on Melun. In XII Corps

area, 35th Div overruns Montargis.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, engineers are preparing way for entry of 1st ABTF into

Cannes, which patrols report clear of enemy. 1st

SSF prepares to attack Grasse, important road junction on Route Napoleon (Highway 85). VI Corps

concentrates on intercepting German withdrawal up

Rhône Valley to Lyon, 141st Inf, 36th Div, closes in

the valley and occupies MLR from Drôme R to

Montélimar area; TF Butler is disposed to support

141st Inf and provide flank protection; 2d Bn of

141st, assisted by French Maquis and arty fire of TF

Butler from Condillac Pass, attacks southward toward Montélimar on Highway 7 but fails in the

first of many efforts to take the town. To free additional elements of 36th Div for action in Rhône

Valley, 180th Inf of 45th Div relieves 142d Inf of

defensive positions in N part of E (right) flank of

corps. 179th Inf is attached to 36th Div in Grenoble

area. 3d Div works NW toward the Rhône and finds

[ 23 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 255 ]

Martigues clear. In Fr Army B’s 2 Corps area, 9th

Colonial and 1st Inf Divs break into E part of

Toulon and press forward to center of city. After

battery on Cap de l’Esterel, at E tip of Giens Peninsula, surrenders, Fr troops land on the peninsula and

clear it without opposition. Chapuis Group of 3d

Algerian Div, assisted by Goums and CCI of 1st

Armd Div, breaks into suburbs of Marseille from

E and N. Efforts to induce the garrison to surrender

fail.

RUMANIA—King Michael surrenders Rumania

unconditionally to Soviet forces.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, advance elements of 92d Div—RCT 370—take

over part of zone held by 1st Armd Div.

CBI—War Department notifies Gen Stilwell

that operations to open land route to China must be

limited to construction of 2-way, all-weather road to

Myitkyina and opening trail from there to China.

This decision is made in order to increase manpower

for Pacific offensives but limits tonnage to China

over Ledo Road. Gen Hearn presents message from

President Roosevelt to Chiang Kai-Shek, urging

that Gen Stilwell be put in command of Chinese

forces soon and commenting on conditions proposed

by Chinese. Gen Hearn also informs Gen Chennault

that his proposal to send U.S. supplies to E China

for recapture of Heng-yang is refused.

On Salween front, Japanese commander at

Lungling calls for reinforcements.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 503d Para Inf

begins concentration in Kamiri airdrome area, leaving 3 cos behind to patrol S part of Noemfoor.

24 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, Br I Corps extends right flank to St

Georges-du-Vièvre, on Risle R. In 2 Corps area, Cdn

2d Div seizes Bernay and establishes bridgehead

across Risle R at Nassandres. Contact is made with

U.S. XIX Corps in Elbeuf area.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div is

concentrating near Le Neubourg in preparation for

attack across the Seine at Louviers.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps moves closer to Elbeuf and is interdicting

Seine crossing sites with arty fire. In XV Corps area,

5th Armd Div reaches Houdebouville. In V Corps

area, Fr 2d Armd Div gets a little closer to city

limits of Paris against strong opposition. 102d Cav

Gp units, screening for 4th Div, reach the Seine S

of Paris. Ordered by Gen Bradley to push into Paris

at once, 4th Div, less one RCT, attacks toward the

city from S in conjunction with Fr attacks from SW

One RCT of 4th Div retains mission of securing

crossings of the Seine S of Paris.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps gains bridgeheads across the Seine at Melun and Montereau, 7th

Armd Div establishing former and 5th Div, latter.

In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div drives E

toward Troyes while CCB, to right, reaches St Florentin area and 35th Div moves up to Courtenay;

CCR is moving forward to join rest of 4th Armd

Div.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st

ABTF’s 509th Para Bn, followed by 1st Bn of 551st

Para Inf, advances into Cannes without opposition

and pushes on to Antibes. 1st SSF takes Grasse with

ease; seizes Valbonne and makes contact with

friendly forces from Cannes area. RCT 517, which

has relieved elements of 36th Div in Fayence–Callian

area, advances on left flank of 1st ABTF, taking

St Vallier on Route Napoléon. In VI Corps area,

36th Div establishes MLR along Roubion R

and faces S to prevent enemy movement northward:

141st Inf, on right, defends sector W from Bonlieu;

142d protects left sector of line from Bonlieu to

Pré-Alps. Elements of 111th Engr Bn are disposed in

front of Bonlieu. Forward elements of 3d Div

reach the Rhône at Arles. In Fr Army B’s 2d Corps

area, organized resistance in E part of Toulon comes

to an end, but Germans retain W part and dock

area. Chapuis Group, 3d Algerian Div, pushes well

into Marseille. CC2, 1st Armd Div, relieves U.S.

3d Div at Aix, Gardanne, and Rognac.

EASTERN EUROPE—Kishinev falls to Soviet

frontal and flanking attacks.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 1st Div and Ind 8th Div begin fording the

Arno E of Florence to secure positions on N bank

before main Fifth Army attack starts—there is no

opposition.

Br Eighth Army completes preparations for attack on Gothic Line on 3-corps front. Screened by

Pol 2 Corps on army right flank, Cdn 1 Corps, employing Cdn 1st Div in line, takes over narrow

front just W of Pol 2 Corps. 5 Corps, with 46th

Div and Ind 4th Div in line, moves to W of Cdn 1

Corps on front of about 20 miles. 10 Corps, consisting of Ind 10th Div and mixed brig group, continues to hold left flank of army. Italian Corps of

Liberation, upon relief by 5 Corps, is held in army

reserve.

CBI—On Salween front, Japanese reinforcements start from Mangshih to Lung-ling front.

NEW GUINEA—In Vogelkop area, Gen Sibert

leaves Sansapor-Mar sector to take command of X

Corps, hq of which has recently arrived from U.S.

Brig Gen Charles E. Hurdis takes over Gen Sibert’s

posts as commander of TF TYPHOON and 6th Div.

[ 24 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 256 ]

25 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Br Second

Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div gets into position

to cross the Seine at Louviers. In 30 Corps area, 43d

Div establishes bridgehead across the Seine at

Vernon under cover of arty fire.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps overruns Elbeuf, its objective; makes contact with Br forces to N. In V Corps area, Fr 2d

Armd Div, bypassing resistance in Versailles area,

gets forward elements into Paris from SW at 0700.

4th Div enters from S soon afterward, following Tr

A, 38th Cav, which enters at 0730. FFI forces and

jubilant French civilians assist in methodical clearing of scattered strongpoints within the city. German commander in Paris, Lt Gen Dietrich von

Choltitz, surrenders formally to Brig Gen JacquesPhilippe Leclerc of Fr 2d Armd Div at 1515.

22d Inf, 4th Div, establishes bridgehead across the

Seine S of Paris. V Corps releases 80th and 90th

Divs to Third Army, which assigns them respectively to XII and XX Corps. In VII Corps area,

CCB of 3d Armd Div crosses the Seine below Paris

at Tilly. 1st and 9th Divs are assembling S of Paris.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps launches

strong attack on Brest at 1300 after preparatory

bombardment for an hour. 2d, 8th, and 29th Divs,

on E, N, and W, respectively, batter at strong outer

defenses of the city, making little headway. 29th

Div employs TF Sugar (special 175th Inf force that

consists of 2 cos of 2d Ranger Bn and elements of

86th Cav Rcn Sq as well as 175th Inf units and is

commanded by Lt Col Arthur T. Sheppe of 175th

Inf) on extreme right to clear Le Conquet Peninsula, where formidable Batterie Graf Spee is located.

TF B continues clearing peninsulas S of Brest. XX

Corps defends Seine bridgeheads at Melun and

Montereau. 5th Div crosses Yonne R at Missy. In

XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div overcomes

strong opposition in Troyes.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div drives through Cavaillon, Orgon, and

Avignon without opposition. Germans attack 36th

Div’s line along the Roubion at its weakest point,

Bonlieu, routing the engineers and separating 141st

and 142d Regts. Elements of 143d are moved forward to help plug gap. Efforts of 1st Bn, 141st Inf,

and TF Butler to block Highway 7 in La Coucourde

area fail. 3d Bn of 157th Inf, 45th Div, is attached

to 36th Div and moves to La Coucourde area. Since

141st Inf is under constant pressure and unable to

gain control of hills N and NE of Montélimar, reinforcements are moved to Crest, on the Drôme,

among them 143d Inf ( — ). Arty and aircraft are

helping troops interdict enemy withdrawal up the

Rhône. In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues to

battle enemy at Toulon and Marseille.

EASTERN EUROPE—Tartu, junction of Riga–

Tallinn line, falls to forces of Third Baltic Front.

Rumania declares war on Germany.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, driving up Route 69, which parallels the Arno,

6th Armd Div reaches Route 70 E of Pontassieve.

Br 1st Div and Ind 8th Div deepen bridgehead across

the Arno to left.

Br Eighth Army begins main assault on Gothic

Line from Metauro R line, employing Br 5, Cdn 1,

and Pol 2 Corps, from left to right, night 25–26.

Enemy, taken by surprise, offers only ineffective

opposition.

NE W GUINEA—Gen Krueger declares the

Aitape operation at an end. During this action,

Allied forces have lost about 440 killed,. 2,550

wounded, and 10 missing as against Japanese losses,

by U.S. count, of 8,821 killed and 98 captured.

Japanese 18th Army has paid with 21/3 divs for vain

attacks to regain Aitape area and is no longer a

major threat on New Guinea. On the Vogelkop,

Japanese make their first air attack on region held

by TF TYPHOON.

26 August

N FRANCE—Gen Montgomery directs Cdn First

Army to clear Pas-de-Calais; Br Second Army to

push into Belgium; U.S. First Army to support Br

drive, moving forward on axis Paris–Brussels.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps

prepares to cross the Seine S of Rouen. Patrols of

4th Armd Div cross in evening.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps expands and

strengthens bridgehead at Vernon.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps is relieved by Br forces and releases 30th Div

to XV Corps. XV Corps maintains Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead and mops up. In V Corps area,

while Fr 2d Armd Div mops up scattered opposition

within Paris, 4th Div returns to positions SE of the

city and protects Seine bridgehead and airfields in

the area. In VII Corps area, additional elements of

3d Armd Div cross the Seine and push northward

rapidly.

U.S. Third Army, with gasoline running low, receives a shipment by air. VIII Corps continues to

make slow progress toward Brest against firm opposition. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div thrusts

quickly NE toward Château-Thierry and the Marne.

Nogent-sur-Seine falls to 5th Div. In XII Corps

area, 4th Armd Div mops up Troyes; 35th Div

patrols on right flank.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, air and arty continue to help interdict north-

[ 25–26 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 257 ]

ward withdrawal of enemy. 3d Div continues

steadily northward toward Montélimar overcoming

rear-guard opposition at Orange. 36th Div is unable

to restore line along the Roubion at Bonlieu, and

Germans withdraw additional units through the

gap. TF Butler is ordered to restore block on Highway 7 at La Coucourde. Corps takes direct control

of 757th Inf ( — 3d Bn), 45th Div. 2d Bn of 157th,

moving W to reinforce 36th Div, seizes Allex, N of

the Drôme and E of Livron, blocking lower reaches

of the Drôme. 1st Bn assists in defending Crest. In

Fr Army B’s 2d Corps area, organized resistance

within Toulon comes to an end, but Germans retain

San Mandrier Peninsula S of the city. At Marseille,

further progress is made and fortified heights of

Notre Dame de la Garde, within the city, capitulate.

Forward elements of corps reach the Rhône in

Avignon–Arles area and begin crossing.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third Ukrainian

Front, advancing along the Prut R toward Galati,

reach the Danube. Troops of Second Ukrainian

Front are moving through Focsani–Galati gap.

Bulgaria begins surrender negotiation with Allies.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps consolidates positions N of the Arno. In IV

Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is committed

to line and begins relief of 85th Div, latter reverting

to II Corps.

Br Eighth Army secures bridgeheads across the

Metauro in zones of Br 5, Cdn 1, and Pol 2 Corps

with little difficulty.

27 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, Br 1 Corps elements reach the Seine in

coastal sector. In 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd and

3d Inf Divs begin crossing the Seine between Elbeuf

and Pont de l’Arche and clear Tourlaville.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div

begins crossing the Seine E of Louviers and establishes bridgehead in Muids–Porte-Joie area with ease.

A second crossing site, about a mile upstream, is

found to be strongly defended and is abandoned.

30 Corps continues to expand and strengthen bridgehead at Vernon.

12th Army Group: Allocates priority in supply

to First Army. Supplies are becoming increasingly

short.

In U.S. First Army area, XV Corps attacks with

30th Div on right and 79th on left to enlarge

Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. In V Corps area,

against scattered resistance, Fr 2d Armd Div and

4th Div, former on right, drive NE to outskirts of

Paris, French overcoming strong opposition at Le

Bourget airfield. Generals Eisenhower and Bradley

visit Paris and confer with Gen Charles de Gaulle.

In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div speeds NE toward

Soissons with 4th Cav Gp spearheading and 1st

and 9th Divs following, crossing the Marne in

Mieux area and taking that town.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes

encirclement of Brest. TF Sugar, 29th Div, cuts

main Le Conquet–Recouvrance highway. 83d Div

moves forward to protect S flank along Loire R

W of Orléans. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div

drives NE toward Reims on broad front, followed

by 5th and 80th Divs. Armored forces reach the

Marne at Château-Thierry, secure crossings, and

overrun that town. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th

Armd Div heads from Troyes NE toward Châlonssur-Marne, followed by 80th Div. 35th Div protects

S flank of army from Orléans to Troyes.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, 3d Div, coming up from the S, secures positions

from which to attack Montélimar. 36th Div restores

line along the Roubion. TF Butler reaches Highway 7 at La Coucourde but is unable to block it.

So effective is arty fire, however, that a block is

formed by wrecked enemy vehicles. Aircraft and

arty are taking an increasingly heavy toll of enemy

columns in Montélimar–Livron sector. 45th Div

( — ) is probing toward Lyon from Grenoble; 179th

Inf takes Bourgoin, midway between Grenoble and

Lyon. 180th Inf, holding defensive positions in N

part of right flank of corps in Briançon area, is relieved by Prov .Flank Protection Force, called TF

Bibo, in order to move to Grenoble area. TF Bibo,

commanded by Lt Col Harold S. Bibo and under

Seventh Army control, consists of Tr A of 117th

Cav Rcn Sq; elements of 2d, 3d, and 83d Chemical

Bns; 2 platoons of 180th Inf AT Co; and battery

of 171st FA Bn. In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues to clear environs of Toulon and city of Marseille. At 1745 bombardment of San Mandrier Peninsula, S of Toulon, is halted and Germans agree

to surrender the peninsula, effective on 28th. At

Marseille, Fort St Nicolas surrenders, but scattered

opposition remains. In evening, German command

requests interview to discuss surrender terms.

EASTERN EUROPE—Focsani falls to troops of

Second Ukrainian Front; Galati, third largest city

in Rumania and chief port on the Danube, to those

of Third Ukrainian Front.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army makes steady

progress northward toward main Gothic Line

positions.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, continuing down Mogaung–Mandalay RR corridor, takes

Pinbaw.

NEW GUINEA—1st Bn, 158th Inf, relieves elements of 503d Para Inf remaining in S part of

Noemfoor.

[ 27 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 258 ]

28 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, 2 Corps expands bridgehead toward

Rouen.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps expands its

bridgehead across the Seine. In 30 Corps area, entire

43d Div is across the Seine; bridgehead extends

about 4 miles in width and 3 miles in depth.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XV

Corps continues to improve positions in Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. 2d Armd Div is attached to corps

to pass through 79th Div and spearhead breakout. In

V Corps area, Gen Gerow, in letter to Gen Pierre Joseph Koenig, Military Governor of Paris, turns over

the city to the French. Fr 2d Armd Div and 4th Div

continue attacks NE of Paris. 5th Armd and 28th Inf

Divs are attached to corps. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div pursues disorganized enemy to Soissons.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues

to batter Brest. 29th Div takes direct command of

TF Sugar from 175th Inf; 116th Inf is pushing E

along Le Conquet–Recouvrance highway. CCB, 6

Armd Div, leaves Lorient for Third Army zone. XX

Corps is speedily closing in on Reims. In XII Corps

area, CCA columns, followed by 80th Div, continue

rapidly toward the Marne at Châlons-sur-Marne and

Vitry-le-François.

S FRANCE—U.S. Seventh Army directs that another trap be set for retreating enemy before he

reaches the Belfort Gap. While 2d Corps of Fr

Army B drives N along W bank of the Rhône, VI

Corps is to move N via Lyon, Beaune, and Dijon

to make contact with OVERLORD forces and block

off enemy from the Rhine. FFI and TF Bibo troops

are driven from Briançon by enemy. In VI Corps

area, 3d Div clears rear-guard opposition from

Montélimar, enabling 36th Div to seize hill masses

to N and NE. Corps’ attention shifts to Drôme R

line, where final phase of Montélimar battle is

being fought. 142d Regt, 36th Div, surrounds Livron, blocking Highway 7 N of the Drôme, but

most of German Nineteenth Army has escaped

northward through the Montélimar trap. TF Butler

and 143d Inf isolate Loriol, S of Livron. Withdrawing enemy traffic remains a lucrative target for aircraft and arty. 45th Div’s 180th Inf moves to Grenoble; 179th continues northward toward Lyon. In

Fr Army B’s 2d Corps area, all resistance in Toulon

area comes to an end with surrender of San Mandrier Peninsula to 9th Colonial Div. Germans also

surrender Marseille. 80th German garrison commanders are captured. During the battle for these

important ports, in which FFI forces have given

valuable assistance, 2 German divs have been eliminated. 9th Colonial Div is given temporary mission

of guarding Toulon–Marseille area. Other elements

of 2d Corps continue to cross the Rhône in Avignon–Arles area.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian

Front drive into Transylvania through Oituz Pass

in the Carpathian Mts.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 17th Brig of 8th Ind Div, attacking night 28–

29, takes Tigliano, N of Pontassieve. 6th Armd

Div, securing right flank of corps, gets column

beyond Rufina, on Highway 67.

Br Eighth Army continues to gain ground toward Gothic Line, Pol 2 Corps, on right, reaching

Arzilla R.

29 August

N FRANCE—Gen Eisenhower directs that main

effort be made in N.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps

area, 15th Div has completed crossing of the Seine

and holds loop of river W of Les Andelys. In 30

Corps area, 11th Armd Div, reinf by 8th Armd

Brig, takes the lead, heading toward the Somme at

Amiens and reaching Mainneville area.

12th Army Group: Issues instructions for operations beyond the Seine. Gasoline shortage is acute

and Third Army is given priority on supply by air.

In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps takes over

zone of XV Corps at noon and assumes command

of 2d Armd and 30th and 79th Inf Divs. 2d Armd

Div drives through 79th Div to Magny en Vexin.

30th Div, to right, reaches line Wy-dit-Joli-Village–

Saillancourt. XV Corps reverts to Third Army

control and is held in reserve. V Corps, leaving Fr

2d Armd Div behind in Paris, drives NE with 4th

Div to Mitry Mory–Le Plessis area. 28th Div parades

NE through Paris to its assigned attack position W

of 4th Div. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div, spearheading drive on Laon, crosses Aisne R east of Soissons.

U.S. Third Army orders advance continued to

the Meuse. In VIII Corps area, 2d Rangers of TF

Sugar, 29th Div, take Pointe de Corsen as assault

on Brest continues against unabated resistance. XX

Corps speeds NE to Reims, which 5th Div captures.

In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div overruns

Châlons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-François.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st

ABTF, on Mediterranean coast, begins crossing Var

R. Plans are made at commanders’ conference at

Seventh Army hq for junction of OVERLORD and

DRAGOON forces. In VI Corps’ Rhône Valley sector,

organized resistance at Loriol and Livron, on Highway 7, comes to an end. 36th and 3d Divs are

mopping up enemy rear guards. 3d Div is to assemble at Voiron, NW of Grenoble, upon relief by

French; 36th is to continue N toward Lyon. To

[ 28–29 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 259 ]

right, 45th Div continues to probe northward with

179th and 180th Regts. In Fr Army B area, 2d

Moroccan Div, in process of debarking, is ordered

to extreme right flank of Seventh Army; 3d Algerian Div is to advance to its left; 9th Colonial Div is

to be committed gradually.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third Ukrainian

Front take Constanta, Black Sea port.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 6th Armd Div column reaches Consuma, on

Highway 70.

In Br Eighth Army area, as Pol 2 Corps attempts

to clear Pesaro, on Adriatic coast, Cdn 1 and Br 5

Corps thrust to Foglia R, behind which enemy is

moving reinforcements in effort to stem Br advance.

Ind 10th Div of 10 Corps finds Bibbiena, on Route

71, abandoned by enemy.

CHINA—Japanese 11th Army, consisting of 7

divs, starts S down RR from Heng-yang, threatening U.S. Fourteenth Air Force bases at Kweilin and

Liuchow.

30 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br I Corps area, 51st and 49th Divs, latter

with Royal Netherlands Brig, begin crossing the

Seine. In 2 Corps area, 2d Div crosses into Seine

bridgehead, having cleared W bank of the river. 3d

Div takes Rouen without opposition.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps drives eastward

from bridgehead with 4th Armd Brig spearheading

and 53d Div following. 25-mile advance brings forward elements to Gournay. In 30 Corps area, 11th

Armd Div, which is relieved on right flank by Gds

Armd Div, is ordered to speed on to the Somme at

Amiens and advances through night 30–31.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps, with 2d Armd Div on left, 79th Div in

center, and 30th Div on right, drives rapidly NE

against light resistance. 2d Armd Div makes greatest

gains, reaching positions less than 10 miles from

Beauvais. V Corps continues pursuit of enemy northeastward, passing 28th Div through Fr 2d Armd Div

to advance abreast 4th Div, 5th Armd Div moves

forward to spearhead drive on Compiègne. VII

Corps seizes Laon.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, TF B

finishes clearing Daoulas Peninsula S of Brest. 29th

Div gets elements to crest of Hill 103, commanding

feature in Brest defenses, but enemy retains E slopes.

In XX Corps area 7th Armd Div speeds toward Verdun against scattered resistance. XII Corps drives

eastward toward the Meuse, advance elements of 4th

Armd Div reaching St Dizier area. To left, 80th Div

is moving SE toward Bar-le-Duc. On right flank,

35th Div pushes SE from Troyes. XV Corps hq and

troops are concentrating in Nangis area.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, on

Mediterranean coast, elements of 1st ABTF drive

through Nice to Beaulieu without opposition. In

VI Corps area, battle of Montélimar comes to a close

as 1st Bn of 143d Inf, 36th Div, reaches junction of

Drôme and Rhône Rivers. TF Butler is disbanded.

Next big objective of VI Corps is Lyon, toward

which 36th Div is rapidly moving along E bank of

the Rhône while Fr 2d Corps pushes toward it

along W bank. FFI within Lyon are alerted to assist

Fr and U.S. columns when they arrive at the city.

Advance elements of 45th Div cross Rhône and Ain

Rivers NE of Lyon and establish roadblocks at

Meximieux, Lagnieu, and Ambérieu. 157th Inf reverts to 45th Div and moves northward to join it.

In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues its crossing

of the Rhône in preparation for drive up W bank.

Elements take Nimes and Montpellier. 3d Algerian

Div is moving to Grenoble area to relieve 45th Div

of VI Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Ploesti, center of Rumanian

oil industry, falls to troops of Second Ukrainian

Front.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army begins attack on

main defenses of Gothic Line against stiffening

resistance. While Pol 2 Corps continues attack on

Pesaro in coastal sector, Cdn 1 and Br 5 Corps thrust

across the Foglia.

SWPA—81st Div begins final rehearsals for

Palau operation in Guadalcanal area.

31 August

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army area, Br 1 Corps continues to crosses the Seine

on left flank of army. 2 Corps attacks eastward from

Seine bridgehead with 4th Armd Div on right, 3d

Div in center, and 2d Div on left. 4th Armd Div

drives quickly to Forges and Buchy. 3d Div speeds

along St Saens–Londinières road; 2d Div drives

toward Dieppe via Tôtes.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div takes the lead and, together with 4th Armd

Brig, speeds toward the Somme, reaching Poix–

Aumale line. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div

reaches Amiens and seizes bridge across the Somme

intact. Gds Armd and 50th Inf Divs also reach the

river, former crossing E of Amiens.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 2d Armd Div continues NE on left

flank of corps to positions W of Montdidier, well

ahead of 79th and 30th Divs, which reach area between Beauvais and Creil. V Corps passes 5th

Armd Div through 28th and 4th Divs and continues NE with all three. On left, 28th Div, in conjunction with CCB of 5th Armd Div, closes along

Oise R in Chantilly–Compiègne area and crosses

[ 30–31 AUGUST 1944 ]
[ 260 ]

elements at Pont Ste Maxence. Among towns overrun are Chantilly, Creil, Pont Ste Maxence, Verberie, and Compiègne. CCB establishes bridgehead in

vicinity of Pont Ste Maxence. On V Corps right

flank, CCA drives to the Aisne W of Soissons, passing through 4th Div, which follows to Villers- Cotterêts area. In VII Corps area, while 1st Div

consolidates in Laon and Soissons area, 3d Armd

and 9th Infs Divs continue pursuit NE to general

line Montcornet–Rethel.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps temporarily

suspends operations against Brest and regroups. In

XX Corps area, CCA of 7th Armd Div, followed

closely by 5th Div, establishes bridgehead across the

Meuse at Verdun. 90th Div remains in Reims area.

XX Corps advances then comes to a halt to await

gasoline. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div

reaches the Meuse at Commercy and Pont-sur-Meuse

and establishes bridgehead. 80th Div, following on

left, reaches Bar-le-Duc area.

S FRANCE—Hq, 6th Army Group, arrives.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, patrols of TF Bibo

find Briançon free of enemy. VI Corps speeds up

the Rhône Valley toward Lyon. 45th Div is concentrating in Meximieux area to protect right flank of

corps, prepared to move on Bourg-en-Bresse. 3d Div,

upon relief in Rhône Valley, assembles at Voiron,

pre-pared to assist either 36th or 45th Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian

Front overrun Bucharest, capital of Rumania.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Clark orders U.S. Fifth

Army to follow withdrawing enemy. IV Corps

patrols cross the Arno, night 31 August–1 September, in preparation for crossing in force and confirm

the fact that enemy is withdrawing. Br 13 Corps

also confirms rumors of enemy withdrawal. One

1st Div column pushes through Fiesole to Highway

6521 (Florence–Borgo S. Lorenzo); another takes

M. Muscoli and M. il Pratone with ease.

Br Eighth Army penetrates Gothic Line with

elements of Br 5 and Cdn 1 Corps; Pol 2 Corps continues hard battle for Pesaro.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger declares Noemfoor

operation at an end. TF CYCLONE has suffered

63 killed, 343 wounded, and 3 missing; has killed

about 1,730 Japanese and captured 186. In Vogelkop

area, CG Sixth Army, declares Sansapor operation

terminated. From 30 July to date, TF TYPHOON

has killed about 385 Japanese and Formosans and

captured 215 as against a loss of 14 killed, 35

wounded, and 9 injured.

1 September

U.K.—Br Chiefs of Staff propose airborne and

amphibious assault (coded DRACULA) on Rangoon.

N FRANCE—21 Army Group (Northern Group

of Armies): In Cdn First Army’s Br I Corps area,

49th Div, upon crossing the Seine, turns W toward

Le Havre while 51st drives toward St Valery-enCaux. In 2 Corps area, 2d Div takes Dieppe, and

port is opened within a week. 3d Div thrusts to Le

Trèport. 4th Armd and Pol 1st Armd Divs are

driving quickly toward the Somme, former in the

lead.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div crosses the Somme near Airaines. 53d Div,

echeloned to left rear, protects left flank of corps.

30 Corps drives rapidly NE with 11th Armd and Gds

Armd Divs spearheading 11th Armd reaches St Pol–

Arras road and Gds Armd bypasses Arras. 50th Div

is following up.

12th Army Group (Central Group of Armies):

Passes to direct command of SHAEF from command of Gen Montgomery.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 2d Armd

Div, followed closely by infantry, reaches positions

NW of Cambrai. V Corps speeds toward St Quentin. 4th Div, motorized and reinf by CCA of 5th

Armd Div, takes the lead, thrusting to vicinity of

Chauny. Other elements of corps improve positions

at and near Compiègne, where bridge construction

is in progress. VII Corps swerves from NE to N.

CCB of 3d Armd Div drives quickly through Vervins to La Capelle; to right, CCA, in conjunction

with 9th Div, reaches Etreaupont–Aubenton area.

1st Div, on corps left flank, reaches Voyenne.

U.S. Third Army is practically immobilized by

acute shortage of gasoline. Enforced lull permits

enemy to build up behind the West Wall. In XX

Corps area, CCR of 7th Armd Div advances to

Etain along Verdun–Metz highway. 3d Cav Gp,

using captured gasoline, patrols eastward toward the

Moselle. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div

expands Commercy bridgehead over the Meuse,

and 80th Div crosses into it. CCB crosses the Meuse

S of Commercy. 35th Div protects S flank of army.

VIII Corps continues preparations for renewing

all-out assault on Brest when ammunition is more

plentiful; makes slight gains in limited attack in

conjunction with aerial bombardment. Aircraft,

warships, and arty pound Ile de Cézembre, off St

Malo, in preparation for amphibious assault by 83d

Div force.

S FRANCE—(Southern Group of Armies): In

U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps is rapidly closing

in on Lyon. 36th Div gets forward elements to

heights commanding the city. 3d Div is moving forward behind 45th Div. 45th Div, leaving 179th Inf

to defend Meximieux, moves up E bank of the Ain

without opposition. In determined attacks supported

by tanks and SP guns, Germans isolate 179th Inf

within Meximieux at great cost; FFI forces are sent

[ 1 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 261 ]

to help 179th. In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues toward Lyon in region W of the Rhône, overrunning Serrières and Firminy.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps begins pursuit of enemy across the Arno. 1st

Armd Div, spearheading, crosses CCA and CCB,

which push toward M. Pisano and Altopascio, respectively. On coastal flank, TF 45 finishes clearing

its zone S of the Arno and crosses 100th (Nisei) Bn

over the river to E of Pisa. S African 6th Armd Div,

with task of taking M. Albano, begins to cross the

Arno W of Empoli during afternoon. In II Corps

area, 88th Div, holding narrow zone along the Arno

assigned to II Corps with RCT 442 ( — ), also

crosses the Arno in pursuit of enemy. Br 13 Corps

turns Florence over to Italians.

In Br Eighth Army area, Br 5 Corps and Cdn 1

Corps penetrate main defenses of the Gothic Line

on M. Gridolfo and Tomba di Pesaro, commanding

Foglia I valley. Pol 2 Corps, employing elements of

3d Carpathian Div, crosses the Foglia for drive eastward toward the coast, but is held up by enemy on E

slopes of Pozzo Alto.

BALKANS—Allied successes on other fronts, particularly those of Red Army, force German Army

Group F to begin withdrawing from Greece and

islands of Ionian and Aegean Seas. Main withdrawal

route, rail line through Skoplje and Belgrade in

Yugoslavia, is so effectively hit by U.S. Fifteenth Air

Force during first half of September that air withdrawal is begun from fields in Athens area. All 3

fields are left unserviceable by Fifteenth Air Force

attacks during latter half of month.

NEW GUINEA—RCT 123 of 33d Div, untried

in combat, arrives at Maffin Bay from E New Guinea

to protect 31st Div as it stages for invasion of

Morotai I.

2 September

N FRANCE-BELGIUM—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 1 Corps area, 49th Div continues

along Le Havre Peninsula toward the port, reaching

enemy outposts. 51st Div takes St Valery-en-Caux.

In 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div reaches the

Somme E of Abbeville and Pol 1st Armd Div is

rapidly approaching the river W of Abbeville.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div drives NE from the Somme to positions beyond

St Pol. 30 Corps continues northward so rapidly that

planned drop of airborne forces in Tournai area is

not necessary. Gds Armd Div reaches Tournai. 11th

Armd Div drives to Lille area.

12th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, at a commanders’ conference, outlines plans for Third Army

and V Corps of First Army to drive to West Wall

(Siegfried Line) after supply situation improves.

In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps gets advance

elements into Belgium and drives toward Tournai.

V Corps releases Fr 2d Armd Div, in Paris area,

to First Army reserve. Corps continues steadily NE,

overrunning Noyon and St Quentin, until ordered

to halt on general line Landrecies–Le Cateau–Cambrai. VII Corps pursues enemy into Belgium, crossing border near Maubeuge and Hirson. 3d Armd

Div drives to vicinity of Mons. 9th Div, to right,

swings NE to positions near Charleroi. 1st Div

moves forward to left rear of armor.

U.S. Third Army is immobilized for lack of fuel.

VIII Corps continues to batter outer defenses of

Brest. 2d Div takes Hill 105, dominating E approach

to the city. 8th Div is battling for Hill 80 and 29th

Div for Hill 103. Elements of 83d Div invade Ile

de Cézembre, which surrenders. In XX Corps area,

while 3d Cav Gp reconnoiters to the Moselle, 7th

Armd Div feints to N from Verdun to confuse

enemy, halting short of Sedan when fuel runs out.

In XII Corps area, 80th Div ( — ) relieves CCA of

4th Armd Div in Commercy bridgehead; 319th Inf

crosses the Meuse to N at St Mihiel. 2d Cav Gp

patrols to the Moselle. CCB, 6th Armd Div, relieves

35th Div of task of protecting S flank between Orléans and Auxerre.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st

ABTF regains contact with enemy and clears strongpoint at La Turbia. Prov Flank Protection Force

(TF Bibo) is relieved by 2d Mor Div in Briançon

area. French are to protect right flank of U.S.

Seventh Army and maintain contact with 1st ABTF

to S. In VI Corps area, 36th Div halts just E and

SE of Lyon to permit Fr 2d Corps to take the city,

which patrol reports largely clear. 179th Inf, 45th

Div, restores positions at Meximieux. In Fr Army

B area, Lt Gen Aim de Goislard de Monsabert

takes command of 2d Corps, consisting of 1st Armd

and 1st Inf Divs.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45, whose 100th (Nisei) Bn patrols to the

Serchio I, crosses additional elements over the

Arno and clears N part of Pisa. CCA, 1st Armd

Div, clears most of M. Pisano. Elements of S African 6th Armd Div gain slopes of M. Albano. In

II Corps area, patrols of RCT 442, 88th Div, make

contact with elements of Br 1st Div, 13 Corps, at

Sesto. Later, 88th Div relieves 442d Inf for shipment to France with 349th Inf and is reinf by attachment of 91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinf. Br 13 Corps meets

firm opposition N of Florence on hills Morello,

Senario, Calvana, and Giovi.

In Br Eighth Army area, enemy withdrawal in

front of 46th Div of 5 Corps, Cdn 1 Corps, and

Pol 2 Corps permits these units to advance rapidly.

Cdn 1 Corps, with Cdn 1st Div directed along Route

16 and Cdn 5th Armd Div on an inland route,

[ 2 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 262 ]

speeds toward Rimini, forward elements reaching

Conca I and establishing bridgehead. Pol 2 Corps

finds Pesaro undefended and extends positions in

coastal sector to Castel di Mezzo. Corps is now

pinched out by rapid advance of Canadians.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wilson, Supreme Allied

Commander, Mediterranean, names Lt Gen R. M.

Scobie Commander of Land Forces, Greece. His hq,

the reconstituted Br 3 Corps hq in Middle East, is

designated Force 140 and contains 2d Para Brig

from Italy, 23d Armd Brig from Egypt, and certain

Greek forces, such as local police. Eventually Force

140 is augmented by Greek Sacred Regt and Greek

Mtn Brig, latter coming from Italy. Naval and air

forces are allotted to Force 140, former commanded

by Rear Adm J. M. Mansfield and latter by Air

Commodore G. Harcourt-Smith. Gen Scobie is to

secure Athens area and maintain law and order in

preparation for return of Greek Government. Brig

Gen Percy L. Sadler, USA, will act as deputy commander of combined hq of AMLG (Allied Military

Liaison Headquarters, Greece) to handle relief and

rehabilitation matters.

NEW GUINEA—In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen

Krueger declares operation terminated. Brig Gen

Donald J. Myers relieves Gen Persons as commander

of TF TORNADO. On Noemfoor, a second 7,000-

foot runway is completed at Kornasoren airdrome.

In Vogelkop area, first plane, a C–47, lands at

Mar airdome.

3 September

N FRANCE-BELGIUM—21 Army Group: Gen

Montgomery orders Br Second Army to drive

speedily to the Rhine and secure crossing; Cdn First

Army to continue to clear coastal region.

In Cdn First Army area, Br 1 Corps closely invests Le Havre, moving 51st Div from St Valery to

positions on right of 49th Div. Preparations are

begun for all-out assault on the elaborate fortifications of the city and port. In 2 Corps area, 4th Armd

Div establishes bridgehead across the Somme in

Pont Remy area, E of Abbeville, and halts there

temporarily. Pol 1st Armd Div, coming up on left,

crosses the river W of Abbeville.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div, directed on Ghent, continues NE to Lillers, on

Bethune–Aire road. 30 Corps, pressing quickly NE,

crosses French-Belgian border. On left, 11th Armd

Div, advancing on Antwerp, reaches positions E of

Alost despite opposition in Lille–Tournai area. Gds

Armd Div drives into Brussels and blocks exits from

the city.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps remains generally S of Tournai, containing

pocket SW of Mons on W. V Corps is ordered to

new zone on right flank of First Army, where it is

to face E and advance as quickly as possible to the

Meuse. In VII Corps area, Mons (Belgium) falls

to 3d Armd Div. 1st Div exerts pressure against

large body of disorganized enemy pocketed in

Mons–Bavai–Forêt de Mormal area.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 7th Armd

Div columns feinting toward Sedan are recalled, returning on 4th after getting enough gasoline to do

so. Airfield near Reims is sufficiently repaired by this

time to receive cargo planes.

S FRANCE—U.S. Seventh Army, with capture

of Lyon by Fr forces, completes original mission.

Permission is granted for VI Corps to continue pursuit to Belfort Gap via Lons–Le Saunier–Besançon

route. 2d Corps of Fr Army B is to advance up NW

bank of the Saône on axis Dijon–Epinal. In VI

Corps area, 36th Div continues northward toward

Macon. 117th Cav Rcn Sq, spearheading advance to

right, reaches Bourg-en-Bresse and Montrevel but

is strongly attacked by Germans fleeing from Meximieux and suffers and inflicts heavy losses. 3d Div

is moving forward in center of corps. In Fr Army

B area, 2d Corps, driving NW on left flank of army

to make contact with OVERLORD forces, seizes Villefranche, N of Lyon.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, 46th Div secures small bridgehead across

Conca R in Morciano region. Cdn 1 Corps continues to pursue enemy northward, 5th Armd Div

clearing Misano.

NEW GUINEA—Plans for invasion of Morotai I.

are now ready. In Vogelkop area, Mar airdrome

for bombers is completed on schedule.

4 September

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower directs 21

Army Group and U.S. First Army toward the Ruhr

and U.S. Third Army toward the Saar. Hitler reinstates Rundstedt as Commander in Chief West

(OB West).

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps

area, while 4th Armd Div maintains positions astride the Somme in Pont Remy sector, Pol 1st Armd

Div continues NE toward St Omer. 3d Div, moving up from vicinity of Rouen, joins in advance

along Pas de Calais coast.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div, swinging E to bypass enemy in Bethune–Lille

region, continues toward Ghent, leaving 53d Div

and 4th Armd Brig to mop up. In 30 Corps area,

11th Armd Div drives into Antwerp and clears

city except for N suburbs and dock area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX

Corps continues elimination of Mons pocket in conjunction with 1st Div of VII Corps; releases 79th

Div to Third Army. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd

[ 3–4 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 263 ]

and 9th Inf Divs continue E to the Meuse in Namur– Dinant area. V Corps begins assembly in new

zone on right flank of army, moving through rear

area of VII Corps. 4th Div continues mopping up

in old zone.

In U.S. Third Army area, XII Corps opens attack to outflank Nancy. On N flank, 317th Inf of

80th Div begins rcn in force of Moselle N of Nancy,

reaching the river at Pont a Mousson and locating

crossing sites; 318th (less battalion attached to CCA

of 4th Armd Div) moves toward Marbache; 319th,

on 80th Div S flank, fords the Moselle at Toul and

establishes bridgehead on E bank.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, Fr

Army B forces protecting right flank of army reconnoiter to outskirts of Briançon. In VI Corps area,

45th Div takes Bourg-en-Bresse, having overcome

resistance below the town. Corps then loses contact

with enemy as it continues northward toward Besançon, strongly fortified city on Doubs I.

EASTERN EUROPE—Hostilities between Finland

and the USSR cease under truce agreement.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues final

orders for attack on Gothic Line. II Corps, after

clearing hills Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi,

is to breach Gothic Line at 11 Giogo Pass, rather

than at Futa Pass as planned previously, and continue to Firenzuola. Br 13 Corps is to attack along 2

routes: Dicomano–Forlì and Borgo S. Lorenzo–

Faenza. In IV Corps area, CCA of 1st Armd Div

thrusts to edge of Lucca. CCB overcomes delaying

opposition at Altopascio road center. II Corps, which

is to make main effort through zone now held by

Br 13 Corps, takes over S part of its new sector and

under cover of darkness begins movement into attack positions.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, advancing

along Arezzo–Cesena road (Highway 71), is in

contact with outer defenses of Gothic Line. In 5

Corps area, 46th Div expands Conca bridgehead

against strong resistance in S. Clemente area. 1st

Armd Div moves forward to exploit possible breakthrough by 46th Div and begins bitter struggle for

S end of S. Savino–Coriano ridge. Cdn 1 Corps

drives forward along coast, meeting heavy fire from

Coriano ridge on left. Pol 2 Corps begins moving

into army reserve.

CBI—Gen Hurley and Donald Nelson arrive

in India after brief stopover in Moscow.

11 Army Group: Gen Slim, commander Br

Fourteenth Army, tells 15 Corps commander that his

corps will contain enemy on Arakan front while 4

and 33 Corps conduct strong offensive across the

Chindwin, beginning in December. In 33 Corps

area, E African 11th Div, which has taken over pursuit of enemy from Ind 23d Div at Tamu, takes

Sittaung without opposition; elements are moving

S down Kabaw Valley toward Kalemyo.

SWPA—Elements of TF TRADEWIND at Aitape,

New Guinea, conduct rehearsals for Morotai operation (INTERLUDE). Aitape and Maffin Bay are the

two principal staging areas for TF TRADEWIND.

U.S. Eighth Army hq arrives at Hollandia, New

Guinea.

POA—First elements of Allied convoy, with III

Amphib Corps (Marine) assault force embarked;

starts from the Solomons for the Palau Is.., Caroline

Is..

5 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3d Div, moving along

coast, bypasses Boulogne and reaches Calais area.

Enemy is prepared to defend both ports. On right

flank of corps, Pol 1st Armd Div continues toward

St Omer.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div captures Ghent, but enemy continues to hold

out in N outskirts for some days. 30 Corps consolidates and reorganizes in preparation for continuing assault.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army becomes

operational, taking command of troops and zone of

VIII Corps, Third Army, on Brittany Peninsula.

29th Div occupies La Trinité, which enemy has

vacated.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, rcn elements of 2d Armd Div and 113th Cav Gp push deep

into Belgium to general line Brussels–Gembloux.

In VII Corps area, while 1st Div continues mopping

up Mons pocket, taking numerous prisoners, 9th

Div secures crossings of the Meuse N and S of Dinant. 3d Armd Div prepares to press on to

Liége. V Corps continues assembly on right flank

of army and attacks E. 5th Armd Div secures crossings over the Meuse near Sedan, CCA at Bazeilles

and CCR at Mohon. 28th Div is moving up behind

armor. 102d Cav Gp screens assembly of 4th Div

NW of Mézières.

In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton orders XII

Corps to cross the Moselle, secure Nancy, and be

prepared to continue to Mannheim and the Rhine.

In XII Corps area, on N flank of 80th Div, 317th

Inf makes futile attempts to force the Moselle at Pagnysur-Moselle and in the Blenod–Pont à Mousson area

after daybreak; trying again night of 5–6 at Vandieres, Pont à Mousson, and Blenod, succeeds in getting 3d Bn ( — ) across at Pont à Mousson. 318th

Inf attacks toward Hill 326, which commands Marbache. 319th expands Toul bridgehead to include

Fort de Gondreville but is unable to reduce Fort

de Villey-le-Sec. XV Corps, consisting at this time

of corps hq and troops and awaiting additional

[ 5 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 264 ]

forces, receives mission of protecting S flank of

army in sector to right of XII Corps.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI

Corps reaches positions near Besançon. 36th Div is

SW of the city, 3d Div due S, and 45th Div to NE.

USSR—Declares war on Bulgaria.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area,

CCA of 1st Armd Div takes Lucca. S African

6th Armd Div gets forward elements to Monsummano and clears part of M. Albano. II Corps continues to move assault units forward, night 5–6. At

the same time, Germans pull back from positions

N of Florence.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1

Corps are held up by firm opposition on S. Savino–

Coriano ridge. To left rear, in 5 Corps zone, 56th

Div is staunchly opposed in Croce–Gemmano region

and Ind 4th Div in Pian di Castello area.

6 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 2d Div, which has moved

up behind assault forces, passes through 3d Div in

Calais area. 4th Armd Div is advancing toward

Ghent–Bruges canal. Pol 1st Armd Div crosses canal

at St Omer.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 113th Cav Gp and 2d Armd Div reconnoiter eastward to general line Tirlemont–Namur.

In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div advances E from

Namur astride the Meuse and occupies Huy. 9th

Div expands and strengthens its Meuse bridgeheads

against determined resistance. 1st Div, leaving 16th

Inf behind to complete mop up of Mons pocket,

starts eastward. In V Corps area, 4th Inf and 5th

Armd Divs move forward from the Meuse, 4th on

left reaching Bièvre and 5th Armd overrunning

Sedan.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 7th Armd

Div opens corps attack to force the Moselle. Four

combat rcn columns start toward the river at 0300

to search for crossing site, screen for main assault,

and strengthen 3d Cav Gp; these soon encounter

strong enemy outposts. Main body of 7th Armd Div

attacks at 1400, with CCA and CCB leading and

CCR following CCB: on N, CCA is brought to a

halt at Ste Marie-aux-Chênes; CCB is held up near

Rezonville and Gorze but gets elements to canal

between Noveant and Arnaville. 90th Div completes

its crossing of the Meuse and assembles near Etain.

In XII Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div abandons

efforts to cross the Moselle on N flank of div after

enemy overruns 3d Bn’s bridgehead; 318th Inf seizes

Hill 326, overlooking Marbache, and attacks at W

edge of Fort de l’Avant Garde; 319th is still unable

to take Fort de Villey-le-Sec. 2d Cav Gp inflicts

heavy losses on retreating enemy column while making its way toward Madon I line.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, Fr 2d

Corps takes Châlon-sur-Saône. VI Corps, preparing

to cross the Doubs at Dole, Besançon, and Baumeles-Dames, is meeting delaying opposition. Elements

of 3d Div overrun Fort Fontain, night 6–7, opening

way to outer defenses of Besançon. Fr 1st Corps

becomes operational under command of Gen Emile

Béthouart with mission of continuing toward Besançon–Belfort area on right flank of army. Corps

consists of 3d Algerian Div, 9th Colonial Div, and

2d Moroccan Div. The last is to move up gradually. Corps seizes Pierrefontaine, Maîche, and St

Hippolyte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces reach RumanianYugoslav frontier at Turnu-Severin, on the Danube

at the Iron Gate. Other Red Army troops take

Ostroleka (Poland).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps

for the next few days confines its activities to regrouping, patrolling, and making limited advances

as enemy withdraws. 1st Armd Div withdraws 11th

and 14th Armd Inf Bns to reserve for possible employment with II Corps. II Corps takes command

of rest of its new sector and temporarily of 1st Div

and elements of Ind 8th Div (Br 13 Corps) within

its zone. 88th Div is relieved by 34th Div and S

African 6th Armd DIV.

In Br Eighth Army area, while preparations are

being made for all-out assault on S. Savino–Coriano feature, Cdn 1 Corps gets patrols to Marano I.

CBI—Gen Hurley and Donald Nelson arrive at

Chungking.

On Salween front, Japanese commander of Sung

Shan forces dies.

SWPA—Elements of TF TRADEWIND at Maffin

Bay conduct rehearsals for Morotai operation on

New Guinea mainland E of Wakde I. On Noemfoor,

Gen MacNider takes command of TF CYCLONE and

RCT 158.

CAROLINE Is.—Planes from fast carriers of U.S.

Third Fleet, beginning 3-day strike against the

Palaus in preparation for invasion, find targets

scarce as result of earlier aerial attacks by land-based

planes of SWPA. During the 3-day operations, 1,470

sorties are flown; targets are also bombarded by

cruisers and DD’s accompanying the carriers.

7 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 12 Corps relieves elements of

30 Corps in Antwerp and Alost, freeing them for

advance to NE. 30 Corps begins drive toward

Meuse–Escaut Canal. Gds Armd Div advances NE

from Louvain to Diest and searches for crossing sites

[ 6–7 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 265 ]

along Albert Canal, finding bridges down 11th

Armd Div searches in vain for crossings over canals

N of Antwerp.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 113th Cav Gp, leading eastward movement toward Holland, reaches Albert Canal near

Hasselt. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div drives

forward to Liége. 9th Div mops up Dinant and continues E. 1st Div, having completed mop up of

Mons pocket, is assembling in rear area. In V Corps

area, 5th Armd Div, now immobilized by lack of

gasoline, is passed through by 28th Div, which

drives some 15 miles E of Sedan. 4th Div continues

E on N flank of corps toward St Hubert.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of

7th Armd Div, after overcoming opposition at Ste

Marie-aux-Chênes and St Privat, continues to the

Moselle at Mondelange, N of Metz, and starts S toward Hauconcourt; CCB is forced to withdraw elements on canal between Noveant and Arnaville because of heavy fire, but gets other elements to the

river in Dornot area, where they are under fire from

both sides of the river; CCR starts forward to join

in battle, but is ordered to halt until passed through

by 5th Div, 5th Div begins attack toward Metz:

RCT 2 is stopped by organized resistance in Amanvillers–Verneville area; RCT 11 reaches heights W

of the Moselle in Dornot area. 90th Div starts toward

Thionville, with 359th Inf echeloned to left rear in

order to protect exposed left flank of corps; 358th

advances along Landres–Fontoy axis to heights W

of Trieux; 357th is halted at outskirts of Briey. 3d

Cav Gp is ordered to provide flank protection for

corps. In XII Corps area, 318th Inf of 80th Div, after

taking Hill 356, which commands Marbache, outposts the town during night 7–8; 319th pushes up to

moat of Fort de Villey-le-Sec but is driven back. 2d

Cav Gp reaches Madon R, where bridge is held

intact.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, Besançon falls to 3d Div, 45th Div crosses the

Doubs in Baume-les-Dames area. 36th attempts unsuccessfully to cross SW of Besançon; elements cross

in 3d Div sector at Avanne. Fr 1st Corps occupies

Briançon.

BULGARIA—Declares war on Germany.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps

completes preparations for attack, but enemy withdrawal during night 7–8 to Gothic Line itself from

delaying positions on hills N and NE of Florence

(Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi) makes first

phase of the assault unnecessary.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps is reinf by

Br 4th Div, Greek 3d Mtn Brig, and Br 25th Tank

Brig.

CBI—Gen Hurley, Donald Nelson; and Gen

Stilwell talk in Chungking with Chiang Kai-shek,

who reiterates his willingness to let Stilwell control

all Ch troops in the field but asks for new Ch SOS

staffed by Americans.

On Salween front, mop-up of Sung Shan position

is completed. Battle for this Burma Road strongpoint

has cost Chinese 7,675 dead, most of them from Ch

8th Army, and virtually destroyed all of the

estimated 2,000 Japanese on and around the position.

SWPA—Gen Eichelberger, I Corps CG, takes

command of U.S. Eighth Army.

8 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 2d Div invests Dunkerque.

4th Armd Div reaches outskirts of Bruges. Pol

armor reaches Thielt; elements enter Dixmude.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd

Div crosses Albert Canal at Beeringen. 50th Div

establishes small bridgehead over canal SW of

Gheel. Both crossings meet lively opposition.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

VIII Corps begins all-out assault on Brest at 1000

after preparatory bombardment, employing 2d, 8th,

and 29th Divs.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 113th Cav

Gp drives almost to Maastricht (Holland) and patrols Albert Canal. 2d Armd Div reaches positions

in Hasselt–St Trond area. 30th Div is moving up

to attack on right flank of corps. In VII Corps area,

3d Armd Div, which is reinf by 47th Inf of 9th Div,

mops up in Liége; 9th Div continues E on S flank

of corps and 1st Div displaces to Huy–Faimes area

on N flank. V Corps, with 4th Div on N and 28th

on S, meets stronger rear-guard opposition as it

continues E to positions generally between Jemelle

and Margut. Corps FO 26 calls for capture of

Koblenz, beyond West Wall.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, German

106th Pz Brig, having moved forward between

359th and 358th Regts of 80th Div from Aumetz,

counterattacks 80th Div CP between Landres and

Mairy early in morning, but becomes disorganized

and is virtually destroyed. In this action Germans

lose 30 tanks, 60 half-tracks, and almost 100 other

vehicles. On S flank of div, enemy force pocketed in

Briey capitulates. CCA ( — ), 7th Armd Div, disposed along the Moselle S of Talange, is containing

enemy in N part of his Metz bridgehead with exchanges of fire. Because of diverging attacks of corps

units, Gen Walker attaches 2d Inf of 5th Div to

7th Armd Div and CCB of 7th Armd Div to 5th

Div, although missions remain unchanged. 2d Inf

continues to batter at outer fortifications of Metz

against determined opposition, taking Verneville

and reaching edge of Amanvillers. 5th Div gains

[ 8 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 266 ]

precarious foothold on E bank of the Moselle E of

Dornot. 4 cos of 11th Inf and elements of 23d Armd

Inf Bn, 7th Armd Div, the latter under command

of 5th Div, cross under heavy fire and are pinned

down in shallow bridgehead. Efforts of 11th Inf to

push on to Fort Blaise are futile and costly. In XII

Corps area, Germans begin series of counterattacks

against 80th Div, recovering Marbache. In XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div joins corps and takes

over sector between Montargis and the Marne, 79th

Div is assembling in Joinville area.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, on

Mediterranean coast, elements of 1st ABTF take

Menton and drive to Italian border. In Fr 2d Corps

area, 1st Armd Div reaches Beaune, on road to

Dijon. 1st Inf Div outflanks and captures Autun.

In VI Corps area, 141st Inf of 36th Div follows 143d

across the Doubs at Avanne; cuts highways W and

NW from Besançon. Germans are beginning to

withdraw from Baume-les-Dames area to avoid

encirclement.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, patrol of 435th AAA Bn, TF 45, crosses the

Serchio and enters Vecchiano without opposition.

Bridging is begun there at once. 1st Armd and S

African 6th Armd Divs continue to patrol actively

in effort to divert enemy attention, advancing positions slightly. Flooded Arno prevents S African

6th Armd Div from crossing reinforcements. Br

13 Corps follows up as enemy withdraws, 1st Div

occupying M. Morello and M. Senario and Ind 8th

Div, M. Calvana and M. Giovi. 6th Armd Div protects right flank.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen Alexander visits

army front, where he decides that operations toward

Rimini cannot be continued until S. Savino–Coriano ridge is cleared; orders attack against center of

Gothic Line by U.S. Fifth Army. In 5 Corps area,

56th Div intensifies efforts to take Gemmano ridge

in preparation for main assault on S. Savino–Coriano ridge but makes slow progress.

CBI—Gen Hurley assumes his new duties as

Presidential representative to Chiang Kai-shek.

Gen Stilwell, although not anxious to command

the Chinese Army, agrees to War Department proposal that CBI Theater be split and that he be

relieved of responsibility for lend-lease matters in

order to concentrate on support of Pacific operations

from China. Chiang Kai-shek proposes to Gen Stilwell that Ch troops from Myitkyina be employed in

battle for Lung-ling.

On Salween front, Japanese, having assembled

strong reinforcements, begin attack on Ch positions

N of Lung-ling.

In China, Japanese forces pushing S from Hengyang overrun Ling-ling, from which U.S. Fourteenth Air Force has withdrawn. Fourteenth Air

Force bases at Kweilin and Liuchow are threatened

from the S too, since elements of Japanese 23d Army

(2 divs and an independent mixed brig) are driving

N from Canton.

U.S.—JCS issue directive to CINCSWPA and

CINCPOA for invasion of the Philippines.

9 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Allied patrols moving

along coast enter Ostend and Nieuport. 4th Armd

Div troops cross Ghent–Bruges Canal SE of

Bruges against strong opposition.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd

Div, reinf by Royal Netherlands group, extends

bridgehead at Beeringen against sharp opposition.

50th Div is slowly expanding Gheel bridgehead.

11th Armd Div moves forward on right flank of

corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 113th Cav Gp enters Holland panhandle near Maastricht. Rest of corps is getting into

position for offensive, 30th Div assembling near

Tongres. In VII Corps area, 1st Div crosses the

Meuse at Liége and pushes E on N flank of corps.

3d Armd Div ( — ) heads for Verviers; CCB and

attached elements of 9th Div thrust to Limbourg.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, forward

elements of 80th Div drive NE to vicinity of Fontoy

and Neufchef, the latter being within 8 miles of

Thionville. 2d Inf of 5th Div, assisted by TF from

CCA, 7th Armd Div, continues to attack W of Metz

without making appreciable headway. 5th Div maintains its small Dornot bridgehead against repeated

counterattacks but is unable to expand or reinforce

it. In XII Corps area, corps commander orders attack on S flank to begin on 11th. Germans continue

to counterattack 80th Div positions.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, Fr 2d

Corps continues toward Dijon, elements reaching

positions about halfway between Beaune and Dijon.

In VI Corps area, 45th Div overcomes opposition

at Baume and drives on toward Villersexel road

junction. 3d and 36th Divs cross Ognon I. In Fr 1st

Corps area, Séez falls to FFI forces. This is an

important communications center just SW of Little

St Bernard Pass.

USSR—Accepts Bulgaria’s request for an armistice and breaks off hostilities.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Gen

Clark orders II and Br 13 Corps to attack on 10th to

breach Gothic Line. Boundary between the two

corps is altered to give Highway 6521 to 13 Corps.

Troops move northward, following up enemy withdrawal. In II Corps area, 34th Div, with 91st Cav

Rcn Sq under command, takes up positions W of

[ 9 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 267 ]

Highway 65 and 91st assembles E of the highway.

91st Cav Rcn Sq patrols as far N as M. Maggiore

without incident. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div,

having accomplished its mission of screening for II

Corps, shifts eastward.

Br Eighth Army issues instructions for major

effort by 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps to take S.

Savino–Coriano ridge. Greek 3d Mtn Brig is committed along coast under command of Cdn 1st Div,

Cdn 1 Corps.

NE W GUINEA—Work on Kamiri airfield,

Noemfoor, is completed.

10 September

WESTERN EUROPE—Conferring with his commanders in Brussels, Gen Eisenhower decides to

defer operations to open the port of Antwerp until

after Operation MARKET-GARDEN to secure a Rhine

bridgehead. Patrol contact is made between forces

of OVERLORD and DRAGOON.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, Br 1

Corps, after very strong aerial bombardment during

which almost 5,000 tons of bombs are dropped, and

after naval softening of defenses, launches all-out

assault on Le Havre at 1745 with 49th and 51st Divs,

penetrating enemy defenses.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, enemy disposed along Albert Canal continues to offer stiff

opposition to forces holding bridgeheads across it,

but Gds Armd Div reaches Meuse–Escaut Canal

near Overpelt and establishes bridgehead.

12th Army Group: Gen Bradley orders First

Army to break through West Wall and secure crossings over the Rhine in vicinity of Koblenz, Bonn,

and Cologne; Third Army to secure crossings of

the Rhine at Mannheim. Offensive is scheduled to

open on 14th.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps closes up

to Brest proper and finishes clearing Le Conquet

Peninsula. 94th Div begins arriving in corps zone to

relieve 6th Armd Div ( — CCB) for action with

Third Army. 83d Div is detached from corps and

starts E toward Third Army front.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div,

advancing NE with little difficulty, finds Fort Eben

Emael undefended. 113th Cav Gp crosses the Meuse

at Liége and drives N. VII Corps speeds toward

German frontier against rear-guard opposition, 1st

Div reaching Battice and 3d Armd moving through

Verviers. In V Corps area, 4th Div reaches general

line Regne–Bastogne. 28th, in rapid strides, overruns Bastogne, Longvilly, Wiltz, Selange, and

Arlon. CCA, 5th Armd Div, takes city of Luxembourg with ease and probes eastward toward Germany; CCR drives to within about 8 miles of

German border.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

progresses toward Thionville against delaying opposition. 359th Inf takes Aumetz, 357th seizes Hayange, and 358th overruns Algrange. 2d Inf, 5th Div,

assisted by elements of CCA, 7th Armd Div, continues almost fruitless attacks against German line

W of Metz. 10th Inf, 5th Div, begins crossing the

Moselle between Noveant and Arnaville about 0200

under smoke screen, the first to be used by Third

Army on large scale, taking enemy by surprise. Hills 386 and 370 and Bois de Gaumont are

cleared. Enemy rallies and begins strong counterattacks from Arry, which XIX TAC helps to stem.

From this time on, XIX TAC is to divert some of

its planes from primary targets at Brest to assist

Third Army as it fights for Moselle crossings. Since

the hard-pressed bridgehead forces E of Dornot are

by now completely exhausted and greatly reduced in

strength, they are withdrawn, night 10–11. Engineers begin difficult task of bridging the Moselle

under fire after nightfall. In XII Corps area, 80th

Div’s 319th Inf occupies Fort de Villey-le-Sec when

enemy withdraws toward Nancy. 35th Div moves

up to the Moselle in Flavigny area in preparation for

assault across it with 134th Inf on left and 137th on

right. 2d Bn, 134th, seizes bridge intact and crosses,

but enemy destroys bridge before TD’s can follow

and sharply counterattacks the isolated infantrymen,

some of whom escape to W bank by swimming or

wading. XV Corps makes patrol contact with

DRAGOON patrol at Sombernon. 79th Div completes

concentration in Joinville area. 106th Cav Gp is moving through it to screen advance.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, Fr 2d

Corps reaches Dijon and makes patrol contact with

OVERLORD forces. In VI Corps area, 36th and 3d

Divs are moving against Vesoul. 45th Div, to right,

is driving on Villersexel.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 gets additional elements across the

Serchio at Vecchiano. CCA, 1st Armd Div, crosses

elements over the river in order to clear both sides

within its sector; 6th Armd Inf Bn takes Villa

Basilica. S African 6th Armd Div crosses additional

forces over the Arno, using bridges at Florence. II

Corps opens drive toward Gothic Line at 0530 with

2 divs abreast. 34th makes steady progress on left,

forward elements getting beyond M. Maggiore. 91st

Div drives to the Sieve and fords it during night

10–11. Br 13 Corps attacks toward Gothic Line with

3 divs, making main effort on left in support of U.S.

II Corps. 1st Div drives up Highway 6521 to the

Sieve and secures bridgehead W of Berge, San

Lorenzo. Ind 8th Div, handicapped by lack of roads

in center of corps zone, holds current positions in

M. Calvana-M. Giovi area with 2 brigs while an-

[ 10 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 268 ]

other patrols across the Sieve at Vicchio. On E flank,

6th Armd Div takes Dicomano, on Highway 67.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps commits 46th

Div to assist 56th in battle for Gemmano ridge,

where Germans continue to resist stubbornly. In

Cdn 1 Corps area, NZ 2d Div is attached to corps.

PALAU Is.—U.S. Third Fleet’s Task Group 38.4

(fast carriers), having recently bombarded targets in

Bonins, Volcanos, Yap, and Ulithi, arrives off

the Palaus and begins 2-day strike against AA positions and beach defenses at Peleliu and Angaur in

preparation for invasion.

11 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 1 Corps, pushing into Le

Havre, gains heights commanding harbor. In 2

Corps area, elements of 2d Div reach Zeebrugge.

Coast of Pas de Calais, except for Boulogne, Calais,

and Dunkerque, is now clear of enemy; the ports

mentioned are being contained. Pol 1st Armd Div,

which has met strong opposition at Ghent Canal, is

moving to Ghent to relieve 7th Armd Div of 12

Corps.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd

Div strengthens bridgehead over Meuse–Escaut

Canal and patrols across Dutch border to Valkenswaard. 50th Div maintains Gheel bridgehead against

considerable opposition.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V

and VII Corps are ordered to reconnoiter in force to

test border defenses of West Wall and if possible to

make limited penetration. XIX Corps get northern

prong of pincers to be clamped about enemy’s Albert

Canal line into action when rcn elements of 2d

Armd Div cross British-held bridge at Beeringen

and turn SE into XIX Corps zone N of Hasselt.

By the time the southern prong, 113th Cav, has

reached positions S of Vise, 30th Div has already

started crossing, having discovered weak spot; 120th

Inf occupies Lanaye (Holland) and seizes locks

near there intact. In VII Corps area, 1st Div assembles forward elements at Aubel and Henri Chapelle.

3d Armd Div secures Eupen. 9th Div, in reserve,

is assembled near Verviers. 4th Cav Gp screens

right flank. In V Corps area, dismounted patrol of

85th Rcn Sq, 5th Armd Div, is the first Allied unit

to cross into Germany, moving over frontier at

1805 and reconnoitering uneventfully to vicinity

of Stalzenburg. 28th Div (less RCT 112, attached

to 5th Armd Div) assembles W of Our R and during night 11–12 secures bridge intact.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf,

90th Div, clears heights W of Thionville in Volkrange area and emerges upon plain overlooking the

town; 357th takes Florange and reaches the Moselle

at several points S of Thionville. CCR, 7th Armd

Div, joins 2d Inf, 5th Div, in attacks W of Metz:

2d Inf continues frontal assault after undergoing

series of counterattacks that gain some ground and

necessitate bitter fighting in effort to straighten lines

S of Amanvillers; CCR, from Roncourt area, attempts without much success to get behind enemy

holding up 2d Inf. 5th Div reinforces Arnaville

bridgehead with 3d Bn, 11th Inf, and expands it

toward Corny and Arry against severe counterattacks. XIX TAC assists with strikes on Arry and

Corny. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div

prepares to cross the Moselle; engineers attempt to

construct bridge near Pagny-sur-Moselle, night

11–12, but lack equipment. After preparatory bombardment, during which deceptive site is hit, 2d and

3d Bns of 137th Inf, 35th Div, force the Moselle at

Crevechamps, SE of Flavigny, but are pinned down

by enemy fire; 1st Bn crosses near Neuviller-surMoselle, to S, late in day and pushes to Lorey. Meanwhile, one column of CCB, 4th Armd Div, crosses

at Bainville-aux-Miroirs and another near Bayon

against considerable resistance; bypassing Bayon, left

column seizes hills overlooking Brémoncourt and

during night 11–12 makes contact with 137th Inf;

rest of CCB and 2d Bn of 320th Inf cross at Bayon

after engineers put in bridge. Enemy force of 2 cos

crosses to W bank of the Moselle and attacks fort

held by elements of 134th Inf near Pont St Vincent,

breaching walls, but arrival of reinforcements and

well-placed arty fire eliminate this threat. 80th Div

is ordered to start crossing the Moselle N of Nancy

on 12th. To divert enemy attention from proposed

crossing site, air strike is made on Pont à Mousson

area. XV Corps opens offensive to close up to the

Moselle between Epinal and Charmes while continuing to defend S flank of army. With 121st Cav

Sq of 106th Cav Gp screening its advance, 79th Div

moves forward by motor and on foot, 314th Inf

leading: 314th Inf reaches vicinity of Charmes too

late in day to attack the town; 313th drives quickly

toward Mirecourt; 315th reaches positions near Neufchâteau. Fr 2d Armd Div screens S flank of army

and moves CCL eastward, bypassing Andelot, to vicinity of Vittel.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s Fr 2d

Corps area, 1st Armd Div is driving on Langres.

Infantry maintains defensive line. In VI Corps area,

36th and 3d Divs are investing Vesoul, where enemy is expected to make a stand in order to hold

this last escape route to Belfort. 45th Div continues

drive on Villersexel, clearing Rougemont. 36th Div

makes contact with Fr 2d Corps at Pont-sur-Saône.

FRANTIC—U.S. Eighth Air Force begins the

last of its shuttle-bombing missions. 75 B–17’s and

64 P–51’s attack armament plant at Chemnitz, Germany, and proceed to FRANTIC bases in USSR.

[ 11 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 269 ]

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army continues drive

toward Gothic Line assisted by air attacks on passes

through the mountains. In IV Corps area, on

Ligurian coast, patrols of TF 45 reach outskirts of

Viareggio. S African 6th Armd Div drives N with

3 regts, gaining ground steadily and taking Pistoia

without opposition. In II Corps area, 168th Inf, on

right flank of 34th Div, drives toward M. Frassino,

Gothic Line outpost, pushing through Cavallina and

Barberino. 91st Div, advancing along Highways 65

and 6524, approaches M. Calvi and M. Altuzzo, the

latter dominating Il Giogo Pass on E.

SWPA—Elements of TF TRADEWIND from

Aitape rendezvous with Maffin Bay group at Maffin

Bay.

12 September

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Second Quebec

Conference (OCTAGON) opens.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 1 Corps area, German garrison of

Le Havre surrenders. About 12,000 prisoners are

taken. In 2 Corps area, Pol 1st Armd Div, after relieving 7th Armd Div of 12 Corps at Ghent, pushes

forward to Lokeren and St Nicolas. 4th Armd Div

finishes clearing Bruges area and reaches Leopold

Canal.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps, as relieved by

Cdn First Army, is moving into area Gheel–Diest–

Malines Antwerp.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 30th Div, whose 117th Regt has joined

119th E of the canal and river S of Vise, drives N

and NE, with 113th Cav Gp advancing NE to its

right. 2d Armd Div rcn bn clears bridge site along

N bank of Albert Canal and bridge is completed

there at midnight. CCA begins crossing at once.

VII Corps conducts rcn in force to West Wall. 1st

Div thrusts at Aachen Municipal Forest, S of

Aachen, where it repels counterattack. One 3d Armd

Div column, driving NE from Eupen, stops for

night on edge of Eynattener Wald, within about

1,000 yards of West Wall; another column probes

E from Eupen, some elements reaching West Wall

at Schmidthof and others reaching Roetgen, just

short of West Wall. Gen Collins decides to bypass

Aachen, isolating it in conjunction with XIX Corps,

and drive toward Stolberg corridor. V Corps begins

limited attacks toward West Wall. While 102d Cav

Gp protects N flank and maintains contact with

VII Corps, 4th Div advances toward St Vith against

light resistance. Elements of 109th Inf, 28th Div,

cross bridge over the Our and take Sevenig; elements of Moth cross German frontier to reach positions W of Grosskampenberg, on Kesfeld–Uttfeld

route, coming up against West Wall.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

eliminates all resistance W of the Moselle in Thionville area and clears Thionville W of the river except

for approach to main bridge there. Germans destroy

the bridge. 2d Inf, 5th Div, continues bitter fighting

to improve positions and straighten lines S of Amanvillers. Arnaville bridgehead perimeter holds against

co-ordinated German counterattack. At noon engineers finish bridging the Moselle, thus per-mitting

tanks and TD’s from CCB of 7th Armd Div to cross

into bridgehead. In XII Corps area, 80th Div’s 317th

Inf attacks across the Moselle in Dieulouard area

early in morning and finds E bank lightly held; 318th

( — ) follows just before noon. Weapons and vehicles

start across later in day. With little difficulty the

bridgehead is expanded to include Ste Geneviève,

Loisy, Bezaumont, and La Côte

Pelée. 137th Inf, 35th Div, and CCB, 4th Armd

Div, strengthen and expand Lorey bridgehead S of

Nancy. In XV Corps area, elements of 106th Cav

Gp cross the Moselle N of Charmes without opposition. 79th Div’s 314th Inf clears Charmes, and

after dark 1st Bn fords the Moselle at Charmes;

313th clashes with enemy near Poussay; 315th converges on Neufchâteau, where enemy garrison is

trapped. Fr 2d Armd Div’s CCL takes Vittel and

CCV clears Andelot. Germans move from Epinal

in 2 columns in preparation for counterattack to free

encircled forces in Vittel area.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s Fr 2d Corps

area, armored forces reach outskirts of Langres.

In VI Corps area, 45th Div repels counterattack near

Villersexel. 36th and 3d Divs continue clearing

Vesoul area.

RUMANIA—Signs armistice, drawn up in Moscow, with Allies, agreeing to co-operate in war

against Germany and Hungary and to pay reparations. Boundary between USSR and Rumania is to

be that established by Soviet-Rumanian agreement

of 28 June 1940. USSR promises to return Transylvania to Rumania.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, S African 6th Armd Div continues to gain

ground on right flank of corps as enemy falls back

to prepared positions of Gothic Line. In II Corps

area, rapid advance comes to an end as outer defenses

of Gothic Line are reached. 34th Div is delayed on

left by mine field SW of M. Frassino but on right

gains lower slopes of the mountain; 135th Inf relieves 168th, on div right. 91st Div ambitiously tries

to take M. Calvi and hills (Monticelli and Altuzzo)

commanding II Giogo Pass, but can get no farther

than enemy outposts. In support of corps, medium

bombers strike at Firenzuola. In Br 13 Corps area,

1st Div comes up against outer positions of Gothic

Line. 21st Brig, Ind 8th Div, crosses the Sieve and

drives quickly northward toward M. Citerna. 6th

[ 12 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 270 ]

Armd Div is delayed on right flank of corps so that

Ind 8th Div can have the right of way on Highway

67.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps

begin second battle for S. Savino–Coriano ridge at

2300, arty fire preceding and closely supporting

assault.

CBI—Gen Stilwell suggests to Chiang Kai-shek

that replacements be sent for Ch forces on Salween

front, who thus far have received none, instead of

using Chinese from Myitkyina.

SWPA—TF TRADEWIND convoy begins uneventful voyage toward Morotai.

P.I.—Carrier TF 38 begins 3-day strike against

targets in central Philippines, meeting surprisingly

weak opposition from Leyte.

PALAUS—Western Fire Support Group of Adm

Fort’s Western Attack Force (TF 32) arrives off the

Palaus and begins naval bombardment in preparation for landings, covered by Task Group 38.4 and

escort-carrier force, which make aerial attacks. Mine

sweeping and clearance of underwater obstacles offshore also begins.

13 September

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower directs

capture of two objectives: the Ruhr and a deepwater port, either Antwerp or Rotterdam.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps

area, Cdn 4th Armd Div crosses light force over

Canal de Derivation and Leopold Canal NE of

Bruges, night 13–14.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div

takes over Gheel bridgehead, relieving 50th Div of

30 Corps, and presses on to Meuse–Escaut Canal,

crossing it after nightfall. 53d Div is expanding holdings in dock area of Antwerp.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII

Corps area, German garrison of Brest refuses request

to surrender although the garrison is being steadily

compressed on all sides. W of Recouvrance, Fort

Keranroux falls to 175th Inf, 29th Div. 8th Div has

been pinched out, and 29th and 2d Divs hold area

around Brest. As 94th Div continues gradual relief

of 6th Armd Div, CCA is released from task of containing Lorient.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of

2d Armd Div drives E toward the Maas (Meuse),

on N flank of corps, forcing enemy back several

miles. 119th and most of 117th Regts of 30th Div

drive toward De Geul R, between Aachen and Maastricht; a bn of 117th enters Wijk, suburb of Maastricht, but finds bridges leading to island of Maastricht down. VII Corps penetrates outer defenses of

West Wall at 2 points: CCB, 3d Armd Div, breaches

fortifications between Roetgen and Rott; CCA, assisted by bn of 26th Inf, 1st Div, pushes through AT

obstacles to village of Nutheim, which commands

road to Kornelimuenster, and into Stol-berg corridor. To left, 16th Inf of 1st Div withstands small

counterattacks in Aachen Municipal Forest and gets

into position for assault on West Wall near Ober

Forstbach. 1st Div is largely engaged in containing

role at Aachen. 9th Div, to secure S flank, occupies

Camp d’Elsenborn with elements of 60th Inf. In V

Corps area, forward elements of 4th Div assemble

near the Schnee Eifel at Radscheid and Bleialf. 28th

Div, employing a bn each of 109th

and 110th Regts, attacks West Wall: 109th attempts

to reach heights W of Roscheid but is unable to get

as far as Irsen Creek; 110th advances through

Grosskampenberg without opposition but is halted

about half way between there and German line.

5th Armd Div, reinf by RCT tie of 28th Div, continues to protect S flank and fires on Wallendorf

area.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div,

planning to cross the Moselle in Thionville area, is

ordered to extend southward to relieve forces still

bitterly opposed W and N of Metz. Arnaville

bridgehead forces are holding on despite critical

shortage of arty ammunition and heavy fire from

Fort Driant that destroys ferrying raft, damages

treadway at the ford, and destroys ponton bridge

under construction. CCB, 7th Armd Div, crosses

into the bridgehead and attacks toward Mardigny

but is soon stopped by fire from Arry. In XII Corps

area, enemy has decided to abandon Nancy in order

to mass forces with which to overwhelm Dieulouard bridgehead; begins determined counterattacks against the bridgehead at 0100 with forces

already on hand, overrunning Ste Geneviève, Loisy,

and Bezaumont before being stopped just short of

American-held bridges. Counterattack of 80th Div,

assisted by CCA, 4th Armd Div, which crosses into

bridgehead during the action, restores original

bridgehead perimeter, enemy having no immediate

reserves to commit in exploitation; CCA pushes

through Ste Geneviève and then rapidly E toward

Château-Salins, reaching Fresnes-en-Saulnois. From

Lorey bridgehead S of Nancy, 35th Div, committing 320th Inf ( — ) with 137th, and CCB, 4th Armd

Div, speed toward the Meurthe, which CCB reaches

by pushing through gap in retreating enemy forces.

In XV Corps area, 1st Bn of 314th Inf, 79th Div,

maintains its bridgehead opposite Charmes, which

elements of 106th Cav Gp are screening; 313th Inf

breaks into Poussay; 315th completes capture of

Neufchâteau. CCL, Fr 2d Armd Div, discovers enemy columns preparing to drive on Vittel—one at

Dompaire and the other near Ville-sur-Illon; engages them and with assistance of XIX TAC decisively defeats them, destroying 60 tanks. This is an

[ 13 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 271 ]

outstanding example of effective air-ground coordination. CCD overruns Chaumont.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s Fr 2d

Corps area, Langres falls to 1st Armd Div. In VI

Corps area, Germans surrender Vesoul, on last enemy escape route to Belfort in U.S. zone. 45th Div

overruns Villersexel. Corps takes more than 1,300

prisoners during day.

FRANTIC—On return trip to Italy from Soviet

bases, Eighth Air Force planes attack steel works at

Diosgyoer, Hungary. FRANTIC bases in USSR are

now well behind front line and shuttle bombing is

discontinued.

POLAND—Soviet planes begin dropping supplies

to beleaguered Warsaw. Lomza, key position between East Prussia and Warsaw, falls to troops of

Second White Russian Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 1st Armd Div, ordered to be prepared to move

all but one combat command to II Corps zone on

48 hours’ notice, can do no more than patrol aggressively within its broad Serchio Valley sector. S African 6th Armd Div, making main effort of corps in

support of II Corps to right, continues full-scale attack on hills N of Prato and takes M. Acuto. II Corps

begins general assault to force II Giogo Pass and

thus gain entrance to Po Valley. 85th Div’s 338th

Inf, attempting to attack through 363d Inf of 91st

Div and make main effort against M. Altuzzo, is

unable to locate 363d and comes to a halt well short

of objective under stiff opposition; to right, 339th

Inf attempts in vain to take M. Veruca; to left, 363d

Inf concentrates on M. Monticelli but is unable to

reach crest. 362d Inf begins drive toward Futa Pass.

In a supporting role on left flank of corps, 34th Div

batters at Torricella Hill, below M. Coroncina, and

M. Frassino. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div begins

attack on heights flanking Highway 6521 (Poggio

Prefetto and M. Guivigiana), where enemy is firmly

established. Ind 8th Div takes M. Veruca and thrusts

almost to top of Alpe di Vitigliano. 6th Armd Div

patrols actively on right flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1

Corps gain firm hold on S. Savino–Coriano ridge,

1st Armd Div of 5 Corps taking S. Savino and Cdn

5th Armd Div of Cdn 1 Corps, Coriano and N spur

of the ridge.

CBI—Gen Hurley drafts U.S. proposals for appointment of Gen Stilwell to post of Field Commander of the Ground and Air Forces of the Republic of China and directive for Chiang Kai-shek

to Gen Stilwell. The Generalissimo receives them on

or before 16 September. Gen Stilwell, after receiving

emissaries from the Chinese Communists, leaves

for Kweilin to inspect E China positions.

SWPA—TF TRADEWIND convoy is joined by

Covering Force and escort carriers as it continues

toward Morotai by a circuitous route in order to

maintain secrecy.

14 September

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—CCS, meeting

at Quebec in OCTAGON Conference, draw up new

directive for Adm Mountbatten, making his primary mission the recapture of Burma as quickly as

possible. DRACULA (assault on Rangoon) and that

part of CAPITAL requiring air and land route to

China be opened are approved with target date of

15 March 1945.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Gen

Montgomery issues orders for next phase of offensive, to begin on 17th, calling for Br Second Army

to secure crossings of the Rhine and Meuse Rivers

in preparation for major drive on the Ruhr and for

Canadians to open port of Antwerp and seize

Boulogne and Calais. Offensive operations are virtually at a standstill while supplies are being brought

forward and units regrouped.

12th Army Group Area: XXIX TAC (Prov) is

activated under command of Brig Gen Richard E.

Nugent to provide direct assistance to U.S. Ninth

Army, whose movement to main battle front will

begin upon fall of Brest. The new command is attached temporarily to IX TAC.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of

2d Armd Div reaches the Maas and crosses canal to

Maastricht island late in day as Germans are withdrawing. Earlier, elements of 117th Inf, 30th Div,

cross to Maastricht island and find the town undefended; some elements of 119th Inf cross the De

Geul a mile N of Gulpen without opposition, but

others crossing at Valkenburg under enemy fire are

just able to maintain a foothold on E bank. 30th

Div then halts temporarily, maintaining its De Geul

bridgeheads while bridges are being built and adjacent forces come abreast. In VII Corps area, TF

Lovelady (Lt Col William B. Lovelady) of CCB, 3d

Armd Div, thrusts to Vicht R SW of Stolberg and

crosses; engineers begin bridging the river. CCA

gains 4 miles, reaching outskirts of Eilendorf, a

suburb of Aachen, where it halts to await 16th Inf,

1st Div, which is moving up on left flank. On right

flank of armor, 9th Div commits 47th Inf, which

moves elements E into Roetgen Forest to envelop

towns of Zweifall and Vicht while rest works N

along Vicht R. 60th Inf force turns over Camp

d’Elsepborn to 4th Cav Gp and drives N across German border, seizing Kalterherberg and trying in

vain to take Hoefen–Alzen ridge in order to attack

the West Wall in Lammersdorf corridor. To

strengthen assault on the ridge, rest of 60th Inf is

ordered SE from Eupen through the Hertogenwald

to Monschau from which to attack the ridge in

[ 14 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 272 ]

conjunction with forces from Kalterherberg. 39th

Inf drives SE from Roetgen to Lammersdorf, then

attacks N against strong portion of Scharnhorst Line

but is pinned down. In V Corps area, 4th Div penetrates West Wall in the Schnee Eifel: 12th Inf cuts

Schnee Eifel highway and drives NE along it, taking

Hill 698; 22d reaches crest of Schnee Eifel ridge and

gets one bn on E slopes overlooking Hontheim.

28th Div begins major attacks in effort to breach

West Wall in its sector: 109th Inf makes futile efforts to reach Roscheid; 110th, to N, attacks toward

Kesfeld and sends column through Heckhuscheid

and SE to take Hill 553, enemy strongpoint on Heckhuscheid–Uttfeld highway, but can clear

neither objective. On S flank of corps, CCR, 5th

Armd Div, begins to cross the Sauer into Germany

at Wallendorf, clearing that town and bluffs beyond.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps regroups in

order to place greater weight on S flank. 43d Cav

Rcn Sq, assisted by team from 12th Army Group

hq whose function it is to make a show of strength,

is given responsibility for left flank of corps. 90th

Div, leaving containing force at Thionville, shifts S,

relieving elements of 7th Armd Div and 5th Inf

Div W and N of Metz for action to S. Planned attack to expand Arnaville bridgehead is postponed

because of deep mud that makes movement of armor

almost impossible. XII Corps completes envelopment

of Nancy and is seriously threatening Lunéville. In

local counterattacks against 80th Div’s Dieulouard

bridgehead, Germans gain Ste Geneviève and Loisy.

80th Div then recovers lost ground and expands

bridgehead: 3d Bn of 318th Inf takes Atton and

continues N to crest of Mousson Hill; 317th Inf

thrusts eastward to Mt. Toulon, which enemy retains, on left and reaches Falaise Hill, S of Landremont, where enemy force moving N from Nancy is

dispersed, on right. CCA, 4th Armd Div, ordered to

bypass Château-Salins, races to Arracourt–Moncourt

area to block enemy movement from E and cut

escape routes from Nancy. SE of Nancy, 35th Div

gains positions astride the Meurthe with forward

elements within 6 miles of Nancy. From the Meurthe, CCB of 4th Armd Div drives through

Forêt de Vitrimont to Marne–Rhine Canal near

Dombasle, cutting main road W of Lunéville. 2d

Cav Gp, upon crossing the Meurthe SE of Lunéville, cuts approaches from this direction. With

junction of patrols of CCA and CCB near the canal

late at night, envelopment of Nancy is complete. In

XV Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div makes contact with

patrol of Fr 1st Armd Div, Seventh Army, near Clefmont. CCB, 6th Armd Div, is released to Third

Army with mission of protecting S flank W of

Troyes, relieving Fr 2d Armd Div of this task. 79th

Div is ordered, except for the bn on E bank, to remain W of the river until further notice. 313th Inf

mops up Poussay and takes Mirecourt on Neufchâteau–Epinal road; 315th drives enemy rear

guards from Châtenois, SE of Neufchâteau, to Ramecourt, where elements of 313th destroy them during night. Fr 2d Armd Div clashes with retreating

enemy near Hennecourt.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s Fr 2d Corps

area, Gen de Lattre directs corps to turn E and advance to left of 1st Corps; 1st Inf Div is to relieve

U.S. 45th Div. In VI Corps area, 36th Div pushes

from Vesoul toward Luxeuil while 3d drives on Lure.

45th Div is virtually halted along line l’Islesur-Doubs–Villersexel.

POLAND—First White Russian Front troops, assisted by Polish forces, take Praga, suburb of Warsaw, but Germans are prepared for a stand along

line of the Narew and Vistula Rivers.

YUGOSLAVIA—Br detachment with 25-pounders

lands on Peljesac Peninsula and shells Trpanj, enemy

withdrawal point.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps

continues to hammer Gothic Line defenses of Il

Giogo Pass but is unable to break through. 338th

Inf, 85th Div, makes costly efforts to take M. Altuzzo, elements temporarily gaining hold on ridge to

W of main Altuzzo ridge, later known as Peabody

Peak (Capt Maurice E. Peabody, Jr., Co B commander). Enemy retains M. Veruca despite efforts

of 339th Inf to clear it. 91st Div’s 363d Inf is again

halted short of enemy’s MLR on Monticelli; reserve

regt, 361st, is committed through left flank of 363d

in effort to outflank enemy; 362d Inf takes M. Calvi.

In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div continues attacks on

Prefetto Hill. Ind 8th Div gains crest of Alpe di

Vitigliano.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps begins period

of regrouping in order to release units to other sectors. 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps consolidate positions

on S. Savino–Coriano ridge and push on to the

Marano, which Cdn 1st Div of 1 Corps begins

crossing.

CBI—In Kweilin, Gen Stilwell learns of Chiang

Kai-shek’s order for 3 Ch divs to be kept inside

Kweilin to defend the city and prepares to ask for

a more aggressive defense.

On Salween front, Chinese complete capture of

Teng-chung, which was entered on 4 August. Since

Teng-chung is lost and Chinese are vigorously resisting in Lung-ling, Japanese decide to halt their

counteroffensive on Salween front.

15 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 4th Cdn Armd Div establishes bridgehead across Canal de Derivation

near Balgerhoek.

[ 15 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 273 ]

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII

Corps area, 2d and 29th Divs continue to make slow

progress at Brest. 8th Div launches attack to clear

Crozon Peninsula.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2d

Armd Div crosses newly constructed bridge over

the Albert S of Maastricht and finds that CCA has

finished mopping up Maastricht island. CCB TF

establishes small bridgehead across the De Geul

NW of Meerssen under fire. In VII Corps area, 1st

Div, less 16th Inf, has almost encircled Aachen;

16th Inf reaches Eilendorf and, fanning out from

there, clears surrounding heights although enemy

retains high ground near Verlautenheide village.

With its left flank secured by 1st Div, 3d Armd Div

heads E toward Eschweiler, battling second defense

belt of West Wall, called Schill Line: CCA meets

strong AT opposition near Geisberg Hill, an enemy

strongpoint, and loses 6 tanks; with assistance of bn

of 16th Inf, clears most of the West Wall fortifications in this area. TF Lovelady of CCB crosses the

Vicht upon completion of bridge and with little

difficulty achieves complete breakthrough of West

Wall fortifications; driving through Mausbach toward Eschweiler, the force is stopped and pulls

back to Mausbach with heavy losses in armor. TF

Mills (Maj Herbert N. Mills), former TF King, of

CCB, advances to vicinity of Stolberg but falls back

behind TF Lovelady upon meeting tank-infantry

force. 47th Inf, 9th Div, pushes through second band

of West Wall defenses; 60th Inf attacks Hoefen–

Alzen ridge from two directions, making no progress from Kalterherberg, but getting foothold on it

N of Hoefen with elements that have driven

through Monschau; 39th Inf battles strong Scharnhorst Line positions near Lammersdorf without

making much headway. In V Corps area, 8th Inf

goes into action on N flank of 4th Div but is unable

to advance; 12th drives NE along Schnee Eifel highway, taking strongpoint at crossroads 655; dangerous gap exists between it and 22d Inf; 22d, ordered

to take Brandscheid before continuing main drive,

undergoes enemy counterattack near Hontheim and

does not advance. 28th Div’s 110th Inf, assisted by

engineers who blow up roadblock, succeeds in taking key hill (Hill 553) near Kesfeld; 109th falls

back a little under enemy attack and for the next

two days tries in vain to drive through Roscheid.

CCR, 5th Armd Div, drives through West Wall and

to edge of Bettingen; attached bn of 112th Inf clears

Biesdorf and moves on to Stockigt to protect SE

flank.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

begins attacks on German fortifications W of Metz,

employing 357th Inf on left and 359th on right:

1st Bn, 357th, works forward to position from which

to attack Kellermann works (called Fort Amanvillers by Americans) from N while 2d Bn, 359th,

attacks toward Jeanne d’Arc forts, gaining some

200 yards. CCB, 7th Armd Div, and 10th Inf, 5th

Div, CCB on right, expand Arnaville bridgehead

in preparation for northward drive on Metz; Arry,

Hill 396 NE of Arry, Lorry, Mardigny, and Vittonville are cleared. After this action, CCB halts until

relieved by 2d Inf of 5th Div and reverts to parent

div. Other elements of 7th Armd Div are concentrating in Arnaville bridgehead. In XII Corps area,

TF Sebree (Gen Sebree, 35th Div ADC), consisting of troops from 134th Regt of 35th Div and 319th

Regt of 80th Div, moves into Nancy from Toul

without opposition. Germans, having assembled

strong reinforcements, begin determined counterattack against Dieulouard bridgehead just before

dawn after intense bombardment, recovering Atton

and Ste Geneviève and thereby isolating Americans

on Mousson Hill. Both sides suffer heavily during

day’s fighting. Advance elements of 317th Inf, 80th

Div, are withdrawn from Mt. Toulon to strengthen

bridgehead, and CCA, 4th Armd Div, is ordered

to release 1st Bn, 318th Inf, for this purpose also.

35th Div and CCB, 4th Armd Div, reach positions

on or across Marne–Rhine Canal SE of Nancy:

enemy fire prevents 137th Inf from crossing the

Meurthe at St Nicolas du Port, but 320th crosses

Rhine–Marne Canal in Dombasle–Sommerviller

area; CCB forces the canal at Crevic and Maixe,

against strong opposition at latter. Elements of CCA,

4th Armd Div, are sent forward to attack enemy

rear in Maixe area. XV Corps is mopping up W of

the Moselle. 1st Bn of 314th Inf, 79th Div, maintains bridgehead E of the river opposite Charmes.

Elements of CCB, Fr 2d Armd Div, cross at Châtel,

night 15–16.

6th Army Group: Becomes operational at 0001

and assumes control of the AFHQ forces that are

in France. At same time, operational control of 6th

Army Group and its elements passes from AFHQ

to SHAEF, a move previously agreed upon between

Gen Eisenhower and Gen Wilson. Fr Army B

acquires autonomy and is on a par with U.S. Seventh Army. Fr Army B regroups during next few

days for drive eastward.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 occupies Viareggio. RCT 6, Brazilian

Expeditionary Force (BEF), under command of

Brig Gen Euclydes Zenobia da Costa, enters line,

relieving 434th AAA Bn of 5-mile zone between

coastal plain and Serchio valley. These are the first

Brazilians to fight on European soil and the first

echelon of Brazilian 1st Inf Div to arrive, the rest

of the div coming later. S African 6th Armd Div

continues battle for hills N of Prato, taking M.

Moscoso. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div

gains ground on main Altuzzo ridge, as grinding

[ 15 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 274 ]

battle continues, but is unable to break through to

summit. 339th, to right, is still held up by strong

opposition on M. Veruca. To left of 85th Div, 91st

Div’s 363d and 361st Regts cannot gain crest of M.

Monticelli; continuing toward Futa Pass, 362d Inf

makes limited progress up Highway 65 to positions

near Montecarelli. 34th Div is still stalled near

Torricella Hill on left but on right takes M. Frassino.

In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div completes capture of

Poggio Prefetto. Ind 8th Div takes Le Scalette and

M. Stelleto. 6th Armd Div gains hold on slopes of

M. Peschiena.

Br Eighth Army drives quickly toward next delaying line, called Rimini Line, which extends from

fortified S. Fortunato, guarding Highway 16 and

Rimini, SW to Ceriano ridge. In 5 Corps area, Ind

4th Div clears left flank of corps as far as the Conca.

Montescudo falls to 46th Div. 1st Armd Div crosses

the Marano in Vecciano area on right flank of corps.

Cdn 1 Corps advances steadily toward Rimini with

Br 4th Div on left and Cdn 1st Div on right. While

Br 4th Div clears S. Patrignano ridge, which

dominates the Marano, Cdn 1st Div gets forward

elements to S. Martino in M. I’Abate, commanded

by S. Fortunato, where confused and bitter fighting

ensues.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, arriving in Chungking

from Kweilin, confers with Chiang Kai-shek, who

proposes to withdraw the Salween forces unless Ch

troops at Myitkyina attack toward Bhamo within a

week. News of this is sent by Gen Stilwell to Gen

Marshall, who is attending OCTAGON Conference,

and results in alteration of strategy.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33

Corps area, Ind 5th Div, advancing down Tiddim

road, establishes bridgehead across the Manipur near

Tuitum. Crossing is facilitated by advance brig that

has crossed earlier at Shuganu and has moved S.

MOROTAI—In preparation for landings on

Morotai, Fifth Air Force planes from land bases and

naval aircraft from fast and escort carriers of Third

and Seventh Fleets complete program of neutralizing enemy bases within range of target, begun by

land-based planes at beginning of September, with

strikes on Halmahera, Batjan I. (S of Halmahera),

and Celebes. Halmahera is also subjected to naval

gunfire bombardment. Adm Barbey of VII Amphib

Force heads naval forces as commander of attack

force (TF 77). After 2 hours of preliminary naval

shelling of Morotai, TF TRADEWIND (Gen Hall, CG

XI Corps, ALAMO) begins landing on SW coast at

0830 without opposition. 155th and 167th Regts,

31st Div, land on beach at head of Gila Peninsula,

while 124th Inf, 31st Div, lands on adjacent beach

to S at W side of the peninsula. Forces from both

beaches push inland about 2,000 yards to D Day objectives, taking Pitoe Drôme and clearing Gila

Peninsula. Gen Persons, commander of 31st Div and

TRADEWIND Assault Force, establishes CP ashore.

Enemy opposition ashore is negligible, but extremely

unfavorable conditions offshore hamper initial phase

of landings.

PALAUS—After preparatory bombardment by

Western Fire Support Group and aircraft from carriers, III (Mar) Amphib Corps (Gen Geiger) begins

landing 1st Mar Div on SW shore of Peleliu I., about

0830, 1st Marines on left, 5th Marines in center, and

7th Marines on right. Japanese fire, at first light, increases as marines move inland and is particularly

heavy on flanks. 5th Marines partially surrounds

airfield and drives salient to center of it, well ahead

of flanking forces. By end of day beachhead perimeter measures about 2,800 yards from N to S but is

only 400–700 yards deep, except for salient in center. As a diversion for Peleliu landings, elements of

Angaur Attack Group (Rear Adm William H. P.

Blandy), standing offshore, feint landings at

Babelthuap.

U.S.—JCS decide to invade central rather than

S Philippines and advance target date for invasion of

Leyte from 20 December to 20 October. Projected

operations against Yap, Talaud, and Mindanao are

canceled.

16 September

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Second Quebec

Conference (OCTAGON) ends, British and American

conferees having approved, for planning purposes,

timing and direction of war to defeat Japan and

considered the matter of occupying Germany upon

its defeat. The Pacific war is to culminate in 1945

with invasion of Japan—Kyushu in October and

Tokyo Plain (Honshu) in December.

WESTERN EUROPE—Hitler presents plan for

Ardennes counteroffensive to his commanders.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps

area, Cdn 4th Armd Div works eastward toward

Ghent–Terneuzen Canal from Balgerhoek bridgehead. Pol 1st Armd Div, on right flank of corps,

makes limited progress northward toward Hulst.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div relieves 53d Div at Antwerp. In 30 Corps area,

50th Div relieves Gds Armd Div at Escaut bridgehead. 43d Div concentrates NE of Diest.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, 83d

Div, screening former Third Army sector along the

Loire, accepts surrender of German Group Elster,

about 20,000 strong, which has been cut off by

junction of Third and Seventh Armies. In VIII

Corps area, 6th Armd Div ( — CCB) is transferred

to Third Army, 94th Div completing its relief and

taking over its sector. Fort Montbarey falls to 29th

Div, opening way to Brest proper from W: while

116th Inf advances toward Recouvrance, 175th

[ 16 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 275 ]

drives into Brest via tunnel beneath stone wall, and

115th advances toward submarine pens. 2d Div

continues to press in from N.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, TF Stokes

(Lt Col William M. Stokes, Jr.), consisting of 99th

Inf Bn, tank bn of 2d Armd Div, and supporting

units, starts N across 9-mile gap that has developed

between British and American forces because of

diverging drives, crossing Willems Vaart Canal N

of Maastricht. Meerssen bridgehead of CCB, 2d

Armd Div, is under heavy fire; CCA crosses into

30th Div’s bridgehead at Valkenburg, also under

fire. 30th Div renews attack toward West Wall N of

Aachen from De Geul bridgeheads with 119th Inf

on left and 120th on right, elements of 120th reaching positions within 3 miles of German border. In

VII Corps area, stubborn defense of Stolberg corridor nullifies corps’ attacks. CCB, 3d Armd Div,

tries in vain to clear Weissenberg Hill; CCA is

unable to advance on N suburbs of Stolberg. To

bridge 4-mile gap between the two combat commands, TF Hogan (Lt Col Samuel Hogan commanding small tank force and attached 1st Bn, 26th

Inf) is formed and overruns Buesbach. 47th Inf,

9th Div, takes Vicht and Schevenhuette, the latter

10 miles inside Germany and the deepest penetration so far; 39th Inf continues to batter at West

Wall near Lammersdorf and reduces strongpoint

that has been delaying it for 3 days; 60th Inf, assisted by tanks, clears Hoefen on Hoefen–Alzen

ridge. In V Corps area, 12th Inf of 4th Div makes

fruitless and costly efforts to push NE for the next

few days; 8th Inf enters center of line and drives

down E slopes of the Schnee Eifel hampered more

by terrain than enemy; 22d Inf is still unable to

take Brandscheid but gains hill on outskirts, and

elements of regt take important hill on Bleialf–

Pruem highway about midway between Meisert and

Sellerich. In 28th Div sector, 1st Bn of 110th Inf

makes narrow penetration into West Wall, seizing

lofty Losenseifen Hill as well as Spielmannsholz

Hill, within a few thousand yards of objective, Uttfeld. 5th Armd Div ( — ), awaiting arrival of

arty, remains in place on S flank of corps; 1st Bn

of 112 Inf, moving through Stockem, secures small

bridgehead across the Pruem at Wettlingen and

holds it against strong counterattack; CCB crosses

into Wallendorf bridgehead to expand it but can

make little headway. At 2040, Gen Gerow, CG V

Corps, halts offensive, since operations are too costly

to pursue at this time.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, limited

objective attacks of 90th Div W of Metz are costly

and almost fruitless. CCR, 7th Armd Div, begins

attack to break out of Arnaville bridgehead along

Lorry–Sillegny road but is soon stopped; CCB

crosses into the bridgehead early in morning and

joins in attack at 1400, pushing toward Marieulles.

5th Div regroups within the bridgehead: 2d Inf

relieves CCB on right flank and CCB moves to Vittonville; 11th Inf crosses another bn into bridgehead

and defends N flank; 10th Inf, in center,

patrols toward Fey. Hitler, revoking a previous order, calls for reinforcement of Metz salient in order

to prevent encirclement of Metz. In XII Corps area,

80th Div, assisted by air and arty, decisively defeats

another major counterattack against Dieulouard

bridgehead; 1st Bn, 318th Inf, returning to bridgehead from E, surprises enemy and captures Ste

Geneviève; 319th Inf moves into bridgehead, and

its 1st Bn recovers Atton and reaches isolated troops

on Mousson Hill. Retreating Germans are pursued

as far as Lesménils. After this action, 80th Div mops

up and reorganizes for drive to E. In Nancy sector,

35th Div’s 134th Inf pushes NE of Nancy to heights

N of Essey-lès-Nancy; 137th forces Meurthe R

and Rhine–Marne Canal and drives to within 2

miles of Nancy; 320th, to which 2d Bn reverts from

attachment to CCB of 4th Armd Div, takes Buissoncourt. Germans withdraw from Lunéville as CCR,

4th Armd Div, moves into NW part of the city and

42d Sq of 2d Cav Gp enters from SE. In XV Corps

area, additional elements of 106th Cav Gp cross the

Moselle and begin to reconnoiter eastward toward

Mortagne R. Fr 2d Armd Div’s CCV Moselle

bridgehead at Châtel undergoes determined counterattack by strong armored force; enemy is checked

after reinforcements are moved up to the French.

In order to avoid a major engagement, French withdraw the bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div takes Luxeuil and 3d Div takes

Lure against light opposition.

ESTONIA-LATVIA—Soviet forces of Leningrad

and Baltic Fronts open offensive about this time

toward Baltic Sea, pressing toward Tallinn, Valga,

and Riga.

BULGARIA—Soviet forces of Third Ukrainian

Front, pushing W to block enemy withdrawal from

Yugoslavia, enter Sofia, capital of Bulgaria.

GREECE—Br 9th Commandos lands without

opposition on Kithira I., off S coast of Peloponnesus,

to reconnoiter in preparation for landing of Force

140. Advance Coastal Forces Base is established on

Kithira.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, while TF 45 regroups, RCT 6 of BEF seizes

Massarosa, N of Lake Massaciuccioli, and takes over

that portion of 1st Armd Div front previously held

by 2d Bn, 370th Inf. 1st Armd Div is ordered to

begin rcn in force to block enemy withdrawal.

Enemy continues to put up strong apposition on

right flank of corps, but S African 6th Armd Div

[ 16 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 276 ]

gains Alto Hill and M. Pozzo del Bagno. In II Corps

area, 338th Inf of 85th Div reaches positions near

crest of M. Altuzzo, night 16–17, where it is delayed

by friendly shelling; 339th Inf is committed on extreme right, passing through elements of Br 13

Corps on slopes of M. Pratone. 91st Div’s 363d and

361st Regts are unable to break through enemy defenses on Monticelli, W of Il Giogo Pass; 362d Inf

continues costly efforts to reach Futa Pass, elements

reaching AT ditch below S. Lucia. 34th Div advances N from M. Frassino on right but is still held

up on left in vicinity of Torricella Hill.

Br Eighth Army issues instructions for pursuit

beyond Rimini Line, 5 Corps along Highway 9 toward Bologna and Cdn 1 Corps along Highway 16

toward Ravenna and Ferrara. Forward progress

is sharply checked as 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps

reach enemy’s Rimini Line. In 5 Corps area, 46th

Div is unable to advance from Montescudo. 56th

Div joins 1st Armd Div in battle for Mulazzano–

La Tomba ridge N of the Marano. During night

16–17, Br 4th Div of Cdn 1 Corps crosses into corps

zone and by artificial moonlight provided by searchlights clears Cerasolo ridge. In Cdn 1 Corps area,

Cdn. 1st Div attempts in vain to drive enemy from

S. Martino on M. (Abate; on right flank, attached

Greek 3d Mtn Brig begins struggle to clear Rimini

airfield.

CBI—At conference between Gens Hurley, Sultan, and Stilwell and T. V. Soong, role of a field

commander is discussed. Gen Stilwell finds that his

conception is greatly different from that Soong believes Chiang Kai-shek holds. President Roosevelt,

in message to Chiang Kai-shek, protests the proposed withdrawal of Y–Force across the Salween.

Gen Stilwell reports to JCS and others that Japanese

successes against U.S. Fourteenth Air Force bases in

China might prevent air support from China of

operations against Formosa and the Philippines.

This influences planners in favor of occupation of

Luzon rather than Formosa.

MOROTAI—31st Div expands perimeter of

beachhead around Pitoe Drome to distance of over

7,000 yards, E to W, and about 5,000 yards N to S.

Gen Hall establishes CP ashore. RCT 125 of 32d

Div, reserve force, lands and relieves elements of

124th Inf still on Gila Peninsula. Enemy begins

series of small and largely ineffective air raids.

PALAUS—5th Marines, assisted by 1st Marines to

left, takes most of Peleliu airfield against heavy fire

from heights to N, while 7th Marines clears S tip of

island except for 2 small promontories. Perimeter is

extended to over 3,000 yards in length, N to S, and

to maximum depth of about 2,000 yards. Gen Rupertus, 1st Mar Div CG, takes command ashore. Orders

are issued to land on Angaur on 17 September.

17 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div, with strong

air and arty support, begins 6-day battle for

Boulogne, making slow progress against strong fortifications. Br I Corps, taking over in Antwerp sector from Br Second Army, immediately starts to

clear the Schelde Estuary in order to open port of

Antwerp. Cdn 2d Div, upon relief at Dunkerque by

4th Special Service Brig, moves to Antwerp where

it relieves 12 Corps of task of clearing dock area N

of the city. 49th Div is disposed on right flank of

corps. 51st Div has been left behind at Le Havre so

that its transport may be used by other units.

In Br Second Army’s Br 1 A/B Corps area, First

Allied Airborne Army drops 1 A/B Corps, consisting of Br 1st A/B Div (with Pol Para Brig) and

U.S. 82d and 101st A/B Divs, in Holland to secure

axis of advance toward Zuider Zee for Br Second

Army. The airborne operation (MARKET), undertaken in daylight, H Hour being 1300, with strong

air support and cover, achieves tactical surprise and

at first evokes little opposition. This is the largest

Allied airborne operation to be mounted thus far.

Approximately 20,000 troops land from aircraft and

gliders. Losses in transport planes and gliders are

only 2.8%. Br 1st A/B Div, with task of seizing 3

bridges over the Neder Rijn (Lower Rhine) at Arnhem, drops as planned some 8 miles from the

bridges, giving enemy valuable time, however, to

move forward panzer troops already assembled near

Arnhem. Small force of less than a bn from the

A/B div succeeds in taking N end of highway

bridge and is then isolated; Germans destroy the

other 2 bridges. U.S. 82d A/B Div, charged with

seizing bridges and commanding ground in Nijmegen-Grave region, takes Maas bridge at Grave

and Maas-Waal Canal bridge at Heumen, as well

as commanding ground of Nijmegen–Groesbeek

ridge; thrusts into Nijmegen, narrowly missing

chance to take the highway bridge there before

Germans reinforcements arrive. To U.S. 101st A/B

Div is assigned task of capturing bridges at Veghel

and Son, N of Eindhoven. Veghel bridges are taken

with little difficulty but enemy blows that at Son

just as paratroops are approaching it. Footbridge is

improvised at Son over which paratroops cross to

drive toward Eindhoven. 30 Corps, spearheading

assault northward by ground forces (GARDEN), attacks from Meuse–Escaut Canal bridgehead toward

Eindhoven with Cads Armd Div in the lead during

afternoon; despite narrow zone of attack, which is

confined almost to the highway by terrain, reaches

Valkenswaard. On flanks of corps, 8 and 12 Corps

prepare for further crossings of Meuse–Escaut

Canal, 12 Corps starting across near Lommel, night

17–18.

[ 17 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 277 ]

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII

Corps area, continuing battle for Brest, 29th Div

clears eastward to Penfeld R while 2d Div, to right,

gets elements across old city wall. 8th Div, clearing

Crozon Peninsula, reaches town of Crozon.

In U.S. First Arms XIX Corps area, 2d Armd

Div expands bridgeheads at Meerssen and Valkenburg, forcing enemy back toward Sittard. 30th Div

takes Heerlen on left and crosses German border E

of Simpelveld on R. In VII Corps area, Germans,

having moved up a fresh div, make determined

counterattacks against corps. 76th Inf of 1st Div

and CCA of 3d Armd Div, forewarned by heavy

arty barrage, turn enemy back and inflict heavy

losses. CCB of 3d Armd Div takes Weissenberg

Hill before being counterattacked so strongly that

it falls back a little; TF Hogan is sent to its aid.

Patrol of 47th Inf, 9th Div, spots Germans forming

for attack in Gressenich and takes them under fire

when they emerge into the open with devastating

results to enemy. Corps activity after this subsides

to limited actions, largely on S flank in zone of 9th

Div. In V Corps area, 4th Div, after further costly

efforts to get to E edge of the Schnee Eifel forest

and to take Brandscheid, almost succeeding in each

case, calls off offensive and passes to aggressive defense. 28th Div brings sharp reaction from enemy

while attempting to advance its almost static line.

5th Armd Div withdraws its Pruem bridgehead at

Wettlingen; CCR holds against determined tankinfantry counterattack aimed at eliminating its Wallendorf salient.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Gen

Walker issues tentative plan for air-ground offensive in Metz area, Operation THUNDERBOLT. 90th

Div continues limited attacks W of Metz against increasingly strong resistance. Since the price is exceedingly high and gains minute, it is decided to

halt attacks in this sector. Germans counterattack

between 10th and 11th Regts of 5th Div in Arnaville

bridgehead but are driven off; Hill 245, E of

Marieulles, falls to 2d Inf. CCA, 7th Armd Div, assisted by elements of CCB, takes Marieulles; upon

relief there by 5th Div is withdrawn to reserve;

CCR and CCB are ordered to continue attack

toward Seille R. XII Corps forms TF under Gen

Sebree of 35th Div, consisting of CCB, 6th Armd

Div—which has not yet arrived in corps zone—and

734th Inf, to clear Bois de Faulx and Bois de la Rumont in conjunction with 80th Div. TF Sebree, without awaiting CCB, begins attack to clear enemy from

plateau NE of Nancy late in day. 80th Div

is laboriously clearing bridgehead area and preparing for future offensive. 4th Armd Div is to regroup

for attack NE toward Rhine R and Darmstadt, this

city replacing Mannheim as corps objective. CCB

of 4th Armd Div, attacking toward Nomeny to

assist 80th Div in breaking out of bridgehead, makes

such slow progress that it is ordered to halt. On S

flank of corps, enemy is infiltrating into Lunéville,

which, however, remains in American hands. In

XV Corps area, cavalry of Fr 2d Armd Div makes

contact with Fr 2d Corps of Seventh Army while

patrolling near Bains-les-Bains, SW of Epinal. With

arrival of CCB, 6th Armd Div, which relieves CCD

in Chaumont area, XV Corps’ flank protection mission is limited to region between the Meuse and the

Moselle. Fr 2d Armd Div, less CCL and cavalry,

closes along W bank of the Moselle to S of 79th

Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th and 3d Divs are pushing northward toward the Moselle at Remiremont against

delaying opposition. 45th Div awaits relief by French

on right flank of corps.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps begins general advance on W flank of army.

TF 45 drives along coast against light opposition.

RCT 6, BEF, tries to keep pace with TF 45. 1st

Armd Div pushes northward, CCA astride the

Serchio N of Lucca and CCB toward M. Liguana

from positions N of Pescia. S African 6th Armd Div

is still held to small gains on right flank of corps.

II Corps succeeds in breaking through Gothic Line

at II Giogo Pass. 338th Inf, 85th Div, at last takes

M. Altuzzo, 339th finishes clearing M. Veruca, and

337th takes M. Pratone. W of Il Giogo Pass, 91st

Div drives to crest of M. Monticelli. Germans begin

withdrawal from Gothic Line under cover of darkness, 17–18. 362d Inf, 91st Div, retains positions on

M. Calvi and near S. Lucia and attacks with 1st

Bn to outskirts of Marcoiano. 34th Div, on left flank

of corps, is still stalemated in Torricella Hill area,

but gains a little N of M. Frassino. In Br 13 Corps

area, 1st Div finds M. Giuvigiana free of enemy.

6th Armd Div continues to battle stubborn enemy

on M. Peschiena.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 46th Div begins attack across the Marano W of Vallecchia,

enemy having withdrawn from positions near Montescudo. 56th Div gains ground W of Cerasolo but

is held up all day in M. Oliva area to SW. On Cdn 1

Corps’ left flank, Br 4th Div presses toward S. Fortunato feature, target for powerful Allied air attacks,

but Cdn 1st Div is still unable to clear S. Martino

in M. l’Abate.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 33 Corps area, Tuitum falls to Ind 5th Div.

MOROTAI—Action of TF TRADEWIND subsides to

patrolling in order to locate small Japanese parties.

Islands off SW and W coast are being outposted by

126th Inf.

PALAUS—Against strong resistance, 1st Marines

on Peleliu begins clearing S end of central ridge sys-

[ 17 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 278 ]

tem on W arm of island; elements start up West and

East Roads, which skirt the ridges. 5th Marines

pushes E to clear E arm of island, meeting scattered

opposition. 7th Marines begins to clear the small

promontories on S tip of island. At Angaur, naval

and air bombardment precede III (Mar) Amphib

Corps’ landing, which takes place about 0830 on 2

beaches on E coast. Against light, ineffective fire

from mortars and small arms, 322d Inf of 81st

Div, from northern beach, pushes to positions generally along second phase line from N coast above

Lake Aztec southward along E shore of the lake.

321st secures beachhead from Cape Ngariois on N

to Rocky Pt on S, extending inland some 350 yards

to first phase line. RCT 323 (corps reserve) feints

landing off Angaur’s W shore. Enemy counterattacks at night cause little damage and cost enemy

heavily.

18 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, in Holland, First

Allied Airborne Army drops second echelon of

troops and supplies. Heavy fighting occurs in

Arnhem area, where Allied reinforcements are late

in arriving and Germans are counterattacking vigorously. Efforts to relieve the small force at N end of

Arnhem bridge fail. U.S. 82d A/B Div takes bridge

over Maas–Waal Canal near Honinghutie, on main

Grave–Nijmegen highway, but is unable to reach

Nijmegen highway bridge and withdraws from the

town, except for small besieged force. No attempt

has been made to take Nijmegen RR bridge, although it is still lightly held. German counterattack

is thrown back as landing zones between Groesbeek and the Reichswald are being cleared. U.S.

101st A/B Div, working S, clears Eindhoven and

makes contact with Gds Armd Div moving N; attempts by elements of the div to take bridge over

Wilhelmina Canal SE of Best fail, and Germans

blow the bridge. Div is attached to Br 30 Corps. In

30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div, driving on through

Eindhoven, reaches Wilhelmina Canal near Son;

elements are clearing flanks. 12 Corps strengthens

bridgeheads across Meuse–Escaut Canal near Gheel

and Lommel. In 8 Corps area, 3d Div secures small

bridgehead near Lille St Hubert, night 18–19.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII

Corps area, organized resistance in Brest comes to

an end, but the German fortress commander escapes

to Crozon Peninsula.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, Gen

Corlett orders corps to prepare to attack West Wall.

2d Armd Div breaks through to Sittard. 30th Div,

committing 117th Inf on left flank, makes steady

progress; 119th Inf reaches positions commanding

Wurm R. VII Corps, for rest of month, makes only

limited attacks since its positions are insecure. 3d

Armd Div fights hard for heights along the Vicht

near Stolberg; CCA is endeavoring to clear high

ground around Muensterbusch, W of Stolberg; CCB

continues efforts to gain Weissenberg Hill. On N

flank of 9th Div, 47th Inf is repelling light enemy

jabs toward Schevenhuette; 39th Inf attempts to

expand its positions in Lammersdorf corridor,

spending rest of month in efforts to take Hill 554,

SE of Lammersdorf, and a plateau between Lammersdorf and Rollesbroich; 60th Inf completes capture of Hoefen–Alzen ridge SE of Monschau. V

Corps passes to command of Maj Gen Edward H.

Brooks, former commander of 2d Armd Div. Gen

Gerow is recalled to Washington temporarily. Corps

is conducting local operations and virtual stalemate exists.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Inf

and 7th Armd Divs drive toward Seille R. On left,

5th Div’s 10th Inf reaches positions just short of

Pournoy-la-Chétive, while its 2d Inf pushes almost

to Coin-sur-Seille. CCR, 7th Armd Div, drives to

edge of Sillegny against intense fire; CCB, directed

toward Longueville-lès-Cheminot, is stopped by fire

from Hill 223, but patrols occupy Bouxières-sousFroidmont without opposition. In XII Corps area,

80th Div struggles to improve and expand its Dieulouard bridgehead, meeting stiff resistance in center and on right. TF Sebree, clearing region NE of

Nancy, takes Pain de Sucre. 4th Armd Div is ordered to attack on 19th, CCB toward Saarbruecken

and CCA toward Sarreguemines; CCB reaches

Fresnes-en-Saulnois area, W of Château-Salins. On

S flank of corps, Germans launch long-planned

counteroffensive against Third Army, attacking toward Lunéville. 2d Cav Gp outposts fall back

through the city, but CCR of 4th Armd Div, assisted by TF from CCA, stems the onslaughts and

forces enemy southward; Germans withdraw to Parroy after nightfall, and as a result of this action,

CCB of 6th Armd Div is ordered to Lunéville to

relieve CCR; CCA, 4th Armd Div, is directed to

remain in place until situation stabilizes. XV Corps

is ordered to cross the Moselle at once and drive

NE to Mortagne R. Crossings are begun in force

during afternoon. 79th Div crosses unopposed:

314th Inf drives to Moriviller, 313th moves by truck

to Ein-vaux, and 315th, in reserve, follows 313th

across, night 18–19. CCD, Fr 2d Armd Div, crosses

at Châtel and clears that town; CCV protects

bridgehead; CCL provides flank protection W of

the Moselle.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

VI Corps suspends offensive operations more than

15 miles from the Moselle while regrouping is in

progress. 1st Div, Fr 2d Corps, is relieving 45th Div.

[ 18 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 279 ]

POLAND—U.S. Eighth Air Force, having gained

Soviet approval, flies supplies to Warsaw in response to numerous appeals. Only a small portion

reaches Polish hands. This is the only U.S. mission

of its kind, since Stalin refuses later requests for

another.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 is approaching Pietrasanta in coastal sector. RCT 6, BEF, reaches Camaiore. CCB, 1st Armd

Div, gains its objectives, Castelvecchio and M.

Liguana; CCA is delayed in Ponte a Moriano area

by strong opposition. S African 6th Armd Div continues to meet determined opposition above Pistoia

on right flank of corps, and gap is developing between it and II Corps. II Corps, having decisively

defeated enemy at Il Giogo Pass, widens breach in

Gothic Line to 7 miles on either side of the pass

and pushes on toward Santerno R valley. 91st Div

finishes clearing M. Monticelli and reduces W defenses of Il Giogo Pass; in Futa Pass area, 362d

Inf breaks enemy hold on M. Calvi but is stubbornly opposed in Marcoiano region. Enemy continues effective defense of Torricella Hill and positions N of M. Frassino in 34th Div sector. In Br 13

Corps area, Ind 8th Div takes Femmina Morta

feature. 6th Armd Div, still engaged with enemy

on M. Peschiena, releases 1st Gds Brig to Br 10

Corps.

Br Eighth Army opens assault on main positions

of Rimini Line (S. Marino–La Torraccia–Ceriano—

S. Fortunato), initially employing infantry and

holding armor back for pursuit. Enemy counters

strongly at all points. In 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

pushes slowly from Faetano toward S. Marino. 46th

Div, directed toward the Ausa at Serravalle, is clearing heights S of the Ausa. Assault force of 56th Div

crosses the Ausa and begins attack on Ceriano ridge,

making such slow progress that 1st Armd Div is

ordered to cross the Ausa in force to right of 56th

Div as soon as armor of 56th has crossed. In Cdn 1

corps area, Br 4th Div establishes bridgehead across

the Ausa on left flank of corps. 1st Div begins assault on S. Fortunato feature.

CBI—Gen Stilwell presents plan to Chiang Kaishek for making the best use of Ch troops defending

E China.

MOROTAI—Site for bomber field is chosen at

Gotalalamo village, on S coast E of Gila Peninsula,

since Pitoe airfield is found to be suitable only for

fighters.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 7th Marines finishes

clearing S promontories and joins with 1st Marines

in assault to clear ridges of W arm. Japanese resist

strongly from cluster of peaks in central ridge system and little progress is made. On Angaur, Maj

Gen Paul J. Mueller, 81st Div CG, takes command

ashore. Some elements of 322d Inf, 81st Div, drive

salient W to phosphate plant near W coast at center

of island, although mistakenly bombed by friendly

planes. Others, probing along N coast between second and third phase lines, are partially isolated. 321st

Inf makes slow progress inland along Southern RR

and tries in vain to gain Green Beach on left, about

600 yards below Rocky Point.

19 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 4th Armd Div is clearing region W of Ghent–Terneuzen Canal and S of

Leopold Canal on W flank of corps. Pol armor secures bridgehead across Canal de Hulst.

In Br Second Army area, poor weather conditions

sharply curtail airlift and support of ground forces.

In 1 A/B Corps area, situation in Arnhem sector

grows worse: enemy constricts Br perimeter W of

the town, the small force at N end of the bridge is

still isolated, weather conditions prevent scheduled

drop of Pol 1st Para Brig, and food and ammunition

resupply falls into enemy hands. Gds Armd Div of

30 Corps, upon making contact with U.S. 82d A/B

Div at Grave, joins with Americans in effort to take

bridges at Nijmegen in order that advance to Arnhem can go on. Simultaneous attacks on the rail and

highway bridges are halted by enemy a little short

of objectives. 82d A/B Div repels light probing attacks against Nijmegen–Groesbeek ridgeline and

gains firm control of Cleve–Nijmegen highway. In

30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div is engaging enemy at

Nijmegen. U.S. 101st A/B Div maintains defensive

positions at Eindhoven, Son, St Oedenrode, and

Veghel, turning back determined counterattack toward Son. Enemy resistance near Best collapses, but

the village itself remains in German hands. Enemy

bombers, about 100 strong, attack Eindhoven after

nightfall, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and

Br troops within the town but none on Americans

stationed outside. This is the only time during fall

of 1944 that long-range enemy bombers attack on

large scale in the West. In 12 Corps area, 53d Div,

attacking from Lommel bridgehead, reaches Eindhoven–Turnhout road near Cuizel; elements take

Veldhoven and make contact with 50th Div at Mereveldhoven. In 8 Corps area, 11th Armd Div pushes

northward to Leende and patrols to Heeze from 3d

Div’s bridgehead.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

VIII Corps successfully concludes Brittany campaign as 8th Div finishes clearing Crozon Peninsula

and captures Maj Gen Hermann Bernhard Ramcke,

fortress commander of Brest.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, TF Stokes

reaches interarmy boundary, where 99th Inf Bn

remains as defense force; rest of TF reverts to par-

[ 19 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 280 ]

ent unit. 2d Armd Div drives through Gangelt

toward Geilenkirchen, forcing salient between two

German armies, but enemy restores contact during

counterattacks. Corps faces West Wall and prepares

to attack it on 20th. In VII Corps area, CCA of 3d

Armd Div gains lower slopes of Muensterbusch

ridge with attached bn of 16th Inf, 1st Div; CCB

and TF Hogan continue futile efforts to take Weissenberg Hill. 47th Inf, 9th Div, remains under light

enemy attacks at Schevenhuette; 39th Inf, in Lammersdorf corridor, pushes more than a miles toward

Rollesbroich, where it is contained by enemy, but

continues to fight indecisively for Hill 554. In V

Corps area, 1st Bn of 12th Inf, 4th Div, falls back

a little under counterattack SW along Schnee Eifel

highway; later regains former positions and some

ground beyond. Germans also counterattack flanks

of 5th Armd Div’s Wallendorf bridgehead, but IX

TAC planes go into action and force enemy back

in disorder. Nevertheless, it is decided to reduce

bridgehead perimeter. CCB of 5th Armd Div and a

fresh bn of 112th Inf, 28th Div, are to relieve CCR

and the original bn of 112th in the reduced

perimeter.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCR of

7th Armd Div, after hard fighting at edge of Sillegny, enters and finds the town vacated by enemy,

but is forced out again by extremely heavy fire and

enemy counterattack; CCB drives into Seille loop

and takes Longueville but is unable to take Cheminot, from which its positions are threatened. Massing forces at Coin-sur-Seille, enemy columns move

forward to counterattack but are checked by air and

arty. 3d Cav Gp, reinf, is designated TF Polk and

given mission of protecting Moselle R line between

Grevenmacher and Thionville. Bn of 5th Div is

alerted for attack on Fort Driant, but for various

reasons the attack is postponed from day to day.

In XII Corps area, 80th Div is continuing costly

efforts to expand Dieulouard bridgehead. Furious

enemy counterattack drives TF Sebree from Pain

de Sucre, but enemy is driven back beyond Agincourt. 137th Inf, 35th Div, begins drive through

Forêt de Champenoux toward Amance Hill, a key

feature, but is stopped at Château-Salins–Nancy

highway. CCA of 4th Armd Div, which is spread

thin in Arracourt area and has elements at Lunéville, checks series of tank-infantry assaults aimed

at Nancy. More than 40 enemy tanks are estimated

to be knocked out in this action. German spearheads

are blunted at Lézey, on ridge W of Bezange-laPetite, and at Rethicourt-la-Petite. The force from

Lunéville rejoins CCA to assist in mopping up.

Meanwhile, CCB begins attack NE toward Saarbruecken, attempting to find suitable route of advance. CCB, 6th Armd Div, relieves CCR, 4th Armd

Div, at Lunéville. XV Corps gets advance elements

across Mortagne R. 313th Inf, now on left flank of

79th Div, crosses at Xermaménil, where rear-guard

opposition is overcome; 314th reaches the river at

Gerberville but calls off attack on the town after

dark; Germans withdraw, night 19–20. CCD, Fr

2d Armd Div, crosses near Vallois and reconnoiters

to the Meurthe at Vathiménil, which it captures.

Germans order their thin line to withdraw behind

the Meurthe during night since Mortagne line has

been pierced at various points.

6th Army Group: Commanders conference is

held at Lyon to plan for future operations. Fr Army

B is renamed Fr 1st Army.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div,

whose relief by Fr 1st Div continues, prepares for

drive to the Moselle at Epinal on left flank of corps.

FINLAND—Signs armistice with Allies in Moscow.

Soviet-Finnish boundary of 1940 is restored,

but Finland yields Petsamo to USSR and leases

Porkkala headland to USSR as a military base. Russians yield rights to Hangoe. Reparations are to be

paid by Finland, and Allies are to have the use of

Finnish ships and airfields.

ESTONIA—Troops of Third Baltic Front overrun Valga, on Estonian-Latvian border. Other Soviet forces are approaching Tallinn and Riga.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 435th AAA Bn of TF 45 reaches Montrone

on coast and 434th AAA Bn drives to Pietrasanta,

NE of Montrone. In II Corps area, 34th Div is still

checked on left flank of corps, but 91st and 85th

Divs pursue enemy northward toward the Santerno,

hampered more by lack of roads than by Germans.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps releases Ind

10th Div to Eighth Army. As regrouping ends,

corps front is held by a hodge podge of small units,

with Wheeler Force disposed on left flank, 1st Gds

Brig of 6th Armd Div in center, and Lind Force

and Household Cavalry on right. Activity must necessarily be confined to patrolling. 5 Corps continues

to battle Rimini Line, meeting particularly stubborn

opposition in vicinity of Ceriano, but 46th Div succeeds in breaching line during night 19–20 at Torraccia after crossing the Ausa at Serravalle. In Cdn

1 Corps area, Br 4th Div seizes Acqualina feature.

1st Div begins outflanking maneuver against S. Fortunato, night 19–20, and by dawn has this strongpoint surrounded.

CBI—Two messages arrive at CBI Theater hq,

one from President Roosevelt and Prime Minister

Churchill to Chiang Kai-shek about decisions of

OCTAGON Conference and the other a personal message in plain terms from Roosevelt to the Generalissimo demanding action. Latter is delivered personally by Gen Stilwell and greatly angers Chiang

Kai-shek.

[ 19 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 281 ]

MOROTAI—Work is begun on bomber strip,

dubbed Wama Drome, at Gotalalamo. Pitoe Drome

becomes known as Pitoe Crash Strip.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, enemy on peaks of central

ridge continues to hold up 1st and 7th Marines;

however, elements of 1st, advancing along East Road,

push through Asias village. 5th Marines secures

E arm of the island with little difficulty. On

Angaur, 81st Div commits 321st Inf and 3d Bn of

322d to main effort of clearing S Angaur and splitting enemy forces there. Little opposition is met as

assault forces establish line across S Angaur from

Garangaoi Cove eastward, but some resistance is

bypassed on SE coast. 322d Inf ( — ) starts N up W

coast from vicinity of the phosphate plant.

20 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Pol armor overruns

Hulst and Axel.

In Br Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, situation of Br 1st A/B Div at Arnhem is critical. The

small force holding N end of bridge is forced to

surrender 300 wounded to Germans, reducing its

strength to about 140; other elements of the div still

hold perimeter near Oosterbeek, W of Arnhem, and

N of Heaveadorp Ferry at the Neder Rijn SW of

Oosterbeek, but enemy is steadily gaining ground.

Weather conditions continue to prevent airlift of

Pol 1st Brig. Br and U.S. troops take both bridges

at Nijmegen in daring and costly maneuver. While

elements of Gds Armd Div (30 Corps) and U.S.

82d A/B Div push through Nijmegen to S approaches, 2 bns of 504th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div,

cross the wide, swift Waal in Br assault boats downstream after air and arty bombardment of N shore

and ineffective efforts to put down smoke screen.

Paratroops seize N end of RR bridge and push

toward highway bridge. Meanwhile, resistance at

S end of the rail bridge collapses and Br tanks from

Gds Armd Div storm across the highway bridge,

where they are joined by U.S. paratroopers. With

capture of these vital bridges, advance is continued

toward Arnhem. German counterattacks on N and

S edges of Nijmegen–Groesbeek ridge are unsuccessful except where U.S. outposts at Wyler are

forced back. In 30 Corps area, U.S. 101st A/B Div

undergoes another counterattack at Son but with

help of Br tanks forces enemy back. Div then begins

series of limited actions designed to throw enemy

off balance. 12 Corps presses slowly toward Best and

Oirschot. 8 Corps, driving toward Helmond, takes

Someren.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, assault on West Wall is postponed because of unfavorable flying conditions. Other deterring factors are the very short supply of arty

ammunition and exposed left flank of corps. In VII

Corps area, enemy decides to go on the defensive

instead of counterattacking as planned. CCA, 3d

Armd Div, is methodically clearing Muensterbusch

area; TF Hogan, moving forward stealthily, takes

enemy on Weissenberg Hill by surprise and gains

crest of this much fought over prize; TF Mills, CCB,

secures positions on the Donnerberg, heights commanding Stolberg from E, under smoke screen but

is hit hard by enemy when smoke disappears. 1st

Bn of 39th Inf, 9th Div, attached to 60th Inf, drives

E from Zweifall to Weisser Weh Creek, near village of Huertgen. Bn of 60th, to right, attempts to

drive SE from Zweifall in order to cut Lammersdorf–Huertgen highway at Germeter but makes

little headway. In V Corps area, IX TAC again

assists corps in maintaining positions.

In U.S. Third Army area, boundary between XII

and XV Corps is adjusted to give Forêt de Vitrimont, Lunéville, and Forêt de Parroy to XV Corps.

In XX Corps area, 10th and 2d Regts, 5th Div, renew efforts to take Pournoy-la-Chétive and Coin-surSeille despite weather conditions unfavorable for

air support and diminishing supply of arty ammunition; 2d Bn of 10th, reinf, seizes Pournoy-la-Chétive

but is greatly disorganized in the process; 1st Bn

of 2d Inf, against fire from Sillegny, overruns Coinsur-Seille. CCA, 7th Armd Div, replaces badly

mauled CCR in front of Sillegny and, together with

CCB, attacks toward the Seille; bypassing Sillegny,

CCA reaches the river, where it comes under heavy

fire; CCB also reaches the river but falls back under

fire. In XII Corps area, 80th Div elements push into

Bois de la Rumont. Germans counterattack 134th

Inf troops of 35th Div and recover Agincourt; 137th

Inf attempts in vain to drive through Forêt de

Champenoux to Amance plateau; arty ammunition

supply runs out. CCA, 4th Armd Div, begins attack

NE toward Sarreguemines but, upon reaching Hampont on left and Dieuze area on right, returns to

Arracourt region because of another enemy tank

attack, this time by only 8 tanks, all of which are

knocked out. The area will be systematically

mopped up before the offensive is continued. Small

tank duels occur as CCA sweeps through Ley and

Moncourt. CCB continues efforts to advance in

Château-Salins area, where secondary routes are

impassable. In XV Corps area, 313th Inf of 79th

Div drives through Lunéville and turns SE in effort

to outflank enemy’s Meurthe R line; 314th reaches

the Meurthe SE of Lunéville, where it comes under

heavy fire. Fr 2d Armd Div patrols from current

positions; CCL moves E to rejoin main body as

45th Div of Seventh Army draws up to the Moselle.

6th Army Group: Completes regrouping.

[ 20 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 282 ]

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Gen Truscott orders corps to cross the Moselle and seize

communications centers in the Vosges to open way

to Alsatian Plain and the Rhine. 45th Div, upon

crossing the Moselle at Epinal, is to seize Rambervillers and Baccarat and force the Saverne Gap. 36th

Div is to cross the Moselle in Eloyes area and take

St Die near Saales Pass. 3d Div is to cross the

Moselle in Rupt area and seize Gerardmer near

Schlucht Pass. 36th Div begins rcn in force of proposed Moselle crossing site near Remiremont. Site

near Eloyes is reported to be suitable, and 141st

Inf moves forward to it, night 20–21. To left, 45th

Div moves up to the Moselle in Remiremont area.

On corps right flank, 3d Div is advancing toward

the river.

Fr 1st Army now holds sector to the right of U.S.

Seventh Army, 2d Corps taking up positions in

new sector to left of 1st Corps.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, RCT 6 of BEF gains positions on M. Prano

but cannot reach crest. 1st Armd Div regroups in

order to release CCA to II Corps: 370th Inf, whose

1st Bn relieves 14th Armd Inf Bn, takes command

of CCA zone. S African 6th Armd Div extends its

left flank to road NE of Pescia; reinforces right

flank in M. Moscoso area. In II Corps area, 91st

and 85th Divs continue to pursue enemy toward the

Santerno. 337th Inf, 85th Div, crosses it E of

Firenzuola at S. Pellegrino. 362d Inf, 91st Div, gets

into position for assault on Futa Pass, 3d Bn pushing

across AT ditch near S. Lucia. Corps’ reserve div,

88th, is ordered to attack through right flank of

85th Div down Santerno valley toward Imola on

21st. In Br 13 Corps area, enemy withdrawal from

Casaglia Pass permits 1st Div to push rapidly eastward toward Ind 8th Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, battle for Rimini Line

ends as Germans withdraw, night 20–21, behind

Marecchia R under cover of drenching rain. In 5

Corps area, S. Marino, in small independent Republic of San Marino, falls to Ind 4th Div. 46th

Div holds La Torraccia against counterattacks. 1st

Armd Div joins 56th Div in fight for Ceriano ridge,

where enemy continues to resist tenaciously throughout day before withdrawing. In Cdn 1 Corps area,

Cdn 1st Div battles encircled enemy at S. Fortunato,

frustrating German efforts to break out.

CBI—Gen Stilwell learns that his plan for defense of Kweilin has been accepted by Chiang Kaishek and issues orders accordingly.

MOROTAI—Beachhead perimeter has been expanded to provide space for additional airfield

construction, extending about 1,000 yards N of original site and some 10,000 yards E along shore to

Sabatai R.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, firm enemy defense of

central ridge system on W arm virtually halts forward movement of 1st and 7th Marines. 1st Marines

is so depleted in strength that 7th Marines relieves

all its troops but those along West Road. 5th Marines is mopping up E arm. On Angaur, Gen Mueller

declares organized resistance at an end as 321st

Inf drives to S end of island and begins mopping

up scattered Japanese. Japanese remaining on

Angaur are concentrated in NW part of island and

are prepared for prolonged defense of a broad, deep,

bowl-shaped depression in Lake Salome area. 322d

Inf tries to reach the bowl from different directions,

but makes little headway. Airdrome construction is

begun in S part of island.

21 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, slightly improving weather conditions permit elements (750 men)

of Pol 1st Brig to drop near Driel, S terminus of

Heaveadorp Ferry in Arnhem area, but by this time

Germans have recovered N end of the ferry, confined British to small perimeter at Hartestein, near

Oosterbeek, and destroyed the small force at N end

of Arnhem bridge as it attempted to escape in small

groups. In 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div, pushing

toward Arnhem from Nijmegen, is brought to a

halt less than 3 miles from starting point. U.S. 101st

A/B Div finds highway between St Oedenrode and

Veghel free of enemy, clears infiltrators from glider

landing zone, and reconnoiters along secondary

highway to Schijndel, which it occupies, night 21–22.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, West Wall offensive is again postponed

because of weather conditions. In VII Corps area,

CCA of 3d Armd Div completes mop up of Muensterbusch area; in CCB’s sector, TF Mills, leaving

defense of Donnerberg to TF Lovelady, drives into

town of Donnerberg, a suburb of Stolberg, gaining

precarious foothold. On S flank of corps, 60th Inf,

9th Div, tries in vain to push into village of Huertgen and makes very slow progress toward Germeter.

V Corps authorizes withdrawal of Wallendorf

bridgehead. This is accomplished before dawn of

22d, using ford since Germans have destroyed Wallendorf bridges. IX TAC gives unusually effective air

support.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83d Div

is attached to corps. 7th Armd Div continues to meet

intense fire from Seille R line; two cos of armd inf

of CCB ford the river S and E of Longueville after

dark but withdraw at daylight of 22d to await coordinated attack. 5th Div remains in place because

of ammunition shortage; 2d Bn, 10th Inf, suffers

heavily under continuous enemy fire and repeated

[ 21 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 283 ]

counterattacks against Pournoy-la-Chétive. In XII

Corps area, 80th Div continues battle for Bois de la

Rumont, where 2 bns are isolated and must be supplied by tanks. 134th Inf, 35th Div, recovers Agincourt in bitter fighting; 137th is still held up in

Forêt de Champenoux. CCB, 6th Armd Div, is attached to 35th Div to assist in attack on the Amance

position. Moving N from Lunéville between 35th

Inf and 4th Armd Divs, CCB assembles in Forêt de

Grémecey. CCA, 4th Armd Div, continues sweeping its zone, taking Bures and Coincourt with ease

and reaching canal to S. Corps prepares for concerted assault by 80th and 35th Divs and CCB of

6th Armd in order to bring XII Corps’ center and

left abreast 4th Armd Div’s salient on right flank.

In XV Corps area, 313th Inf of 79th Div, leaving bn

at Lunéville where fighting continues in streets,

drives SE along the Meurthe, clearing Moncel and

halting under fire at edge of Fort de Mondon;

315th ( — ) moves into Lunéville and takes up defensive positions. Against heavy fire, 3d Bn of 314th

crosses the Meurthe near St Clement but is unable

to advance across open ground leading to Forêt de

Mondon and withdraws after dark.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI

Corps begins crossing the Moselle. On left flank,

157th Inf ( — ) of 45th Div, having shuttled to

Epinal area, begins crossing XV Corps’ bridge at

Châtel, night 21–22, and moves to Vaxoncourt; 3d

Bn, with task of clearing Thaon before crossing, gets

patrols into the town and wades the river near

Igney. 179th Inf of 45th Div moves up to the river

in Arches area; 180th, ordered to clear Epinal, works

forward to heights overlooking the town. 36th Div,

in center of corps, is first to secure crossing: 1st and

3d Bns, 141st Inf, ford the river at Eloyes while 2d

Bn clears Eloyes as far as the river bank; 143d follows 141st across to clear rest of Eloyes and exploit

bridgehead, taking Hill 783 overlooking the town;

142d is moving on Remiremont against firm opposition and penetrates into W part of town. Enemy is

delaying advance of 3d Div toward the Moselle.

In Fr 1st Army area, the 2d Corps, which has

been reinf for coming offensive, is moving forward

to gain contact with enemy.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 extends positions along coast to Forte

dei Marmi. RCT 6, BEF, tries unsuccessfully to

take M. Prano. Reorganized CCA, 1st Armd Div,

starts to II Corps zone. Left flank elements of S

African 6th Armd Div reach Serra. In II Corps area,

338th Inf of 85th Div seizes Firenzuola; 339th takes

M. Frena and M. Coloreta; 337th is withdrawn to

reserve. 91st Div, to W, gets advance elements of

361st and 363d Regts to the Santerno; 362d, against

rear-guard opposition, clears S. Lucia and M. Gazzaro and enters Futa Pass, but enemy retains hill

dominating it to W. On left flank of corps, 133d Inf

of 34th Div at last clears Torricella Hill; 168th is

withdrawn from reserve and enters line between

133d and 135th Regts. On right flank of corps, 88th

Div is committed through right flank of 85th Div

and, with 349th Inf on left and 350th on right, starts

quickly down Santerno valley toward Imola. In Br

13 Corps area, 1st Div is half way between Crespino

and Marradi. 6th Armd Div takes M. Peschiena.

Br Eighth Army pursues retreating enemy toward

the Marecchia. 5 Corps finds Ceriano ridge abandoned and gets patrols to the river before dawn of

22d. Strength of 1st Armd Div and 56th Div is so

badly depleted that the divs must be reorganized.

56th Div is ordered to withdraw from line on 22d.

In Cdn 1 Corps area, Br 4th Div gets patrols across

the Marecchia, night 21–22. Cdn 1st Div mops up

the S. Fortunato position and establishes bridgehead across the Marecchia W of Rimini; attached

Greek 3d Mtn Brig, having cleared airfield S of

Rimini, enters the coastal city, from which enemy

has withdrawn.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur radios U.S. Chiefs

of Staff that he can mount a major assault on Luzon

about 20 December as result of acceleration of the

Leyte invasion; suggests that the Formosa operation

may be unnecessary if Luzon is occupied.

MOROTAI—Radar is established on Raoe I., off

W coast.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, progress of 1st Mar Div

against central ridges is still negligible. On Angaur,

elements of 322d Inf break into Lake Salome bowl

on NW Angaur but pull back for night since their

positions are untenable. Attack is preceded by heavy

volume of arty fire and bombardment of the position by naval planes. 321st Inf is alerted for movement to Peleliu so that 1st Marines can be withdrawn

from there. 322d Inf thus becomes responsible for

S Angaur as well as the stubborn pocket on NE

end.

RCT 323, III Amphib Corps reserve, leaves the

Palaus for Ulithi.

22 September

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower, conferring with his top commanders at Versailles, gives

top priority to the opening of the Schelde approaches to Antwerp, since a deep-water port is

needed in order to sustain main Allied offensive of

enveloping the Ruhr from the N. Offensive is to be

conducted by 21 Army Group, assisted by U.S.

First Army. Boundary between 21 and 12th Army

Groups is adjusted, effective on 25th, to extend NE

from Hasselt through Bree, Weert, Deurne, and

Venray (all to 12th Army Group) to the Maas at

Maashees and along the river to original boundary

[ 22 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 284 ]

N of Maastricht. This boundary change gives XIX

Corps of U.S. First Army a corridor W of the Maas

that contains more than 500 square miles and includes the extensive swampland of the Peel Marshes.

To secure this corridor, XIX Corps is to have 2 new

divs, 29th Div from Brest and 7th Armd Div from

Moselle R sector near Metz. Since supply requirements of the Ruhr offensive are to be met fully

first, Third Army is to limit its action to that permitted by the supply situation.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps

area, 3d Div receives surrender of Boulogne garrison. 4th Armd Div has cleared as far N as Leopold

Canal and on right flank has reached Schelde Estuary. With capture of Terneuzen by Pol armor, enemy is confined to “Breskens Pocket,” region N of

Leopold Canal and W of Savojaards Plaat.

In Br Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, Br 1st

A/B Div is still isolated and under heavy pressure

N of the Neder Rijn near Arnhem. Air resupply

is impossible because of weather conditions. Elements of 30 Corps make contact with the Pol detachment at Driel and bring DUKW’s loaded with

ammunition and supplies for 1st A/B Div. Mud is

too deep for the DUKW’s, but group of Poles succeeds in crossing supplies on rafts, night 22–23.

U.S. 82d A/B Div clears S bank of the Waal 3 miles

E of highway bridge. In 30 Corps area, 43d Div,

taking over attack toward Arnhem from Gds Armd

Div, gets elements to Driel, but main body is held

up far to S by determined opposition. Germans

make major counterattack against Veghel, main

effort coming through village of Erp. U.S. 101st

A/B Div, to whom reinforcements are rushed, forces

enemy back from Veghel, but Germans cut highway between there and Uden. 12 Corps is slowly improving positions W of Eindhoven. 8 Corps, continuing toward Helmond, takes Weert.

12th Army Group: U.S. First Army goes on the

defensive along most of its line. XIX Corps postpones offensive against West Wall indefinitely. In

VII Corps area, CCB of 3d Armd Div, under smoke

screen, withdraws both TF Lovelady and TF Mills

from Donnerberg area to Stolberg, where TF

Hogan has cleared enemy from S part of town;

CCB then goes on the defensive and makes contact

with CCA at Muensterbusch; the div comes to a

halt within 3 miles of its objective, Eschweiler. Germans make all-out counterattack against 47th Inf,

9th Div, at Schevenhuette but are driven back with

extremely heavy losses; 60th Inf breaks off attack

for Huertgen village in order to send reinforcements

to Schevenhuette; these are not required there but

later attack to ease pressure on the single 60th Inf

bn in Huertgen Forest, where close, indecisive fighting rages for next 3 days. V Corps remains on the

defensive.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy

evacuates Cheminot, since it has become an untenable pocket between XX and XII Corps. 7th

Armd Div prepares to attack across the Seille on

23d. 2d bn of 10th Inf, 5th Div, withstands further

enemy attacks against Pournoy-la-Chétive, this time

from SE of the town. In XII Corps area, elements

of 80th Div continue to fight in Bois de la Rumont.

CCB, 6th Armd Div, circling W and S from Forêt

de Grémecey to take enemy in Amance area from

rear, clears strongly occupied Armaucourt. 134th

Inf, 35th Div, attacks into Bois de Faulx at noon;

137th pushes through rest of Fort de Champenoux,

from which enemy flees under air and arty attack,

abandoning Amance plateau. 6th Armd Div ( — )

assembles in Fort de Grémecey to clear this region

and screen between 80th Inf and 4th Armd Divs.

CCA, 4th Armd Div, halts German tank-infantry

attack toward Moyenvic in region W of Juvelize and

inflicts heavy losses on enemy. In XV Corps area,

79th Div progresses slowly: on left, Germans make

local attacks from Forêt de Parroy toward Lunéville;

315th Inf loses and recovers a portion of Lunéville;

313th, delayed by counterattack at Moncel, cannot

advance into Forêt de Mondon; 4 cos of 314th Inf

ford the Meurthe but, since they cannot advance

without support from tanks and arty, halt to await

bridging. Fr 2d Armd Div crosses the Meurthe between Flin and Vathiménil, night 22–23; patrols

through S part of Forêt de Mondon to La Vezouse

R at Benamenil but is driven back.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div maintains bridgehead at Igney while 179th crosses the Moselle at

Arches and clears Archettes; 180th continues to clear

Epinal, from which enemy begins withdrawing.

36th Div finishes clearing Eloyes and is attacking

Remiremont.

ESTONIA—Soviet forces seize Baltic prize of

Tallinn.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, S African 6th Armd Div is ordered forward

in pursuit since enemy appears to be withdrawing

from positions above Pistoia. II Corps virtually completes operations against the Gothic Line and is

ready for drive N to Radicosa Pass and NE to Imola.

362d Inf, 91st Div, completes reduction of Futa

Pass defenses; other elements of 91st Div establish

outposts across the Santerno. On left flank of corps,

enemy opposition to 34th Div is weakening: 135th

Inf takes M. Citerna, NW of Santa Lucia; 168th

seizes Hill 1134, E of Montepiano. 91st Cav Rcn Sq,

screening left flank, finds Vernio abandoned by

enemy. 85th Div pushes toward M. la Fine on right

to assist 88th Div and toward M. Canda on left in

support of 91st Div’s attack for Radicosa Pass. On

right flank of corps, 88th Div continues rapidly along

[ 22 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 285 ]

Santerno R valley, outdistancing 85th Div, and

boundary is altered to give M. la Fine, except for

western spur, to 88th Div. In Br 13 Corps area,

Ind 8th Div completes occupation of Giogo di

Villore without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps, with Ind 4th

Div on left, 46th Div in center, and 1st Armd Div

on right, attacks across the Marecchia, night 22–23,

and begins struggle for ridges N of the river. 56th

Div withdraws from line; its 168th Brig ceases to

exist as a fighting unit. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Br 4th

Div establishes bridgehead across the Marecchia on

left flank of corps, and 5th Armd Div prepares to

attack through it. NZ 2d Div takes command of

coastal sector, releasing Cdn 1st Div and attached

Greek 3d Mtn Brig for welcome rest.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Japanese continue effective

defense of central ridges and are bringing up reinforcements. 1st Mar Div observation planes are operating from the airfield. On Angaur, elements of

322d Inf again push into the bowl in Lake Salome

area from the S but retire at night.

ULITHI—RCT 323, 81st Div, lands without opposition and begins securing the atoll.

23 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, clearing weather conditions permit last serials of U.S. 101st and 82d A/B Divs and

rest of Pol 1st Brig to be brought into Holland.

Pol forces are landed at Grave as reserve for 82d

A/B Div. Gen Dempsey orders that fly-in of Br

52d Div be held up. In 1 A/B Corps area, aircraft

and arty of 30 Corps help 1st A/B Div maintain

bridgehead at Hartestein, near Arnhem. During

night 23–24, about 250 Pol paratroopers cross with

supplies for 1st A/B Div. In 30 Corps area, 43d Div

continues efforts to break through to Driel and succeeds in getting additional elements there; one brig

drives into outskirts of Elst. With arrival of Pol

forces at Grave, U.S. 82d A/B Div releases Coldstream Gds Gp, which has been assisting it, to Gds

Armd Div. 506th Para Inf, U.S. 101st A/B Div,

reopens Veghel–Uden highway and makes contact

with Br armor moving SW from Uden. Enemy continues attacks toward Veghel, although seriously

threatened by advance of 8 Corps toward Helmond.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, 7th Armd Div drops plans for crossing

the Seille upon receiving orders to join XIX Corps of

First Army. 1st Bn of 10th Inf, 5th Div, relieves the

weakened 2d Bn at Pournoy-la-Chétive, night 23–

24. CCR, 6th Armd Div, is attached to corps as

mobile reserve and moves to Jarny area on 24th. In

XII Corps area, 80th Div extends eastward in center

and on right as Germans withdraw, but enemy retains hill mass E of Serrières. 35th Div clears Bois

de Faulx of enemy rear guards, capturing many. 4th

Armd Div rests after its lively tank battles. In XV

Corps area, 79th Div clears Fort de Mondon, 3d

Bn of 314th Inf suffering heavy casualties during

frontal assaults. Fr patrol crosses La Vezouse R and

takes Domjevin but Germans restore positions along

the river. After nightfall, final enemy remnants fall

back across river to organize new defense line.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div is unable to expand bridgehead toward Girmont; 179th takes Mossoux and cuts road leading NW from there; 180th

clears that part of Epinal W of the Moselle and

crosses at 3 points near there. 36th Div’s 142d Inf

finishes clearing Remiremont and begins crossing

the Moselle; other elements of div are pushing northward. 7th Inf, 3d Div, reaches the Moselle across

from Rupt and about midnight begins crossing over

bridge, which is found to be intact.

In Fr 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre revises his

plan of attack as result of Gen Truscott’s decision

to make main effort with U.S. Seventh Army while

Fr forces provide flank protection. He calls for

offensive limited in strength to one combat command of Fr 1st Armd Div and one RCT of Fr 1st

Inf Div. The armor is to attack on axis Mélisey–

Le Thillot; infantry is to conduct diversionary

attacks.

ESTONIA—Red Army troops reach Gulf of Riga

at Paernu.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, 34th Div, with capture of Montepiano by

133d Inf, is through Gothic Line. 91st Div rests in

preparation for its next task—clearing M. Oggioli,

W of Radicosa Pass. 338th Inf, 85th Div, pushes

slowly northward from M. Coloreta; 337th, replacing 338th in line, takes W part of M. la Fine. 88th

Div, committing 351st Inf between 349th and 350th,

reaches line. M. la Fine–M. della Croce. In Br 13

Corps area, 1st Div occupies Poggio Cavalmagra

and pushes on toward Palazzuolo on left and Marradi

on R. Ind 8th Div occupies M. Villanova.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps is vigorously

engaged with enemy N of the Marecchia on delaying line S. Arcangelo–Poggio Berni–Montebello.

Cdn 1 Corps continues to pursue enemy toward

Uso R. 5th Armd Div takes responsibility for left

flank of corps, releasing Br 4th Div for reserve.

GREECE—Br Special Boat Sq, Mediterranean,

is dropped on Araxos, on NW coast of the Peloponnesus, to seize airfield from which retreating enemy

can be harassed and to occupy Patras.

CBI—Gen Hurley sends report to President

Roosevelt on situation and tells him of the Generalis-simo’s reaction to his (Roosevelt’s) message.

[ 23 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 286 ]

On Salween front, Japanese send rescue column

to extricate garrison of Pingka.

MOROTAI—Work is begun on another airfield,

called Pitoe Drome, about 1,200 yards N of Wama

Drome.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, RCT 321 of 81st Div

arrives from Angaur and is attached to 1st Mar

Div. After relieving 1st Marines on left flank just

N of third phase line, N of village of Ngarekeukl,

RCT 321 reconnoiters along coast to Garekoru, near

fourth phase line, without difficulty. Efforts to make

general advance northward, however, fail because

of intense fire from center ridges. 7th Marines has

task of supporting drive of infantry. On Angaur,

322d Inf again drives into Lake Salome bowl from

S but pulls back again when forward positions become untenable.

24 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 1 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div establishes bridgehead across Antwerp–Turnhout Canal

S of St Leonard. Elements of 49th Div reach

Turnhout.

In Br Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, 2 cos of

43d Div cross the Neder Rijn in assault boats during night 24–25 but are unable to reach British-held

perimeter at Hartestein. Pol forces on S bank lack

assault boats for crossing. Lt Gen B. G. Horrocks,

CG 30 Corps, issues and within a few hours revokes

order for 43d Div to prepare to cross at Renkum.

In 30 Corps area, other elements of 43d Div continue to fight for Elst and Bemmel. Continuing attacks toward Veghel, Germans cut highway NE of

village of Koevering, between St Oedenrode and

Veghel. In 8 Corps area, Deurne falls to 11th Armd

Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

Gen Patton, in accordance with order from Gen

Eisenhower, halts offensive operations for aggressive defense, calling for limited actions, as supplies

permit, to improve defensive positions. In XX Corps

area, 5th Div begins relief of 7th Armd Div in line.

In XII Corps area, 80th Div prepares to attack to

Seille R line on 26th. CCB, 4th Armd Div, holds its

perimeter between Château-Salins and Fresnes-enSaulnois against determined tank-infantry attacks

that P–47’s help repulse. Heavy enemy fire continues from Fort de Château-Salins, however. Germans

lose about 300 dead and 11 tanks in this action.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div seizes Girmont;

180th continues clearing Epinal. 36th Div is pushing

NE toward St Die; 141st Inf takes St Amé, E of

Remiremont. 3d Div clears Rupt of snipers and

expands bridgehead to include La Roche and Maxonchamp.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps releases additional elements of 1st Armd Div

for use on II Corps front, retaining only CCB. S

African 6th Armd Div, protecting left flank of II

Corps, replaces 11th Armd Brig in line with 12th

Motorized Brig; 11th Armd Brig then pushes N

along Highway 6620 to S. Ippolito while rest of div

pursues enemy up Highways 64 and 66. In II Corps

area, 34th Div, driving toward M. Bastione with

168th and 135th Regts, gains crest of M. Coroncina

and holds it against counterattack; overruns Roncobilaccio. 91st Div, attacking with 362d and 361st

Regts toward M. Oggioli, reaches line from Covigliano westward; during night 24–25, 363d Inf replaces 362d in line. While 337th Inf, 85th Div,

consolidates positions on M. la Fine and patrols,

338th, to left, continues slowly toward M. Canda

and gets into position for assault on it. 88th Div

runs into strong resistance at M. Acuto and undergoes vigorous counterattacks as it continues toward

Imola. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div takes Palazzuolo and Marradi, but enemy is holding out on

M. Gamberaldi. Ind 8th Div reaches Marradi–S.

Benedetto road. 6th Armd Div advances to S.

Benedetto in Alpe, on Highway 67.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps secures heights

N of the Marecchia from Montebello to Poggio

Berni to S. Arcangelo, and 46th Div, in center, establishes bridgehead across the Uso, taking Camerano

on far bank.

GREECE—RAF personnel arrive at Araxos by

sea and together with Special Boat Sq move on to

Patras. Commander of Land Forces, Adriatic, controls this operation.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div encounters enemy in strength while probing southward from Namma and suspends forward movement

until mid-October.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Inf attacks after air,

naval, and arty bombardment, driving through

Garekoru to fourth phase line on left. Co E, on

right, starts along east–west trail, soon called 321st

Inf Trail, through central ridge system running

from West Road S of Garekoru to East Road in

effort to pocket strong enemy forces in Umurbrogol

Mts, S part of the ridge system. Japanese counterattack at fourth phase line causes 321st Inf to fall

back a little, but positions are largely restored. Gap

develops between infantry and 7th Marines, since

latter, to right rear, has to clear ground that 321st

Inf should have taken. On Angaur, when appeal

to enemy to surrender produces only 2 prisoners,

arty fire is placed on the pocket throughout rest of

day and ensuing night.

[ 24 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 287 ]

ULITHI—RCT 323, 81st Div, secures rest of

Ulithi without opposition. The atoll becomes an

excellent base for Pacific Fleet during operations

against the Philippines.

25 September

WESTERN EUROPE—New boundary between 21

and 12th Army Groups becomes effective.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps

area, 3d Div, having moved up to Calais from Boulogne, begins all-out assault after preparatory bombardment. Pol armor is moving from E flank of 2

Corps to E flank of Br 1 Corps.

In Br Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, it is decided to withdraw bridgehead N of the Neder Rijn

in Arnhem sector under cover of darkness, 25–26.

Leaving wounded behind, Br 1st A/B Div starts

crossing the river, some by ferry and others

swimming. U.S. 101st A/ B and Br 50th Divs partially envelop enemy’s roadblock near Koevering,

and Germans abandon it after nightfall. 30 Corps

clears Elst and Bemmel. 8 Corps takes Helmond

and Gernert, NE of Eindhoven; makes patrol contact with 30 Corps in St Antonis area.

12th Army Group: Assigns sector now held by

V Corps to Ninth Army. First Army is to participate in main drive of 21 Army Group on the

Ruhr by taking Aachen and protecting right flank

of British.

In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps takes responsibility for corridor containing Peel Marshes from

the British, who by this time have cleared it as far

as Nederweert–Wessem Canal except for triangular

position about Wessem. Belgian 1st Brig, although

attached to Br 8 Corps, holds outposts S of the canal

within new zone of corps. 7th Armd Div from Third

Army and 29th Div from Brest are to be employed

by corps in clearing new sector. In VII Corps area,

elements of 60th Inf, 9th Div, fighting in forest on

S flank of corps, are by this time so weakened that

they are almost incapable of continuing the battle.

In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton lists priorities for limited attacks. In XX Corps area, 5th Div,

extending southward, completes relief of 7th Armd

Div and withdraws to new MLR, pulling back its

outpost line. Corny and Pournoy-la-Chétive, secured

at great cost, are abandoned in the retrograde movement. 83d Div, with task of clearing rear guards

from N flank of corps W of Sauer and Moselle

Rivers, reaches W bank of the Moselle at Remich.

TF Polk then moves S to Thionville area. In XII

Corps area, 35th Div is relieving 6th Armd Div ( — )

in Forêt de Grémecey sector. In powerful counterattacks against salient held by CCA, 4th Armd Div,

German Fifth Pz Army column drives through

Marsal and Moyenvic to Vic-sur-Seille where contact is made with German First Army. Enemy also

thrusts sharply at other points of CCA’s perimeter

and overruns Moncourt; CCB, turning over its positions W of Château-Salins to 35th Div, moves to

S of CCA, between Rethicourt and the canal.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 45th Div completes clearing Epinal.

36th Div is attacking toward Bruyères and Tendon.

3d Div takes over St Amé area from 36th Div.

In Fr 1st Army area, the 2d Corps opens limited

offensive with 1st Armd Div, whose third combat

command has now joined it, and 1st Inf Div. Progress is limited because of firm opposition.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 (Brig Gen John S. Wood, 92d Div

ADC), consisting of 370th Inf of 92d Div and CCB

of 1st Armd Div, takes command of zone previously held by 1st Armd Div. Elements of S African

6th Armd Div move to M. Casciaio, W of M.

Coroncina, and relieve 34th Cav Rcn Tr of task of

screening left flank of II Corps. In II Corps area,

34th Div progresses slowly toward M. Bastione on

left flank of corps. 91st Div takes M. Beni, below

M. Oggioli, on right but makes little headway on

left under fire from M. Bastione. 338th Inf, 85th

Div, attempts to outflank enemy on M. Canda by

attacking first toward Torre Poggiolli to NE, but

is unable to gain this objective; 3d Bn, 339th Inf,

tries to assist attack on Torre Poggiolli but is stopped

by opposition from Montarello. Boundary between

85th and 88th Divs is altered in preparation for

strong effort by 88th Div on 26th to break through

last heights before Imola. 337th Inf of 85th Div

takes responsibility for M. la Fine, releasing 349th

Inf of 88th Div. Br 13 Corps battles for heights

commanding Palazzuolo, Marradi, and S. Benedetto. Several attempts by 1st Div to take M. Gamberaldi fail. Ind 8th Div begins attack on M. di

Castelnuovo, where enemy resists strongly. 6th

Armd Div, previously ordered to Eighth Army

front, is directed to remain in place and contain

enemy on right flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

is delayed in crossing the Uso on left flank of corps

by fire from Cornacchiara on far bank, but enemy

withdraws, night 25–26. 46th Div expands its Uso

bridgehead toward Canonica. 1st Armd Div, after

establishing bridgehead across the Uso at S. Arcangelo and Highway 9, is relieved there by 56th

Div. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd Div secures

bridgehead across the Uso.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek refuses

to accept Gen Stilwell as commander of Ch forces.

MOROTAI—TF TRADEWIND Is. dissolved. Gen

Hall, as CG XI Corps, is responsible for continuing

base development.

[ 25 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 288 ]

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 7th Marines continues to

support attack of 321st Inf, 81st Div, and extends

left flank to release elements of 321st for main push.

On left, 321st Inf patrols northward along coast

almost to fifth phase line against light resistance.

5th Marines moves forward to join with 321st Inf

in attack to clear N part of island. Right flank elements of 321st Inf continue clearing lateral trail

through central ridge system, meeting strong opposition. On Angaur, 322nd Inf, whose efforts to push

into the Lake Salome bowl from the S have all

ended in failure, attempts in vain to find suitable

route of advance into bowl from N coast. Engineers

then begin construction of road for an attack from

ENE.

26 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, daylight halts

withdrawal of 1st A/B Div; about 300 remain on

N bank of the Neder Rijn; some of these later escape

southward. Although MARKET-GARDEN has not accomplished major objectives of gaining bridgehead

beyond the Neder Rijn, outflanking the West Wall,

securing positions from which to attack the Ruhr:

or bringing about the collapse of the enemy in this

area, it has gained valuable ground and improved

Allied positions. Both U.S. divs are still badly

needed. 101st A/B Div front is stabilized as engineers remove mines and reopen St Oedenrode–

Veghel road.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

VIII Corps, now consisting of 2d and 8th Divs and

corps troops, starts by rail and motor to concentration areas in rear of V Corps, First Army.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, to ease

pressure on the weak bn of 60th Inf, 9th Div, in

Huertgen Forest, 60th Inf commander moves 2

bns—attached bn of 39th Inf and his reserve bn—

southward from the contested ridge to cut Lammersdorf–Huertgen highway at its junction with

road leading NW to Zweifall.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Gen

Walker orders limited attack on Fort Driant to begin on 27th, regardless of weather. XIX TAC begins

daily attacks on Metz forts. 3d Bn of 359th Inf, 90th

Div, makes limited attack to clear road between Gravelotte and St Hubert’s Farm in preparation for largescale attack. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div slightly

reduces its MLR on right flank of corps in order to

improve defensive positions, and enemy quickly

moves into Juvelize and Coincourt without opposition. 80th Div makes vain effort to close up to Seille

R line in limited attack against well-dug-in enemy:

elements of 318th Inf attempt unsuccessfully to take

Mt. St Jean while 317th Inf force makes

futile effort to push into Moivron. 35th Div completes relief of 6th Armd Div in Forêt de Grémecey

area, 6th Armd Div becoming corps reserve,

although CCB is still linking 80th and 35th Divs in

Leyr corridor. Enemy begins series of attacks to

regain Forêt de Grémecey in evening, driving in

35th Div’s outposts.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 begins advance along Serchio valley N

of Pescia. Continuing along Highway 6620 on right

flank, elements of S African 6th Armd Div reach

slopes of M. Gatta. Div halts advance of 24th Gds

Brig up Highway 66 NW of Pistoia but continues

up Highway 64 with 12th Motorized Brig. In II

Corps area, 34th Div meets strong opposition in

Bruscoli-Gambellate Creek area. 91st Div, with capture of M. Freddi, is ready to attack M. Oggioli.

85th Div again attacks unsuccessfully toward Torre

Poggiolli, employing 1st Bns of 338th and 339th

Regts; 2d Bn of 338th tries in vain to take Sambuco;

3d Bn, 339th, seizes Montarello. 88th Div takes

M. Pratolungo on left, pushes toward Castel del

Rio in center, and on right takes M. del Puntale.

1st Armd Div, less CCB, is gradually being committed to protect exposed right flank of corps. In

Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div continues futile frontal

assault on M. Gamberaldi and at night begins moving elements toward M. Toncone in effort to outflank

enemy. Ind 8th Div suspends attack on M. di

Castelnuovo. On right flank of corps, 6th Armd

Div’s 61st Brig drives along Route 67 to Bucconi

without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

establishes bridgehead across the Uso in vicinity of

Cornacchiara but meets firm resistance from heights

beyond when trying to expand bridgehead. 46th Div

crosses additional elements over the Uso and secures

Canonica. 56th Div advances along Highway 9 from

S. Arcangelo to positions about halfway to Savignano. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 5th Armd Div

enlarges bridgehead across the Uso. Brig of NZ 2d

Div reaches the Uso in coastal sector. Greek 3d Mtn

Brig Gp is attached to NZ 2d Div and takes up

positions on right flank.

During meeting at Gen Wilson’s headquarters

at Caserta, Italy, final arrangements are made for

orderly reoccupation of Greece. Gen Scobie is to

control all guerrilla forces operating within Greece.

Security battalions—political police formed to

eliminate ELAS bands—are outlawed.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Inf and 5th Marines

each cut across W arm of Peleliu, forming 2 pockets

of enemy. 2d Bn, 321st, completes clearing 321st Inf

trail, cutting off enemy to S in Umurbrogol Mts. 3d

Bn, 5th Marines, pushes across the peninsula to N,

isolating enemy on Amiangal Mt, at N tip. Other

elements of 5th Marines drive N along W coast almost to tip of island. On Angaur, 322d Inf gains

[ 26 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 289 ]

foothold in N part of Lake Salome bowl and clears

positions along SE rim.

27 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery orders Gen Crerar to clear the

Schelde as quickly as possible.

In Br Second Army area, enemy aircraft make

large-scale but futile efforts to destroy Nijmegen

bridges.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, 359th Inf of 80th Div, after further

efforts in greater strength to gain road from Gravelotte to St Hubert’s Farm, breaks off attack; 358th

Inf, having been relieved by TF Polk, moves to

right of 359th, replacing 3d Cav Rcn Sq. 5th Div

begins limited attacks against Fort Driant, outer

bastion of Metz barring N approach to the city;

after ineffective aerial bombardment at low level, 2d

Bn of 11th Inf attacks at 1415 but is unable to reach

main works and withdraws to original positions. In

XII Corps area, massed enemy tanks again attempt

to drive in 4th Armd Div’s salient, making main

effort on S flank where they succeed in taking Hill

318, SE of Arracourt, which commands road to

Nancy; subsidiary thrusts at Bezange-la-Petite and

Xanrey are largely contained. 35th Div, holding

Forêt de Grémecey salient with 134th Inf on left

and 137th on right, undergoes sharp counterattacks.

German columns push toward Grémecey and Pettoncourt from Chambrey, reaching latter. When reinforcements from 320th Inf of 35th Div arrive,

enemy falls back toward Chambrey. Other enemy

forces make limited penetration into NE edge of the

forest after infiltrating from Fort de ChâteauSalins, but most of lost ground is recovered. 6th

Armd Div is alerted for possible action with 35th

Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 makes substantial progress up Serchio

valley; takes responsibility for zone of 24th Gds

Brig, which is to assist in drive up Highway 6620.

S African 6th Armd Div column, moving along

Highway 64, reaches Collina. In II Corps area, 34th

Div continues to advance slowly on left flank of

corps against strong opposition. 91st Div begins

assault on M. Oggioli and makes slow progress with

assistance of supporting weapons and aircraft. 85th

Div reaches crest of Torre Poggiolli and clears Sambuco. 88th Div takes hill dominating Highway 937

on left, Castel del Rio in center, and M. Battaglia,

key feature on road to Imola, on right; 2d Bn,

350th Inf, establishes itself on M. Battaglia and

soon undergoes the first of a series of determined

enemy counterattacks. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div

seizes M. Toncone, jeopardizing enemy on M. Gamberaldi. Ind 8th Div begins flanking maneuver

against M. di Castelnuovo. 1st Gds Brig returns to

6th Armd Div from 10 Corps front.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

is virtually halted by enemy on ridges on left flank

of corps. 46th Div expands its bridgehead slightly

and holds gains against counterattacks. 56th Div,

finding further progress toward Savignano barred

by enemy on Castelvecchio ridge, patrols while

awaiting reinforcements. Cdn 1 Corps issues instructions for future action of troops upon relief,

scheduled to begin on 29th, by Pol 2 Corps. It is

subsequently decided to employ Pol 2 Corps in another sector and keep Cdn 1 Corps in coastal zone.

Forward elements of corps are approaching the

Fiumicino. S. Mauro di Romagna and La Torre are

clear of enemy.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, elements of 321st Inf begin attack on N side of Umurbrogol Pocket, which

7th Marines is helping to contain, and meet intense

enemy fire. 1st Bn drives N, clearing Kamilianlul

Mt with ease and making contact with 5th Marines

at junction of East and West Roads. Some elements

of 5th Marines continue clearing resistance on Amiangal Mt, while others push to end of island, Akarakaro Pt. On Angaur, 322d Inf surrounds Lake

Salome bowl and gains positions along inside of it.

Methodical elimination of doomed enemy there

ensues.

28 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3d Div pushes into

Calais and takes the Citadel.

In Br Second Army area, Germans make particularly strong counterattack against Eindhoven–Arnhem salient in futile effort to take highway bridge at

Nijmegen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, Gen Corlett orders offensive to clear

Peel Marshes. 7th Armd Div is to attack from N

while Belgian 1st Brig, which comes under corps

control, and 113th Cav Gp make secondary effort

on S.

U.S. Third Army directive places Metz first on

priority list. In XII Corps area, bitter, indecisive

fighting occurs on S flank of 4th Armd Div, where

enemy makes repeated and determined efforts to

break through to Arracourt; CCB gains and then

loses crest of Hill 318, as fighting continues into

night 28–29, digging in on reverse slope near crest;

Germans take Hill 293, to SW, and reach E edge

of Bois du Benamont. 35th Div undergoes enemy

counterattacks all along line, the most determined

being against NE edge of Fort de Grémecey, where

[ 27–28 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 290 ]

ground is lost but largely regained in counterattack.

Attack from Jallaucourt against W flank of div

perimeter is broken up by arty fire. Enemy forces

again reach Pettoncourt before being checked. XV

Corps begins limited attack to clear Forêt de Parroy. 79th Div, with 315th Inf on left and 313th on

right, jumps off in afternoon after air preparation,

pushing into edge of the forest.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 gains control of east–west Highway 12

along Lima Creek between Fornoli and S. Marcello;

takes Lucchio. Units regroup as right boundary of

corps is shifted E to Gambellate and Setta Creeks:

sector of S African 6th Armd Div on right flank

is sharply reduced to permit concentrated effort

along Highway 6620 in support of II Corps; right

boundary of RCT 6, BEF, is moved eastward to include Serchio R. II Corps finds that enemy has

abandoned former strongpoints in Radicosa Pass.

135th Inf, 34th Div, seizes M. Bastione; 361st Inf,

91st Div, gains crest of M. Oggioli; M. Canda falls

to 338th Inf, 85th Div. Germans counterattack desperately in effort to force 2d Bn of 350th Inf, 88th

Div, from its exposed salient on crest of M. Battaglia,

driving back forward outposts. Reinforcements (Co

K) and supplies are moved forward to 2d Bn. In Br

13 Corps area, 1st Div finds that enemy on M.

Gamberaldi has withdrawn.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

suspends operations on left flank of corps while

awaiting reinforcements. 46th Div gives a little

ground under strong counterattack. 56th Div, beginning assault on Castelvecchio ridge, night 27–28,

gets elements to top but is forced to fall back at daylight and break off the attack; elements succeed in

reaching the Fiumicino N of Sacignano on right

flank. 1st Armd Div hq passes to Eighth Army control. 2d Armd Brig is put under 46th Div. Cdn 1

Corps reaches positions generally along the Fiumicino. Co of Cdn 5th Armd Div crosses but is wiped

out by enemy. Operations, except for patrolling, are

almost at a standstill after this because of heavy rains

and flooding.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army area, 15 Corps is ordered to go on the offensive

on Arakan front in order to clear Chittagong and

Cox’s Bazaar as well as Naaf R estuary.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Inf units finish clearing N part of Umurbrogol Pocket to previously

designated line. 1st Bn and 5th Marines continue

clearing N part of W arm. 3d Bn, 5th Marines, lands

on 3 small islands off coast—Ngesebus, Kongauru,

and an unnamed one—and begins clearing them.

On Angaur, 322d Inf continues clearing enemy

pocket inside the bowl, suffering its highest casualties

for a single day on the island, about 80.

29 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, armistice for withdrawal

of civilians interrupts battle at Calais. In Br I Corps

area, Pol 1st Armd Div moves into line on right

flank of corps and begins clearing northward to right

of 49th Div.

In Br Second Army area, German swimmers

damage bridges at Nijmegen with submarine

charges, but the bridges are soon repaired. 12

Corps reaches Hertogenbosch–Oss RR, SW of

Nijmegen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, while 7th Armd Div moves through

Br zone to positions from which to attack southward

in Peel Marshes, Belgian 1st Brig and 113th Cav

Gp open attacks from S toward Roermond but

make little headway against unexpectedly strong

resistance. Belgian 1st Brig is held up at triangular

position in Wessem area. 29th Div completes move

from Brittany into corps zone, and its arty relieves

that of 2d Armd Div. In VII Corps area, 39th Inf

of 9th Div, after several days of indecisive fighting,

takes Hill 554, within West Wall SE of Lammersdorf. The regt’s penetration is now a little more than

2 miles wide.

In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton approves

plan for XX Corps to attack Fort Driant again, beginning on 3 October. In XII Corps area, CCR of

6th Armd Div returns to parent unit from XX Corps

zone; CCA moves to Champenoux, S of Pettoncourt. 4th Armd Div, effectively supported by air,

decisively defeats enemy forces attempting to reach

Arracourt and drives them southward, where they

go on the defensive. Furious and confused fighting

rages in Forêt de Grémecey, where 35th Div counterattacks early in morning to regain road to

Fresnes-en-Saulnois and enemy pushes S from

Fresnes; 137th Inf is unable to clear enemy from E

part of the forest, but 3d Bn of 320th, counterattacking between 137th and 134th Regts, reaches N

edge of woods, and 134th Inf overruns Han. XV

Corps passes to control of U.S. Seventh Army.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, elements of RCT 6, BEF, take Stazzema; 3d

Bn relieves 3d Bn of 370th Inf, TF 92, in place.

CCB, 1st Armd Div, is detached from TF 92 and,

with Br 74th Light AA Regt under its command,

receives mission of driving along Highway 64. S

African 6th Armd Div pushes northward along

Highway 6620 in effort to come abreast II Corps to

right. In II Corps area, 34th Div repels counterattack on left at Montefredente and on right reaches

Fornelli. 91st Div, with 362d and 363d Regts in

assault, drives about 2 miles N of Radicosa Pass

astride Highway 65. 85th Div remains in place,

[ 29 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 291 ]

consolidating and patrolling. Troops of 350th Inf,

88th Div, are still hard pressed on M. Battaglia,

where enemy counterattacks continue; entire 350th

Regt is ordered to this position and turns over defense of right flank to CCA, 1st Armd Div. In Br

13 Corps area, enemy withdraws from M. di Castelnuovo. Engineers are opening Marradi–S. Benedetto

road, which by now is secure. Corps issues instructions for regrouping in order to take over zone E

of Firenzuola–Imola road. 1st Div replaces 66th and

2d Brigs in line with 3d Brig.

Br Eighth Army is hampered all along line by

heavy rains and flooding. 5 Corps advances its right

flank, night 29–30, taking Savignano and Castelvecchio ridge without opposition, as Germans make

limited withdrawal. Patrols cross the Fiumicino.

CBI—Strong Ch labor force begins work on

trail between Myitkyina and Kunming via Tengchung and is assisted by small group of U.S.

engineers.

PALAUS—Adm Fort’s Western Attack Force

(TF 32) takes command in W Carolines from Adm

Wilkinson’s Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 31),

releasing Adm Wilkinson for action against the

Philippines. On Peleliu, 7th Marines takes responsibility for completing reduction of Umurbrogol

Pocket, releasing 3d Bn of 321st Inf, which then

starts N along route previously taken by 1st Bn,

clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of 321st Inf relieve 5th Marines on Ngesebus

and Kongauru Islands. 5th Marines continues to

clear Amiangal Mt. On Angaur, 322d Inf clears floor

of Lake Salome bowl and forces enemy to NW rim

and NW tip of island.

MOROTAI—Pitoe Crash Strip, the original airstrip

on Morotai, is ready for use by fighters. This field is

subsequently abandoned.

30 September

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3d Div resumes attack

on Calais after armistice ends at noon. Organized

resistance ceases by evening and mopping up is

begun. In Br 1 Corps area, Pol 1st Armd Div takes

Merxplas, NW of Turnhout.

In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps is on general

line Weert–Meijel–Deurne–Boxmeer and thence

along the Maas in Cuijk area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 7th Armd Div, from positions near

Oploo, attacks S in corridor W of the Maas during

afternoon, pushing toward Vortum and Overloon

and soon running into determined resistance; attacks to clear the corridor from S continue to make

little headway. 115th Inf, 29th Div, relieves 2d

Armd Div in Gangelt–Teveren area.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 4th Armd

Div, after a successful sweep S of Xanrey, goes on

the defensive in a quiet sector. In a desperate attempt

to recover Forêt de Grémecey, Germans make strong

attack against both flanks of 35th Div’s perimeter,

breaching lines of 134th and 137th Regts within

the forest. So grave is the situation that the corps

commander, about 1420, orders 35th Div to fall

back behind the Seille after dark, but Gen Patton

directs counterattack by 6th Armd Div to restore

situation. 35th Div, committing its last reserves,

manages to hang on and enemy begins planned

withdrawal.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div continues to meet strong opposition in Forêt de Parroy. Elements of Fr 2d

Armd Div assist 45th Div of VI Corps in attack

on Rambervillers.

RUMANIA-YUGOSLAVIA—Troops of Third Ukrainian Front, having secured the Iron Gate—TurnuSeverin–Orsova area, where the Danube passes

through the Transylvanian Alps—cross the Danube

in force and push toward Belgrade.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, RCT 6 of BEF advances its right flank to

Fornoli, at junction of Serchio R and Lima Creek.

TF 92 thrusts to La Lima, at junction of Highways

66 and 12. S African 6th Armd Div, upon reaching

upper slopes of M. Catarelto, is abreast II Corps. In

II Corps area, 351st Inf of 88th Div seizes M.

Cappello after hard fighting. 88th Div troops on M.

Battaglia are almost driven off by further enemy

attacks. Corps is now ready for drive on Po Valley

and Bologna, although wearied by recent fighting

and hampered by heavy rains. In Br 13 Corps area,

1st Div’s 3d Brig remains on M. Toncone while

Marradi–Palazzuolo road is being repaired. 17th

Brig, Ind 8th Div, reaches S. Adriano, on road to

Faenza.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 4th Div

clears enemy from Tribola. 46th Div takes Montalbano and patrols as far as the Fiumicino. Corps begins general attack, night 30–1. Ind 4th Div takes

M. Reggiano and Borghi before dawn, but 46th

Div in center and 56th on right are unable to force

the Fiumicino.

MOROTAI—Wama Drôme is ready for emergency use.

PALAUS—Adm Fort, Commander of Western

Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus,

and Kongauru occupied. On Peleliu, 1st Bn of 321st

Inf relieves 5th Marines on Amiangal Mt, which is

not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed

or captured there, far more than the 500 recently

estimated to be on the mountain. 7th Marines begins

[ 30 SEPTEMBER 1944 ]
[ 292 ]

attacks to reduce Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.

1 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, mop-up of Calais is completed during morning. In Br I Corps area, Cdn 2d

Div begins drive W across Antwerp–Turnhout

Canal toward Beveland Peninsula through N suburbs of Antwerp. 49th Div is engaging enemy N of

St Leonard. Pol armor crosses Dutch frontier on

right flank of corps.

In Br Second Army area, Germans make another

strong but futile attempt to reach Nijmegen bridges,

pushing S from Arnhem.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XXIX TAC of U.S. Ninth Air Force, which is to

support Ninth Army, is detached from IX TAC and

becomes an independent body. VIII Corps, consisting of 2d and 8th Divs and supporting units, prepares to take over sector of V Corps, First Army.

U.S. First Army spends most of its time during

October encircling and reducing Aachen, from

which drive on Cologne is to begin. In XIX Corps

area, two-pronged attack to clear Peel Marshes continues to gain little ground. Main offensive of corps,

attack on West Wall between Aachen and Geilenkirchen, cannot be undertaken as planned on this

date because of poor weather conditions.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, elements

of 83d Div (Co C of 329th Inf) reach outskirts of

Grevenmacher, on W bank of the Moselle N of

Remich. In XII Corps area, 35th Div is clearing

enemy from Forêt de Grémecey, thrusting to edge

of woods at some points. CCR of 6th Armd Div

moves S from Pettoncourt and clears Chambrey,

where it is relieved by 137th Inf, and CCA moves

around W edge of the forest through Jallaucourt

to seize Lemoncourt–Fresnes ridge, which it turns

over to 134th Inf. This about ends battle of Forêt de

Grémecey. On N flank of corps, 80th Div begins

limited attacks to improve positions W of Seille R;

CO of 318th Inf attempts unsuccessfully to take farm

strongpoint that controls Pont Mousson–Nomeny

road.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div commits 314th Regt in Forêt

de Parroy: moving forward from Croismare, 314th

gradually pinches out 313th and continues attack

to right of 315th. Progress within the forest is still

very slow. Elements of Fr 2d Armd Div, in conjunction with attack of 45th Div (VI Corps), cut Rambervillers–Baccarat road.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, troops of S African 6th Armd Div on M.

Catarelto are forced to give ground under strong

enemy counterattacks. TF 45 and RCT 6 of BEF

are joined under operational command of Maj Gen

Enrice Gaspar Dutra, Brazilian Minister of War.

II Corps begins offensive toward Bologna at 0600

after arty preparation. Enemy resists stubbornly from

improvised strongpoints. On left flank of the 34th

Div, 168th Inf drive down Sambro Valley until

stopped by strongpoint on Hill 789; 133d attempts

to take M. del Gallete but is halted short of crest and

cannot clear village of Cedrecchia. 91st Div attacks

toward Loiano with 363d Inf on left and 362d on

right but is soon held up in Monghidoro area. 339th

Inf, 85th Div, heading for M. Bibele, takes La

Martina and begins clearing ridge to E; on right,

337th Inf dears the ridge as far as Spedaletto. 88th

Div, although still heavily engaged on right flank at

M. Battaglia, attacks with 349th Inf to protect right

flank of 85th Div in region E of Sillaro R, taking

Belvedere. In Br 13 Corps area, work continues on

Palazzuolo–Marradi road in 1st Div zone. 19th Brig,

Ind 8th Div, begins assault on M. Cavallara.

In Br Eighth Army area, Gen McCreery, formerly

10 Corps commander, takes command of Eighth

Army, relieving Gen Sir Oliver Leese, who will head

Allied Land Forces in Asia. In 5 Corps area, Ind

4th Div, whose scheduled relief by Ind 10th Div

must be delayed because of flooding conditions, advances left flank of corps toward the Fiumicino,

pushing toward S. Martino and taking Montecchio

without opposition. Activity on rest of corps front

comes to a standstill along the Fiumicino. In Cdn 1

Corps area, stalemate continues along the Fiumicino. Plans to attack are made and canceled from

time to time because of rain.

GREECE—From Kithira I., British Advance

Coastal Forces base and 9th Commandos move by

sea to Poros Bay to reconnoiter, leaving elements of

Greek Sacred Regt on Kithira. Greek Naval Port

parties land on Mytilene (Lesbos), Lemnos, and

Levita.

2 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery decides to drive SE against

the Ruhr from Nijmegen rather than continue northward. Gen Eisenhower asks that the 2 U.S. divs

with Br Second Army be returned as soon as

possible.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, after aerial preparation that is none too

successful and arty bombardment that virtually

eliminates enemy flak, 30th Div begins corps’ assault

on West Wall, attacking across the shallow Wurm

R between Aachen and Geilenkirchen. 117th Inf of

30th Div, crossing at Marienberg, reduces band of

pillboxes within its sector and takes Palenberg;

[ 1–2 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 293 ]

119th, crossing at Rimburg, is strongly opposed from

Rimburg castle and Rimburg woods and cannot get

beyond RR embankment. Armor attempts to assist

the assault but is mired on E bank of river. Enemy

counterattack, delayed until about midnight by

interdictory fire, is quickly repelled. Diversionary

attack by 115th Inf of 29th Div, NW of Geilenkirchen, overruns Hatterath, Birgden, and Kreuzrath and penetrates into Schierwaldenrath despite

strong opposition. 7th Armd Div is assisted by Br

and U.S. arty as well as aircraft as it continues effort

to clear corridor W of the Maas. TF of CCB takes

Vortum, but efforts to invest Overloon fail and

enemy begins series of counterattacks. To S, Belgian

1st Brig breaks off action in Wessem area since it

is greatly outnumbered by enemy. 113th Cav Gp

makes little progress toward Roermond; establishes

small bridgehead across Saeffler Creek. Corps troops

receive heavy volume of arty support during day.

V Corps orders attack through West Wall toward

Bonn, target date 7 October.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, elements

of 319th Inf, 80th Div, continuing limited attacks,

take the farm strongpoint; 318th makes limited attack on Serrières that is unsuccessful and costly;

elements of 317th get into position for attack on

Sivry.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div is still strongly opposed in

Forêt de Parroy, although 106th Cav Rcn Sq, screening N flank of corps, is assisting in N part of the

forest. In VI Corps area, Grandvillers falls to 179th

Inf, 45th Div.

POLAND—Germans suppress insurrection of

patriots in Warsaw after prolonged and bloody

fighting during which possibly 250,000 Poles perish.

ITALY—AAI: Boundary between U.S. Fifth

Army and Br Eighth Army is moved about a mile

E of Highway 67.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 24th Gds

Brig of S African 6th Armd Div continues futile

efforts to take M. Catarelto. In II Corps area, 34th

Div clears Cedrecchia but cannot take M. del Galletto or Hill 789 until after enemy pulls back, night

2–3. 91st Div seizes Monghidoro and reduces enemy

defenses in this region. 85th Div’s 339th Inf is

laboriously clearing enemy from Idice valley; 337th

works on ridge between the Idice and Sillaro Rivers,

taking Hill 751 but bypassing pockets of enemy.

88th Div’s 349th Inf continues to clear region E of

the Sillaro. Enemy maintains pressure on M. Battaglia, where Br 6th Armd Div (13 Corps) begins relief

of 350th Inf.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

begins relief of Ind 4th Div. Elements of Ind 4th

continue drive on S. Martino.

SEAC—British Chiefs of Staff and War Cabinet have decided that DRACULA (attack on Rangoon) cannot be undertaken in March 1945 as

hoped without detracting from the main effort in

Europe. Adm Mountbatten, having concluded planning for CAPITAL (drive on Mandalay) and DRACULA

at reduced cost in response to request from the

Prime Minister, issues directives calling for CAPITAL

to be undertaken at once and DRACULA about November 1945. NCAC part of CAPITAL is to be conducted in two phases: clearing to line Indaw–

Kunchaung–Sikaw–Namhkam by mid-December;

to line Lashio–Mongmit–Thabaikkyin by mid-February 1945. General tasks, of NCAC are to defend

air route to China and overland communications;

secure that part of Assam and upper Burma within

its zone.

CBI—On NCAC front, gasoline deliveries to

Myitkyina by pipeline are begun.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Inf finishes clearing

and mopping up Amiangal Mt on N part of W

arm, having killed at least 175 Japanese. 7th Marines continues attacks on Umurbrogol Pocket. On

Angaur, 322d Inf suspends costly assault against

enemy pocket on NW part of the island. The

pocket, known to cover an area of less than 500

yards from E to W and 150 yards from N to S, is

subjected to close-in fire.

3 October

WESTERN EUROPE—RAF BC breaches Westkapelle Dike along W edge of Walcheren I., causing

extensive flooding.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 117th Inf of 30th Div reaches Uebach

and begins clearing house-to-house resistance; is

overtaken there by CCB, 2d Armd Div, which has

crossed the Wurm at Marienberg to expand bridgehead northward while infantry works S to establish

contact with VII Corps. The small bridgehead

becomes very congested and neither armor nor infantry is able to get beyond Uebach. 119th Inf, 30th

Div, takes Rimburg castle and woods, the latter in

flanking and frontal assaults, but can go no farther;

its bridgehead is only 800 yards deep. On left flank

of corps, 7th Armd Div replaces CCA with CCR as

efforts to invest Overloon continue.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

begins limited attack toward Maizières-lès-Metz to

secure line of approach to Metz from the N and

gain experience in attacking fortifications: 2 cos of

357th Inf reach large slag pile overlooking the town

from NW with little difficulty. At noon 5th Div

renews limited attacks on Fort Driant, S of Metz,

with close arty support and smoke screen, although

[ 3 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 294 ]

weather conditions prevent planned aerial bombardment; 2d Bn of 11th Inf, reinf by Co B, combat

engineers, and tanks, attacks SW and NW edges;

Co, B forces gap in S part and Co G follows it

through; fighting is confused and costly, with Germans emerging from tunnels to counterattack after

nightfall. In XII Corps area, 2d Bn of 317th Inf,

80th Div, finishes clearing Sivry by 0555. Corps

line in center and on right flank is now firmly

re-established.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div, assisted by tanks, makes limited progress in Forêt de Parroy, outflanking enemy

roadblock.

ESTONIA—Troops of Leningrad Front land on

Dagoe (Hiiumaa), off Estonian coast at entrance to

Gulf of Riga, and begin clearing the island.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, enemy withdraws from M. Catarelto early in

day. 11th Armd Brig, S African 6th Armd Div,

reaches M. Vigese, where enemy is firmly established. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div drives

through Campiano to lower slopes of Hill 747; 133d

takes M. del Galletto. 91st Div pursues enemy northward to within a mile of Loiano. 85th Div’s 339th

Inf, against weakening resistance, thrusts almost to

Quinzano and takes I Boschi; 337th continues to

clear ridge between Idice and Sillaro Rivers, beating off counterattacks against Hill 751 and taking

Hill 628 to N. 349th Inf, 88th Div, pushes forward

to Sassoleone; Br 6th Armd Div continues relief of

350th on M. Battaglia, where fighting has been extremely costly. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div’s 3d Brig

begins stiff battle for M. Ceco.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

takes command of Ind 4th Div’s sector on left flank

of corps. Latter passes to corps reserve.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 7th Marines gains hold on

ridges along E side of Umurbrogol Pocket.

U.S.—JCS direct Gen MacArthur to seize bases

on Luzon from which to support future operations.

Adm Nimitz is to provide cover and support for

the Luzon operation; invade Iwo Jima in January

1945 and the Ryukyus, with assistant of SWPA aircraft, 2 months later.

4 October

WESTERN EUROPE—Bombers widen gap in

Westkapelle Dike on Walcheren I.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s Br 1

Corps area, Cdn 2d Div, continuing Win region N

of Antwerp toward Zuid Beveland, has cleared

Merxem–Eekeren area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

VIII Corps assumes responsibility for sector between

First and Third Armies previously held by V Corps.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, enemy,

having massed reinforcements, counterattacks

strongly, particularly against Uebach, where he is

thrown back by combined efforts of 117th Inf of

30th Div, armor, and arty; 119th Inf repels attack

on its S flank. After considerable delay because of

enemy attacks, CCB of 2d Armd Div attacks from

Uebach—TF Hinds (Col Sidney R. Hinds) on left,

taking objective heights about Hoverhof, a mile N

of Uebach, and continuing beyond there to high

ground E of Zweibruggen, and TF Disney (Col

Paul A. Disney) on right, gaining about 800 yards

toward Geilenkirchen–Aachen highway at cost of 11

tanks and heavy casualties. 119th Inf is unable to

advance from Rimburg woods; at night moves TF Cox

(Lt Col William C. Cox), northward to envelop enemy barring advance. 120th Inf attacks W of the

Wurm at Kerkrade; Germans counter strongly but

withdraw during night. Continuing limited attacks,

115th Inf of 29th Div takes Breberen, on the far

side of Saeffler Creek, where it is relieved by 113th

Cav Rcn Sq, but is unable to clear woods near Hatterath and loses 4 Co K in Schierwaldenrath. 7th

Armd Div continues to fight hard but indecisively

near Overloon. 113th Cav Gp, having suffered heavy

losses, breaks off action S of Peel Marshes. V Corps

changes target date for West Wall offensive to 10

October; directs 28th and 4th Divs to reconnoiter

in force to E beginning on 6 October.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

units maintain positions on slag pile NW of Maizières-lès-Metz while plans are being made to

attack the town itself. 5th Div sends Co K, 2d Inf,

to Fort Driant to assist hard-pressed elements of

11th Inf there. Enemy positions are slowly and

laboriously being cleared. Germans from tunnels

again counterattack after nightfall. In XII Corps

area, German predawn counterattack isolates elements of 317th Inf, 80th Div, in Sivry. Both sides

move up reinforcements. Co E attempts in vain to

reach Americans within the town. Remnants of

the isolated force succeed in rejoining main body.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 315th Inf of 79th Div reaches N–S road

through Forêt de Parroy near its junction with

main E–W road, but 314th, to right, is checked by

enemy counterattack. In VI Corps’ area, 3d Div’s

7th Inf begins assault on Vagney, SW of Gerardmer. In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the Fr 1st

Armd Div begins attack to envelop and take Le

Thillot but is soon brought to a halt by determined

opposition in Longegoutte and Gehan forest N of

the town and in Servance–Château Lambert area

to S.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, 168th Inf of 34th Div holds positions on

slopes of Hill 747; 133d clears M. Venere. 91st Div

[ 4 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 295 ]

is halted short of Loiano by stiff opposition. 339th

Inf, 85th Div, takes Quinzano and reaches slopes

of M. Bibele; 338th moves forward to relieve 339th,

night 4–5; 337th gains Hill 566, far in advance of

flanking forces. 88th Div gets into position to attack Hill 587, N of Sassoleone. Br 13 Corps is reinf

by fresh 78th Div, whose 38th Brig starts forward

to relieve 88th Div (II Corps). 3d Brig, 1st Div,

continues futile efforts to take M. Ceco.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps orders attack

across the Fiumicino to begin night 6–7. Meanwhile,

Ind 10th Div struggles to advance left flank of

corps to the river, crossing elements over the Uso

early in day and beginning assault on heights (Sogliano al Rubicone–S. Martino ridge) intervening

between there and the Fiumicino.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 33 Corps area, E African 11th Div overruns

Yazagyo, in Kabaw Valley. Ind 5th Div is closing in

on Tiddim.

MOROTAI—Gen Krueger declares Morotai operation at an end, although mopping up continues.

Japanese dead on Morotai total 102; prisoners, 13.

At least 200 are estimated killed on barges between

Morotai and Halmahera. Allied casualties number

about 30 killed, 85 wounded, and 1 missing. Wama

field is put into use by aircraft. Permanent fighter

garrison arrives and CVE’s are able to leave.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 7th Marines continues attacks on Umurbrogol Pocket but by end of day is so

depleted in strength that it is no longer an effective

fighting force.

5 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 1 Corps gets forward elements

on left to Alphen, SW of Tilburg.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCB of 2d Armd Div on left flank overruns villages of Zweibruggen and Frelenberg and

continues toward Geilenkirchen; on right, cuts Geilenkirchen–Aachen highway but is unable to reach

Beggendorf, its objective. CCA, reinf by 3d Bn of

116th Inf, 29th Div, moves into bridgehead at Uebach to assist 30th Div. 117th Inf, 30th Div, attacks

SE from Uebach toward Alsdorf but is soon halted;

working S from Uebach area, TF Cox of 119th Inf

reaches positions E of Merkstein–Herbach and clears

ridge behind objective ridge except for a pillbox at

its S tip. Strong opposition continues to keep 7th

Armd Div from Overloon, though the

town is almost encircled. Germans are assisted by

heavy arty fire, which corps counters with 99 missions, despite dwindling supply of arty ammunition.

German Air Force strikes at Palenberg in some

strength but causes little damage. In VII Corps area,

adverse weather conditions prevent 9th Div from

launching attack toward Schmidt, an important objective commanding Roer R and Schwammenauel

Dam, one of a series of Roer dams. V Corps closes

in new zone in Monschau–Losheim area.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Div

maintains foothold at Fort Driant against heavy fire

from surrounding forts. ADC Brig Gen A. D. Warnock takes command of a TF that is being assembled

to continue operations against the fort; 1st Bn (—

Co A) of 10th Inf relieves Cos B and G of 11th at

the fort, night 5–6. On N flank of corps, elements

of 329th Inf, 83d Div, assisted by arty and fighter

bombers, finally clear Grevenmacher after nightfall.

XII Corps orders 3-div attack to begin on 8th. Regrouping follows, with 26th Div moving into line.

Several days of aerial and ground bombardment

serve to weaken enemy positions in zone of projected

attack.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 315th Inf of 79th Div makes unsuccessful attempt to outflank enemy at main road junction in Forêt de Parroy and elements become temporarily isolated; 314th is held up near junction and

at clearing in S part of the forest. With about half

of the forest cleared, 79th Div goes on the defensive

while preparing for new effort to break through. In

VI Corps area, 7th Inf of 3d Div continues assault

on Vagney; 15th Inf reduces quarry strongpoint near

Cleurie after almost a week of hard fighting.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps concentrates

against the heights N of the Moselle in Longegoutte

and Gehan forest, Fr 3d Algerian Div making main

effort. Enemy is slowly forced up slopes of the high

ground in Fort de Longegoutte.

EASTERN EUROPE—From Siauliai area of

Lithuania, troops of First Baltic Front push in force

toward the Baltic and East Prussia in effort to cut

off German Army Group North, leaving Second

and Third Baltic Fronts to continue drive toward

Riga. Far to the S, Second Ukrainian forces launch

offensive from Arad area of Rumania into SE

Hungary, pressing NW toward Szeged and Budapest,

on route to Vienna.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues alternative

instructions for continuing attack after reaching

Highway 9 (Bologna–Faenza) based on assumptions that enemy may or may not have withdrawn

from Valle di Commachio–Apennines pocket by that

time. IV Corps orders regrouping and continuation of attack toward La Spezia. S African 6th

Armd Div, reinf by CCB of 1st Armd Div presses to

direct command of army in order to achieve closer

co-ordination with II Corps to right. This leaves IV

Corps so weakened that it is incapable of making a

major effort. TF 92, now consisting of 370th Inf and

2d Armd Gp (434th and 435th AAA Bns with

supporting tanks and TD’s) under command of

[ 5 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 296 ]

Maj Gen Edward M. Almond, turns over sector E

of Serchio valley to 107th AAA Gp (Br 39th, 47th,

and 74th Light AA Regts) and assumes responsibility for coastal sector previously held by TF 45, with

orders to attack for M. Cauala, on approach to

Massa. RCT 6 of BEF, as training exercise, is to

continue along Serchio valley toward Castelnuovo.

In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div reaches Hill

661, NW of M. Venere, but enemy retains Hill 747

to rear; 133d takes Monzuno and finishes clearing

M. Venere area. 91st Div, committing 361st Inf

on right, attacks with 3 regts after preparatory arty

fire and takes Loiano and M. Bastia. 85th Div takes

M. Bibele on left and holds positions on Hill 566

on right. 88th Div is held up by strong opposition

on Hill 587. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Div, committing 2d Brig to left of 3d, prepares to renew assault

on M. Ceco, night of 6th, after strong arty

preparation.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div,

after bitter fighting, succeeds in taking Sogliano–S.

Martino ridge and forcing enemy back across the

Fiumicino.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, action against Umurbrogol

Pocket is limited as 5th Marines begins relieving 7th

Marines.

6 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps opens assault on Breskens

Pocket, Cdn 3d Div forcing Leopold Canal N of

Maldegem and establishing small bridgehead against

stubborn resistance.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, Gen Corlett issues orders late in day,

as corps’ West Wall bridgehead is being firmly

established, halting further advance until link-up has

been made with VII Corps. 2d Armd Div, instead

of driving E to secure crossings of the Roer, is to

maintain current positions on N flank of the bridgehead while assisting 30th Div to push SE. CCB,

2d Armd Div, is stopped by enemy on left flank

less than 1,600 yards from Geilenkirchen; on right

takes villages of Beggendorf and Waurichen, the

latter NE of Uebach. CCA joins 117th Inf in attack

to SE that receives close air support and overruns

crossroads hamlet about halfway between Uebach

and Alsdorf; CCA column thrusts E almost to Baesweiler. TF Cox of 119th Inf, 30th Div, undergoes

counterattack that overruns 4 pillboxes before it is

checked; these are later recovered. Bn of 120th Inf,

relieved by 29th Div at Kerkrade, moves to Rimburg

woods. Germans are again aided by massed arty fire,

but after day’s action offer less resistance. Costly

effort to clear Peel Marshes comes to an end as 7th

Armd Div breaks off attack. The div has gained less

than 2 miles in this operation and is

still within Br zone. In VII Corps area, 39th and

60th Regts of 9th Div attack at 1130, after preparatory bombardment, in Huertgen Forest toward

Schmidt against tenacious opposition. In V Corps

area, Gen Gerow resumes command of corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, relief of

elements of 357th Inf on N flank of 60th Div by

TF Polk permits preparation for attack on Maizièreslès-Metz on 7th. Heavy enemy fire fails to dislodge

Americans from the slag pile to NW. TF Warnock,

which is strengthened by elements of 3d Bn, 2d

Inf, and 7th Combat Engr Bn, prepares to renew

attack on Fort Driant on 7th.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 3d Div continues battle for Vagney and

clears enemy from positions astride Tendon–Le

Tholy road.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the enemy counterattacks prevent Fr forces from progressing against

heights N of the Moselle and isolate forward

elements.

ESTONIA—Soviet forces of Leningrad Front land

on Oesel (Saarema), off coast of Estonia, and begin

clearing the island.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African

6th Armd Div takes M. Vigese in surprise attack

under cover of heavy mist, and pushes on toward

M. Stanco. In IV Corps area, TF 92 begins protracted struggle in coastal sector for M. Cauala. In

II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div finishes clearing

left flank of corps, Germans having withdrawn from

Hill 747; is subsequently withdrawn to reserve; 91st

Cav Rcn Sq screens left flank; 133d Inf, faced with

difficult supply problems, presses toward Monterumici hill mass. In 91st Div zone, 363d Inf, after clearing Monzuno–Loiano road, is pinched out; 362d

attacks enemy delaying line based on M. Castellari;

361st makes slow progress on E flank of div. Withdrawing 339th Inf to reserve, 85th Div continues

attack with 338th and 337th Regts; 338th pushes

toward Castelnuovo di Bisano and La Villa in effort

to bring left flank abreast 337th Inf. 88th Div continues efforts to take Hill 587 on right flank of corps;

relief of 350th and elements of 351st Regts on right

flank of div is completed. In Br 13 Corps area, 3d

Brig of 1st Div, attacking in evening, gains precarious hold on slopes of M. Ceco.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps postpones general assault across the Fiumicino for 24 hours. 20th

Brig, Ind 10th Div, makes preliminary attack toward

M. Farneto, dominating feature NW of Sogliano,

pushing through Strigara and gaining crest before

dawn of 7th.

CBI—Gen Hurley delivers to Chiang Kai-shek

President Roosevelt’s reply, in which the President

agrees to recall Gen Stilwell but declines to put

another U.S. officer in command of Chinese troops.

[ 6 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 297 ]

Gen Stilwell will command Ch troops in Burma

and in Yunnan Province but will be relieved of

responsibility for lend-lease matters. Gen Sultan is

to be responsible for Hump tonnage.

PALAUS—On Angaur, particularly heavy fire is

placed on enemy pocket at NW tip of island, and

322d Inf feints attack, luring enemy into exposed

positions.

7 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div, which is

meeting stiff resistance in Woensdrecht region, is

transferred to corps from Br I Corps. 2 Corps is

now responsible for first phase of operation to open

Antwerp port—clearing Zuid Beveland as well as the

Breskens Pocket S of the Schelde. Cdn 3d Div gets

reinforcements to N bank of Leopold Canal against

strong resistance that prevents bridging.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 30th Div, assisted by CCA of 2d Armd,

makes substantial gains and takes about 1,000 prisoners: 117th Inf thrusts to Aldsdorf; CCA reaches

Baesweiler; 119th Inf, assisted by air strike on Merkstein, reaches positions across the Wurm from

Kerkrade. This puts 30th Div within about 3 miles

of Wuerselen, where contact with VII Corps is expected to be made. 1st Bn of 115th Inf, 29th Div,

makes successful retaliatory raid on Schierwaldenrath. In VII Corps area, 9th Div continues attack in

Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. Forward elements

reach edge of woods near Aermeter and Richelskaul,

but main body is held up far behind. In V Corps

area, 28th and 4th Divs advance to line of departure for West Wall offensive.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Bn of

329th Inf, 83d Div, takes Echternach, on W bank

of the Sauer, after nearly a week of fighting. With

capture of Wormeldange by 331st Inf, region W of

the Moselle in Luxembourg area is cleared. Germans

strongly counterattack Co F of 357th Inf, 90th Div,

on slag pile NW of Maizières-lès-Metz. While enemy

is thus engaged, Cos E and G bypass the slag pile

and push into the town, clearing N half and gaining

foothold in factory area. Germans move up reinforcements at night. TF Warnock, employing 1st Bn of

10th Inf, 5th Div, attacks to expand positions at Fort

Driant, making limited progress at great cost; 2 platoons are cut off and destroyed; at night, 3d Bn of

2d Inf is committed.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, Vagney falls to 7th Inf of 3d Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African

6th Armd Div gets 2 cos of Frontier Force Rifles

to crest of M. Stanco, where they are out of communication with main body and are forced back to

Prada. In IV Corps area, TF 92 tries in vain to reinforce troops driving on M. Cauala with tanks and

TD’s, but the weapons are unable to cross swollen

streams. In II Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div continues toward .Monterumici hill mass; 1st Bn blocks

Highway 6620 at Gardeletta; 135th Inf relieves elements of 133d in order to maintain pressure from S

while 133d makes outflanking movement to W,

night 7–8. Attack by 362d Inf, 91st Div, on M.

Castellari fails. 338th Inf, 85th Div, takes

Castelnuovo di Bisano but is still short of La Villa;

337th is unable to advance from Hill 566. 349th

Inf, 88th Div, continues to attack on Hill 587 and

seizes ridge below 11 Falchetto Hill; to right, 351st

is able for the first time to attack in force. In Br 13

Corps area, 3d Brig of 1st Div maintains weak hold

on slopes of M. Ceco. 19th Brig, Ind 8th Div, clears

M. Cavallara.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps opens attack

across the Fiumicino in evening with heavy volume

of arty support. Assault is preceded by light and

fighter bomber strikes on enemy positions. Ind 10th

Div and 46th Div make the attack while 56th Div

simulates attack in Savignano area. 20th Brig, Ind

10th Div, under heavy enemy pressure on M. Farneto, is unable to gain the initiative, but 25th Brig

secures positions on ridge between Roncofreddo and

S. Lorenzo. 128th Brig of 46th Div seizes Montilgallo and pushes W toward Longiano and S toward

S. Lorenzo.

CBI—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div, which has

been training for fall offensive since capture of

Myitkyina, begins movement to Kamaing.

MOROTAI—Fighters based on Morotai begin

covering AAF bomber attacks against the

Philippines.

POA—CINCPOA publishes Joint Staff Study

that is based for preliminary planning for invasion

of Iwo Jima, Volcano Is., in Nanpo Shoto.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, ground attacks are temporarily suspended after futile attempt by 3d Bn,

5th Marines, assisted by tanks, to compress

Umurbrogol Pocket.

8 October

WESTERN EUROPE—Boundary between 21 and

12th Army Groups is moved back to former position, giving British responsibility for Peel Marshes

corridor W of the Maas.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army Area, 8

Corps takes command of U.S. 7th Armd Div and

Belg 1st Brig, including U.S. attachments. These

units, upon relief in current positions by 11th Armd

Div, start relief of Br units within their zone.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 30th Div’s hopes of making a speedy

junction with VII Corps at Wuerselen are soon

[ 7–8 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 298 ]

dashed by enemy opposition on E flank. 119th Inf,

following Wurm R valley southward, gets 11/2

miles beyond Herzogenrath; 120th Inf, whose relief

at Kerkrade has been completed by 29th Div, is

committed between 119th and 117th and takes 2

hamlets; 117th Inf, upon reaching railroad W of

Mariadorf, is counterattacked strongly by fresh enemy forces from Mariadorf, part of whom push to

Alsdorf, where they are halted. Both sides suffer

heavy losses and 117th Inf pulls back to edge of Alsdorf; bn of 120th Inf moves up to reinforce

117th Inf. CCA, 2d Armd Div, seizes Oidtweiler,

NE of Alsdorf. In VII Corps area, 1st Div begins

attack to encircle Aachen in conjunction with XIX

Corps: while 18th Inf pushes northward through

Verlautenheide, 26th is getting into position to drive

through heart of the city from E; 16th Inf holds defensive line near Eilendorf. Tanks and TD’s arrive

by nightfall to help assault regts of 9th Div break

out of Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. In V Corps

area, 28th Div encounters outlying positions of

enemy’s West Wall defenses.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 2d Bn of

357th Inf, 90th Div, fights from house to house

within Maizières-lès-Metz for some time to come

without clearing rest of the town. Confused and

bitter fighting continues at Fort Driant without

much change in positions. In XII Corps area, after

an hour of preparatory bombardment, corps begins

concerted drive toward Seille R at 0615. 6th Armd

Div, making main effort, takes Moivron, where it is

relieved by 80th Div; in conjunction with 80th Div

envelops and takes Jeandelincourt, clears Bois de

Chenicourt, though enemy retains town of Chenicourt, and seizes Arraye-et-Han. To left, 80th Div’s

318th Inf takes Manoncourt; 319th seizes Lixières,

Mt Toulon, and Sivry; 317th clears Mt St Jean. 35th

Div closes up the Seille on its left flank, taking Ajoncourt and Fossieux. P–47’s assist with attacks on

heights between Moivron and Jeandelincourt.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 7th Inf of 3d Div moves from Vagney

NE to Sapois.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the 3d Algerian

Div gains crest of Longegoutte heights after several

days of bitter fighting.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 reaches slopes of M. Cauala but is

forced back by enemy fire. In II Corps area, CCA

of 1st Armd Div is attached to 34th Div. 34th Div

continues attack on Monterumici hill mass, 135th

Inf working slowly forward from S and 133d from

W. 362d Inf, 91st Div, gets elements to crest of M.

Castellari, night 8–9; 361st makes substantial progress to E, clearing villages E of M. Castellari, cutting Highway 65 at La Fortuna, and pushing to

edge of Livergnano escarpment, a feature strongly

favored by nature for defense. 338th Inf, 85th Div,

forces enemy back to M. delle Formiche; 337th is

still unable to progress appreciably from Hill 566.

349th Inf, 88th Div, upon reaching crest of Hill

587, finds it undefended; elements seize Il Falchetto

Hill. In Br 13 Corps area, 3d Brig of 1st Div gains

summit of M. Ceco, but enemy retains heights

nearby. On right flank of corps, 6th Armd Div

thrusts along Highway 67 to edge of Portico but

cannot force an entrance; elements probe toward

Tredozio.

In Br Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, hq, 1st

Armd Div, arrives and takes command of corps

forces. In 5 Corps area, since 20th Brig of Ind 10th

Div is still held up on M. Farneto, 10th Brig is

committed to outflank enemy, some elements pressing toward Montecodruzzo on left and others taking S. Paola on right. Ind 25th Brig takes S. Lorenzo

and drives toward Roncofreddo. 46th Div is working toward Longiano.

GREECE—Br forces from Araxos have reconnoitered along N coast of the Peloponnesus to

Corinth, which is free of enemy; elements of 9th

Commandos are in Nauplia, on Gulf of Nauplia S

of Corinth.

9 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps continues clearing Breskens

Pocket. Amphibious assault force of Cdn 3d Div

lands at E end of the pocket, taking enemy by

surprise and establishing bridgehead; other elements

of div expand holdings N of Leopold Canal in

Maldegem area. 4th Armd Div exerts pressure on

enemy positions at E end of the canal. Germans continue vigorous defense of Zuid Beveland causeway,

holding 2d Div to slight gains in Woensdrecht area.

In Br Second Army area, 1 A/B Corps returns to

United Kingdom.

12th Army Group: Gen Bradley decides to shift

Ninth Army hq to N flank of army group, where

it is to take command of XIX Corps of First Army

in place; leave VIII Corps in current positions and

attach it to First Army. These changes are to become

effective on 22 October. 12th Army Group takes

direct control of 94th Div from Ninth Army.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 119th Inf

of 30th Div drives through Bardenberg to N Wuerselen; 120th is kept from Euchen and Beek, villages

astride road to Bardenberg, by enemy force crossing its front en route to Bardenberg; 117th

clears Schaufenberg and tries unsuccessfully to

reach Mariadorf, then is authorized to go on the

defensive in Alsdorf–Schaufenberg region. At night,

enemy force reaches Bardenberg and routs small

holding force of 119th Inf, isolating main body of

that regiment in N Wuerselen; 119th Inf reserves

[ 9 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 299 ]

attempt to regain Bardenberg from the N but are

stopped at the village. In VII Corps area, 1st Div

continues operations against Aachen. 9th Div attacks

to break out of Huertgen Forest; assisted by tanks,

forward bn of 60th Inf emerges in Richelskaul area

and 2 platoons of 39th Inf at Wittscheidt. In V

Corps area, planned attack on West Wall is postponed until 11 October.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, it is decided

to break off costly action against Fort Driant. Indecisive fighting continues within Maizières-lès-Metz.

In XII Corps area, CCA of 6th Armd Div, attacking through CCB attempts to take final objective

of div, plateau W of Létricourt; elements clear

woods SW of Létricourt but column to right comes

under heavy fire from Chenicourt and cannot reach

Létricourt; CCB sends reinforcements forward. To

left, 80th Div advances abreast or nearly so of armor.

This ends corps’ offensive toward the Seille. 80th

Div gradually takes over positions won by armor

and improves them. Germans retain Létricourt and

from time to time mount small, ineffective counterattacks. Enemy force breaks into Fossieux, where it

is engaged by 35th Div. Corps front is largely quiet

for rest of month and early days of November. Regrouping and rotation of front-line troops is thus

possible.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div makes all-out effort to clear

rest of Forêt de Parroy, gaining main road junction

in center and thereby making enemy positions untenable. Germans withdraw from the forest after

nightfall.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the 3d Algerian

Div forces the Moselotte in Thiéfosse–Saulxures

region and takes village of Trougemont.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, boundary between U.S. II and Br 13 Corps is altered to

permit 88th Div, on right flank of II Corps, to

concentrate fully on northward drive and to give

13 Corps for Santerno R valley. S African 6th Armd

Div regroups for another effort against M. Stanco,

giving CCB responsibility for left flank along Highway 64. In IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to top of

M. Cauala without opposition but later in day is

forced to withdraw. Next 2 days are devoted to

preparations for another assault. RCT 6 of BEF,

pushing northward along the Serchio, halts near

Barga to avoid possible enemy counterattack. In II

Corps area, 34th Div continues to make slow progress against Monterumici hill mass. 91st Div repels

counterattack from Livergnano, mops up, and prepares for co-ordinated effort against formidable

Livergnano escarpment: Co K of 361st Inf reconnoiters to edge of Livergnano, where it is cut off

from main body; Cos E and G move to positions

above Bigallo and are pinned down. 338th Inf, 85th

Div, now well ahead of 337th, prepares to attack

M. delle Formiche in conjunction with attack of

91st Div; 1st Bn outflanks La Villa. 337th Inf prepares for full-scale effort against Hill 578, peak of

Monterenzio hill mass. 349th Inf, 88th Div, begins

clearing ridge leading to M. delle Tombe; 351st

reaches edge of Gesso. In Br 13 Corps area, 78th

Div, reinf, takes responsibility for M. Battaglia and

M. Cappello, on left flank of corps; 1st Gds Brig,

6th Armd Div, remains on M. Battaglia but comes

under command of 78th Div. Ind 8th Div gets into

position for attack on M. Casalino.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, upon regrouping in connection with arrival of 1st Armd Div hq,

pursues retreating enemy northward along Highway

71; rcn elements find M. Castello and Mercato Saraceno clear. In 5 Corps area, hard fighting de-velops

at S. Paola as Germans make unsuccessful

attempt to recover it. 138th Brig, 46th Div, relieves

25th Brig, Ind 10th Div, on ridge N of Roncofreddo.

SEAC—Prime Minister Churchill asks Adm

Mountbatten to meet him in Cairo to consider premonsoon operations. T. V. Soong presents to Gen

Hurley an aide memoire from Chiang Kai-shek denouncing Allied strategy in southeast Asia. Gen

Stilwell is blamed for loss of E China but the criticism falls indirectly upon President Roosevelt.

POA—In Warning Order for invasion of Iwo

Jima, CINCPOA designates Fifth Fleet Commander,

Adm Spruance, as commander of the operation

(CTF 50); Vice Adm Richmond K. Turner, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific, to command

joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51); Lt Gen Holland

M. Smith, USMC, CG, Fleet Marine Force,

Pacific, as commander of Expeditionary Troops (TF

56). 20 January 1945 is set tentatively as invasion

date. Expeditionary troops are to be mounted in

Hawaiian area and in the Marianas.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 5th Marines renews attack on Umurbrogol Pocket but makes little headway.

MARCUS I.—Bombarded by warships of Third

Fleet task group.

10 October

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s XIX Corps area, after further efforts

to clear Bardenberg, reserve bn of 119th Inf, 30th

Div, withdraws at night to permit shelling of enemy there; 120th Ind seizes Birk crossroads, which

controls road to Bardenberg, thus jeopardizing enemy forces at Bardenberg; 30th Div claims 20 German tanks during fighting on 9th and 10th. In VII

Corps area, so favorable do the prospects of closing

the Aachen gap appear that 1st Div delivers ultimatum calling for surrender of the city within 24

hours. In Huertgen Forest, Germans overrun the

[ 10 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 300 ]

2 forward platoons of 39th Inf of 9th Div in Wittscheidt area early in day; 39th Inf later recovers lost

ground and takes Germeter without opposition;

60th Inf units re-enter the woods and seize road junction almost a mile SW of Richelskaul.

In U.S. Third Army area, III Corps hq (Maj

Gen John Milliken), which has recently arrived on

the Continent, is assigned to Third Army. In XII

Corps area, 35th Div clears enemy from Fossieux.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army area, the 2d

Corps expands Moselotte bridgehead to Planois, on

E–W road to La Bresse. Hopes of a quick lateral

thrust to secure that communications center are

dashed when corps is asked to extend northward

to line Fougerolles–Remiremont–Le Tholy–Gerardmer, effective on 14th, to relieve S flank units of

U.S. Seventh Army. No further effort is made at

this time to extend holdings along N bank of the

Moselotte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of First Baltic

Front break through to the Baltic Sea near Memel

(Lithuania), which is being invested; to left thrust

to Niemen R at NE border of Prussia. Forces of

Third Ukrainian Front cut Nis–Belgrade RR at

Velika Plana (Yugoslavia).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African

6th Armd Div makes another futile attempt to

take M. Stanco, getting almost to crest before being

driven back. II Corps opens third phase of offensive toward Bologna. 34th Div tries in vain to

outflank the Monterumici hill mass. In 91st Div

zone, 361st Inf makes main effort against Livergnano escarpment’ without appreciable gains. Efforts to relieve Co K in Livergnano fail; most of

the co is captured by enemy. 2d Bn of 338th Inf,

85th Div, its left flank protected by 2d Bn of 363d

Inf, 91st Div, attacks lofty M. delle Formiche but,

although strongly supported by air and arty, is

stopped short of crest; 337th, reinf by 1st Bn of

338th, makes some progress toward Hill 578 of

Monterenzio hill mass. In 88th Div zone, 350th Inf

attacks through 349th on left flank of div in effort

to come abreast 85th Div to left, reaching Hill 339,

above II Falchetto Hill, on left and positions near

M. delle Tombe on right; 351st Inf makes little

headway against Gesso ridge. In Br 13 Corps area,

2d Brig of 1st Div takes command of div front,

relieving 3d Brig. Ind 8th Div gains positions near

top of M. Casalino.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, German opposition along the Fiumicino collapses with capture

of Spaccato by Ind 10th Div. 46th Div takes Longiano and La Crocetta. 56th Div patrols across the

river on right flank of corps. Cdn 1 Corps regroups

for drive across the Fiumicino. Rcn elements of 1st

Div cross at Savignano di Romagna without opposition; bridging is begun at the crossing site.

RYUKYU Is.—Fast carrier task force of Third

Fleet successfully attacks Okinawa, depleting enemy’s

air and surface strength there and damaging airfields

and facilities. Aerial photographs of the island are

obtained.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 5th Marines makes limited

progress against Umurbrogol Pocket.

11 October

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s XIX Corps area, reserve bn of 120th

Inf, 30th Div, captures Bardenberg with little difficulty, opening route to N Wuerselen. In VII Corps

area, with expiration of surrender ultimatum,

Aachen is subjected to heavy aerial and arty bombardment; patrols of 1st Div probe enemy defenses.

60th Inf, 9th Div, holds road junction in Huertgen

Forest against counterattack and tries unsuccessfully to take another, between first junction and

forester’s lodge of Jaegerhaus. Enemy resistance to

rear is weakening. 39th Inf tries in vain to cross

open ground between Germeter and Vossenack; elements, moving along draw from Wittscheidt, gain

positions N of Vossenack.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83d Div

reverts to VIII Corps, Ninth Army, in place and

XX Corps’ N boundary is moved S to Sierck-lesBains. TF Polk is given mission of defending N

flank of corps W of the Moselle.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

VI Corps issues instructions for drive to the Meurthe, calling for capture of Bruyères and Brouvelieures,

followed by attack on St Dié. To deceive enemy,

heavy program of fire is begun against approaches to

Gerardmer.

In Fr 1st Army area, the 2d Corps concentrates

on clearing region S of the Moselotte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second Ukrainian Front force the Tisza (Tisa) River on

broad front at Szeged, Hungary’s second largest

city, seriously threatening Budapest; others are battering Debrecen, in region E of Budapest; still

others, assisted by Rumanians, take Cluj, capital of

Transylvania.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 begins another assault on M. Cauala in

evening. RCT 6, BEF, takes Barga. In II Corps area,

133d Inf of 34th Div withdraws to reserve upon relief by CCA, 1st Armd Div. Further efforts to clear

Monterumici hill mass accomplish little. 91st Div

strengthens its assault on Livergnano escarpment,

committing 363d on right, but makes slow progress;

elements of 363d reach top of escarpment. 2d Bn of

338th Inf, 85th Div, gains crest of M. delle Formiche

in costly fighting while 3d Bn clears E slopes; 337th

[ 11 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 301 ]

Inf inches forward toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio

hill mass. 350th Inf, 88th Div, gains foothold on M.

delle Tombe; 351st continues efforts to clear Gesso

ridge. In Br 13 Corps area final enemy counterattack against M. Battaglia is repelled.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div,

upon relief on right flank of corps by 1st Div of Cdn

1 Corps, is withdrawn to reserve and reduced to a

skeleton force. Boundary between 5 Corps and Cdn

1 Corps is altered to place Highway 9 within zone

of Cdn 1 Corps. Ind 10th Div and 46th Div continue toward the Savio and Cesena, seizing Montecodruzzo, heights E of the Rubicone at Montiano,

and Montenovo. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div

strengthens and expands bridgehead across the

Fiumicino, moving along Highway 9 almost to the

Rigossa. NZ 2d Div establishes 2 bridgeheads across

the Fiumicino N of Savignano without opposition

and, during night 11–12, takes Gatteo.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek asks that

President Roosevelt recall Gen Stilwell immediately.

P.I.—Carrier aircraft of Third Fleet attack

Luzon to neutralize enemy airpower there.

12 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Div attacks southward

against Peel Marshes salient, clearing Overloon. U.S.

7th Armd Div provides diversionary demonstration

along Deurne–Venray road.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 30th Div with objective of taking Wuerselen and closing Aachen gap, is prevented from

doing this by series of enemy counterattacks aimed

at widening the Aachen corridor and forcing corps

back to line Bardenberg–Euchen. Germans are

thrown back at Birk, SE of Bardenberg, and at N

Wuerselen with aid of aircraft and arty, but new

panzer units are identified, indicating major reinforcement of the region. Corps regroups to meet

this threat. In VII Corps area, in preparation for

main assault on Aachen, 3d Bn of 26th Inf, 1st Div,

dears factory district between Aachen and Haaren.

Air and arty bombardment of Aachen continues.

In Huertgen Forest, German counterattack severs

MSR of 39th Inf, 9th Div, on E–W trail leading

into Germeter. Forward elements N of Vossenack,

although not under attack, are recalled to help restore situation. In V Corps area, CCA of 5th Armd

Div leaves for XIX Corps sector, where it will be

held in army reserve.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Bn of

357th Inf, 90th Div, moves into Maizières-lès-Metz

to bolster weary 2d Bn. Last elements of 5th Div

withdraw from Forêt Driant, night 12–13. In XII

Corps area, 26th Div relieves 4th Armd Div on

right flank of corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian

Front take Oradea (Transylvania), continue battle

for Debrecen (Hungary), and cut Belgrade–Budapest

RR at Subotica (Yugoslavia).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 92 pushes to crest of M. Cauala but is

again forced to retire. Efforts to take M. Cauala are

suspended for next few days. In II Corps area, 135th

Inf of 34th Div extends eastward as it continues,

in conjunction with CCA of 1st Armd Div, to attack Monterumici hill mass. 91st Div get additional

elements up Livergnano escarpment but is unable

to clear it. 3d Bn of 338th Inf, 85th Div, attacks N

through 2d Bn on crest of M. delle Formiche; Germans defend Hill 578 against attacks of 337th Inf.

88th Div continues to attack M. delle Tombe and

clears Gesso ridge. In Br 13 Corps area, Ind 8th Div

is assigned positions SW of M. Ceco to ease strain

on 1st Div.

Br Eighth Army is ordered to release Ind 4th Div

and Greek 3d Mtn Brig for service outside Italy.

In 5 Corps area, corps presses from the Rubicone

toward the Savio and Cesena. Ind 10th Div advances its left flank to M. dell’Erta, E of the Savio;

elements crossing the Rubicone to N are held up in

Sorrivoli. Attacking across the Rubicone on right

flank of corps, 46th Div takes Casale.

CORFU-ALBANIA—Br commando force from

Land Forces, Adriatic, lands on Corfu and in

Sarande area of S Albania.

GREECE—Advance detachment of Br 4th Para

Bn and Royal Engrs is dropped in Megara area to

secure and repair airfield. Piraeus and Kalamata are

found to be clear of enemy.

FORMOSA—In preparation for invasion of Leyte,

TF 38, Third Fleet, begins series of powerful

carrier aircraft strikes against Formosa to neutralize

enemy air and naval power, evoking strong opposition.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur issues orders for invasion of Luzon, to be undertaken by U.S. Sixth

Army’s I Corps (6th and 43d Divs, reinf) and XIV

Corps (37th and 40th Divs, reinf). 25th Inf and

11th A/B Divs, RCT 158, 6th Ranger Bn, and 13th

Armd Gp constitute reserve and follow-up forces.

Various service units are assigned as army and corps

troops.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Gen Geiger opens III

Amphib Corps CP ashore and declares assault and

occupation phase at an end. 1st Mar Div is now

responsible only for the Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st

Inf takes responsibility for eastern arm of the island

and begins relieving Marine units. Island Garrison

Force takes over region S of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

[ 12 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 302 ]

13 October

WESTERN EUROPE—Germans launch first Vbomb against Antwerp, which, next to London,

proves to be the primary target for these weapons.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps

area, 3d Div attacks from Overloon toward Venray,

3 miles distant, against strong opposition.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX

Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div, having turned

over positions W of the Wurm at Kerkrade to

1104th Combat Engr Gp, takes over attack to close

Aachen gap: reinf by tanks from 2d Armd Div,

116th begins frontal assaults against Wuerselen on

narrow front that invites concentrated enemy fire;

little progress is made during this and the next two

days. In VII Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div begins

all-out assault on Aachen: while 2d Bn fights from

house to house within the city, 3d pushes to base of

Observatory Hill, one of 3 heights commanding

the city from the N, the others being Salvator Hill

and the Lousberg. In Huertgen Forest, 60th Inf,

9th Div, gains its objective, Road Junction 471;

39th seals off enemy penetration and begins drive

to recover lost ground.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps’ plan for

stronger assault on Maizières-lès-Metz is abandoned

as result of Third Army order freezing all arty

ammunition above 3-inch.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div, working eastward from

Forêt de Parroy, takes Emberménil.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second and

Third Baltic Fronts overrun Riga, capital of Latvia

and important naval base on Gulf of Riga. This

success, coupled with recent drive to the Baltic in

Memel area of Lithuania, has trapped a large German force in W Latvia. Soviet offensive on Baltic

front is soon suspended.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 12th

Motorized Brig of S African 6th Armd Div renews

attack on M. Stanco early in morning after arty

preparation and, assisted by diversionary thrust to

E of Grizzana, captures objective; CCB, on left

flank, takes Bombiana, on Highway 64. In II Corps

area, 34th Div partially outflanks enemy on Monterumici hill mass from E; 168th Inf is shifting

eastward to M. delle Formiche. Enemy hold on

Livergnano area is beginning to weaken under

blows of 91st Div and arty and aerial bombardment.

361st Inf of 91st Div gains Hill 603, above Livergnano, and village of Casalino, NW of Livergnano;

363d Inf dears E part of the plateau. 337th Inf,

85th Div, at last takes Hill 578 and reduces opposition on Monterenzio hill mass; during night 13–14,

is relieved by 339th Inf. 2d Bn of 350th Inf, 88th

Div, crosses Sillaro R W of Hill 339, night 13–14,

and drives northward through weak spot in enemy

defenses; 351st Inf thrusts toward M. Spadura from

Gesso ridge until stopped by counterattack. In Br

13 Corps area, 78th Div begins attack on M. la

Pieve.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

takes Sorrivoli but is held up near M. delle Vacche.

46th Div seizes Carpineta, night 13–14. In Cdn 1

Corps area, some elements of NZ 2d Div are held

up by strongpoint at S. Angelo, but others patrol

to the Rigossa.

GREECE—Br commandos (9th Cdo) and Sq B of

Greek Sacred Regt land at Piraeus and secure

Kalamata airfield in preparation for main landing

on 15th. Rest of 4th Para Bn and Royal Engr force

are dropped at Megara; after securing the airfield

these forces move overland to Athens and Kalamata

without opposition. U.S. 51st Troop Carrier Wing

participates in Br occupation of S Greece (Operation MANNA) during period 13–18 October, taking

in personnel and equipment.

CBI—Gen Hurley recommends to President

Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be relieved and that

another U.S. officer be named to command Chinese

Army.

FORMOSA—TF 38 continues air strikes to neutralize Formosa. Cruiser Canberra is badly damaged

by enemy torpedo.

SWPA—VII Amphibious Force, with elements

of Leyte invasion force embarked, sails from Hollandia for target. GHQ issues instructions for capture of air base in San Jose area of Mindoro, from

which further operations against the Philippines will

be supported and small shore-to-shore operations

will be conducted to deceive enemy on Luzon. For

this task, Sixth Army forms Western Visayan Task

Force under Brig Gen William C. Dunckel during

early November. The force eventually consists primarily of RCT 19 of 24th Div and 503d Para RCT,

a separate unit. 21st Inf of 24th Div, less 3d Bn, is

allocated as the reserve force; 3d Bn is to conduct

deceptive operations.

MOROTAI—Medium bombers begin operations

from the island.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, RCT 321 is alerted to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket, where some

progress is being made against W side. On Angaur,

322d Inf begins final push to eliminate enemy

pocket on N Angaur.

14 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

2 Corps area, land approach to Breskens Pocket from

E is secured by Cdn 3d Div at Isabella, tip of

Savojaards Plaat.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div continues to make

[ 13–14 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 303 ]

slow progress in Aachen and on Observatory Hill.

9th Div commits elements of 47th Inf to insure

safety of Road Junction 471 in Huertgen Forest.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps

area, 3d Algerian Div finishes clearing Forêt de Gehan and takes Cornimont, but by this time is so

weakened that offensive is broken off.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African

6th Armd Div finds Grizzana undefended. In

II Corps area, enemy clings to Monterumici defenses despite attacks by 135th Inf of 34th Div and

CCA of 1st Armd Div. At noon 1st Armd Div takes

command of 135th Inf and CCA. 133d Inf shifts

eastward to 91st Div zone. 91st Div improves positions in Livergnano area and takes Querceta. Germans abandon Livergnano village. 339th Inf, 85th

Div, pushes northward from Hill 578. 2d Bn of

350th Inf, 88th Div, takes Hill 373, N of Hill 339;

351st Inf, ordered to consolidate on Gesso ridge,

breaks off attacks. In Br 13 Corps area, 78th Div

continues attacks toward M. la Pieve.

In Br Eighth Army area, 2 Pol Corps takes command of 10 Corps sector and troops on left flank of

army with orders to drive on Forlì. 5 Corps continues to clear heights E of the Savio, 46th Div seizing M. dei Pini, beyond Carpineta. In Cdn 1 Corps

area, 1st Div takes village of Bulgaria. Elements

of NZ 2d Div clear S. Angelo, night 14–15.

YUGOSLAVIA—Soviet and Yugoslavia forces are

converging on Belgrade, which is encircled.

CBI—Gen Stilwell flies to E China, where

Chinese are preparing to take the offensive.

FORMOSA—TF 38 achieves its purpose of neutralizing Formosa, where some 280 enemy planes

have been destroyed since 12th, but another cruiser,

Houston, is damaged by Japanese torpedo. Part of

the TF withdraws from Formosa area in effort to

lure enemy fleet into the open.

SWPA—III Amphibious Force, with elements

of Leyte invasion force that have reached Manus

from Hawaii aboard, sail for Leyte.

POA—CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, designates CG, V Amphibious Corps (Gen Schmidt,

USMC) as Landing Force Commander (CTG 56.1)

for Iwo Jima operation and directs him to prepare

plans.

PALAUS—Adm Fort turns over control of all

operations in the Palaus to Adm Hoover, heading

Forward Area Central Pacific (TF 57). On Peleliu,

81st Div prepares to relieve marines at Umurbrogol

Pocket while defending eastern arm of the island, recalling 2d Bn of 321st Inf from offshore islands. On

Angaur, attack and occupation phase is terminated

by III Amphib Corps, although pocket still remains

at NW tip.

15 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Is

strengthened by attachment of U.S. 104th Div from

Ninth Army. Div is to join Br I Corps under Cdn

First Army in action to open port of Antwerp.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII

Corps is reinf by newly arrived 9th Armd Div.

In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Inf

of 29th Div and supporting tanks from 2d Armd

Div continue efforts to close Aachen gap with frontal attacks but by this time have gained only 1,000

yards. New plan of attack to speed line-up with VII

Corps is formulated. In VII Corps area, 3d Bn of

26th Inf, 1st Div, gains most of Observatory Hill, N

of Aachen, but Germans counterattack sharply and

recover positions in N part; since 16th Inf line near

Eilendorf is under strong enemy pressure, 1st Div is

ordered to suspend Aachen offensive temporarily.

9th Div’s drive on Schmidt ends far short of objective; both sides have suffered heavy casualties;

39th Inf recovers all ground lost recently and still

holds Wittscheidt and Germeter. V Corps releases

CCB, 5th Armd Div, which moves to VII Corps

area as First Army reserve.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps, area 313th Inf of 79th Div tries in vain to

dislodge enemy from hill mass E of Forêt de Parroy.

VI Corps opens drive on Bruyères from N, W and

S. 179th Inf, 45th Div, begins clearing woods N of

the town in effort to cut Bruyères–Brouvelieures

road. 36th Div attacks on W with attached 442d Inf

(Nisei), which includes 100th Bn, recently arrived

from Italy, and on S with 143d Inf along road from

Fays. 3d Div begins secret move N in preparation

for drive on St. Dié.

FINLAND—Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear

enemy from port of Petsamo.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div comes up abreast II Corps to

right; with occupation of heights NE of Grizzana,

gains control of lateral Highway 6424. In II Corps’

1st Armd Div sector, enemy continues to defend

Monterumici, although this position is being outflanked. 34th Div, less 135th Inf, prepares to attack

in new zone. 91st Div consolidates positions N of

Livergnano. 85th Div holds line astride Idice R beyond M. delle Formiche and Monterenzio hill mass.

88th Div extends its left flank northward beyond

Hill 369 to positions abreast 85th Div while regrouping and consolidating on right flank. Br 13

Corps, ordered to take responsibility for Gesso ridge

from II Corps, begins relief of U.S. 88th Div there

with 78th Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps takes M. delle

Vacche and M. Burratini without opposition but is

halted short of M. Reale and M. Romano. In Cdn 1

[ 15 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 304 ]

Corps area, Gambettola falls to NZ 2d Div without

a fight.

GREECE—After delay while mines are being

cleared, Gen Scobie’s Force 140 (Br 3 Corps and

Greek troops) arrives off Piraeus in evening and

goes ashore. Gen Scobie, upon landing, sets up

his hq in Athens and orders retreating enemy pursued by land and harassed by air.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten leaves Kandy (Ceylon) for Cairo to meet Prime Minister Churchill.

CBI—NCAC opens offensive to clear N Burma

and open supply route to China (CAPITAL), pushing

southward from Myitkyina toward line Katha–

Shwegu–Bhamo almost unopposed. Br 36th Div,

which has been moving S in Burma Railway corridor during the monsoon season, continues drive

with 29th Brig from Namma area and is followed

by Ch 50th Div. In center, Ch 22d Div moves SE

from Kamaing area in region between the RR corridor and Myitkyina–Bhamo road in effort to secure

bridgehead over the Irrawaddy at Shwegu. Ch 38th

Div attacks on E flank to secure Bhamo–Mansi area,

with 113th Regt leading. In addition to Ch New

Sixth and New First Armies, NCAC now has under

its command Ch 1st Separate Regt, U.S. 475th Inf

(containing GALAHAD survivors) and U.S. 124th

Cav (Texas National Guard), which is to be combined into 5332d Brig (Prov), later called TF MARS,

with strength of about a div.

ANGAUR—First plane lands on airfield.

P.I.—Task group of TF 38 attacks Luzon airfields.

 16 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery halts offensive operations except those to speed opening of Antwerp port.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Zuid Beveland

Isthmus is virtually sealed off with capture of Woensdrecht by Cdn 2d Div. Cdn 3d Div continues to reduce Breskens Pocket S of the Schelde. The pocket

is about half its original size.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Div reaches

outskirts of Venray. CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div, establishes bridgehead across canal on Deurne–Venray road.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, army

closes ring about Aachen as patrols of XIX and

VII Corps establish contact on Ravels Hill at 1615.

In XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div continues

to batter Wuerselen, 30th Div attacks southward

astride Wurm R with 119th Inf; patrol makes contact with a patrol of 18th Inf, 1st Div, VII Corps.

120th and 117th Regts of 30th Div make limited attacks within their respective sectors. In VII Corps

area, Germans react promptly and vigorously to

closing of Aachen gap, attempting to overrun roadblock on Aachen–Wuerselen highway, night 16–17.

16th Inf, 1st Div, stabilizes positions in Eilendorf

area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 45th and 36 Divs, against firm opposition, close in on Bruyères, column from S pushing

through Laval.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Div and Fr 1st Armd Div begin attack to pierce

enemy’s winter line in the Vosges, pressing toward

heights E of the Moselotte against violent opposition.

EASTERN EUROPE—Forces of Third White Russian

Front launch offensive to break into East Prussia,

which Germans are prepared to defend.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 6th S

African Armd Div, in conjunction with II Corps to

right, renews northward attack between the Reno

and Setta Rivers. II Corps begins final phase of attack toward Bologna, making main effort in center;

left flank is still held up below Monterumici hill

mass. 91st Div drives N astride Highway 65: passing through 361st Inf, 362d heads for Lucca; 361st

attacks along Highway 65 in center, elements pushing W of Casalino to protect left flank; 363d advances toward M. Belmonte to help 34th Div take

the feature. 34th Div attacks with 2 regts abreast:

on left, 133d drives through 91st Div on narrow

front toward M. Belmonte, target for arty and aerial

bombardment. Searchlights provide illumination for

night action. At this time the use of artificial moonlight is still in the experimental stage. 168th Inf

of 34th Div attacks through 338th Inf of 85th Div

on broad front between Zena Creek and Idice R,

heading for M. della Vigna, N of M. delle Formiche.

E of the Idice, 85th Div’s 338th Inf attacks toward

M. Fano while 339th attacks toward ridge above

Monterenzio, taking Hill 622. 88th Div drives toward M. Cuccoli–M. Grande ridge on right flank of

corps: 350th Inf makes no headway toward M.

Cuccoli, but 349th takes M. delle Tombe and reaches

S. Clemente. New boundary between II and Br 13

Corps, effective 2330, passes between M. delle Tombe

and M. Spadura, sharply reducing zone of 88th Div.

In Br 13 Corps area, 78th Div completes relief of

U.S. forces on Gesso ridge.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps clears M. Romano and M. Reale, night 16–17. Elements of 20th

Brig, Ind 10th Div, establish small bridgehead across

the Savio near its confluence with the Borello on

S flank of corps. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div

advances quickly toward Cesena, elements crossing

Pisciatello R. Orders are issued for concerted attack on Cesena by Cdn 1 and Br 5 Corps. NZ 2d

Div takes Bulgarno without opposition.

YUGOSLAVIA—Soviet and Yugoslav forces are

fighting side by side in streets of Belgrade. Nis, on

Sofia–Belgrade RR line, is now free of enemy.

[ 16 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 305 ]

CAROLINE Is.—On Peleliu, RCT 321 of 81st Div,

takes responsibility for completing reduction of

Umurbrogol Pocket and is relieving marines there.

Fresh forces, 1st Bn of 323d Inf, from Ulithi are

assisting 321st Inf. At Ngulu Atoll, elements of

81st Div begin clearing the atoll, which lies between

Yap and the Palaus.

17 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Venray falls to 3d Div.

11th Armd Div attacks E through bridgehead of

CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div; latter pushes S along E

bank of canal.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div, untried in combat, closes in

Lunéville area; 114th is attached to 79th Div. In VI

Corps area, 45th and 36th Divs are slowed by strong

opposition as they continue to close in on Bruyères.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Div and Fr 1st Armd Div make limited gains but

at such high cost that Gen de Lattre calls a halt

and corps goes on the defensive. Army commander

decides to drive on Belfort in 1st Corps zone.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, patrol of TF 92 reaches crest of M. Cauala,

night 17–18. In II Corps area, co-ordinated attack

by CCA, 1st Armd Div, and 135th Inf against

Monterumici hill mass makes little progress. 91st

Div takes Lucca and improves positions to E. 91st

Inf and 1st Armd Divs are alerted to expect enemy

spoiling attack and take precautionary measures to

insure continuance of corps offensive to E. Particularly heavy enemy fire is directed against Livergnano

area. 34th Div is clearing slopes of M. Belmonte and

takes crest of M. della Vigna. 85th Div continues

forward above Monterenzio. 350th Inf, 88th Div,

presses on toward M. Cuccoli and 349th comes up

abreast. In Br 13 Corps area, 21st Brig of Ind 8th

Div begins assault on M. Pianoreno. 1st Div’s 66th

Brig attacks in M. Ceco area.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps opens offensive toward Forlì in evening, although all its

forces have not yet assembled. 5th Kresowa Div

leads off, pushing toward Galeata from S. Piero in

Bagno area, its right flank protected by Br 1st Armd

Div. 5 Corps is meeting strong opposition at Acquarola and Celincordia. 4th Div begins relief of

46th Div, night 17–18.

GREECE—Military Liaison Headquarters,

Greece (until 3 October designated Allied Military

Liaison Headquarters, Greece) begins arriving in

Athens to distribute relief supplies.

P.I.—To insure safe passage of main Leyte invasion force into Leyte Gulf, 6th Ranger Bn makes

preliminary landings on small islands at approaches

to the gulf after preparatory bombardment. Co D

lands on Suluan I., and rest of 6th Ranger Bn, less

Co B, lands on Dinagat I. Neither landing is opposed, and channel light is set up on Dinagat. Landing of Co B on Homonhon I., is postponed because

of rough sea. Mine sweeping is begun off Leyte. Leyte

convoys of III and VII Amphibious Forces make

visual contact. Elements of TF 38 continue to

neutralize Luzon.

18 October

WESTERN EUROPE—At conference in Brussels,

Gen Eisenhower issues plan for offensive, with tentative dates. First priority for 21 Army Group is to

open Antwerp port. Br Second Army is to be prepared to drive SE between the Meuse and Rhine

about 10 November to support U.S. advance across

the Rhine. U.S. First Army is to cross the Rhine in

Cologne area between I and 5 November. U.S.

Ninth Army, after covering N flank of First Army

while it is pushing to the Rhine, is to help First

Army envelop and clear the Ruhr. U.S. Third Army

will cover right flank of First Army and refrain

from offensive operations until it has sufficient

logistical support.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, Maj

Gen Raymond S. McLain succeeds Gen Corlett,

whose health is impaired, as CG XIX Corps. In VII

Corps area, Germans are making strenuous efforts

to break encirclement of Aachen. 1st Div, strongly

reinf, renews assault on Aachen; 26th Inf takes Observatory Hill and is methodically clearing heart of

the city. TF Hogan, 3d Armd Div, is committed to

help 26th Inf clear commanding ground overlooking

the city. Bn of 110th Inf, 28th Div, is brought from

V Corps sector to reinforce 1st Div and close gap

between 26th Inf elements within Aachen and

1106th Engrs S of the city. Although this bn is given

a defensive role, it is soon drawn into battle for the

city.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div breaks into Bruyères and clears

most of town.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, 34th Div makes limited progress on slopes of

M. della Vigna but cannot break through enemy

positions on M. Belmonte. 339th Inf, 85th Div,

reaches fork in main ridge between Idice and Sillaro Rivers N of Monterenzio. 88th Div is slowly

clearing approaches to M. Cuccoli–M. Grande ridge

and bringing reserves forward. In Br 13 Corps area,

6th Armd Div, turning over responsibility for right

flank of corps along Highway 67 to 26th Armd Brig

Gp, takes over right flank of 78th Div sector from M.

Battaglia to the Imola road and resumes command

of 1st Gds Brig, already disposed on M. Battaglia;

61st Brig relieves 38th Brig of 78th Div on M. Cap-

[ 17–18 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 306 ]

pello and latter moves to Gesso ridge. 36th Brig,

78th Div, finds M. la Pieve undefended. 21st Brig,

Ind 8th Div, gains ground S of M. Pianoreno, from

which enemy has withdrawn.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th

Kresowa Div takes Galeata without opposition. In

5 Corps area Acquarola and Celincordia fall to Ind

10th Div and 46th Div, respectively. Ind 10th Div is

ordered to attack across the Savio. In Cdn 1 Corps

area, NZ 2d Div begins crossing the Pisciatello at

2300. Cdn 1st Div takes Ponte della Pietra. Greek

3d Mtn Brig is withdrawn from line in preparation

for departure from Italy.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA—Fourth Ukrainian Front

pours into E Czechoslovakia on broad front from

Poland, driving through Carpathian passes.

GREECE—Greek Government returns to

Athens.

CBI—Gen Stilwell is ordered to return to Washington. President Roosevelt informs Chiang Kai-shek

of Stilwell’s recall, adding that while no other U.S.

officer will be named to command Ch forces, Gen

Wedemeyer is available to act as the Generalissimo’s

chief of staff, a proposal that is acceptable to Chiang

Kai-shek.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 33 Corps area, after hard fighting on approaches to Tiddim earlier in the month, Ind 5th

Div enters the town without opposition.

JAPAN—Tokyo orders major counter offensive,

SHO, against forces threatening inner defense of

Japan to begin upon spotting U.S. invasion force

en route to Leyte, P.I. This is to affect operations

not only in the Pacific but on the Asiatic mainland

as well.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Inf completes relief

of 1st Mar Div elements at Umurbrogol Pocket and

continues attacks to reduce it. The pocket is now

about 400 yards from E to W and about 850 yards

from N to S, 1st Mar Div has suffered 6,526 casualties on the island, a large portion of them at the

pocket. On Angaur, enemy pocket on NW tip of

island is compressed into small zone about 100

yards long and 50 yards wide.

P.I.—Co B, 6th Ranger Bn, lands on Homonhon I., without opposition and sets up channel light.

Underwater demolition teams begin uneventful rcn

of landing areas under cover of naval gunfire bombardment. Seventh Fleet protects assault convoy as

it approaches Leyte and begins preinvasion bombardment. Third Fleet continues neutralization of

Luzon and guards San Bernardino and Surigao

Straits.

19 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s 2 Corps area, newly arrived 52d Div

enters action, taking over Cdn 3d Div’s bridgehead

N of Leopold Canal and continuing reduction of

Breskens Pocket. Junction is made between Leopold

Canal and Savojaards Plaat bridgehead forces.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, German resistance at Aachen is diminishing rapidly; efforts to break encirclement from

outside the city cease and the garrison is told to

fight to the finish. 26th Inf, 1st Div, continues to

clear the city and takes Salvator Hill. TF Hogan,

3d Armd Div, seizes Lousberg heights and is given

task of cutting Aachen–Laurensberg highway.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div completes capture of Bruyères.

3d Div—less 30th Inf, which remains in Le Tholy

area—closes in assembly area behind 45th Div in

preparation for drive on St Dié.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements

of 6th S African Armd Div gain positions on slopes

of M. Salvaro, though elements to right are still

short of M. Alcino, SE of M. Salvaro. In II Corps

area, since 34th Div has been unable to break

through in center of corps front, main effort is

shifted to right flank toward M. Grande and M.

Cerere. After reaching favorable positions for attack and saturation bombardment of M. Grande area

by aircraft and arty, 88th Div attacks in evening, taking M. Cerere with ease and reaching crest of

M. Grande by dawn of 20th, 24 hours ahead of

schedule. 85th Div assists 88th and gains lower

slopes of M. Fano. 34th Div, still short of M. Belmonte and to rear of 85th Div, pauses to regroup.

Positions of 91st Inf and 1st Armd Divs on left

flank of corps are virtually unchanged. In Br 13

Corps area, 78th Div attacks toward M. Spadura

and M. dell’Acqua Saluta with 38th and 36th Brigs,

respectively, taking latter and gaining precarious

hold on M. Spadura. 21st Brig, Ind 8th Div, clears

M. Pianoreno. 77th Brig gets elements to top on

M. Casalino, but they are driven off. 1st Div’s 66th

Brig gains firm hold on M. Ceco and pushes toward

M. delle Valle.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th

Kresowa Div finds Civitella di Romagna undefended. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div closes in on Cesena; elements push into S part of the city in vain

effort to take bridge. 4th Div takes command of

46th Div sector, but elements of 46th Div remain

in S part of Cesena. Ind 10th Div moves rest of 20th

Brig across the Savio to Falcino area; establishes

another small bridgehead across the Savio with elements of 25th Brig from Roversano, night 19–20.

Cdn 1 Corps releases Greek 3d Mtn Brig to Eighth

Army control. Rapid progress is made all along

front except in coastal region. While Cdn 1st Div is

closing in on Cesano, NZ 2d Div reaches road extending NE from there.

[ 19 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 307 ]

BURMA—In NCAC area, 29th Brig of Br 26th

Div takes Mohnyin, where enemy has abandoned

large supplies of stores and ammunition.

P.I.—Leyte assault convoy moves safely to

Leyte under protection of Seventh Fleet. Underwater demolition teams complete rcn of assault

areas. Preinvasion bombardment continues.

20 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 1 Corps, protecting right flank

of I Corps, opens drive toward Bergen-op-Zoom–

Tilburg highway with Cdn 4th Armd Div on left,

49th Div in center, and Pol 1st Armd Div on right.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div, which is being

assisted by elements of 110th Inf, 28th Div, forces

enemy to W and SW suburbs of Aachen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy

heavily shells 90th Div elements at Maizières-lèsMetz. In XII Corps area, P–47’s of XIX TAC breach

dam and release waters of Etang de Lindre to forestall later flooding of Seine R by Germans.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

two fresh U.S. divs (100th and 103d) arrive at

Marseille. In VI Corps area 179th Inf of 45th Div attacks for Brouvelieures after preparatory fire and

gains heights commanding the town; 180th Inf,

which has been pushing toward the Mortagne R

from Fremifontaine area, tries in vain to break

through enemy defenses along the river. 3d Div

begins drive on St Dié, employing 7th Inf, which

heads for Vervezelle, NE of Bruyères.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div maintains positions on M. Salvaro under repeated enemy counterattacks and gains

slopes of M. Alcino. In II Corps area, 88th Div

continues offensive on right flank of corps, 350th Inf

reaching top of M. Cuccoli and taking Farneto. To

forestall enemy counterattacks against M. Grande

hill mass, aircraft and arty interdict all approaches.

88th Div is reinf by 337th Inf of 85th Div, which

gradually relieves 350th Inf of positions on ridge

W of Farneto. Rest of corps front is virtually static.

In Br 13 Corps area, Germans recapture M. Spadura

from 8th Div. 21st Brig, Ind 8th Div, begins drive

on M. Romano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Germans destroy bridge in Cesano as 4th Div reaches it, but

elements of 12th Brig wade the river near bridge

site. 25th Brig, Ind 10th Div, strengthens bridgehead in Castiglione area and takes S. Carlo; to S,

elements of 20th Brig secretly cross the Borello.

In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div attacks across

the Savio with 2 cos but cannot hold bridgehead.

In coastal sector, Cesenatico is occupied after enemy

withdraws.

HUNGARY—Germans are forced from Debrecen.

YUGOSLAVIA—Belgrade falls under combined

blows of Third Ukrainian Front and Marshal Tito’s

Yugoslav Army. Yugoslavs announce capture of

Dalmatian port of Dubrovnik.

EGYPT—Prime Minister Churchill arrives in

Cairo from Moscow and discusses strategy for southeast Asia with Adm Mountbatten.

PALAUS—Gen Mueller, 81st Div commander,

takes responsibility for ground operations in the

Palaus from III Amphib Corps. Elements of 81st

Div seize Pulo Anna I., in Sosoral Group, between

Palaus and Morotai.

P.I.—U.S. Sixth Army invades Leyte, landing

on E coast in vicinity of Tacloban, the capital, and

Dulag at approximately 1000. Two firm beachheads

are established, but at end of day they are nearly

10 miles apart. In a preliminary operation, 21st Inf

of 24th Div lands well to S in vicinity of Panaon

Strait at 0930 and secures the strait without opposition. Before landings, naval guns pound assault

zone, beginning at 0600, and lifting for a time at

0850 for air strike on Dulag area. Aircraft provide

close support throughout day. Advance echelon of

GHQ opens on Leyte at noon. X Corps lands 2 divs

abreast on N in vicinity of Tacloban. On N flank,

1st Cav Div, with 7th Cav of id Brig and 12th

and 5th Cav of 1st Brig, lands and clears San Jose,

Tacloban airstrip, and Cataisan Peninsula; makes

contact with 24th Div to left. 24th Div, with 34th

Inf on N and 19th on S, meets heavy fire after

initial waves have landed; against strong opposition

seizes Hill 522, key terrain feature N of Palo commanding N entrance to Leyte Valley, and secures

bridgehead averaging a mile in depth. XXIV Corps

lands near Dulag with 96th Div on N and 7th on S.

96th, with 383d Inf on N and 382d on S, is slowed

by harassing fire and difficult terrain but takes San

Jose, positions astride Labiranan R, and Hill 120;

pushes inland about 2,500 yards on N and 1,300

on S; makes contact with 7th Div to left. 7th Div

lands with 32d Inf on N and 184th on S; gets forward elements on N across Highway 1 and on S

takes Dulag and reaches edge of airstrip, where

counterattacks are repelled, night 20–21. 3d Bn,

17th Inf, lands in afternoon and secures right flank

by establishing bridgehead S of Daguitan R at Dao.

21 October

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: Gen

Bradley orders Ninth, First, and Third Armies to

prepare for drive to the Rhine, 5 November target

date for Ninth and First and 10 November for

Third.

[ 20–21 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 308 ]

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, German

commander of Aachen garrison surrenders at 1205,

concluding struggle that has cost enemy heavily in

badly needed reserve strength.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 9th Div launches full scale assault on

heights E of Forêt de Parroy, with 313th Inf on left,

315th in center, and 314th on right. Some progress is

made against strong opposition. In VI Corps area,

179th Inf of 45th Div enters Brouvelieures after

main body of enemy has withdrawn and begins to

clear rear-guard opposition. As 7th Inf continues toward St Dié, clearing Domfaing, 3d Div commits

15th Inf to left; 15th Inf pressure S of Brouvelieures

aids 45th Div. 36th Div is improving positions E of

Bruyères.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div commits fresh troops on M. Salvaro and completes capture of M. Alcino. II Corps

positions remain virtually the same. In Br 13 Corps

area, 38th Brig of 78th Div makes another unsuccessful attempt to take M. Spadura. 21st Brig, Ind

8th Div, pushes almost to summit of M. Romano.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th

Kresowa Div, pressing NW toward Route 67, which

leads to Forlì, takes Strada S. Zeno in Rabbi R valley and summit of M. Grosso. 5 Corps expands its 3

bridgeheads across the Savio despite heavy rainfall

and rapidly rising water. Ind 10th Div’s 20th Brig

pushes toward M. Cavallo on left flank of corps

while 25th Brig attacks to expand bridgehead from

S. Carlo. 4th Div completes capture of Cesena and

crosses additional forces over the Savio there, although handicapped by lack of permanent bridge.

In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div at 2000 begins attack across the Savio with 2d Brig, supported by

diversionary fire of 3d Brig, and secures bridgehead.

HUNGARY—Elements of Second Ukrainian

Front pushing W from Szeged reach the Danube

at Baja, S of Budapest.

LEYTE—Japanese decide to make a strong effort

to defeat Americans instead of fighting delaying

action as planned.

U.S. Sixth Army: Generals Krueger, Sibert, and

Hodge take command ashore of Sixth Army, X

Corps, and XXIV Corps, respectively. In X Corps

area, 2d Brig (7th Cav) of 1st Cav Div seizes Tacloban and S half of hill to SW; 1st Brig (12th Cav on

right and 5th on left) drives W, taking Utap and

Caibaan. 34th Inf, on N flank of 24th Div, undergoes determined enemy counterattack, beginning at

0100, in Pawing area. Arty and Seventh Fleet aircraft assist after daylight in routing enemy, more

than 600 of whom are killed. 2d Bn then attacks

ridge to W but cannot take it. 19th Inf clears far

slope of Hill 522 and, with strong fire support, takes

Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div’s 383d Inf

begins working around Catmon Hill, which is

actually a series of hill positions. 1st Bn secures Labiranan Head but, since Japanese remain in this area,

pulls back to Labiranan R. 2d Bn gains positions

300 yards N of Tigbao and 3d Bn, positions 1,110

yards NE of the barrio. 382d Inf drives an Tigbao

but is slowed by pillboxes as well as swampy terrain.

7th Div attacks toward Dulag and Burauen airfields

with 32d and 184th Regts. 32d, against considerable

opposition, gets forward elements (2d and 3d Bns)

to regimental beachhead line. 184th Inf easily takes

Dulag airstrip by 0900 and continues W to positions

about 1,000 yards beyond beachhead line, but gap

exists between it and 32d Regt.

PALAUS—On Angaur, opposition, except from

stragglers, is overcome by this time. Airfield is ready

for bombers. About 1,300 Japanese have been killed

and 45 captured on Angaur to date. Total U.S. casualties through this date are 264 killed and 1,355

wounded or injured.

22 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Breskens falls to Cdn 3d

Div. Breskens Pocket is now less than half its original size. In Br I Corps area Cdn 4th Armd Div

reaches Esschen.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps begins

westward offensive to clear region W of the Maas.

15th Div heads for Tilburg and 7th Armd and

53d Inf Divs, followed by 51st Inf Div, towards Hertogenbosch.

12th Army Group: Major regrouping is begun

in preparation for offensive toward the Rhine. Ninth

Army hq moves from positions in Luxembourg

between First and Third Armies to left flank of

First Army, where it takes command of zone and

troops of XIX Corps. N boundary of VII Corps

thus becomes N boundary of First Army. First Army

takes control of zone and troops of VIII Corps,

placing new S boundary of First Army along previous boundary between Ninth and Third Armies.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 26th Div,

untried in combat as a unit, makes limited attack

to gain experience and to improve positions E of

Arracourt, securing ground W of Moncourt with

support of troops from 704th TD Bn.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div finishes clearing high ground

E of Forêt de Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3d Div advances steadily NE along Mortagne R toward St

Dié. 179th Inf, 45th Div, completes mop up of Brouvelieures; 180th forces the Mortagne E of Fremifontaine but falls back under enemy fire.

FINLAND—From Petsamo, troops of Soviet

Karelian Front drive on to Norwegian frontier.

[ 22 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 309 ]

EAST PRUSSIA—Soviet forces, after penetrating

outer defense lines along NE frontier of East Prussia,

are brought to a halt short of Insterburg. Activity

in this area soon subsides and positions remain about

the same until January 1945

YUGOSLAVIA—With the fall of Sombor, SW of

Subotica, Allied forces control most of E bank of

the Danube as far N as Hungarian town of Baja.

MEDITERRANEAN—Lt Gen Joseph T. McNarney

replaces Gen Devers as head of NATOUSA.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div continues toward crest of M.

Salvaro in drenching rain. II Corps receives verbal

orders to continue offensive on right flank to line

Ribano Hill–M. Castelazzo, then to Highway 9.

Accordingly, 88th and 85th Divs jump off, night

22–23, and get about a mile beyond M. Grande by

dawn, taking Hill 568, M. Castellaro, and Hill 459.

Rest of corps regroups to provide reserve force. 91st

Div is reinf by 135th Inf of 34th Div; 362d and 363d

Regts are withdrawn from line and Div zone is

narrowed. 34th Div is gradually to extend its front,

under cover of darkness, to include part of that

formerly held by 91st Div. Br 13 Corps is ordered to

take M. Spadura and continue northward between

Imola and Castel San Pietro roads. 78th Div places

fire on M. Spadura. Enemy withdrawal to E permits

other units of corps to advance. 21st Brig, Ind 8th

Div, takes M. Romano without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

expands its Savio bridgeheads westward, 20th Brig

pushing almost to crest of M. Cavallo. 4th Div is

unable to progress from its bridgehead until heavy

equipment can be crossed to it. In Cdn 1 Corps area,

Cdn 1st Div is handicapped by the swollen Savio

and is unable to cross supporting weapons into

bridgehead. Cdn 5th Armd Div relieves NZ 2d Div

in line and resumes command of 5th Armd Brig,

previously known as Cumberland Force; elements

moving up coast take Cervia and Pisignano.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

7th Cav of 2d Brig, 1st Cav Div, mops up Tacloban

and takes rest of hill to SW. 8th Cav is placed under

control of 2d Brig and takes up positions W of 7th

Cav, except for Tr C, which moves to Anibong Pt.

5th Cav of 1st Brig, after laborious effort to advance

over difficult terrain W of Caibaan, is ordered to

halt and maintain current positions. 34th Inf, 24th

Div, assisted by arty fire and naval aircraft, secures

Pawing area with capture of hill to W. 19th Inf

repels counterattacks against Palo, killing 91 Japanese, and mops up. In XXIV Corps area, after nightlong shelling of Labiranan Head, 1st Bn of 383d

Inf, 96th Div, recaptures it while other elements of

regt seize San Roque on Highway 1. 382d Inf takes

Tigbao and Canmangui and sets up 3 night perimeters: one at Mati, one 800 yards E of Bolongtohan,

and one 500 yards SE of Tigbao. 32d Inf, 7th Div,

gets about halfway to Burauen against sporadic resistance. 184th, assisted by aircraft of Seventh Fleet,

advances more rapidly, gaining 2,800 yards before

being ordered to halt until 32d Inf can come abreast.

17th Inf, less 3d Bn, assembles in Dulag airfield

area.

23 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br I Corps area, U.S. 104th Div, inexperienced in combat, begins moving into line

along Antwerp–Breda highway between 49th Div

and Pol 1st Armd Div. On left flank of corps, Cdn

4th Armd Div swings W from Esschen toward

Bergen-op–Zoom to seal off Beveland Isthmus, along

which Cdn 2d Div of 2 Corps is preparing to drive.

12th Army Group: Front is generally quiet as

preparations for offensive in November continue.

6th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, in personal

letter to Gen Devers, orders Sixth Army Group to

protect S flank of 12th Army Group in coming

offensive toward the Rhine.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div

commits 71st Inf to action, relieving elements of

79th Div of newly won positions E of Forêt de

Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3d Div is meeting stronger

resistance as it approaches Les Rouges Eaux, on road

to St Dié. To left, 180th Inf of 45th Div succeeds

in establishing bridgehead across Mortagne R E of

Fremifontaine, from which to push NE toward

Raon-l’Etape. On right flank, 36th Div extends

positions E of Bruyères to Biffontaine; 1st Bn of

141st, attempting to secure heights N of La Houssière, becomes isolated in Forêt Domaniale de

Champ.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Div, attacking in force toward M. Salvaro,

drives to summit; elements to right begin assault

on M. Termine. In IV Corps area, TF 92, after unsuccessful attempt to push NE from M. Cauala,

goes on the defensive in coastal sector. In II Corps

area, enemy counterattacks and recovers Hill 459

from 85th Div. Elsewhere on right flank of corps,

counterattacks are repulsed and bypassed pockets

cleared. At night, 2d Bn of 351st Inf, 88th Div, attacks toward Vedriano and Co G takes Vedriano

by dawn of 24th. 133d Inf, 34th Div, seizes M.

Belmonte. In Br 13 Corps area, 78th Div, renewing

assault on M. Spadura with 11th and 38th Brigs,

clears this feature. 1st Div takes M. Cornazzano

without opposition; gains ground N of M. Ceco.

21st Brig, Ind 8th Div, seizes M. Giro and pushes

on toward M. Colombo; 17th takes M. Casalino.

[ 23 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 310 ]

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

reaches crest of M. Cavallo ridge, which extends

northward to Bertinoro, commanding Highway 9;

enemy begins to pull back. Savio R is subsiding and

reinforcements are crossed into 4th Div’s bridgehead. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div maintains

bridgehead across the Savio but is unable to

strengthen it. 11th Brig, Cdn 5th Armd Div, reaches

the Savio to R.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Major 3-day naval

battle opens as submarines discover and attack elements of Japanese Combined Fleet steaming toward

the Philippines to eliminate U.S. threat to Leyte.

Surface vessels and carrier aircraft of Third and

Seventh Fleets and Japanese land-based planes later

join in the action.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: At ceremony in Tacloban, Gen MacArthur restores Philippine Civil Government under President Sergio Osmena. In

X Corps area, 8th Cav of 2d Brig, 1st Cav Div,

charged with task of securing control of San Juanico

Strait between Leyte and Samar and cutting off

Japanese movement, begins operations toward this

end. Rcn party moves by LCI from Tacloban

through San Juanico Strait to Babatngon, on N

coast, and on return reconnoiters ferry termini that

connect Leyte and Samar, the Leyte terminus being

at Guintiguian and the Samar terminus at La Paz,

without incident. Other elements of the regiment

move to Diit R and secure bridge in preparation for

drive on Santa Cruz, on Carigara Bay. Japanese

party raids Palo at night, using Filipinos to deceive

Americans, but is dispersed and leave behind 60

dead. 1st Bn, 34th Inf, begins attack on Hill C,

blocking passage into Leyte Valley on N side of

Highway 2 at W edge of Palo, a strongly defended

feature. 2d Bn, 19th Inf, reaches what it believes to

be crest of Hill B, which also blocks entrance into

Leyte Valley. 2d Sq of 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div,

relieves 1st Bn, 19th Inf, on Hill 522; 1st Bn of 19th

Inf is ordered to attack Hill 85, S of Palo. XXIV

Corps area, 96th Div is facing acute supply shortage, which limits forward movement. 383d Inf, less

1st Bn, attacking at noon, crosses Guinarona R and

reaches positions W of Pikas. 382d is largely engaged

in patrolling. Tanks of 767th Tank Bn act as spearhead for 7th Div as it continues drive on Burauen

in effort to take San Pablo airfield. 17th Inf ( — ),

reinf by 2d Bn of 184th, leads troops, attacking

through 32d and 184th Regts, which then follow.

Tanks arrive at Burauen and scatter enemy forces.

Infantrymen drive through Julita and San Pablo and

seize San Pablo airfield.

PALAUS—AT and Cannon Cos relieve infantry

of responsibility for eliminating the few remaining

enemy on Angaur.

24 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, methodical reduction of

Breskens Pocket continues. Cdn 2d Div begins drive

along Beveland Isthmus, leaving containing forces

at its neck.

12th Army Group: Front remains generally static.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div, committing 324th Inf, completes relief of 79th Div. In VI Corps area, 3d Div

commits its full strength to drive on St Dié as 30th

Inf, having moved N, joins in attack to right of

7th. 179th Inf, 45th Div, takes town of Mortagne,

on enemy side of Mortagne R.

In Fr 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre issues secret

instructions to 1st Corps for offensive toward Belfort,

INDEPENDENCE. 1st Corps is to be strongly reinf for

the operation. Extensive deceptive measures are

taken to conceal place of projected attack and take

enemy by surprise.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, M.

Termine falls to S African 6th Armd Div. In II

Corps area, Germans regain Vedriano and capture

most of Co G, 351st Inf, 88th Div, there. 88th and

85th Divs continue attack on right flank of corps

during night 24–25 but make little headway. In Br

13 Corps area, 78th Div consolidates positions on

M. Spadura. 61st Brig, 6th Armd Div, pushes toward M. Taverna, reaching Orsara.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

drives quickly toward Ronco R on S flank of corps;

4th Div advances its left flank to road junction of

Madonna di Cerbiano and its right, along Highway

9, to Castellaccio. Cdn 1 Corps pursues retreating

enemy toward Ronco R.

CBI—Theater is split in two theaters, IndiaBurma Theater (IBT) and China Theater (CT), to

be headed respectively by Lt Gen Daniel I. Sultan

and Maj Gen Albert C. Wedemeyer. Gen Chennault

is temporarily in charge of China Theater, pending

assumption of command by Gen Wedemeyer.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Seventh Fleet units

engage and destroy Japanese naval force moving

against Leyte via Surigao Strait, night 24–25. Third

Fleet elements, after crippling another Japanese

naval force, moving toward San Bernardino Strait,

sails northward to attack enemy decoy force that has

been sighted, thus leaving San Bernardino Strait

unguarded.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, moves by water to

Babatngon and sets up defense perimeter, from

which patrols move along N coast. Tr C, reinf, of

8th Cav, after delay because of Japanese air attack

on shipping in Tacloban harbor, which causes minor

damage, sails to La Paz, Samar; establishes beach-

[ 24 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 311 ]

head and blocks road to Basey; after nightfall repels

enemy thrust against the block. Main body of 1st

Sq, 8th Cav, begins overland journey northward

along Highway 1 and reach Guintiguian. Control of

Juanico Strait is thus secured. In Palo area, 1st Bn

of 34th Inf takes Hill Nan without opposition; is

passed through by 3d Bn, which takes the next Hill,

Mike—before Hill C—also without opposition, preliminary fires having been highly effective. 2d Bn,

19th Inf, continues efforts to take Hill B, finding

enemy well entrenched on a crest higher than its

own. Co K, 19th Inf, moving S along Highway 1

in effort to make contract with XXIV Corps, takes

San Joaquin, S of Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th

Div’s 383d Inf, still beset by supply problems, holds

current positions and patrols to locate possible supply routes to rear. Patrol finds enemy established

at Tabontabon. 382d takes Anibung and Hindang.

In 7th Div zone 17th Inf clears Burauen and, after

brief pause, starts toward Dagami. 1st Bn, 32d Inf,

turns NW toward Buri airstrip from San Pablo

airfield but is so strongly opposed that it falls back

to San Pablo with assistance of 3d Bn.

25 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div, working

slowly W along Beveland Isthmus, reaches Rilland.

In Br 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Div drives N with

3 regts abreast toward Zundert.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area,

boundary between VII and V Corps is temporarily

altered to give V Corps responsibility for Schmidt.

V Corps takes command of 9th Div, less 47th Inf

which is at Schevenhuette. 28th Div begins relief of

battle-worn 9th Div in preparation for drive on

Schmidt.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div withstands repeated counterattacks against its positions E of Forêt de Parroy.

Fr 2d Armd Div is ordered to attack on right flank

of corps in support of VI Corps before 1 November.

In VI Corps area, Gen Brooks, former commander

of V Corps, takes command of corps, replacing Gen

Truscott. 36th Div attempts in vain to relieve isolated bn of 141st Inf N of La Houssière.

NORWAY—Driving into Norway from Finland,

Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear Kirkenes.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements

of S African 6th Armd Div wade Setta Creek and

take Hill 501, below M. Sole. In II Corps area,

further efforts to deepen M. Grande salient, night

25–26, are costly failures. 362d Inf, 91st Div, is attached to 88th Div and prepares to assist in attack.

In Br 13 Corps area, 61st Brig of 6th Armd Div gets

elements to M. Taverna, night 25–26, but withdraws

them because of tenuous supply situation.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps reaches the

Ronco from heights across from Meldola to Highway 9. 4th Div, which replaces 12th Brig with 10th,

takes Forlimpopoli without a fight. Attack across the

Ronco begins night 25–26, Ind 10th Div establishing small bridgeheads S and N of Meldola and 4th

Div crossing 2 cos NW of Selbagnone and 2 others

at Highway 9. Cdn r Corps continues to pursue

enemy toward the Ronco, coastal elements reaching

the Bevano.

BURMA—NCAC offensive continues against

light resistance. 29th Brig of Br 36th Div, which has

progressed 23 miles from Namma against negligible

opposition, skirmishes with enemy in Mawpin area.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Aircraft and surface

forces of Third and Seventh Fleets decisively defeat

Japanese Combined Fleet and continue to attack it

as it begins to retire. Seventh Fleet units defeat a

force that has moved through San Bernardino Strait

while Third Fleet turns back the decoy force to N.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: Patrol contact is

established between X and XXIV Corps at 1430. In

X Corps area, on N Leyte, Japanese aircraft attack

Babatngon harbor. 1st Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div,

during the next few days explores coast of Carigara

Bay and finds few Japanese there. 8th Cav is consolidating and improving positions in Juanico Strait

area. 2d Sq of 8th Cav, because of supply difficulties,

is ordered to remain in position along Diit R and

patrol rather than continue drive toward Santa

Cruz. In Palo area, 3d Bn of 34th Inf takes Hill C.

2d Bn, 19th Inf, gains crest of Hill B after enemy

defenders have followed their customary practice

of retiring from it for the night. 1st Bn, 19th, takes

Hill 85. Reduction of these heights clears entrance

into N Leyte Valley. 3d Bn, 19th Inf, starts toward

Pastrana, reaching Castilla. In XXIV Corps area,

patrol of 383d Inf, 96th Div, moves N through Tanauan and makes contact with Co K of 19th Inf,

24th Div. Co. K, reinf, attacks Tabontabon but withdraws when it finds the town too strongly held to

take. 382d Inf seizes Aslom and Kanmonhag. After

preparatory bombardment, 2d and 3d Bns of 32d

Inf, 7th Div, preceded by tanks, continue attack

toward Buri airstrip. 3d Bn reaches edge of the field

but 2d is halted by elaborate defenses at edge of

woods to N. 17th Inf, opposed from ridge N of

Burauen and E of the road to Dagami, makes limited advance while concentrating for another drive

toward Dagami, clearing E spur of the ridge and

probing road to barrio of Buri.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 323d Inf, which has arrived from Ulithi begins relieving 321st Inf.

[ 25 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 312 ]

26 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, brig of 52d Div makes

amphibious assault on Beveland from Terneuzen

landing on S coast near Baarland and establishing

bridgehead. Cdn 2d Div continues to push W along

Beveland Isthmus. Cdn 3d Div is steadily reducing

Breskens Pocket. In Br I Corps area, U.S. 104th Div

gets into position for attack on Zundert.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 53 Div overruns ‘s Hertogenbosch.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, troops of 102d Div enter combat for

first time, 406th Inf attached to 30th Div, 405th to

2d Armd, and 407th to 29th Div.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 28th Div takes

responsibility for zone previously held by 39th and

60th Regts of 9th Div. 9th Div ( — ) goes back to

Camp Elsenborn. 5th Armd Div, to which CCA

reverts from attachment to XIX Corps, moves to rear

of 4th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, action at

Maizières-lès-Metz centers about strongly held

Hôtel de Ville. Co K of 357th Inf, 90th Div, reaches

the hotel but is driven back.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 3d Div continues toward St Dié under

exceptionally heavy arty fire, 7th Inf, in center,

overrunning Les Rouges Eaux. On left flank of

corps, 45th Div is clearing Forêt d’Housseras and

working toward Raon-l’Etape. 36th Div, on S flank,

is relieving its isolated 141st Inf force, which begins

drive to W in effort to break out.

HUNGARY—Soviet forces of Fourth and Second

Ukrainian Fronts link up near Mukacevo in E

Hungary.

ITALY—AAI: Heavy rains and flooding slow

operations all along line.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Div halts

efforts to take M. Sole; elements on Hill 501 are

virtually isolated. In II Corps area, flash flood prevents commitment of 362d Inf across the Sillaro as

planned. 88th and 85th Divs are given verbal orders

to break off offensive and organize defensive positions on more tenable ground. In Br 13 Corps area,

17th Brig of Ind 8th Div pushes to Lutirano and

Tredozio. 61st Brig, 6th Armd Div, after repelling

attack against Orsara and making another futile

attempt to take M. Taverna, confines its activities

to patrolling.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th

Kresowa Div, having cleared M. Mirabello–M. Colombo ridge, sends elements into Predappio Nuovo,

on Rabbi R, but is forced back. In 5 Corps area, Ind

10th Div consolidates bridgeheads across the Ronco,

but 4th Div is unable to hold on without tank

support and suffers heavy losses while withdrawing.

Since the river is now in flood, corps operations

temporarily come to a standstill. Cdn 1 Corps makes

little progress because of flooding.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div, attacking in center of NCAC front, reaches old Chindit

airstrip, BROADWAY, 27 miles SE of Hopin, where

it remains for a few days to recover from arduous

march over hills.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Battle ends as Japanese Fleet retires with the following losses: 3 BB’s,

1 large and 3 light carriers, 6 heavy and 4 light

cruisers, and 9 DD’s. U.S. losses are 1 light carrier

(Princeton), 2 escort carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 DE.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

24th Div, having cleared northern approaches to

Leyte Valley, attacks inland. 2d Bn, 34th Inf, drives

steadily along Highway 2 to Santa Fe. From Castilla, 3d Bn of 19th continues to outskirts of Pastrana, where entrance into the town is barred by a

strong fortress. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Inf of

96th Div attempts to take Tabontabon, Japanese

supply center, but after reaching edge of the barrio

is forced back to Guinarona R. Div arty shells the

barrio through night 26–27. 383d Inf’s Co E conducts rcn in force against San Vicente Hill, N tip

of Catmon Hill, but is forced to withdraw. Japanese withdraw main body of troops from Catmon

Hill. 3d Bn, 381st Inf, starts N along Highway 1

toward Tanauan to secure N flank of beachhead

along road Tanauan–Dagami. 32d Inf, 7th Div,

continues battle for Buri airfield with 2d and 1st

Bns, moving through fortifications to positions

around edge of the field. 17th Inf, leaving 2d Bn

of 184th Inf behind to contain enemy on ridge

and moving its 3d Bn forward by truck from Dao,

attacks with 1st, 2d, and 3d Bns toward Dagami,

reaching positions about 600 yards S of Guinarona.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, RCT 323 takes control of

operations against Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Inf

has lost 146 killed and 469 wounded on Peleliu.

Umurbrogol Pocket now averages about 600 yards

from N to S; although about 475 yards wide on N,

deep salients have been driven southward into it;

Japanese retain a few caves along E side; S part of

the pocket is less than 350 yards wide. A period of

unfavorable weather conditions begins, during

which RCT 323 improves defenses.

27 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, forward elements of

Cdn 2d Div reach Beveland Canal, at W end of

Beveland Isthmus, and cross during night 27–28.

52d Div expands Baarland bridgehead to Oudelande.

In Br 1 Corps area, Bergen-op–Zoom falls to Cdn

[ 26–27 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 313 ]

4th Armd Div, 413th Inf of U.S. 104th Div, assisted

by effective arty preparation and attached Br tanks,

takes Zundert by storm.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans,

following heavy arty barrage, open strong tankinfantry attack toward Asten in effort to divert

Allied strength from main battle front, penetrating

lightly held positions of U.S. 7th Armd Div along

Canal de Deurne and Canal du Nord, W of Venlo.

Germans take Meijel, near junction of the two

canals, and penetrate line at Heitrak, on Meijel–

Deurne highway, and near Nederweert. CCA of

U.S. 7th Armd Div seals off penetration pear Nederweert; CCB is relieved by Br 11th Armd Div in

order to counterattack on 28th.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, 357th Inf of 80th Div, employing 4

small teams, again attempts in vain to take Hôtel de

Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 3d Div presses slowly in on St Dié

against heavy fire. 36th Div’s isolated bn is too

weak to break out, but some progress toward it is

made by Nisei troops. First efforts to drop supplies

by air fail. Subsequent attempts achieve some success.

In Fr 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre, at conference with Gen Devers at Vittel, presents his plan

for offensive toward Belfort and gains Gen Devers’

approval. The Fr drive is to coincide with general

Allied offensive in November and is to open on 13th.

HUNGARY—Troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front

take Ungvar (Uzhorod) on NE border. This completes Soviet conquest of Carpatho–Ukraine (Ruthenia before March 1939).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 26th Armd Brig Gp, following up enemy

withdrawal on right flank of corps, occupies Rocca

S. Casciano, on Highway 67.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, elements

of 5th Kresowa Div recapture Predappio Nuovo. In

5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div crosses additional elements over the Ronco, night 27–28. In Cdn 1 Corps

area, plans to relieve Cdn 1st Div and Cdn 5th Armd

Div cannot be carried out at this time because of

weather conditions. Advance elements of corps

across the Bevano in coastal sector are withdrawn.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav arrives

in training area.

CHINA—Japanese renew offensive to take U.S.

air bases in E China (ICHIGO), heading toward

Kweilin and Liuchow.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st

Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, advances through 2d Bn to

Mudburon R without opposition. After night-long

shelling of Pastrana, 3d Bn of 19th Inf enters the

town and with assistance of 1st Bn mops up. In

XXIV Corps area, 382d Inf of 96th Div again attacks

Tabontabon. 1st and 3d Bns push through NW part

of the town to positions about a mile to NW, but

2d Bn is held up in the town and establishes night

perimeter in center of it. 383d Inf patrols in vicinity

of San Vicente and San Vicente Hill in effort to

locate enemy positions. Sixth Army releases 381st

Inf from reserve to corps. 32d Inf, 7th Div, against

surprisingly light resistance, clears Buri airstrip by

1130. 17th Inf, reinf by platoon of engineers to repair bridges, continues drive on Dagami, reaching

positions some 2,200 yards S of the town.

28 October

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower issues

directive for November offensive, calling for destruction of enemy W of the Rhine, establishment of

bridgeheads across the river, and drive into

Germany.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s Br 1 Corps

area, U.S. 104th Div takes Rijsbergen, about halfway between Zundert and Breda, and pushes toward

Rosendaal–Breda highway.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, Tilburg falls

to 15th Div. In 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armd Div

begins two-pronged attack to recover Meijel, CCB

driving SE along Deurne–Meijel highway and CCR

TF moving along Asten–Meijel road. Small gains

are made against severe opposition.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, while one co of 357th Inf, 90th Div,

makes diversionary attack N of Hotel de Ville in

Maizières-lès-Metz, while 3 cos enter factory area in

preparation for attack.

6th Army Group: Issues letter of instruction for

reduction of enemy W of the Rhine and capture of

Strasbourg.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, enemy

makes limited withdrawal, night 28–29, pulling

back to line Leintrey–Blémerey.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, RCT 6 of BEF outflank Gallicano, in Serchio

Valley. II Corps, now greatly understrength after

six weeks of hard fighting, is ordered in writing to

halt offensive and establish defensive positions.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

crosses more elements over the Ronco, night 28–29,

and begins attack from bridgehead S of Meldola.

Cdn 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve as 12th

Lancers, under 5 Corps command, relieves Cdn 1st

Div on left flank and TF known as Porter Force,

under Eighth Army command, takes over coastal

sector from Cdn 5th Armd Div.

BULGARIA—Signs armistice with Allies. By its

terms, Bulgaria will relinquish portions of Greece

and Yugoslavia acquired in 1941, make certain

[ 28 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 314 ]

reparations yet to be determined, and place armed

forces at the disposal of the Soviet high command.

YUGOSLAVIA—Announces capture of Split, capital of Dalmatia and Adriatic port, to Partisan forces.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 713th Regt of Ch

38th Div encounters patrols from enemy’s OPL

along Taping R near Bhamo but routs them in

order to reach the river at Myothit. 112th and 114th

Regts are to make wide enveloping maneuver in

order to turn the enemy line.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, followed by 2d Bn,

drives through Alangalang to Mainit R and dislodges enemy from steel bridges spanning it. 3d Bn

makes contacts with 79th Inf S of Santa Fe. 1st Bn,

79th Inf, blocks road N of Binahaan R near Macalpe;

2d establishes perimeter at Tingib. 1st Cav Div regroups: 1st Sq of 12th Cav moves to Castilla to

relieve 24th Div of responsibility for rear areas so

that latter may drive on Jaro; 2d Cav Brig is ordered

to advance on Carigara; 2d Sq of 8th Cav is to

establish base at San Miguel, secure Cavite, and

patrol as far N and NW as Barugo road, maintaining contact with 1st Sq, 7th Cav; 1st Sq of 7th Cav,

while holding positions at Santa Cruz and Babatngon, is to concentrate in Barugo–Carigara area

and patrol S and SE. Tr C of 7th Cav moves by

water from Babatngon to Barugo and overland to

Carigara, where prolonged fire fight ensues; withdraws to Barugo late in afternoon. In XXIV Corps

area, 2d Bn of 382d Inf, 96th Div, finishes clearing

Tabontabon and continues toward Kiling. 381st Inf

begins attack on E slopes of Catmon Hill at noon.

2d Bn gets almost to Labir Hill, but 1st receives such

accurate fire at foot of the hill that it pulls back to

vicinity of line of departure. 2d Bn of 32d Inf, 7th

Div, is alerted for drive on Abuyog on 29th. 3d Bn

is ordered to Guinarona. 17th Inf makes slow

progress toward Dagami. 2d Bn, in the lead, suffers

heavy casualties.

29 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps is rapidly clearing S

Beveland and completing reduction of Breskens

Pocket. 52d Div and Cdn 2d Div establish contact

on S Beveland and 52d Div takes Goes. Br 1 Corps,

upon reaching Bergen-op–Zoom–Tilburg road, is directed northward to secure crossings of Mark R.

Breda falls to Pol 1st Armd Div.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans attack in force from Meijel toward Liesel and Asten,

taking Liesel from CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div, and

pushing CCR units back about halfway up road

toward Asten. During night, 15th Div (which has

completed its mission with 12 Corps) and a tank

brig are sent to reinforce corps. 75th Div relieves

CCB near Liesel and CCR SE of Asten. U.S. 7th

Armd Div, upon relief, concentrates about Nederweert and Weert.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, 3 cos of 357th Inf, 90th Div, omitting

arty preparation, attack from factory area at Maizières-lès-Metz into section S of Hôtel de Ville; 2 others attack from N. Most of the town is cleared by

dark.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 45th Div moves into Bru and Jeanménil, which enemy has successfully defended for

the past month, without opposition. Drive on Raonl’Etape continues to right. 3d Div improves positions

near St Dié. In 36th Div zone, 442d Inf

pushes closer to isolated 1st Bn of 141st Inf in

Forêt Domaniale de Champ.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of GCB, S African 6th Armd Div, on left

flank of div, take Palazzo, W of Highway 64.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy garrison at Meldola is threatened with encirclement

as Ind 10th Div begins attacks from bridgeheads

and S of the town. 4th Div prepares for another

attack across the river since flood waters are subsiding.

INDIA-BURMA—On Salween front, Gen Wei Lihuang’s Chinese Expeditionary Force, closely supported by U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, renews offensive, attacking toward Lung-ling with Ch 200th Div

in the lead. Japanese have been thinning out.

In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, having paused

briefly at Mawpin, resumes southward drive down

RR corridor.

LEYTE—Since 77th Div will apparently not be

needed on Leyte, Gen MacArthur transfers it from

control of Gen Krueger to that of Adm Nimitz.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3d Bn of 34th

Inf, 24th Div, takes the lead in drive to Jaro, reaching the town at 1700 after having cleared opposition en route to Galotan. 19th Inf defends S flank

of div; Co K establishes roadblock at Ypad. 2d Cav

Brig, 1st Cav Div, continues assembling in Barugo

area, 1st Sq joining Tr C there. In XXIV Corps area,

2d Bn of 381st Inf, 96th Div, takes Labir and Catmon Hills with ease. 1st Bn jumps off at noon and

makes contact with 2d Bn. 1st Bn, 383d Inf, is relieved on Labiranan Head and passes to Sixth Army

reserve. Withdrawing depleted 2d Bn to reserve,

17th Inf of 7th Div continues attack toward Dagami with 1st and 3d Bns and breaks into S part of

town. From Burauen, 2d Bn of 32d Inf moves without incident along Highway 1 to Abuyog.

7th Cav Rcn Tr, preceding it, pushes on toward

Baybay.

[ 29 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 315 ]

30 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div completes

drive across S Beveland, reaching E end of Walcheren causeway. Cdn 3d Div is nearing end of action

to reduce Breskens Pocket. In Br 1 Corps area, 415th

Inf, spearheading for U.S. 104th Div, reaches the

Mark and attempts to take bridge near Standdaarbuiten, but Germans blow it.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps makes patrol

contact with 1 Corps. 7th Armd Div drives W to

Oosterhout and makes contact with Pol 1st Armd

Div of 1 Corps there. In 8 Corps area, enemy makes

final effort to advance in Peel Marshes but is

brought to a halt.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V

Corps outlines further action to be taken by 28th

Div after it seizes its first objective, line Vossenack–

Schmidt.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf

of 90th Div completes capture of Maizières-lèsMetz, thus opening route to Metz from the N.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, elements of 45th Div seize St Benoit,

on Rambervillers–Raon-l’Etape road. 3d Div now

holds broad salient W of St Dié and the Meurthe

from vicinity of Nompatelize on N to Traintrux on

S. In 36th Div zone, 442d Inf at last makes contact

with and relieves 1st Bn of 141st Inf.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Germans begin series of counterattacks toward Palazzo

that last for several days, but CCB of S African 6th

Armd Div holds firm. In IV Corps area, RCT 6 of

BEF seizes Lama hill mass, N of Barga. During

October corps has conducted a training program

for inexperienced 1st Div, BEF, and 92d Div as the

units arrived.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, Germans

withdraw from Caminata region. In 5 Corps area,

10th Div takes Meldola, from which enemy has

withdrawn, but runs into strong opposition as it

pushes on toward Rabbi R. 4th Div tries in vain

to get patrols across the Ronco on N flank of corps.

P.I.—AAF SWPA issues instruction for air support of the Mindoro operation by Gen Kenney’s U.S.

Far East Air Force, comprising Fifth and Thirteenth

Air Forces. Fifth Air Force is to be the “assault air

force” but Thirteenth Air Force, RAAF, carrierbased planes of U.S. Third and Seventh Fleets, and

land-based planes of Seventh Fleet are also to assist

as are B–29’s of U.S. Twentieth Air Force.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3d

Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, starts toward Carigara

along road from Jaro but is halted almost at once

by Japanese. 2d and 1st Bns are given supporting

roles as 3d Bn renews efforts to advance up the

road without getting beyond outskirts of Jaro. Co K,

19th Inf, makes contact with elements of XXIV

Corps at Lopdak. Co C skirmishes with enemy at

Rizal. Gen Krueger orders relief of 21st Inf, 24th

Div, in the quiet Panaon Strait area by a bn of 32d

Inf. In XXIV Corps area, 2d and 3d Bns of 383d

Inf, 96th Div, attack San Vicente from Guinarona

R and find the barrio and hill of the same name undefended. 17th Inf, 7th Div, completes capture of

Dagami in morning and spends rest of day mopping

up. Contact is made with X Corps units across

Binahaan R north of Dagami by means of message

dropped by air and with 96th Div on E by patrols,

concluding current mission of 17th Inf. 7th Div, on

its beachhead line, is ordered to move elements from

Abuyog to Baybay and be prepared to move to W

coast.

31 October

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2d Div starts W

across Walcheren causeway from S Beveland but

is halted by enemy fire. Amphibious assault forces

at Breskens and Ostend prepare to land on Walcheren. In the Breskens Pocket, only small enemy

groups remain in coastal area. Cadzand and Knocks

are free of enemy. In Br 1 Corps area, while main

body of corps is closing along the Mark, advance

elements attempt unsuccessfully to establish bridgeheads. 1st Bn of 415th Inf, U.S. 104th Div, crosses

NE of Standdaarbuiten in assault boats early in day

but is encircled by enemy counterattacking force and

withdraws after nightfall. Elements of Pol 1st

Armd Div cross the river E of Zevenbergen, but

they too are forced back to S bank. Enemy fire prevents bridging.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps overcomes opposition at Raamsdonk; releases 53d Div, which has

completed its current mission with corps, to 8 Corps

for action in Peel Marshes. In 8 Corps area, Maj

Gen Lindsay McD. Silvester is replaced as commander of U.S. 7th Armd Div by Maj Gen Robert

W. Hasbrouck, former CCB commander. Div front

is confined to Nederweert area as Belgian 1st Brig,

along Nederweert–Wessem Canal, is detached. The

Belgian force is augmented by a Br armored brig.

15th Div regains Liesel.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div, with CCV on left

and CCD on right, drives SE from Forêt de Mondon, taking enemy by surprise and overwhelming

his forward positions Montigny, Merviller, and N

part of Baccarat are cleared; other elements of div

provide diversion on S flank, taking Menarmont

and Nossoncourt, SW of Baccarat. In VI Corps area,

15th Inf of 3d Div attacks at night, turning northward in region W of the Meurthe.

[ 30–31 OCTOBER 1944 ]
[ 316 ]

HUNGARY—Broadening operations toward Budapest, elements of Second Ukrainian Front force

the Tisza and push into Kecskemet, where street

fighting ensues.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, Ind 10th Div progresses rapidly toward the

Rabbi as enemy resistance weakens. 4th Div establishes 2 bridgeheads across the Ronco between Selbagnone and Highway 9.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten, having returned to

Kandy from meetings with Prime Minister

Churchill at Cairo, at or near this time proposes to

CCS that Phases 1 and 2 of CAPITAL be completed;

Arakan and Akyab be cleared (Operations ROMULUS

and TALON, respectively) in order to release main

body of 15 Corps for use elsewhere; forward base

on Kra Isthmus be seized in March 1945; Rangoon be

taken after the 1945 monsoon; Malaya be invaded

regardless of the monsoon.

INDIA-BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps hq returns from India

and opens near Imphal with Ind 19th Div under

command about this time.

In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, against stiffening

resistance, reaches Mawlu.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer assumes command of

U.S. Forces, China Theater. His primary task is to

conduct air operations from China, with logistical

support from IBT.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

while 3d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, is engaged in

clearing hill around Jaro, 2d Bn passes through in

attack toward Tunga. 19th Inf protects S flank

of 24th Div and blocks enemy escape routes. Elements move up to Jaro and make contact with 24th

Div. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div is mopping up

Catmon Hill sector. Co G of 32d Inf, 7th Div, starts

from Abuyog toward Baybay.

1 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps begins an all-out assault

on Walcheren. Continuing attack on causeway from

S Beveland, Cdn 2d Div gains a few hundred yards

but is forced back. From Breskens, Cdn 4th Cdo of

4th Sp Service Brig, under 52d Div command, followed by 155th Brig of 52d Div, crosses estuary to S

coast near Flushing and begins clearing that town.

From Ostend, 41st, 47th, and 48th Cdos of 4th

Special Service Brig and Dutch cdo force move to

W coast, land at gap in Westkapelle dyke, and seize

Westkapelle; some elements turn NE along coast

while others drive SE toward Flushing, Rcn force

is sent to N Beveland. Planned air support is curtailed when missions from U.K. are canceled because

of weather conditions. Warships and support craft

provide close naval support, but latter suffer heavily

from enemy fire and mines. Br 1 Corps prepares for

co-ordinated attack across the Mark.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps finishes clearing its sector S of the Maas except for small region

between Afwaterins Canal and the river. In 8 Corps

area, 53d Div goes into line on right flank of corps

along Wessem Canal SE of Nederweert and Belgian

1st Brig and Br 4th Separate Armd Brig are attached

to it. U.S. 7th Armd Div prepares for limited offensive to secure NW bank of Canal du Nord.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

Gen Patton and his commanders draw up plans

for Third Army offensive. After First Army’s attack on D Day, XII Corps will attack on D plus 1,

XX Corps on D plus 2, and III Corps will eventually be responsible for mopping up Metz pocket.

Regrouping is in progress. In XX Corps area, 5th

Div reoccupies Arnaville bridgehead S of Metz, relieving 95th Div. XII Corps, in preparation for

offensive, makes limited attack with 319th Inf, 80th

Div, to clear Seille R bend in Létricourt–Abaucourt

area and quickly takes both towns.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div’ after completing capture of Baccarat, driving to the Blette R at Herbéviller and Mignéville, and helping 117th Cav Rcn

Tr (VI Corps) take Bertrichamps, halts to await

relief. In VI Corps area, 100th Div arrives in corps

zone to relieve 45th Div on N flank. 3d Div’s 15th

Inf seizes La Bourgonce, in valley NW of St Dié.

MEDITERRANEAN—North African Theater of

Operations (NATOUSA) is redesignated Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTOUSA).

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, Ind 10th Div reaches the Rabbi at Collina and

Grisignano, but 4th Div is halted short of Forlì airfield by sharply increased resistance.

HUNGARY—Germans are driven from Kecskemet,

communications center SE of Budapest.

GREECE—With withdrawal of enemy from

Florina and Salonika, only rear-guard forces remain

S of Yugoslav border.

LEYTE—Japanese land reinforcements at

Ormoc.

In U.S. Sixth Army’s X Corps area, 1st Bn of

34th Inf, 24th Div, executes wide flanking movement through Tuba; 2d Bn followed by 3d continues along Jaro–Carigara road and finds that

enemy has withdrawn hastily. By end of day, 1st

Bn, in the lead, is within 1,000 yards of Sagkanan.

As plans for concerted assault on Carigara are being

made, Japanese begin undetected withdrawal from

the town toward hills near Limon. In XXIV Corps

area, 96th Div completes mop up of entire Catmon

Hill area. 1st Bn of 32d Inf, 7th Div, relieves 21st

Inf of 24th Div in Panaon Strait area.

[ 1 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 317 ]

2 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery orders extensive regrouping

after Schelde Estuary and SW Holland are cleared

in preparation for offensive by Br Second Army to

destroy enemy bridgehead W of the Maas as prerequisite for Rhineland battle.

In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 157th Brig of

Br 52d Div relieves Cdn 2d Div forces at Walcheren

causeway, where enemy continues to resist tenaciously; to ease pressure, elements of 156th Brig cross

Slooe Channel about 2 miles S of the causeway after nightfall; Flushing is cleared of enemy. Br 1 Corps

attacks across the Mark late in day after heavy arty

preparation. 49th and U.S. 104th Divs establish

bridgeheads, 104th in Standdaarbuiten area and

49th to W. 104th, with 413th and 415th Regts in

assault, clears village of Standdaarbuiten.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S.

7th Armd Div begins limited attacks to clear enemy

from Canal du Nord. 53d Div makes patrol contact

with U.S. XIX Corps near Maeseyck.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 28th Div, after hour-long arty preparation,

begins drive on Schmidt: 2d Bn, 112th Inf, with

tank support, seizes Vossenack ridge, but main effort by rest of regt to drive SE from Richelskaul

toward Kommerscheidt and Schmidt is stopped at

once; 109th Inf gets elements to woods line overlooking Huertgen on N flank, but 110th is unable

to advance on S flank.

In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Bradley, while

visiting Army hq, asks if Third Army can begin

offensive alone, since First Army cannot attack until British release 2 U.S. divs; he is told that Third

Army can attack on 24-hour notice. Third Army

offensive will begin when weather conditions permit softening of enemy; in the event of poor weather

conditions, XII Corps will attack on 8 November.

In XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div enters line in

Fort Driant sector.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, elements of VI Corps begin relieving

Fr 2d Armd Div in SE part of XV Corps sector,

but French retain positions along the Blette for some

days to come. In VI Corps area, 100th Div begins

relief of 45th Div, 399th Inf replacing 179th in line.

Pushing northward NW of St Dié, 15th Inf of 3d

Div takes Nompatelize without opposition, but

enemy still holds La Salle, to S.

In Fr 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre is charged

with conduct of Operation INDEPENDENCE.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues instructions,

confirming verbal orders of 30 October, for future

operations during current winter lull, calling

for consolidation of the Bologna salient and limited

action on its flanks. In Br 13 Corps area, on right

flank, command of 26th Armd Brig’s sector on

Highway 67 passes to Pol 2 Corps and intercorps

boundary is adjusted accordingly. Ind 8th Div’s

zone is broadened to include M. delle Valle area,

previously held by 1st Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps remains in

place because of tenuous communication lines.

128th Brig, 46th Div, relieves Ind 10th Div, which

withdraws to reserve.

YUGOSLAVIA—Partisans seize Dalmatian port

of Zara.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 5th Div reduces enemy

strongpoint, known as Vital Corner, below Tiddim,

with assistance of air and arty bombardment.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: With clearance of

entire Leyte Valley, army completes second phase

of battle for Leyte. In X Corps area, 1st Cav and

24th Inf Div forces converge on undefended Carigara, near N entrance to Ormoc Valley, and make

contact. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Inf of 96th

Div relieves 3d and 1st Bns of 17th Inf, 7th Div,

in vicinity of Dagami and engages enemy W of

Dagami. Co G of 32d Inf, 7th Div, reaches Baybay,

on W coast, at 2200. Main body of 32d Inf is alerted

for move to Abuyog.

PALAUS—As weather conditions improve, 323d

Inf of 81st Div opens attack to complete reduction

of Umurbrogol Pocket on Peleliu but makes little

headway.

3 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div finishes

clearing Breskens Pocket. Some 12,500 prisoners

have been taken during the operation. Substantial

progress is made by Br 52d Div, reinf by 4th Special

Service Brig, on Walcheren I. Assault forces from

Westkapelle join with those from Flushing. Positions

in E Walcheren are extended. In Br 1 Corps area,

German delaying line along the Mark collapses as

49th Div and U.S. 104th Div expand bridgeheads,

but many strongpoints remain. Pol 1st Armd Div

establishes bridgehead near Zevenbergen on right

flank of corps; Cdn 4th Armd Div, on left flank,

improves positions in Steenbergen area.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S.

7th Armd Div continues to clear NW bank of Canal

du Nord, overrunning villages of Horik and Ospel.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 112th Inf of 28th Div crosses Kall R and takes

Kommerscheidt and Schmidt, but 110th and 109th

Regts make little or no progress on flanks. Schmidt

is on MSR of enemy in Lammersdorf Corridor.

[ 2–3 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 318 ]

In U.S. Third Army area, XX and XII Corps

issue orders for offensive. XX Corps is to eliminate

the Metz garrison, secure crossing of the Sarre in

Saarburg area, and, upon order, continue offensive

toward NE. XII Corps, attacking between 5 and

8 November, is to seize Faulquemont, secure Rhine

bridgehead between Oppenheim and Mannheim,

and, tentatively, push to Darmstadt area. In XX

Corps zone, 3d Cav Gp moves forward at night to

eliminate small enemy pocket W of the Moselle at

Berg-sur-Moselle.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area,

3d Algerian Div, in limited attack toward Gerardmer, arouses strong opposition.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army is assigned 366th

Inf, a separate regt, but the unit does not arrive at

Leghorn until 91st.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, local attack

by 4th Div brings such sharp enemy reaction that

it is decided to attack in strength when weather

conditions improve. Positions across the Ronco are

gradually strengthened during the next few days in

preparation for renewing offensive.

INDIA-BURMA—On Salween front, Ch Hon 1st

Div recovers Lung-ling, scene of hard fighting for

some months.

In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div reaches the Irrawaddy

in vicinity of Shwegu without opposition and prepares to cross.

LEYTE—Japanese reinforcements moving up

Ormoc Valley are hit with good effect by aircraft.

U.S. Sixth Army: Issues order for converging

drive on Ormoc by X and XXIV Corps. In X Corps

area, 34th Inf of 24th Div takes Capoocan with

ease and continues toward Pinamopoan until held

up by enemy strongpoint. In XXIV Corps area, 1st

Bn of 382d Inf, 96th Div, attacks W of Dagami

toward ridge, later called Bloody Ridge, moving

through rice paddy, but is so heavily opposed that

it withdraws after nightfall. One 2d Bn column

advances to Patok and another moves up to reinforce

1st Bn. 1st Bn withstands strong counterattack,

night 3–4.

4 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, first mine sweepers reach Antwerp.

In 2 Corps area, Br 52d Div and commandos are

methodically clearing Walcheren. Junction is made

between forces at causeway and those who have

crossed Slooe Channel. Enemy is being cleared from

N coast. In Br 1 Corps area, 49th and U.S. 104th

Divs continue to push N toward the Maas in center

of corps. Pol 1st Armd Div, on right flank, takes

Geertruidenberg. Steenbergen, on left flank, is encircled. 104th Div is directed to move to Aachen

when released from current mission.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S.

7th Armd Div continues to clear NW bank of

Canal du Nord.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, Germans counterattack vigorously toward

Schmidt and Kommerscheidt, regaining former. A

few tanks that have reached Kommerscheidt help

materially in turning enemy back. 109th Inf, 28th

Div, withstands determined enemy attack to N;

on S, 110th makes limited progress and takes Simonskall.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Cav Gp

takes hill overlooking Berg but is driven off in

counterattack.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 3d Div continues to clear For de Mortagne W of St Dié and open ground to N, where La

Salle is now clear. 36th Div is clearing Forêt Domaniale de Champ and pushing toward Corcieux on S

flank of corps.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV

Corps takes command of S African 6th Armd Div’s

sector and U.S. troops (CCB, 1st Armd Div) attached

to that div; releases 92d Div to Fifth Army control

to hold Serchio Valley and coastal sector on left flank

of army. In Br 13 Corps area, 1st Gds Brig of 6th

Armd Div completes relief of 1st Div in line. 1st

Div then moves to relieve 88th Div and elements of

85th Div, U.S. II Corps, to W.

HUNGARY—Soviet forces of Second Ukrainian

Front seize Cegled and Szolnok, on rail line to

Budapest. Autumn rains and stiffening opposition

in environs of Budapest are beginning to slow Red

Army.

YUGOSLAVIA—Sibenik, on Dalmatian coast, falls

to Partisans.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth

Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 5th Div clears Kennedy

Peak, another enemy strongpoint S of Tiddim.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps, directed

to take up defensive role against seaborne attack in

Carigara area and to patrol to locate sites for arty

within range of Ormoc, regroups. After patrol of

34th Inf, 24th Div, finds that enemy has fallen back,

advance continues through Colasian and Pinamopoan to edge of ridge later called Breakneck

Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Bn of 382d Inf, 96th

Div, continues attack W of Dagami toward Bloody

Ridge and gains about 1,000 yards against light

opposition. Main body of 2d Bn moves up behind

1st. Japanese counterattacking on night 4–5 are

turned back by arty fire and leave 254 dead behind.

5 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps continues to make rapid

[ 4–5 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 319 ]

progress on Walcheren I. Br 1 Corps gets forward

elements to the Maas. U.S. 104th Div, less elements

of 414th Inf that are to help Pol 1st Armd Div take

Moerdijk, prepares to move to Aachen.

In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 51st Div

finishes clearing enemy from S bank of the Maas.

In 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armd Div approaches

Meijel area from S, and 15th Div begins drive on

Meijel from N.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 28th Div withstands infantry counterattacks

against Kommerscheidt, but Germans infiltrate

MSR and gain control of Kall bridge. Steady enemy

fire on Vossenack is weakening U.S. defenders

there. To help 112th Inf in drive on Schmidt on 6th,

TF R (Col Ripple, CO of 707th Tank Bn) is

formed, containing bn of 110th Inf, tanks, and TD’s.

In VII Corps area, poor weather conditions prevent

opening of offensive.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Cav

Gp, after heavy fire on enemy positions, clears Berg

and hill to N. XII Corps is ready to open offensive,

but awaits order from Gen Patton. Rain falls intermittently.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army directive

calls for reduction of enemy W of the Rhine and

capture of Strasbourg. XV Corps is to attack on D

Day, taking Sarrebourg and forcing the Saverne

Gap. VI Corps, not later than D plus 2, is to attack

through Vosges passes to take Strasbourg. In VI

Corps area, 45th Div, into whose line additional

elements of 100th Div are gradually being introduced, pushes in slowly toward Raon-l’Etape. 3d

Div continues to clear region W of the Meurthe

from St Dié area northward. 36th Div is still engaged

in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Div, continuing limited offensive toward Gerardmer,

gains Rochesson, Menaurupt, and heights near these

villages,

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, 1st Div of BEF takes command of CCB, 1st

Armd Div, in place. Corps zone, from W to E, is

now manned by 107th AAA Gp, Brazilian 1st Div,

and S African 6th Armd Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, improving weather conditions permit Allied aircraft to begin softening up

strikes in preparation for attack by 5 Corps on

Forlì.

LEYTE—U.S. aircraft attack enemy forces moving up Highway 2.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav Div

begins prolonged program of patrolling in central

mountains of Leyte. 21st Inf returns to 24th Div and

relieves 34th Inf at Breakneck Ridge, W of Pinamopoan. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Inf of 96th Div

continues attack on Bloody Ridge after arty preparation and, with assistance of co of tanks, is reducing enemy positions there.

6 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, 2 Corps clears Middelburg, on

Walcheren I. Br 1 Corps continues to eliminate

scattered strongpoints S of the Maas. Pol 1st Armd

Div, assisted by elements of U.S. 104th Div, begins

attack on Moerdijk, on enemy’s escape route. Main

body of 104th Div starts to Aachen.

In Br Second Army area, U.S. 7th Armd Div is

ordered to return to 12th Army Group in preparation for offensive. 15th Div continues limited action

N of Meijel.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 4th Div, moving from V Corps zone to

Zweifall area, is ordered to release 12th Inf, which,

under command of 28th Div, V Corps, is to begin

relief of elements of 28th Div at once. In V Corps

area, 28th Div repels further attacks against Kommerscheidt but is forced from E end of Vossenack.

Relief of 109th Inf by 12th Inf of 4th Div cannot

be accomplished on night 6–7 as planned. Attack

on Schmidt by TF R is postponed.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 assumes command of coastal sector

from 107th AAA Gp. In Br 13 Corps area, Ind 8th

Div takes M. Monsignano without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps moves forward following limited enemy withdrawal. In region W of Highway 67, 3d Carpathian Div takes

M. Chioda and M. Pratello. 5th Kresowa Div, E of

the highway, seizes M. Testa, E of Dovadola.

INDIA-BURMA—In NCAC area, 64th Regt of

Ch 22d Div crosses the Irrawaddy and overcomes

light opposition in Shwegugale.

CHINA—Japanese threat to Kunming, which

is besieged, is by now a matter of serious concern

to China Theater hq.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps is ordered

by Gen Krueger to drive as quickly as possible

down Highway 2 to secure Ormoc. 21st Inf, 24th

Div, probes Breakneck Ridge in preparation for

attack southward. Forward elements of 3d Bn are

forced back to beach near Colasian by intense enemy fire. 1st Bn attempts in vain to get into position

to support assault on Breakneck Ridge. In XXIV

Corps area, 382d Inf of 96th Div clears all but

isolated pockets on Bloody Ridge, despite well-prepared enemy positions.

7 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Cdn First

Army takes direct control of final mopping up op-

[ 6–7 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 320 ]

erations on Walcheren I. Br 1 Corps sector is now

largely clear, although Germans continue to hold

out in Moerdijk. Elements of 414th Inf, U.S. 104th

Div, upon relief by British in Moerdijk area, rejoin

parent div.

In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th

Armd Div reverts to 12th Army Group. Final assault

on Meijel is delayed to await 12 Corps’ drive from

SW.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V

Corps, after disastrous enemy counterattacks against

28th Div, decides to withdraw Kali R bridgehead.

28th Div loses Kommerscheidt but holds along N

woods line overlooking the village. Force of engineers and tanks clears E part of Vossenack and

turns defense of the village over to 2d Bn, 109th Inf.

12th Inf, 4th Div, relieves 109th Inf on N flank N

of Germeter.

In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton orders

offensive to open on 8th, although heavy downpour

of rain at this time gives little promise of air

assistance.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps

is beating off counterattacks SW of Gerardmer.

Noise of this action helps cover movement of units

southward in preparation for attack by 1st Corps

toward Belfort.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps

opens offensive toward Forlì at 2250 after heavy arty

preparation. While 4th Div attacks Forlì airfield,

46th Div, to left, drives N from Grisignano toward

S. Martino in Strada.

INDIA-BURMA—In NCAC area, Shwegu falls to

Ch 22d Div, which is ordered to garrison it with

64th Regt while attacking with 65th and 66th

toward Man-tha.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps begins

southward drive on Ormoc along Highway 2. 21st

Inf, 24th Div, reinf by 3d Bn of 19th, attacks toward

spur of lie ridge 400 yards to its front after massed

fire on enemy positions but cannot take it; establishes night perimeters at edge of Breakneck Ridge.

Co G, 19th Inf, advances toward Hill 1525, about

2,600 yards SE of Limon, in support of 21st Inf’s

attack, but halts far E of objective. In XXIV Corps

area, 382d Inf of 96th Div, with all 3 bns in assault,

continues attack on Bloody Ridge, overrunning enemy positions and killing an estimated 474 Japanese.

Co E remains in Patok area.

8 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Begins

extensive regrouping in order to place Br Second

Army along the Meuse facing eastward.

Cdn First Army completes mop up of Walcheren

I., where prisoners total about 8,000, concluding

offensive to secure approaches to Antwerp. Br 1

Corps extends E, taking over sector formerly held

by 12 Corps of Br Second Army, and assumes command of 7th Armd Div and attachments.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps (Maj Gen Alvan C. Gillem, Jr.) enters

line on extreme left of army group, occupying narrow sector between XIX Corps and Br 30 Corps.

Under XIII Corps command are 102d Div, less

406th Inf—attached to 2d Armd Div of XIX

Corps—and 84th Div.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

is attached to corps and begins relief of 1st Div.

V Corps begins withdrawing Kali bridgehead.

U.S. Third Army opens offensive toward the

Sarre. XX Corps makes final preparations for assault on Metz fortified area. By dawn 60th Div,

which is to make main effort, completes secret move

to Forêt de Cattenom in preparation for attack across

the Moselle through Koenigsmacker and the Maginot Line. 10th Armd Div is moving N to attack in

conjunction with 60th Div. 95th Div begins diversionary action (CASANOVA) at 2100 when Co C, 377th

Inf, crosses the Moselle in assault boats just S of

Uckange after an engineer detachment clears E

bank; against light resistance Co C moves inland

some 400 yards, but accurate enemy fire prevents

bridging; simultaneously with the river crossing, 2d

and 3d Bns of 377th Inf begin clearing enemy pocket

W of the Moselle in vicinity of Maizières-lès-Metz.

83d Div is transferred to XX Corps from VIII Corps

but because of restrictions on its use will provide

only fire support. XII Corps begins drive toward the

Sarre at 0600 after preparatory fire. 80th Div, with 3

regts abreast on N flank, attacks across Seille R, taking Eply, Nomeny, and Aulnois-sur-Seille. 35th

Div, with 137th Inf on left and 320th on right, 320th

having passed through 134th, attacks in center:

137th seizes Malaucourt and Jallaucourt; 320th, in

conjunction with 26th Div to right, attempts to

reach Morhange plateau but is stopped at Fresnesen–Saulnois on left and short of Bois d’Amélécourt

on right. 26th Div employs 3 regts abreast on right

flank of corps: 104th Inf, reinf by 2 small TF’s, seizes

Vic-sur-Seille and Seille bridges there; 101st overruns Moyenvic and takes its bridge, then begins

costly action for Hill 310 (Côte St Jean); feinting

toward Dieuze on right flank of corps, 328th Inf

seizes Bezange-la-Petite and Moncourt; 2d Cav Gp,

attached to 26th Div, protects S flank of corps along

Marne–Rhine Canal.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps issues field order for offensive to begin on

13 November. Infantry of 44th and 79th Divs are to

breach enemy positions; Fr 2d Armd Div is then to

drive through the gap to exploit.

[ 8 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 321 ]

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps

area, 3d Carpathian Div is clearing hills between

Modigliana and Dovadola and takes Dovadola. 5th

Kresowa Div presses toward Castrocaro, gaining M.

delta Birra without opposition. 5 Corps makes slow

progress in Forlì area. After nightfall, 46th Div

begins attack across the Rabbi, 128th Brig crossing

at S. Martino in Strada and 138th Brig, upstream

from there.

GREECE—Ind 4th Div arrives in Salonika; elements move to Thrace to avert threat of civil war

between EAM, now in control there, and nationalist

guerrillas.

BURMA—Adm Mountbatten issues directive calling for Operation ROMULUS, to clear Arakan coastal

sector.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33

Corps area, Ind 5th Div finishes clearing enemy

from region S of Tiddim with unopposed occupation

of Fort White, previously an enemy strongpoint.

LEYTE—Japanese land another div at Ormoc

about this time and send it into mountains of central

Leyte.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Div’s

21st Inf, despite a raging typhoon, continues attack

on Breakneck Ridge with 2d Bn assisted by Co L

but cannot force enemy back. 2d Bn of 19th Inf

succeeds in clearing ridge, which has been barring

its advance, but is still short of Hill 1525; elements

move 1,000 yards W to occupy the next ridge. 1st

Bn of 21st Inf drives to Hill 1525. In XXIV Corps

area, patrols of 382d Inf, 96th Div, locate enemy

force about 2,600 yards W of Patok.

9 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 1 Corps finishes clearing region

S of the Maas. 2 Corps takes over Nijmegen sector

from 30 Corps and assumes command of U.S. 82d

A/B, U.S. 101st A/B, Gds Armd, 43d Inf, and 50th

Inf Divs and of 8th Separate Armd Brig.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps enters line

along the Meuse to right of 8 Corps and takes command of 53d and 51st Divs and Belgian 1st and

8th Separate Armd Brigs in place.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 7th Armd Div arrives in corps zone from

Br Second Army Sector.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps launches

full-scale attack to encircle and reduce Metz and is

assisted by powerful air attacks by Eighth and Ninth

Air Forces on Metz–Thionville region. At 0330

assault bns of 359th and 358th Regts, 90th Div,

start across the Moselle at Malting and Cattenom,

surprising enemy and gaining bridgehead. Since the

swollen river and enemy fire prevent immediate

construction of bridges, supporting weapons cannot

be crossed. 359th Inf takes Malting, Hunting, PetiteHettange, Métrich, and Kerling; to S, 358th clears

Basse Ham and gains hold on W part of Fort

Koenigsmacker; 357th ( — ), crossing later in day,

takes town of Koenigsmacker without opposition.

95th Div expands and strengthens its small Uckange

bridgehead, bypassing Bertrange; elements of 377th

Inf W of the river take woods N of Semécourt, slag

pile S of Maizières-lès-Metz, Château Brieux. 5th

Div begins attack across Seine R south of Metz by

footbridge and assault craft: 2d Inf and 2 bns of

10th Inf establish bridgehead 6,000 yards deep and

5,000 yards wide, 2d Inf on right taking Cheminot

without opposition and 10th clearing resistance at

Hautonnerie Farm. In XII Corps area, 80th Div,

assisted by aircraft and advance of friendly forces

on its flanks, gains most of Delme Ridge. 6th Armd

Div crosses the Seille in 80th Div sector in preparation for drive on Faulquemont; advance party of

CCB advances to positions W of Alemont while

armored infantry assists 80th Div in mopping up

Nomeny area. In 35th Div sector, CCB of 4th Armd

Div is committed through 137th Inf, which then

follows armor, and drives forward in 2 columns, one

reaching Hannocourt and the other halting short of

Fonteny, where enemy holds prepared positions.

137th Inf, 35th Div, takes Delme village in conjunction with attack by 80th Div on Delme Ridge; 320th

Inf, after clearing Fresnes area, concentrates on

Bois d’Amélécourt and pushes into the forest, where

enemy is well entrenched; 134th Inf is committed

to right with mission of clearing E part of Forêt de

Château-Salins. 100th Inf, 26th Div, clears enemy

from Château-Salins; attached TF takes Morvillelés-Vic and continues toward Hampont; 101st Inf

is attempting to outflank Hill 310 and seizes Salival.

CCA, 4th Armd Div, is ordered to attack through

100th Inf on 10th.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 100th Div completes relief of 45th Div

and takes over its mission of protecting N flank of

corps and clearing Raon-l’Etape area W of the Meurthe. 45th Div moves to rest area and passes to Seventh Army control. 103d Div enters line in 3d Div

sector, relieving 7th Inf.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps

front is narrowed as 1st Div of Br 13 Corps takes

command of sector previously held by 88th Div and

elements of 85th. In Br 13 Corps area, Ind 8th Div,

pushing northward as enemy makes limited withdrawals, takes M. Budriatto.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div clears

enemy stragglers from Forlì. 46th Div reaches Montone R at S. Varano, where it is held up by enemy

from opposite bank; platoon crosses later at Terra

del Sole but is isolated and lost.

[ 9 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 322 ]

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div resumes

advance with 72d and 29th Brigs, 72d on W. 72d

Brig has moved forward during lull in Mawlu

sector.

CHINA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, urged

by Gen Wedemeyer to order Y-Force troops to exploit retreat of Japanese from Lung-ling to Mangshih, agrees to do so. After the order is issued, Ch

XII Group Army (53d, 2d, and 71st Armies) starts

toward Mangshih.

LEYTE—Japanese convoy lands reinforcements

at Ormoc but is forced to withdraw under air attack

before equipment and ammunition can be unloaded.

The vessels are destroyed on their return journey by

U.S. aircraft.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Div is

ordered to make co-ordinated effort to clear Breakneck Ridge and commanding ground S of Limon on

10th. 21st Inf continues bitter struggle for the ridge,

gaining ground slowly in frontal attacks. To assist

91st Inf, 34th Inf is ordered to move elements into

position to harass enemy rear. 2d Bn, 19th Inf, is

placed under control of 21st Inf and moves toward

Hill 1525 to relieve 1st Bn, 21st Inf. 1st Bn, leaving

Co A to await arrival of 2d Bn, 19th Inf, begins attack to cut Ormoc road S of Limon, but is recalled

to help Co A beat off counterattack against Hill

1525. 1st Bn is forced to fall back to Pinamopoan

area. In XXIV Corps area, heavy rainfall prevents

382d Inf, 96th Div, from attacking enemy W of Patok.

10 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: U.S.

First Army alters boundary between VII and V

Corps to give V Corps responsibility for Huertgen

in Kleinhau. In VII Corps area, 12th Inf, which

reverts to 4th Div from attachment to 28th Div

of V Corps, undergoes a determined counterattack

on plateau SW of Huertgen that engulfs 2 cos and

forces remnants back to S third of the plateau. Because of weakened state of the regt, CCR of 5th

Armd Div is attached to corps. 104th Div completes

relief of 1st Div. In V Corps area, elements of 28th

Div make limited progress toward woods line near

Huertgen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy

mounts tank-infantry counterattack at 0300 that

overruns Kerling and threatens Petite–Hettange before 359th Inf of 90th Div, helped by massed arty

fire on Kerling, contains the onslaught; 357th begins assault on Métrich group of fortifications SE of

Koenigsmacker, partially reducing it; 358th continues efforts to take Fort Koenigsmacker, elements

bypassing the fort to reach Bois d’Elzange ridge.

1st Bn of 377th Inf, 95th Div, maintains Uckange

bridgehead and is supplied by air; action to finish

clearing enemy salient W of the Moselle has been

broken off by rest of 377th Inf since Hauconcourt

is now flooded; 2d Bn, 378th Inf, starts to Thionville to reconnoiter in force across the Moselle.

Bridge is completed at Malling site about midnight.

2d Inf of 5th Div, its left flank covered by 10th, continues NE to left and rear of XII Corps’ CCB, 6th

Armd Div, taking Pagny-lès-Goin, Silly-en-Saulnois,

and road junction E of latter; relieves armor at Vigny

and Buchy, on intercorps MSR. In XII Corps area,

6th Armd and 80th Inf Divs advance rapidly on N

flank of corps in spite of mud, mines, and congestion on highways. CCB of 6th Armd Div, in conjunction with 5th Div (XX Corps), drives through

Vigny and Buchy while CCA pushes to Luppy. 80th

Div gains nearly 8 miles. CCB, 4th Armd Div, attempts to swing elements from Hannocourt to Fonteny but finds enemy blocking route at Vivièrs. 137th

Inf of 35th Div moves up behind armor, clearing

Vivièrs in hard fight and pushing beyond Laneuveville-en-Saulnois to Fonteny area; 320th Inf drives

from Bois d’Amélécourt into Forêt de Château-Salins while 134th advances on Gerbécourt. CCA, 4th

Armd Div, drives through left flank of 26th Div,

forward elements reaching Hampont. 101st Inf of

26th Div continues flanking attacks toward crest of

Hill 310, gaining ridge NE of the hill and positions

in Bois St Martin.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, enemy resistance W of the Meurthe is

weakening noticeably. Continuing northward along

the river, 15th Inf of 3d Div takes Etival. 103d Div

relieves 30th Inf, 3d Div, in line. 142d Inf of 36th

Div, which has been inching SE through Forêt Domaniale de Champ from Les Rouges Eaux, finds

Vanemont and La Houssière, at SE edge of the

forest, undefended.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, Ind 8th Div finds M. Ponpegno clear and

pushes on to M. Bassana.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div runs

into intense opposition as it attempts to advance

from Forlì.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div comes

up against enemy’s MLR in Pinwe area of RR corridor. Ch 38th Div successfully turns enemy OPL

along the Taping in Bhamo area and emerges onto

Bhamo plain.

CHINA—Japanese take Kweilin and Liuchow

from Ch garrisons without difficulty. Next Japanese

objective is Kweiyang.

PACIFIC—77th Div, en route to New Caledonia,

is ordered to Leyte.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

elements of 1st Cav Div begin extensive patrolling

of central mountains. 24th Div opens all-out effort

to clear enemy from rest of Breakneck Ridge. While

[ 10 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 323 ]

21st Inf continues frontal attacks, 1st Bn of 34th

Inf and 2d Bn of 19th attack toward commanding

ground S of Limon. From Capoocan, 1st Bn of 34th

moves by LVT’s along coast of Carigara Bay for 7

miles, lands, and advances inland to ridge near

Belen. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Inf of 96th Div

renews attack with 1st and 3d Bns and completes

occupation of Bloody Ridge and its sector without

opposition.

11 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Br Second

Army continues to regroup in order to help U.S.

Ninth Army in offensive in Roer Valley NE of

Aachen. 30 Corps takes up positions on S flank of

army, including region formerly held by U.S. XIII

Corps from Maeseyck to Teveren, 2 miles SW of

Geilenkirchen. Corps takes operational control of

U.S. 84th Div, less 335th Inf.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 335th Inf of 84th Div is attached to

30th Div at Wuerselen. 102d Div turns over part

of its sector to Br 30 Corps.

In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps takes command of 83d Div from XX Corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

nearly doubles size of its bridgehead: 359th Inf,

after repelling local counterattacks, pushes to ridges

ahead, blocks crossroads SE of Rettel, and outposts

Kerling, but enemy retains Oudrenne on its S flank;

357th, leaving elements behind to complete reduction of Métrich works, drives quickly to high ground

NW of Breistroff-la-Petit, well ahead of flanking

regts; on S flank, where Fort Koenigsmacker surrenders, main body of 358th Inf works along Bois

d’Elzange ridge, taking Hill 254. Moselle flood

waters reach their crest and begin to subside. 2d Bn

of 378th Inf, 95th Div, supported by combat engineers, establishes bridgehead across the Moselle at

Thionville and begins assault on Fort Yutz; 377th

maintains small bridgehead in Bertrange area. Continuing quickly NE on S flank of corps, 2d Inf of

5th Div reaches Aube and Dain-en-Saulnois, near

Nied Française R. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd Div,

assisted by 80th Div, drives to Nied Française R and

establishes bridgeheads. One CCB TF of 6th Armd

Div takes bridge near Sanry-sur-Nied and crosses

while another reaches W bank of the river at

Remilly; CCA column and 317th Inf of 80th Div

seize bridge at Han-sur-Nied and establish bridgehead; another CCA force and 318th Inf reach the

river at Baudrecourt 2 miles S of Han-sur-Nied, and

construct treadway bridge. CCB 4th Armd Div, and

elements of 137th Inf, 35th Div, are still held up at

Fonteny but push into the village. 320th and 134th

Regts, 35th Div, continue through Forêt de ChâteauSalins, from which enemy begins withdrawing

main forces. CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 104th Inf,

26th Div, push forward on S flank of corps, CCA to

positions between Conthil and Rodalbe and 104th

Inf taking Rodalbe. 101st Inf, 26th Div, completes

capture of Hill 310 and secures firm positions on

Koecking ridge.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps

commander requests and receives permission to postpone INDEPENDENCE from 13th to 14th in order to

complete preparations.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, limited attack by Ind 8th Div from M. S. Bartolo fails.

In Br Eighth Army’s Corps area, 4th Div breaks

through just beyond Forlì and advances toward the

Montone.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div halts after

futile efforts to outflank enemy in Pinwe area.

CHINA—U.S. Fourteenth Air Force planes attack Heng-yang with such success that Japanese are

forced to confine future operations from this field

to army co-operation flights.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

21st Inf of 24th Div continues assault on Breakneck

Ridge after preparatory bombardment, 1st Bn gaining ridge that is its immediate objective but halting

short of crest. 1st Bn of 34th Inf, which is out of

rations, moves to Agahang, about 3,800 yards NW

of Limon, and obtains food from Filipinos.

VOLCANO Is.—Warships of Third Fleet and

land-based bombers bombard Iwo Jima airfields.

12 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps takes responsibility for

U.S. Ninth Army’s N flank as far S as Wurm R.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, two cos of 12th Inf, 4th Div, break

through to the isolated forces on plateau SW of

Huertgen, but they too become encircled.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, the Germans, in effort to reach Malling bridge, counterattack in regimental strength with support of tanks

and assault guns against 359th Inf, 90th Div, forcing

outposts from Kerling and again threatening PetiteHettange, but are driven off with heavy losses.

Malling bridge is destroyed by enemy arty fire after

2 TD’s have crossed. 357th Inf of 90th Div, which

has been joined by its reserve bn, continues attack

along Bois de Koenigsmacker ridge, pushing beyond Breistroff-la-Petit to positions overlooking Inglange; 358th gains line Elzange–Valmestroff and

both of these villages. Bridge construction is begun

at Cattenom. On S flank of corps 2d Inf, 5th Div,

crosses into 6th Armd Div’s bridgehead at Sanrysur-Nied (XII Corps zone) and during night 12–13

repels enemy counterattack. 5th Div regroups for

[ 11–12 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 324 ]

northward drive on Metz, 11th Inf extending its

right flank to the Seille. In XII Corps area, CCB of

6th Armd Div expands Sanry bridgehead and outposts main road junction between Bazoncourt and

Berlize. One CCA TF attacks toward Faulquemont

from Han-sur-Nied bridgehead, overcoming strong

resistance at Herny; another crosses the Nied

Française at Baudrecourt. German efforts to stop

50th Div in triangle between Nied Française R and

Rotte Creek subside when 6th Armd Div TF pushes

S and outflanks enemy, and the creek is bridged at

points. Corps alters plan of attack, giving 6th

Armd Div mission of securing high ground S of

Faulquemont and extending its zone southward.

After 137th Inf of 35th Div seizes Faxe, restoring

contact between columns of GCB, 4th Armd Div,

CCB pursues enemy to Oron and takes bridge across

Nied Française at Oron while 137th advances in

region to E; 320th Inf clears rest of Forêt de

Château-Salins and is withdrawn to reserve; 134th

drives to Bellange, where it halts upon order. 26th

Div, having regrouped to turn 101st Inf E along S

slopes of Koecking ridge and place 328th in center

on Koecking ridge, continues attack on S flank of

corps. Germans, committing armored reserve, succeed in halting CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 104th

Inf, 26th Div: CCA column drives through Rodalbe

toward Bermering but is forced back to Bois de Conthil to await tank replacements; all-out German counterattack regains Rodalbe and virtually destroys 3d

Bn of 104th Inf there; right flank column of

CCA takes Hill 337, SE of Lidrezing; elements

recover Conthil and reopen MSR. 104th Inf, badly

depleted in strength, establishes itself along Conthil–Lidrezing road, where it forms an exposed salient. 328th Inf of 26th Div, reinf by bn of 101st,

begins clearing forest on Koecking ridge, reaching

Berange Farm, where stubborn strongpoint is overrun; 101st attempts unsuccessfully to take St Medard

and then breaks off attack.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 100th Div begins attack on N flank of

corps to outflank Raon-l’Etape with 399th and 397th

Regts, leaving 398th and rcn tr to maintain current

positions along the Meurthe: assault regts cross the

river at Baccarat to attack Raon from the rear and

block enemy movement. 103d Div takes command

of sector W of St Di between 15th Inf of 3d Div

and 36th Div. 36th Div is slowly improving positions

near Corcieux.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps attacks toward line Castrocaro–Converselles–

Lucia, S of Faenza, in conjunction with 5 Corps.

In 5 Corps area, 4th Div is held up N of Highway 9

at S. Tome, a little short of the Montone. 138th

Brig, 46th Div, attacks across the Montone SW of

Forlì.

YUGOSLAVIA—Kumanovo, on Skoplje–Nis rail

line, is now in Allied hands.

SEAC—Allied Land Forces South East Asia

(ALFSEA) is activated under Lt Gen Sir Oliver

Leese. The new hq consists of former Hq, 11 Army

Group, previously under Gen Giffard, and some

U.S. officers; has control over Br troops, NCAC,

CAI, and Ch forces within SEAC. Lt Gen Raymond

A. Wheeler takes over Gen Stilwell’s former post of

Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, SEAC.

CHINA—East China Air Task Force, formed by

Gen Chennault to help Ch troops defend E China

airfields from bases W and E of enemy-held corridor, begins arriving at Suichwan and goes into

action within a week.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

21st Inf of 24th Div gains crest of Breakneck Ridge

shortly after noon but is unable to advance S along

Highway 2 from there. 1st Bn of 34th Inf, after

receiving its first airdrop of supplies, moves through

Consuegra to Cabiranan. 2d Bn, 19th Inf, blocks

Highway 2 south of Limon and maintains the

block with difficulty until 23d.

13 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div takes over

sector formerly held by U.S. 82d A/B Div; A/B div

reverts to First Allied Airborne Army.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX

Corps area, 359th Inf of 90th Div recovers Kerling

and moves through dense mine fields to establish

contact with 357th near Oudrenne; 358th continues

down Bois d’Elzange ridge, hampered more by

mines than by enemy, to positions near Inglange.

Cattenom bridge is opened to traffic, and vehicles

and weapons begin crossing in a steady stream. 2d

Bn of 378th Inf, 95th Div, completes reduction of

Fort Yutz and takes Basse Yutz; final elements of 1st

Bn, 377th, cross into Uckange bridgehead, where

Bertrange and Imeldange are easily cleared and

enemy counterattack is repulsed. 5th Div drives N

on Metz: 11th Inf, on left, takes ground around Fey,

Pournoy-la-Chétive, and Coin-lès-Cuvry; 10th overruns Forts Aisne and Yser, S of Bois de l’Hôpital;

elements of 2d, having crossed the Nied Française S

of Sanry-sur-Nied, take Ancerville. Engineers construct bridge near Ancerville. Enemy efforts to drive

2d Inf of 5th Div back across the Nied during night

fail. In XII Corps area, German counterattack

against Sanry bridgehead forces outpost of CCB, 6th

Armd Div, back, but main line holds; CCB is

ordered to turn over Sanry bridgehead to 5th Div

(XX Corps) and move SE; one CCA column continues toward Faulquemont assisted by 317th Inf of

80th Div; another clears enemy from Arraincourt.

[ 13 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 325 ]

CCB, 4th Armd Div, and 35th Div begin drive on

Morhange, important communications center: CCB,

followed by 137th Inf, pushes through Villers-surNied to positions N of Marthille on left and to ridge

commanding Achain on right; 134th Inf clears

Achain on left and reaches Rougemont Ridge on

right. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues slowly through

woods on Koecking ridge under heavy fire; 101st is

still checked to right rear at St Médard and Haraucourt, exposing right flank of 328th.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps begins offensive NE toward Sarrebourg

with 44th Div on left, 79th on right, and 106th Cav

screening N flank. 44th, with 324th and 71st Regts

in assault, attacks toward Avricourt from Leintrey

area, coming under heavy fire. 79th Div attacks with

314th and 315th Regts from Montigny area and

drives to outskirts of Ancerviller. In VI Corps area,

attack of 100th Div on N flank of corps is delayed

by German counterattack, which is repelled with

aid of arty fire. Germans begin burning St Dié in

preparation for withdrawal.

In Fr 1st Army area, Prime Minister Churchill

and Gen de Gaulle visit Gen de Lattre at Besançon.

In 1st Corps area, blizzard prevents even limited

action.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, Ind 8th Div renews assault on M. S. Bartolo

and takes it in hard fighting.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 138th Brig

of 46th Div expands Montone bridgehead to M.

Poggiolo area; 128th Brig takes S. Varano. Depleted

167th Brig, 56th Div, is committed on Highway 9,

between 4th and 46th Divs.

GREECE—Anglo-Greek agreement of 9 March

1942 is amended in order to place Greek armed

forces under British high command. All of Greece

has now been liberated.

BURMA—ALFSEA: In Br Fourteenth Army’s

33 Corps area, Ind 5th Div and E African 11th Div

make patrol contact near Kalemyo.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

21st Inf of 24th Div gains 400–600 yards as it continues to clear Breakneck Ridge. 1st Bn of 34th Inf

reaches its objective, Kilay Ridge (named for Henry

Kilay, a Filipino soldier who owned it), without

opposition. This commanding position lies about

700 yards W of Highway 2 where 2d Bn, 19th Inf,

is maintaining roadblock.

14 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 12 Corps opens offensive to

reduce enemy bridgehead W of the Maas in Roermond–Venlo area, attacking across Nord and Wessem Canals with 53d and 51st Divs while 7th Armd

Div takes locks at Panheel.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, greatly weakened 28th Div begins moving to

VIII Corps sector; 109th Inf relieves 112th, the first

unit to be withdrawn, and is reinf by 2d Ranger Bn.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Oudrenne

falls to 359th Inf, 90th Div; 358th cuts Inglange–

Distroff road and clears Distroff. 90th Rcn Tr links

bridgeheads of 80th and 95th Divs, providing 10th

Armd Div a protected route of advance. Bailey

bridge is completed at Thionville during morning,

and CCB of 10th Armd Div starts across it in

afternoon. CCA of 10th Armd Div and 3d Cav

Gp cross at Malling, latter to screen in Sarre–Moselle

triangle. 95th Div, which has been engaged largely

in containing enemy bridgehead W of Metz, begins attacks W of the river with 379th Inf after arty

preparation: while 2d Bn works around to rear of

Forêt Jeanne d’Arc and holds off counterattacks, 1st

Bn begins reduction of fortifications known as the

Seven Dwarfs, taking the 3 northern works and

attempting in vain to gain the next, Forêt Bois la

Dame. The regt is isolated in these advanced positions, though, and must be supplied by air. E of the

Moselle, 2d Bn of 378th Inf, 95th Div, takes HauteYutz and opens assault on Forêt d’Illange; 1st Bn,

377th Inf, is heavily engaged at Bertrange and Imeldange. 10th and 11th Regts, 5th Div, drive northward abreast toward Metz while 3d Bn, 2d

Inf, moves to Sorbey area; 11th clears woods SW of

Fort Verdun and takes Prayelle Farm; 10th cleans

out S half of Bois de l’Hôpital. In XII Corps area,

Gen Eddy limits 80th Div’s mission to clearing high

ground S of Faulquemont. CCA of 6th Armd Div

attacks toward Côte de Suisse, a ridge extending

from Landroff to Thicourt, taking Brulange, Suisse,

and Landroff. Germans begin series of determined

attempts to recover Landroff at dusk, pushing into

the village. CCB, 4th Armd Div, and 137th Inf,

35th Div, close in on Morhange, seizing Destry and

Baronville in bitter fighting. 134th Inf, 35th Div,

moves forward to right. CCA, 4th Armd Div,

sweeps through Bois de Kerpeche, extending NE

from Koecking ridge, and gets elements to Guebling.

328th Inf, 26th Div, continues to clear Koecking

forest, from which enemy begins withdrawing, night

14–15.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div continues to battle enemy near

Leintrey. 79th overcomes opposition at Ste Pôle and

Ancerviller.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps opens offensive

toward Belfort Gap, attacking astride the Doubs

at noon with 2d Moroccan Div assisted by 5th Armd

Div on left and 9th Colonial Div on right. Tactical

[ 14 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 326 ]

surprise is achieved and gains are made all along

front.

NORWAY—Norwegian government-in-exile announces that Norwegian troops under Col Arne

Dahl have landed in Norway to operate with Soviet

Karelian forces against Germans on Arctic front.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, 4th Div reaches the Montone in region N of

Highway 9. Advancing along the highway, 167th

Brig of 56th Div crosses the Montone. S of Highway

9, 46th Div continues toward Samoggia R.

YUGOSLAVIA—Yugoslavs announce fall of

Skoplje, which has been main staging point for

enemy forces withdrawing from Greece.

SEAC—Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory is lost in

air crash while en route to take over position as

Air Commander in Chief, SEAC. Air Marshal

Sir Guy Garrod is later appointed to this position.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div, upon

taking Mantha with ease and blocking road from

Bhamo, is ordered to continue drive to Si-u. Ch

38th Div’s 114th and 113th Regts are converging

on Bhamo: 114th, pressing W toward the town, is

bitterly opposed by enemy in Momauk area, 8 miles

E of Bhamo; 113th, upon crossing the Taping at

Myothit, moves W along S bank of the river toward

Bhamo.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

Gen Krueger orders Gen Sibert to commit 32d Div,

originally intended to operate on S Samar, in zone

of 24th Div in order to relieve elements of that div.

Cav RCT 112 arrives on Leyte and is placed under

corps control. Breakneck Ridge is now largely clear,

but Japanese still retain several adjacent spurs. 1st

Bn, 34th Inf, patrols actively on Kilay Ridge. Supplies for the bn are hand carried by Filipinos from

Consuegra. In XXIV Corps area, 32d Inf of 7th Div

is ordered to start N to Damulaan–Caridad area and

upon order to advance upon Ormoc.

15 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 12th Inf of 4th Div

breaks through to the 4 encircled cos on plateau SW

of Huertgen and withdraws them, but by now the

regt holds only S edge of the plateau.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf

of 80th Div is hit hard by counterattack that reaches

Distroff, but forces enemy to retire; 357th attacks

toward ridge between Budling and Buding until

stopped by fire from Hackenberg works; 359th

passes into reserve as 10th Armd Div begins to attack. CCB of 10th Armd Div drives slowly along

road E of Kerling hampered by obstacles; pushing

SE toward Bouzonville, CCA takes Lemestroff. 95th

Div troops E of the Moselle are formed into TF

Bacon (Col Robert L. Bacon) to drive S on Metz,

although 2d Bn of 378th Inf and 1st Bn of 377th

are not yet in contact; 2d Bn of 378th captures

Illange forts, ending organized resistance in N part

of div zone; 1st Bn of 377th joins TF Bacon after

enemy is finally cleared from Bertrange and Imeldange. 95th Div broadens offensive W of Metz, employing 378th and 377th Regts, less elements

attached to TF Bacon: 378th takes Fort de Fèves,

at N end of Canrobert works, and heights SW of

Bois de Woippy; 377th, making main effort, drives

S of Maizières-lès-Metz to La Maxe and Woippy,

seizing La Maxe and beginning assault on Woippy;

after dark patrol contact is made between 377th

and 378th Regts; enemy pressure against 379th

Inf, on S, eases somewhat. 5th Div improves positions and regroups for final push to Metz: 11th Inf

takes Augny and reaches edge of Frescaty airport;

10th finishes clearing Bois de l’Hôpital and enters

Marly, where bitter fighting ensues; 2d repels enemy drives toward Sanry bridge from Sorbey area

and clears Mécleuves. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd

Div, assisted by elements of 319th Inf of 80th Div,

drives enemy from Landroff; armored TF takes

Côte de Suisse. CCB, 4th Armd Div, reaches Metz–

Sarrebourg RR but is ordered to halt since its flank

is exposed and since its movement is confined to

roads. 35th Div advances through Morhange, which

enemy has abandoned, to Metz–Sarrebourg RR.

Against light resistance, 328th Inf of 26th Div

pushes forward in E part of Koecking woods; 2d

Cav Gp and 101st Inf are pursuing retreating enemy

toward Dieuze. CCA, 4th Armd Div, is forced to

yield Guebling, since enemy cannot be driven from

ground commanding the village, and withdraws

this salient won at great cost.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div continues toward Avricourt.

79th presses northward toward Vezouse R, clearing

Halloville, NE of Ancerviller. In VI Corps area,

100th Div penetrates enemy positions N of Raonl’Etape. 103d Div prepares for its first offensive

mission—to clear hill mass just SW of St Dié.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps, with 3d Algerian

Div on N and 1st Div on S, moves forward to keep

pace with friendly forces on flanks. 3d Algerian

Div reaches Le Tholy. 1st Corps makes excellent

progress except on extreme right along Swiss

frontier. 2d Moroccan Div, assisted by 5th Armd

Div, drives beyond Arcey, on road to Héricourt.

9th Colonial Div, with capture of Colombier-Fontaine, Ecot, and Ecurcey, opens route to Hérimoncourt.

HUNGARY—Pushing toward Budapest from E,

Soviet forces take Jaszbereny.

[ 15 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 327 ]

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 8th Ind Div troops push into Modigliana,

where contact is made with Pol 2 Corps.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf begins

march from Camp Landis to help Ch 22d Div in

Si-u area. Ch 38th Div has blocked main routes from

Bhamo.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Br role

in Phase 1 of CAPITAL is nearly completed with unopposed capture of Kalemyo. 15 Corps passes to

direct command of ALFSEA.

MAPIA Is.—U.S. Eighth Army, in its first offensive, begins amphibious assault to dear islands, 160

nautical miles NE of Sansapor. Little opposition is

met by the assault force, elements of 31st Div.

Captain Lord Ashbourne (RN) heads naval forces

during this and subsequent operations against

Asia Is.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

112th Cav is attached to 1st Cav Div and given

responsibility for Capoocan–Carigara–Barugo area

of N coast on 16th. 128th Inf, 32d Div, is to attack

S through 21st Inf, 24th Div, toward Ormoc. Forward elements of 21st Inf are about 1,500 yards N

of Limon. 24th Cav Rcn Tr joins 1st Bn, 34th Inf,

on Kilay Ridge to patrol westward. 1st Bn patrols

push E toward Ormoc road in futile effort to make

contact with 2d Bn, 19th Inf.

16 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 15th Div finds Meijel

clear of enemy. In 12 Corps area, patrols reach Zig

Canal, SE of Meijel.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth and First Armies

open co-ordinated offensive to clear Roer Plain between the Wurm and the Roer. Combined airground effort is called Operation QUEEN. Air phase

of QUEEN marks greatest close support effort yet

made by Allied air forces, Br and U.S. strategic and

tactical air forces joining in the assault on relatively

small zone of attack and dropping 10,000 tons of

bombs.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIX Corps attacks for

crossing of the Roer at Juelich at 1245. CCB, 2d

Armd Div, pushes toward Gereonsweiler on left

flank of corps from Waurichen and Beggendorf,

seizing Immendorf, Floverich, and Puffendorf. Puffendorf is in outer ring of Juelich defenses. Efforts

of one column to take Apweiler are costly and unsuccessful, but another column seizes hill 700 yards

NE of Puffendorf on highway to Gereonsweiler. In

center, 29th Div, committing a bn each from 115th

and 175th Regts, attacks from Baesweiler–Oidtweiler

area toward Aldenhoven en route to Juelich but is

stopped close to line of departure near villages of

Siersdorf and Bettendorf. 30th Div, reinf by regt of

84th, attacks S in Wuerselen area with 3 regts

abreast, 117th taking Mariadorf and 120th overrunning Euchen; little progress is made in

Wuerselen.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps opens attack

of First Army at 1245, pushing toward Dueren and

Cologne to secure Roer R crossings, with 104th Inf,

3d Armd, 1st Inf, and 4th Inf Divs from left to

right. 104th Div makes main effort on right with

414th Inf, reinf by bn of 415th, driving toward the

Donnerberg (Hill 287) and Eschweiler Woods; enemy opposi-tion from commanding ground of the

Donnerberg limits progress, but elements secure

weak hold on Birkengang, suburb of Stolberg NW

of the Donner-berg; rest of 104th Div conducts limited actions to N without making appreciable headway. CCB, 3d Armd Div, attacks in Stolberg corridor toward 4 villages at W base of Hamich Ridge.

TF Mills loses 15 tanks in vain effort to take Hastenrath and Scherpenseel. TF Lovelady seizes Kottenich and Werth. 1st Div, reinf by 47th Inf of 9th

Div, makes main effort of corps from Schevenhuette, pressing through Huertgen Forest toward

Langerwehe and Juengersdorf; 47th Inf gets bn into

Gressenich; 16th and 26th Regts attack in Huertgen Forest astride Schevenhuette–Langerwehe highway, 26th Inf on right, but lack tank support and

advance slowly; 16th reaches edge of woods overlooking Hamich. 4th Div, reinf by CCR of 5th

Armd Div, attacks on broad front in Huertgen Forest at scene of earlier battles in effort to break

through between Scheven-huette and Huertgen,

making main effort on left in order to support 1st

Div: elements of 8th Inf on N and 22d Inf in center make extremely slow progress against well-organized positions within the forest; 12th Inf can

scarcely move on plateau SW of Huertgen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf

of 90th Div, silencing guns of the Hackenberg,

takes ridge beyond; 358th seizes Inglange and

Metzervisse. CCB, 10th Armd Div, reaches Kirschnaumen; CCA’s TF Chamberlain (Lt Col Thomas

C. Chamberlain) gets beyond Laumesfeld while

TF Standish (Lt Col Miles L. Standish) takes Ste

Marguerite. TF Bacon, 95th Div, starts S toward

Metz along E bank of the Moselle, advancing steadily 41/2 miles to Trémery. In region W of the Moselle, 377th and 378th Regts take up pursuit as

Germans begin withdrawing their bridgehead, abandoning Woippy; 379th Inf, strengthening its attack,

takes St Hubert Farm and Moscou Farm. 5th Div

attacks N toward Metz: 11th Inf contains Verdun

Forts and is heavily engaged at Frescaty airfield;

10th finishes clearing Marly and pushes on toward

Magny; 2d is largely engaged at Nied Française R

line, but bn pushes toward Frontigny. In XII Corps

[ 16 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 328 ]

area, CCA of 6th Armd Div and 318th and 319

Regts of 80th Div attack toward Faulquemont,

supported by massed fire from Côte de Suisse, and

seize high ground S of town; during the advance,

enemy is driven from 5 towns and about 1,200 prisoners are taken.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div gains ground toward Vezouse

R, overrunning Barbas. Fr 2d Armd Div, which is

to exploit expected breakthrough of infantrymen,

clears Nonhigny with rcn elements of CCR. In

VI Corps area, road Div clears part of triangular

hill mass SW of St Dié.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps overruns Ste

Marie and pushes on toward Montbéliard on left;

thrusts to Roches-lès-Blâmont on right.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps pauses to regroup so that troops may be

rotated.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps halts along line

of Montone and Cosina Rivers and regroups. 56th

Div forces are withdrawn from line.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div is still

held up in RR corridor by stubborn opposition in

Pinwe area. 2 cos are isolated by enemy roadblock

and have to be withdrawn.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st

and 3d Bns of 128th Inf, Sad Div, begin drive on

Ormoc, passing through 21st Inf, 24th Div, on

Breakneck Ridge. 1st Bn is soon halted but 3d

pushes forward 350 yards without opposition. Patrols of 1st Bn, 34th Inf, are still unable to make

contact with 2d Bn, 19th Inf. 24th Div has defensive

role of protecting Jaro–Ormoc trail.

17 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps gets forward elements to

the Maas across from Roermond and takes Wessem.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCB of 2d Armd Div withstands determined counterattacks against Immendorf and

Puffendorf but loses hill NE of latter; another attempt to take Apweiler fails; CCA commits TF A

to drive through Puffendorf toward Ederen but

cannot get beyond Puffendorf. 29th Div employs 1st

Bn of 116th Inf, attached to 115th Inf, against Setterich—on main highway and needed to support

tanks of 2d Armd Div—but is unable to take it;

nor do assault forces to S succeed in clearing either

Siersdorf or Bettendorf. 30th Div makes progress

in heavily built up area on S flank of corps, taking

village of Heengen on N and on S clearing rest of

Wuerselen and overrunning Broichweiden.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div,

renewing effort to advance its right wing with

heavy volume of fire support, is still firmly opposed

from the Donnerberg and makes slow progress, although Birkengang is largely cleared. TF Mills of

CCB, 3d Armd Div, gains weak hold on S part of

Hastenrath and Scherpenseel, but since its flank is

exposed by failure of 104th Div to advance, is precariously situated; enemy fire from Eschweiler

Woods and the Donnerberg takes heavy toll of

CCB’s armor, which by nightfall is at half its original strength. In 1st Div sector, 47th Inf eliminates

rear-guard opposition from Gressenich; 16th Inf,

with tank support, advances almost to Hamich

while 26th gains few hundred yards to right. Enemy

continues to contain efforts of 4th Div to advance

through Huertgen Forest. In V Corps area, 110th

Inf of 28th Div is relieved by elements of 8th Div

and moves to VIII Corps sector.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div fans out to pursue enemy toward the Sarre,

closely supported by aircraft. 357th Inf, 90th Div,

cleans out Hackenberg fortifications, which are

found leveled by direct fire, and takes Klang; 358th

seizes Metzeresche. Germans begin withdrawing in

front of div after nightfall. TF Bacon, 95th Div,

gets almost to Metz, stopping for night within sight

of Fort St Julien. W of the Moselle, 95th Div continues toward Metz, 377th Inf reaching suburb of

Sansonnet. Against weakened resistance, 5th Div

continues northward toward Metz: 11th Inf clears

most of Frescaty Airfield, but is stopped on right

by fire from Fort St Privat; 10th is halted at Fort

Queuleu but gets patrols to city limits; 2d withdraws

elements E of the Nied Française in order to

strengthen drive on right flank of div and pushes

northward beyond Frontigny. XII Corps regroups

and shifts boundaries in preparation for final push

to the Sarre. CCB rejoins 4th Armd Div. Germans

begin general withdrawal, night 17–18.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Avricourt falls to 44th Div. 79th Div

reaches Vezouse R line in Blâmont–Cirey area and

begins crossing. CCB, Fr 2d Armd Div, seizes Badonviller, near junction of XV and VI Corps

front, and pushes on to Bréménil. In VI Corps area,

100th Div prepares for full-scale attack on Raon

from N, 398th Inf crossing the Meurthe at Baccarat. 103d Div finishes clearing heights SW of St

Dié; during night 17–18, patrols into St Dié, from

which enemy is withdrawing. 36th Div patrols enter

Corcieux, where enemy has already applied the

torch.

In Fr 1st Army’s Western French Forces area,

Gen de Larminat organizes Forces Françaises de

l’Ouest (FFO) to safeguard coast of Bay of Biscay

from I. de Ré and La Rochelle on N to Royan and

Pointe de Grave on S. CP has recently moved from

Paris to Cognac. 1st Corps breaks through outer

[ 17 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 329 ]

defenses of Belfort along line of the Lisaine and

Gland Rivers. Among towns taken are Héricourt,

Montbéliard, and Hérimoncourt.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps

area, hard fighting develops on M. Fortino, N of

Converselle, which enemy loses and then regains in

counterattack.

ALBANIA—German resistance in Tirana ends.

CHINA—From Kweilin-Liuchow area, Japanese

begin drive on Kweiyang, possession of which would

open way to Kunming, Hump terminus, and

Chungking.

MANUS I.—77th Div sails for Leyte.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3d

Bn of 128th Inf, 32d Div, gets to within 500 yards

of Limon, but 1st Bn is still held up by enemy on

slopes of Corkscrew Ridge. 1st Bn of 34th Inf at

last makes contact with 2d Bn of 19th Inf after

pushing across ridge and Ormoc road. Efforts to

clear another ridge fail, and Co B becomes isolated.

During the day the bn is attached to 32d Div.

U.S.—CCS approve Adm Mountbatten’s proposal of late October to clear Arakan coast; reject

the Kra Isthmus operation; ask for plan to develop

Cocos Is., as staging base.

18 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps begins offensive to

reduce Geilenkirchen salient (Operation CLIPPER),

driving NE with 43d Div on left and U.S. 84th

Div, reinf by Br Drewforce (flail tanks and searchlight battery), on right. 43d Div secures Tripsrath

and most of Bauchem. 334th Inf, 84th Div, takes

Prummern; continuing assault after nightfall with

aid of searchlights, gains position dominating

Sueggerath but is unable to take high ground—

called Mahogany Hill—NE of Prummern. Geilenkirchen is now surrounded on 3 sides.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCB of 2d Armd Div, after repelling

minor counterattack against Immendorf, takes Apweiler in limited attack, then pauses while 29th Div

is clearing Setterich. 29th Div, with close tank and

arty support, makes substantial progress, 116th Inf,

to which 1st Bn reverts, gaining firm foothold in

Setterich and other elements penetrating outer defenses of Juelich to take Siersdorf and Bettendorf.

30th Div continues to mop up Broichweiden and

seizes Warden, SE of Mariadorf, after being twice

driven off.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

seizes most of the Donnerberg and breaks into Eschweiler Woods as enemy opposition slackens.

TF Mills of CCB, 3d Armd Div, assisted by reserves,

takes Hastenrath and Scherpenseel, but loses its

leader, Lt Col Herbert N. Mills, who is replaced by

Col John Welborn; CCB then goes on the defensive.

16th Inf, 1st Div, committing its full strength, takes

Hill 232, key to Hamich Ridge, and clears most of

town of Hamich as 26th Inf continues slowly toward

its first objective, Laufenburg Castle. Enemy makes

several strong efforts to regain Hamich and Hill

 232. 4th Div advances in Huertgen Forest, where

8th Inf, in 1,000-yard drive, penetrates outer defenses of approach to Dueren and 22d reaches positions astride road leading E to Grosshau, but gap

exists between the regts.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div continues to pursue enemy, CCB columns reaching Launstroff and Schwerdorff and CCA detachment reaching the Nied opposite Bouzonville;

finding damaged bridge N of Bouzonville near Filstroff, the CCA force begins crossing. 90th Div races

southward to cut off retreating enemy; 358th Inf,

upon reaching Luttange, is withdrawn for much

needed rest; 359th is committed and gets elements

across the Nied at Condé Northen; 90th Rcn Tr

seizes Avancy. 357th Inf, on div left, is slowed by

AT ditches, mines, and craters. TF Bacon, 95th Div,

pushes into NE part of Metz, overrunning Fort

St Julien and Fort Bellacroix; 95th Div forces W of

Metz reach the Moselle and find all bridges except

one blown; 377th Inf clears island formed by Hafen

Canal and the river; 378th patrol starts across the

Moselle bridge into Metz but Germans blow the

bridge, and other elements of regt begin assault on

Fort Plappeville; 379th Inf drives to the Moselle at

Moulins-lès-Metz, where bridge is down. 5th Div

advances into Metz from S: 11th Inf, leaving elements behind to contain Fort St Privat, pushes into

the city and begins clearing S part; some elements

of 10th drive into Metz while others remain behind

at Fort Queuleu; 2d Inf advances northward as

quickly as possible in effort to make contact with

90th Div and complete encirclement of Metz, overrunning Courcelles-sur-Nied and Ars-Laquenexy.

XII Corps renews drive toward the Sarre with 2 divs

abreast after preparatory fire. 50th Div remains in

place, blocking in Faulquemont area. 35th Div, attacking with 137th Inf on left and 320th on right,

takes Bistroff and positions E of Vallerange. 26th

Div attacks to right of 35th against enemy’s Dieuze–

Bénestroff line: 104th Inf, on left, pushes through

Bois de Bénestroff; 101st recaptures Guebling with

assistance of tanks and TD’s and drives to edge of

Bourgaltroff, but Co F becomes isolated and is not

heard from again.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 79th Div begins assault on Fremonville;

elements find Blâmont clear of enemy. In VI Corps

area, 100th Div attacks Raon-l’Etape, 397th Inf

pushing into town and 398th starting across Plaine

[ 18 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 330 ]

R. 36th Div is closing along the Meurthe on S flank

of corps and gains positions overlooking Gerardmer.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 5th Armd and

2d Moroccan Divs are closing in on Belfort on N

flank of corps. 1st Armd Div, assisted by 9th Colonial Div, drives 7 miles through Belfort Gap between Rhine–Rhône Canal and Swiss border to

Delle; from Allaine R, where enemy is holding out

at Morvillars, 1st Armd Div reconnoiters E toward

the Rhine, taking Faverois, Courtelevant, Suarce,

and Joncherey.

ESTONIA—Soviet forces renew efforts to win

control of Gulf of Riga, stepping up action against

German garrison, which is clinging tenaciously to

S tip of Oesel I.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army orders co-ordinated attack toward Faenza by 5 Corps and Pol 2

Corps, beginning on 20th. In Pol 2 Corps area, 3d

Carpathian Div takes over from 5th Kresowa Div

in M. Fortino area and prepares to attack.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3d

Bn of 128th Inf, 32d Div, halts on ridge 500 yards

N of Limon to await 1st Bn, which is still battling

enemy on Corkscrew Ridge. Positions of 1st Bn,

34th Inf, on Kilay Ridge are seriously threatened

and under heavy fire; Co C succeeds in relieving Co

B in forward positions.

19 November

WESTERN EUROPE—211 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 334th Inf of U.S. 84th

Div continues to clear Prummern area and tries in

vain to take Mahogany Hill; 333d attacks up Wurm

R valley toward Wurm, taking Geilenkirchen and

Sueggerath. 405th Inf, U.S. 102d Div, is attached to

U.S. 84th Div early in day with understanding that

it will be committed only if absolutely necessary.

In 12 Corps area, 51st Div takes Helden and Panningen and makes contact with 15th Div of 8 Corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCB of 2d Armd Div repels determined

counterattack against Apweiler. CCA, reinf by bn of

119th Inf, 30th Div, attacks in 2 columns from Setterich and Puffendorf toward spur of high ground

between Ederen and Freialdenhoven, one column

reaching positions near Freialdenhoven. 29th Div

clears rest of Setterich and AT ditch E of the village

and then advances to take villages of Duerboslar

and Schleiden. 30th Div’s 1117th inf, with powerful

support of heavy weapons, easily takes St Joeris and

Kinzweiler.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

mops up and shifts main weight of attack to Eschweiler–Weisweiler industrial complex N of Inde R.

On N flank of 1st Div, 47th Inf column drives NW

along Hamich Ridge from Hill 232 to base of Hill

187; 16th Inf finishes clearing Hamich and pushes

to S part of Bovenberger Wald; reserve regt, 18th,

begins attack in center of div line toward Langerwehe—previously objective of 26th Inf—reaching

vicinity of Wenau; 26th Inf, whose objectives are

now Juengersdorf and Merode, commits reinforcements and advances to positions less than 500 yards

from Laufenburg Castle. 4th Div suspends eastward

attacks in order to consolidate and try to close gap

between 8th and 22d Regts. Boundary between VII

and V Corps is shifted N above Huertgen so that

the 2 corps can co-ordinate operations to clear Huertgen–Grosshau area. CCR, 5th Armd Div, is transferred to 8th Div of V Corps. In V Corps area, 8th

Div completes relief of 28th Div in Vossenack–

Schmidt area. Gen Hodges orders corps to begin

offensive on 21st (instead of waiting as planned until VII Corps has broken through enemy defenses

W of the Roer) in order to assist VII Corps. 8th Div

prepares for action on N flank of corps toward

Huertgen and Kleinhau; 121st Inf is to attack first

and is ordered to move at once to Huertgen Forest,

where it will pass through 12th Inf, 4th Div.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps closes circle

around Metz as 90th, 95th, and 5th Divs join hands.

90th Div concludes its operations against Metz and

halts upon order along Nied R: 357th Inf drives

to the Nied W of Boulay-Moselle; 359th plugs

enemy escape route at Les Etangs; Rcn Tr establishes

contact with 5th Div; 358th Inf, resting in rear area,

is attached to 10th Armd Div. TF Bacon, 95th Div,

is clearing streets in NE part of Metz; 377th and

378th Regts drive into Metz from NW, crossing

the Moselle. 5th Div continues to clear S part of

Metz; 2d Inf makes contact with 90th Div N of Retonfey and 10th Inf makes contact with 95th Div

near Vallières. 10th Armd Div, in order to speed

drive to the Sarre, withdraws CCA’s Nied bridgehead, night 19–20, and blows the bridges; CCB

is meeting stiffer opposition as it approaches Merzig

and the Sarre. 3d Cav Gp, which has been pushing

into triangle formed by the Sarre and Moselle, is

halted on N flank of corps by fire from Orscholz

Switch Line. In XII Corps area, CCB of 6th Armd

Div begins attack through 137th Inf of 35th Div

a and, assisted by the 137th, takes Bertring and GrosTenquin; Virming falls to 320th Inf. 26th Div commits its full strength to attack against Dieuze–

Bénestroff line, meeting stiff opposition from German forces covering general withdrawal, which is

accomplished night 19–20: 100th and 101st Regts

fight in vain for Marimont and Marimont Hill

(Hill 334) during day but move forward as enemy

withdraws after nightfall; 328th Inf, reinf by elements of 4th Armd Div, is committed against Dieuze

and, upon German withdrawal, enters together with

2d Cav Gp and takes bridge intact. CCA, 4th Armd

[ 19 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 331 ]

Div, enters battle in zone of 26th Div, recapturing

Rodalbe and helping 320th Inf of 35th Div to take

Virming.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div, pushing toward Sarrebourg,

takes Ibigny and St Georges. German line along the

Vezouse in Blâmont–Cirey area collapses as 79th

Div completes capture of Fremonville and CCR, Fr

2d Armd Div, takes Cirey. To exploit breakthrough,

CCL begins drive to secure Saverne Gap, through

which advance can be continued to Strasbourg. 79th

Div, instead of helping 44th Div take Sarrebourg,

is to exploit success of Fr armor and protect S flank

of corps. VI Corps closes along the Meurthe and prepares to attack across it. CCA, 14th Armd Div, is

attached to corps. 100th Div, already E of the Meurthe, continues to advance in Raon area, 398th Inf

pushing S across the Plaine to gain control of road

SE from the town and 397th working on quarry

strongpoint at edge of town. Div Rcn Tr and 117th

Rcn Sq advance to Badonviller without opposition.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 2d Moroccan

Div, supported by 5th Armd Div, reaches Châlonvillars, suburb of Belfort. 1st Armd Div tries unsuccessfully to open route to Dannemarie so that

5th Armd Div may drive on Cernay via Fontaine;

continuing rcn eastward along 3 routes on right

flank, gets elements to the Rhine at Rosenau at 1830.

French are thus first of the Allied forces to reach

the Rhine, but on a narrow front in sector where

road net is too poor to support an advance in

strength. Among villages taken, Seppois is the first

in Alsace to be recovered by the French.

GREECE—Land Forces Greece and Military Liaison Greece are integrated as Headquarters Land

Forces and Military Liaison Greece, under Gen

Scobie.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div begins crossing the Chindwin at

Sittaung.

ASIA Is.—In U.S. Eighth Army area, elements

of 31st Div invade Asia Is., 100 nautical miles NW

of Sansapor.

LEYTE—77th Div, en route to Leyte, is ordered

to release detachment of some 1,200, upon landing,

for projected operation against Mindoro.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Bn of

128th Inf, 32d Div, continues efforts to drive enemy from Corkscrew Ridge. 1st Bn of 34th Inf, still

under heavy fire on Kilay Ridge, withdraws 100 yards

N, abandoning knoll on S.

20 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 12 Corps continues toward the

Maas with 49th Div, supported by elements of 4th

Separate Armd Brig, and 51st Div. 51st finds villages on the river SW of Venlo clear of enemy. In

30 Corps area, 334th Inf of 84th Div eliminates

resistance in environs of Prummern with help of

Br flame-throwing tanks, but enemy retains heights

to NE. Strong opposition is slowing other elements

of corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 2d Armd Div, assisted by attached Br

tanks, renews all-out drive in heavy rainfall; CCB

employs 3 TF’s against Gereonsweiler and takes

the town; one CCA TF overruns Ederen and another clears Freialdenhoven. 29th Div, after seizing

village of Niedermerz, makes 2-pronged attack on

Aldenhoven, in second defensive arc of Juelich defenses, and takes the town. 30th Div consolidates

on right flank of corps; using attached 17th Cav Sq,

maintains contact with 104th Div of VII Corps.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

is fighting in Rohe–Hehlrath–Duerwiss region. In

1st Div sector, 47th Inf is unable to take Hill 187,

on Hamich Ridge; some elements of 18th Inf clear

Wenau early in day and cross Wehe Creek to continue drive on Langerwehe while others drive into

Heistern and push halfway through the village;

26th Inf seizes Laufenburg Castle and drives along

trail leading E toward Merode. 4th Div, beset with

supply problems, narrows gap within its line somewhat. During 5 days of fighting in Huertgen Forest,

the div has gained only 11/2 miles, and that at high

cost.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th and

5th Divs continue methodically to clear rear-guard

opposition within Metz and contain forts about the

city. Preparations are made for final drive to the

Sarre. CCA, 10th Armd Div, moves up behind 3d

Cav Gp; CCB, continuing toward Merzig, reaches

Hill 378 but pulls back to Hill 383 because of fire

from Merzig area. In XII Corps area, 80th Div conducts rcn in force on N flank of corps, seizing bridge

at Faulquemont and establishing bridgehead N of

Nied Allemande R. CCA, 6th Armd Div, drives

toward Hellimer crossroads, followed by 137th Inf

of 35th Div. 137th upon emerging from Bois de Freybouse, is disorganized by enemy counterattack. CCA,

4th Armd Div, followed by 320th Inf, secures Francaltroff. 26th Div advances quickly behind

retreating enemy, elements of 101st Inf reaching

Torcheville, W of Munster. Corps orders CCA, 6th

Armd Div, to attack to gain Sarre R crossings in

35th Div zone and CCB of 4th Armd Div to advance through Mittersheim in 26th Div zone; CCA

of 4th Armd Div is recalled from Francaltroff area

to assembly area near Conthil.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div commits CCD on N

flank of corps in effort to outflank Saverne Gap

[ 20 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 332 ]

from N while CCL continues enveloping maneuver

from S; CCD crosses the Sarre N of Sarrebourg and

drives eastward in 2 columns, one toward Phalsbourg, at W entrance to the gap, and the other toward La Petite Pierre, to N; CCL encounters stiffening resistance in vicinity of Wolfsberg Pass, SW

of Saverne, and CCV is committed to assist in that

area. In VI Corps area, 3d Div, with 30th Inf on

left and 7th on right, crosses the Meurthe in Clairefontaine–St Michel area before dawn to spearhead

drive, beginning at 0645, on Strasbourg via Saales.

Attack is preceded by intense arty preparation and

closely supported by XII TAC. Enemy, stunned

by bombardment and threatened by successes of

Allied forces on both flanks of VI Corps, is incapable

of resisting effectively. 3d Div gains substantial

bridgehead including towns of Le Paire, Hurbache,

and La Voivre. 100th Div, protecting left flank of

corps, attacks eastward from Raon-l’Etape area.

409th and 410th Regts, 103d Div, cross the Meurthe in 3d Div zone, night 20–21, to drive toward St

Dié. On S flank of corps, 36th Div’s 143d Inf seizes

ridge commanding Anould and Clefcy.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Moroccan Div and

CC6, 5th Armd Div, now under army command,

break info Belfort, where fighting continues for

next few days. In 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Div

occupies Gerardmer without resistance. 1st Div takes

Plancher-lès-Mines and Champagney. In 1st Corps

area, elements of 1st Armd Div reach outskirts of

Mulhouse. St Louis, French suburb of Swiss Basle,

is now largely clear. 5th Armd Div attacks toward

Fontaine and Cernay, meeting strong opposition

on Rhine–Rhône Canal S of Fontaine.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, enemy positions are heavily hit by air. 46th

Div, as preliminary to main assault, which is postponed until 21st, begins to clear Cosina loop N of

Castiglione and takes Castiglione.

INDIA-BURMA—On Salween front, Chinese of

XI Group Army push through Mangshih, whose airfield is soon used to land supplies.

MAPIA-ASIA Is.—U.S. Eighth Army’s operations

are successfully concluded. The islands are to become sites for loran and radar stations.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st

Bn of 128th Inf, 32d Div, is still held up on Corkscrew Ridge. CO C of 34th Inf joins main body of

1st Bn on Kilay Ridge, abandoning forward positions. Co B tries unsuccessfully to recover knoll lost

on 19th. Ammunition supply is critically low.

21 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 49th and 51st Divs

advance steadily toward Venlo. 53d Div attacks at

1930 to clear Roermond bridgehead. 30 Corps makes

little headway as attack continues in downpour of

rain against strong enemy opposition. Efforts of

U.S. 84th Div to reach villages of Muellendorf,

Wurm, and Beeck fail. Permission is requested and

received to use 405th Inf, U.S. 102d Div, to protect

SE flank.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIX Corps begins final phase of drive to the Roer.

Boundary between 29th and 30th Divs is adjusted

to permit all 3 divs to drive on Juelich. CCB, 2d

Armd Div, seizes heights around Gereonsweiler and

undergoes strong counterattack on a hill 1,000 yards

N of Gereonsweiler; here, within sight of the Roer,

CCB halts. CCA advances to about 1,000 yards beyond both Ederen and Freialdenhoven. 116th Inf,

now on N flank of 29th Div, seizes Engelsdorf,

from which 3d Bn attacks for Koslar; 2d Bn of

175th enters Bourheim after German garrison,

scheduled for relief, withdraws, but is forced out

when the enemy relief force moves into the town

after dark. 120th Inf, 30th Div, assisted by 743d

Tank Bn, thrusts quickly to Fronhoven, within 4

miles of the Roer.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

clears Rohe and Hehlrath and is fighting within

Duerwiss. On N flank of 1st Div, 47th Inf masses

fire of 20 bns of weapons on Hill 187 in effort to

break resistance on Hamich Ridge and interdicts

the hill with fire through night 21–22; 18th Inf,

after repelling counterattack in Heistern and clearing rest of the village, commits its reserve bn and

continues toward Langerwehe astride Wehe Creek

until stopped abruptly at Hills 207 and 203; 26th

Inf advances slowly toward Merode. In V Corps

area, after preparatory bombardment by 8th Div

and corps arty plus some guns of VII Corps, 121st

Inf of 8th Div attacks through 12th Inf of 4th Div

(VII Corps) on plateau SW of Huertgen, where

enemy has checked previous efforts to advance.

Progress is limited by thick woods containing

numerous obstacles.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of

10th Armd Div, attacks N through TF Polk toward Saarburg with TF Standish on left and TF

Chamberlain on right but is soon halted by obstacles

of Orscholz Switch Line; CCB, now on the defensive

W of Merzig, falls back a little under enemy counterattack, and its sector is quiet for the next few days;

358th Inf of 90th Div, attached to 10th Armd Div,

is ordered northward to zone of CCA. As fighting

continues within Metz, preparations are made for

full-scale drive toward the Sarre. 90th Div along W

bank of the Nied, is turning NE. 5th Div is ordered

to relieve 95th so latter can make main effort toward the Sarre to right of 90th Div. In XII Corps

area, 80th Div expands its Nied bridgehead and

[ 21 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 333 ]

makes contact with XX Corps. CCA of 6th Armd

Div and 137th Inf of 35th Div, in co-ordinated drive,

take Fremestroff and Hellimer. 320th Inf of 35th

Div attacks toward Grening. 104th Inf of 26th Div

takes Montdidier and Albestroff, the latter an important road center, but elements in Albestroff become isolated and are destroyed. From Dieuze, TF

of CCB, 4th Armd Div, drives eastward to Loudrefing.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army permits

either XV or VI Corps to take Strasbourg, previously the objective of VI Corps, which is making

slower progress than XV. Both corps are to be prepared to cross the Rhine if the opportunity to do so

with ease presents itself. In XV Corps area, one TF

of CCD, Fr 2d Armd Div, drives through La Petite

Pierre to Alsatian Plain at Bouxwiller, but the other

is unable to clear Phalsbourg; pushing through

Wolfsberg Pass, column of CCL emerges on Alsatian

Plain at Birkenwald. 44th Div takes Sarrebourg,

which has been outflanked. In VI Corps area, 100th

Div takes Moyenmoutier without a fight and advances toward Senones. 3d Div expands Meurthe

bridgehead, taking St Jean d’Ormont. Enemy positions in St Di become untenable as 103d Div gains

heights commanding the town. 36th Div crosses

143d Inf over the Meurthe at St Leonard and 141st

Inf near Clefcy and advances toward Fraize. CCA,

14th Armd Div, which has been attached to corps,

is driving forward on N flank toward Schirmeck to

cut enemy escape routes to NE.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps is almost halted

by violent German counterattack that forces 5th

Armd Div troops from Suarce and Lepuix and

severs Delle–Basle road near Courtelevant, endangering Fr forces in vicinity of the Rhine and Mulhouse. In Alps Sector, U.S. 44th AAA Brig takes

over area previously held by U.S. 1st A/B TF. It

will defend right flank along Franco-Italian border.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps

area, 3d Carpathian Div begins attack on M. Fortino–M. Ricci ridge S of Faenza, taking M. Fortino

and pushing northward. 5 Corps opens general offensive toward Faenza with close air support. Ind 10th

Div, on N flank, is pinned down along the Montone

W of Villafranca. 4th Div, in center, gets elements

across the river in region N of Highway 9 but is

forced to withdraw them. On S flank, 46th Div

continues to clear Cosina R loop N of Castiglione.

BURMA—Gen Stratemeyer inactivates Third

TAF so that 221st Gp may provide close support

for Br Fourteenth Army, and 224th Gp for Arakan

offensive.

On NCAC front, Ch 38th Div continues to close

in on Bhamo. 114th Regt, bypassing enemy outpost

at Subbawng, which detachment of 113th is containing, drives into Shwekyina.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer formally presents his

recently formulated ALPHA Plan to concentrate Ch

forces in Kunming area as quickly as possible and

place them under command of China’s best general

in order to avert threat to Kunming—to Chiang

Kai-shek. Gen Chen Cheng is recommended for

command of ALPHA forces, but Chiang Kai-shek

prefers Gen Ho Ying-chin. American assistance will

consist of maximum air support and liaison officers

to advise Ch Army.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

128th Inf, less 1st Bn, which is to contain Corkscrew

Ridge, is ordered to capture Limon and secure

crossing of Leyte R tributary to S. In preparation

for attack, fire is placed on enemy positions along

Highway 2 during night. Action on Kilay Ridge is

confined to patrolling and fire exchanges. Supplies

brought by hand from Consuegra are being supplemented by airdrops. In XXIV Corps area, 3d Bn

of 32d Inf, 7th Div, moves from Baybay to position

just S of 2d Bn. Arty is being emplaced at Damulaan.

22 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 15th Div occupies

Sevenum and Horst, NW of Venlo. In 12 Corps

area, 53d Div reaches the Maas across from Roermond. 49th and 51st Divs are converging on Venlo.

In 30 Corps area, U.S. 84th Div’s 334th Inf takes

high ground NE of Prummern (Mahogany Hill)

in surprise assault; 333d, after underpass in Sueggerath is cleared permitting tanks to assist, advances

to within 500 yards of Muellendorf, advance platoon

reaching the village, where it is wiped Out. 405th

Inf, U.S. 102d Div, attacks toward Beeck but makes

little progress.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, Germans, instead of falling back behind

the Roer as expected, have committed fresh forces

to stiffen their line. CCA, 2d Armd Div, pushes into

Merzenhausen but is forced back to SW edge. In

center of corps front, Germans drive elements of

175th Inf, 29th Div, from Bourheim before daylight

and block efforts to re-enter; 116th Inf fights unsuccessfully for Koslar. 30th Div runs into stiff opposition, but 120th Inf takes village of Erberich; elements drive into Lohn but are forced to withdraw.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

seizes Eschweiler during morning after night attack, overruns Nothberg, finishes clearing Duerwiss,

and drives toward Puetzlohn. This success earns the

div the task of continuing drive to the Roer instead

of stopping at the Inde as planned. In 1st Div zone,

47th Inf finishes clearing Hamich Ridge without

opposition; 18th Inf is still held up in valley of

Wehe Creek by enemy on Hills 207 and 203; 26th

[ 22 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 334 ]

Inf is ordered to confine its action to limited attacks

to assist 18th. Renewing attack in Huertgen Forest,

4th Div’s 8th and 22d Regts feint eastward while

slipping elements around enemy; forward elements

of 8th Inf reach heights at Gut Schwarzenbroich,

the first objective, while advance force of 22d

reaches positions 700 yards W of Grosshau; depleted

12th Inf begins attack to secure right flank of 22d

and advances very slowly. In V Corps area, 121st

Inf of 8th Div continues almost futile efforts to

advance SW of Huertgen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, mopping up

in Metz ends, and 5th Div begins relief of 95th.

Forts holding out about the city (Verdun, St Privat,

St Quentin, Plappeville, Driant, and Jeanne d’Arc)

are isolated and do not present a serious threat. Corps

orders broad offensive toward the Sarre, beginning

on 25th, with 10th Armd Div on left, 90th Div in

center, and 95th Div on right. 95th making main

effort, is to secure crossings of the river between

Saarlautern and Pachten. Continuing efforts to break

through stubborn enemy positions of Orscholz

Switch Line, TF Standish of CCA, 10th Armd Div,

advances to Nennig on left and Tettingen on right

but is forced back from both; TF Chamberlain

makes limited penetration through dragon’s teeth to

right. In XII Corps area, new plan of attack will

pinch out 35th and 26th Divs along Maderbach

Creek. CCB, 6th Armd Div, and 137th Inf, 35th

Div, seize Leyviller and St Jean-Rohrbach. Grening

falls to 320th Inf of 35th Div. 104th Inf of 26th Div

attempts to envelop Albestroff, from which enemy

withdraws, night 22–23; 328th Inf, having moved

by truck from Dieuze to reinforce the understrength 101st Inf in a sector nearly impassable because of flooding, mines, and other obstacles, seizes

Munster. From Loudrefing, CCB column of 4th

Armd Div drives E through Mittersheim; CCA assembles at Conthil.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, columns of Fr 2d Armd Div driving S

from Bouxwiller and N from Birkenwald converge

on Saverne. VI Corps pursues retreating enemy,

mobile TF’s spearheading. 100th Div takes Senones

and advances toward St Blaise. 3d Div speeds to positions near St Blaise and Saales. St Di falls to 409th

Inf, 103d Div, without opposition; 411th Inf establishes bridgehead near Saulcy. Strong enemy opposition to 36th Div’s bridgehead on S flank of

corps forces 141st Inf to pull back W of the river,

but 143d remains E of the river. Corps releases 45th

Div and CCA, 14th Armd Div, to XV Corps.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 1st Div takes

Giromagny, piercing enemy line along the

Savoureuse. 1st Corps recovers lost ground and

drives into Mulhouse.

FINLAND—Finnish forces, complying with

armistice terms by following up enemy withdrawal,

reach Norwegian border.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps

area, 88th Div re-enters line, taking over zone of

85th Div. 91st Div is relieved in line by 34th Div

and 1st Armd Div. Br 13 Corps finishes regrouping

and is disposed, from left to right: 1st Div, 78th Div,

6th Armd Div’ Ind 8th Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues

northward along ridge toward M. Ricci. 5 Corps

establishes bridgeheads across the Cosina in zones

of 4th and 46th Divs, night 22–23.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 2d

and 3d Bns of 128th Inf, 32d Div, attack S astride

Highway 2 and take Limon, virtually completing

battle of Breakneck Ridge. Bypassed pockets are

eliminated by mid-December. Forward elements of

128th Inf cross the tributary of the Leyte R south of

Limon. 1st Bn of 34th Inf, under heavy enemy

attack on Kilay Ridge, is forced to compress its

defense perimeter to avoid encirclement. In XXIV

Corps area, 7th Div is ordered to assemble in Baybay area as quickly as possible. 11th A/B Div, although not originally intended to operate on Leyte,

is ordered to relieve 7th Div, less 17th Inf, so 7th

can clear E shore of Ormoc Bay.

23 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps goes on the defensive and

releases U.S. 84th Div to U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps at 1800. Further efforts earlier in day to

take Wurm and Beeck have failed.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCA of 2d Armd Div takes about half

of Merzenhausen and halts to consolidate. Elements

of 175th Inf, 29th Div, takes Bourheim in strenuous fighting; Germans soon begin counterattacks,

which continue for next 3 days. Elements of 120th

Inf, 30th Div, take Lohn and hold it against 2

counterattacks; elements of 119th Inf, assisted by

diversionary fire from Erberich, clear Pattern; 30th

Div then halts attack to await clearance of Kirchberg and Inden.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

breaks into Puetzlohn and Weisweiler, where enemy

is resisting strongly. 47th Inf, on N flank of 1st

Div, attacks toward Huecheln but is soon halted;

16th seizes Rosslershof Castle, SE of Wilhelmshoehe,

where it comes under heavy enemy pressure; 18th

takes Hill 207. Forward elements of 8th Inf, 4th Div,

are driving steadily NE in Huertgen Forest while

other elements battle enemy at Gut Schwarzenbroich; 22d Inf remains near Grosshau but does not

risk an attack. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div,

[ 23 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 335 ]

although helped by light tanks, makes little progress

SW of Huertgen. Germans counterattack but cannot break through.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf

of 90th Div takes over attack from CCA of 10th

Armd Div, attempting to push through Orscholz

line to villages of Sinz and Muenzingen with 3d

and 2d Bns: 3d Bn clears Campholz woods E of Tettingen; 2d is disorganized by friendly fire which is

falling short. In preparation for drive to the

Sarre, 90th Div extends northward, relieving elements of GCB. 5th Div completes relief of 95th,

which moves to right of 90th Div. In XII Corps

area, 6th Armd Div regroups for drive to the Sarre.

Elements of 137th Inf, 35th Div, push into Hilsprich, which is needed for the armored attack, but

are forced back to St Jean-Rohrbach. 104th Inf,

26th Div, reoccupies Albestroff but is too disorganized to continue attack: 328th Inf takes over

its sector and attacks toward line Vittersbourg–Honskirch–Altwiller. CCB column of 4th Armd

Div, driving E from Mittersheim, reaches W bank

of the Sarre at Fenétrange. 25th Cav Rcn Sq crosses

at Bettborn and makes contact with patrols of 44th

Div (XV Corps).

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div drives into Strasbourg

and clears the city, but enemy retains small bridgehead at Kehl bridge. Germans abandon Phalsbourg,

at W end of Saverne Gap. As infantry is being

shifted through the gap toward Haguenau and Soufflenheim, Germans begin series of counterattacks

N of Sarrebourg, forcing corps to regroup to meet

threat. Most of 44th and 45th Divs as well as 106th

Cav Gp are disposed at W side of Saverne Gap. In

VI Corps area, 3d Div takes Saulxures and Saales;

in conjunction with 100th Div to left, overruns St

Blaise. 2 regts of load Div are moving to outflank

Steige pass, while the third, on S flank, at-tacks in

conjunction with 36th Div in region W of Ste Marie.

143d and 141st Regts, 36th Div, are

closing in on Fraize, 143d taking Mandray.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps takes ChâteauLambert but progress elsewhere is negligible. Corps

is ordered to open route of advance for CC6, which,

with 2d Moroccan Div, has been placed under corps

command. In 1st Corps area, Germans for the second

time cut route to the Rhine in vicinity of Seppois.

ESTONIA—With elimination of enemy pocket on

S Oesel I., Soviet forces now control entrance to

Gulf of Riga.

HUNGARY—Rail junction of Cop (Csap), which

has changed hands several times during last few

weeks, falls to Red Army.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps secures M. Ricci. 5 Corps consolidates bridgeheads across the Cosina. Enemy begins withdrawal

toward next water barrier, the Lamone. Ind 10th

Div is strongly opposed, however, on right flank of

corps along the Montone N of Highway 9.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

128th Inf of 32d Div improves and consolidates

positions S of Limon and for the next few days

patrols actively. 112th Cav, which has been patrolling Mt Minoro area, is ordered SW toward Highway 2 to relieve pressure on 32d Div. Kilay Ridge

sector is relatively quiet. In XXIV Corps area, 77th

Div begins unloading on Leyte and is assigned to

corps. Battle of Shoestring Ridge opens as Japanese

attack sector of thinly spread 32d Inf, 7th Div, along

Palanas R, forcing limited withdrawal.

24 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, new boundary between XIX and

XIII Corps becomes effective.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

takes Puetzlohn but is opposed from house to house

in Weisweiler. TF Richardson (Lt Col Walter B. Richardson), consisting of elements of 3d Armd

Div plus bn of 47th inf, is formed to drive on Huecheln, Wilhelmshoehe, and Frenzerburg Castle. After

laboriously clearing mine field, the TF seizes Huecheln. 18th Inf, 1st Div, continues toward Langerwehe,

elements reaching Schoenthal, but is still unable to

take Hill 203. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div

continues efforts to reach edge of woods overlooking Huertgen; by this time has suffered 600 battle

casualties. To hasten attack, CCR of 5th Armd Div

is ordered to assist on 25th, moving along exposed

Germeter–Huertgen highway, since 121st has been

unable to clear a safer route along Weisser Weh valley.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf

of 90th Div continues assault on Orscholz line: 3d

Bn, attacking toward Tettingen and Butzdorf after

halting enemy counterattack, gets elements into

Butzdorf, where they are isolated; 2d Bn, reinf

during day by 1st, breaks into Oberleuken, but

cannot oust enemy. In XII Corps area, 1st Bn of

134th Inf, 35th Div, helped by tanks and intense

preparatory shelling, takes Hilsprich. 328th Inf,

26th Div, continues attack against enemy rear-guard

line Vittersbourg–Altwiller; 101st makes vain and

costly attempt to take Château strongpoint in center

of Bois de Bonnefontaine. GCB, 4th Armd Div,

crosses the Sarre in XV Corps zone at Romelfing

and Gosselming and turns NE: N column takes

up blocking positions on high ground W of Postroff; S column brushes aside resistance at Kirrberg

and clears Baerendorf in house-to-house fighting.

6th Army Group: Penetrates enemy line along

the Vosges. Gen Eisenhower, beginning tour of

[ 24 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 336 ]

inspection of 6th Army Group front, attends conference of commanders, where it is decided to clear

region W of the Rhine before attempting an assault

across it. U.S. Seventh Army is to drive N to help

Third Army. Fr 1st Army is to reduce Colmar

Pocket, enemy’s bridgehead W of the Rhine.

Boundary between 12th and 6th Army Groups will

be altered.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, Fr armor

in Strasbourg will be seriously threatened unless it

can be bolstered by infantrymen. Germans continue

pressure from the N in region N of Sarrebourg. In

VI Corps area, forward elements of 3d Div reach

Rothau. 103d Div continues outflanking movement

against Steige, clearing Lubine, to SW. 142d Inf

spearheads eastward drive of 36th Div, reaching

Ban-de-Laveline and La Croix-aux-Mines.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d and 1st Corps are ordered to converge on Burnhaupt as quickly as possible to pocket enemy forces in Alsace. 2d Corps

clears Grosmagny and Petit-Magny, on road to Rougemont-le-Château. 1st Corps withstands heavy pressure in Mulhouse area; is largely concerned with

keeping routes to the Rhine open.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps

area, TF 45 captures M. Belvedere but Germans

later regain it.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps presses

toward Marzeno R on broad front against disorganized resistance. In 5 Corps area, 4th Div drives

toward the Lamone in region just N of Highway 9.

46th Div crosses the Marzeno R on S flank of corps.

Ind 10th Div remains E of the Montone on N flank

of corps.

CHINA—Japanese in S China, attempting to

gain contact with their forces garrisoning Indochina,

take Nanning.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st

Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, repels minor counterattack

against Kilay Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Bn of

184th Inf is attached to 32d Inf of 7th Div but

cannot be committed without permission of 7th Div.

32d Inf recovers some ground previously lost on

Shoestring Ridge and holds perimeter—about 2,000

yards long and less than 1,500 yards deep—against

vigorous counterattack, night 24–25.

JAPAN—111 B–29’s attack Tokyo from bases in

the Marianas, the first of many similar raids.

25 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 29th Div continues

to hold off enemy at Bourheim and gets elements of

116th Inf into Koslar, where they become isolated.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

extends its hold on Weisweiler. Inde R valley to W

is now clear. TF Richardson takes Wilhelmshoehe;

suffers heavy losses while trying to advance across

open Roer Plain to Frenzerburg Castle. 16th Inf, 1st

Div, attempts unsuccessfully to reach Weisweiler–

Langerwehe highway; assisted by 2 tanks, platoon

of 18th Inf gets almost to crest of Hill 203, where it

clings. 8th Inf, 4th Div, reaches positions a little

more than a mile from the edge of Huertgen Forest;

in conjunction with CCR, 5th Armd Div (V Corps),

22d Inf attacks toward Grosshau but cannot take it;

4th Div suspends attacks for several days after this.

In V Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div joins 121st

Inf, 8th Div, in attack toward Huertgen but, halted

by large crater and mines, withdraws.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps opens drive

to the Sarre. In 10th Armd Div zone on N flank,

358th Inf continues to batter at Orscholz line: 3d

Bn, assisted by aircraft and tanks, seizes Tettingen

and relieves the isolated troops at Butzdorf, but pulls

back from Butzdorf; 1st and 2d Bns continue to

fight within and near Oberleuken, 2d Bn reaching

top of Hill 388; it is decided to withdraw 358th Inf,

which by now is unfit to continue attack. 90th Div,

with 359th Inf on left and 357th on right, drives

steadily toward the Sarre reaching Oberesch, within

4 miles of the river. 95th Div, supported by arty of

5th Div and of III Corps, attacks across the Nied

on right flank of corps—377th Inf on left and 378th

on right—and pushes into Maginot Line, where Germans have abandoned fortifications; takes towns of

Boulay, Momerstroff, Narbefontaine, and Hallering.

In XII Corps area, 80th Div, with 42d Cav Sq screening its N flank, attacks with 3 regts supported by

armor, overrunning main enemy positions on N

flank of corps. 6th Armd Div, reinf by elements of

134th Inf, begins drive toward Maderbach Creek,

greatly hampered by craters, mud, mines, and enemy

fire: CCB, driving toward Puttelange, gets forward

elements to the Maderbach at Remering; CCA, aided

by air strike, takes Valette. 328th Inf, 26th Div, penetrates enemy line and captures Vittersbourg;

Co, G, 101st Inf, clears the Château strongpoint in

Bois de Bonnefontaine, and Co K makes futile attempt to clear N edge of the woods. CCB of 4th

Armd Div, after checking determined counterattack

against Baerendorf, is reinf and reorganized before

continuing attack late in afternoon.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

boundary between XV and VI Corps is moved N of

Strasbourg. In XV Corps area, elements of 44th

Div and 106th Cav Gp halt enemy column advancing on Schalbach after making slight withdrawals. Fr armor continues to clear Strasbourg area.

79th and 45th Divs consolidate N and NW of Strasbourg. CCA, 14th Armd Div, makes contact with

3d Div of VI Corps near Schirmeck and is

again attached to VI Corps. In VI Corps area

[ 25 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 337 ]

100th Div, on N flank, reaches Grandfontaine. 36th

Div outflanks and captures Ste Marie, gaining control of roads to Sélestat and Ribeauville.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps finds that enemy

has withdrawn along most of its front to avoid encirclement. 1st Corps makes slow progress toward

Burnhaupt. In Alps Sector, ETOUSA orders U.S.

1st ABTF to proceed to Soissons, Lyon, and Mourmelon at once.

HUNGARY—Red Army troops are clearing

Csepel I., in the Danube just S of Budapest.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps gets advance elements across the Marzeno

W of Marzeno village. In 5 Corps area, 4th Div

reaches the Lamone in S. Barnaba–Scaldino area E

of Faenza. This advance permits Ind 10th Div to

cross elements over the Montone at Highway 9 and

push northward toward enemy’s switch line that

extends generally from Casa Bettini on the Montone

to region N of Scaldino on the Lamone. 46th Div

maintains bridgehead across the Marzeno but is

unable to break out. Porter Force, in Adriatic

coastal sector, is placed under command of Cdn 1

Corps.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese in Pinwe region of RR corridor who have been holding up Br

36th Div are ordered to fall back toward central

Burma.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: Gen Krueger halts work

on airfields. In X Corps area, Co A, the most

advanced unit of 1st Bn, 34th Inf, 24th Div, on

Kilay Ridge, repels heavy enemy counterattack,

night 25–26. In XXIV Corps area, 32d Inf of 7th

Div contains another enemy counterattack, which

is made in less strength after nightfall. 511th Para

Regt, 11th A/B Div, starts difficult westward trek

over mountains from Burauen toward Mahonag, 10

miles distant, to ease pressure on corps units driving

on Ormoc.

POA—CINCPOA issues Operation Plan 11–44

for invasion of Iwo Jima. Fifth Fleet commander is

to seize Iwo and develop air bases there. Invasion

date is tentatively set for 3 February 1945.

26 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, to counter German

shelling, corps arty program is doubled in spite of

ammunition shortage. 29th Div troops in Bourheim,

helped by reserves and aircraft, contain the most

powerful attack to be made by enemy on this objective; isolated forces of 116th Inf in Koslar are

supplied by air. Gen McLain, CG XIX Corps, orders

the attack toward the Roer continued all along line.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div,

pushing through Weisweiler, seizes Frenz. Infantry

elements of TF Richardson, supported by longrange fire of armor, reach Frenzerburg Castle but

cannot gain entrance to the medieval structure. 4th

Div consolidates positions in Huertgen Forest; 12th

Inf at last gets into position N and W of Huertgen

to protect S flank of 22d Inf. In V Corps area, 121st

Inf of 8th Div, reinf by bn of 13th, continues drive

on Huertgen: finding that enemy has withdrawn

from woods, attacks toward the village but is halted

between the woods and the village.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of

10th Armd Div relieves 358th Inf, which reverts to

90th Div and remains on the defensive; CCB extends N wing of corps eastward toward the Sarre

with little difficulty. 90th and 95th Divs continue

steadily northeastward in center and on right flank

of corps, 95th Div penetrating Maginot Line. 95th

Div zone is extended southward to include wedgeshaped region containing Bois de Kerfent. Germans

surrender Verdun forts to 5th Div. In XII Corps

area, 80th Div approaches St Avold against strong

rear-guard opposition. CIA, 6th Armd Div, drives

through Fort de Puttelange but comes under such

heavy fire upon emerging that it falls back through

the woods; CCB mops up along the Maderbach with

infantrymen but cannot get tanks through mud.

Skillful rear guards keep 328th Inf, 26th Div, from

Honskirch. 4th Armd Div begins co-ordinated attack with the a TF’s of CCB E of the Sarre toward

enemy’s next MLR along Wolfskirchen–Eywiller–

Durstel road but is slowed by terrain, which contains

a number of flooded streams; CCA crosses the Sarre

and moves eastward across rear of GCB.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps is still under heavy pressure from the N.

VI Corps halts advance of 100th Div, which is to

move to XV Corps front. 3d Div emerges from the

Vosges onto Alsatian Plain at many points. 103d

seizes Steige and Ville, important points on Giessen R.

Fr 1st Army continues efforts to close pincers

on enemy by junction of 2d and 1st Corps at Burnhaupt, but progresses slowly. Germans for the third

time cut communication line to the Rhine in 1st

Corps zone.

HUNGARY—Soviet troops take Hatvan and

threaten Budapest.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps

area, 46th Div succeeds in reaching the Lamone on

S flank of corps, but enemy is holding on firmly

to switch line positions between the Lamone and

Montone on N flank of corps. Heavy rains bring

lull in offensive.

YUGOSLAVIA—Marshal Tito agrees to let Br

naval and air force personnel use certain ports and

airfields temporarily.

[ 26 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 338 ]

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, replacing 72d Brig with 29th, patrols actively in Pinwe

area.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Bn of 34th Inf, 24 Div, relieves Co A with Co C

on Kilay Ridge. The bn is highly vulnerable to

enemy attack from different directions and is maintaining positions with use of arty. In XXIV Corps

area, Japanese make another night attack, 26–27,

on Shoestring Ridge, about 200 enemy troops gaining positions in bamboo thicket within American

lines, but 400 Japanese dead are counted at conclusion of the action.

27 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: U.S. 101st

A/B Div is relieved in Cdn 2 Corps sector.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, CCA of 2d Armd Div finishes clearing

Merzenhausen and hills near there. 29th Div clears

to the Roer except for 2 strongpoints in Juelich:

Kirchberg falls to 115th Inf, which attacks from

Pattern, taking enemy by surprise; elements of 116th

Inf make contact with isolated forces in Koslar.

120th Inf, 30th Div, attacks with attached bn of

119th Inf toward Altkirch but is halted short of

objective.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

mops up in Weisweiler–Frenz sector. Elements of

47th Inf, TF Richardson, at Frenzerburg Castle,

repel enemy counterthrust but are still unable to

gain entrance. 18th Inf of 1st Div extends its positions on Hill 203 to crest but enemy retains reverse

slopes. 4th Div continues to consolidate and improve

positions in Huertgen Forest; elements of V Corps

relieve 12th Inf near Huertgen. In V Corps area,

8th Div, with increased fire support, continues attack toward Huertgen and gains hold on NE and

W edges.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div breaks off action toward Saarburg after laboriously clearing enemy infiltrators from Tettingen and

repelling counterattack against Borg. Enemy retains

Oberleuken and Nennig. Gen Walker directs 3d

Cav Gp to relieve CCA and screen N flank of corps;

orders 10th Armd Div to face E. 90th Div, now

well ahead of flanking forces, halts near the Sarre

and prepares for final drive to the river. 95th Div

advances rapidly, 377th Inf reaching positions within

a mile of German border and 378th reaching Falck

and Dalem. Co-ordinated drive by 90th and 95th

Divs is ordered for 29th. Bn of 10th Inf, 5th Div, is

attached to 95th Div and takes responsibility for

Bois de Kerfent, at boundary of XX and XII Corps,

relieving elements of 80th Div. In XII Corps area,

80th Div enters St Avold, from which enemy has

withdrawn, and regains contact near Seingbouse.

Div’s attack has forced general enemy withdrawal

across the Maderbach, so 6th Armd Div remains in

place. 328th Inf, 26th Div, occupies Honskirch and

101st moves into Altwiller without a fight. CCB

and CCA, 4th Armd Div, attack E of the Sarre,

overrunning Wolfskirchen, Eywiller, and Gungwiller; CCA tries unsuccessfully to break into

Durstel.

6th Army Group: Boundary between 12th and

6th Army Groups is moved northward through

West Wall defenses, narrowing zone of 12th.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, Gen Eisenhower orders army to attack N to help Third Army gain

Saar Basin. In XV Corps area, 100th Div arrives in

Sarrebourg sector and relieves elements of 44th Div.

German threat to corps from the N subsides, but

positions are still vulnerable on this wing. Fr 2d

Armd Div passes to operational control of VI

Corps. In VI Corps area, elements of 3d Div relieve

Fr 2d Armd Div at Strasbourg. French prepare to

drive S along the Rhine. CCA, 14th Armd Div, advances SE through Obernai toward Barr and

Erstein to block exits from the Vosges and help

southward drive of Fr armor. 103d Div presses

toward Barr–Sélestat road, elements taking Le Hohwald. From Ste Marie, 36th Div is driving E

on Sélestat.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps is ordered to go on the offensive as soon as

weather conditions permit. Ind 8th Div loses contact

with enemy.

In Br Eighth Army area, army issues orders for

major winter offensive in early December. In Pol 2

Corps area, enemy resistance E of the Lamone in

region S of Faenza is virtually at an end. In 5 Corps

area, NZ 2d Div replaces 4th Div in line. Canadians

of 1 Corps relieve right flank elements of Ind 10th

Div N of Casa Bettini so that latter can make a

concentrated effort to take bridge at Casa Bettini,

badly needed for deployment of Cdn 1 Corps in

Adriatic coastal sector. In 10 Corps area, Cremona

Gp arrives between 27 November and 3 December.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer presents to Chiang

Kai-shek a plan to furnish munitions to Chinese

Communists. The proposal is rejected.

PALAUS—Hostilities on Peleliu end. Approximately 13,600 Japanese have been killed on Angaur,

Peleliu, and small islands off Peleliu; prisoners total

about 400. 81st Div and attached units have suffered

over 3,275 casualties, including 542 killed. Reinf 1st

Mar Div casualties total about 1,250 killed and 5,275

wounded.

LEYTE—Bn of 306th Inf, 77th Div, leaves Leyte

for operation against Mindoro.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Bn of 34th

Inf, 24th Div, on Kilay Ridge, learns from patrol

[ 27 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 339 ]

that help is coming; undergoes strong counterattack

from E and its supply line to Consuegra is temporarily cut. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Bn ( — ) of

184th Inf moves from Caridad to Damulaan to help

32d Inf, 7th Div; attacks toward Albuera, clearing

enemy from the bamboo thicket within 32d Inf’s

zone. 109 enemy dead are counted. 32d Inf and 1st

Bn, 184th, establish defense perimeters and repel

light infiltration attempts during night. Japanese begin operation to regain airfields. Corps has learned

of enemy plan to capture airfields in Burauen area

and is taking countermeasures.

28 November

WESTERN EUROPE—Port of Antwerp is opened

to traffic.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIX Corps virtually finishes clearing its zone to the

Roer. CCA, 2d Armd Div, takes Barmen and reaches

the river near there. In 29th Div zone, Koslar is

found free of enemy but the 2 strongpoints in Juelich

area must still be cleared. 30th Div commits bn of

120th Inf in battle for Altkirch, which is cleared, but

Germans retain small triangle between Inde and

Roer Rivers. Offensive halts temporarily.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

reaches Inden and Lammersdorf and takes bridge

at Inden intact. Frenzerburg Castle has been abandoned by enemy. 1st Div secures Langerwehe and

Juengersdorf. On S flank of corps, 12th Inf of 4th

Div begins attack to close gap between 8th and

22d Regts in Huertgen Forest. In V Corps area, 8th

Div, attacking from 3 sides, at last secures Huertgen. Maj Gen Donald A. Stroh, div CG, is replaced

by Brig Gen William G. Weaver. Aircraft and arty

join in attacks against Kleinhau, the next objective,

which armor is to attack. Gen Hodges directs corps

to continue offensive.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th Div

gains positions roughly abreast 90th Div to N; 377th

Inf pushes into Germany; 378th is slowed by opposition from woods E of Falck but makes some progress. In XII Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div fights

hard for Farebersviller, elements entering and clearing part of the town. About 2000, Germans with

tanks attempt unsuccessfully to drive Americans

from Farebersviller. 328th Inf, 26th Div, mops up

W of Canal des Houillères de la Sarre; 101st is sent

to Burbach to support 4th Armd Div E of the Sarre

in drive on Sarre–Union scheduled for 1 December.

26th Div is to extend northward to take over most

of zone held by 35th Div. 4th Armd Div, in preparation for the Sarre–Union attack, is laboriously

clearing villages E of Drulingen–Sarre–Union highway, CCB taking Berg.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div starts S from Strasbourg

in 2 columns, reaching Erstein area, where enemy is

resisting strongly. CCA, 14th Armd Div, also meets

firm resistance in vicinity of Erstein as well as at

Barr. Elements of 36th Div find Liepvre, on Ste

Marie–Sélestat road, and Koenigsbourg Château, SE

of Liepvre, undefended.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d and 1st Corps converge

at Burnhaupt at 1430 and pocket enemy forces in

Alsace. Junction is made by CC4 of 5th Armd Div,

1st Corps, and CC6, under command of 2d Moroccan Div of 2d Corps. Germans soon attempt to

break out of encirclement. In Alps Sector, 100th Bn

of RCT 442 relieves 1st SSF on Franco-Italian

frontier.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps takes Casola Valsenio and M. Taverns without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

suspends operations against Casa Bettini bridge because of weather condition. Cdn 1 Corps is concentrating in forward positions in order to attack along

Adriatic coast.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 38th Div maintains

pressure on main northern defenses of Bhamo with

114th Regt; math has mission of entering the city

but has been unable to do so.

CHINA—Japanese 11th Army, acting independently and against orders, drives across KwangsiKweichow border although it has been ordered to

halt at border. Gen McClure assumes position of

chief of staff to Gen Wedemeyer.

PALAUS—Elements of 81st Div begin to clear

Kayangel Atoll, N of Kossol Passage.

P.I.—CTF 77 issues operation plan for invasion of Mindoro. Adm Kinkaid, heading Allied

naval forces, gives Rear Adm Arthur D. Struble, as

commander of Mindoro Attack Group (TG 78.3),

U.S. Seventh Fleet, responsibility for amphibious

phase.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

Japanese try to recover Kilay Ridge, night 28–29,

moving onto it in strength and isolating Co C,

34th Inf, on SW end. 12th Cav, mopping up in Mt

Badian–Hill 2348 region, about 5 miles NE of

Kananga, inches westward from this time until 9

December. In XXIV Corps area, 32d Inf of 7th Div,

now greatly weakened, is to be withdrawn to reserve while 184th and 17th Regts continue battle

for Shoestring Ridge; 2d Bn, 184th, relieves 2d Bn,

32d Inf, at Damulaan; 1st Bn, 184th, falls back a

little at the bamboo thicket under counterattack.

11th A/B Div, with task of securing mountain exits

into Leyte Valley, completes relief of 7th Div, less

17th Inf; defends Buri and Bayug airfields and

patrols.

[ 28 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 340 ]

29 November

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, XIII Corps begins drive toward

the Roer before dawn, omitting arty preparation.

84th Div, on left flank of corps, makes main effort

toward Lindern and high ground NE of Beeck

with 335th Inf: about 100 men of 3d Bn reach Lindern at daybreak and hold there until reinforcements, including tanks, arrive much later in day;

enemy efforts to regain the village are repulsed; 2d

Bn begins assault on heights NE of Beeck against

strong opposition. 333d Inf provides fire support

for 335th; in conjunction with 113th Cav conducts

demonstration against Beeck. 102d Div makes secondary effort on S flank of corps, 405th Inf advancing along Lindern–Linnich highway to right

of 84th Div and elements to right gaining limited

objective in preparation for next assault. 7th Armd

Div is held in corps reserve.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

retains hold on Inden and Lammersdorf though

enemy tries to recover them and blows bridge at

latter. 2 COS of 26th Inf, 1st Div, push into Merode,

where they are isolated and almost destroyed during counterattack. 4th Div renews attack all along

line in Huertgen Forest and finds that enemy has

strengthened his defenses during lull in fighting;

8th Inf makes negligible progress toward road center at E edge of the forest; 12th Inf closes gap between 8th and 22d; 22d, in frontal and flanking

attacks supported by armor, takes Grosshau and cuts

road to Gey. 5th Armd Div, less CCR, is attached

to corps. In V Corps area, CCR TF of 5th Armd

Div, under Lt Col William A. Hamberg, drives

into Kleinhau and clears the village. During night

29–30, 1st Bn of 13th RCT relieves TF Hamberg

but abandons 2 roadblocks on hill, seriously hampering VII Corps’ later attack on Grosshau. Huertgen

and Kleinhau are important objectives from which

coming battle for Brandenberg–Bergstein ridge can

be waged.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th and

95th Divs launch co-ordinated attack to reach the

Sarre. 90th Div, with little difficulty, gets patrol to

the river. 95th is strongly opposed on Saar heights

in front of Saarlautern and undergoes 10 counterattacks, but gains general line Kerprich–Hemmersdorf–St Barbara–Merten. In Metz area, Fort St

Privat falls to 5th Div. In XII Corps area, enemy

recovers all of Farebersviller from 317th Inf, 80th

Div, although tanks and TD’s have moved forward

to assist infantrymen; 318th Inf is ordered to relieve

317th. TF of CCA, 4th Armd Div, takes Durstel.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 114th Inf of 44th Div takes Tieffenbach. 45th Div improves positions along N bank of

the Moder in Rothbach–Mertzwiller region. In limited objective attack, 79th Div’s 314th Inf clears

Niederschaeffolsheim, near Haguenau. In VI Corps

area, Erstein falls to Fr 2 Armd Div. 411th Inf, 103d

Div, seizes Barr and Andlau. CCA, 14th Armd Div,

pushes S through Barr along E edge of the Vosges.

36th Div mops up near Liepvre and to S finds Le

Bonhomme free of enemy.

HUNGARY—Forces of Third Ukrainian Front

have joined in offensive to left of Second Ukrainian

troops and, in conjunction with Yugoslav partisans,

have crossed the Danube near Yugoslav-Hungarian

frontier S of Budapest and driven toward Lake

Balaton in region N of Drava R. Mohacs and Pecs

are free of enemy. Berlin reported a Soviet bridgehead W of the Danube in this region much earlier

in the month.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps takes Fontanelice without a fight. Germans

recapture M. Castellaro from 1st Div.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, brig of 56th

Div S of Faenza passes to command of 46th Div.

7th Armd Brig starts from Recanati, S of Ancona,

to 5 Corps zone in preparation for December

offensive.

POA—CINCPOA recommends that invasion

of Mindoro and Luzon be postponed until air

strength on Leyte can be built up.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

Japanese continue attacks on Kilay Ridge, but 1st

Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, succeeds in relieving Co

C. At urgent request for reinforcements, 2d Bn of

128th Inf, 32d Div, moves forward, Co G, the first

to arrive, immediately reinforcing Co C. In XXIV

Corps area, elements of 184th Inf, 7th Div, recover

some ground at bamboo thicket but are unable to

clear enemy from the thicket; repel 3 heavy enemy

counterattacks.

30 November

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 8 and 12 Corps have reduced

enemy’s bridgehead W of the Maas to small pocket

at Blerick, across from Venlo.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 102d Div takes over burden of attack:

while 405th Inf continues to fight along Lindern–

Linnich highway, 406th drives to edge of Linnich

and 407th clears enemy from Welz, within a mile

of the Roer. 335th Inf, 84th Div, overcomes resistance within Beeck, but enemy retains heights to NE.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

finishes clearing Lammersdorf and secures N half of

Inden. 8th Inf, 4th Div, continues costly efforts to

get through Huertgen Forest; 12th, advancing more

than 1,000 yards, reaches edge of woods W of Gey

[ 29–30 NOVEMBER 1944 ]
[ 341 ]

but is too weak to attack the village; 22d reinf by

bn of 5th Armd Div, attempts to secure Grosshau

clearing and forest between Grosshau and Gey in

order to swing NE toward Dueren; some elements

reach edge of woods overlooking Gey, but rest of

force suffers heavily while trying to come abreast.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div attacks toward the Sarre on N flank of corps,

CCB on right reaching the river opposite Merzig,

where bridges are down. 359th Inf, 90th Div, occupies Fremersdorf, on W bank of the Sarre, without opposition; 1st Bn of 357th crosses the Nied in

assault boats near Niedaltdorf and pushes on to

Bueren, which enemy is defending. After consolidating positions, 95th Div continues attack toward the

Sarre, gaining heights commanding Saarlautern:

377th Inf mops up Ste Barbara on left and advances

right wing to Felsberg; 378th takes hill S of Felsberg. TF Bell (Col Robert P. Bell), consisting of

5th Div’s 10th Inf ( — ), 5th Rcn Tr, and supporting

units, is formed to cover exposed right flank of 95th

Div and attached to that div. In XII Corps area,

positions are generally static except on right, where

4th Armd Div gets into position for assault on

Sarre–Union with capture of heights overlooking

Mackwiller.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div and CCA, 14th Armd

Div, continue S on E flank of corps; CCA clears St

Pierre. 103d Div, now concentrated about Epfig, S

of St Pierre, follows CCA southward toward Sélestat.

Elements of 36th Div get into position for attack on

Châtenois, W of Sélestat.

HUNGARY—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front

take Eger, NE of Budapest, and are closing in on

Miskolc.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, Germans take Casa Nuovo from 1st Div. In

Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div renews attack toward Casa Bettini bridge and takes

Albereto, breaching switch-line positions.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div finds

Pinwe free of enemy.

CHINA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek decides

to move Ch 22d and 38th Divs from Burma to China

for defense of Kunming. Ch 14th Div is eventually

substituted for 38th, so that current operations in

Burma will suffer less. Gen Wedemeyer informs

JCS and Adm Mountbatten of the Generalissimo’s

decision. Chiang Kai-shek also agrees to provide

270,000 replacements for ALPHA by 1 April 1945 but

refuses request to supply arms to Ch forces of IX

War Area.

P.I.—Projected Mindoro operation is postponed

for 10 days by Gen MacArthur in order to release

shipping and naval support forces for landing in

Ormoc area on Leyte. Final target dates for Mindoro

and Luzon are 15 December 1944 and 9 January

1945, respectively.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

112th Cav, which has been driving S to ease pressure

on 32d Div in Limon area, halts at ridge E of

Highway 2 about 5,000 yards SE of Limon; unable

to progress farther because of strong opposition,

cavalrymen dig in and drive off enemy patrols. In

XXIV Corps area, battle of Shoestring Ridge ends

successfully as elements of 184th Inf, 7th Div, clear

the bamboo thicket and establish night perimeter on

forward slope of the ridge.

1 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, Linnich falls to

406th Inf, 102d Div; 405th Inf gains objective

heights along Lindern–Linnich highway by double

envelopment. In XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th

Div begins attack to reduce the 2 enemy positions

W of the Roer opposite Juelich—one a group of

buildings called Hasenfeld Gut and the other the

Juelich sportplatz, an athletic field; both are protected by enemy fire from commanding ground E

of the Roer and accessible only through open terrain; assault forces are soon pinned down by enemy

fire. In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

gains some ground in S part of Inden. 8th Inf, 4th

Div, still trying in vain to get out of Huertgen

Forest, has gained less than 1,000 yards during 3

days of hard fighting; 22d Inf, committing its reserves, finally emerges to establish thin line along

woods overlooking Gey. Gen Collins orders attack

halted. Since 16 November, 4th Div has made maximum gain of a little more than 3 miles at exceedingly high cost. 47th Inf reverts to 9th Div from

attachment to 1st Div. In V Corps area, elements

of 28th and 121st Regts of 8th Div have cleared a

portion of Tiefen Creek bottom land on right flank

and of Brandenberger Wald on left flank, to provide

a measure of safety for armored drive along Kleinhau–Brandenberg highway, which follows ridge

line.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps continues

to clear enemy positions W of the Sarre in preparation for assault across the river. 10th Armd Div

is overcoming relatively weak opposition in Merzig

sector. 90th Div is rapidly cleaning out its sector

S of Merzig. Air preparation precedes 95th Div’s

attempt to reach arid cross the Sarre: medium

bombers attack Saarlautern, Ensdorf, and Fraulautern; fighter bombers interdict movement E of

the river. Resistance continues stiff, however, as

95th Div attacks, making main effort with fresh

379th Inf: 377th takes Felsberg and begins clearing

Ste Barbara; 378th gains hill near Berus but is un-

[ 1 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 342 ]

able to reach Bisten; 379th attacks through 377th

toward Saarlautern. TF Fickett (Col E. M. Fickett), consisting of 6th Cav Gp and 5th Ranger Bn,

assembles near St Avold to screen S flank of corps,

relieving TF Bell, components of which revert to

5th Div. 5th Div, still containing forts in Metz area,

is assigned narrow front to right of 95th Div in

preparation for drive to the Sarre across Warndt

salient. 6th Cav TF is to protect right of 5th Div.

In XII Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div and 101st

Inf of 26th Div open co-ordinated drive on Sarre–

Union against lively opposition: 3d Bn of 101st

clears Sarre–Union but, since it cannot take hill N

of the town, pulls back for night; 1st Bn clears Bannholtz woods; CCB secures Hill 318, N of Mackwiller. 80th and 35th Divs and 6th Armd Div are

ordered to make limited attack on 4th to straighten

left and center of corps line.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div is meeting strong resistance

in vicinity of Tieffenbach. 45th Div is likewise opposed in Zinswiller–Meitesheim area. 79th Div, reinf by 94th Cav Rcn Sq of 14th Armd Div, clears

Schweighausen. In VI Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div

continues southward along the Rhine. 103d and 36th

Divs are converging on Sélestat. CCA, 14th Armd

Div, is withdrawn to corps reserve.

EASTERN EUROPE—In E Czechoslovakia, Soviet

troops cross to W bank of Ondava R in vicinity of

Humenne and Trebisov. Germans are containing

attacks by troops of Second Ukrainian Front in

vicinity of Miskolc, NE of Budapest in Hungary,

but Third Ukrainian forces SW of Budapest gain

ground NE and N of Pecs.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13

Corps alters plan of attack because of enemy withdrawals. First phase calls for capture of M. Penzola

by 6th Armd Div.

Br Eighth Army continues preparation for offensive on 3d. In 5 Corps area, Ind 10th Div secures

Casa Bettini bridge over the Montone and is relieved on right flank by Cdn 1 Corps troops. Cdn 1

Corps moves assault forces across the Montone via

bridge at Casa Bettini.

BURMA—Gen Stratemeyer issues general order,

effective 4 December, reorganizing EAC.

On NCAC front, Ch 30th Div, with 90th Regt

in the lead, is moving southward from Bhamo area

toward Namhkam over rough terrain.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer directs Gen Chennault to make main effort of Fourteenth Air Force

in defense of air line to China and SOS; in addition

to providing logistical support of U.S. military activities, to support certain Ch forces in China Theater.

On Salween front, Ch forces take Che-fang.

NEW GUINEA—Australians take over from U.S.

troops at Aitape.

LEYTE—Japanese food supply is exhausted by

this time.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, after preparatory fire, Co E of 128th Inf, 32d Div, attacks through

CO C of 34th Inf, 24th Div, to clear knolls on SE

end of Kilay Ridge, taking the first. 1st Bn, 34th

Inf, is ordered to withdraw from the ridge but is

unable to do so for several days. 112th Cav attempts

in vain to clear ridge SE of Limon. In XXIV Corps

area, warning order for assault on Ormoc is issued.

PALAUS—Elements of 81st Div complete occupation of Kayangel Atoll.

2 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s 2 Corps area, Germans breach dyke

area on the Neder Rijn near Arnhem and flood region to SW, forcing corps to withdraw Waal R

bridgehead to rail line running W from Elst.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 334th Inf of 84th Div takes Leiffarth

and high ground NE of Beeck and Lindern. 407th

Inf, 102d Div, makes co-ordinated effort against

Roerdorf and Flossdorf, taking former. In XIX

Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div continues struggle

for the 2 strongpoints in Juelich area.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

finishes clearing Inden and its entire zone W of the

Inde; at 2300, 415th and 414th Regts, supported by

fire of 413th, start across the river at Inden, taking

enemy by surprise. 1st Div is ordered to straighten

line by clearing Luchem and then prepare for relief;

1st Div has gained less than 4 miles during 15 days

of hard fighting. 22d Inf, 4th Div, repels counterattack from Gey with help of arty. In V Corps area,

TF Hamberg of CCR, 5th Armd Div, attacks down

Kleinhau–Brandenberg highway under fire from

Kommerscheidt–Schmidt ridge but is stopped by

mine field; interdictory fire is placed on enemy during night while mines are being cleared.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div, with capture of Dreisbach before dawn, finishes

clearing its zone W of the Sarre; CCB is then held

in reserve while CCA outposts W bank of river between 3d Cav Gp and 90th Div. 90th Div, night

2–3, begins extending southward in preparation for

attack across the Sarre in Dillingen area. 95th Div

is again supported by aircraft as it fights for crossing of the Sarre in Saarlautern area; 2d Bn, 379th

Inf, drives into Saarlautern and begins house-tohouse battle in W part of town; St Barbara falls to

377th Inf; 378th forces enemy from Pikard; arty

observation plane spots bridge intact leading to Saarlautern and 379th Inf prepares to seize it. 3d Bn of

11th Inf, 5th Div, joins 10th Inf in attack through

SW part of Forêt de la Houve. In XII Corps area,

[ 2 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 343 ]

101st Inf of 26th Div finds enemy in possession of

Sarre–Union and is obliged to clear it once more;

104th Inf elements move forward to strengthen hold

on the town. 4th Armd Div cuts roads extending

eastward to Domfessel and to Voellerdingen from

Sarre–Union; with air support defeats enemy efforts

to reopen these escape routes; Gen Patton orders div

withdrawn as soon as possible after its relief by XV

Corps. 35th Div relieves CCB, 6th Armd Div, near

Puttelange, night 2–3. 6th Armd Div extends

northward to take over part of 80th Div’s MLR.

6th Army Group: Group commander, Gen

Devers, orders U.S. Seventh Army to regroup by

5 December for main assault northward. French

are to have full responsibility for reducing Colmar

Pocket.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div

takes Waldhambach. 45th drives into Engwiller

and clears Meitesheim. In VI Corps area, Fr 2d

Armd Div drive comes to a halt in Kogenheim–Freisenheim region and div reverts to Fr 1st Army. 103d

and 36th Divs begin clearing house-to-house opposition in Sélestat.

Fr 1st Army is reinf by U.S. 36th Div. Gen de

Lattre orders converging drives against Colmar

Pocket from N and S, aimed at the Rhine at NeufBrisach.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army continues strong

attack toward Budapest. Troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front expand Ondava R bridgehead in Czechoslovakia, while those of Second Ukrainian Front

hammer at fortifications in Miskolc area (Hungary).

Third Ukrainian forces in SW Hungary press N

and NW on broad front between the Danube and

Drava Rivers.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army makes limited

advances in preparation for general offensive. 10

Corps, which is responsible for deceptive measures,

takes command of 26th Armd Brig, 6th Armd Div.

Cdn 1 Corps begins clearing enemy’s switch-line

positions between the Montone and the Lamone.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, E African 11th Div reaches the Chindwin at

Kalewa.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer presents Chiang Kaishek a proposal, suggested by Col David D. Barrett

of the American Observer Group in Yenan, to form

3 communist regts in Yenan, to be equipped by

U.S. SOS, for use in Nationalist territory under

command of a U.S. officer. The plan is rejected.

Later in December, Gen McClure drafts plan for

U.S. airborne units of technicians to go into communist China and informally presents it to the two

factions for approval. Japanese column driving on

Kweiyang reaches Tu-shan.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

Cos E and F of 128th Inf, 32d Div, extend southward on Kilay Ridge against firm resistance. 1st Bn

of 34th Inf, 24th Div, is ordered by 128th Inf commander to remain on the ridge until further notice.

112th Cav continues efforts to dear ridge SE of

Limon and sends Tr A toward Highway 2 to make

contact with 32d Div.

3 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, with 12 Corps capture of Blerick,

across from Venlo, Second Army finishes clearing

W Bank of the Maas.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps reaches the Roer. Flossdorf falls to 407th

Inf, 102d Div. In XIX Corps area, commander of

116th Inf, 29th Div, is replaced as futile efforts to

reduce the Juelich strongpoints continue.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

extends Inde bridgehead eastward beyond Lucherberg. Enemy, having recovered from surprise of

night crossing, is countering strongly. 16th Inf ( — ),

1st Div, assisted by tanks and TD’s, seizes Luchem.

330th Regt, 83d Div, from VIII Corps sector begins

relief of 4th Div, which is eventually to move to

Luxembourg. In V Corps area, 8th Div continues

to clear flanks of main assault in Brandenberger

Wald and Tiefen Creek area, while TF Hamberg

of 5th Armd Div, with effective air support, renews

drive down Kleinhau–Brandenberg highway and

seizes Brandenberg. The usually inactive German

Air Force appears in strength in afternoon, about

60 ME–109’s attacking without causing serious

damage and at cost of at least 19 shot down. With

enemy on commanding ground near Brandenberg,

Americans are precariously situated but no reinforcement is possible since TF Boyer (Lt Col

Howard E. Boyer) of CCR, 5th Armd Div, temporarily attached to 28th Inf of 8th Div, is clearing

enemy strongpoint in Vossenack.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 1st Bn

of 379th Inf, 95th Div, seizes bridge leading to Saarlautern–Saarlautern–Roden road, but the bridge

cannot be used immediately because of enemy efforts to destroy it with fire; 2d and 3d Bns clear

most of Saarlautern; other elements of 95th Div

move forward to river line. 10th Inf, 5th Div, clears

Creutzwald in hard battle; 6th Cav Gp and 2d

Ranger Bn repel counterattacks W of Lauterbach.

In XII Corps area, counterattacking enemy force

from Oermingen drives into Sarre–Union before

being checked by 26th Div defenders of the town.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div is delayed by enemy at

Ratzwiller but 45th takes Zinswiller. 100th Div begins drive on Bitche, passing 398th Inf through 44th

Div. VI Corps continues to clear Sélestat.

[ 3 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 344 ]

EASTERN EUROPE—In NE Hungary, Soviet

forces of Second Ukrainian Front overrun Miskolc,

key point in enemy’s defense line NE of Budapest

and important center of war industries.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army opens offensive

toward Bologna with 3 corps abreast. Pol 2 Corps,

which is to secure left flank of army by clearing foothills to left of 5 Corps, jumps off at 2300. 5 Corps

attacks along Highway 9 toward the Santerno.

Cdn 1 Corps, in Adriatic coastal sector, continues

toward Ravenna and the Santerno with Cdn 1st Div

on left and Cdn 5th Armd Div on right, Cdn 1st

Div enveloping and taking Russi and Cdn 5th

Armd Div seizing Godo, on Russi–Ravenna road,

night 3–4.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten agrees to permit Ch

22d and 38th Divs to move from Burma to China

to defend Kunming.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, E African 11th Div establishes bridgehead

across the Chindwin at Kalewa, where bridging is

undertaken under fire. Ind 20th Div secures bridgehead across the river to N in Mawlaik area, crossing

a brig; uses Kalewa site for crossing rest of division.

CHINA—Japanese 11th Army halts its unauthorized drive into Kweichow Province toward

Kweiyang as its supplies run out.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Tr

G of 112th Cav tries unsuccessfully to scale steep

slopes of ridge SE of Limon. Tr A makes contact

with 126th Inf W of Hill 1525 without incident.

In XXIV Corps area, at commanders conference,

Maj Gen Archibald V. Arnold orders 7th Div to

clear region S of Talisayan R, including Hills 918,

380, and 606, beginning on 5th.

4 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, XIII Corps has cleared its sector

W of the Roer except for Wurm and Muellendorf

and suspends offensive until 18th.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

improves bridgehead across Inde R. Upon completion of bridges, supporting weapons cross. In V

Corps area, 8th Div withholds armored attack on

Bergstein while awaiting reinforcements, but infantrymen continue to clear flanks of the Brandenberg–Bergstein ridge. TF Boyer of 5th Armd Div

eliminates the Vossenack strongpoint.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th Div

regroups hastily to exploit capture of Saarlautern

bridge; 3d Bn, 379th Inf, crosses bridge and begins

prolonged struggle for suburb of Fraulautern, which

is within West Wall; 1st and 3d Bns repel tank-infantry counterattack; 378th Inf takes Lisdorf, on the

Sarre just S of Saarlautern. 10th Inf, 5th Div, withstands counterattack on S flank of corps; 3d Bn,

11th, takes up positions to right of 10th and begins

attack to clear region between Roselle and Sarre

Rivers. XII Carps begins final drive toward the

Sarre and West Wall. 80th Div, with 318th Inf in

assault, attacks after intense, effective arty preparation and takes Farebersviller and hills to NE. CCA,

6th Armd Div, attacks toward Mont de Cadenbronn. 35th Div attacks across the Maderbach before

dawn, taking enemy by surprise: 134th Inf seizes

Puttelange; 320th, to right, is soon checked by enemy fire. 104th Inf, 26th Div, eliminates enemy remnants in Sarre–Union during methodical mop-up.

4th Armd Div, learning of German retreat, begins

pursuit across Eichel Creek, CCB crossing advance

force at Voellerdingen; CCA comes under accurate

fire at Domfessel.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, toad and 36th Divs finish clearing

Sélestat. 36th Div takes control there, relieving 103d

Div forces.

EASTERN EUROPE—Fighting continues NE and

SW of Budapest. Soviet and Yugoslav troops clearing region between the Danube and Sava Rivers

in Yugoslavia overrun Mitrovica.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 6th Armd Div, jumping off night 4–5, clears

most of M. Penzola.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps takes Montecchio. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div is attacking toward Piedura ridge against strong resistance.

Cdn 1 Corps takes Ravenna and reaches the Lamone, cutting Highway 16 where it crosses the river;

1st Div begins attack across the Lamone, night 4–5.

CHINA—In the course of reorganizing the government to make it more progressive and efficient,

Chiang Kai-shek names T. V. Soong premier as well

as foreign minister. Gen Wedemeyer asks that

B–29’s, which are a strain on Hump tonnage, be

moved from China.

P.I.—U.S. Seventh Air Force bombers begin

harassing night attacks on Luzon airfields. On

Leyte, Gen Krueger, CG Sixth Army, orders attack

on 5 December to destroy enemy in Ormoc area,

with X Corps moving southward astride Highway

2 to support XXIV Corps. In X Corps area, 1st Bn

of 34th Inf, 24th Div, begins withdrawal from

Kilay Ridge toward Pinamopoan. 112th Cav continues futile efforts to clear ridge SE of Limon.

XXIV Corps prepares for assault on Ormoc with

7th Div by land and 77th Div by sea. 184th Inf of

7th Div gets patrols as far N as Balogo 776th Amph

Tank Bn after dark moves to waters 1,000 yards W

of Balogo.

[ 4 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 345 ]

5 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div withstands

determined counterattack against Lucherberg. 9th

Div is arriving from V Corps zone and begins relief

of 1st Div. In V Corps area, TF Boyer of CCR, 5th

Armd Div, renewing drive on Bergstein, pushes 3

prongs into the village and clears it but is threatened

from Castle Hill (Burg-Berg) to E.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 1st and

3d Bns of 379th Inf, 95th Div, continue to attack

toward Saarlautern-Roden and Fraulautern, respectively, without making much headway; 2d Bn

crosses into bridgehead and drives through 1st Bn

to edge of Saarlautern-Roden, where counterattack

is repulsed; 3d Bn breaks into S part of Fraulautern; 2 bns of 378th Inf cross the Sarre at Lisdorf

and drive to edge of Ensdorf. On S flank of corps,

Lauterbach falls to 5th Div without a fight. In

XII Corps area, 35th Div gets patrols to the Sarre;

2d Bn, 134th Inf, drives to SE outskirts of Sarreguemines. CCA, 6th Armd Div, also patrols to river

line, in region N of Sarreguemines. 2d Cav Gp,

advancing along Roselle R on left flank of corps,

patrols across German frontier near St. Nicolas.

CCA, 4th Armd Div, crosses creek at Domfessel

and pushes N toward Rohrbach-lès-Bitche, an important communications center, but is halted with

heavy losses short of Bining; CCB drives to Schmittviller. 26th Div closely follows 4th Armd Div.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army begins general attack northward toward Maginot Line and

West Wall with reorganized XV Corps on left and

VI on right. XV Corps, consisting of 44th and 100th

Inf Divs and 12th Armd Div, pushes forward with

infantry, 44th taking Ratzwiller and 100th overrunning Wimmenau and Wingen. VI Corps (3d,

45th 79th, and 103d Inf Divs and 14th Armd Div)

drives northward with 45th and 79th Divs: elements

of 45th reach Mertzwiller, which enemy is defending stubbornly.

In Fr 1st Army area, alteration of interarmy

boundary gives French full responsibility for reduction of German bridgehead W of the Rhine in Colmar area; Fr 1st Army is reinf for the task by U.S.

36th Div and Fr 2d Armd Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Third Ukrainian Front

progresses rapidly in center, where forward elements

reach Lake Balaton; left flank elements driving along

N bank of Drava R overrun Szigetvar. Berlin reports

Soviet crossing of the Danube near Vukovar.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps, after taking M. Rinaldo and securing left

flank of army, halts until 5 Corps can reduce opposition on Pideura ridge. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div continues to make slow progress against Pideura ridge.

In Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div is forced to abandon

its bridgehead across the Lamone on left flank of

corps. Mopping up is conducted E of the Lamone

for the next few days while bridging is underway.

SEAC—U.S. Tenth Air Force begins airlift of

Ch 14th Div from Burma to China. Ch 22d Div is

to prepare for similar movement.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese send strong

TF toward Bhamo to assist withdrawal of beleaguered garrison. This force of about 3,000 starts

N from Namhkam in evening. Ch 30th Div continues southward drive toward Namhkam against

enemy opposition from hill positions.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army begins offensive

against Ormoc. In X Corps area 112th Cav is still

stalemated on ridge SE of Limon. 32d Div prepares

to drive down Highway 2. In XXIV Corps area,

776th Amph Tank Bn, moving N by sea beyond

Balogo, lands in Tabgas area to fire on hills in front

of 7th Div; continues northward by sea to reconnoiter Calingatngan region, then returns to bivouac

area. 7th Div attacks with 184th Inf on left and 17th

on right: 184th secures line from beach some 300

yards S of Balogo on left to heights SE of Palanas R

on right; 3d Bn crosses the Palanas and scales first

ridge of Hill 380. Co K, 32d Inf, plugs gap between

184th and 17th Regts. 17th Inf takes ridge W of

Hill 918. 77th Div, at Tarragona beach assembly

area on E coast of Leyte, begins loading supplies and

equipment for landing below Ormoc.

6 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s V Corps area, counterattacking enemy

force pushes into Bergstein but is driven back.

Gen Weaver is granted permission to use 2d Ranger

Bn to reinforce the small group at Bergstein.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

begins attack across the Sarre at 0415, crossing in

assault boats between Rehlingen and Wallerfangen

and establishing small bridgehead in Pachten–Dillingen area; 357th Inf, on N, advances its left flank

about 11/2 miles but is soon pinned down on right;

358th pushes to edge of Pachten and Dillingen. 95th

Div, with 5 bns across the Sarre, continues efforts

to take Saarlautern-Roden, Fraulautern, and Ensdorf portion of West Wall against tenacious resistance. 5th Div continues to clear to the Sarre on S

flank of corps and in Metz area accepts surrender

of St Quentin works. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd

and 35th Inf Divs clear W bank of the Sarre from

Grosbliederstroff to Wittring. 35th, assisted by tanks

of 6th Armd, pushes into Sarreguemines and clears

W sector. 6th Armd Div, its current mission completed, extends northward to protect N flank of

corps. 35th Div is ordered to attack across the Sarre

[ 5–6 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 346 ]

in conjunction with 26th Div on 8th. 26th Div

continues rapidly toward the Sarre. 4th Armd Div

gains foothold in Singling and overruns Bining before being halted to await relief by 12th Armd Div

of XV Corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div takes Montbronn while 100th

clears Meisenthal and surrounds Mouterhouse. In

VI Corps area, enemy counterattack recovers N part

of Mertzwiller from 45th Div forces.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, U.S. 36th Div

is strongly opposed at Ostheim and Guemar but

takes latter.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army broadens and intensifies offensive toward Budapest, Berlin announces, attacking in force on either side of the

Hungarian capital and crossing elements from

Csepel I., to W bank of the Danube S of the city.

Rumanian troops are helping Soviet forces clear NE

Hungary. Moscow reports substantial gains by Third

Ukrainian Front forces all along front. Soviet and

Yugoslav forces clearing region between the Danube

and Sava in N Yugoslavia take rail and road center

of Sid.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 19th Brig of Ind 8th Div, completes movement

to W flank of corps to operate under 1st Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps moves to Macerata from Perugia.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Regt is

ordered to relieve Ch 22d Div in Mo-hlaing area,

about a mile N of Tonk-wa. About this time, Japanese TF starts across the Shweli toward Tonk-wa.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

repeated efforts of 112th Cav to eliminate enemy on

ridge SE of Limon fail. In XXIV Corps area, 7th

Div continues northward drive on Ormoc, taking

Balogo, Hill 918, and Kang Dagit; some elements

are on the Palanas R and others are on a ridge of Hill

380. 77th Div loads for landing in Ormoc Bay at

Deposito and sails with DD and Fifth Air Force

protection for target area. About 150 Japanese attack

Buri strip, surprising defense force and entering

woods N of the strip.

7 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In

U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, commander of

116th Inf, 29th Div, reports that continued efforts

to take the Juelich strong-points will be fruitless;

during the past 6 days the regt has suffered heavy

casualties and is unfit to continue the action; 115th

Inf replaces 116th and prepares to continue the assault.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div

completes relief of 1st Div and takes responsibility

for Luchem–Langerwehe–Juengersdorf–Merode region. 1st Div, except for 16th Inf, which is attached

to V Corps, moves to rest areas. 83d Div, less 329th

inf, takes over zone of 4th Div on S flank of corps,

with 8th Inf of 4th Div under its command. 4th

Div ( — 8th Inf) passes to VIII Corps control. V

Corps virtually finishes clearing its sector to the

Roer. 2d Ranger Bn pushes to crest of Castle Hill,

where it is under heavy fire and repels 2 counterattacks. When a platoon advances to reinforce the

rangers, enemy withdraws hastily. CCR of 5th

Armd Div pulls back from Bergstein during night

but by this time 28th Inf of 8th Div has advanced

almost to the village from the S.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

attempts to improve and consolidate bridgehead in

Pachten–Dillingen area with little success: 357th

Inf establishes thin perimeter on N flank and holds

it against major counterattack but is separated from

358th Inf in Dillingen–Pachten area by fortified

West Wall belt; enemy fire continues to prevent

construction of vehicular bridge, but footbridge is

improvised and the bridgehead resupplied during

night 7–8. 95th Div continues to battle West Wall

positions in its Saarlautern bridgehead: 379th Inf

makes limited progress in Saarlautern–Roden; 377th

takes over fight for Fraulautern; 378th is virtually

at a standstill in Ensdorf area and its 2d Bn is still

W of the Sarre. 10th Inf, 5th Div finishes clearing

its sector and ties in with 95th Div; in Metz area,

Fort Plappeville surrenders to 2d Inf. XII Corps

regroups for assault on West Wall between Saarbruecken and Zweibruecken by 35th and 26th Divs.

80th Div withdraws to rear upon relief by 6th Armd

Div and 2d Cav Gp. 35th Div is still engaged at Sarreguemines. 4th Armd Div is being relieved by XV

Corps. 26th Div reaches positions within sight of

Maginot Line forts at Wittring and Achen.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div is approaching Enchenberg

against lively opposition. 100th Div seizes Mouterhouse. 12th Armd Div begins relief of 4th Armd

Div (XII Corps). In VI Corps area, 94th Cav Rcn

Sq and elements of 19th Armd Inf Bn attached to

79th Div begin attack on Gambsheim. 103d Div is

committed between 45th and 79th Divs.

Fr 1st Army opens attack on Colmar Pocket

in 1st Corps zone while 2d Corps is containing determined counterattacks in Ostheim, Guemar, and

Mittelwihr areas. 1st Corps drives on Cernay and

Thann, 2d Moroccan Div taking Bischwiller and

establishing bridgehead at Pont d’Aspach.

EASTERN EUROPE—Right wing elements of

Third Ukrainian Front clearing region between the

Danube and Lake Balaton seize Adony, about 25

miles S of Budapest, and Enying, less than 20 miles

from Szekesfehervar; center elements report S bank

[ 7 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 347 ]

of Lake Balaton clear; left flank forces clearing region between Lake Balaton and the Drava take

Barcs. Moscow announces that the Germans are

bringing reinforcements from Italy and the Western

Front to defend Budapest. Yugoslavia reports several crossings of the Danube near Vukovar in

Slovenia by Soviet and Yugoslav units. Berlin claims

that German withdrawal from Montenegro and W

Serbia “progressed according to plan.”

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area,

village of Piedura falls to 46th Div, but enemy

retains ridges near there.

LEYTE—Fifth Air Force and Army and Marine

land-based planes join in attacks on enemy convoy

of 6 transports and 7 escort vessels heading for

Leyte with reinforcements. The entire convoy is

believed to have been destroyed.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, enemy

continues to cling stubbornly to ridge SE of Limon,

preventing 2d Sq of 112th Cav from advancing. 1st

Sq reaches Leyte R, where it makes contact with

Tr A and 126th Inf of 32d Div. In XXIV Corps

area, 77th Div, after naval gunfire preparation, begins unopposed landing at Deposito at 0707 and

moves inland at once, 307th Inf clearing Ipil and

305th reaching Bagonbon R. Although opposition

ashore is light, shipping in Ormoc Bay undergoes

16 enemy air attacks by an estimated 45–50 planes,

of which 36 are believed to have been shot down.

Suicide planes severely damage 5 vessels, 2 of which,

USS Mahan (DD) and transport Ward, must be

sunk. 7th Div pushes on toward Ormoc, 184th Inf

reaching Tabgas R and 17th taking Hill 380. This

virtually completes battle of the ridges, although

fighting continues for several days before div reaches

its objective, Talisayan R. Fighting continues in

Buri airstrip area. 1st Bn of 149th Inf, 38th Div,

gains hold on SW edge, making contact with 1st

Bn of 187 Gli Inf, 11th A/B Div.

8 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 29th Div’s 115th Inf

reduces Hasenfeld Gut and sportplatz strongpoints

in Juelich area with help of assault guns and smoke.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps is ordered

to attack on 10th to clear region between Inde and

Roer Rivers and approaches to Dueren, corps’ objective. In V Corps area, bn of 13th Inf relieves

Rangers on Castle Hill. In their 2-day stay there,

Rangers have lost more than 1/4 of their original

strength.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf

is again subjected to major counterattacks in 90th

Div’s Dillingen bridgehead, but forces enemy back

in hand-to-hand fighting; local enemy counterattacks keep 358th Inf largely on the defensive, although elements push across RR tracks to take

Dillingen station; reserve regt, 359th, crosses into

bridgehead, night 8–9. 95th Div is very slowly expanding its Saarlautern bridgehead, fighting from

house to house and from pillbox to pillbox; 2d Bn,

378th Inf, joins parent regt in Ensdorf after crossing river in assault boats. 6th Cav Gp takes over

sector on S flank of corps from elements of 5th

Div. After receiving surrender of Fort Driant, 2d

Inf of 5th Div turns over Metz sector, where Fort

Jeanne d’Arc is still holding out, to 87th Div of

III Corps. In XII Corps area, 35th Div attacks across

the Sarre, 134th Inf crossing by bridge S of Sarreguemines and 320th by boats in region to E; 134th

clears Sarreinsming and pushes NE under heavy

fire from Sarreguemines; 320th, whose 3d Bn is

unable to cross until night 8–9, establishes bridgehead and with aid of arty and fighter-bombers halts

counterattack as it is forming. 26th Div attacks Maginot Line within its sector after arty and air preparation: 328th Inf begins assault on Fort Wit-tring and

Grand Bois, fighting through night 8–9; 104th, to

right, easily takes 4 mutually supporting forts in

Achen area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 12th Armd Div completes relief of 4th

Armd Div (XII Corps) in place. 44th Div pushes

into Encherberg and 100th into Lemberg, but enemy

is defending both towns. VI Corps is conducting

deception program to lead enemy to expect Rhine

crossing in Strasbourg area or attack in vicinity of

Bischwiller. 45th Div begins attack on Niederbronn.

In 79th Div zone, 94th Cav Rcn Sq clears Gambsheim.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps is still undergoing lively counterattacks. U.S. 36th Div troops

are driving on Kayserberg. 1st Corps gains foothold

in Thann.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces, Berlin admits,

“widen their breach” N of Budapest. Troops of

Third Ukrainian Front clearing region between

Lake Balaton and the Danube are roughly 10 miles

from Szekesfehervar. Germans are warding off

breakthrough attempts between Lake Balaton and

the Drava.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, enemy abandons rest of M. Penzola.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps begins relief

of 46th Div with Ind 10th Div.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese take Tonkwa from outnumbered Chinese. In Br Fourteenth

Army area, 4 Corps hq moves from Imphal to Tamu

and is placed under Lt Gen Messervy, who succeeds

Lt Gen Sir Geoffrey Scoones. Corps is to move

secretly southward down the Gangaw Valley to

S flank of army, where it will seize bridgehead

[ 8 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 348 ]

over the Irrawaddy in Pakokku area and thrust toward Meiktila and Thazi.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Sq of 112th Cav begins action to locate and

sever Japanese supply line to ridge SE of Limon.

In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div (reinf

by 2d Bn of 306th and supported by arty, Co A of

776th Amph Tank Bn and Co A of 88th Chemical

Weapons Bn) drives N astride Highway 2 from

Ipil toward Camp Downes, less than a mile from

Ormoc. Platoon of Co A, 776th Tank Bn, moving

by sea, reconnoiters Camp Downes area, meeting

enemy fire. 305th Inf protects S flank of div, holding

perimeter from Ipil area S to Baod R. Americans

consolidate positions in Buri airfield area.

VOLCANO Is.—B–29’s and warships join B–24’s

in bombardment of Iwo Jima.

9 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, 75th Div is assigned to army and

on 11th further assigned to XVI Corps. In XIX

Corps area, 30th Div is ordered to secure region

between Inde and Roer Rivers within its zone.

In U.S. First Army area, army maintains and improves defensive positions.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

commits its full strength to Dillingen bridgehead

battle: 359th Inf begins clearing mutually supporting fortifications between 357th and 358th Regts,

easing pressure on right flank of 357th; 357th holds

its weak perimeter on N flank of the bridgehead

against repeated counterattacks that are debilitating

to both sides; supply situation of 358th, fighting indecisively along RR tracks in Dillingen, improves as

rafting operations are begun in afternoon and first

tank crosses by treadway ferry in evening, but 359th

and 357th Regts must still rely on assault boats,

carrying parties, and aircraft for reinforcement and

supply. 95th Div continues almost futile efforts to

expand Saarlautern bridgehead; supply problem is

intensified by rapidly rising Sarre R. With relief of

10th Inf on S flank of corps by 6th Cav GP, 5th Div

is able to assemble in preparation for attack on West

Wall. In XII Corps area, 35th Div’s bridgeheads

across the Sarre continue to receive heavy enemy

fire, but 2 Class 40 bridges are completed by midnight; 1st Bn of 137th Inf is sent to Sarreguemines

to mop up in W part of city, since 134th Inf can

make little headway until this is done; 320th moves

forward more rapidly because of 26th Div’s action

to right. 328th Inf, 26th Div, completes capture of

Fort Wittring by dawn and after daylight finds that

enemy has abandoned Fort Grand Bois; 104th Inf

is pushing steadily toward Gros Réderching. In III

Corps area, 87th Div is assigned to XII Corps to

replace 26th Div, and 346th Inf starts by truck to

Gros Réderching area.

6th Army Group: In XV Corps area, CCA of

12th Armd Div, driving NE on left flank of corps,

takes Singling. Enchenberg falls to 44th Div and

Lemberg to 100th. In VI Corps area, 45th Div clears

Niederbronn. 79th Div overruns Bischwiller and

pushes to edge of Haguenau.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps is still strongly

opposed but clears Mittelwihr. In 1st Corps area, 2d

Moroccan Div continues clearing Thann. 4th Mtn

Div is meeting vigorous opposition at Lutterbach.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow confirms German

reports of Soviet breakthrough NE of Budapest,

announcing that forces of Second Ukrainian Front

have reached the Danube bend at Vac. Other troops

of this front, having crossed to W bank of the

Danube from Csepel I., S of Budapest, gain contact

with troops of Third Ukrainian Front at Lake

Velencei, between the Danube and Lake Balaton.

Budapest is thus about two-thirds encircled. Sofia

announces that Bulgar and Yugoslav Armies, assisted by Soviet aircraft, have completed the expulsion of Germans from Serbia and Macedonia

during the last few days.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 78th Div extends eastward to M. dell’Acqua

Saluta–M. deb Verro area as 6th Armd Div prepares

to continue offensive.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps contains determined counterattacks but in so doing is too

weakened to exploit this success and suspends offensive.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese forces from

Tonk-wa reach Mohlaing, where Ch 22d Div CP

is located. U.S. 475th Inf, which is arriving in this

area, joins Chinese in counterattack that restores

positions. 113th Regt, Ch 38th Div, has been unable

to penetrate into Bhamo; 114th adopts American

suggestion of taking full advantage of supporting

arty and aircraft and is working forward methodically in N defenses. S of Bhamo, elements of Ch

90th Regt, 30th Div, become isolated during Japanese counterattack.

CHINA—Failure of 2 Ch armies (5th and 53d)

to concentrate for defense of Kunming endangers

success of ALPHA plan and brings protest from Gen

Wedemeyer to Chiang Kai-shek, who replies that

he is keeping the 5th back to defend Kunming.

LEYTE—Last of Japanese reinforcements arrive at

Palompon.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 112th Cav

continues efforts to dislodge enemy from ridge SE

of Limon and to cut enemy’s supply line. In XXIV

Corps area, convoy arrives with supplies and rest

[ 9 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 349 ]

of 306th Inf, 77th Div. 307th Inf, passing 1st Bn

of 306th Inf through 2d Bn of that refit, continues

toward Camp Downes and takes it. 3d Bn, 306th

Inf, is committed to protect E and center of beachhead. 305th Inf secures region NE of Camp Downes

and protects NE flank of div. 2d Bn of 511th Para

Inf, 11th A/B Div, joins 3d Bn at Mahonag, from

which patrols are being sent out. 1st Bn, 149th Inf,

drives N across Buri airstrip but is forced back to S

edge by enemy fire. 1st Bn, 382d, probes to locate

enemy and contains night counterattack against its

perimeter.

10 December

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—France and

USSR sign treaty of alliance in Moscow.

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army area, VII Corps begins co-ordinated

attack to clear W bank of the Roer and city of Dueren, employing 104th Inf, 3d Armd, 9th Inf,

and 83d Inf Divs. Elements of 414th Inf, 104th Div

attack toward village of Schophoven and Pier; penetrate into Pier but are forced out. In 9th Div zone in

center, elements of 3d Armd Div, assisted by 60th

Inf, thrust to Obergeich and gain positions in Echtz;

elements of 39th Inf driving SE from Obergeich get

into position for assault on Merode and Schlicht.

83d Div pushes into villages of Gey and Strass, NE

of Grosshau, with 331st and 330th Refits; 329th Inf

advances on left flank.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Germans

make all-out effort to destroy Dillingen bridgehead,

counter-attacking all along line. 90th Div contains

the onslaughts but cannot move forward. In 95th

Div’s Saarlautern bridgehead, 377th Inf deepens

penetration into Fraulautern but 378th and 379th

Refits are prevented by counterattacks from advancing. In XII Corps area, main body of 137th

Inf, 35th Div, crosses the Sarre to clear E part of

Sarreguemines and begins house-to-house battle.

134th and 320th Refits push toward Blies R. Gros

Réderching falls to 104th Inf, 26th Div. 87th Div

begins relief of 26th Div; latter, as relieved, moves

to Metz in III Corps zone.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

newly arrived 63d and 42d Divs, whose refits are

organized as TF Harris and TF Linden, respectively, are assigned to army. In XV Corps area, CCA

of 12th Armd Div takes Rohrbach-lès-Bitche. 44th

Div secures crossroads below Petit Réderching in

brisk fighting. In VI Corps area, 45th Div seizes

Reichshoffen and Gundershoffen. 79th takes Marienthal and Kaltenhouse but is still held up at

Haguenau. Crossing the Zintzel, 102d Div troops

clear N part of Mertzwiller. 117th Cav Rcn Sq

relieves 94th Cav Rcn Sq at Gambsheim.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 2d Moroccan

Div completes capture of Thann. 9th Colonial Div

reduces last enemy bridgeheads W of the Rhine between Kembs and Swiss border.

EASTERN EUROPE—Second Ukrainian Front

pushes in toward Pest, portion of Budapest E of

the Danube. Germans are withstanding Soviet attacks SW of Budapest and near Miskolc. In N

Yugoslavia, Soviet and Yugoslav forces driving toward Vinkovci penetrate into Vukovar, Yugoslavia

reports.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1

Corps begins attack across the Lamone late in day.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div completes

its part of Phase 2, CAPITAL, ahead of schedule as

patrols enter Indaw and Katha. Later in month,

div crosses the Irrawaddy at Katha and drives toward Kyaukme. Japanese forces working toward

Bhamo to assist withdrawal of garrison penetrate

positions of Ch 30th Div S of Bhamo; vigorous

counter-attack forces enemy to go on the defensive.

U.S. 475th Inf, less 1st Bn in Shwegu area, is concentrated in Mohlaing–Tonk-wa area, where it will

conduct holding action while Ch 22d Div flies to

China.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer urges Chiang Kaishek to order troops of Y–Force on Salween front

to take Wanting, at NE exit of Shweli Valley where

Ledo Road is to meet old Burma Road. Chinese

halted offensive operations with fall of Che-fang on

1st. Japanese in S China link up with Japanese

French Indochina Garrison Army, thus opening

route for movement of 2 divs in small groups into

Indochina. This, plus their push into Kweichow,

which ended on 3 December, marks high tide of

Japanese invasion of continent of Asia.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

32d Div continues to press southward as does 112th

Cav of 1st Cav Div to E. 2d Sq, 112th Cav, is

relieved by 2d Sq, 7th Cav, on ridge SE of Limon

and passes to army control. 12th Cav prepares to

attack to reduce strongpoint in Mt Cabungaan area.

In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div, supported by arty

and naval vessels, takes Ormoc. Co A of 776th

Amph Tank Bn moves into the city at 0900, before

infantry assault begins, and starts shelling buildings

there. 307th and 306th Refits, former driving along

highway and latter to E, attack northward and clear

the city. 7th Div continues forward toward 77th

Div. 11th A/B Div defeats dispirited counterattack

in Burauen area by enemy bn that has made its way

over mountains from Ormoc Bay. 1st Bn of 149th

Inf, 38th Div, attacks and clears Buri airfield area.

In a final major effort against Burauen airfields,

beginning at 1930, Japanese force Fifth Air Force

personnel to fall back, but positions are restored in

counterattack.

[ 10 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 350 ]

11 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy continues

successful defense of Pier and Schophoven, but

elements of 415th Inf, 104th Div, take Merken and

Vilvenich. 60th Inf, 9th Div, and armor of 3d Armd

Div overrun Geich. CCR of 3d Armd Div, reinf

by bn of 60th Inf, makes futile and costly effort to

take Hoven. 39th Inf of 9th Div seizes Merode and

Schlicht. In V Corps area, 2d Div closes in corps

zone and is attached to corps. In VIII Corps area,

106th Div, with 14th Cav Gp attached, takes over

positions in the Schnee Eifel formerly held by 2d

Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf

of 90th Div withdraws a little on N flank of Dillingen bridgehead in order to shorten front and

secure supply lines; 359th and 358th Regts attempt

in vain to find passage through fortified belt between them; 359th loses 3 pillboxes during counterattack; 90th Rcn Tr takes responsibility for W bank

of the Sarre so that the covering force previously

deployed there can be used to strengthen the bridgehead. 95th Div expands Saarlautern bridgehead in

costly fighting: 377th Inf pushes to center of Fraulautern; 378th clears about 5 city blocks in Ensdorf;

progress of 379th in Saarlautern-Roden is negligible.

In XII Corps area, 137th Inf of 35th Div finishes

clearing Sarreguemines, except for a few snipers,

and blocks at Frauenberg; main body of div continues toward Blies R; at night, div prepares to,

attack across the Blies on 12th. 328th Inf, 26 Div,

continues toward German frontier.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div elements take Petit Réderching; others reach Siersthal. In VI Corps area,

Haguenau falls to 79th Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 6th Armd Div is ordered to attack for Tossignano, night 12–13.

In Br Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div

and 5th Armd Div gain bridgeheads across the

Lamone and push to Fosso Vecchio Canal. Tanks

are unable to cross into bridgehead. Porter Force is

dissolved, but elements continue to assist 5th Armd

Div.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

advance elements of 268th Brig reach Indaw.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer drafts directives for

ALPHA that Chiang Kai-shek later approves. Gen

Ho is to command ALPHA forces, but Gen Chennault

will command air forces in the area. U. S. SOS will

assist Gen Ho in supply matters. ALPHA forces are to

complete concentration in Kweiyang area, protect

Kunming and Kweiyang, and train reserves.

ULITHI—Fast carrier groups of U.S. Third Fleet

leave for Luzon.

LEYTE—Leyte-based planes of Fifth Air Force

begin mission in support of coming invasion of

Mindoro.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Sq of

12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, reduces strongpoint N of

its perimeter in Mt. Cabungaan area after intense

preparatory fire. Patrols of 2d Sq, 7th Cav, probe

both sides of ridge SE of Limon before general

frontal and flanking attack is begun behind arty

bombardment; advance stops for night at base of

the hill. 128th Inf, 32d Div, begins patrolling Limon

area. XXIV Corps gains firm control of Ormoc Bay

as advance elements of 7th Div overtake 77th Div

troops at Ipil. Japanese forces on Leyte are thus

divided. 77th Div attacks from Ormoc with 307th

and 306th Regts but makes little progress. 305th

Inf’s 2d and 3d Bns enter line between 307th and

3d Bn of 306th, leaving regt’s 1st Bn just S of Camp

Downes on extreme right flank. Japanese attempts

to land reinforcements at Ormoc Bay, night 11–12,

are frustrated. A few Japanese succeed in landing

but are unable to take an active part in the battle

for Ormoc corridor.

12 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div takes Pier

in 2-pronged assault and forces enemy to withdraw

across the Roer. Elements of 60th Inf, 9th Div,

drive into Mariaweiler. Hoven is cleared of enemy.

CCR, 3d Armd Div, and 60th Inf finish clearing

most of region W of the Roer NW and W of

Dueren during day. 39th Inf, 9th Div, begins clearing Derichsweiler.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, situation

in Dillingen bridgehead improves. 357th Inf, 90th

Div, mops up bypassed resistance within its sector

and 359th and 358th establish contact, opening corridor through fortified belt through which tanks

are moved to 357th. Vehicular ferry is put into

operation. Effective smoke screen permits delivery

of tanks and TD’s to bridgehead. Limited progress

is made in Saarlautern bridgehead by 95th Div.

Combat efficiency of both 90th and 95th Divs has

been lowered sharply because of insufficient reinforcements and exhaustion. In XII Corps area, 35th

Div begins attack across the Blies early in morning:

1st Bn, 134th Inf, crosses and begins to clear Habkirchen, gaining weak hold there; 320th Inf, assisted by tanks, clears Bliesbruck, on near side of

the river, in preparation for crossing. 328th Inf,

26th Div, gets forward elements across German

border and its relief is begun by 87th Div, night

12–13.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps is virtually halted by Maginot fortifica-

[ 11–12 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 351 ]

tions in Hottviller–Bitche area, but CCA, 12th

Armd Div, reaches Bettviller, its objective. VI Corps

commits 14th Armd Div between 103d and 79th

Divs. 79th Div enters Soufflenheim as enemy pulls

back toward West Wall; begins clearing Seltz.

In Fr 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre alters plan

of action, calling for capture of Colmar and Cernay

but deferring drive to the Rhine at Brisach unless

circumstances are favorable. 2d Corps is to make

main effort through Colmar to Rouffach, where it

will link up with 1st Corps coming from Cernay.

1st Corps is so spent that it suspends offensive until

15th.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, Germans, counterattacking at dawn, temporarily force back outpost of 19th Ind Brig on M.

Cerere. 6th Armd Div begins second phase of its

offensive, night 12–13, employing 61st Brig, which

gets elements into Tossignano, where they come

under heavy pressure.

In Br Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd

and 1st Inf Divs advance from Fosso Vecchio to

Naviglio Canal, which runs from Faenza to the sea,

and attack across it, night 12–13. 1st Div gains

bridgehead N of Bagnacavallo, but 5th Armd Div

is forced back to the Fosso Vecchio.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps begins

offensive (ROMULUS) to clear Arakan coastal sector

and gain air and naval bases from which to support

future operations. While Ind 25th Div pushes southward along Mayu Peninsula toward Akyab, W

African 82d Div begins clearing Kalapanzin Valley

in Buthidaung area and W African 81st Div attacks

in Kaladan Valley in vicinity of Kyauktaw.

LEYTE—U.S. Seventh Fleet Task Groups 78.3

and 77.3 leave Leyte Gulf for Mindoro; together

with TG 77.12, which has sailed from Kossol Roads,

move through Surigao Strait into Mindanao Sea,

night 12–13.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32d Div

straightens lines S of Limon and during night 12–13

shells enemy positions ahead of it on Highway 2

as far S as Lonoy. XXIV Corps chases off enemy

vessel sighted near Linao at dawn. 77th Div consolidates positions just N of Ormoc while amassing

supplies and arty.

13 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Br Second Army starts regrouping for offensive to clear

region between the Maas and the Rhine. 30 Corps,

which will at first be employed, turns over its sector

and troops to 12 Corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps, area, 30th Div, in limited attacks, clears most

of region between Inde and Roer Rivers.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

reaches the Roer on 4-mile front. 39th Inf, 9th Div,

finishes clearing Derichsweiler. This virtually ends

current mission of corps. V Corps opens offensive

for Roer and Urft dams, employing 78th Div (untried as yet in combat), 2d Div, and 99th Div. 78th

Div is held up near Kesternich. 2d Div is slowed by

obstacles and enemy fire in center of corps. 99th

Div attacks in Monschau Forest and gains preliminary objectives.

U.S. Third Army draws up plans for air-ground

assault on West Wall. III Corps accepts surrender

of last of the Metz forts—Jeanne d’Arc. In XX Corps

area, 90th Div prepares for all-out effort to take

rest of Dillingen on 15th, regrouping and building

up supplies. 95th Div makes very slight progress in

Saarlautern bridgehead, although elements of 2d

Inf, 5th Div, are committed with 377th Inf to guard

bridge. In XII Corps area, 35th Div strengthens its

hold across the Blies; 1st Bn, 134th Inf, undergoes

enemy counterattacks in Habkirchen, beginning

early in morning, and is forced back toward river;

3d Bn joins in battle for Habkirchen; bn of 320th

Inf crosses the Blies at Bliesbruck and takes Hill 321;

small force from 137th Inf crosses N of Habkirchen

but is pinned down.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div begins struggle for Fort Simershof, near Hottviller, which is barring forward

movement. In VI Corps area, 14th Armd Div attacks between road and 79th Divs, CCA taking

Soultz-sous-Forêts. 79th Div completes capture of

Seltz and overruns Niederroedern.

EASTERN EUROPE—Forward elements of Second

Ukrainian Front thrust to within 6 miles NE and 8

miles E of Budapest.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 61st Brig of 6th Armd Div gets additional

elements into Tossignano. 36th Brig of 78th Div

begins attack for Parocchia di M. Maggiore, night

13–14, but is unable to reach top and withdraws at

dawn.

In Br Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div

maintains bridgehead across Naviglio Canal against

severe counterattacks.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 114th Regt, Ch 38th

Div, breaks through northern defenses of Bhamo

and is pushing into central part. In Tonk-wa area,

U.S. 475th Inf quickly repels enemy attack.

P.I.—As U.S. Seventh Fleet task groups move

W through Mindanao Sea, covered by CVE aircraft,

which make a few air strikes, enemy planes, including kamikazes, begin strikes that damage Adm

Struble’s flagship, Nashville, and USS Haraden,

both of which turn back.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32d

Div makes limited progress southward; southern-

[ 13 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 352 ]

most elements are isolated from main body and out

of food. Japanese counterattack, night 13–14, penetrates CP of 126th Inf. Enemy is driven back before dawn. 2d Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, again

attempts to take ridge SE of Limon but cannot advance. In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf, making main

effort of 77th Div, is held up in Cogon area, N of

Antilao R on Highway 2 just N of Ormoc, where

enemy is strongly entrenched and holds blockhouse

strongpoint. Special TF under Col Paul L. Freeman,

consisting of Cos E and L, is unable to take the

blockhouse by storm. 306th Inf assists 305th with

fire. 307th, on left flank, drives W along Ormoc–

Linao road and takes Linao. Enemy positions in

Cogon area are shelled during night 13–14. 32d Inf,

7th Div, starts NE from Ormoc Bay in effort to

make contact with 11th A/B Div moving W.

14 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div troops

finish clearing region between Inde and Roer

Rivers.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, factory between Mariaweiler and Dueren is cleared of enemy.

V Corps continues offensive but makes little

headway.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

continues attack preparations. Vehicular ferry is put

out of action by enemy fire. 95th Div makes little

progress in expanding Saarlautern bridgehead. In

XII Corps area, 35th Div continues battle for Habkirchen, crossing 2d Bn and Co K of 134th Inf over

river to join in attack. Bailey bridge is put across the

river to the village, night 14–15. 87th Div, which

has been moving toward Rimling, takes that village,

but resistance is stiffening.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, elements of 100th Div attacking Fort

Schiesseck, near Bitche, are pinned down by enemy

fire. In VI Corps area, Lembach falls to 45th Div.

103d Div encounters strong rear-guard opposition

at Climbach. 79th Div column drives to outskirts of

Lauterbourg.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps

area, 6th Armd Div loses contact with elements

within Tossignano and fighting for this objective

ceases after futile efforts to take it.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps renews offensive, night 14–15, pushing forward to left of 5

Corps and in conjunction with it. 5 Corps, after

regrouping, jumps off, night 14–15, with Ind 10th

Div on left and NZ 2d Div on right, Ind 10th attacking toward Pergola ridge and NZ 2d in Colle

area, W of Faenza. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd

Div forces Naviglio Canal to right of 1st Div and

establishes bridgehead.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese garrison of

Bhamo prepares to withdraw. U.S. 475th Inf repels

another enemy attack on Tonk-wa, after which

activity subsides to patrolling; makes patrol contact

with Br 36th Div at Katha.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer starts on field inspection trip.

P.I.—Planes of U.S. Third Fleet’s fast carrier

groups begin attacks on Japanese airfields on Luzon.

Japanese continue air attacks on the Mindoro-bound

task groups of U.S. Seventh Fleet.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

126th and 127th Regts of 32d Div, pressing slowly

southward down Highway 2, come up against

enemy’s MLR on series of ridges commanding Highway 2 and for the next few days can make only

minor gains. 2d Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, succeeds

in dislodging enemy from ridge SE of Limon. 12th

Cav, which has been patrolling in Mt Cabungaan

area, is ordered W to block Highway 2 South of

32d Div and then attack N toward that div. In

XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf of 77th Div reduces

opposition in Cogon area, TF Freeman taking the

blockhouse and road junction N of Ormoc to sever

enemy’s line of communication. On div right flank,

184th Inf relieves 306th Inf in line. 32d Inf, 7th

Div, is advancing steadily over precipitous terrain

toward 511th Para Inf, 11th A/B Div.

15 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army area, V Corps continues to gain ground

slowly. 78th Div secures Kesternich but enemy infiltrates in some strength and isolates elements.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div

opens assault for rest of Dillingen and Prims R

bridge on Dillingen–Saarlautern road under smoke

screen with 359th Inf on left and 358th on right;

attack penetrates enemy MLR in Dillingen sector

and gets well into the town. Lull develops after this

and 90th Div suspends attack. 95th Div continues

slow advance in Saarlautern bridgehead. In XII

Corps area, 134th Inf of 35th Div, assisted by tanks

and TD’s, takes Habkirchen; to left, 137th Inf is

driven out of Breiterwald with very heavy losses in

enemy counterattack. 87th Div is also bitterly opposed but 347th Inf takes Obergailbach and heights

overlooking the Blies.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, CCA of 14th Armd Div, seizes Riedseitz;

CCB takes Salmbach and Schlerthal. One 79th Div

column dears Lauterbourg and another reaches Lauter R at village of Schiebenhardt.

[ 14–15 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 353 ]

Fr 1st Army begins offensive against Germans

W of the Rhine in Colmar area. 2d Corps, making

main effort, penetrates to Orbey.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army troops cross Ipely

(Ipel) R north of Budapest and establish bridgehead on Czechoslovak soil at Sahy.

ITALY—AAI: In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2

Corps pushes forward on left flank of army across

the Sintria R toward the Senio. In 5 Corps area,

Germans struggle to prevent encirclement of

Faenza, exerting strong pressure on NZ forces in

Colle area and bringing Ind 10th Div to a halt

short of Pergola during day but withdrawing, night

15–16. Cdn 1 Corps joins and consolidates bridgeheads across Naviglio Canal N of Faenza and

spends the next few days improving bridgehead.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese garrison of

Bhamo escapes through Ch lines early in morning

and the relief force S of the town begins to disengage. Ch 38th Div moves into Bhamo. CAI and

Y–Force are only 50 air miles apart. 112th Regt,

Ch 38th Div, which was recently withdrawn from

Bhamo battle, is driving on Namhkam. Elements of

U.S. 475th Inf move from Mo-hlaing to Tonk-wa

area.

In Br Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps makes

rapid strides on Arakan front. W African 82d Div

takes Buthidaung and establishes bridgehead across

the Kalapanzin.

MINDORO—Western Visayan Task Force invades Mindoro at 0735 after preparatory bombardment. 19th Inf, 24th Div, lands between Caminawit

Pt and San Agustin; reinf 503d Para Inf, less Co C,

on beach fronting San Agustin; Co C, 503d, across

river mouth from San Agustin. From San Agustin,

3d Bn of 503d Para Inf drives inland about 8 miles

to final beachhead line, securing airstrip, sugar

plant, and village of San Jose without opposition.

19th Inf also drives inland to final beachhead line,

the only contact with enemy being made at Caminawit Pt. Western Visayan Task Force suffers no

casualties. Adm Struble turns over command ashore

to Gen Dunckel. Airdrome construction is begun

at once and new site, about 2 miles NW of White

Beach, is selected. Although there is no ground opposition, enemy planes continue to attack shipping,

destroying 2 LST’s and causing minor damage to

other vessels. Unloading proceeds rapidly, permitting

LSM’s and APD’s of Task Group 78.3 to withdraw

ahead of schedule.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Sq ( — ) of 12th Cav Regt starts W toward Highway 2, reaching previously selected drop area, a banana plantation about 1,800 yards E of Lonoy; rest

of regt joins 1st Sq there by 17 December. In XXIV

Corps area, with port of Ormoc sealed off, 77th Div

pauses to consolidate. 32d Inf, 7th Div, makes contact with 11th A/B Div’s 511th Para Inf, Co G of

which enters its lines. Co G has been isolated for

4 days. It is decided to withdraw 1st and 3d Bns

of 32d Inf to clear pockets in Ormoc area and let

2d Bn continue eastward to establish contact with

rest of 511th Para Inf force.

16 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps begins concentrating

in Nijmegen area for drive on Krefeld, scheduled

to begin on to January.

12th Army Group: Field Marshal von Rundstedt

opens all-out counteroffensive in the Ardennes early

in morning, taking Americans by surprise and

penetrating lines of U.S. First Army. 6th Pz Army

on N and 5th Pz Army on S press vigorously toward

the Meuse on broad front, former directed ultimately

toward Albert Canal in Maastricht–Antwerp area

and latter toward Brussels–Antwerp area. Enemy

paratroopers dropped behind U.S. lines to seize key

points succeed in disrupting communications and

causing widespread confusion.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, in conjunction with offensive against First Army, enemy

counterattacks in vicinity of Leiffarth and penetrates

84th Div line, but positions are soon restored.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th and

83d Divs contain enemy thrusts toward Mariaweiler

and Guerzenich. Elements of 5th Armd Div reach

the Roer in Bilstein area. Corps releases 1st Div to

V Corps. In V Corps area, German counteroffensive

hits S flank of corps and VIII Corps line to S. 99th

Div holds back enemy in Hofen area, S of Monschau, on N but gives ground to S and Germans

penetrate almost to Buellingen. Continuing offensive to N, 2d Div seizes road junction on Hofen–

Rocherath road in Monschau Forest. 78th Div repels

counterattack against Rollesbroich but is unable to

take Kesternich. 2d Ranger Bn is attached to 78th

Div. VIII Corps’ 106th Div (reinf by 14th Cav Gp),

28th Div, 9th Armd Div, and N flank elements of

4th Div all fall back under enemy onslaughts. Germans drive several miles W, cutting main N–S

highway between Our and Clerf Rivers, encircling

Echternach, and threatening St Vith. CCB, 9th

Armd Div, is attached to 106th Div to help defend

St Vith.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps releases 10th

Armd Div to VIII Corps. 95th Div continues battle

to expand Saarlautern bridgehead. Its relief is begun,

night 16–17, by 5th Div. 6th Cav Gp is attached to

III Corps. III Corps is assigned zone between XX

and XII Corps. Holding its front are 6th Cav Gp

(TF Fickett) on N and 6th Armd Div, formerly of

XII Corps, on S. 26th Div remains at Metz to train

[ 16 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 354 ]

replacements. In XII Corps area, 35th and 87th Divs

continue to clear outer positions of West Wall.

News of the Ardennes counteroffensive cancels

plans for corps assault on West Wall.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

VI Corps gets elements of all its assault divs to

German border. 45th Div troops take Bobenthal

and Nothweiler. 103d Div bypasses Wissembourg,

which CCA of 14th Armd Div occupies. CCB of

14th Armd Div and 79th Div are coming under

heavy fire from the Bien Wald.

ITALY—Field Marshal Sir Harold R. L. G.

Alexander becomes Supreme Allied Commander,

Mediterranean Theater (AFHQ), replacing Field

Marshal Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, who becomes

head of British Joint Staff Mission in Washington,

succeeding the late Field Marshal Dill. Gen Clark

assumes command of Allied Armies in Italy, redesignated 15th Army Group, and is replaced as

head of U.S. Fifth Army by Lt Gen Lucian K.

Truscott, Jr.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues

to clear region E of the Senio on left flank of army.

In 5 Corps area, Ind 43d Brig, operating with NZ

2d Div and with specific purpose of clearing Faenza,

does so with ease. NZ 2d Div reaches the Senio.

Ind 10th Div takes Pergola.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav moves

forward from Myitkyina area toward Bhamo to join

in action.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Pinlebu

and Banmauk fall to Ind 19th Div. From Banmauk,

patrol reaches Indaw and makes contact with Br

36th Div, NCAC.

CHINA—Learning from Brig Gen Frank Dorn,

U.S. adviser to ALPHA forces, that Ch 57th Army is

refusing to move to defend Kunming, Gen McClure

protests to Chiang Kai-shek, and part of the army

is flown to Kunming area. Few of the Ch forces are

in place as planned to stop enemy short of Kunming.

Chinese Communist leader Chou En-lai terminates

negotiations between Nationalist and Communist

Chinese.

MINDORO—During this and the next few days,

action is limited to patrolling in beachhead area and

organizing defenses about airfield perimeter. Japanese continue air attacks on shipping. Seventh Fleet

detachments sail for Leyte.

LUZON—U.S. Third Fleet continues air attacks

on Luzon and in evening starts eastward to refuel.

LEYTE—Airfield in Tanauan area becomes

operational.

U.S. Sixth Army: In XXIV Corps area, 2d Bn of

32d Inf, 7th Div, starts eastward along Talisayan R

bank toward 511th Para Inf of 11th A/B Div. While

305th Inf, 77th Div, takes Cogon and clears that

area, 307th pushes toward Valencia, reaching San

Jose. 306th starts N behind 307th

17 December

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: Reinforcements are being sent to Ardennes sector to defend vital road centers. 2 airborne divs, 82d and

101st, of XVIII Corps (A/B), First Allied Airborne

Army, are released from SHAEF reserve for action

on Ardennes front.

U.S. Ninth Army releases 7th Armd Div to VIII

Corps and 30th Div, whose zone an XIX Corps

front is taken over by 29th Div, to V Corps.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, while rounding up paratroopers and guarding against possible

airborne attack, continues to press its right flank

toward the Roer. 83d Div clears Roelsdorf and Lendersdorf. 9th Div, gains ground slowly just W of

Dueren; releases RCT 47 to V Corps. V Corps is

fully occupied holding current positions N of breakthrough and delaying German offensive, which continues to gain ground slowly toward Malmédy. 1st

and 30th Divs are getting into position to counterattack; 26th Inf of 1st Div is attached to 99th Div.

RCT 47, 9th Div, assembles in Eupen area. In VIII

Corps area, disorganized 14th Cav Gp continues to

fall back on N flank of corps. German columns isolate 2 regts (422d and 423d) of 106th Div in Schnee

Eifel salient and push on through Heuem toward

St. Vith. Elements of 7th and 9th Armd Divs are

committed to defense of St Vith. In 28th Div zone,

Germans drive almost to Wiltz. Corps releases CCR

of 9th Armd Div from reserve to block Bastogne–

Trois–Vierges road. 4th Div halts enemy S of Osweiler and Dickweiler, but units are isolated at a

number of points. 10th Armd Div arrives in vicinity

of Luxembourg city.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Div

continues to relieve 95th in Saarlautern bridgehead.

Engineers complete bridge in Ensdorf area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps is still stalled by opposition from Forts Simershof and Schiesseck. VI Corps virtually halted at

outer defenses of West Wall.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps overruns Keintzheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—Elements of Second Ukrainian Front push to within 5 miles of Budapest.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 13 Corps area, Ind 8th Div’s sector is now so

narrow, because of Pol 2 Corps advance, that it is

held by a single brigade, the 17th.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div begins relieving 3d Carpathian Div along

the Senio. In 5 Corps area, Ind 43d Brig tries in vain

to advance from Faenza. Ind 10th Div secures small

[ 17 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 355 ]

bridgeheads across the Senio N and S of Tebano,

but no strong effort can be made to expand them

until supply situation improves and environs of

Faenza are cleared.

CHINA—Hump Tonnage Allocation and Control Office is established in Rear Echelon, China

Theater Hq.

MINDORO—Patrolling and work on defenses

continue.

LEYTE—U.S. Seventh Fleet Task Groups 77.3,

78.3, and 77.12 safely reach Leyte Gulf from Mindoro.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32d Div progresses slowly S of Limon. 127th Inf, to S of 126th,

remains in place while 126th attempts to come

abreast. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th

Div attacks at 1415, after arty and air preparation,

toward Valencia and reaches edge of the airfield.

306th stops for night 500 yards S of its objective,

Cabulihan. 305th gains positions along Tambuco–

Dolores road and clears Tambuco.

18 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 8 Corps extends southward to

line Meeuwen–Maeseyck.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 84th Div attacks for its last objective,

Wurm and Muellendorf, and takes both with ease.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 83d and 9th

Divs finish clearing their respective zones. Corps

extends southward because of Ardennes breakthrough to take over part of V Corps zone, new

boundary running from Eupen area to the Roer

near Dedenborn. With boundary change, 8th and

78th Divs and attachments pass to corps control in

current positions. Corps releases CCA of 3d Armd

Div and 9th Div, less RCT’s 47 and 60, to V Corps,

104th Div takes responsibility for 9th Div zone as

well as its own and is reinf by RCT 60. 78th Div,

reinf by 2d Ranger Bn and 102d Cav Gp, is to hold

road center N of Konzen and Paustenbach knoll. V

Corps’ mission, on its smaller front, is to stabilize

line Monschau–Butgenbach–Malmédy–Stavelot.

Corps holds firmly at Butgenbach and Elsenborn

ridge but enemy continues to move W through gap

S of Butgenbach. RCT 26 reverts to 1st Div, which

joins in action to keep enemy from Malmédy,

combing woods near Eupen and organizing perimeter defense of Waimes. 99th Div is attached to 2d

Div. Germans now hold Honsfeld and Buellingen;

push into Stavelot. 30th Div recovers most of

Stavelot NW of the Amblève R; organizes defense

positions in Malmédy–Stavelot area; blunts enemy

spearheads at Stoumont and Habiemont. In VIII

Corps area, 106th Div’s encircled 422d and 423d

Regts try in vain to break out toward Schonberg.

7th Armd Div is too heavily engaged at St Vith to

assist with eastward push. Germans occupy Recht

and cut St Vith–Vielsalm road at Poteau but CCA

recovers Poteau. 14th Cav Gp, which falls back to

Petit Thier, is transferred from 106th Div to 7th

Armd Div control. 28th Div is unable to stop enemy

in its zone and becomes completely disorganized.

Germans get almost to Houffalize and Bastogne,

smash through roadblocks of CCR, 9th Armd Div,

on Bastogne–St Vith road. Troops of 4th Div and

10th Armd Div remaining S of the breakthrough

are placed under Third Army command. CCB, 10th

Armd, remains with VIII Corps to help defend Bastogne; CCA attacks N and E through 4th Div to

Berdorf and Echternach areas. 4th Div mops up

infiltrators beyond Osweiler and Dickweiler and

repels thrust from Dickweiler.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div,

attacking cautiously with 2 bns, clears most of Dillingen against surprisingly light resistance. 5th Div

takes charge of Saarlautern bridgehead, and attacks

at once, gaining ground. 95th Div—less 378th Inf,

which continues to be responsible for Ensdorf area—

is withdrawn from combat. In XII Corps area, 2d

Bn of 320th Inf, 35th Div, takes Nieder Gailbach

in hard fighting. 87th Div breaks off attack upon

order.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, elements of 45th Div attack across the

Lauter into Budenthal but are isolated there.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps overruns Ammerschwihr.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army forces reach

Hungarian-Czechoslovak border on 70-mile front

N of Miskolc and are crossing it.

CHINA—B–29’s of XX BC, hitherto employed

against industrial targets in Japan, make strong

attack in conjunction with Fourteenth Air Force on

Hankow, Japanese supply base and industrial center, with good effect. Participating in the attacks

are 77 B–29’s and 200 planes of Fourteenth Air

Force. Thick smoke arises from incendiaries

dropped. Other attacks follow later, but on a smaller

scale.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

126th Inf of 32d Div works slowly forward S of

Limon and closes gap between it and 127th Inf.

12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, patrols and prepares to drive

on Lonoy and Kananga. In XXIV Corps area, 307th

Inf of 77th Div takes Valencia and its airstrip

without opposition. 306th overtakes 307th at

Valencia and makes patrol contact with 305th. 305th

blocks off road to Dolores. Southern part of Ormoc

Valley from Ormoc to Valencia is now clear.

[ 18 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 356 ]

19 December

WESTERN EUROPE—Allied commanders conferring at Verdun decide to halt offensives toward

the Rhine and concentrate on reducing enemy

salient in the Ardennes.

21 Army Group: Because of Ardennes counteroffensive, Field Marshal Montgomery abandons

plan to employ 30 Corps, Br Second Army, in

Nijmegen area and orders it to assemble in Louvain–

St Trond–Hasselt region to hold Meuse R line.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army is ordered

to go on the defensive.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps remains generally in place. In V Corps area, 2d and 99th Divs

repel further attacks and start toward new defensive

positions from which they will defend Elsenborn

ridge. 9th Div ( — RCT 47, which is already in corps

zone, and RCT 60) takes up defensive positions

in 2d Div zone, relieving elements of 2d and 99th

Divs. 1st Div holds line E of Malmédy. CCA, 3d

Armd Div, relieves 18th Inf, 1st Div, of defense of

Eupen. 30th Div holds at Stavelot and engineers

blow bridge across the Amblève R there; keeps enemy from Stoumont in costly battle. CCB, 3d Armd

Div, is attached to corps to assist 30th Div. XVIII

Corps (A/B) takes responsibility for region generally S of the Amblève R, including Houffalize, key

road center between St Vith and Bastogne, with

mission of holding N flank of enemy. 82d A/B Div,

which reverts to corps, upon closing at Werbomont

relieves 30th Div troops in that region. 3d Armd

Div, less CCA and CCB, passes to corps control and

starts toward Hotton–Le Grand Pré area. In VIII

Corps area, hope of relieving beleaguered 422d and

423d Regts of 106th Div in the Schnee Eifel fades.

7th and 9th Armd Divs ( — ) are aggressively defending region just E of St Vith. 112th Inf, 28th

Div, is attached to 106th Div. 28th Div is ordered

to abandon Wiltz and return to friendly lines by

infiltration; withdraw from Diekirch area. 101st

A/B Div arrives at Bastogne, which enemy has

almost encircled. Also employed in defense of Bastogne area are CCB of 10th Armd Div and remnants

of CCR, 9th Armd Div, the latter coming under

control of 101st A/B Div.

U.S. Third Army forms provisional corps from

former First Army units S of the Ardennes salient,

4th Div and 10th Armd Div ( — CCB); the corps is

to hold enemy on S flank of the penetration and

plug gap existing between it and elements of 9th

Armd Div and 28th Div near Ettelbruck. XX Corps

begins withdrawal from hard-won positions E of

the Sarre. 5th Div maintains foothold E of the river

at Saarlautern, but 378th Inf of 95th Div is ordered

to withdraw from Ensdorf. III Corps is ordered N

for attack against S flank of enemy in the “bulge.”

TF Fickett and 6th Armd Div pass to XII Corps

control. In XII Corps area, 35th Div halts attack

to consolidate in preparation for relief. 4th Armd

Div and 80th Div are being transferred to III Corps.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army is ordered

to go on the defensive. In XV Corps area, 44th Div

finds that enemy has abandoned Fort Simershof and

Hottviller. Fort Schiesseck, barring access to Bitche,

continues to hold out.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 5 Corps, renewing offensive night 19–20, clears

Faenza area sufficiently for deployment of 56th Div.

Cdn 1 Corps begins attack, night 19–20, to break out

of Naviglio Canal bridgehead.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

Ind 19th Div takes Wunthe.

In 33 Corps area, Br 2d Div, having moved forward from Kohima, crosses the Chindwin at Kalewa

and is relieving E African 11th Div.

LUZON—Planned bombardment of island by

large carriers of U.S. Third Fleet is canceled because

of weather conditions.

MINDORO—Western Visayan Task Force, helped

by Mindoro guerrillas, begins series of patrol actions

along S, W, and NW shores of Mindoro and rcn of

small islands offshore.

LEYTE—Japanese 35th Army learns that it must

manage with its current resources.

U.S. Sixth Army: Alters intercorps boundary to

give Libongao to XXIV Corps. In X Corps area,

127th Inf of 32d Div continues to battle enemy S

of Limon. 1st Sq of 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, protecting E flank of 32d Div, relieves 2d Bn, 126th

Inf. 12th Cav attacks toward Lonoy, on Highway 2,

and seizes this barrio. In XXIV Corps area, 307th

Inf of 77th Div attacks N astride Highway 2 toward

Libongao, gaining nearly 3 miles; 306th, to W,

pushes toward Palompon road, which patrols reach;

305th defends Valencia area.

20 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Takes

operational control of U.S. forces N of Ardennes

breakthrough, U.S. Ninth and First Armies.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 84th Div

is attached to First Army and starts to Marche (Belgium). 102d Div takes responsibility for corps front.

In XIX Corps area, 29th Div takes over defense of

corps front. 2d Armd Div is released as army

reserve.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 5th Armd

Div resumes attack toward the Roer, blocking Winden–Untermaubach highway and pushing into Untermaubach and into Schneidhausen, which

enemy is defending stoutly. Although 84th Div is

[ 19–20 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 357 ]

attached to corps, it is verbally attached to XVIII

Corps until 22d, pending arrival of VII Corps in

new zone. In V Corps area, 2d and 99th Divs

complete withdrawal to new defensive positions before Elsenborn ridge and organize secondary defense line. Germans make slight penetration in line

of 99th Div W of Wirtzfeld but are sealed off and

destroyed. 1st Div clears assigned region S of Eupen and contains attacks in Butgenbach–Faymonville area. 9th Div takes over new zone on N flank

of corps. 30th Div, in Malmédy–Stavelot sector, is

attached to XVIII Corps. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, CCB of 3d Armd Div, is attached to 30th Div

and assists in attack on La Gleize and Stoumont,

which enemy defends effectively. Elements of 30th

Div continue to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. 3d

Armd Div ( — CCA and CCB), upon closing in

Hotton area, attacks eastward to secure Manhay–

Houffalize road. 82d A/B Div is attempting to establish contact with friendly forces in Vielsalm–St

Vith area, pushing toward Vielsalm and Hebronval. VIII Corps units defending St Vith (7th Armd

Div, 106th Div, CCB of 9th Armd Div, and 112th

Inf of 28th Div) pass to control of XVIII Corps.

Enemy pressure on St Vith is undiminished. Elements of 10th Armd Div, 101st A/B Div, and 705th

TD Bn fight their way out of local encirclement on

perimeter of larger encirclement of Bastogne area.

101st A/B Div extends defensive line to W and SW

of Bastogne, assisted by remnants of CCR, 9th

Armd Div, and CCB, 10th Armd Div, both of which

are later attached to it, along with 705th TD Bn

and stragglers from other units. Marvie, SE of Bastogne, is cleared in course of tank battle. Some 25

miles SE of Bastogne, 109th Inf of 28th Div establishes defensive line Ettelbruck–Oberfeulen–Merzig

and also has forces near Ermsdorf backing up CCA

of 9th Armd Div, to which it is attached. Enemy

now holds Waldbillig, 6 miles W of Echternach.

SW of Bastogne, 28th Div hq and remnants of

110th Inf block Neufchâteau–Bastogne highway. In

effort to halt enemy, engineers block roads and

demolish bridges as far W of Bastogne at St Hubert. During day, operational control of corps

passes to Third Army.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, III

Corps moves its hq from Metz to Arlon (Belgium),

and 4th Armd and 26th and 80th Inf Divs are assembling in Arlon–Luxembourg area. Elements of

CCB, 4th Armd Div, push to Bastogne area and

make contact with 101st A/B and 10th Armd Divs;

are temporarily attached to VIII Corps. 80th Div

takes up reserve battle positions on heights N and

NE of Mersch. In Prov Corps area, Gen Patton

strengthens corps by attaching 5th Div, CCA of 9th

Armd Div, and RCT 109th of 28th Div. CCA, 9th

Armd Div, is further attached to 10th Armd Div.

CCA, 10th Armd Div, withdraws to assembly area as

4th Div moves up to take over its positions near

Echternach. Tanks assist 12th Inf of 4th Div in

futile effort to relieve isolated infantry in Echternach. In XX Corps area, 378th Inf of 95th Div

completes withdrawal from Ensdorf to positions W

of the Sarre. XII Corps zone is taken over by XV

Corps at midnight.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

newly arrived 10th Div, its regts organized as TF

Herren, is attached to army. XV Corps, with fall of

Fort Schiesseck to 100th Div, concludes offensive

in this region and extends westward to St Avold to

release XII Corps for action in the Ardennes.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army’s

5 Corps area, 56th Div begins to clear region between Naviglio Canal and Lamone R, working

northward from Faenza. NZ, 2d Div is clearing

northward between Naviglio Canal and the Senio.

In Cdn 1 Corps area, enemy is forced back behind

the Senio, night 20–21, under pressure of 1st Div

and 5th Armd Div.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

Kawlin falls to Ind 19th Div.

CHINA—Continuing inspection of China Theater, Gen Wedemeyer urges that Y–Force resume

offensive toward Wanting on Salween front in

effort to link up with CAI forces as soon as possible, but Y–Force does not comply until late in

December. At meeting of IBT and CT leaders in

Kunming, Gen Wedemeyer explains his plan for

controlling ALPHA.

MINDORO—Aircraft begin arriving to operate

from Hill Drome. Under direction of small party

from 503d Para Inf, guerrilla force of 50 moves by

water from Agustin to Pasugi–Pianag area without

incident.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

12th Cav of 1st Cav Div attacks from Lonoy S along

Highway 2 toward Kananga, reaching positions near

that barrio. Elements of 126th Inf, 32d Div, clear last

resistance within regimental sector S of Limon.

127th Inf then relieves 1st Bn, 126th, which assembles to rear. 128th Inf is alerted to move to W coast.

In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div overcomes strong opposition at Libongao and continues

N toward road junction. 306th quickly reaches

Palompon road; 1st Bn then advances W along it to

Togbong R and other elements of the regt drive E

along road toward its junction with Highway 2.

During night 20–21, 77th Div conducts its most

intensive arty bombardment of enemy positions of

the Leyte Campaign. 2d Bn of 32d Inf, 7th Div,

continuing E to establish contact with 511th Para

Inf of 11th A/B Div, is delayed by enemy entrenched

on 2 ridges.

[ 20 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 358 ]

21 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: U.S.

Ninth Army is reinf by Br 51st Div as its zone expands. XIX Corps releases 2d Armd Div to First

Army; takes over VII Corps sector at 2400. Under

its command, in current positions, are 104th, 83d,

5th Armd ( — CCR), 8th, and 78th Divs, from N to

S. XIII Corps takes over former XIX Corps front

and 29th Div. XVI Corps releases 75th Div to First

Army.

In U.S. First Army area, CCA of 5th Armd Div

pushes about half way through Schneidhausen; CCB

gains approximately half of Untermaubach. RCT

60, 9th Div, is detached from 104th Div and moves

to Ouffet (Belgium). Corps is to operate next against

N flank of German salient. In V Corps area, 9th

Div, reinf by 102d Cav Gp, rounds up enemy in

Monschau area. 99th Div breaks up enemy formations with arty fire. CCA, 3d Armd Div, reverts

to parent unit and moves from Eupen to Werbomont

area. 1st Div contains further attacks toward Elsenborn ridge. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, CCB of

7th Armd Div withdraws from St Vith at night;

CCA contains attack near Poteau; CCR clears Vielsalm–Poteau road. CCB, 9th Armd Div, is attached

to 7th Armd Div. 82d A/B Div’s 504th Para Inf

clears Cheneux and Monceau, forcing enemy back

across the Amblève R; 505th improves positions from

the Salm at Trois Ponts to vicinity of Grand Halleux; 508th and 325th Gli Inf occupy line Vielsalm–

Hebronval–Regne, making no contact with enemy;

div makes contact with friendly troops in St Vith

area. 30th Div is unable to take La Gleize and Stoumont; continues to defend Stavelot and Mal-médy.

3d Armd Div, to which CCA reverts, contains enemy at Hotton; continues efforts to secure Manhay–

Houffalize road. 84th Div is organizing

perimeter defense of Marche.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, enemy lays siege to Bastogne and extends

westward; crosses Neufchâteau–Bastogne highway

in force. Ammunition and food supplies of Bastogne

garrison are running low. Prov Corps troops are

transferred to XII Corps. CCA, 10th Armd Div,

tries unsuccessfully to recover Waldbillig. CCA of

9th Armd Div and CCR of 10th Armd Div are

formed into CCX, 10th Armd Div. 4th Div repels

attacks toward Consdorf and Osweiler; is out of

communication with troops in Echternach. RCT 10,

5th Div, is attached to 4th Div. XII Corps opens

forward CP in Luxembourg. 35th Div’s relief is

completed.

EASTERN EUROPE—Berlin reports fierce fighting

SW of Budapest between Lake Balaton and the

Danube where troops of Third Ukrainian Front are

again on the offensive. Germans continue to withdraw from the Balkans.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s Br 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div takes command of M. dell’Acqua Saluta-M. del Verro sector

from 78th Div.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div, having relieved 3d Carpathian Div, begins

mopping up E of the Senio. 5 Corps continues to

clear northward astride Naviglio Canal. Cdn 1 Corps

overruns Bagnacavallo and reaches the Senio in

Cotignola-Alfonsine area, but enemy retains positions along the river on both flanks.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 114th Regt of 38th

Div, with orders to cut Burma Road in Ho-si area,

is now near U.S. 5332d Brig.

In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps is making such rapid

progress on Arakan front that Adm Mountbatten

holds commanders conference at Calcutta to discuss

exploitation and presents alternative plans for

assault on Akyab. By this time, river craft have been

launched in the Kalapanzin to assist Ind 24th Div.

MINDORO—Japanese, having received reinforcements by air for defense of Mindoro, attack resupply convoy moving toward that island, destroying

2 LST’s and damaging other shipping. From

Pasugi-Pianag area, patrol of guerrillas and 503d

Para Inf sail N to Sabalayan; from there move on

foot to Mamburao to reconnoiter toward Palauan

and Abra de Ilog.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: Effects junction between X and XXIV Corps just S of Kananga at

1645, opening Highway 2 from Ormoc to Pinamopoan and gaining complete control of Ormoc

Valley. In X Corps area, 12th Cav attacks and takes

Kananga; makes patrol contact with 77th Div to S.

In XXIV Corps area, 3d Bn of 306th Inf, 77th Div,

continues E along Palompon road to its junction

with Highway 2, then N along the highway toward

Kananga, making contact with Tr A of 12th Cav

at 1645. 307th reaches road junction N of Libongao

without trouble and assists 306th Inf. On div W

flank, 1st Bn of 306th Inf, after concentrated arty

preparation, takes ridge commanding Togbong R

bridge site and outposts it but is driven off. In

preparation for next task of 77th Div—drive W

and seize Palompon—arty is emplaced near San

Jose within range of Palompon.

22 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 5th Armd Div clears

Untermaubach and Schneidhausen before being relieved in line by 8th and 83d Divs. 8th Div attack

on Obermaubach fails.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, Germans

breach lines of 1st Div at Butgenbach and of 9th

Div in Monschau Forest but are unable to exploit

[ 21–22 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 359 ]

their success. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, withdrawal of delaying forces in St Vith area through

82d A/B Div line begins. 82d A/B Div is under

strong pressure along the Salm in Trois Ponts area.

30th Div column captures Stoumont. 3d Armd Div

maintains roadblocks at strategic points and attempts to clear Hotton area. VII Corps, reconstituted

to consist of 75th and 84th Inf Divs and 2d Armd

Div, is rapidly concentrating in Durbuy–Marche

area of Belgium and organizing defensive line. 84th

Div completes perimeter defense of Marche and

establishes counter-reconnaissance screen to S and

SW.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, Brig Gen McAuliffe, acting CG 101st

A/B Div, refuses German demand for surrender of

Bastogne. Garrison is holding under heavy fire and

sharp attacks. 28th Div troops blocking road SW

out of Bastogne at Vaux-lès-Rosières are forced back

to Neufchâteau. U.S. ammunition shortage is becoming acute and weather conditions prevent aerial

resupply. III Corps begins northward drive to relieve

Bastogne. On W, 4th Armd Div columns reach

Burnon and Martelange. 26th Div, to right, marches

about 16 miles before making contact with enemy in

Rambrouch–Grosbous area. After 5-mile advance,

80th Div runs into stiff resistance at Merzig and

Ettelbruck but clears most of Merzig. XII Corps, in

new zone along E border of Luxembourg, attacks

with 4th Div SW of Echternach but is held to small

gains. 10th Armd Div maintains positions NE of

Luxembourg and straightens lines. 5th Div closes N

of Luxembourg. 35th moves from Puttelange to

Metz. 2d Cav Gp assembles near Vatimont. In XX

Corps area, 90th Div completes withdrawal of Dillingen bridgehead.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 29th Brig of Br 36th

Div, moving down the Irrawaddy, gets patrols to

Tigyaing, from which Japanese have withdrawn.

From Tigyaing the brig is to cross the river for

drive on Mongmit while rest of div closes in on

Mongmit from N.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area,

127th Inf of 32d Div reaches Lonoy. 1st Bn of 34th

Inf, 24th Div, aided by mortar platoon brought forward by sea, clears Tuktuk. In XXIV Corps area,

2d and 3d Bns of 305th Inf, 77th Div, start W from

Valencia toward coast at Palompon, passing through

1st Bn of 306th at Togbong R and continuing across

Pagsangahan R toward Matagob. Engineers follow

closely to work on bridges.

23 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83d Div, whose

relief in line is begun, drives to edge of Winden in

limited attack.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div restores line at Butgenbach, as does 9th Div in Monschau Forest. RCT 60 reverts to 9th Div. 5th Armd

Div is attached to corps. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, 7th Armd Div, remnants of 106th Div, RCT

112 of 28th Div, and CCB of 9th Armd Div withdraw from St Vith area as planned, moving through

lines of 82d A/B Div. Assault on La Gleize by 30th

Div is unsuccessful. 3d Armd Div passes to control

of VII Corps in place. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div attempts to clear Hotton–Soy road but makes

little headway; loses key road junction SE of Manhay. Germans penetrate 84th Div positions between

Hargimont and Rochefort. 4th Cav Gp, with mission of screening along Lesse R, organizes defensive

positions between Ciney and Marche. CCA, 2d

Armd Div, organizes Ciney for defense and starts

toward Buissonville. 75th Div, in corps reserve,

establishes outposts along the Ourthe R.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

improving weather conditions permit extensive air

support, particularly in Bastogne area, where supplies are dropped to the garrison. In VIII Corps

area, enemy continues to press in slowly on Bastogne. In III Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div

clears Martelange and continues 2 miles up Arlon–

Bastogne highway while CCB, on secondary road,

drives to Chaumont, from which it is ousted in

counterattack; CCR begins drive toward Bigonville

(Luxembourg). 26th Div’s 104th Inf clears Grosbous and pushes on to Dellen and Buschrodt; 328th

occupies Wahl. 80th Div seizes Heiderscheid and

holds it against counterattacks; finishes clearing

Merzig; takes Kehmen; continues to battle enemy

at Ettelbruck. Roadblocks on div’s S flank are turned

over to XII Corps. In XII Corps area, attack SW

of Echternach still gains little ground. 10th Armd

Div continues action to shorten and improve its

line. 35th Div passes to Third Army control.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces succeed in encircling about three fourths of Budapest. Moscow

confirms reports that Third Ukrainian Front is on

the offensive in vicinity of Szekesfehervar, SW of

Budapest.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, because of indications of enemy build-up in W

sector during past few days, 92d Div in Lucca area

will be reinf with 2 brigs of Ind 8th Div and 2

RCT’s of 85th Div plus chemical, tank, and arty

bns. In Br 13 Corps area, Ind 8th Div seizes M.

della Volpe and M. Tondo with ease and, less 17th

Brig, is ordered to Fifth Army’s W flank to avert

threat of enemy attack there.

[ 23 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 360 ]

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div takes Kokoggon.

MINDORO—New airfield, called Ellmore Field,

on S bank of Bugsanga R, is ready for limited use.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps begins advance W toward coast from Highway 2. 1st Cav

Div, on S flank, leads off, moving slowly over difficult terrain unopposed by enemy. 32d Div reconnoiters with 127th and 128th Regts in preparation

for drive W. In XXIV Corps area, in preparation

for assault on Palompon by land and sea, 77th Div

arty and Fifth Air Force planes pound the town.

Reinf 1st Bn, 305th Inf, which is to make the

amphibious assault, moves to Ormoc. 305th Inf

( — 1st Bn) continues overland drive toward Palompon, pushing through Matagob under heavy fire.

Enemy efforts to penetrate U.S. lines, night 23–24,

fail.

POA—CG V Amphib Corps Landing Force

issues preferred plan for invasion of Iwo Jima, VAC

LANDFOR Operation Plan 3-44, calling for landing of 4th and 5th Mar Divs abreast on SE Iwo Jima

on D Day, tentatively set as 19 February. 3d Mar

Div is to be held in floating reserve until released

to corps.

24 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 29th Armd Brig

clashes with enemy spearheads between Dinant

and Ciney.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83d Div,

in limited attacks, clears about two thirds of Winden and 8th improves positions near Obermaubach.

104th Div takes responsibility for N part of 83d Div

zone, turning over its positions in Inden–Pier–

Schophoven region to 29th Div.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div repels

another enemy bid for Butgenbach. 5th Armd Div

closes in Eupen area and is held in reserve. In XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, 30th Div overruns La Gleize

and releases CCB, 3d Armd Div. 82d A/B Div

is under strong pressure in Manhay area; loses Manhay, although elements of 7th Armd Div are pressed

into action in that region. 17th A/B Div is being

flown to France from England and subsequently

operates under VIII Corps. In VII Corps area, Germans reduce 3d Armd Div’s roadblock at Belle Haie,

on road to Manhay; CCR columns attacking E from

Hotton and W from Soy clear Holton–Soy road.

Elements of 75th Div enter combat for first time:

RCT’s 290 and 289 are attached respectively to CCR

and CCA, 3d Armd Div. In 84th Div zone, Germans drive through Verdenne. CCA, 2d Armd Div,

reaches Buissonville; 4th Cav Gp, attached to 2d

Armd Div to cover its assembly and maintain contact with adjacent units, makes contact with British

at Sorinne.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, heavy fighting continues around Bastogne perimeter. The city is badly damaged by air

attacks. 11th Armd Div, released from SHAEF

reserve to corps on 23d, is held in mobile reserve W

of the Meuse. Combat engineers are guarding Meuse

R line and blocking approaches to bridges. In III

Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div is meeting lively

opposition S of Chaumont, as is CCA at Warnock;

CCR seizes Bigonville. 318th Inf ( — ), 80th Div, is

attached to 4th Armd Div. 6th Cav Gp (TF Fickett)

arrives from XX Corps front to guard W flank of

corps in Neufchâteau area; 6th Cav Rcn Sq is assigned sector between 4th Armd and 26th Inf Divs.

26th Div secures Rambrouch and Koetschette but

is held up at Arsdorf and Hierheck. 80th Div contains determined counterattacks. In XII Corps area,

5th Div, to which RCT 10 has reverted, relieves left

flank elements of 4th Div and attacks toward Haller

and Waldbillig, making slow progress. 2d Cav Gp,

designated TF Reed, relieves right flank units of

4th Div along the Moselle. CCA, 10th Armd Div,

captures Gilsdorf and Mostroff on Sauer R.

6th Army Group: Warns that enemy is massing

for offensive.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, U.S. 3d Div

clears Bennwihr, concluding operations in Colmar

sector.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army narrows enemy

escape gap from Budapest to less than 20 miles. Moscow reveals that Third Ukrainian Front, in 3-dayold offensive, has achieved breakthrough SW of

Budapest in Lake Velencei–Danube R sector and

has surged forward 25 miles, overrunning more

than 160 towns and villages; with capture of

Szekesfehervar and Biske, key points in outer

defenses of Budapest, western escape routes from

the besieged city are closed. Other troops of this

front are pushing in on Budapest from the SW.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Br 2d and. Ind 20th Divs overcome strong Opposition in Pyingaing.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st

Cav Div continues steadily W against scattered resistance, 12th Cav wading swamps in its sector. 32d

Div, with 127th and 128th Regts in assault, starts W

toward coast on N flank of corps, slowed more by

terrain than resistance. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Bn

(reinf) of 305th Inf, 77th Div, embarks at Ormoc

and at 2000 sails for Palompon, the convoy protected by PT boats. 305th Inf, less 1st Bn, is lightly

opposed as it continues W along road to Palompon.

VOLCANO Is.—Two Jima undergoes air-surface

bombardment.

[ 24 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 361 ]

25 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps is disposed along W

bank of the Meuse from Givet to Liége.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, Br 51st Div is withdrawn from army reserve and transferred to First

Army as reserve: In XIX Corps area, 83d Div completes capture of Winden and is alerted for movement to First Army zone. 8th Div gains additional

ground near Obermaubach and begins assault on

that town.

In U.S. First Army area, V Corps maintains

defensive positions and has only light patrol contact

with enemy. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 82d A/B

Div, to shorten line, withdraws from Vielsalm salient upon order, pulling back to general line Trois

Ponts–Basse-Bodeux–Bra–Manhay. 7th Armd Div is

reinf by RCT 424, 106th Div; tries vainly to recover

Manhay. 30th Div clears region N of the Amblève R

between Stavelot and Trois Ponts. VII Corps,

directed to go on the defensive, conducts limited attack to stabilize right flank of First Army. 3d Armd

Div attacks toward Grandménil and crossroads just

E, which enemy has recently seized, and reaches

edge of town; is establishing defensive line in Werpin–Amonines area. TF cut off in Marcouray radios

that it is starting toward Soy through enemy territory. 84th Div recovers Verdenne, but an enemy

pocket remains between there and Bourdon. CCB,

2d Armd Div, seizes Celles, blocking enemy’s westward advance on Dinant; reconnoiters to Sorinne

and Foy Notre Dame; CCA occupies Havrenne.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII

Corps maintains Bastogne perimeter against pressure from all sides. In III Corps area, CCR, moving

to W flank of 4th Armd Div from Bigonville,

launches surprise attack and gains road from Vauxles–Rosières to Chaumont; CCB and CCA seize

Chaumont, Hollange, and Tintage. 26th Div TF

begins struggle for Eschdorf, gaining weak hold

there; other elements of the div clear Arsdorf. 319th

Inf , 80th Div, clears its sector to the Sauer and

makes contact with 26th Div; assisted by 317th, contains counterattacks and drives almost to Kehmen.

Ettelbruck is found clear. In XII Corps area, 5th

Div takes Waldbillig and Haller.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

advance elements of XXI Corps (Maj Gen Frank

W. Milburn) arrive.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third Ukrainian

Front cut last of western rail exits from Budapest

and narrow escape gap to 9 miles.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, S African 6th Armd Div is placed under

direct command of army. IV Corps takes command

of 92d Div’s sector. 19th and 21st Brigs, Ind 8th

Div, are in Lucca area. Enemy patrols in Serchio

Valley begin probing, night 25–26.

LUZON—Allied air attacks on island are intensified as preparations for invasion continue.

LEYTE—U.S. Eighth Army relieves U.S. Sixth

Army of responsibility for Leyte–Samar area. Sixth

Army is thus free for the Luzon operation. Work

is progressing well on Tacloban, Dulag, and

Tanauan airfields.

U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav and

32d Inf Divs continue W toward coast, 32d supplied by air. 1st Bn, 127th Inf, disperses Japanese

force of 300–400. In XXIV Corps area, after preparatory fire, 1st Bn (reinf) of 305th Inf, 77th Div,

lands unopposed N of Palompon and seizes barrios

of Buaya and Look as well as Palompon; patrols

push NE and S. 305th Inf ( — ) makes very slow

progress along road to Palompon against dug-in

enemy pockets.

26 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps takes command of

6th A/B Div and releases 43d Div to 12 Corps.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83d Div

is transferred to VII Corps, First Army, and turns

over its sector to 8th Div. 8th Div clears Obermaubach and is working on pocket to S.

In U.S. First Army area, army halts enemy’s

westward drive short of the Meuse. German supply

lines are now overextended, and stalled armor becomes a lucrative target for aerial attacks. XVIII

Corps (A/B) maintains defensive positions and

defeats enemy efforts to break through to the Meuse.

In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div stabilizes its front

except on left, where contact has not yet been established with 7th Armd Div; seizes Grandménil

and heights S of Soy–Hotton road. 84th Div reduces

enemy pocket between Verdenne and Bourdon;

hurls back enemy thrust toward Ménil. 2d Armd

Div repels counterattacks in Celles area and against

Havrenne and Frandeux, inflicting heavy losses on

enemy.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

armored units break through to Bastogne. In III

Corps area, forward tanks of CCR, 4th Armd Div,

push through Assenois to Bastogne, but vehicles

are unable to follow. 101st A/B Div is temporarily

attached to corps. CCA, 9th Armd Div, is detached

from 10th Armd Div, XII Corps, and attached to

4th Armd Div for employment on W flank. 26th

Div closes along the Sauer, winning Eschdorf in

lively battle, and begins crossing. 80th Div, after

clearing Scheidel, is halted in Kehmen area and

transferred in place to XII Corps. Intercorps boundary is adjusted accordingly. 35th Div is attached

to III Corps to assist in action against S flank of

[ 25–26 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 362 ]

Ardennes salient. In XII Corps area, 5th Div improves positions in Echternach area and takes Berdorf. 6th Armd Div, transferred to corps from XX

Corps, moves into Luxembourg and relieves

10th Armd Div. Latter passes to XX Corps control.

109th Inf reverts to 28th Div (VIII Corps) from

attachment to 10th Armd Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

army finishes regrouping. XV Corps, holding line

from St Avold to Bitche, now consists of 106th Cav

Gp and road, 44th, and 100th Divs. VI Corps is

disposed between Bitche and the Rhine and contains TF Hudelson and 45th and 79th Divs.

EASTERN EUROPE—Third Ukrainian Front virtually closes ring around Budapest; captures fortress

city of Esztergom.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 1st Armd Div, in army reserve, moves to

Lucca. In IV Corps area, Germans begin series of

counterattacks against 92d Div positions astride the

Serchio, forcing general withdrawal after outposts

are driven back.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 15 Corps

area, Ind 25th Div reaches Foul Pt, at tip of Mayu

Peninsula, well ahead of the expected time. Japanese

decide to withdraw from Akyab.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer, meeting with

Chiang Kai-shek, Ambassador Hurley, and T. V.

Soong, proposes that the food, clothing, and pay

of Chinese Army be improved; informs the Generalissimo that plans are being made for offensive

(BETA) against Kweilin, Liuchow, and Canton.

MINDORO—Japanese naval surface force, despite

air attacks, arrives off Mindoro and about 2300 begins bombarding beachhead.

LEYTE—U.S. Eighth Army: In X Corps area,

1st Cav and 32d Inf Divs continue W over rough

terrain. 34th Inf, 24th Div, prepares to clear NW

part of Leyte Peninsula. Cos F and G sail at 2300

through Biliran Strait to Gigantangan I., where they

spend the night. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div

remains in place in Palompon sector.

27 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 30th Div

maintains defensive positions while regrouping.

508th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div, continues drive NE of

Bra. 7th Armd Div recaptures Manhay early in

day. 9th Armd Div is reinf by RCT 112 of 28th

Div. In VII Corps area, Germans are infiltrating

toward Sadzot in zone of CCA, 3d Armd Div, where

front line is held by RCT 289. 84th Div clears

pocket in Verdenne area. 2d Armd Div columns envelop Humain and clear stubborn resistance there.

83d Div, upon closing in Havelange area, begins

relief of 2d Armd Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 17th A/B Div takes over Meuse R

sector. In III Corps area, trucks and ambulances

roll into Bastogne on road opened by CCR, 4th

Armd Div, ending siege of the city. 4th Armd Div

and reinforcements from 9th Armd and 80th Inf

Divs are broadening corridor to Bastogne and attempting to open Arlon–Bastogne highway. From

S bank of the Sauer, 35th Div attacks northward

between 4th Armd Div and 26th Div, 137th Inf taking Surre and 320th, Boulaide and Boschleiden. 26th

Div pushes northward through 101st A/B Div,

clearing Mecher-Dunkrodt and Kaundorf. In XII

Corps area, 80th Div checks attack in Ringel area

and blocks roads N and NE of Ettelbruck. 6th Armd

Div takes responsibility for sector S of the Sauer

between Ettelbruck and Mostroff. Beaufort, N of

Waldbillig, falls to 11th Inf, 5th Div. 4th Div patrols

find Echternach undefended. In XX Corps area,

80th Div patrols aggressively and conducts raids

to keep enemy pinned down. 5th Ranger Bn is

attached to 95th Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XXI Corps (36th Inf and 12th Armd Divs) arrives.

VI Corps is reinf by TF Harris (63d Div), TF

Herren 60th Div), and TF Linden (42d Div).

EASTERN EUROPE—Budapest is completely encircled as elements of Second Ukrainian Front clear

island in the Danube N of the city and establish

contact with Third Ukrainian forces. Fighting is in

progress in E and W suburbs.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, first echelon of 10th Mtn Div arrives. In

IV Corps area, enemy forces further withdrawal of

92d Div, but elements of Ind 8th Div pass through

92d and make patrol contact with enemy.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav, upon

completing its march to Momauk, begins reorganization for combat.

In Br Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps commander recommends that operations against Akyab

be advanced to 3 January.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

Cos F and G of 34th Inf, 24th Div, sail from

Gigantangan I., to Taglawigan, on NW coast of

Leyte Peninsula, and land without opposition, taking Taglawigan; proceed by sea and overland to

Daha, which is also secured. Co G, reinf, moves S

by sea to San Isidro area and goes ashore. 1st Bn,

meanwhile, ordered to take San Isidro, moves overland from Calumbian to heights overlooking the

town. In XXIV Corps area, 3d Bn of 305th Inf, 77th

Div, takes heights 600 yards ahead as it continues

W along Palompon road against tenacious resistance. 2d Bn is to move forward by water. 1st Bn,

[ 27 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 363 ]

305th Inf, remains in Palompon area, patrolling and

awaiting rest of regt.

VOLCANO Is.—Iwo Jima undergoes air-surface

bombardment. Commander Joint Expeditionary

Force (CTF 51) publishes Operation Plan A25-44,

directing CG Expeditionary Troops to seize Iwo

Jima and begin development of the island as an air

base.

28 December

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower and Field

Marshal Montgomery meet at Hasselt (Belgium) to

plan offensive.

21 Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 8th Div completes reduction of pocket

S of Obermaubach.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, final enemy

ef-fort to force 1st Div from Elsenborn defenses fails.

In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, corps zone is relatively

quiet. CCB, 9th Armd Div, and RCT 112 move into

position to back up 3d Armd Div and 75th Inf Div.

In VII Corps area, 75th Div, less RCT’s 289 and

290, is attached to XVIII Corps. Germans infiltrating in sector of CCA, 3d Armd Div, take Sadzot

but are driven out. 83d Div is relieving 2d Armd

Div and takes responsibility for sector E of line Buissonville–Rochefort; elements push into Roche-fort.

2d Armd Div regroups.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 11th Armd Div is transferred to corps

from SHAEF reserve. III Corps makes limited progress against delaying opposition between Sauer and

Wiltz Rivers. 35th Div continues drive on S flank

of enemy salient despite very heavy fire SW of

Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. 26th Div makes slight progress toward Wiltz. Elements of 80th Div attached

to 4th Armd Div revert to parent unit. 6th Armd

Div is transferred to corps from XII Corps. XII

Corps is ordered on the defensive in afternoon. 80th

Div repels attack for Ringel.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps releases 87th Div, which has been attached

to it since 20th while reliefs were in progress.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

postpones projected offensive toward Bologna, the

Serchio Valley reversals being a contributing factor.

In IV Corps area, enemy begins to withdraw in

Serchio Valley, and troops of Ind 8th Div gradually

push northward during next few days.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

5th and 12th Cav Regts of 1st Cav Div reach W coast

at Tibur, barrio N of Abijao. 1st and 2d Bns of

34th Inf, 24th Div, take San Isidro against light

resistance. In XXIV Corps area, 2d Bn of 305th Inf,

77th Div, moves by LCM’s from Ormoc to

Palompon; 3d Bn continues overland drive, gaining

about 1,000 yards.

MINDORO—Ellmore Field is now fully operational.

29 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps begins relief of U.S.

2d Armd Div on W flank of U.S. VII Corps.

In U.S. First Army area, V Corps front is quiet,

with both sides on the defensive. XVIII Corps

(A/B) zone is also virtually static. 75th Div is attached to corps and takes over zone of 7th Armd

Div. VII Corps mops up infiltrators and patrols.

83d Div releases 331st Inf to 3d Armd Div; attacks

toward Rochefort with 329th, making slow progress.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

VIII Corps prepares for drive on Houffalize. 11th

Armd Div moves to vicinity of Neufchâteau. 87th

Div is released to corps from SHAEF reserve. In

III Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div opens Arlon– Bastogne highway. 35th Div is clearing Villersla Bonne-Eau–Lutrebois region; advance elements

make contact with 101st A/B Div forces at Marvie,

SE of Bastogne. 26th Div continues toward Wiltz

against increasing resistance. Units in Bastogne

(101st A/B Div, reinf, and elements of 9th Armd

Div) revert to VIII Corps. 6th Armd Div is transferred to III Corps from XII Corps and assembles

between Arlon and Neufchâteau.

EASTERN EUROPE—Street fighting starts in

Budapest as Soviet forces break into the city from

W.

BURMA—NCAC and Br Fourteenth Army

fronts are linked as patrols of Br 36th Div establish

contact with Ind 19th Div. On Arakan front, 15

Corps now holds Rathedaung and Kudaung I.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

1st Cav Div reaches W coast and takes Villaba, N

of Tibur. 32d Div gains its W coast objectives to N

of 1st Cav Div, 127th Inf taking heights commanding Antipolo Pt and 128th reaching high ground

overlooking Tabango and Campopo Bays. Troops

of 34th Inf, 24th Div, are eliminating small enemy

groups along coast. In XXIV Corps area, 3d Bn

of 305th Inf, 77th Div, after advancing 650 yards

along road to Palompon, is pinned down by enemy.

Prov Mtn Force gets into position for drive E along

Palompon road.

30 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 7th Armd

Div releases RCT 424 to 106th Div. 75th Div holds

positions previously occupied by RCT 424. VII

Corps turns over region SW of line Marche–Namur

to British. Germans abandon Rochefort.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

VIII Corps opens drive on Houffalize. 11th Armd

[ 28–30 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 364 ]

Div progresses slowly and at heavy cost. 87th Div

takes Moircy but loses it in counterattack later in day.

9th Armd Div is ordered to Sedan area as SHAEF

reserve. In III Corps area, Germans again attempt

to cut Arlon–Bastogne highway and isolate Bastogne, reaching Lutrebois and surrounding 2 cos of

137th Inf, 35th Div, in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. On

left flank of corps, 6th Cav Gp is relieved by elements of VIII Corps.

6th Army Group: Reiterates warning of possible

enemy attack. TF Harris ( — ) is transferred from

VI to XV Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—While Third Ukrainian

Front continues street fighting in W Budapest, Second Ukrainian Front breaks into E part of city.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army area, 33 Corps

takes Kaduma.

MINDORO—Second resupply convoy arrives. Under enemy air attack while en route, the convoy

loses 3 merchant ships, 2 DD’s, 3 LST’s, and 2

LCM’s at or near the island. Most of 3d Bn, 21st

Inf, arrives.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

1st Cav Div makes contact with 32d Div NE of

Villaba. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div begins 2-

pronged attacks to open Palompon road. While 3d

Bn, 305th Inf, continues W to point some 1,000

yards SW of Tipolo, Prov Mtn Force attacks E

until stopped about 4 miles E of Palompon. Japanese withdraw main forces, night 30–31. Co C, 305th

Inf, moves by water to Abijao, N of Palompon, and

burns the town; continuing N, gains radio contact

with 1st Cav Div in Villaba area.

31 December

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 83d Div, to which

331st Inf reverts, takes over zone of 3d Armd Div

and is reinf by RCT 290, 75th Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area,

VIII Corps takes command of 4th Armd Div. Elements of 87th Div capture Remagen and close in

on Moircy. CCR, 11th Armd Div, drives to Pinsamont and Acul while CCB attacks Chenogne. In

III Corps area, one 6th Armd Div column secures

high ground near Wardin; another advances to

outskirts of Rechrival. 35th Div is unable to relieve

isolated forces in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau, and they are

presumed lost. Germans still hold Lutrebois. 26th

Div repels counterattack and reorganizes. Corps

arty places TOT’s on Wiltz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army has

regained most of the ground lost by IV Corps in

Serchio Valley and positions are about the same as

they were at the end of October.

Br Eighth Army has worked northward astride

Naviglio Canal between the Senio and Lamone

Rivers in 5 Corps zone to Granarole, but enemy

holds Granarole. Preparations are made for limited

attacks to bring entire army up to the Senio.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf, upon

relief at Tonk-wa by Ch 50th Div, which is now

operating in center, starts march toward Mong Wi

area, where 5332d Brig is to assemble for its first

operation as a brig. Ch 1st Separate Regt, which was

to be a part of 5332d Brig, will be held in NCAC

reserve.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Kabo

falls to Br 2d Div.

MINDORO—Japanese continue air attacks on

shipping, sinking PT tender and badly damaging a

DD. Platoon of Co F, 19th Inf, lands at Bulalacao,

on S coast almost 25 miles SE of San Jose.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

1st Cav Div repels several counterattacks against

Villaba. 77th Div (XXIV Corps) begins relief of 1st

Cav Div. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div’s 305th

Inf finishes clearing Palompon road. 3d Bn and Prov

Mtn Force make contact 2 miles NE of San Miguel.

77th Div estimates that, during period 21–31

December, it has killed 5,779 Japanese at cost of 17

killed.

POA—Commander Fifth Fleet issues Operation Plan 13-44, directing Joint Expeditionary Force

to secure Iwo Jima, begin base development there,

establish military government, and withdraw assault

forces at conclusion of capture and occupation phase.

19 February is confirmed as D Day.

[ 31 DECEMBER 1944 ]
[ 365 ]

1945

1 January

U.S.—Southern Defense Command is absorbed

into Eastern Defense Command.

WESTERN EUROPE—German Air Force is unusually active, employing some 800 aircraft and damaging airfields in Holland, Belgium, and France.

12th Army Group: CG 66th Div takes over 94th

Div’s mission of containing enemy in vicinity of

Lorient and St Nazaire (France).

U.S. Third Army continues Ardennes counteroffensive with VIII and III Corps. In VIII Corps area,

87th Div takes Moircy and Jenneville. 11th Armd Div

attacks with CCA toward Hubermont, stopping E of

Rechrival, and with CCB clears Chenogne and woods

to N. CCA, 9th Armd Div, drives toward

Senonchamps. 101st A/B Div, in Bastogne area, gives

fire support to 11th Armd Div on its left and 6th

Armd Div (III Corps) on its right. 17th A/B Div relieves 28th Div in Neufchâteau area. III Corps contains enemy salient SE of Bastogne, 4th Armd Div

holds corridor into Bastogne and supports 35th Div

with fire. 35th Div partially clears Lutrebois and

reaches crossroads SE of Marvie, but makes no headway in vicinity of Villers-la-Bonne-Eau (Belgium) and

Harlange (Luxembourg). In region E of Bastogne, 6th

Armd Div takes Neffe, Bizery, and Mageret, but then

loses Mageret.

6th Army Group: Germans launch offensive, designated Operation NORDWIND, against U.S. Seventh Army. In XV Corps area, two-pronged enemy

thrust forces 106th Cav Gp, 44th Div, and 100th

Div to give ground. 44th Div bears brunt of enemy’s

right flank drive, which penetrates positions NW

of Rimling. 100th Div, caught between the 2 attack forces, withdraws its right flank, exposed by

withdrawal of TF Hudelson (VI Corps); enemy

infiltrators are cleared from Rimling, on left flank.

Elements of TF Harris (63d Div) help check enemy.

RCT 141, 36th Div, moves up to plug gap between

XV and VI Corps. In VI Corps area, enemy drives

salient into left flank of corps S of Bitche. TF

Hudelson’s thin line is pushed back on left to

Lemberg-Mouterhouse area. 45th Div contains enemy along line Philippsbourg–Neuhoffen–Obersteinbach and mops up infiltrators in Dambach.

Reinforcements from TF Herren (10th Div) and

79th Div are rushed to 45th Div, whose boundary

is moved W. CCB, 14th Armd Div, moves to guard

Vosges exits. 79th Div’s right flank is extended to

include Rhine sector from Schaffhouse to Gambsheim area.

EASTERN EUROPE—Fighting continues within

and around Budapest, where Russians are slowly

eliminating besieged German garrison.

BURMA—Br Fourteenth Army moves its hq

from Imphal to Kalemyo, where joint army-air hq

is established to insure close co-operation.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer radios the War Department his plans to have U.S. officers advise

Chinese ALPHA Force from gp army hq down to

regimental level.

P.I.—Operations to deceive enemy about Allied

intentions against Luzon begin with limited action

on Mindoro to clear NE part of island. Subsequent

deceptive measures conducted on S Luzon are on a

much smaller scale than anticipated and have little

effect on the main operation. On Mindoro, control of

Western Visayan TF passes from U.S. Sixth to U.S.

Eighth Army. Co I, 21st Inf, moving by water from

San Jose, lands on E coast at Bongabong without

incident and marches northward toward Pinamalayan. On Leyte U.S. Eighth Army mops up, a

tedious business that lasts until 8 May 1945. 77th

Div of XXIV Corps is ordered to relieve 1st Cav and

32d and 24th Inf Divs of X Corps.

CAROLINE Is.—Elements of 321st Inf, U.S. 81st

Div, land on Fais I., SE of Ulithi, and begin search

of the island.

2 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 53d Div assumes responsibility for Marche–Hotton sector (Belgium),

relieving U.S. 84th Div; boundary between 30 Corps

and U.S. VII Corps is adjusted.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, Gerimont falls to 87th Div; Mande St

Etienne to 11th Armd Div; and Senonchamps to

CCB, 10th Armd Div (attached to 101st A/B Div),

and CCA, 9th Armd Div. 4th Armd Div protects

and enlarges corridor leading into Bastogne from the

S and helps III Corps clear woods near Lutrebois.

In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div’s CCB enters

Oubourcy and Michamps but is driven out of latter;

unsuccessfully attacks Arloncourt; CCA takes

Wardin; div withdraws to high ground W of
[ 366 ] [ 3 JANUARY 1945 ]

Michamps–Arloncourt–Wardin for night. 35th Div

continues fight for Lutrebois. 28th Cav Sq of TF

Fickett (6th Cav Gp) is committed between 134th

and 137th Regts, 35th Div. 26th Div’s 101st Inf

advances N in area SW of Wiltz.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army CP is moved

from Saverne to Lunéville. In XV Corps area, enemy

pressure forces 44th Div’s right flank back past Gros

Réderching and causes 100th Div’s right flank to fall

back farther. In VI Corps area, Germans maintain

pressure against reinf 45th Div, particularly on its

W flank, former zone of TF Hudelson. Fighting occurs at various points along Bitche salient. TF

Herren’s 276th Inf takes up switch positions in Wingen–Wimmenau–Rosteig area. CCA, 14th Armd Div,

organizes outposts at Vosges exits around Bouxwiller.

Center and right flank units of corps begin withdrawal to prepared positions on Maginot Line. 79th

Div takes over S portion of Rhine R line held by TF

Linden (42d Div).

EASTERN EUROPE—Germans are mounting strong

counterattacks NW of Budapest in effort to break

encirclement of the Hungarian capital.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Br Eighth Army

begins series of limited actions to finish clearing E

bank of the Senio. In Cdn I Corps area, 5th Armd

Div attacks northward toward the sea, taking

Conventelle.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf begins

crossing the Shweli over makeshift bridge put in by

138th Regt, Ch 50th Div, which crossed late in

December.

P.I.—Convoys of Luzon Attack Force are assembling in Leyte Gulf. First echelon, Minesweep-ing and

Hydrographic Group (TG 77.6), leaves Leyte Gulf

for Luzon and is soon spotted and attacked by enemy planes, including kamikazes. On Mindoro,

guerrilla patrol is reinf for attack on Palauan by Co

B, 503d Para Inf, which moves to Mamburao. Work

begins on one of two heavy bomber fields to be constructed. Enemy planes attacking airfields, night 2–

3, destroy 22 aircraft.

POA—VAC LANDFOR Operation Plan 3-44

for invasion of Iwo Jima is approved.

3 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: U.S. First

Army starts counteroffensive to reduce enemy’s

Ardennes salient from N. VII Corps attacks SE

toward Houffalize with 2d Armd Div followed by

84th Div on right, and 3d Armd Div followed by

83d Div on left. 2d Armd Div gains Trinal,

Magoster, positions in Bois de Tave, Freineux, Le

Batty, and positions near Belle Haie. 3d Armd Div

takes Malempré and Floret and from latter continues

SE on Lierneux road to Groumont Creek. 75th Div,

after attack passes through its line, continues mopping up S of Sadzot. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 82d

A/B Div, in conjunction with VII Corps’ attack,

thrusts SE, improving positions. As a diversion, 30th

Div pushes small forces S of Malmédy and then withdraws them as planned.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, elements of 87th Div are temporarily

surrounded in woods E of St Hubert. 17th A/B Div

attacks N late in day in region some 5 miles NW of

Bastogne. NE of Bastogne, 101st A/B Div and 501st

Para Inf are clearing Bois Jacques. TF Higgins (elements of 101st A/B Div and CCA, 10th Armd Div)

is organized to block enemy attacks toward Bastogne.

CCA, 4th Armd Div, continues to defend corridor

into Bastogne. 28th Div defends the Meuse from

Givet to Verdun. In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div

repels enemy thrusts W of Michamps and places

heavy arty concentrations on Arloncourt, Michamps,

and Bourcy; to S, attempts to clear high ground near

Wardin and takes road junction S of the town. 35th

Div gains about two thirds of Lutrebois and crossroads W of Villers-la-Bonne-Eau (Belgium) but is

unable to take Harlange (Luxembourg). East of

Harlange, 26th Div continues attack in region N of

Mecher Dunkrodt and Kaundorf.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, main body moves

from Le Havre to Suippes.

6th Army Group: Is assigned defense of Strasbourg.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps withstands

further pressure and on left slightly improves positions. Germans deepen penetration at boundary

of 44th and 100th Divs, entering Achen, from

which they are ousted in counterattack. CCL, Fr 2d

Armd Div, pushes into Gros Réderching but is

unable to clear it. Attempt by 44th Div to relieve

French there fails. 36th Div ( —RCT 141) assembles near Montbronn. In VI Corps area, enemy expands Bitche salient, entering Wingen and Philippsbourg. 45th Div withstands pressure against Reipertsweiler, NW of Wingen, and contains attacks

in Sarreinsberg–Meisenthal area. Center and right

flank elements of corps complete withdrawal to

Maginot positions.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s Cdn I Corps area, 5th Armd Div reaches

Canale di Bonifica Destra del Reno as it continues

northward. 1st Div begins attack to clear enemy

pocket between it and Br 5 Corps in Cotignola area,

crossing Naviglio Canal and taking Granarolo in

conjunction with attack by 5 Corps from S. In 5

Corps area, elements of 56th Div and of 7th Armd

Brig as well as sq of Kangaroos (armored infantry

carriers) push northward from Felisio area, clearing

the Senio bank as far N as S. Severo.
[ 4–5 JANUARY 1945 ] [ 367 ]

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps invades

Akyab (TALON), omitting preparatory bombardment since no opposition is expected. From landing

craft in Naaf R, 3d Cdo Brig lands and is followed

by brig of Ind 25th Div from Foul Pt.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Br 2d

Div occupies Ye-u.

CHINA—On Salween front, Ch 9th Div (2d Army)

breaks into Wanting, at Sino-Burmese border, but is

driven out in night counterattack.

P.I.—Bombardment and Fire Support Group

(TG 77.2), proceeding toward Luzon, shoots down a

kamikaze plane. On Mindoro, guerrilla force of

about 70 unsuccessfully attacks Japanese at Pinamalayan. From Mindoro, Co K of 21st Inf moves to

Marinduque I. to help guerrillas destroy Japanese

remnants concentrated at Boac in NE part of island.

FORMOSA-RYUKYUS-PESCADORES—In preparation

for invasion of Luzon, carrier planes of U.S. Third

Fleet begin attacks aimed primarily against enemy

aircraft and shipping at Formosa. Secondary effort

is made against the Ryukyus and Pescadores. Weather

conditions severely limit scope of operations.

4 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps opens offensive W of the

Ourthe R, protecting U.S. First Army right. From

Marche–Hotton road, 53d Div drives S abreast U.S.

VII Corps. 6th A/B Div meets determined opposition S of Rochefort.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 2d Armd Div

captures Beffe, contains counterattacks near

Devantave, seizes Lamorménil, and reaches edge of

Odeigne. 3d Armd Div takes Baneux, Jevigne, and

Lansival and gains bridgehead at Groumont Creek.

In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 82d A/B Div advances

its line to include Heirlot, Odrimont, wooded heights

N and NE of Abrefontaine, St Jacques, Bergeval, and

Mont de Fosse; on extreme left patrols push to the

Salm.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div attack is halted by resistance

near Pironpré. Attack of 17th A/B Div evokes strong

reaction in Pinsamont–Rechrival–Hubermont area.

Enemy attacks in 101st A/B Div sector are ineffective. In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div is repeatedly

attacked in Mageret–Wardin area E of Bastogne, and

withdraws to shorten line. 35th Div clears Lutrebois

but is still unable to take Harlange. 26th Div gains a

few hundred yards.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 44th Div tries vainly to dear Frauenberg

and Gros Réderching. In limited attack, 36th Div

takes hill between Lemberg and Goetzenbruck. In

VI Corps area, 45th Div, continuing fight to reduce

Bitche salient, drives to outskirts of Wingen; attacks

NE across Wingen–Wimmenau road to ease pressure on Reipertsweiler; fights to open Reipertsweiler–Wildenguth road, taking Saegmuhl and

making contact with elements cut off in Wildenguth;

clears about half of Philippsbourg. TF Linden’s line

along the Rhine is extended to include zone held by

TF Herren.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps completes

occupation of Akyab, key port and air base on

Arakan front.

In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf finishes crossing

the Shweli. U.S. 124th Cav reconnoiters for crossing site over the Shweli while awaiting airdrop.

P.I.: Japanese planes attack TG 77.6 and TG 77.2

as they continue toward Lingayen Gulf. One CVE is

so badly damaged that it has to be sunk. At the request of Gen MacArthur, Adm Halsey orders TF 38

to extend its coverage of Luzon southward on 6th.

Main body of Luzon Attack Force sorties from Leyte

Gulf after nightfall. X Corps, U.S. Eighth Army, terminates offensive operations on Leyte. Japanese

planes continue active over Mindoro and destroy an

ammunition ship.

FORMOSA-RYUKYUS-PESCADORES—TF 38 continues strikes against enemy airpower and shipping

but weather conditions again sharply curtail action. As a result of the 2-day attack, 110 Japanese

planes are destroyed; 12 ships are sunk; and 28

other vessels are damaged. 18 planes of TF 38 are

lost in combat.

CAROLINE Is.—81st Div troops on Fais complete

search of the island and are withdrawn.

5 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 2d Armd Div’s main

effort against Consy makes little headway; elements

move toward Dochamps and clear part of Odeigne.

3d Armd Div is slowed by rear-guard action in Bois

de Groumont but seizes Lavaux and enters

Lierneux. 75th Div moves to Aisne R. In XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, 82d A/B Div makes progress

all along line and repels counterattacks near

Bergeval.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div meets resistance near Bonnerue

and Pironpré, W of Bastogne. Rest of corps maintains defensive positions. In III Corps area, 35th Div

continues to fight for negligible gains.

6th Army Group: Fr First Army is to take responsibility for defense of Strasbourg upon relief of U.S.

elements in that area by French. Relief is scheduled

for 2400 but is interrupted by enemy attack.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps clears Germans from Frauenberg and Gros Réderching.
[ 368 ] [ 6–7 JANUARY 1945 ]

VI Corps makes slow progress against Bitche salient

in 45th Div sector. Most of Wingen and rest of

Philippsbourg are cleared. On corps right flank,

Germans establish bridgehead across the Rhine in

Gambsheim area, crossing between Killstett and

Drusenheim and overrunning Offendorf, Herrlisheim, and Rohrweiler. TF Linden, hit while executing reliefs, launches two-pronged assault toward

Gambsheim: TF A moves from Weyersheim to W

bank of Landgraben Canal; TF B attacks from Killstett but is stopped just N of there.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

orders extensive regrouping. RCT 135 moves from

IV Corps zone to II Corps area, reverting to 34th

Div. 86th Mtn Inf, 10th Mtn Div, is attached to

IV Corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps

complete limited attacks to improve Winter Line

positions. The two corps link up along the Senio

between Cotignola and S. Severo. Cdn 1 Corps advances to the Reno except on extreme right.

BURMA—In NCAC area, elements of 90th Regt,

Ch 30th Div, begin crossing the Shweli.

CHINA—22d Div, Ch New Sixth Army, completes

move to China.

P.I.—Kamikaze attacks on TG’s 77.2 and 77.6

continue, causing damage to a number of vessels.

Almost all of the estimated 30 attackers are destroyed. CVE planes intercept and damage 2 enemy DD’s. On Mindoro, Palauan falls to composite force of guerrillas and 503d Para Inf troops.

Another platoon of Co F, 19th Inf, arrives at

Bulalacao and joins in march NE toward Paclasan

and Dutagan Pt.

VOLCANO-BONIN Is.—Iwo Jima undergoes coordinated air-surface bombardment by land-based aircraft of Seventh Air Force and cruiser-DD task group.

Surface vessels also bombard Chichi and Haha.

PB4Y’s photograph Iwo Jima.

6 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First

Army’s VII Corps area, 2d Armd and 84th Inf Divs

make converging attacks toward Consy, taking positions E and W of the town, respectively. 2d Armd

Div continues toward Dochamps, completes occupation of Odeigne, and makes contact with 3d

Armd Div on Manhay–Houffalize road. 3d Armd

Div cuts Laroche–Salmchâteau road at its intersection with Manhay–Houffalize road and captures

Fraiture, Lierneux, and La Falise; 83d Armd Rcn

Bn clears Bois Houby. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

82d A/B Div consolidates. To protect its left flank,

30th Div attacks S toward Spineux and Wanne with

RCT 112, 28th Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, enemy gets tanks into Bonnerue, lightly

held by 87th Div. 87th Div makes limited attack toward Tillet. In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div holds

against repeated counterattacks. 35th Div attacks into

woods NE of Lutrebois and maintains positions in

Villers-la-Bonne-Eau area; 6th Cav Sq of TF Fickett

is committed near Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. In XII Corps

area, 80th Div’s 319th Inf crosses Sure R near

Heiderscheidergrund and captures Goesdorf and

Dahl.

U.S. Fifteenth Army becomes operational. Maj

Gen Ray E. Porter is in command.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, attack to restore MLR on right flank

of 44th Div halts on line extending along S edge

of Bois de Blies Brucken to area just N of Gros

Réderching. In VI Corps area, 45th Div makes slow

progress against left and center of Bitche salient

and on E contains counterattacks on Philippsbourg.

Germans continue build up W of the Rhine on E

flank of corps. 79th Div clears Stattmatten (where

encircled elements of TF Linden are relieved), Sessenheim, and Rohrweiler; reaches edge of Drusenheim. Further efforts of TF Linden to gain Gambsheim are fruitless.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

continues to regroup, RCT 365 moving from II to

IV Corps zone and returning to command of 92d

Div.

BURMA—In NCAC area, heavy rains begin as

U.S. 475th Inf goes into bivouac in Mong Wi area

and U.S. 124th Cav makes its way toward Mong Wi.

Ch 38th Div gains distinction of being first CAI

unit to return to Chinese soil: 112th Regt reaches

Loiwing, from which it patrols across the Shweli to

Namhkam.

P.I.—TG’s 77.2 and 77.6 reach Lingayen Gulf

area and begin naval bombardment and mine sweeping. Damaging enemy air attacks persist in spite of

strong effort against Luzon by planes of TF 38,

CVE’s covering TF 77.2, and FEAF. Japanese score

against shipping during period 2–6 is 2 ships sunk

and 30 damaged. However, enemy force of some

150 aircraft on Luzon at the beginning of the year

has been reduced to about 35 planes, and air action

drops off sharply after this. On Mindoro, Pinamalayan, which Japanese have recently abandoned, is

reoccupied by fresh enemy troops from Luzon. Co

I, 21st Inf, and guerrillas join in attack there, forcing enemy back toward Calapan.

7 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 53d Div takes Grimbiermont.
[ 8 JANUARY 1945 ] [ 369 ]

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, co-ordinated

attacks of 2d Armd and 84th Inf Divs toward Laroche–Salmchâteau road, intermediate objective

before Houffalize, make notable progress. Dochamps

and Marcouray fall. Only rear guards remain in

Consy area. 3d Armd Div seizes Regne, Verleumont,

Sart, and Grand Sart. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

82d A/ B Div, in rapid advance of 2–3 miles, clears

most of angle formed by Laroche–Salmchâteau road

and Salm R. Some elements secure positions on

ridge just N of Comté; others, during advance to

Salm R line, clear Goronne, Farniers, Mont, and

Rochelinval. RCT ire seizes Spineux, Wanne, and

Wanneranval.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div continues attack on Tillet and

is engaged sporadically in Bonnerue area. 17th A/B

Div takes Rechrival, Millomont, and Flamierge and

reaches outskirts of Flamizoulle. In III Corps area,

6th Armd Div remains under strong pressure in

Neffe–Wardin region E of Bastogne. 35th Div makes

limited attack toward Lutrebois–Lutremange road,

halting just short of it. In XX Corps area, CG 94th

Div takes command of sector previously held by

90th Div.

6th Army Group: Boundary between U.S. Seventh

Army and Fr 1st Army is shifted N, giving French

responsibility for Strasbourg area.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div,

on left flank of Bitche salient, reaches heights overlooking Althorn and overcomes final resistance

within Wingen. On corps E flank, 79th Div organizes TF Wahl (elements of 313th, 315th, and 222d

Inf; CCA of 14th Armd Div; 827th TD Bn) to operate in N part of div front since enemy threat to Maginot Line positions S of Wissembourg is serious. Germans drive back outposts at Aschbach and Stundweiler. In Gambsheim bridgehead area, efforts of

314th Inf, 79th Div, to clear Drusenheim are unsuccessful; Fr 3d Algerian Div takes over attack toward

Gambsheim from Killstett.

EASTERN EUROPE—In Hungary, Germans continue efforts to relieve the Budapest garrison, which

is being methodically destroyed, and capture

Esztergom, NW of the city.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, Pol 2 Corps withdraws from line, turning over

its sector and 5th Kresowa Div to 5 Corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Ind 19th and Br 2d Divs are converging on Shwebo,

Ind 19th pushing into E outskirts.

P.I.—Underwater demolition teams begin

search for underwater obstacles in Lingayen Gulf

as preinvasion aerial and naval bombardment of

Luzon continues. On Mindoro, Japanese planes for

the first time are conspicuously absent from San

Jose area.

8 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Cav Gp and 84th

Div pursue enemy on right of corps to Marcourt

and Cielle; other elements of 84th Div start clearing

woods S of main road junction SE of Manhay, 2d

Armd Div drives on Samrée, CCA moving S from

Dochamps and CCB pushing SE along Salmchâteau–Samrée Road. 3d Armd Div gains intermediate objective line, taking Hebronval, Ottre,

Jouvieval, and Provedroux. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, 82d A/B Div consolidates along line Grand

Sart–Salmchâteau–Trois Ponts and clears Comté.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, enemy drives 87th Div units from Bonnerue and maintains pressure in Tillet region. Some

17th A/B Div elements gain and then lose high

ground N of Laval and others are forced out of

Flamierge. In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div recovers lost ground in Neffe–Wardin sector. TF Fickett

occupies zone between 35th and 26th Divs, along

high ground before Villers-la-Bonne-Eau, Betlange,

and Harlange.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, enemy enters Rimling. 100th and 36th

Divs improve positions in local attacks. In VI Corps

area, 45th Div makes slight progress against W

flank of salient; TF Herren becomes responsible

for E flank. 79th Div withstands pressure near Aschbach and moves reinforcements to Soultz–Rittershoffen area. Enemy checks efforts to reduce Gambsheim bridgehead. 314th Inf is unable to advance

in Drusenheim or SE of Rohrweiler. CCB, 12th

Armd Div, attacks with 714th Tank Bn toward

Herrlisheim.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 85th Div ( — ) starts from IV Corps zone to II

Corps area.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf at Mong

Wi is ordered to move forward for action.

CHINA—Chinese Training and Combat Command is split. Chinese Training Center is to operate a command and general staff school and service

schools. Chinese Combat Command is to control

operations of ALPHA Force and provide liaison sections for each of the major Ch commands under

Gen Ho.

P.I.—Preinvasion aerial and naval bombardment of Lingayen Gulf area continues. Mine sweeping is completed.

POA—CG V Amphibious Corps Landing

Force issues alternate plan for invasion of Iwo Jima,

No. 4-44, calling for landing on western beaches.

The preferred plan, 3-44, is subsequently followed

on D Day.
[ 370 ] [ 9–10 JANUARY 1945 ]

9 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 84th Div mops up near

Consy, takes commanding ground at Harze, and

clears woods S of main crossroads SE of Manhay.

2d Armd Div continues toward Samrée, which is

subjected to heavy arty fire. 83d Div attacks through

3d Armd Div, gaining line from Bihain—which is

entered but not captured—W to point NE of Petite

Langlir. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 82d A/B Div

finishes mopping up within its zone. In 30th Div

sector, RCT 424 (106th Div) takes over Wanne–

Wanneranval region, formerly held by RCT 112

(28th Div).

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div continues to fight near Tillet;

elements are clearing Haies-de-Tillet woods. 506th

Para Inf, 101st A/B Div, attacks with CCB, 4th

Armd Div, and CCB, 10th Armd Div, toward

Noville, gaining 1,000 yards. 501st Para Inf takes

Recogne. III Corps launches attack to trap and destroy enemy in pocket SE of Bastogne. 90th Div

attacks through 26th toward high ground NE of

Bras, taking Berle and crossroads on Berle–Winseler

road. 26th Div’s gains are slight but include heights

NW of Bavigne. CCA, 6th Armd Div, co-ordinating

closely with 134th Inf of 35th Div, advances to high

ground SE of Marvie and feints toward Wardin.

137th Inf of 35th Div attacks Villers-la-Bonne-Eau.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, local attack by 100th Div gains Hill

370, S of Rimling, but since this region is becoming

untenable, div withdraws left flank to Guising to

tie in with 44th Div. VI Corps makes very slow

progress against Bitche salient, but TF Herren’s

276th Inf occupies Obermuhlthal. On NE flank

of 79th Div, German tank-infantry attack against

242d Inf, TF Linden, overruns Hatten and reaches

Rittershoffen; counterattack drives Germans back

to Hatten and partly regains that town. In Gambsheim bridgehead region, CCB of 12th Armd Div

seizes part of Herrlisheim, but 79th Div is still

thwarted in Drusenheim and SE of Rohrweiler.

Elements of 232d Inf along canal E of Weyersheim

are ordered back to organize Weyersheim for

defense.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

announces decision to postpone offensive until 1

April or thereabouts in order to await arrival of

fresh troops, build up ammunition supplies, have

more favorable weather conditions, and regroup and

rest assault forces. In IV Corps area, 86th Mtn Inf

of 10th Mtn Div enters line in TF 45’s sector, relieving AAA units in region NW of Pistoia. In II

Corps area, 85th Div begins relief of Br 1st Div, 13

Corps, in M. Grande area.

LUZON—After preparatory aerial and naval

bombardment U.S. Sixth Army, under Gen Krueger,

begins landing on shores of Lingayen Gulf at approximately 0930. Gen MacArthur is in over-all command. Seventh Fleet commander, Adm Kinkaid,

heads Luzon Attack Force (TF 77). Two corps land

abreast, XIV on right and I on left, without opposition. XIV Corps, with 40th Div on right and 37th

on left, each with 2 regts in assault, is virtually unopposed while pushing inland to an average depth

of 4 miles, its flanks near Calasiao on E and Port

Sual on W. I Corps, more strongly opposed, is less

successful. Its beachhead by end of day is narrower

and shallower than that of XIV Corps and contains

several gaps between assault forces. 6th Div, employing 2 regts, gains line from Dagupan to Pantalan

R and has elements at Bued R crossing, S of San

Fabian. 43d Div attacks with 3 regts to positions in

vicinity of San Jacinto, Binday, and Hills 470, 247,

and 385.

POA—In support of the Luzon operation, carrier planes of TF 38 attack airfields and shipping

in Formosa, Pescadores, and Ryukyus areas despite

unfavorable weather conditions. TF 38, under cover

of darkness, then enters Japanese-controlled waters

of South China Sea, passing between Luzon and

Formosa without arousing enemy. At Formosa,

B–29’s of XX Bomber Command augment attacks

of the carrier aircraft. Seventh Air Force continues

raids on Iwo Jima in Volcano Is., and B–29’s of

XXI Bomber Command make another of their

sporadic attacks on Japan, aiming at Musashino

aircraft plant in Tokyo.

10 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div, which has

taken over attack from 53d, reaches Laroche.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 78th Div,

in local attack, reaches slopes of hills overlooking

Kall R.

U.S. First Army prepares to broaden attack on

13th, VII Corps thrusting toward line Houffalize–

Bovigny and XVIII Corps toward St Vith. In VII

Corps area, most of Laroche–Salmchâteau road,

intermediate objective of corps, is cleared. 84th Div

patrols toward Laroche. 2d Armd Div captures Samrée and clears Laroche–Salmchâteau road within its

zone. 83d Div takes Bihain, advances slightly in

region N of Petite Langlir, and crosses Ronce R

east of Petite Langlir. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

elements of 82d A/B Div secure bridgehead across

Salm R near Grand Halleux.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div captures Tillet. Renewing at-
[ 11 JANUARY 1945 ] [ 371 ]

tack toward Noville, 101st A/B Div clears portion of

Bois Jacques. 4th Armd Div units, having passed

through 6th Armd Div, attack NE with elements of

101st A/B Div toward Bourcy but cease attack upon

order. III Corps continues attack, with greatest

progress on right (E) flank. On left flank, 6th Armd

Div furnishes fire support for neighboring VIII Corps

units and outposts N sector of line reached by 4th

Armd Div. Elements of 35th Div take Villers-laBonne-Eau and high ground NW. Betlange falls to

6th Cav Sq and Harlange to 28th Cav Sq. One 90th

Div regt advances from Berle to heights overlooking

Doncols; another fights indecisively for Trentelhof

strongpoint. Elements of 26th Div reach high ground

SW of Winseler.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, elements of 45th Div enter Althorn,

on left flank of Bitche salient, but are unable to

clear it. Otherwise, the salient is unchanged despite

continued fighting about its perimeter. On 79th

Div’s N flank, indecisive fighting occurs at Hatten;

bn of 315th Inf is committed there and 2d Bn, 242d

Inf, recalled; another bn of 315th assembles in Rittershoffen. To S, enemy maintains Gambsheim

bridgehead. Elements of CCB, 12th Armd Div, are

virtually surrounded at Herrlisheim, but tanks sever

enemy lines in order to reinforce infantry within

the town.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 92d Div takes responsibility for

Serchio Valley sector. Ind 8th Div, less 17th Brig, is

placed in army reserve.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 114th Regt of Ch 38th

Div, which is to move around S end of Shweli Valley

and cut Namhkam–Namhpakka trail, crosses the

Shweli. U.S. 124th Cav, after delay at the Shweli because of swollen waters, is assembled E of the river.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Shwebo

falls under combined attacks of Br 2d and Ind 19th

Divs. Ind 20th Div takes Budalin after prolonged

struggle. In 4 Corps area, E African 28th Brig and

Lushai Brig are assisted by heavy air strike in Gangaw

area, where enemy is firmly entrenched.

CHINA—In effort to reopen the Canton–Hengyang stretch of the Canton–Hankow RR, Japanese

move forward as quietly as possible about this time.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, army reserve

begins landing. In XIV Corps area, 185th Inf of

40th Div takes Labrador while 160th pushes along

Highway 13 toward Aguilar, reaching Umanday

area. Because of gap developing between the two

regts, 108th Inf (less 3d Bn) is committed in Polong

area. 148th Inf, 37th Div, speeds inland to San

Carlos; elements continue to Army Beachhead Line.

One 129th Inf column moves without opposition to

Malisiqui, within 21/2 miles of Army Beachhead

Line, while another reaches Army Beachhead Line

at Dumpay and maintains contact with 148th Inf.

In I Corps area, 6th Div drives S and SE to

Mapandan and vicinity of Santa Barbara. 43d Div’s

103d Inf takes San Jacinto without opposition and

pushes on toward Manoag and Hill 200; 169th and

172d Regts run into organized defense positions

on hills confronting them; 169th takes Hill 470

and drives on Hill 351 and 318; 172d Inf clears

Hill 385 and moves slowly toward Hill 351.

11 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 30 Corps area, patrols of 6th A/B

Div reach St Hubert and make contact with U.S.

VIII Corps.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 78th Div

finishes clearing hill positions overlooking Kall R.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, Laroche, in

84th Div sector, is cleared of enemy; 4th Cav Gp

patrol covers portion E of the Ourthe R. 83d Div

secures road junction on Bihain–Lomre road and

attacks Petite Langlir and Langlir. In XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, 75th Div takes up positions along Salm

R that were held by 82d A/B Div. 106th Div assumes

control of right of 30th Div zone.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 87th Div’s 347th Inf finishes clearing

Haies-de-Tillet woods and occupies Bonnerue, Pironpre, Vesqueville, and St Hubert, from which

enemy has withdrawn. Germans are also withdrawing from 17th A/B Div zone in vicinity of Heropont, Flamierge, Mande St Etienne, and Flamizoulle. In III Corps area, Germans are retiring from

pocket SE of Bastogne. Elements of all divs of corps

are converging on Bras. 6th Armd Div takes over

sector E of Bastogne formerly held by 4th Armd Div

(VIII Corps); elements attack toward Bras, clearing woods near Wardin. 35th Div gains additional

high ground in Lutrebois–Lutremange area. TF Fickett clears Wantrange and attacks Tarchamps, then

moves into zone of TF Scott (mainly 26th Div units)

as it advances on Sonlez. TF Fickett reaches Sonlez

by midnight and makes contact with 80th Div. Elements of TF Scott clear forest E of Harlange then, in

conjunction with TF Fickett, secure heights SW of

Sonlez. 90th Div overcomes resistance around Trentelhof, cuts Bastogne–Wiltz road at Doncols, and

advances on Sonlez. 26th Div improves positions on

right flank of corps. In XII Corps area, 80th Div takes

Bockholz-sur-Sure and high ground S of Burden. 2d

Cav Gp clears Machtum, enemy’s last position W of

the Moselle.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 45th Div clears Althorn, at W of Bitche

salient, but falls back under enemy pressure in

Wildenguth–Saegmuhl–Reipertsweiler region;
[ 372 ] [ 12 JANUARY 1945 ]

276th Inf makes limited gains on heights between

Lichtenberg and Obermuhlthal. Enemy renews attacks against 79th Div’s Maginot positions S of Wissembourg, reinforcing troops in Hatten, where 2d

Bn of 315th Inf is enveloped, and wresting about

two thirds of Rittershoffen from 3d Bn, 315th Inf.

Elements of CCA, 14th Armd Div, counterattack

from Kuhlendorf but are stopped short of Rittershoffen. CCB, 12th Armd Div, withdraws from

Herrlisheim and takes up defensive positions W of

Zorn R.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

Br 13 Corps area, 17th Brig of Ind 8th Div joins parent div in army reserve upon relief on right flank of

corps by elements of 13 and 5 Corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

after Gangaw is captured by E African 28th Brig and

Lushai Brig, corps is able to advance quickly toward

the Irrawaddy in Pakokku area for drive on Meiktila.

FORMOSA—Fifth Air Force begins small night attacks on the island with B–24’s.

SWPA—GHQ orders 11th A/B Div, U.S. Eighth

Army, to be prepared to land on Luzon at Nasugbu

and Tayabas Bays in late January. Plan to land XI

Corps at Vigan is dropped.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158,

part of army reserve, begins drive up Route 251

toward Rabon and relieves elements of 172d Inf,

43d Div. XIV Corps is largely on Army Beachhead

Line by end of day. 40th Div consolidates in DuligLabrador-Uyong area, finds Aguilar in the hands

of Filipino guerrillas, and makes contact with 37th

Div E of Aguilar, 37th Div organizes defensive

positions along Army Beachhead Line; patrols actively and establishes outposts; maintains contact

with 1 Corps. RCT 145, all of which is now ashore,

establishes defense positions along Route 261. In

I Corps area, 6th Div finds Filipino guerrillas in

control of Santa Barbara; moves 31/2 miles S to

Balingueo. 103d Inf, 43d Div, takes Manoag without opposition; gains positions on slopes of hill

mass that Hill 200 crowns; establishes contact with

6th Div. 169th tries in vain to take Hill 318: gains

weak hold on Hill 560. 172d, under intense fire,

snakes little headway. Corps front is rapidly widening and extends nearly 30 miles from S to N.

With elimination of small enemy force at Boac,

Marinduque I. is now secure.

12 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army VII Corps area, 2d Armd Div attacks

in vicinity of junction of Manhay–Houffalize and

Laroche–Salmchâteau roads: CCA takes Chabrehez,

continues about a mile S in Bois de Belhez, and

reduces strongpoint E of Bois de St Jean; CCB captures Les Tailles and Petite Tailles. On 3d Armd Div

right, 83d Armd Rcn Bn drives S through TF Hogan

(CCR) at Regne, crosses Langlir R, and clears Bois

de Cedrogne E of Manhay–Houffalize road and

blocks road there running W from Mont le Ban. TF

Hogan moves to Bihain and clears high ground SW

of the town. 83d Div completes capture of Petite

Langlir and Langlir and gains bridgehead S of Langlir-Ronce R. In XVIII (A/B) Corps’ 106th Div sector, bridgehead is established across Amblève R south

of Stavelot.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps

area, enemy continues withdrawing. 87th Div takes

Tonny, Amberloup, Lavacherie, Orreux, Fosset, Sprimont, and road junction NE of Sprimont. 17th A/B Div

recaptures Flamierge. Flamizoulle is found to be heavily

mined. Renuamont, Hubermont, and villages to SW are

held by light, delaying forces. In III Corps area, CCA of

6th Armd Div captures Wardin and advances to within

a few hundred yards of Bras; 357th mops up Sonlez and

continues to high ground SE of Bras; 359th repels attacks on crossroads NE of Doncols.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, enemy has shifted from aggressive offensive to stubborn defensive in Bitche salient. Efforts

of 45th Div to regain ground lost on 11th are only

partly successful. 14th Armd Div attacks to relieve

315th Inf, 79th Div, in Hatten and Rittershoffen;

CCA clears part of Rittershoffen. Situation in Gambsheim bridgehead is unchanged.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces open powerful

winter offensive. With strong arty support, First

Ukrainian Front leads off, attacking W from

Sandomierz bridgehead over the Vistula in S Poland.

Battle for Budapest continues with Red Army deepening penetration into the city.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, 3d Cdo

Brig lands on Arakan coast at Myebon after air and

naval bombardment and establishes firm beachhead, which enemy without success soon attempts

to destroy.

In NCAC area, U.S.-Ch convoy starts along Ledo

Road from Ledo, India.

SOUTH CHINA SEA—TF 38, still unmolested by

enemy, makes surprise air attacks on enemy shipping

off French Indochina and on airfields and shore installations from Saigon N to Tourane. Shipping targets are plentiful, including several convoys, and the

TF destroys some 40 ships and damages others.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

40th Div’s 185th Inf takes Port Sual, W terminus of

Army Beachhead Line, without a fight and continues W toward Alaminos. 37th Div is consolidating

on Army Beachhead Line; elements move into

Bayambang and Urbiztondo without opposition. In
[ 373 ]

I Corps area, 6th Div (less RCT 63) is ordered to

conduct holding action along line Malisiqui–Catablan–Torres until situation in 43d Div sector improves and is moving forward toward that line. RCT

158, released from army reserve to corps late in day,

moves elements to Rabon and Bani and patrols to

Damortis. Corps attaches RCT 158 to 43d Div; to

further strengthen 43d Div, commits RCT 63 (—) of

6th Div to right of RCT 158 to close gap between

158th and 172d Regts. RCT’s 158 and 63 are to secure Damortis–Rosario road. Elements of 43d Div

take Hill 560 and are attacking toward Hills 318 and

200.

MINDORO—Entire 21st Inf assembles at

Pinamalayan for drive on Calapan, where Japanese

force is now concentrated. Guerrilla patrol reaches

Wawa, on N coast near Abra de flog.

POA—Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51), less elements in the Marianas, begins rehearsals in Hawaiian area for landing on Iwo Jima, concluding them

by 18 January.

13 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps’ Ardennes mission is completed as 51st Div reaches Ourthe R line southward

from Laroche.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps pushes steadily toward Houffalize. On right flank, 4th Cav Gp

and 84th Div clear several towns and villages. CCA,

2d Armd Div, reaches positions about 11/2 miles N

of Wibrin; CCB advances in Bois de Cedrogne to

points 5–6 miles due N of Houffalize. 3d Armd

Div’s CCR cuts Sommerain–Cherain road at its

junction with road to Mont le Ban and contains

Mont le Ban while CCB takes Lomre. After clearing

passage through woods S of Langlir for 3d Armd

Div, 83d Div mops up and regroups. XVIII Corps

(A/B) opens offensive, employing 106th Div on

right and 30th on left. 106th Div, with 424th Inf on

right and 517th Para Inf on left, attacks SE from

junction of Amblève and Salm Rivers toward La

Neuville–Coulee–Logbiermé–Houvegnez line, reaching positions near Henumont. 30th Div drives S

from Malmédy area toward Amblève R, gaining positions near Hédomont, in Houyire woods, and in

Thirimont area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, advance elements of 87th Div reach

Ourthe R and make contact with British. 17th A/B

Div takes Salle, N of Flamierge, without opposition.

11th Armd Div, which has relieved elements of 101st

and 17th A/B Divs, attacks N with CCR and

CCA along Longchamps–Bertogne axis, cutting

Houffalize–St Hubert highway near Bertogne. Bertogne is enveloped. 506th Para Inf, 101st A/B

Div, seizes Foy, on Bastogne–Houffalize highway;

327th Gli Inf advances through 501st Para Inf in

Bois Jacques toward Bourcy. In III Corps area, 6th

Armd Div drives northward, CCB partially clearing Mageret. 90th Div drives enemy from Bras and

gains Hill 530. 35th Div and TF Fickett are pinched

out near Bras. 26th Div moves units into positions

NE and E of Doncols as boundary between it and

90th Div is moved W.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XXI

Corps (Maj Gen Frank W. Milburn) becomes operational, assuming responsibility for defense of left

flank of army and taking control of 106th Cav Gp

and 103d Div in place. It is to continue organization

of defensive positions. In VI Corps area, 45th Div

makes minor gains against Bitche salient. TF Herren

( —274th Inf) moves to right flank of corps. 14th

Armd Div takes command of Hatten–Rittershoffen

sector, assisted by 79th Div: CCA and 3d Bn of 315th

Inf continue to fight in Rittershoffen; CCR secures

W third of Hatten and makes contact with 2d Bn of

315th Inf; efforts of CCB to cut roads N and NE of

Hatten fail.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 34th Div relieves 88th Div in line.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps strengthens

Myebon bridgehead. Ind 25th Div begins landing.

LUZON—With scattered strikes at Lingayen Gulf,

major enemy air attacks on Luzon Attack Force come

to an end.

In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen Krueger takes command ashore. In XIV Corps area, elements of 185th

Inf, 40th Div, move along coast of Lingayen Gulf

to site chosen for seaplane base in Cabalitan Bay

and find that Allied Naval Forces have already secured it without enemy interference. Wawa falls to

elements of 37th Div. In I Corps area, 6th Div gains

its holding line, Malisiqui–Catablan–Torres. In 43d

Div zone, RCT 158 takes Damortis without a

struggle. Attacking from Alacan area, 63d Inf gets

about halfway to Hill 363, its first objective. Hills

580 and 318 are practically cleared by 172d and

169th Regts, respectively.

14 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 84th Div gains its final

objectives, taking Nadrin, Filly, Petite Mormont,

and Grande Mormont; 4th Cav Gp patrol makes

visual contact with U.S. Third Army patrol. 2d

Armd Div seizes Wibrin, Cheveoumont, Wilogne,

and Dinez. 3d Armd Div takes Mont le Ban and

Baclain. 83d Div clears Honvelez and high ground

near Bovigny. In XVIII (A/B) Corps’ 106th Div

sector, 517th Para Inf clears Henumont and con-

[ 13–14 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 374 ]

tinues S; 424th Inf secures Coulee and Logbiermé.

Some elements of 30th Div attack toward Hédomont and Thirimont, night 13–14, and take

Hédomont before dawn; other elements clear Villers and Ligneuville and gain bridgeheads across

Amblève R at these points.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, 17th A/B Div’s 507th Para Inf secures

Bertogne, from which enemy has fled, and 194th Gli

Inf takes Givroulle; both regts continue to Ourthe

R. TF of CCA, 11th Armd Div, clears Falize woods

and drives along Longchamps–Compogne highway

until stopped by heavy fire. 101st A/B Div continues attack toward Noville–Rachamps–Bourcy area.

Elements are forced out of Recogne and Foy, but both

are regained in counterattacks. Enemy is cleared from

Cobru. Tank TF of CCB, 11th Armd Div, followed

by infantry TF, enters Noville but withdraws under

intense fire. In III Corps area, CCA of 6th Armd

Div clears woods E of Wardin and captures Benonchamps; CCB finishes clearing Mageret. Elements of

90th Div drive toward Niederwampach. Having

cleared small pockets during night, 26th Div moves

combat patrols against enemy S of Wiltz R. In XX

Corps area, 94th Div opens series of small-scale attacks to improve defensive positions in Saar–Moselle

triangle S of Wasserbillig, a strongly fortified switch

position of West Wall; 376th Inf takes Tettingen and

Butzdorf. 95th Div moves two bns to objectives in

Saarlautern bridgehead area and then withdraws

them as planned.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, RCT 142 of 36th Div moves to 103d Div

zone to cover relief of that div by TF Herren. In VI

Corps area, enemy continues vigorous defense of

Bitche salient. 45th Div makes slight gains along its

perimeter. 14th Armd Div battles enemy in Rittershoffen and Hatten.

EASTERN EUROPE—Berlin reports new Soviet offensive in Schlossberg (Pillkalen) region of NE East

Prussia. Red Army offensive in Poland broadens as

First and Second White Russian Fronts attack,

former from bridgeheads over the Vistula S of Warsaw and latter from Narew R bridgeheads N of the

capital. In S Poland, First Ukrainian Front forces

Nida R and cuts Kielce–Cracow RR. Heavy fighting

continues in Budapest with German garrison slowly

giving ground. Germans are steadily withdrawing

forces from Yugoslavia.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army activates a new regt, 473d, using personnel of AAA

units previously under TF 45 and dissolving 45th

AAA Brig.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div secures bridgehead across the

Irrawaddy at Thabaikkyin, evoking speedy and

violent reaction from Japanese. The enemy mistakes

the div for 4 Corps as hoped and, to avert threat to

Mandalay, rushes reserves forward thus weakening

other sectors. For the next month, Ind 19th Div

withstands repeated and determined counterattacks.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

40th Div’s Rcn Tr reaches Alaminos; 160th Inf

drives S along Route 13 from Aguilar to

Mangatarem. Pushing S across the Agno, 129th Inf

of 37th Div takes Bautista; 37th Div Rcn Tr finds

Camiling undefended. In I Corps area, 6th Div

continues holding action and patrols actively. In

43d Div zone, 158th Inf attacks toward Rosario but

meets such heavy fire in defile near Amlang that it

pulls back approximately to its starting line; 63d

Inf seizes Hill 363. After taking Hill 351, which has

been bypassed, and mopping up on Hill 580, 172d

Inf secures Hills 585 and 565 and pushes on toward Hill 665; upon spotting enemy moving down

Route 3, is ordered to attack on 15th for junction

of Routes 3 and 11. 169th Inf mops up on Hill 318;

prepares to attack Hill 355. 103d Inf establishes

outpost about 11/2 miles SE of Pozorrubio.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army’s XXIV Corps area,

96th Div relieves 11th A/B Div of tactical responsibility on Leyte and sends 2 bns to Samar I. to relieve

8th Cav, 1st Cav Div, of garrison duty at Catbalogan.

Night 14–15, 7th Div sends TF, composed of 3d Bn

of 184th Inf, 776th Tank Bn, and elements of 718th

and 536th Amtrac Bns, on amphibious mission to

secure Camotes Is.

15 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, in preparation for Operation BLACKCOCK—To clear triangular enemy salient

between the Meuse and Roer–Wurm Rivers from

Roermond southward—elements of 7th Armd Div

seize Bakenhoven (Holland) about a mile NW of

Susteren as line of departure for main attack by 7th

Armd Div on left flank of corps.

On U.S. First Army’s VII Corps right, 84th Div

consolidates. 2d Armd Div clears Achouffe, Mont,

and Tavernaux and sends patrols to Ourthe R and

into Houffalize, which has been vacated by enemy.

3d Armd Div attacks with CCR toward Vaux and

Brisy, taking Vaux, and with, CCB toward Cherain

and Sterpigny. Elements of CCA are committed as

reinforcements. Bn of 83d Div attacks Bovigny but

is unable to take it. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

75th Div attacks across the Salm before dawn and

seizes Salmchâteau and Bech. 106th Div consolidates and clears Ennal. 30th Div takes Beaumont,

Francheville, Houvegnez, and Pont; improves positions S of Ligneuville; clears N part of Thirimont.

V Corps opens offensive to clear heights between

[ 15 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 375 ]

Buellingen and Amblève and to protect left flank

of XVIII Corps. 1st Div, reinf by RCT 23 of 2d Div,

attacks SE with 23d Inf on right, 16th in center,

and 18th on left; gains Steinbach, neighboring village of Remonval, and N half of Faymonville, but is

held up S of Butgenbach by heavy fire.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, CCA of 11th Armd Div takes Compogne and Rastadt and reaches Vellereux; falls back

W of Vellereux under counterattack in Rau de Vaux

defile. CCB bypasses Neville and clears woods to

E. 506th Para Inf, 101st A/B Div, occupies Neville.

In III Corps area, 6th Armd Div, employing 320th

Inf of 35th Div, overcomes house-to-house resistance

in Oubourcy; CCB takes Arloncourt; CCA clears

heights SW of Longvilly. 358th Inf of 80th Div

meets unexpectedly strong resistance as it resumes

NE attack; 1st Bn makes forced march into 6th

Armd Div sector to attack Niederwampach from

Benonchamps area and gains town after arty barrage by 14 FA bns. 357th Inf battles strongpoints in

and around RR tunnels along Wiltz R valley while

359th starts to Wardin. In XX Corps’ 94th Div zone,

1st Bn of 376th holds Tettingen and Butzdorf

against counterattack while 3d Bn takes Nennig,

Wies, and Berg.

6th Army Group: Issues preliminary instructions

for attack against Colmar Pocket by Fr First Army,

which for some time has been engaged in aggressive

defense of the Vosges.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, local actions occur around Bitche salient perimeter. 14th

Armd Div continues fight for Rittershoffen and Hatten.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army offensive is extended southward in Poland as Fourth Ukrainian

Front begins drive in Carpathian Mts from vicinity

of Sanok, SW of Cracow. To the N, First Ukrainian

Front takes Kielce.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, S African 6th Armd Div, which has been under

army command, is placed under control of II Corps

in current positions.

BURMA—At conference in Myitkyina, Gens

Wedemeyer, Stratemeyer, and Sultan agree that an

AAF hq should be set up in China to command U.S.

Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces.

In NCAC area, inaugural convoy from Ledo

reaches Myitkyina, where it halts to await clearance

of enemy ahead. Ch 30th Div takes Namhkam with

ease, gaining control of lower end of Shweli Valley.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 19th

Div secures another bridgehead across the Irrawaddy,

at Kyaukmyaung.

CHINA—Japanese begin offensive for Suichwan

airfields, driving along Chaling–Lienhwa road.

SOUTH CHINA SEA—TF 38, severely handicapped

by weather conditions, launches air strikes against

shipping, airfields, and ground installations at Formosa and along coast of China from Hong Kong to

Amoy. Because of deteriorating weather conditions,

some of the planes are diverted to Mako Ko in the

Pescadores and others to Prates Reef.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

elements of 40th Div begin probing in Dasol Bay

Balinao Peninsula area, where action is insignificant through 18th. 2d Bn of 160th Inf takes San

Clemente, forcing enemy party back toward Camiling. Elements of 129th Inf and 37th Rcn Tr, 37th

Div, intercept the enemy party near Camiling and

disperse it. In I Corps area, 6th Div, while continuing holding action, extends left flank to Cabanbanan, between Manoag and Urdaneta. Patrols find

enemy in possession of Urdaneta and Cabaruan

Hills. In 43d Div zone, 158th Inf, assisted by arty,

naval gunfire, and aircraft, begins clearing the defile near Amlang, on road to Rosario; 63d Inf drives

N in effort to make contact with 158th but stops

for night well S of Amlang; 172d Inf clears Hill 665

and reaches Damortis-Rosario road within 11/2

miles of Rosario; 169th, unable to take Hill 355

from W and S, prepares to strike from E; 103d gains

most of Hill 200 area.

CAMOTES—Protected by Fifth Air Force planes

and PT boats, 7th Div TF lands unopposed on N

and S tips of Ponson I.

MINDORO—2d Bn of 21st Inf, driving on Calapan, meets delaying opposition along Gusay Creek.

503d Para Inf, which has been assisting guerrilla

forces, terminates operations on Mindoro.

16 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps opens Operation BLACKCOCK, 7th Armd Div driving NE and seizing Dieteren

(Holland).

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, VII Corps

of First Army and VIII Corps of Third Army establish contact near Houffalize. 2d Armd Div occupies

that part of Houffalize N of Ourthe R. Enemy resistance continues on left flank of corps. 3d Armd

Div captures Sommerain, Cherain, and Sterpigny

but is unable to take Brisy. Attempt to get tank force

from Cherain to Rettigny fails. 83d Div consolidates

along E edge of Bois de Ronce. In XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, 75th Div makes slow progress E of the

Salm. After gaining objective line, 106th Div mops

up, 424th Inf along 75th Div boundary and 517th

Para Inf on high ground NW of Petit Thier. 30th

Div clears rest of Thirimont and pushes S toward

junction of Recht–Born road with Malmédy–St

Vith road, which enemy is blocking. In V Corps

[ 16 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 376 ]

area, 1st Div captures Ondenval and rest of Faymonville, but progress in woods S of Butgenbach is negligible.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, CCA of 11th Armd Div takes Vellereux

and pursues enemy through Mabompré; CCB, after

advancing NE through Wicourt, secures high ground

S of Houffalize. Attack of 502d Para Inf, 101st A/B

Div, is halted near Bourcy, but 506th Para Inf captures Vaux and. Rachamps. In III Corps area, 6th

Armd Div continues NE toward Moinet: 320th Inf,

attached, takes Michamps; TF Lagrew, CCA, advances through Longvilly. 90th Div clears heights E

of Longvilly and seizes Oberwampach and Shimpach.

Lt Gen Leonard T. Gerow assumes command of

U.S. Fifteenth Army.

6th Army Group: 28th Div is attached to U.S.

Seventh Army but will operate under control of Fr

1st Army.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div,

on E flank of Bitche salient, withstands pressure near

Obermuhlthal. CCA of 14th Armd Div is halted in

Rittershoffen and CCR loses ground in Hatten. In

79th Div sector, elements of 232d Inf intercept German force at Dengolsheim and drive it back to Dahlhunden. 12th Armd Div attacks to reduce Gambsheim bridgehead: infantry elements of CCB cross

river SE of Rohrweiler but fall back to Rohrweiler

when enemy fire prevents construction of bridge for

armor; CCA, attacking from Weyersheim toward

Offendorf, makes better progress but fails to reach

objective.

EASTERN EUROPE—Radom (Poland) falls to First

White Russian Front; First Ukrainian Front is driving on Czestochowa and Cracow.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5332d Brig gets

into position for attack on Burma Road in

Namhpakka area, between Hsenwi and Wanting.

114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, continues toward Namhkam–Namhpakka trail, reaching Ta-kawn.

CHINA—China Theater is notified that B–29’s

will be moved to the Marianas.

SOUTH CHINA SEA—TF 38 planes attack shipping,

airfields, and ground installations along Chinese

coast from Swatow to Luichow Peninsula and at

Hainan I. Main effort is against Hong Kong, where

good concentration of shipping is found. Results

against shipping and aircraft are disappointing but

important ground installations are hit. Enemy air

strength proves surprisingly weak.

LUZON—Airstrip in Lingayen Gulf area becomes

operational.

In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps’ zone is extended to cover region from Bayambang W into Zambales Mtns. Bridges are to be constructed over the

Agno for use of heavy equipment. Regrouping

and widespread patrolling ensue. In I Corps area,

25th Div is attached to corps from army reserve to

secure line Binalonan–Urdaneta and enters line between 6th and 43d Divs, whereupon 6th prepares to

move on Urdaneta and the Cabaruan Hills. 43d Div

attempts to take Rosario and junction of Routes 3

and 11 but makes little headway. 103d Inf, assisted

by tanks, virtually finishes clearing Hill 200 area; elements move into Pozorrubio. During night 16–17,

Japanese make local counterattacks but are driven

back with heavy losses.

MINDORO—19th Inf, upon establishing outpost

at Bulalacao, finds that the area is infested with

Japanese.

17 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, some elements of 7th

Armd Div advance NE from Dieteren and seize Echt

while others move S and take Susteren.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div mops up and improves positions near Cherain

and Sterpigny. 331st Inf, 83d Div, starts to clear

high ground SW of Courtil. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, 75th Div seizes Petit Thier, Vielsalm, and

neighboring villages, 106th Div is pinched out by

75th and 30th Divs. 30th Div is unable to reduce

roadblock at junction of Recht–Born and Malmédy–

St Vith roads. In V Corps area, 1st Div, making

main effort on right, fights to clear defile S of Ondenval through which 7th Armd Div will pass in

attack on St Vith. 23d Inf attacks toward high

ground N and NW of Iveldingen, pocketing enemy

in N part of the Wolfsbusch and moving slowly

through the Rohrbusch.

U.S. First Army reverts to U.S. 12th Army Group

at midnight 17–18.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII

Corps area, Bourcy and Hardigny fall to 101st A/B

Div. Having cleared enemy from area between Bastogne and Ourthe R, corps goes on the defensive. In

III Corps area, 6th Armd Div meets heavy resistance

near Bourcy–Longvilly road. 90th Div resists enemy

efforts to regain Oberwampach and clears wooded

area S of RR track. XII Corps completes preparations

for attack: 87th Div takes over 4th Div zone along

the Sauer from Echternach to Wasserbillig, with 4th

Div now on left and 2d Cav Gp on right; 4th Div

takes responsibility for portion of 5th Div zone.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, TF Herren ( — 274th Inf) takes command of 103d Div sector. In VI Corps area, 103d

Div takes over TF Herren’s sector and 274th Inf in

position. 1st Bn of 315th Inf, attached to 14th Armd

Div, attacks toward Rittershoffen, where CCA is still

engaged, but cannot reach the town; CCR with-

[ 17 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 377 ]

stands enemy pressure in Hatten. Germans continue

to be aggressive in 232d Inf’s sector of 79th Div

front, occupying Roeschwoog, Dengolsheim, Stattmatten, and part of Sessenheim; counterattack

clears Sessenheim. 12th Armd Div makes little headway against Gambsheim bridgehead: CCB is again

held up at river SE of Rohrweiler; CCA gains precarious foothold in Herrlisheim with 17th Armd Inf

Bn, but 43d Tank Bn is cut off outside the town

and wiped out.

EASTERN EUROPE—First White Russian Front

overruns Warsaw, capital of Poland. Second White

Russian Front now holds Ciechanow, to N. Speeding rapidly W from Kielce, First Ukrainian Front

forces Warta R and occupies Czestochowa.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 85th Div takes command of sector

previously held by Br 1st Div (13 Corps), having

completed relief of that div. Boundary between II

and Br 13 Corps is altered accordingly. Br 1st Div

is placed under AFHQ control and is later sent to

Middle East.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5332d Brig clears

Japanese outpost from Namhkam village, within 3

miles of Burma Road, and begins to clear ridge, which

this village surmounts. Ch 38th Div, less 114th Regt,

is ordered to advance toward Wanting to secure trace

of Ledo Road.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen MacArthur directs Gen Krueger to speed drive on Manila and Clark Field. XIV Corps continues preparations for offensive. In I Corps area, 6th Div begins push on Cabaruan Hills with 20th Inf and on

Urdaneta with 1st Inf. 25th Div attacks in center

of corps with 27th Inf on right and 161st on left:

27th reaches Binalonan–Urdaneta road; 161st

pushes to Binalonan, where enemy is offering lively

opposition. 103d Inf, 43d Div, takes Pozorrubio,

from which most Japanese have withdrawn. 63d Inf

is attached to 158th Inf to help clear heights commanding Damortis–Rosario road in AmlangCataguintingan region. 158th takes ridge about

1,000 yards NE of Damortis.

18 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div, on left

flank of corps, seizes Schilberg (opening highway

from there to Sittard) and Heide, NE of Susteren. In

center, 52d Div goes on the offensive along GermanDutch frontier and clears several German towns.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps improves positions near Cherain and Courtil.

In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div clears part

of Burtonville. 30th takes Poteau and surrounds

roadblock at junction of Recht–Born and Malmédy–

St Vith roads. In V Corps area, 1st Div repels counterattack in densely wooded Rohrbusch; eliminates

pocket S of Amblève R in the Wolfsbusch; makes

slow progress in woods S of Butgenbach. In U.S.

Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 11th Armd Div assumes responsibility for line from Hardigny to

Bourcy. 17th A/B Div takes over line from Hardigny

to Houffalize. In III Corps area, though German

attack on Oberwampach is repulsed by 90th Div,

enemy shelling of the town increases. XII Corps

opens offensive at 0300 when 4th and 5th Divs attack abreast N across the Sauer between Reisdorf

and Ettelbruck, surprising enemy. 4th Div, attacking with RCT 8, reaches heights commanding Our

R between Longsdorf and Hosdorf. To W, 5th Div

attacks with RCT’s 10 and 2, capturing hills along

N bank of the Sauer and towns of Ingeldorf and

Erpeldange; elements start clearing Bettendorf and

Diekirch, securing a third of the latter. 319th Inf,

80th Div, takes Nocher but fails to gain high ground

W of Masseler. Supporting attack, 87th Div demonstrates river crossing. 2d Cav Gp supports 94th

Div (XX Corps) with fire and river crossing demonstration. In XX Corps area, 94th Div loses Butzdorf

during determined enemy counterattack but holds

at Tettingen.

6th Army Group: Directs Fr 1st Army to begin

double envelopment of Colmar Pocket on 20

January.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, enemy

infiltration in Bitche salient NE of Reipertsweiler

isolates 3d Bn of 157th Inf, 45th Div; attempts to

relieve the bn are ineffective. Indecisive and costly

fighting continues in Rittershoffen–Hatten area.

Germans are increasingly active S of Hatten and

overrun TF Linden’s positions in Sessenheim and

Bois de Sessenheim. 12th Armd Div continues losing battle against bridgehead, which enemy has reinforced: CCA relinquishes its hold on Herrlisheim; attack to relieve CCA elements trapped in

the town fails.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, U.S. 28th Div

begins relief of U.S. 3d Div, night 18–19.

EASTERN EUROPE—In Hungary, Second Ukrainian

Front clears that part of Budapest E of the Danube.

Soviet armies in Poland are rapidly approaching German Silesia.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army releases Br 13 Corps, consisting now of 6th Armd and

78th Divs, to control of Br Eighth Army in place.

U.S. Fifth Army thus gets a new right boundary.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 5332d Brig gains

hold on Loi-kang ridge, commanding Burma Road,

and gets arty into position to fire on the road. Japanese move reinforcements to Namhpakka area.

[ 18 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 378 ]

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army orders XIV Corps to

drive S beyond the Agno in force from current general line Bayambang–Urbiztondo–Bogtong. In I

Corps area, 1st Inf of 6th Div takes Urdaneta while

20th continues to probe into Cabaruan Hills without making contact with main enemy forces. 161st

Inf, 25th Div, clears Binalonan. From Palacpalac, 2d

Bn of 769th Inf, 43d Div, attacks through Bobonan

to road junction near Sison; maintains roadblock

there under strong enemy pressure. 758th and 63d

Regts begin attack on ridge called Blue Ridge, near

Amlang; although progress is slow the assault regts

gain contact with each other.

CAMOTES—From Ponson I., 7th Div TF (3d Bn

of 184th Inf, reinf) moves by sea to Poro I. and establishes beachhead.

19 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, Germans are cleared from

Stevensweerd in 7th Armd Div sector. 52d Div overruns Isenbruch, Breberen, Saeffelen, and

Broichhoven; elements cross Dutch border, taking

Koningsbosch, W of Bocket, and making contact with

7th Armd Div near that village.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 4th Cav Gp takes over sector of 2d

Armd Div, 3d Armd Div gains its final objectives,

clearing Brisy, Rettigny, Renglez, and rest of zone

as far S as Ourthe R. 83d Div cleans out woods in

its zone and sends elements into Bovigny and

Courtil. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div is

dislodging enemy from Grand Bois and withstands

pressure near Burtonville. 30th, against light resistance, captures Recht, reduces roadblock at junction of Recht–Born and Malmédy–St Vith roads,

continues to clear woods S of Recht–Born road, and

takes high ground in Bois d’Emmels SE of Poteau.

7th Armd Div closes in attack positions near

Waimes. In V Corps area, 1st Div opens passage

through which 7th Armd Div will drive on St Vith;

against greatly decreased resistance, div clears

Iveldingen, Eibertingen, Montenau, and Schoppen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 4th Div

gains heights overlooking the Our NE of Bettendorf;

in conjunction with 5th Div clears Bettendorf, but

is unable to reduce strongpoint across the Sauer from

Reisdorf. 5th Div takes rest of Diekirch and occupies Bastendorf. In XX Corps area, 302d Inf of 94th

Div is clearing bypassed fortifications to allow passage of CCA, 8th Armd Div. CCA, 8th Armd Div,

assembles near Koenigsmacker.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps

area, 157th Inf of 45th Div receives intensified fire

and contains counterattacks from Bitche salient; efforts to relieve encircled 3d Bn continue. Though

enemy is less aggressive in Rittershoffen–Hatten area,

74th Armd Div is unable to improve positions. Germans mount strong attacks S of Hatten. To avert threat

of a breakthrough to Haguenau, 74th Armd Div’s 25th

Tank Bn moves to Hochfelden. 79th Div attacks toward Sessenheim with attached units of 103d Div,

which enter the town but are driven out. Germans

surround 2d Bn, 374th Inf, in Drusenheim but elements escape. 12th Armd Div withdraws for relief and

contains enemy attack at line of relief. RCT 143, 36th

Div, takes up defensive positions in Rohrweiler-Weyersheim region.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow confirms German

reports of new Soviet offensive against East Prussia,

where Third White Russian Front now holds

Schlossberg (Pillkalen). Continuing rapidly across

Poland, First White Russian Front takes Lodz; First

Ukrainian Front seizes Tarnow and Cracow;

Fourth Ukrainian Front has reached Gorlice, S of

Tarnow.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Kantha, on

Myebon Peninsula, falls to 25th Ind Div.

In NCAC area, 114th Regt of Ch 38th Div cuts

Namhkam–Namhpakka trail. U.S. 5332d Brig craters Burma Road and continues to clear heights overlooking it.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

begins advance toward Clark Field, gaining line

Camiling–Paniqui–Anao 24 hours ahead of schedule. On right, 160th Inf of 40th Div drives down

Route 13 to Nambalan. One column of 129th Inf,

37th Div, drives to Carmen and patrols as far as San

Manuel without incident; another advances to

Moncada, where Japanese are driven off; a third

reaches Paniqui. 148th Inf moves into positions along

Camiling–Paniqui road—Route 55. In I Corps area,

169th Inf of 43d Div moves reinforcements to 2d Bn

at road junction near Sison, but Japanese regain the

position. 103d Inf begins 2-bn assault on Hill 600, E

of Pozorrubio road.

CAMOTES—7th Div TF on Poro is clearing the island and making few contacts with enemy.

MINDORO—21st Inf troops overcome enemy opposition along Gusay Creek.

20 January

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—Provisional National Government of Hungary signs armistice agreement in Moscow with Great Britain, United States,

and USSR.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div reaches

village of St Joost. 52d seizes Bocket and Waldfeucht

(Germany) and Echterbosch (Holland). 43d Div attacks on right flank of corps in Germany, taking

[ 19–20 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 379 ]

Langfroich and relieving elements of 52d Div in

Breberen. 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s

XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div clears to SE edge

of Grand Bois. 30th mops up to S edge of Bois de

Born and Bois d’Emmels, last ridge before St Vith.

7th Armd Div attacks S toward St Vith through

Ondenval defile, with Deidenberg and Born as immediate objectives: CCA drives beyond Deidenberg,

but CCB, held up by mines and deep snow, is unable to take Born.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCR of

11th Armd Div, finding that enemy has withdrawn

from area E of Hardigny–Bourcy line, moves forward 2 miles, establishing line through Boeur,

Wandesbourcy, and Bois aux Chênes. 17th A/B

Div advances beyond Tavigny. In III Corps area,

CCA of 6th Armd Div captures Moinet and Hill

510 to E. Elements of 358th Inf, 80th Div, meet

heavy fire as they approach Derenbach and are

forced to withdraw; N of Oberwampach a bn of

359th Inf captures Chifontaine and Allerborn.

328th Inf, 26th Div, establishes bridgehead across

Wiltz R 2 miles S of Oberwampach. In XII Corps

area, 4th Div, committing RCT 12 on left of RCT

8, continues attack N of the Sauer, clearing angle

formed by junction of Sauer and Our Rivers, bypassing Longsdorf to gain positions just N and

occupying Tandel. 5th Div takes Kippenhof, Brandenburg, and commanding ground near latter.

318th Inf, 80th Div, secures Burden without opposition. In XX Corps area, 1st Bn of 301st Inf,

94th Div, attacks toward Orscholz but is halted

short; 302d clears fortifications and repels counterattacks. 95th Div decisively defeats counterattacks in Saarlautern bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI

Corps starts orderly withdrawal to new defensive

positions along Rothbach Rau–Moder R line at nightfall. 45th Div makes unsuccessful attempt to reach

encircled 3d Bn, 157th Inf, elements of which infiltrate to main body. Some troops of 2d Bn, 314th Inf,

escape from Drusenheim but rest of bn is reported

missing in action.

Fr 1st Army opens offensive to eliminate Colmar

Pocket, attacking with 1st Corps from the S. 1st

Corps employs 2 divs (4th Moroccan Mtn Div on W

and 2d Moroccan Inf Div on E) reinf by armor of 1st

Armd Div along axis Cernay–Ensisheim. Weather

conditions are poor and progress is so slow that initial corps objective, Ensisheim, is not reached until

early February. In 2d Corps area, U.S. 28th Div completes relief of U.S. 3d Div and takes command of

sector from Sigolsheim SW to Le Valtin. Corps prepares to join in offensive to reduce Colmar Pocket.

EASTERN EUROPE—East Prussia is being enveloped

by Third and Second White Russian Fronts:

Third takes Tilsit; Second, thrusting N toward East

Prussia from Poland, gets elements across SW border near Tannenberg. First White Russian and First

Ukrainian Fronts continue W in Poland toward Germany, former in general direction of Berlin and latter toward Silesia. In the Carpathians, Fourth Ukrainian Front takes Nowy Sacz in Poland and Bardejov,

Presov, and Kosice (Kassa) in Czechoslovakia. Hard

fighting is reported in Szekesfehervar region of Hungary, SW of Budapest, as Germans attempt to break

through to the Danube.

BURMA–CHINA—While official Allied convoy

from Ledo is waiting at Myitkyina, small truck convoy led by Lt Hugh A. Pock of Oklahoma reaches

Kunming, China, via Teng-chung cutoff—hastily repaired but still very rough—completing 16-day trip

from Myitkyina. This secondary route is of little

practical value. Ch 9th Div on Salween front finds

Wanting clear of enemy. Forward elements of Ch

38th Div (CAI) make patrol contact with Chinese

of Y-force near Muse. U.S. 5332d Brig improves

positions near Burma Road.

SWPA—Gen Eichelberger recommends to Gen

MacArthur that 11th A/B Div make a single landing

on Luzon, at Nasugbu Bay, instead of the two

(Nasugbu Bay and Tayabas or Balayan Bays) originally

contemplated. This would solve problems of air and

naval support.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen Krueger

asks Allied Air Forces not to bomb bridges S of the

Agno since they are needed to speed drive on Manila. In XIV Corps area, 160th Inf of 40th Div gets

forward elements to within 4 miles of Tarlac; 8th

begins to follow 160th southward. Forward elements

of 37th Div reach Victoria, which is undefended, and

patrol beyond there. In I Corps area, 25th Div, with

27th Inf on right and 161st on left, opens drives on

Asingan and San Manuel. 169th Inf (less 2d Bn) of

43d Div attacks Mt Alava and gets elements to crest.

103d gains positions on S part of Hill 600.

CAMOTES—7th Div TF is reconnoitering Pacijan I. without incident.

MINDORO—Bulk of 2d Bn, 19th Inf, moves to

Bulalacao to destroy enemy in that region in patrol

actions.

21 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 52d Div clears villages of

Hontem and Selsent; moves into Braunsrath without opposition. 43d Div finds Schierwaldenrath

clear.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 84th Div takes over former 83d Div—3d

Armd Div sector and prepares to attack toward

Gouvy–Beho region, between Houffalize and St

[ 21 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 380 ]

Vith. Patrols find Rogery free of enemy. In XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div clears rest of Grand Bois.

7th Armd Div overcomes house-to-house opposition in Born. 508th Para RCT takes over Deidenberg–Eibertingen area. In V Corps area, 1st Div

meets stiff opposition as it attempts to improve

positions NE of Schoppen; establishes outposts and

sends patrols through Bambusch woods in region S

of Schoppen.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, shift in

corps boundaries puts Bois de Rouvroy, NE of Buret, within corps zone and transfers Bastogne to juris-diction of III Corps. New boundaries run on the

N through Laroche and Ourthe to Thommen and

on the S through Neufchâteau, Bastogne, and Holdingen to Thommen. Elements of CCA, 11th Armd

Div, reach Buret. 17th A/B Div continues advance

NE of Tavigny. III Corps advance to NE gains

momentum. 6th Armd Div clears Crendal, Troine,

Baraques de Troine, Lullange, Hoffelt, and Hachiville. 90th Div’s 358th Inf takes Derenbach, Hill

480, and Boevange-les-Clervaux; 359th secures Hill

520, Hamiville, and Wincrange. Some 26th Div

units across Wiltz R in vicinity of Winseler clear

Noertrange and Bruhl; others, in conjunction with

6th Cav Gp, enter Wiltz and mop up pockets of

resistance. In XII Corps area, 4th Div captures Longsdorf but is unable to take Fuhren. 5th secures Landscheid and Lipperscheid. Renewing offensive, 80th

Div’s 318th Inf takes Bourscheid and Welscheid and

woods between these and the Sauer; 317th is unable

to get units across river to N of Bourscheid but takes

Kehmen. In XX Corps area, 94th Div

halts attack on Orscholz because of heavy casualties

to 1st Bn, 301st Inf; 302d Inf holds Tettingen and

Nennig against strong counterattack.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, CCB of 10th Armd Div closes in area

NE of Fenétrange. In VI Corps area, main body of

corps completes withdrawal to new MLR, along line

Althorn–Rothbach–Niedermodern–Haguenau–Bischwiller. 79th Div’s OPL in Camp d’Oberhoffen area

is pushed back by enemy.

EASTERN EUROPE—Fanning out from Tilsit, NE

East Prussia, Third White Russian Front reaches

Kurisch Sound on right and takes Gumbinnen on

left; Second White Russian Front presses steadily

N toward East Prussia on wide front and takes East

Prussian town of Tannenberg. First White Russian

and First Ukrainian Fronts continue W in Poland;

latter crosses into Silesia, Germany, in region W of

Czestochowa and takes several Silesian towns.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, brig of

Ind 26th Div, after co-ordinated air and naval bombardment, lands on N coast of Ramree I. and captures Kyaukpyu. Ind 25th Div now holds all of

Myebon Peninsula.

In NCAC area, U.S. 5332d Brig establishes perimeter defenses along W side of Burma Road but does

not block the road; makes contact with 114th Regt

of Ch 38th Div, which is to block road to N.

FORMOSA-RYUKYUS-PESCADORES—TF 38 makes

powerful air attacks on shipping and airfields at

Formosa, Sakishima Gunto, Okinawa, and the

Pescadores. About 10 oilers and freighters are sunk

and other vessels are damaged. At the airfields some

100 grounded planes are destroyed. Japanese counter

with determined attacks on the warships, severely

damaging the CV Ticonderoga. Fighters of Fifth

Air Force make their first attack on Formosa.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

drives beyond day’s objective, line Tarlac–Victoria,

and is ordered to continue toward Clark Field, although its E flank is exposed for over 20 miles. 160th

Inf, 40th Div, takes Tarlac without opposition;

elements push on to San Miguel. Advance elements

of 37th Div reach vicinity of La Paz. I Corps is to

seize line Victoria–Guimba in strength while protecting left flank of XIV Corps. 103d Inf of 43d Div,

continuing assault on Hill 600, gains military crest.

158th and 63d Regts finish clearing Blue Ridge,

near Amlang. 63d Inf is then withdrawn into corps

reserve. 172d Inf, clearing heights commanding

Rosario, is reinf by Philippine 2d Bn, 121st Inf.

22 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div fights indecisively near Montfort. 52d Div takes Laffeld and

Obspringen. Waldenrath falls to 43d Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps

area, 84th Div and attached elements of 3d Armd

Div seize Gouvy and Beho. 4th Cav Gp sector is

pinched out. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div

takes Commanster and woods to NE. 30th Div

secures Hinderhausen, Sart-lez-St Vith, Ober Emmels, and Nieder Emmels. 7th Armd Div’s CCA,

assisted by task force of CCB, clears Hunningen.

Rcn party from 38th Armd Inf Bn is prevented by

roadblock from entering St Vith.

In U. S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, units of

CCA, 11th Armd Div, enter Bois de Rouvroy and

cross Luxembourg border without encountering

enemy. 17th A/B Div occupies Steinbach and Limerle. In III Corps area, CCB of 6th Armd Div enters

Basbellain; CCA takes Asselborn and Weiler. 359th

Inf of 90th Div occupies Donnange, Deiffelt, Stockem, and Rumlange; elements of 357th move to Boxhorn and Sassel. 26th Div and 6th Cav Gp finish

clearing Wiltz and secure Eschweiler, Knaphoscheid, and Kleinhoscheid. 28th Cav Sq proceeds

through Weicherdange. In XII Corps area, 4th Div

[ 22 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 381 ]

gains ground along W bank of Our R and takes

Walsdorf but is still unable to clear Fuhren. 5th Div

continues N with 10th Inf on right and 11th on left,

taking Gralingen and high ground E of Nachtmanderscheid. 80th Div elements move into Wiltz area,

using routes cleared by 6th Cav Gp. In XX Corps

area, enemy regains about half of Nennig from

302d Inf of 94th Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 101st A/B Div closes in Drulingen–Sarraltroff region. VI Corps improves defenses and regroups. Because of enemy concentrations, OPL

of 103d Div is withdrawn from Offwiller and outposts of 79th Div pull back to Moder R line.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps begins southward drive on Colmar, in region between Sélestat

and Ostheim, which, in conjunction with 1st Corps’

northward attack, is aimed at enveloping and destroying the Colmar Pocket. The 3 assault divs—

U.S. 3d, 5th Armd, and 1st Moroccan Inf—are protected by Fr 2d Armd Div, holding Rhine Plain.

U.S. 3d Div leads off, attacking at 2100 SE across

Fecht R at Guemar. To W, U.S. 28th Div conducts

raids, night 22–23.

EASTERN EUROPE—In East Prussia, Third White

Russian Front takes Insterburg; Second White Russian Front seizes Allenstein and Deutsch-Eylau. In

Poland, First White Russian Front captures Inowroclaw, threatening Bromberg, and Gniezo, on road

to Posen. First Ukrainian Front, fighting astride

Polish-Silesian border, seizes Silesian towns of

Konstadt and Gross Strehlitz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

issues instructions for training program to be undertaken in preparation for spring offensive.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, 3d Cdo

Brig lands at Kangaw, on Arakan front, after preparatory bombardment. Enemy soon reacts sharply,

since forces along coast to S are being cut off.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 20th

Div takes Monywa (enemy’s last port on the Chindwin), which has been defended vigorously for several days, and Myinmu, on the Irrawaddy. In 4 Corps

area, Ind 7th Div, which has replaced E

African 28th Brig in line, takes Tilin.

In NCAC area, CAI becomes responsible for

clearing rest of Burma Road as Chiang Kai-shek

orders Chinese Expeditionary Force to assemble N

of Sino-Burmese border. At night, Gen Sultan announces that the Burma Road is open. U.S. 5332d

Brig gets patrols to ridge across Burma Road, but is

refused permission to do more than patrol and

interdict traffic on the road.

CHINA—Japanese, between 19th and present

time, have occupied key bridges and tunnels on

Canton–Hankow RR.

FORMOSA—Philippine-based heavy bombers of

Fifth Air Force begin daylight strikes on Formosa,

attacking Heito air base.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur orders U.S. Eighth

Army to land one RCT of 11th A/B Div on Luzon

at Nasugbu for reconnaissance in force. If Tagaytay

Ridge can be taken with ease, the entire div will

then concentrate there and patrol to N and E. The

landing will be made on 31 January

LUZON—Allied planes begin preinvasion bombardment of Corregidor. Airstrip at Mangaldan

becomes operational.

In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area, forward

elements of 40th Div reach Capas, N of Bamban.

37th Div extends its right flank to San Miguel to

maintain contact with 40th Div and with left flank

elements takes La Paz. Scattered contacts have been

made recently with enemy in Moncada and La Paz

areas. In I Corps area, 27th Inf of 25th Div continues

toward Asingan against little opposition. 161st,

driving on San Manuel, takes hill NW of objective.

2d Bn of 169th Inf, 43d Div, with tank and arty

support, renews attack on Hill 355 but is unable to

take it.

MINDORO—3d Bn, 21st Inf, moves by sea to N

coast at Estrella.

RYUKYU IS.—Planes of TF 38 photograph and

attack Ryukyu targets including Okinawa and

neighboring islands. After this action, TF 38 returns

to Ulithi, arriving there the 25th.

23 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div is still

held up by strong opposition near Montfort. 52d

Div has little difficulty in clearing Aphove area and

begins assault on Heinsberg. 43d Div takes Straeten

and Scheifendahl with ease.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 84th Div seizes Ourthe and is clearing

commanding ground between there and Beho. In

XVIII Corps (A/B) area, St Vith falls to 7th Armd

Div: CCB attacks S through CCA and overcomes

moderate resistance within the town. SW of St Vith,

75th Div takes Maldingen and Braunlauf while 30th

secures Weisten, Crombach, and Neundorf.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCA of

11th Armd Div establishes liaison with 17th A/B

Div and continues patrolling in vicinity of Bois de

Rouvroy. In III Corps area, CCA of 6th Armd Div

takes Biwisch and Trois Vierges. CT Miltonberger

(RCT 134, 35th Div, attached), passing through

CCB, occupies Basbellain and heights to SE. 359th

Inf, 90th Div, clears Bischent woods; 357th attacks

across Clerf R, seizing hills on either side of draw

W of Hupperdange. 1st Bn of 357th captures Bins-

[ 23 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 382 ]

feld. 28th Cav Sq clears Eselborn and makes contact with enemy at Clerf and Drauffelt. Night 23–

24, elements of TF Fickett attempt to take Clerf and

Mecher and gain latter. In XII Corps area, Fuhren

falls to 4th Div. 5th Div elements reach vicinity of

Nachtmanderscheid and Hoscheid but are unable to

secure either of these. On 80th Div front, 317th Inf,

attacking NE toward the Clerf, reaches high

ground just W of Wilwerwiltz and Enscherange;

319th crosses the Wiltz at Merkols and Kautenbach

and clears Merkols. 346th Inf of 87th Div occupies

Wasserbillig, at confluence of Sauer and Moselle

Rivers. In XX Corps area, Germans, mounting

strong tank-infantry counterattacks against 94th

Div, regain Berg, but 302d Inf, employing attached

bn of 376th bolstered by elements of CCA, 8th

Armd Div, recaptures Nennig while 3d Bn, 302d,

holds Wies and helps close gap between there and

Nennig. 3d Cav Gp is given new sector between 94th

and 95th Divs.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, enemy forces left flank of 103d Div

back past Rothbach.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 1st Moroccan

Div crosses Ill R between Illhaeusern and Illwald,

to N of U.S. crossing site. Supporting vehicles use

bridge at Illhaeusern, though that town is not completely cleared for several days. U.S. 3d Div continues S toward Canal de Colmar: 7th Inf clears

Ostheim; 30th crosses Ill R and reaches outskirts of

Holtzwihr, but supporting armor is unable to cross

and infantry is forced back to river line at Maison

Rouge. Elements of 254th Inf, attached to 3d Div,

drive to Weiss R line near Sigolsheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—In NE East Prussia, Third

White Russian Front captures Wehlau, between

Insterburg and Koenigsberg. Second White Russian

Front captures Ortelsburg and progresses toward

Elbing; in N Poland, seizes Brodnica and Lipno.

Polish cities of Bromberg and Kalisz fall to First

White Russian Front. First Ukrainian Front reaches

Oder R line near Breslau (Silesia) on 37-mile front.

Germans fighting toward the Danube in Hungary

force Russians from Szekesfehervar. Second Ukrainian Front has gone on the offensive N of Miskolc

and in conjunction with Fourth Rumanian Army

takes a number of Czechoslovakian towns and

communities.

BURMA—In NCAC area, convoy from Ledo

starts forward from Myitkyina toward China. Continuing S along the Irrawaddy, 29th Brig of Br

36th Div reaches Twinnge.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

160th Inf of 40th Div runs into opposition at

Bamban but secures the town, airfield, and crossing

site over Bamban R. Moving to left of 160th, 108th

seizes Concepcion. Rcn elements S of Concepcion

drive off enemy force at Magalang. In I Corps area,

2d Bn of 169th Inf, 43d Div, continues to meet

strong resistance on Hill 355. From Hill 600, 3d Bn

of 103d Inf moves back to Pozorrubio; 2d Bn

advances to Bobonan. 172d Inf gains ridge at W

edge of Pugo Valley.

CAMOTES Is.—7th Div TF clearing Poro I. runs

into opposition on Hill 854.

24 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div overruns Weerd, Aandenberg, and Montfort. 52d Div

completes capture of Heinsberg; occupies Haaren

without opposition. 43d Div clears Schleiden and

Uetterath.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps is pinched out as 84th Div clears rest of its

zone. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 75th Div takes

Aldringen, concluding its Salm R drive. 30th Div

improves positions E of Neundorf. CCB, 7th Armd

Div, is clearing region S and SE of St Vith. In V

Corps area, 1st Div, renewing offensive, advances

steadily against moderate resistance: 16th Inf clears

Bambusch woods; 18th captures Moderscheid; 26th

takes Buellingen–Butgenbach–St Vith road junction

at N edge of the Richelsbusch and continues SW

on Buellingen–St Vith road.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps, instead of

being pinched out as anticipated, receives additional territory on its right flank as advance elements

approach St Vith. 17th A/B Div takes over the new

region while continuing advance toward Thommen

and Landscheid. In III Corps area, as direction of

corps attack changes from NE to E, CCA of 6th

Armd Div secures area within Trois Vierges–

Wilwerdange–Binsfeld triangle and takes Holler

and Breidfeld. Elements of 26th and 90th Divs become responsible for sector along W bank of Clerf

R formerly held by TF Fickett. 90th Div repels

predawn attack NE of Binsfeld; supporting armor

crosses river at Trois Vierges and reaches Binsfeld;

359th Inf attacks across river to area N of Urspelt.

26th Div crosses river SE of Weicherdange and

organizes on high ground. In XII Corps area, 4th

Div consolidates along W bank of Our R from Vianden to confluence of Our and Sauer Rivers.

5th Div clears village NW of Vianden; also clears

Nachtmanderscheid, and Hoscheid. 80th Div completes capture of Kautenbach and takes Alscheid

and Enscherange. In XX Corps area, 94th Div,

though supported by assault guns of 8th Armd Div,

is unable to clear Berg but gains small bridgehead

through AT obstacles. Scheduled attack through

Berg by CCA, 8th Armd Div, has to be postponed.

[ 24 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 383 ]

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, enemy forces outpost of 45th Div from

Saegmuhl. 103d Div repels German attempts to penetrate MLR at Bischoltz and Muhlhausen but is

forced to readjust its OPL. In 79th Div sector, Germans attack across the Moder between Neubourg

and Schweighausen, night 24–25, penetrating 222d

Inf’s MLR and seizing W portion of Schweighausen.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, Fr and U.S.

troops fight to expand Ill R bridgehead. French are

stopped by enemy tanks concealed in woods near

Elsenheim. U.S. 3d Div continues toward Canal de

Colmar; 7th Inf moves S toward Houssen; taking

over from battered 30th Inf, 15th Inf attacks from

Maison Rouge and reaches edge of woods near

Riedwihr.

EASTERN EUROPE—Berlin reports Soviet offensive in Latvia. Third and Second White Russian

Fronts make further progress in East Prussia. In

German Silesia, First Ukrainian Front overruns industrial centers of Oppeln (on the Oder) and

Gleiwitz; N of Breslau, elements clear Trachenberg

and, across Polish border, Rawicz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 88th Div reenters line after brief rest,

relieving 91st Div.

BURMA–CHINA—Ch New First Army commander promises Brig Gen Robert M. Cannon,

NCAC chief of staff, to open Burma Road by 27th.

Salween campaign comes to an end as Gen Wei’s

Chinese Expeditionary Force halts to await relief by

CAI. Negotiations between Chinese Nationalists

and Chinese Communists, broken off since 16

December, are resumed.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

160th Inf of 40th Div comes up against enemy’s

OPLR on hills generally W of Bamban; takes one

hill. 145th Inf of 37th Div gains line from Concepcion SW to Bamban R. In I Corps area, 161st

Inf of 25th Div begins assault on San Manuel and

against firm opposition gains toehold within the

barrio. 43d Div regroups for coordinated effort on

25th to clear heights dominating roads in Pozorrubio–Sison–Rosario–Camp One area. Stark Force

consists of 103d and 169th Regts and 3d Bn of 63d.

Yon Force is formed of 63d, less 3d Bn. RCT 158

and 172d Inf are designated MacNider Force. 2d

Bn, 169th Inf, reaches crest of Hill 355. Elements

of 158th Inf begin assault on ridge NW of Cataguintingan; enemy is firmly entrenched on the ridge.

MINDORO—2d Bn, 21st Inf, moves into Calapan.

VOLCANO Is.—Iwo Jima is target for coordinated air-naval bombardment. B–29’s of XXI

BC, on training mission, and B–24’s of Seventh

Air Force concentrate on airfields and shipping.

Naval bombardment, by warships of TG 94.9, is

curtailed sharply by deteriorating weather conditions.

No interception is met over target.

25 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div captures Linne and Putbroek and continues NE toward

river line. 52d Div takes Kirchhoven without opposition and patrols toward Wurm R. 43d Div

reaches the Wurm between Heinsberg and Randerath; patrols find Horst and Randerath clear.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, CCB of 7th Armd Div consolidates in immediate vicinity of St Vith while CCA

and RCT 424 take Wallerode and Medel, respectively. In V Corps area, 1st Div’s 16th Inf gains Amblève and Mirfeld with ease; 18th advances from

Moderscheid to Buellingen–St Vith road.

In U.S. Third Army’s III Corps area, bulk of

corps is now across Clerf R, attacking E toward

ridge road known as “Skyline Drive,” the Luxemburg–St Vith road paralleling Our R. CCB, 6th

Armd Div, gains positions astride Weiswampach–

Huldange road. 359th Inf, 90th Div, takes Hupperdange and Grindhausen; 357th seizes Heinerscheid

and Lausdorn. 26th Div’s 101st Inf, together with

elements of 6th Cav Gp, occupies Clerf; 328th Inf

takes Reuler and Urspelt. In XII Corps area, RCT

11 of 5th Div continues N, taking Merscheid. 317th

Inf, 80th Div, clears Wilwerwiltz and establishes

bridgehead across the Clerf; captures Pintsch, E of

the river. In XX Corps area’s 94th Div zone, 8th

Armd Div TF takes Berg; elements of 302d Inf enlarge gap through AT defenses.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps assumes command of XXI Corps sector

and troops (106th Cav Gp, 275th and 276th Regts

of TF Herren, and 10th Armd Div less CCB). In

VI Corps area, Germans penetrate 103d Div positions, reaching Schillersdorf and Nieffern, and

force back OPL from Kindwiller. 103d Div restores

MLR between Muhlhausen and Schillersdorf. As

result of enemy penetration on left of 79th Div line,

TF Wahl is reorganized to consist of 222d Inf,

314th Inf, 232d Inf, CCB of 14th Armd Div, the

Rcn Tr, and elements of 781st Tank Bn; force clears

Schweighausen and part of Bois de Ohlungen. Germans attack across the Moder between Haguenau

and Kaltenhouse in sector of 242d Inf but are driven

back across river.

In Fr 1st Army area, U.S. XXI Corps Hq and

Hq Co is attached to army. In 2d Corps area, French

make slow progress in Elsenheim woods, where

armor is held up by enemy tanks. U.S. 3d Div’s 7th

Inf, assisted by armor, enters Houssen; 15th renews

attack on Riedwihr and gets elements into town late

[ 25 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 384 ]

at night; 254th, relieved along Weiss R by U.S.

28th Div, attacks toward Jebsheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—Third and Second White

Russian Fronts are compressing German pocket in

East Prussia. First Ukrainian Front takes Ostrow,

SW of Kalisz in Poland, and Oels, in German Silesia. Berlin reports that Russians are attempting to

cross the Oder at Steinhau and between Gleiwitz and

Brieg.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, Gen Leese orders 15

Corps to develop air bases at Akyab and Kyaukpyu;

open Taungup-Prome road and secure bridgehead at

Taungup; clear rest of Arakan coast. W African 82d

Div, driving S toward Kangaw, occupies Myohaung.

In NCAC area, 113th Regt of Ch 38th Div attacks to finish opening Burma Road. Ch 30th Div is

to concentrate in Hosi-Namhpakka area.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer informs Chiang Kaishek that he is sending Gen McClure to Kunming to

head Chinese Combat Command.

JAPAN—Tokyo orders China Expeditionary

Forces to concentrate on seacoast and in N China

rather than to move into interior.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

while 160th Inf of 40th Div is working on enemy

positions on hills W of Bamban, 108th moves forward to assist with local attacks on scattered pockets.

37th Div, while protecting E flank of corps, begins

pushing its right flank southward: 145th Inf takes

Mabalacat East Airfield and reconnoiters S to Mabalcat. In I Corps .area, toad Inf of 43d Div takes

Hills 600 and 800, bypassing Hill 700. 169th clears

Hill 1500, and 3d Bn of 63d Inf takes Bench Mark

Hill to N. 158th continues efforts to gain ridge NW

of Cataguintingan. 72d takes Hill 900, overlooking

Highway 11, which leads to Baguio.

U.S.—Gen Joseph W. Stilwell is assigned as

commander of Army Ground Forces, succeeding Lt

Gen Ben Lear, who has been named deputy commander to Gen Eisenhower.

26 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps successfully concludes Operation BLACKCOCK. Small enemy bridgehead remains at Vlodrop, but no immediate effort is to be

made to eliminate it.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps’ 102d Div

and attached 11th Cav Gp attack, night 25–26, and

clear Brachelen–Himmerich–Randerath triangle W

of the Roer against negligible resistance.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, 7th Armd Div improves positions near St Vith; attached RCT 424 clears Meyerode.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, corps

elements advance NE into region N of Weiswampach as enemy continues withdrawal behind West

Wall. 17th A/B Div, now beyond Wattermal (Belgium) is replaced by 87th Div, whose 376th Inf

takes Espeler. Corps zone widens several miles to S

to include 90th Div positions formerly held by

6th Armd Div (III Corps) E of Lausdorn. 90th

Div occupies Lieler. In III Corps area, 90th Div and

6th Armd Divs exchange zones after CCB of 6th

Armd takes Weiswampach. 17th A/B Div is taking up positions within corps zone. 26th Div’s

328th Inf secures Fischbach; 101st clears Marnach

and high ground E of Clerf and Drauffelt. In XII

Corps zone, 4th Div is being withdrawn from line.

RCT 11 of 5th Div captures Hoscheiderdickt; 5th

Cav Rcn Tr clears Schlindermanderscheid. 80th

Div expands bridgehead across the Clerf: 317th

Inf takes Lellin-gen and Siebenaler and reaches positions near Bock-holz. 76th Div takes over former

87th Div zone. In XX Corps area, elements of 94th

Div and of attached 8th Armd Div clear Butzdorf

and drive toward Sinz. 95th Div improves positions in Saarlautern bridgehead area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 45th Div is virtually out of contact with

enemy. Activity subsides on toad and 79th Div

fronts. 103d clears enemy remnants from Schillersdorf and completely restores MLR. TF Wahl restores 79th Div MLR. 101st A/B Div closes in Hochfelden area.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 1st Moroccan

Div is clearing Illhaeusern–Jebsheim road. 5th Armd

Div prepares to attack toward Brisach. U.S. 3d Div

makes substantial gains: 7th Inf clears Houssen and

Rosenkranz; 15th takes Riedwihr; 254th gets elements into Jebsheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army drives salient between East Prussia and Danzig as Second White

Russian Front captures Marienberg and reaches

Gulf of Danzig NE of Elbing. Koenigsberg is being

invested by Third White Russian Front. In Poland,

Soviet forces are encircling Thorn and Posen. First

Ukrainian Front seizes Hindenburg (Silesia).

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

outlines deceptive measures to be taken in order to

keep enemy pinned down during winter lull.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Royal

Marines from East Indies Fleet invade Cheduba I.,

SW of Ramree I., with support of naval aircraft.

In NCAC area, Ch 38th Div troops, working

along Burma Road, get to within 5 miles of Ch

Y-Force.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen Krueger

orders rapid drive on Manila. XIV Corps, in addition to securing Clark Field area, is to cross the

Pampanga at Calumpit; reconnoiter S and SE to

[ 26 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 385 ]

line Hagonoy–Malolos–Plaridel. I Corps is to continue attack on left and advance right flank S and

SE; reconnoiter to Cabanatuan. In XIV Corps area,

40th Div develops enemy OPLR on hills W and

SW of Bamban: 160th Inf clears Hills 636 and 600;

108th presses toward Hill 5. 37th Div’s 145th and

148th Regts advance to general line Culayo–Magalang, taking Magalang and Clark Field Runway No.

I, 11/2 miles NW of Culayo. In I Corps area, 158th

Inf of 43d Div finishes clearing ridge NW of

Cataguintingan. Some elements of 172d secure

Rosario; other elements are moving toward Udaio

road junction.

MINDORO—Camina Drome is ready for use by

heavy bombers. Enemy resistance in Bulalacao area

comes to an end.

POA—Operation Plan CINCPOA 11-44 (Iwo

Jima) becomes effective. Commander Fifth Fleet

takes control of all forces assigned to Central Pacific

Task Forces for invasion of Iwo Jima.

27 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, boundary change

between Ninth and First Armies extends 78th Div

sector southward to Gemund. Preparations are made

to clear the new region.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XVIII

Corps (A/B) area, CCB of 7th Armd Div is slowly

clearing Bois de St Vith.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

occupies several towns in area S of St Vith. 90th continues to clear W bank of Our R; 358th Inf, attacking N across border of Luxembourg, secures

Lascheid (Belgium). In III Corps area, 26th Div is

being withdrawn from line, but elements clear Munshausen. In XII Corps area, RCT 11 of 5th Div takes

Weiler and Wahlhausen while 5th Rcn Tr clears

Consthum and Holzthum. A TF based on 317th

Inf, 80th Div, clears high ground W of Hosingen

and captures Bockholz, Neidhausen, Dorscheid, and

Marburg, concluding div’s drive. In XX Corps

area, 94th Div elements drive to edge of Sinz but

are forced back by heavy casualties.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI

Corps makes light contact with enemy. 101st A/B

Div assumes control of Moder R sector from Schweighausen to 103d Div boundary. TF Linden (—

242d Inf) closes in Château Salins area and reverts to army reserve.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, French clear Elsenheim road and forest and head for Jebsheim. U.S.

3d Div’s 30th Inf takes Holtzwihr and Wickerswihr;

254th clears large portion of Jebsheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—White Russian troops overrun the Masurian Lake region of East Prussia and

continue investment of Koenigsberg. In Poland, encirclement of Thorn and Posen by Red Army is

completed. First Ukrainian Front makes progress in

clearing industrial region of Upper Silesia. In central Czechoslovakia, Fourth Rumanian Army captures Dobsina.

BURMA—In NCAC area, blockade of China is

broken as Ch 38th Div, assisted by arty and armor,

links up with Y-Force troops on Burma Road, opening land route to China. Ch 30th Div, moving to

Hosi-Namhpakka area to take up position to N

of U.S. 5332d Brig, gets forward elements to village

3 miles W of the U.S. force. This leaves an escape

gap for Japanese.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Pauk falls

to Ind 7th Div.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer, having investigated

the matter of negotiations with communist Chinese,

informs Gen Marshall that his command has been

told to support the Nationalist Government and that

it has been forbidden to negotiate with communist

Chinese without approval of Chiang Kai-shek.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army receives major reinforcements as 1st Cav Div, 32d Div, and 112th Cav

RCT arrive at Lingayen Gulf. In XIV Corps area,

continuing operations W of Bamban, 40th Div has

secured Manila RR and Route 3 from Bamban S

to Mantitang. 37th Div quickly takes Culayo and

Dau and pushes on to Angeles, which is undefended.

In I Corps area, as 27th Inf of 25th Div reaches

Asingan without difficulty, 161st continues costly

fighting at San Manuel. Damortis–Rosario road is

opened with junction of 172d and 158th Regts at

Cataguintingan, in 43d Div zone.

LEYTE—11th A/B Div (—RCT 511), U.S.

Eighth Army, conducts limited rehearsal for invasion of Nasugbu, Luzon. The naval force, TG

78.2 (Adm Fechteler) then sails for target.

POA—Joint Expeditionary Force ( — ) for the

Iwo Jima operation departs from Hawaii for the

Marianas, completing movement by 5 February and

resupplying in Marianas until 7 February.

28 January

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: U.S.

First Army opens drive toward West Wall and

Euskirchen before dawn. XVIII Corps (A/B) attacks NE with 1st Div on N and 82d A/B Div

on S. 1st Div’s 16th Inf takes Valender, 18th gains

Heppenbach and Hepscheid, and 26th clears Richelbusch. 82d A/B Div attacks through 7th Armd Div,

with 325th Gli Inf on N and 504th Para Inf on S,

clearing woods up to Wereth and taking Herresbach. 7th Armd Div concludes St Vith drive with

reduction of stubborn hill positions in Bois de St

Vith.

[ 27–28 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 386 ]

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, most of

corps has reached Our R. 87th Div takes over St

Vith sector. 4th Div enters line between 87th on

N and 90th on S, occupying Burg Reuland–Maspelt

sector. 90th Div’s 358th Inf captures Weweler and

Stoubach; 357th clears all but the river towns in its

zone and reconnoiters for crossing sites near Oberhausen. In III Corps area, elements of 6th Armd

Div make unsuccessful attack on Kalborn. TF Fickett maintains flank contact between 17th A/B Div

and XII Corps. In XII Corps area, 80th Div assumes

responsibility for former 4th Div zone. 5th Div continues to clear W bank of Our R and secures Putscheid. In XX Corps area, 94th Div improves positions

slightly in limited attack.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army area, U.S.

XXI Corps assumes tactical control of new zone

between Fr 2d and 1st Corps and has mission of

assisting in reduction of Colmar Pocket by attacking

toward Brisach and effecting junction with Fr 1st

Corps, a task formerly given to Fr 2d Corps. U.S.

28th and 3d Divs are attached in place and XXI

Corps is strengthened by attachment of Fr 5th Armd

Div and U.S. 75th Div. On corps W, 28th Div

maintains positions from Le Valtin to Ill R about

2 miles NE of Colmar; 3d Div is clearing region

N of Canal de Colmar from its juncture with Ill R

east to Wickerswihr; Fr 5th Armd Div is assembled in 3d Div zone; 75th Div CP opens at

Ribeauville. 254th Inf (attached to 3d Div) is unable to take S part of Jebsheim. Fr 2d Corps has new

mission of driving E to the Rhine along axis

Guemar–Markolsheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—Germans yield Memel to

First Baltic Front, and Soviet conquest of Lithuania is complete. Russians close ring about Koenigsberg and compress enemy pocket in central part of

East Prussia with capture of Bischofsburg and Sensburg; enemy holds out in Elbing and exerts pressure

NW of Allenstein. Thrusting toward Germany on

broad front, Red Army troops take Pol border cities

of Sepolno, Czarnkow, and Leszno and, across Silesian border, Guhrau. To the S, First Ukrainian Front

completes capture of major industrial cities along

border of Upper Silesia and Poland, taking Beuthen

in Silesia and Katowice in Poland. In the Carpathians, Fourth Ukrainian Front drives to Poprad

(Czechoslovakia).

I TALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, entire 10th Mtn Div is

placed under TF 45 in order to provide it with

experience in combat.

BURMA—In NCAC area, first convoy from

Ledo resumes journey toward Kunming, crossing

border of China. Ceremonies are held at Mu-se, and

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek renames the road

the Stilwell Road. U.S. 5332d Brig makes an unsuccessful limited attack in its zone.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div attacks W from Culayo area

toward Clark Field and Ft Stotsenburg; although

enemy’s OPLR is soon encountered, takes 2 Clark

Field runways and reaches SE corner of Ft Stotsenburg. Elements of 145th Inf move NW from Angeles

to keep abreast 129th. 37th Rcn Tr patrol and elements of 148th Inf reach San Fernando. 160th Inf

of 40th Div, working along Hill 636–Hill 620 ridge

N of Bamban R, takes Hill 620 and drives 1,200

yards beyond; narrows its front as right flank comes

under heavy opposition from enemy’s MLR. In

I Corps area, as 161st Inf finishes clearing San Manuel, 25th Div continues attack with 35th and 27th

Regts, former on right, leaving 161st behind in San

Manuel area.

MINDORO—19th Inf is concentrated in San Jose

area, having completed offensive operations on

Mindoro.

29 January

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 1st Div

captures Buellingen and patrols toward Muerringen

and Honsfeld; pinched-out 16th Inf is withdrawn

as reserve. 82d A/B Div’s 325th Gli Inf captures

Wereth and is then passed through by 508th Para

Inf, which takes Holzheim, Medendorf, and high

ground near Eimerscheid.

U.S. Third Army launches attack to penetrate

West Wall and protect First Army right flank. In

VIII Corps area, 87th, 4th, and 90th Divs attack

abreast from heights W of Our R. 345th Inf, 87th

Div, captures Schlierbach and Setz, 347th closes in

on Neidingen and Breitfeld. 8th Inf of 4th Div is

held up near Lommersweiler, but 12th bypasses

Hemmeres as it drives across Our R and advances

into Elcherath. 90th Div, whose mission is to protect

right flank of corps on E side of Our R, crosses river

and German border: 357th Inf crosses near Oberhausen and takes Welchenhausen; 358th crosses near

Stupbach and captures that town. III Corps is now

on its objective, N–S ridge and road controlling the

Clerf and Our valleys. 6th Armd Div patrols aggressively; on its left flank CT Miltonberger clears

Kalborn. In XX Corps area, 26th Div takes over Saarlautern bridgehead sector from 95th Div.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI

Corps area, 3d Div crosses Canal de Colmar, 7th

Inf reaching Bischwihr and 15th advancing to N

edge of Muntzenheim; although enemy remnants

hold out in Jebsheim, 254th Inf clears to canal S of

there and thrusts toward Rhône–Rhine Canal E of

the town.

[ 29 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 387 ]

EASTERN EUROPE—Germans continue stubborn

defense of Koenigsberg and Elbing in East Prussia.

First White Russian Front invades Pomerania,

taking German towns of Schoenlanke and Woldenberg. In the Carpathian sector, Fourth Ukrainian

Front gains Nowy Targ, on S border of Poland.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 114th Regt of Ch 38th

Div, the closest unit to enemy withdrawing from

Burma Road, suffers heavily from enemy attacks;

a single Ch co blocking the road about 80 miles from

Lashio is almost annihilated. This ends efforts to

block the road. U.S. 5332d Brig is under heavy fire

as it attempts to improve positions along W side of

the road.

CHINA—Gen Ho, commander of ALPHA forces,

presents plan in line with Gen Wedemeyer’s views

for 36-division offensive force to be divided among

six area commands about Kunming. This plan is

later adopted and with slight modification goes into

effect in February. The 36-division force is swelled

to 39 divisions with return of New First Army in

June. Japanese occupy U.S. Fourteenth Air Force

base of Suichwan,

MINDORO–MARINDUQUE—Western Visayan TF

is dissolved. X Corps assumes responsibility for security of the islands. CG 24th Div arrives at San

Jose on SW Mindoro to take control of all Army

troops attached to corps. Fifth Air Force hq moves

to Mindoro.

30 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Preliminary

phase of ARGONAUT (Malta-Yalta) Conference begins at Malta with Anglo-American discussions.

This portion of ARGONAUT is coded CRICKET.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 78th Div begins

drive southward to clear to Roer R line along N

edge of Monschau Forest. 310th and 311th Regts

advance abreast, 310th taking Konzen and 311th

gaining most of Kesternich and clearing Huppenbroich. CCA of 5th Armd Div, attached to 78th

Div, secures Eicherscheid. 35th Div is attached to

XVI Corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V

Corps enters attack to breach West Wall, employing

9th, 99th, and 2d Divs from N to S. 9th takes Rohren and reaches edge of Monschau Forest E of

Alzen. 393d Inf of 99th Div advances to Elsenbuchel woods E of Elsenborn. 38th Inf, 2d Div, captures Wirtzfeld and Krinkelt and gets elements to

Rocherath; 9th Inf units gain hill position between

Wirtzfeld and Muerringen. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, 1st Div captures last of 3 enemy-held towns W

of German frontier in its zone: 18th Inf secures

Honsfeld and Hunningen; 26th takes Muerringen.

82d A/B Div, employing 325th Gli Inf, 508th Para

Inf, and 504th Para Inf, from N to S, continues NE

to Honsfeld–Losheim RR line, clearing Eimerscheid and Lanzerath en route.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, RCT 346

of 87th Div attacks Andler and Schonberg; 345th

takes Rodgen and attacks Heuem. 4th Div makes

little progress but does clear Lommersweiler and

Hemmeres. Elements of 359th Inf, 90th Div, enter

Steffeshausen and capture Auel; 358th secures SteinKopf; in 357th Inf sector, tanks cross ford constructed by engineers at Welchenhausen. III Corps

units push forward to clear W bank of Our R, meeting light resistance except in S where 28th Cav Sq

of TF Fickett and 193d Gli Regt of 17th A/B Div

launch limited attacks to establish OPL.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI

Corps area, 28th Div takes limited objectives on

E–W road N of Colmar. 3d Div is supported by Fr

5th Armd Div as attack continues. 7th Inf takes

Bischwihr and Wihr-en-Plaine; 15th clears Muntzenheim, Fortschwihr, and Urschenheim; 254th

overcomes final resistance in Jebsheim but is unable

to reach junction of Colmar and Rhône–Rhine

Canals. In 2d Corps area, main enemy body is withdrawing from corps front. 1st Moroccan Div clears

woods E of Illhaeusern.

EASTERN EUROPE—Russians tighten ring around

Koenigsberg and take Marienwerder in East Prussia. Red Army troops cross from Poland into Germany at a number of points NW of Bromberg and

W of Posen and take Stolzenburg, 70 miles from

Berlin.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Ind 25th

Div, having withstood intense opposition against its

Kangaw bridgehead, goes on the offensive and takes

Kangaw village. W African 82d Div continues S

toward Kangaw from Myohaung.

In NCAC area, main body of Ch 38th Div is at

junction of Ledo and Burma Roads directed toward

Lashio. With Ch 30th Div ( — ) established N of

Hpa-pen village between 114th Regt of Ch 38th Div

and U.S. 5332d Brig, preparations are made for combined attack by Ch 30th Div and Americans to clear

heights near Hpa-pen and thus block enemy escape

from Burma Road, but attack is postponed until 2

February at request of Chinese.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer orders officers of

China Theater not to negotiate with Chinese

Communists.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen Krueger

issues detailed orders for continuation of attack.

XIV Corps is to drive S on Manila with 37th Inf

and 1st Cav Divs to line Malolos–Plaridel–Cabanatuan. I Corps, reinf by 32d Div, will drive on San

Jose. XI Corps is to move along Route 7, across base

of Bataan Peninsula, to Dinalupihan–Hermosa area

in order to make contact with XIV Corps. In XIV

[ 30 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 388 ]

Corps area, 129th Inf of 37th Div overruns Ft Stotsenburg and Sapangbato; begins attack on enemy’s

MLR on heights to W; right flank elements clear

hills in Dolores area. Other elements of 37th Div

patrol along Route 3 to within a mile of Calumpit.

160th Inf, 40th Div, battles enemy’s MLR N of

Bamban R, making slow and costly progress. 108th,

in local advances, now holds Hill 5 and Thrall Hill,

virtually completing reduction of pockets in that

area. In I Corps area, 6th Div reconnoiters in force

toward Talavera and Munoz. 1st Inf secures Talavera area without difficulty but 20th, in limited

attack on Munoz, is pinned down about 1,000 yards

short. 32d Div ( —126th Inf, in army reserve) passes

to corps control and is committed on left flank of

25th Div. XI Corps, which is transferred from command of Adm Struble to that of Gen Hall and from

Eighth to Sixth Army, gains all of its initial objectives. RCT 34 of 24th Div, leading assault, quickly

takes town of Subic and drives to Kalaklan R,

where Japanese force defending Route 7 bridge is

driven off; crosses the river and seizes Olongapo.

With unopposed capture of Grande I. in an amphibious operation by 2d Bn of 151st Inf, 38th Div,

corps gains control of Subic Bay.

LEYTE–SAMAR—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

XXIV Corps continues mopping up on Leyte while

relief of X Corps by Americal Div is begun. 1st Bn

of 182d Inf, Americal Div, is sent to Samar to

relieve 3d Bn of 381st Inf, 96th Div, in Catbalogan

area.

31 January

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 78th Div gains its

objectives and makes contact with U.S. First Army

at Widdau. 311th Inf takes rest of Kesternich and

310th captures Imgenbroich. CCA of 5th Armd Div,

after clearing southward from Eicherscheid, is released by 78th Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 9th Div clears Widdau and drives into Monschau Forest to bend in Monschau–Schleiden road.

99th Div makes progress in Monschau Forest E of

Elsenborn. 2d Div completes capture of Rocherath

and continues NE. XVIII Corps (A/B) advances

well into Buchholz Forest, where German border is

crossed. 1st Div gets almost through forest near Neuhof. To the S, 82d A/B Div clears large portion of

the forest, reaching positions a little short of line

Neuhof–Losheim–Manderfeld.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, in 87th

Div sector, RCT 346 captures Andler and Schonberg; 345th takes Amelscheid, Heuem, and Alzerath; 347th occupies Laudesfeld. 4th Div clears

Elcherath and Weppeler. 90th Div makes contact

with enemy E of Our R: 359th Inf advances through

Bei Auel and Auel, engages enemy in positions

around Winterspelt and Wallmerath, then bypasses

them to advance on Gros Langenfeld and cut main

road from Winterspelt to Pronsfeld; 358th captures

Heckhalenfeld.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div opens attack at 2100 on Oberhoffen–Drusenheim axis to clear region W of the

Rhine to the S.

In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI Corps area, 3d Div

is still assisted by Fr 5th Armd Div. 7th Inf overcomes resistance at Horbourg, on outskirts of Colmar, and Fr armor continues beyond the town; 15th

Inf is unable to take Durrentzen; 254th Inf reaches

Rhône–Rhine Canal W of Beltenzenheim. Attack of

75th Div through 3d Div, scheduled for this date,

is postponed.

EASTERN EUROPE—Continuing reduction of enemy pocket in East Prussia, Soviet forces clear Heilsberg and Friedland. Red Army drives spearhead to

Jestrow in Pomerania, and in Brandenburg takes

Landsberg Meseritz, Schwiebus, and Zuellichau.

German garrison of Budapest continues to hold out

in W part of city.

BURMA—In NCAC area, plans for Sino-American attack on heights in Hpa-pen area on 2d continue, although Ch 30th Div wants it postponed

until 3d. Elements of Br 36th Div moving SE toward Mongmit, reach Shweli R in Myitson area

and send patrol across it.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army, holding in reserve

32d Div’s 126th Inf, 13th Armd Gp (less 44th Tank

Bn), and 112th Cav RCT, begins final phase of drive

on Manila. In XIV Corps area, 129th Inf of 37th Div

attacks toward hill mass—called Top of the World—

about 1,300 yards from W edge of Ft Stotsenburg

and gets halfway up forward slopes. 138th Inf seizes

crossing sites over the Pampanga at Calumpit late

in day. 1st Cav Div starts toward Manila from

Guimba, employing 5th and 8th Cav Regts, each

with a motorized sq spearheading. Preceding the

motorized forces, Prov Rcn Sq crosses the Pampanga and takes Santa Rosa, S of Cabanatuan, without opposition. On right flank of corps, 40th Div is

clearing mountains W of Clark Field and Ft Stotsenburg. In I Corps area, 20th Inf of 6th Div continues limited attack on Munoz but is unable to

take it. Patrols of 25th Div find Umingan, div’s

next objective, strongly held by enemy. XI Corps,

leaving RCT 34 to hold at Olongapo and keeping

RCT 151 of 38th Div in reserve, begins drive across

base of Bataan Peninsula with 152d and 149th

Regts of 38th Div. 152d, taking Route 7, reaches

vicinity of enemy position, called Zigzag Pass, beginning about 3 miles NE of Olongapo. 149th moves

along trail to N without opposition.

[ 31 JANUARY 1945 ]
[ 389 ]

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 188th Gli Inf of 11th

A/B Div lands on W coast of Luzon in Nasugbu

area after naval gunfire bombardment; takes Nasugbu, Wawa, and Lian and drives inland toward

Tagaytay Ridge without opposition. So successful

is this operation that 187th Gli Inf is landed at once

and Gen Eichelberger asks Fifth Air Force to drop

511th Para Inf on 2 February instead of on 3d.

CAMOTES—7th Div TF finishes clearing Poro I.

and prepares to return to Leyte.

MINDORO—21st Inf ( — ) moves from NE Mindoro, where about 135 Japanese have been killed in

Pinamalayan Calapan region, to San Jose area. Leaving platoon on Marinduque, Co D, 21st Inf, returns

to Mindoro.

1 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: U.S.

Ninth Army prepares for Operation GRENADE,

large-scale offensive across the Roer. In XIII Corps

area, 5th Armd Div is attached to corps. In XIX

Corps area, 78th Div continues to mop up in

Imgenbroich–Kesternich sector; CCA, 5th Armd

Div, is detached and joins parent unit, to which it

reverts.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 102d Cav Gp, protecting N flank and maintaining contact with Ninth Army, relieves elements

of 9th Div in Rohren and Widdau. 9th, 99th, and

2d Divs (from N to S) continue offensive for dams

on Roer and Urft Rivers. 9th Div drives eastward,

taking road junction on Hofen–Harperscheid road

about half way through Monschau Forest. 99th Div,

after gaining objectives in Monschau Forest and

being pinched out by 9th and 2d Divs, is withdrawn

to reserve. 2d Div moves NE from Rocherath (Belgium) across German border to join 9th Div. In

XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 1st Div, continuing attack

through N part of Buchholz Forest with 26th Inf

on left and 18th on right, drives E about 1,500 yards

against scattered resistance. 82d A/B Div consolidates; 517th Para Inf is attached to it. Patrols of

both assault divs probe West Wall defenses.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues

attack to breach West Wall along the Schnee Eifel.

On N, 347th Inf of 87th Div takes Manderfeld

(Belgium) and Auw (Germany). 4th Div, in center,

advances almost 4 miles into Germany to positions

overlooking Bleialf: Urb and Muetzenich fall to

8th Inf and Ihlren, Schweiler, and Winterscheid to

12th. 90th Div gets into blocking position on S flank

of corps: bn of 359th Inf captures Gros Langenfeld

and 358th Inf takes Heckuscheid. III Corps maintains and improves defensive positions in Luxembourg along ridge between Our and Clerf Rivers;

patrols to and across the Our. RCT 134, detached

from 6th Armd Div, leaves to rejoin 35th Div. In

XX Corps area, except for limited-objective attack

by 94th Div, corps front is static. Elements of 1st

Bn of 302d Inf, 94th Div, clear half of Campholz

woods, SE of Tettingen.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps maintains and improves defensive positions.

TF Harris (63d Div) is dissolved and 63d Div

( —253d, 254th, and 255th Regts) is attached to

corps. In VI Corps area, 36th Div continues toward

the Rhine: 2d Bn of RCT 142 crosses the Moder and

enters Oberhoffen, where indecisive fighting ensues.

CCB, 14th Armd Div, is attached to 36th Div and

makes diversionary attack E of Oberhoffen, withdrawing at dusk. 117th Cav Rcn Sq, attached to

36th Div, clears Stainwald woods, N of Gambsheim.

Rest of corps front is static throughout February: activity is confined to aggressive defense of current

positions, occasional raids across the Moder, and

training.

Fr 1st Army continues operations against Colmar Pocket. 2d Corps, against disorganized resistance, completes task of clearing Rhine Plain from

Erstein on N to Artzenheim on S; overruns Artzenheim. In U.S. XXI Corps area, 3d Div’s 15th and

30th Regts, with Fr armor in support, drive S along

Rhine–Rhône Canal toward Neuf-Brisach, reaching

positions just N of that town. 75th Div, with 2 regts

abreast, drives S toward Andolsheim from sector

formerly held by 3d Div. 28th Div, on corps W flank,

starts S toward Colmar at 2100. 1st Corps continues

to clear region S of Thur R between Cernay and

Ensisheim. Both Cernay and Ensisheim remain in

enemy hands.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army continues reduction of enemy within East Prussia; in Poland, takes

Torun communications center on the Vistula by

storm and maintains pressure on encircled Posen;

in Germany, invests Schneidemuehl, thrusts to

Ratzebuhr, continues toward the middle Oder and

Berlin; in Hungary, continues elimination of Budapest garrison.

BURMA—In NCAC area, main body of Br 36th

Div starts crossing Shweli R in Myitson region under enemy fire.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

1st Cav and 37th Inf Divs drive quickly southward

toward Manila. Prov Rcn Sq of 1st Cav reaches

Gapan. Elements of 5th and 8th Cav Regts cross the

Pampanga N and S of Cabanatuan and clear most of

that town. Motorized elements of 8th Cav reach

Santa Rosa. 37th Div’s 148th Inf drives down Route

3 to Labangan R; some elements then advance E toward Plaridel until stopped at Plaridel airfield while

others continue down Route 3. To W, 145th Inf

column takes Hagonoy without opposition. In I

Corps area, 6th and 25th Divs attack E to cut Highway 5 at San Jose. 6th Div commits 1st and 3d Bns,

[ 1 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 390 ]

20th Inf, against Munoz but is still unable to enter.

27th Inf of 25th Div, assisted by 35th Inf, attacks

toward Umingan and gets elements into the barrio.

32d Div, blocking southward movement of enemy

from Cagayan Valley, gets elements to San Nicolas,

SW entrance to Villa Verde Trail, which joins Highway 5 at Santa Fe. On N flank of corps, 43d Div

and RCT 158 consolidate on hills and ridges commanding Damortis–Rosario–Pozorrubio road. In XI

Corps area, 152d Inf of 38th Div, approaching Japanese MLR at Zigzag Pass, gains less than 1,000 yards.

149th, following trail (which bends sharply northward instead of paralleling Route 7), is about 4,000

yards N of Route 7.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, when 188th Inf of

11th A/B Div meets delaying opposition in defile

between Mt Cariliao and Mt Batulao, short of Tagaytay Ridge, planned drop of 511th Para Inf

on the ridge is postponed until 3d. Fifth Air Force

planes from Mindoro support fighting.

MOROTAI—Japanese aircraft raid Morotai 82

times during period 12 September to date.

2 February

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—British-American discussions of war strategy at Malta end.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 78th Div passes to

operational control of V Corps, First Army, in place.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, advance elements of 9th and 2d Divs emerge

from Monschau Forest and head toward Dreiborn

and Schleiden, respectively. 9th Div’s 60th Inf, assisted by 39th, reaches high ground SW of Dreiborn; 47th Inf clears heights near Hammer. 2d Div’s

9th Inf takes Schoneseiffen and Harperscheid; 23d,

to rear, continues NE attack in Monschau Forest.

99th Div is transferred to XVIII Corps (A/B) but

remains in place. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 1st

and 82d A/B Divs, jumping off at 0400, overrun

pillboxes, dragons’ teeth, and other fortifications at

West Wall. 1st Div emerges from Buchholz Forest

near Ramscheid. Attacking through 505th Para Inf,

325th Gli Inf of 82d A/B Div breaches West Wall

and takes Udenbreth and Neuhof; 504th Para Inf,

following, gets about 2 miles SE of Neuhof. 30th

and 84th Divs are detached from corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

gains assigned objectives in attacks that continue

during night 2–3. On div left, 347th Inf takes

Losheim during night 2–3; 346th attacks on div

right at night and secures Krewinkel before dawn

of 3d. 8th Inf, 4th Div, drives to high ground W

of Radscheid; 12th gets elements of 2d Bn into Bleialf. 90th Div patrols and consolidates. In XII Corps’

Both Div zone, TF Oboe (4th Armd Div — )

clears Hosdorf, on W bank of Our R, in local attack. In XX Corps area, elements of 1st Bn of 302d

Inf, 94th Div, continuing limited attacks, clear rest

of Campholz woods.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div continues fight for Oberhoffen and attacks Rohrweiler. Helped by tanks

and TD’s, RCT 142 ( — ) clears S and SE part of

Oberhoffen; CCB of 14th Armd Div pushes NE

from Bischwiller to assist in Oberhoffen but is held

up by enemy fire. Elements of RCT’s 143 and 142

wade the Moder to make co-ordinated attack on

Rohrweiler; capture the town and bridges to SE.

Farther S, RCT 141 prepares to attack Offendorf

and Herrlisheim; its movement along Weyersheim–

Gambsheim road is slowed by floods.

In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI Corps area, 7th Inf of

3d Div, with tank support, drives S through Artzenheim astride highway between Rhine–Rhône Canal

and Rhine R toward Biesheim, NE of Neuf-Brisach.

75th Div overruns Andolsheim and moves SE toward Neuf-Brisach. Upon reaching edge of Colmar,

28th Div pauses to let tanks of 5th Armd Div enter

first; city is captured but mopping up

continues.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Japanese force Br 36th

Div to withdraw its small bridgehead across the

Shweli. 124th Cav, U.S. 5332d Brig, takes heights

in Hpa-pen area in sharp battle. 88th Regt, Ch 30th

Div, gives little assistance.

FRENCH INDOCHINA—Gen Wedemeyer relays to

Washington news that Japanese are ordering Fr

forces to disarm and disperse. In response to Fr requests for help, U.S. Fourteenth Air Force gives

some assistance, although China Theater boundary

is not clearly defined and Indochina is believed to

be within Chiang Kai-shek’s China Theater.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

main assault forces of 1st Cav Div reach SabangBaliuag sector. Elements of 5th Cav move eastward

to vicinity of Norzagaray. Patrols make contact with

37th Div elements near Plaridel and elements of

6th Div, I Corps, N of Cabanatuan. One column of

148th Inf, 37th Div, takes Plaridel while another

reaches Bocaue and patrols toward Marilao. Some

elements of 145th Inf drive through Malolos to San

Juan and others to Bulacan. Forward elements of

corps are on general line Marilao–Santa Maria–

Norzagaray. 129th Inf of 37th Div completes its

tasks in Ft Stotsenburg area and prepares to join

in 37th Div’s drive on Manila. 108th Inf, 40th Div,

shifts S to replace 129th; 185th Inf takes over positions vacated by 108th on W flank of 40th Div. I

Corps has advanced sufficiently by this time to insure safety of XIV Corps from enemy counterattacks

from the E. While 20th Inf, 6th Div, continues

struggle for Munoz without making much headway,

[ 2 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 391 ]

other elements of div prepare for assault on San

Jose, 63d Inf cutting Highway 5 NE of Munoz

and 1st Inf seizing bridge crossing along Rizal–

San Jose road. 25th Div pushes into Umingan where

27th Inf is left to mop up while 35th Inf continues

E toward Lupao. 161st Inf begins wide enveloping

movement S of Lupao. In XI Corps area, 38th Div’s

152d Inf is pinned down by stiff opposition from

Zigzag Pass. 149th, far to N, is out of contact with

enemy and returns to Santa Rita; ordered to retrace

its steps along trail, which leads toward Dinalupihan, does so without incident.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 11th A/B Div drives

to within 2 miles of W end of Tagaytay Ridge.

LEYTE—In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div concludes combat operations on the island. Americal

Div is to relieve it for future operations on Okinawa.

7th Div’s special TF returns to Leyte from the

Camotes, leaving 2d Bn, 94th Inf (PA), to garrison

Poro and Pacijan.

3 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, the following divs are assigned to

army: 30th, 83d, 2d Armd, 84th, and 95th. The

first three are attached to XIX Corps; 84th Div is

attached to XIII Corps; 95th Div is designated army

reserve. In XVI Corps area, 35th Div completes

assembly SE of Maastricht (Holland).

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 1st Bn of 311th Inf, 78th Div, swims the

flooded Roer at Dedenborn and captures that

town. CCR, 7th Armd Div, is attached to 78th Div

to participate in drive on Schwammenauel, important Roer R dam near Hasenfeld. Jumping off

before dawn, 9th Div’s 90th Inf overcomes houseto-house resistance in Dreiborn and seizes Herhahn;

47th clears Einruhr. 2d Div continues toward

Schleiden: 9th Inf takes Berescheid and Ettelscheid:

23d captures Bronsfeld. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area

1st Div continues to battle West Wall obstacles and

slightly improves positions NW of Ramscheid;

patrols find Ramscheid free of enemy. RCT 395 of

99th Div is attached to 1st Div and moves into position for attack. 82d A/B Div withstands strong

counterattacks and consolidates.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps is directed

to attack SE to the Pruem. 87th Div consolidates

and its Rcn Tr occupies Roth. 8th Inf, 4th Div, clears

Halenfeld and Buchet; 2d Bn of 12th Inf completes

capture of Bleialf. III Corps is assigned new N and

S boundaries that increase its zone from about 7

to some 18 miles in width. Necessary reliefs are

begun late in day.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, TF Herren is dissolved and units are

absorbed into 70th Div, which is attached to corps.

In VI Corps area, RCT 142 of 36th Div continues

to clear Oberhoffen until relieved there by CCB, 14th

Armd Div. RCT 143, reinf by bn of 142d Inf,

seizes Drusenheim woods but is unable to retain

much of it. S of the Moder, RCT 143 takes 2 bridges

and a road junction but is later forced to withdraw.

RCT 141 attacks N from Stainwald across flooded

terrain to S outskirts of Herrlisheim but is forced

back by counterattack.

In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI Corps area, 3d and

75th Divs continue toward Neuf-Brisach. 7th Inf

of 3d Div clears Biesheim against vigorous opposition. 75th Div makes slow progress in Forêt Domaniale. 12th Armd Div, attached to corps to speed

drive S. from Colmar toward 1st Corps, attacks

through 28th Div at Colmar. CCB seizes bridgeheads

across Ill R in vicinity of Sundhoffen and Ste Croix

en Plaine; CCR drives S astride Colmar–Rouf-fach

road. 28th Div, upon completing mop-up of Colmar,

joins Fr armor in blocking along the Vosges in region W and S of Colmar. 1st Corps finishes first phase

of mission against Colmar Pocket—clearing

S bank of Thur R between Cernay and Ensisheim;

prepares to drive N across the Thur to make contact

with U.S. XXI Corps. Wittelsheim and Pul-versheim

are among towns cleared of enemy.

BURMA—Adm Mountbatten receives directive

from CCS assigning the liberation of Burma as his

first task and of Malaya as his next. Burma must be

cleared with forces on hand unless reinforcements

can be sent from Europe.

In NCAC area, 29th Brig of Br 36th Div loses

contact with enemy in Twinnge area as it moves E

toward Mongmit. 475th Inf, U.S. 5332d Brig, attacks to clear rest of Loi-kang ridge and makes

substantial progress.

CHINA—Japanese seize Namyung.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen MacArthur orders Manila Bay reopened, a task that

entails clearing Bataan, Corregidor, and S coast

of the bay in Ternate area. In XIV Corps area, 1st

Cav Div, when forward elements reach city limits

of Manila, is given permission to enter and does so.

37th Div, whose progress is slower, is to clear narrow zone along waterfront. Slowed because they

have to move on foot and cross numerous streams,

forward elements of 37th Div are still short of

Manila, at Meycauayan. 129th Inf arrives in Calumpit area. In I Corps area, 1st Inf of 6th Div pushes

forward to positions S and SW of San Jose. 1st Bn

of 35th Inf, 25th Div, is unable to take Lupao and

3d Bn prepares to join in attack. In XI Corps area,

RCT 34, under corps control, takes over assault on

Zigzag Pass from 152d Inf, 38th Div, but is up

against Japanese MLR and makes little headway.

[ 3 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 392 ]

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 511th Para Inf of

11th A/B Div is dropped along Tagaytay Ridge.

Drops are widely scattered, but paratroopers are

unopposed and make contact with 188th Inf at W

end of the ridge and seize road junction at E end.

With the ridge secured, plans are made to employ

511th Inf in northward advance on Manila.

4 February

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—U.S.-Br-Soviet

conference (MAGNETO) opens at Yalta in the Crimea

to consider Allied strategy and related political issues. This is second phase of ARGONAUT.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 35th Div starts

relief of Br 52d Div. In XIII Corps area, 29th Div,

occupying positions along the Roer before Juelich,

is transferred in place from XIII to XIX Corps.

12th Army Group: Preparations are made for 12th

Army Group to participate with 21 Army Group in

large-scale offensive to the E, scheduled to open on

10 February.

U.S. First Army is instructed to attack in Dueren

area in conjunction with Ninth Army on left and

to assume aggressive defensive on right, halting

drive on Euskirchen. In V Corps area, 311th Inf of

78th Div, attacking E from Kesternich shortly after

midnight 3–4, takes Ruhrberg and high ground

around it as a preliminary to main assault through

West Wall fortifications for approaches to Schwammenauel Dam. 102d Cav Gp takes over defense of

Dedenborn, Ruhrberg, and Einruhr. On 9th Div

left, 47th Inf seizes Wollseifen and reaches Urft Lake,

where end of Dam 5 is secured; 39th, on right,

repels counterattack against Herhahn and pushes

toward Gemund, taking Morsbach. Elements of 9th

Inf, 2d Div, make limited attack to high ground between Ettelscheid and Scheuren. In XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, 1st Div continues assault on West Wall.

395th Inf, committed on N, drives NE, past Hill 628

to wooded heights SW of Hellenthal; 26th takes

Hollerath; 18th consolidates in Ramscheid area. 99th

Div begins relief of 82d A/B Div. Para RCT 517,

detached from 82d A/B Div and attached to 78th

Div (V Corps), moves to Bergstein area.

U.S. Third Army units regroup as result of intercorps boundary changes and new missions. In VIII

Corps area, while units on corps flanks consolidate

and regroup, 4th Div, attacking with 8th Inf on N

and 22d on S, breaches outer defenses of West Wall

along the Schnee Eifel ridge NE of Brandscheid.

90th Div is relieved of positions on S flank of corps

by elements of 6th Armd Div (III Corps) and 11th

Armd Div: 6th Armd Div takes over zone W of

Our R; CCR of 11th Armd Div begins relief of elements E of the Our at night. 90th Div prepares to

help 4th in attack on. Brandscheid and to continue

attack SE to Pronsfeld. III Corps completes series of

reliefs made necessary by new boundaries and assumes responsibility for its enlarged zone. On N,

elements of 90th Div are relieved in place by elements

of 6th Armd Div. 6th Cav Gp, after being

relieved of its zone on former S flank of corps by

elements of 17th A/B Div, displaces S and relieves

elements of 5th Div (XII Corps). Corps retains defensive mission. In XII Corps area, regrouping is

begun in preparation for offensive across Our and

Sauer Rivers through West Wall. 5th Div, relieved

by 6th Cav Gp (III Corps), takes over new zone

between 80th and 76th Divs and begins relief of

417th Inf, 80th Div, which is attached to it.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, activity subsides on 36th Div front,

where CCB of 14th Armd Div holds all but NW

corner of Oberhoffen and elements of RCT’s 143 and

142 clear Drusenheim woods.

In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI Corps area, 3d and

75th Divs improve positions near Neuf-Brisach, 3d

in region between Rhine R and Rhine–Rhône Canal

and 75th between Rhine–Rhône Canal and Ill R.

GCB, 12th Armd Div, holds bridgeheads across the

Ill until relieved by 109th Inf, 28th Div. CCA captures Hattstatt, on Colmar–Rouffach road, but CCR

meets strong opposition NE of there and is unable

to progress. 28th Div, assisted by Fr 10th Div, blocks

along Fecht R on corps W flank. Fr 2d Armd Div

is attached to corps with mission of driving S on E

flank upon order. 1st Corps attacks N across flooded

Thur R toward XXI Corps and makes rapid

progress. 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, in the lead, overruns Guebwiller, on road to Rouffach, and reaches

S edge of Rouffach after nightfall. On Thur R line,

Cernay is found to be free of enemy and preparations are made for assault on Ensisheim.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 92d Div begins limited attack

to improve positions in Serchio Valley, employing.

366th Inf ( — ) W of the river and 365th Inf on E

side. Attack recovers Gallicano, Castelvecchio, and

Albiano from enemy with ease.

BURMA-CHINA—First convoy from Ledo, led by

Gen Pick, makes triumphal entry into Kunming,

China.

On NCAC front, 475th Inf of U.S. 5332d Brig

finishes clearing Loi-kang ridge, from which most

Japanese have withdrawn. Future action of the U.S.

force is limited to patrolling and arty exchanges.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

elements of 1st Cav Div within Manila conduct

local patrolling while awaiting arrival of reinforcements; attempt unsuccessfully to take Quezon

Bridge across Pasig R. 2d and 3d Bns of 148th Inf,

37th Div, move into N part of Manila and make

[ 4 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 393 ]

contact with cavalrymen. In I Corps area, 1st Inf of

6th Div, assisted by aircraft, seizes San Jose—

Highway 5 gateway to Cagayan Valley—and blocks

approaches. 63d Inf is unable to advance northward

toward San Jose. 20th commits 3 bns against Munoz

and receives strong fire support but is still unable to

reduce this strongpoint. Attacking from N and S,

35th Inf of 25th Div reaches edge of Lupao, where

enemy continues to hold out. Japanese forces on N

and S Luzon are separated as elements of 161st Inf

reach San Isidro. In XI Corps area, 34th Inf is unable

to make progress against enemy positions at Zigzag

Pass and is attached to 38th Div, which is to make

strong effort on 5th.

U.S. Eighth Army begins drive on Manila from S.

511th Para Inf, motorized, of 11th A/B Div moves

along Route 17 and then Route 1 to Paranaque, 4

miles from the city, where it encounters main enemy

defenses S of the city.

5 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, boundary between Ninth and

First Armies is shifted N to general line Liége—

Aachen—Cologne. In XIX Corps area, responsibility

for corps zone passes to VII Corps, First Army, which

takes control of 8th and 104th Divs in place. 113th

Cav Gp is detached from 8th Div and attached to

29th.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps begins move from billeting areas in Belgium

to Roer R line in Germany. The relatively inactive

new zone, formerly held by XIX Corps of Ninth

Army, is defended by 104th Div on left and 8th Div

on right. In V Corps area, 78th Div opens drive for

Schwammenauel Dam at 0300. 309th Inf, on left,

thrusts NE from vicinity of Rollesbroich to high

ground N of Strauch–Steckenborn fortified zone,

where it digs in to prevent enemy movement northward; on right, 2d Bn of 311th Inf advances toward

Hechelscheid from Ruhrberg, but is slowed by

rough terrain and opposition at Woffelsbach and

stops a little short of objective; in center, attached

CCR of 7th Armd Div attacks later in morning for

Strauch and Steckenborn from the Witzerath–Kesternich road and secures both. 39th Inf, 9th Div, mops

up toward Olef R and Gemund. 9th Inf, 2d Div, gets

Co A into Scheuren; 38th Inf, committed at 0300,

passes through 23d Inf and gains weak hold on Hellenthal. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 1st Div clears

toward banks of Clef and Prether Rivers from Blumenthal southward until relieved at night by

99th Div. Having relieved 82d A/B Div before

dawn, 99th Div is now responsible for entire corps

zone; RCT 395 reverts to 99th Div and RCT 424,

106th Div, is attached. Upon relief, 1st Div ( —RCT

16) and 82d A/B Div move to assembly areas at Aywaille and Salmchâteau (Belgium), respectively.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 22d Inf

of 4th Div takes stubbornly defended crossroads

in the Schnee Eifel NE of Brandscheid and from

there sends column SW into Brandscheid, where

strong opposition is overcome; another column

moves E from the crossroads and clears high ground

overlooking Sellerich. 8th Inf attacks NE along

Schnee Eifel ridge and secures crossroads in Schlausen Bacher Wald. Farther NE on the Schnee Eifel

ridge, some elements of 87th Div take crossroads

SE of Kobscheid; others clear portion of Losheim–

Pruem road near Krewinkel. 90th Div supports 4th

Div attack on Brandscheid with demonstration

against Habscheid and Hollnich. 11th Armd Div

assumes responsibility for its portion of former 90th

Div zone.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI

Corps regroups and continues toward the Rhine.

79th Div is relieved by 36th and 101st A/B Divs.

101st A/B takes over new zone that includes about

half of 79th Div sector and extends front line eastward along S bank of the Moder. 103d Div occupies

sector formerly held by 506th Para Inf of 101st A/B

Div. On 36th Div front, 68th Armd Inf Bn of 14th

Armd Div, attached to RCT 142, presses slowly toward NW edge of Oberhoffen. RCT 142 consolidates positions in Bois de Drusenheim and makes

local gains despite heavy enemy fire. CCB ( — ), 14th

Armd Div, moves to assembly area. 117th Cav Rcn

Sq relieves RCT 141 of Zorn Canal outposts; patrols

find Offendorf free of enemy.

In Fr 1st Army area, Colmar Pocket is cut in

two as U.S. XXI and Fr 1st Corps make firm junction. Enemy remnants W of Ill R are isolated and

offer but sporadic resistance. In U.S. XXI Corps

area, CAA of 12th Armd Div, jumping off early in

morning, drives quickly S from Hattstatt and enters

Rouffach at 0512; shortly afterward, makes contact

with 4th Moroccan Mtn Div of Fr 1st Corps, which

had arrived at S edge of town earlier. CCR clears

Herrlisheim–près–Colmar, NE of Hattstatt, and is

relieved there by 28th Div. On W flank of corps,

28th Div improves positions along Ill R south of

Colmar and along Fecht R west of Colmar. 75th

Div makes important gains in region between Ill R

and Rhine–Rhône Canal, overrunning Appenwihr,

Hettenschlag, and Wolfgantzen. On corps E flank,

3d Div’s 30th Inf starts S in region between Rhine–

Rhône Canal and Rhine R, bypassing Neuf-Brisach,

night 5–6; 1st Bn remains behind to reconnoiter

Neuf-Brisach. 1st Corps effects junction with XXI

Corps along line from Ill R at Oberentzen westward. 9th Colonial Div opens assault on Ensisheim

and at 2230 enters the city.

[ 5 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 394 ]

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army troops in Prussia

reach middle Oder on broad front within about

30 miles of Berlin and outflank fortified cities of

Kuestrin and Frankfurt. Berlin reports Soviet forces

across the upper Oder below Breslau, N and S of

Brieg. Fighting continues within beleaguered cities

of Posen and Budapest.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 92d Div’s 366th Inf takes

Calomini without difficulty but is held up by resistance on slopes of M. Faeto. Across the Serchio,

365th Inf drives beyond village of Lama to slopes

of Lama di Sotto ridge, commanding Castelnuovo,

where it encounters violent opposition. Indecisive

fighting on these heights astride the Serchio continues for next few days.

LUZON—SWPA hq approves plan to reopen

Manila Bay, a mission that is assigned to XI Corps.

Air action against Corregidor is intensified.

In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen MacArthur orders

Japanese in N Luzon contained while main effort

is directed against Manila area. In XIV Corps area,

additional elements of 37th Div and 1st Cav Div

move into Manila, where responsibility for clearing

N part of the city is divided between the two divs.

Both push S toward Pasig R line, where Japanese

demolitions cause huge fires. In I Corps area, 20th

Inf of 6th Div makes very little headway at Munoz;

1st Inf takes Rizal. Lupao remains under attack by

35th Inf of 25th Div. 32d Div begins drive up Villa

Verde Trail with 2d Bn, 127th Inf, which has been

patrolling from Santa Maria, where the trail enters

the mountains, since 31 January. In XI Corps area,

38th Div continues costly fighting for Zigzag Pass;

attached RCT 34 withdraws a little. Fresh 151st Inf

is ordered to relieve RCT 34 and join in assault on

this position. 149th Inf, upon reaching Dinalupihan

and making contact with patrol of XIV Corps, is

placed under corps control and directed to advance

W along Route 7 toward the Zigzag in conjunction

with eastward attacks.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 511th Inf of 11th A/B

Div progresses slowly northward toward Manila,

crossing damaged Paranaque bridge and driving along

Route 1.

6 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, XVI Corps becomes operational

and takes control of Br 12 Corps sector of Br Second

Army. Br 7th Armd Div is attached for operations

only. 35th Div completes relief of Br 52d Div and

takes over its sector. During period 6–21 February,

corps defends its zone, employing 35th Div on right

and Br 7th Armd Div on left; 8th Armd Div is

held in reserve. In XIII Corps area, CCB of 5th

Armd Div is attached to toed Div in preparation

for Operation GRENADE.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, advance elements of 69th Div start toward Montenau

(Belgium) from vicinity of Liesse (France). In V

Corps area, 78th Div’s 310th Inf, reinf by bn of 309th

and tanks, attacks before dawn toward Schmidt–

Harscheid–Kommerscheidt region but meets stiff

opposition and gains less than 1,000 yards. Hechelscheid falls to 2d Bn, 311th Inf. CCR, 7th Armd

Div, assists 309th Inf in mopping up Steckenborn

area and takes over defense of Hechelscheid sector.

Para RCT 517 attacks at midnight 5–6 from Bergstein toward Schmidt–Nideggen road but is held

up by mine field. Co A of 39th Inf, 9th Div, takes

limited objective near Olef R east of Morsbach.

Scheuren falls to 1st Bn of 9th Inf, 2d Div, and Hellenthal to 38th Inf. Corps assumes responsibility for

zone of XVIII Corps (A/B) at 1800; 99th Div and

106th Div ( — ) are attached in place. XVIII

Corps (A/B) begins movement to Huertgen region.

1st Div’s RCT 16, with 14th Cav Gp attached, is

attached to 8th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, German

resistance to corps’ assault on West Wall stiffens. In

local attacks, 87th Div takes road junction on

Losheim–Pruem road near Roth but is unable to

gain crossroads in the Schnee Eifel E of Kobscheid.

8th Inf of 4th Div, in conjunction with S flank elements of 87th Div, continues to clear the Schnee

Eifel ridge. Relief of 3d Bn of 22d Inf, 4th Div, in

Brandscheid by 1st Bn of 358th Inf, 90th Div, is interrupted by determined enemy counterattack toward that town, but attack is repulsed after some

hours of fighting; other elements of 22d Inf attack

at noon and seize Hontheim, Sellerich, and Herscheid. 90th Inf and 11th Armd Divs open coordinated attack SE through West Wall defenses

before dawn, surprising enemy and quickly gaining

immediate objectives. 359th Inf, 90th Div, takes

Habscheid by daybreak but is then delayed by opposition around the town. CCR of 11th Armd Div

advances about 2 miles through West Wall fortifications to seize Hill 568, S of Habscheid; patrols enter

Lutzkampen, Grosskampenberg, and Berg, but are

only able to remain in Berg. III Corps begins rcn in

force E of the Our, night 6–7. Assault elements of

6th Armd and 17th A/B Divs start to the Our at

1900; by midnight 6th Armd troops are at W bank

of river near Kalborn and Dahnen and 2d Bn of

507th Para Inf, 17th A/B Div, is crossing N of Dasburg.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, CG of 63d Div takes command of sectors held by 253d and 255th Regts and those units

revert to 63d Div from attachment to 44th Div;

255th conducts limited attacks to improve defensive

[ 6 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 395 ]

positions. Advance party of 101st Cav Gp closes in

106th Cav Gp sector. In VI Corps area, on 36th Div

front, 68th Armd Inf Bn, though fighting hard in

Oberhoffen, makes little headway. RCT 143 occupies

Herrlisheim without opposition; relieves 117th Cav

Rcn Sq in Offendorf. Both Herrlisheim and Offendorf are found to be heavily mined.

Fr 1st Army begins final phase of operations

against Colmar Pocket. U.S. XXI Corps completes

southward movement and turns E toward the Rhine.

3d Div finishes clearing its zone along the Rhine on

N flank of corps and seizes Neuf-Brisach. Elements

of 30th Inf are led by civilian into Neuf-Brisach and

easily clear the fortress city of the few enemy remaining there. Elements of Fr 2d Armd Div pass

through 3d Div and drive S between Rhine–Rhône

Canal and Rhine R toward 1st Corps, clearing Oberaasheim. Pivoting SE about 3d Div, 75th Div reaches

Rhine–Rhône Canal line S of Neuf-Brisach and sends

elements forward to relieve French at Oberaasheim.

28th Div, having passed through 12th Armd Div,

drives E to Rhine–Rhône Canal on S flank of corps.

12th Armd Div provides fire support for 28th Div,

blocks exits from the Vosges, and

eliminates isolated pockets of enemy. Fr 5th Armd

Div, now in reserve near Colmar, helps clear Vosges

pockets. In Fr 1st Corps area, 1st Armd Div, disposed along Ill R from Oberentzen to Reguisheim

on corps E flank, pauses to await bridging and is

passed through by infantry. 2d Moroccan Inf Div

crosses Ill in Meyenheim–Reguisheim area and

drives E to Rhine–Rhône Canal, capturing Hirtzfelden. 9th Colonial Inf Div completes capture of

Ensisheim by dawn and attacks E from there on

corps S flank, reaching edge of Harth woods; elements just N of Mulhouse drive N from Modenheim to Baldersheim. On W flank of corps, 4th

Moroccan Mtn Div blocks Vosges exits. Organized

resistance in the Vosges ceases.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow confirms German

report of Soviet bridgeheads across the upper Oder

between Breslau and Oppeln where Red Army

forces have penetrated enemy defenses along W

bank of the river. Troops of First Ukrainian Front,

after seizing bridgeheads N and S of Brieg, link

up W of the river, encircling Brieg, which is then

taken by assault; among other towns secured are

Ohlau, Grottkau, and Lowen. Russians continue to

destroy German pockets in East Prussia and in cities

of Posen and Budapest.

SEAC—Because of successes in Burma, Adm

Mountbatten issues directives calling for formulation, as soon as possible, of plans to capture Rangoon

and later Singapore.

P.I.—GHQ SWPA directs Eighth Army to plan

for Operation VICTOR III against Palawan and for

VICTOR IV against Sulu Archipelago.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div and 1st Cav Div have cleared most of

Manila N of Pasig R. 40th Div is ordered to speed

action to clear right rear of corps. 160th Inf, with

tank and air support, secures foothold on McSevney

Pt, W nose of Storm King Mountain. In I Corps

area, Japanese continue stubborn defense of Munoz,

target of very heavy arty concentration, and Lupao.

Enemy withdrawal routes from Munoz are cut. 32d

Div suspends attack up Villa Verde Trail while

consolidating current positions about 1,500 yards N

of Santa Maria. In XI Corps area, 149th Inf of 38th

Div starts W toward Zigzag Pass, where enemy positions are worked over thoroughly by aircraft, now

based on San Marcelino airstrip, and by arty. 152d

Inf continues eastward and penetrates enemy line

late in day. 151st relieves 34th Inf.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 511th Para Inf of

11th A/B Div gains about 500 yards toward Manila.

188th Inf moves forward in preparation for attack

on Nichols Field.

7 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 84th Div relieves

102d of responsibility for Linnich–Himmerich sector. In XIX Corps area, 30th Div takes over defense

of W bank of the Roer from Kirchberg to Merken;

113th Cav Gp is transferred to 30th Div from

attachment to 29th Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 78th Div renews attack with 3 regts abreast

after 30-minute arty preparation: 309th Inf, on left,

encounters mines and heavy fire while advancing on

Kommerscheidt, which it captures; in center, 310th

soon clears high ground SW of Schmidt and elements assist in main attack; 311th, on right, is

bitterly opposed as it fights toward Schmidt and

Harscheid, but clears W part of Schmidt and

reaches SW section of Harscheid. CCR, 7th Armd

Div, mops up bypassed pockets to rear of 78th Div.

82d A/B Div moves a task force (TF A), based on

Para RCT 505, to Bergstein area to operate under

V Corps control in the dam region. Para RCT

517, attached in place to TF A, finds region before

it, SE of Bergstein, again mined by enemy and is

unable to advance. 9th and 2d Divs defend and consolidate their positions. 69th Div is assigned to First

Army, which attaches it to V Corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy

strongly resists efforts of corps to deepen penetrations of West Wall. 87th Div, employing 345th and

346th Regts, takes crossroads E of Habscheid in

the Schnee Eifel and clears Losheim–Pruem road

northward from there. 4th Div drives SE toward

Pruem: 8th Inf seizes Wascheid and reaches out-

[ 7 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 396 ]

skirts of Gondenbrett; 22d secures Ober Mehlen

and heights overlooking Steinmehlen. 90th Div commits its full strength against the main West Wall

defenses about Habscheid, methodically eliminating

numerous pillboxes under heavy fire; Hollnich falls

to 359th Inf. CCR, 11th Armd Div, is unable to

advance beyond Hill 568, since progress of 90th Div

is insufficient to protect its N flank; tanks and TD’s

are moved forward to support infantry elements on

the hill; 41st Cav elements regain Lutzkampen and

organize commanding ground at W outskirts of

Grosskampenberg. CCB closes in Weiswampach

area. In III Corps area, assault elements of 6th Armd

and 17th A/B Divs finish crossing the Our R and

German border during morning. 6th Armd crosses

elements of 44th and 9th Armd Inf Bns (CCR)

near Kalborn and Dahnen, respectively; two cos of

2d Bn, 507th Para Inf, 17th A/B Div, cross N of

Dasburg. Enemy puts up strong resistance after

recovering from surprise. 6th Armd Div constructs

bridges and moves additional forces across river

during day. XII Corps attacks across Our and Sauer

Rivers between Vianden and Echternach, 5th Div

starting 0100 and 80th at 0300. Though arty support

is strong, swift current of river and heavy fire from

West Wall limit numbers crossing and prevent

bridging. On left, 80th Div crosses elements of

319th Inf (1st Bn and 2d Bn, less one Co) NW of

Wallendorf and elements of 318th (2d Bn and Co

L of 3d) N of Dillingen. Small bridgeheads are

secured by both regts. 319th takes Wallendorf after

nightfall. As a diversion for 80th Div, attached elements of 4th Armd Div (51st and 53d Armd Inf Bns)

conduct demonstrations. To the SE, 5th Div,

with elements of three regts abreast, attacks across

the Sauer near Weiterbach and Echternach. With

great difficulty, a few troops of 2d Bn, 10th Inf, on

N, and of 2d and 3d Bns, 11th Inf, in center, succeed in crossing; attached 417th Inf (76th Div) gets

21/2 cos of 1st Bn across river on S. In XX Corps

area, 94th Div, attacking with 3 bns of 301st Inf,

clears Sinz except for one house and high ground

NW of the town; 2d Bn of 302d Inf attacks enemy

pocket between Campholz woods and Tettingen,

which has withstood pressure of 1st Bn, 302d, earlier

in month, and takes four pillboxes. 26th Div begins

series of local actions in Saarlautern–Roden bridgehead sector; elements of 3d Bn, 104th Inf, raid enemy positions in Fraulautern and withdraw. TF

Polk (3d Cav Gp, reinf) patrols across the Saar near

Merzig, night 7–8.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, in 36th Div sector, 68th Armd Inf Bn

fights in NW Oberhoffen until relieved by 1st Bn,

142d Inf. RCT 143 continues to consolidate positions in Bois de Drusenheim and pushes forward

from Herrlisheim and Offendorf. 79th Div is detached from corps and reverts to army control.

In Fr 1st Army area, U.S. XXI Corps closes

along the Rhine from Balgau northward. Continuing S between Rhine–Rhône Canal and the Rhine,

Fr 2d Armd Div seizes Heiteren and Balgau and

pushes toward Fessenheim. 75th Div sends elements

to Heiteren to relieve French. Mopping up operations continue on rest of corps front. In Fr 1st Corps

area, 1st Armd Div crosses Ill R over bridge constructed at Ensisheim and overtakes infantry along

Rhine–Rhône Canal. 9th Colonial Inf Div closes

along Rhine–Rhône Canal to S.

CHINA—Japanese occupy Kanchow, U.S. Fourteenth Air Force base.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div extends E to take responsibility for most

of Manila N of the Pasig, thus releasing 5th and 8th

Cav Regts, which are to clear E suburbs as far S as

the Pasig. Ordered to attack across the Pasig at once,

37th Div turns over part of its zone to a provisional

organization, Special Security Force, and crosses

3d and 2d Bns of 148th Inf in assault boats. 185th

Inf, on N flank of 40th Div, begins attack toward

Snake Hill North in region W of Storm King

Mountain. In I Corps area, battle for Munoz ends

victoriously for 20th Inf, 6th Div. Japanese columns

attempting to escape are virtually wiped out. In

Lupao, enemy continues to hold out against 35th

Inf, 25th Div. 2d Bn of 127th Inf, 32d Div, renews

drive up Villa Verde Trail, which at this point

winds about a bowl-shaped depression and is exposed to enemy fire from commanding terrain. In

XI Corps area, 151st and 152d Regts of 38th Div

are slowly and methodically reducing enemy strongpoints along Highway 7 on W; 149th Inf drives

rapidly W to vicinity of Balsic.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 11th A/B Div, with

arty and air support, begins drive on Nichols Field.

511th Inf makes slight progress along Route 1 toward SW corner, but 188th Inf cannot reach its intended line of departure along Cut-Cut Creek.

8 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Cdn First

Army, employing Br 30 Corps, begins Operation

VERITABLE to clear region between the Maas and

Rhine Rivers. 30 Corps, with Cdn 2d and Br 15th,

53d, and 51st Divs disposed from left to right, attacks from general line Nijmegen–Mook at 1030

after effective arty preparation, meeting light resistance except on right but hampered by mines and

flooded terrain. Cdn 2d Div accomplishes its mission, overrunning Wyler in lively fighting; Br 15th

Div seizes Kranburg; Br 53d 51st Divs clear

heights NW and SW of the Reichswald, respectively.

[ 8 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 397 ]

On extreme N, Cdn 3d Div opens amphibious attack

over flooded terrain at 1800 and easily clears Zyfflich and Zandpol. Scheduled air support is curtailed

sharply by weather conditions.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 78th Div renews assault on Schmidt before

dawn: 3d Bn of 310th Inf, passing through 311th

Inf, overcomes determined resistance in E part of

town; 1st Bn relieves pressure on 3d by clearing high

ground SE of Harscheid. 311th Inf’s 3d Bn easily

secures Harscheid while rest of regt clears region

between Schmidt and Urft Lake. 505th Para Inf, 82d

A/B Div, makes contact with 78th Div near Kommerscheidt; 508th Para Inf is placed under operational control of corps and begins relief of 517th Para

Inf SE of Bergstein. 2d Div relieves 9th Div and

takes control of its sector and RCT 39 in place. 9th

Div ( —RCT 39) starts N to Strauch–Steckenborn

region in order to attack toward Schwammenauel

Dam; 309th Inf and 311th Inf ( —3d Bn) of 78th

Div are attached to 9th Div upon their relief by

505th Para Inf. RCT 424 of 106th Div, attached to

99th Div, relieves 394th Inf in place. XVIII Corps

(A/B) assumes responsibility for VII Corps sector

S of Kreuzau. 1st Div takes over zone of 8th Div

and defends it with RCT 16 and attached 14th

Cav Gp, which revert to it. From Salmchâteau area

of Belgium, 82d A/B Div, less elements fighting

with V Corps, moves to vicinity of Rott (Germany).

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 345th Inf

of 87th Div, in two-pronged attack, seizes Olzheim

and high ground to S and E. 4th Div arouses even

greater resistance as it presses toward Pruem, but

8th Inf takes large part of Gondenbrett and 22d

clears Ober Mehlen; 12th Inf is committed on div

S flank. 90th Div continues to batter main fortifications, largely pillboxes, of West Wall: 358th Inf,

clearing region generally S of Brandscheid, is unable to take Hill 519 but makes contact with 359th

Inf near Habscheid; 359th works on pillboxes toward

div rear near Habscheid; possession of Hill 511, SE

of Habscheid, is hotly contested throughout day, but

elements of 357th Inf succeed in retaining it. CCR,

11th Armd Div, remains in position on Hill 568,

since there is still no lateral contact between it and

90th Div. CCB establishes contact with 6th Armd

Div (III Corps) W of the Our. In III Corps area,

CCR of 6th Armd Div expands its N bridgehead

and moves additional elements across river. 44th

Armd Inf Bn completes crossing in morning and secures two bridge sites near Kalborn; 9th Armd Inf

Bn finishes crossing at S bridgehead near Dahnen,

too late in day to expand bridgehead. Farther S, 2d

Bn of 507th Para Inf, 17th A/B Div, maintains

small bridgehead N of Dasburg but is unable to

enlarge it; patrol of platoon strength from 513th

Para Inf, which had crossed the Our, night 7–8, is

forced to withdraw. In XII Corps area, 80th and 5th

Divs slowly expand their bridgeheads and move

additional units into them. 80th Div’s 319th Inf

( — ) improves positions on high ground NE of Wallendorf and after nightfall moves Co D across river;

most of 3d Bn, 318th Inf, crosses near Dillin-gen and

helps 2d Bn expand bridgehead. 5th Div succeeds in

reinforcing elements of 10th and 11th Regts across

the river with a few boat loads of

personnel; rest of 1st Bn and entire 2d Bn of 417th

Inf cross. Mopping up operations are carried out

within 5th Div bridgehead and some houses in Weiterbach are cleared of enemy. In XX Corps area, 301st

Inf of 94th Div completes capture of Sinz

and takes several pillboxes to SE; elements of 302d

clear last two pillboxes between Campholz woods

and Tettingen. Elements of 104th Inf, 26th Div,

continue local actions against Fraulautern and occupy a city block.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, elements of 276th Inf, 70th Div, are

forced from OPLR by enemy fire. In VI Corps area,

enemy continues to stubbornly resist RCT 142 of

36th Div in NW Oberhoffen. RCT 143 moves E

through Bois de Drusenheim and establishes outpost. CCB, 14th Armd Div, reverts to parent unit

from attachment to 36th Div.

In Fr 1st Army area, U.S. XXI Corps completes

offensive as Fr 2d Armd Div reaches Fessenheim

and finds 1st Armd Div of Fr 1st Corps already

there. Units mop up. In 1st Corps area, 1st Armd

Div, after driving E from Rhine–Rhône Canal to

Fessenheim and clearing that village, moves S along

the Rhine toward Chalampé, capturing Blodelsheim.

To S, meanwhile, other elements of corps clear

Harth forest and reach the Rhine near Hombourg

and Petit Landau. The small enemy bridgehead W

of the Rhine now contains but 4 villages—Rumersheim, Bantzenheim, Chalampé, and Ottmarsheim.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 92d Div, while continuing

fruitless struggle for heights on either side of the

Serchio, giving ground under counterattack in region E of the river, begins limited attack in coastal

sector with 3d Bn of 366th Inf (organized as TF 1)

on left, 370th Inf in center, and 371st Inf on right.

Advance is slowed by opposition and numerous

mines, but TF 1 crosses Cinquale Canal and turns

inland, 370th Inf gains about a mile, and 371st

advances 800 yards.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 26th Brig of Br 36th

Div establishes bridgehead across the Shweli near

Myitson and holds it against enemy fire.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

while 1st Cav Div forces are clearing E suburbs of

Manila, 37th Div expands and strengthens its

bridgehead S of the Pasig, crossing 1st and 2d Bns

[ 8 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 398 ]

of 129th Inf into it. On right flank of corps, 40th

Div’s 185th Inf continues attack toward Snake Hill

North; 160th gains most of McSevney Pt and holds

positions against series of counterattacks; 108th attacks W from Top of the World toward series of

hills about 1,500–2,000 yards distant, numbered 5, 3,

4, and 6, from N to S, and takes Hill 5. I Corps,

with capture of Lupao by 35th Inf of 25th Div,

finishes clearing central plain. On Villa Verde Trail,

2d Bn of 127th Inf, 32 Div, pauses to consolidate and

patrol. In XI Corps area, 38th Div continues 2-

pronged attack against Zigzag Pass but is still stubbornly opposed. 149th Inf is running into strong

opposition.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 511th and 188th Regts

of 11th A/B Div make slow progress against

Nichols Field and gain contact near SW corner.

9 February

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—ARGONAUT ends

after conferees have agreed to plan for an invasion

of Japan after defeat of Germany. Defeat of Germany,

it is now believed, will come about 1 July

1945 After Japanese will to resist has been weakened by air and naval blockade and intensive aerial

bombardment, Japan itself will be invaded. The

pace of the Pacific war, however, will be slowed until

the capitulation of Germany. USSR (as a reward

for intervention in war against Japan) is to acquire

holdings in Manchuria.

WESTERN EUROPE—21st Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 30 Corps area, rapid amphibious

advance continues. Cdn 3d Div clears Mehr, Niel,

Keeken, and Milligen and patrols to the Rhine. 15th

Div overruns West Wall defenses at Nuetterden and

reaches heights near Materborn; patrols to outskirts

of Cleve. From Nijmegen, 43d Div begins drive

through 15th Div toward Goch, reaching Nuetterden. Moving E through N part of the Reichswald,

53d Div clears Stuppelburg feature and high ground

SW of Materborn. 51st Div drives through S part

of the Reichswald toward Hekkens road center and

cuts Mook–Gennep road.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 9th Div, passing through 78th Div and assisted

by it, makes final drive on Schwammenauel Dam.

To protect N flank of 9th Div, 78th Div’s 310th Inf,

reinf by bn of 311th, clears region N of Schmidt–

Hasenfelde road and blocks Harscheid–Nideggen

road. 9th Div’s 90th Inf clears to the Roer within

its zone and secures most of Hasenfelde; 311th Inf

( — ), after driving SE and clearing N bank of Urft

Lake to within a few hundred yards of Schwammenauel Dam, is passed through by 309th, elements

of which reach N end of the dam and capture the

control house. Relieved by 508th Para Inf near Bergstein, 517th Para Inf assembles near Huertgen;

505th Para Inf moves E toward the Roer in region

W of Abenden. 106th Div assumes responsibility for

sector held by RCT 424 on corps S flank; RCT 424

reverts to it.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 3d Bn of

345th Inf, 87th Div, captures Neuendorf, but efforts of div Rcn Tr to make contact with 4th Div

Rcn Tr at Willwerath are frustrated by enemy in

that town. On 4th Div N flank, 8th Inf completes

capture of Gondenbrett, clears Hermespand, and

crosses elements over the Pruem; 22d seizes Nieder

Mehlen; 12th partly clears Steinmehlen. 90th

Div makes substantial progress through West Wall

fortifications: on N, where enemy is falling back,

358th Inf takes Hill 519 and advances 2,000 yards;

enemy’s stubborn defense of region between 90th

Inf and 11th Armd Divs is unabated, but contact is

established between the two divs. 11th Armd Div defends current positions and patrols. In III Corps

area, CCR of 6th Armd Div expands and consolidates bridgehead E of the Our. Junction is

made between div’s N and S bridgeheads, and

contact is made with 17th A/B Div to S. Armor

crosses the river over newly completed Bailey bridge.

17th A/B Div prepares for relief by 6th Armd Div.

In XII Corps area bridgeheads across the Our and

the Sauer are further strengthened and expanded by

80th and 5th Divs. In 80th Div zone, 3d Bn of 319th

Inf is unable to cross into Wallendorf bridgehead,

but rest of 318th Inf crosses near Dillingen. By end

of day 5th Div has 2d Bn of 10th Inf, 1st and 2d

Bns of 11th, and 3 bns of 417th across the Sauer in

Weiterbach-Echternach region. In XX Corps area,

enemy repels efforts of 301st Inf, 94th Div, to clear

Bannholz woods, E of Sinz. 5th Ranger Bn is transferred from 26th to 94th Div control and relieves

elements of 302d Inf on 94th Div right flank. In

Saarlautern bridgehead, 104th Inf of 26th Div takes

a number of buildings.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 101st Cav Gp begins relief of 106th Cav

Gp. CCB, 10th Armd Div, reverts to parent unit

from corps control. 254th Inf, 63d Div, is attached

to 100th Div and relieves 274th Inf, 70th Div; 274th

reverts to 10th Div control. VI Corps has little

contact with enemy except in Oberhoffen, where 1st

Bn of RCT 142, 36th Div, engages in house-to-house

fighting.

Fr 1st Army completes reduction of Colmar

Pocket, leaving German 19th Army virtually destroyed as an effective fighting force. Unremitting

efforts of planes of U.S. XII TAC and Fr 1st Air

Corps contribute greatly to the success of this operation. In U.S. XXI Corps area, 254th Inf reverts to

63d Div from attachment to 3d Div. Fr 1st Corps

eliminates the small bridgehead in Chalampé area

[ 9 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 399 ]

and Germans blow bridge at Chalampé, concluding

operations on Alsatian plain of France.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, Cdn I Corps begins Operation GOLDFLAKE,

movement to ETO, where it will join Cdn First

Army.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps completes

capture of Ramree I.

CHINA—Chinese SOS is organized.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army releases 112th Cav

RCT to 1st Cav Div. In XIV Corps area, 37th Div

units fighting S of the Pasig in Manila make very

small gains against tenacious resistance. 1st Cav

Div forces clearing E suburbs reach the Pasig and

begin crossing. In 40th Div zone, 185th Inf gets

into position for assault on Snake Hill North; 160th

continues to hold on McSevney Pt; 108th takes Hills

3 and 4 and pushes toward Hill 6. In I Corps area,

after repelling predawn counterattack, 2d Bn of

127th Inf, 32d Div, continues attack to clear Villa

Verde Trail but is soon checked by enemy fire. In

XI Corps area, 38th Div continues to eliminate

enemy positions in the Zigzag.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 11th A/B is meeting

intense opposition at Nichols Field.

10 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 30 Corps is hampered by extremely poor road conditions and congestion as well

as stiffening resistance. Cdn 3d Div pushes almost

to Cleve–Rhine Canal. 43d Div is held up at Cleve

and Materborn. 15th Div partly clears Cleve against

strong resistance. 51st Div closes in on Hekkens and,

night 10–11, crosses elements over flooded Niers R

north of Gennep. Cdn 2d Div is detached from

corps.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, Germans have

destroyed outlets to Roer R dams in First Army

zone to S, flooding proposed crossing sites of Ninth

Army and forcing postponement of its attack across

the Roer. Army continues preparations and special

training for Operation GRENADE.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 310th Inf of 78th Div continues to protect N

flank of 9th Div; 311th ( — ) reverts to 78th Div. 9th

Div’s 90th Inf mops up Hasenfeld before dawn and

prepares for river crossing there; 309th consolidates

at N end of Schwammenauel Dam and sends patrols

across it, but blown bridge across the sluice way

prevents crossing in force. CCR, 7th Armd Div, reverts to parent unit from attachment to 78th Div.

Entire corps zone W of the Roer is cleared by nightfall. 82d A/B Div drives E with 508th and 505th

Para Regts, reaching high ground overlooking the

Roer E and SE of Bergstein; 517th Para Inf is detached from div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

goes on the defensive and rest of corps prepares to

do likewise. 8th Inf, 4th Div, consolidates bridgehead E of the Pruem and 22d Inf pushes a short

distance toward Pruem; 12th Inf completes capture

of Steinmehlen and gets a bn to the river line across

from Nieder Pruem. 358th Inf, 90th Div, advances

to positions overlooking the Pruem R; 359th clears

last three pillboxes on div right flank. CCR of 11th

Armd Div resumes attack, reducing a number of

bunkers and pillboxes S and SE of Hill 568. In III

Corps area, CCA of 6th Armd Div begins relief of

17th A/B Div. CCB relieves CCR of bridgehead E

of the Our and makes contact with 11th Armd Div

(VIII Corps). Corps is assigned to First Army and

prepares to move to zone of XVIII Corps (A/B).

Command of corps sector and of 6th Armd Div and

6th Cav Gp in place passes to VIII Corps at 2400.

In XII Corps area, 80th Div’s 319th (less 3d Bn) and

318th Inf, assisted by co of 317th, continue to improve and expand bridgeheads in Wallendorf–Dillingen area; elements of 318th clear Biesdorf after

nightfall. 5th Div crosses rest of 10th and 11th Regts

and with these expands Weiterbach–Echternach

bridgehead into West Wall; 417th mops up within

the bridgehead. Two footbridges are constructed

near Echternach, the first of a number of bridges to

be put in within corps zone. In XV Corps area, 10th

Armd Div, released by Seventh Army to Third

Army, starts to Metz area, where it is attached to

XX Corps. In XX Corps area, 376th Inf of 94th Div

begins relief of 301st in position. 2d Bn, 376th, attacks into Bannholz woods after heavy arty preparation but is driven out. 26th Div, employing 2d and

3d Bns of 104th Inf, expands Saarlautern bridgehead, capturing a number of buildings.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 10th Armd Div starts to Third Army

front. In VI Corps area, 2 bns of RCT 142, 36th

Div, continue heavy fighting in Oberhoffen. RCT

143 attacks Drusenheim but is forced to withdraw;

elements are relieved by RCT 141.

EASTERN EUROPE—In East Prussia, important port

of Elbing and communications center of Preussisch Eylau fall to Second and Third White Russian

troops, respectively.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, Cdn 1st Div takes command of Cdn I Corps

sector.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Myitson falls to Br 36th

Div troops.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, E African 28th Brig takes Seikpyu.

P.I.—Samar Task Force (consisting largely of 1st

Bn of 182d Inf, Americal Div, and guerrillas)

[ 10 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 400 ]

is formed under Brig Gen L. H. Slocum, Americal

Div CG. GHQ SWPA establishes boundary between U.S. Sixth and Eighth Armies. Sixth Army

is responsible for Luzon and Eighth for all islands to

S—about two thirds of land area of the Philippines.

LUZON—33d Div arrives from Morotai. In U.S.

Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area, opposition in S

Manila is so stubborn and losses to 37th Div are

so great that it is decided to increase volume of arty

bombardment. 129th and 148th Regts, 37th Div,

reach line Estero de Tonque–Estero de Paco. 1st

Cav Div regroups, committing 112th Cav RCT

along line of communications to permit 12th Cav to

move into Rosario Heights. Div expands positions

S of the Pasig and makes patrol contact with 37th

Div near Paco Station. In center of 40th Div zone,

160th Inf finds that Japanese have abandoned McSevney Pt and pushes on toward final objective,

Object Hill, gaining positions on Snake Hill West

and Scattered Trees Ridge. In I Corps area, 3d Bn

of 127th Inf, 32d Div, relieves 2d Bn on Villa Verde

Trail. In U.S. Eighth Army area, as 11th A/B Div

continues to clear enemy positions around Nichols

Field it is transferred to command of XIV Corps,

Sixth Army, and directed to maintain pressure on

the airfield and determine location of enemy positions near the field and at Cavite.

LEYTE—X Corps takes command of tactical

operations on Leyte and Samar. 92d Div (PA) is

attached to Americal Div to help mop up. XXIV

Corps closes in staging areas on E coast of Leyte.

11 February

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—U.S., Great Brittain, and USSR issue Yalta Declaration outlining

conclusions reached at ARGONAUT Conference.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 30 Corps continues to advance

despite increasingly strong resistance and flooded

terrain. 3d Cdn Div reaches Cleve–Rhine Canal;

15th Div completes capture of Cleve; 43 Div maintains positions SW of Cleve and takes Materborn

and Hau; 53d Div continues to clear the Reichswald; 51st Div takes important road centers of

Hekkens and Gennep.

12th Army Group: U.S. First Army begins period of regrouping in accordance with letter of instructions of this date outlining plans for assault

across the Roer. In V Corps area, TF A is detached

from corps and reverts to 82d A/B Div. 69th Div

begins relief of 99th Div in line. Upon relief, 99th

moves to vicinity of Waimes (Belgium). In III

Corps area, advance detachment of corps starts

toward First Army zone.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps goes on

the defensive and shifts boundaries. Units now under corps command, from N to S, are 87th, 4th, 90th,

11th Armd, and 6th Armd Divs and 6th Cav Gp.

4th Div readjusts positions before defending Pruem

R line from Olzheim to Watzerath, relieving elements of 345th Inf, 87th Div, to N and elements of

358th Inf, 90th Div, to S. 8th Inf in bridgehead E

of the Pruem and elements of 12th Inf on W bank

of river opposite Nieder Pruem are withdrawn. 3d

Bn of 22d Inf enters Pruem and starts systematic

search for enemy within the town. 90th Div begins

limited objective attacks long before dawn: 3d Bn

of 357th Inf advances to line N of Masthorn; 358th

Inf, after futile predawn efforts by Co I to take

Watzerath, attacks with three bns and captures

Watzerath and Weinsfeld. At conclusion of attacks, 90th Div regroups: 357th Inf relieves 11th

Armd Div elements to S during night. 6th Armd

Div takes command of 17th A/B Div zone. CCB

maintains bridgehead E of the Our. Upon relief,

17th A/B Div starts to Châlons-sur-Marne area

(France), where it is to be under SHAEF control;

bridgehead N of Dasburg is abandoned. In XII

Corps area, 319th Inf ( — 3d Bn) of 80th Div continues reduction of West Wall fortifications within

Wallendorf bridgehead; 318th clears high ground

overlooking Bollendorf and mops up in Dillingen

area; 2d Bn of 317th Inf crosses river, night 11–12,

in zone of 318th Inf, to which it is attached. 5th Div

finishes clearing high ground along the Sauer within

its zone and on the N opens attack on Bollendorf;

417th Inf is detached but, complying with orders

for 76th Div to secure S portion of corps bridgehead, continues action in current zone and captures

Echternacherbruck. Boundary between 5th and 76th

Divs is adjusted. In XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div

completes assembly in Metz area. 376th Inf, 94th

Div, completes relief of 301st and latter is withdrawn to reserve. 104th Inf, 26th Div, improves

positions in Saarlautern bridgehead area despite

strong resistance.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 101st Cav Gp completes relief of 106th

Cav Gp and assumes command of its sector; 106th

is withdrawn as reserve. 12th Armd Div is attached to corps and takes over screening mission

formerly held by CCB, 10th Armd Div. In VI Corps

area, RCT 142 of 36th Div continues to fight in

Oberhoffen.

In Fr 1st Army’s U.S. XXI Corps area, 75th Div

is detached from corps and reverts to control of

army.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow confirms German

reports of fighting NW of Breslau in German

Silesia with announcement of 4-day-old offensive in

that region during which troops of First Ukrainian

Front have crossed the Oder NW of Breslau and

[ 11 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 401 ]

broken through German defenses along W bank to

seize Steinhau, Lueben, Haynau, Liegnitz, Neumarkt, and Kanth, thus, in conjunction with assault

of forces SE of Breslau, threatening the Silesian

capital with encirclement and menacing less imminently the city of Dresden (Germany), 80-odd miles

to W. In NE Germany, Soviet forces overrun Deutsch

Krone. Other Red Army troops are eliminating enemy garrisons of Schneidemuehl and Posen; claim

capture of 45 city blocks in Budapest.

I TALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 92d Div breaks off limited

attacks, both in coastal sector, where bridgehead

across the Cinquale Canal is withdrawn, and in

Serchio Valley. Little change in positions has resulted.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

11th A/B Div presses northward toward Manila

against decreasing resistance, reaching Pasay, a suburb, and clearing part of Nichols Field; makes patrol

contact with 8th Cav outpost. To N, 37th Div and

1st Cav Div continue to clear Manila. In I Corps

area, 161st Inf of 25th Div is ordered to advance

from San Isidro area toward Puncan. 1st Bn is

to move to Balaho and establish observation posts

commanding Highway 5. 3d Bn of 127th Inf, 32d

Div, begins drive up Villa Verde Trail but is forced

back to starting point. For next few days, action in

that region is confined to probing by both sides. XI

Corps has advanced sufficiently against the Zigzag

for 151st Inf to be released.

POA—Joint Expeditionary Force begins final rehearsals for Iwo Jima operation, off W coast of Tinian

in the Marianas.

12 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 3d Cdn Div takes Kellen

and Warbeyen and relieves Br 15th Div of responsibility for Cleve. 15th Div is stubbornly opposed as it

attempts to push toward Calcar. 43d Div seizes

Bedburg, a necessary action before continuing drive

on Goch, but is unable to make any headway along

Hau-Goch road. 53d Div continues to clear the

Reichswald and withstands strong pressure from E

edge. 51st Div advances in S part of the Reichswald

and to right takes Heien, S of Gennep.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, Advance Hq of III Corps moves to Zweifall (Germany)

to take over zone of XVIII Corps (A/B). XVIII Corps

(A/B) becomes responsible for sector now held by

82d A/B Div. In V Corps area, 78th Div relieves elements of 9th Div and is transferred in place to XVIII

Corps (A/B); 309th Inf and 1st Bn of 311th revert

to 78th Div from attachment to 9th Div. 9th Div

takes over sector of 2d Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 4th Div

completes capture of Pruem. Zone of 11th Armd Div

is extended southward as CCB relieves 86th Cav Rcn

Sq of positions on N flank of 6th Armd Div. 41st

Cav Rcn Sq, detached from 11th Armd Div and attached to 6th Armd, closes at Knaphoscheid. 6th Cav

Gp captures that part of Vianden (Luxembourg) W

of the Our. In XII Corps area, contact is made at

Bollendorf between 80th and 5th Div bridgeheads

and, within 80th Div zone, between those of 319th

and 318th Regts at E edge of Wallendorf. 319th Inf

finishes its crossing of the Our and continues reduction of stubbornly defended pillboxes on N flank of

corps bridgehead; 318th improves positions S of

Cruchten. Tanks and TD’s cross into 5th Div bridgehead, where 10th Inf completes capture of Bollendorf and continues N. In 76th Div zone, 3d Bn of

385th Inf relieves 1st Bn of 417th in place and is

attached to 417th, which continues slowly E along N

bank of the Sauer. XX Corps maintains defensive

positions. In 26th Div zone, 328th Inf begins relief

of 104th on MLR.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Fr 2d Armd Div is attached to corps.

In VI Corps’ 36th Div sector, RR station and factory in NW Oberhoffen, last points of resistance, are

set on fire.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army’s

13 Corps area, Ind 10th Div takes command of sector previously held by 78th Div.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Ind 20th Div begins crossing the Irrawaddy

in Myinmu-Allagappa sector W of Mandalay, night

12–13, against little opposition.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

Japanese remaining in Manila are isolated as 5th Cav

and 12th Cav, latter replacing 8th Cav, drive W to

shores of Manila Bay, overrunning Neilson Field. In

co-ordinated assault by 188th Regt and part of 187th,

11th A/B Div, Nichols Field is largely cleared of enemy. 40th Div advances its flanks, 108th Inf taking

Hill 6 and 185th taking Snake Hill North, but is stubbornly opposed in center, where progress is slow. In

I Corps area, 33d Div comes under corps control to

relieve 43d Div and RCT 158. Corps is regrouping

for drive N into Caraballo Mts. 27th Inf, 25th Div,

relieves 1st Inf, 6th Div, at San Jose and improves

positions along Highway 5 35th Inf moves to Rizal

and probes northward with patrols toward

Pantangan. 6th Div occupies positions along E coast,

bisecting enemy forces on the island. In XI Corps

area, RCT I of 6th Div starts S from Dinalupihan

for operation to clear Bataan.

VISAYAN PASSAGE—Gen Eichelberger issues

basic plan for Eighth Army’s part in clearing Visayan

Passage.

[ 12 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 402 ]

13 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br 30 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div patrols toward

Emmerich. 15th Div, driving on Calcar, captures

Hasselt. 43d Div takes strongly defended hill feature

near Cleve Forest (just E of the Reichswald) and

screens it. 53d Div overcomes final opposition in the

Reichswald and links up with elements of 51st

Div there.

U.S. Ninth Army releases 95th Div to operational

control of Br 8 Corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, III

Cops assumes responsibility for zone of XVIII Corps

(A/B) and operational control of 1st and 78th Inf

and 82d A/B Divs in place. 14th Cav Gp is detached

from 1st Div and attached to III Corps. Elements of

78th Div occupy Blens. Period of limited activity

ensues, during which corps defends W bank of the

Roer within its zone, patrols actively, rotates troops,

and prepares for assault across the Roer. XVIII Corps

(A/B) CP closes at Zweifall (Germany) and opens at

Epernay (France) as corps prepares to engage in planning and training activities for Operation VARSITY.

In V Corps area, 69th Div completes relief of 99th

and takes over its zone; 99th closes in assembly areas

in Belgium.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps engages in

routine defensive activities along the Pruem and Our

Rivers until 18 February. In XII Corps area, 80th

Div’s- 319th and 318th Regts continue to mop up

and 319th takes Amleldingen; 317th, to which 2d Bn

reverts, prepares to cross river. 10th Inf, 5th Div, takes

Ferschweiler and positions on high ground around

it; 11th drives to edge of Ernzen. 417th Inf, 76th Div,

continues to clear S portion of bridgehead and on N

co-ordinates with 5th Div near Ernzen. XX Corps

front remains quiet, but patrols are active. 328th Inf,

26th Div, completes relief of 104th in Saarlautern

bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI

Corps area, 36th Div’s advance to E is halted by

flooded terrain along Moder and Rhine Rivers; RCT

142 continues to hold Oberhoffen.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army completes capture

of Budapest after a month and a half of fighting. In

German Silesia, Soviet forces gain ground NW of

Breslau, encircling Glogau and seizing Beuthen.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army releases Ind 8th Div, which has been in army reserve,

to Br Eighth Army. In II Corps area, 91st Div relieves 34th Div in line.

In Br Eighth Army area, Hq Pol 2 Corps takes

command of 3d Carpathian Div and Friuli Group

sector.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 26th Brig of Br 36th

Div is holding its Shweli bridgehead against increasing resistance. In Br Fourteenth Army area, as

Ind 20th Div expands its bridgehead across the

Irrawaddy in 33 Corps sector, Ind 7th Div begins

crossing in Nyaungu area in 4 Corps zone, assisted

by diversionary thrusts of E African 28th Brig toward

Yenangyaung oil-field area.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div and 1st Cav Div are clearing stubborn

strongpoints on approaches to Intramuros in Manila.

11th A/B Div completes mop-up of Nichols Field

area. In 40th Div zone, 108th Inf takes Hill 7, another of the numbered series, but is driven off. I

Corps continues to regroup. 33d Div relieves RCT

158 in Damortis-Rosario-Pozorrubio sector. 25th Div

relieves 6th Div on line San Jose–Rizal–Bongabon–

Cebu. In XI Corps area, mine sweeping and naval

gunfire bombardment of Corregidor is begun in

preparation for landings. 38th Div finishes clearing

Zigzag defenses except for a final strongpoint between

152d and 149th Regts.

POA—Final rehearsals for Iwo Jima operation are

concluded off coast of Tinian.

14 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 3d Cdn Div takes village

on the Rhine opposite Emmerich. 15th Div is bitterly opposed as it attempts to reach Moyland from

Hasselt, on road to Calcar. 43d Div withstands strong

pressure in vicinity of Cleve Forest. 53d Div fights

for high ground N of Asperberg, making slow

progress. 51st Div overruns Kessel in night attack,

14–15, and is reinf by 32d Gds Brig of Gds Armd

Div, which takes Hommersum.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, XII

Corps has firm control of bridgehead through West

Wall and is consolidating it and preparing for drive

to Pruem R. 80th Div improves positions in N portion of bridgehead; 317th Inf crosses river and begins clearing enemy from Bollendorf area. 5th Div’s

10th Inf expands bridgehead northward toward

Schankweiler; 11th takes Ernzen. On S flank of

bridgehead, 417th Inf of 76th Div takes hill positions, reduces pillboxes, and helps 5th Div capture

Ernzen.

6th Army Group: In Fr 1st Army area, U.S. XXI

Corps releases 28th Div to control of Seventh

Army.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army overruns Schneidemuehl (NE Prussia); in German Silesia, gains

ground NW and SW of Liegnitz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, Cdn I Corps replaces Br 6th Armd Div on

right flank of corps with Cremona Group, an Italian formation, as Br 6th Armd Div prepares for transfer to ETO.

[ 13–14 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 403 ]

CHINA—During meeting at Gen Wedemeyer’s hq,

Plan BETA, to open coastal port, is presented to

Chiang Kai-shek, who approves it.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

continues to battle strongpoints in Manila. In I

Corps area, 33d Div relieves 43d Div and patrols

actively. 25th Div, less 161st Inf, is redeploying for

drive on Balete Pass. 6th Div, less 1st Inf, assembles

in preparation for movement S of Pampanga R. In

XI Corps area, while 38th Div is concluding action

against the. Zigzag, where firm contact is made

between 149th and 152d Regts, corps begins operations to clear Bataan Peninsula, the first of a series

of operations to reopen Manila Bay. East Force

(RCT 1 of 6th Div, reinf) begins drive S along

E coast of the peninsula from Orani, reaching

Pilar. South Force (RCT 151, 38th Div), after loading at Subic and Olongapo, sails from Subic Bay

for Mariveles.

LEYTE—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X Corps

forms provisional TF (1st Philippine Inf (less 1st

and 2d Bns) and 1st Bn of 182d Inf, reinf) to clear

NW coast of Samar and islands in San Bernardino

Strait.

POA—Gunfire and Covering Force (TF 54,

under Rear Adm B. J. Rodgers) and Support Carrier

Group of Amphibious Support Force (TF 52, commanded by Rear Adm W. H. B. Blandy) leave Saipan

for Iwo Jima for pre-D-day operations.

15 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Cdn First

Army commits another corps, Cdn 2, in Operation

VERITABLE. Cdn 2 Corps becomes responsible for left

sector of Br 30 Corps front from line Grave–

Groesbeek–Cleve–Emmerich northward. Cdn 3d

Div is attached to corps in place; takes Huisberden,

E of Cleve, and relieves Br 15th Div of positions S

and W of Moyland. During period 15 through 25

February, corps conducts limited attacks with Cdn

3d and 2d Divs in general direction of Calcar, immediate objective, and regroups in preparation for

concerted assault. In Br 30 Corps area, main effort

is directed against obstacles before Goch, next big

objective. 15th Div, except for a brig temporarily

attached to Cdn 3d Div, is withdrawn to rest in

preparation for drive through 43d Div on Goch.

43d Div fights hard for hill features E of Cleve

Forest. 53d Div continues toward Asperberg. 51st Div

pushes toward Asperden.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XII

Corps area, 80th Div continues consolidation of N

part of corps bridgehead. Elements of 5th Div continue N toward Schankweiler and patrol to Pruem

R; 2d Inf relieves 10th of its portion of bridgehead.

417th Inf, 76th Div, reduces additional pillboxes

and clears high ground N of Minden; 2d Bn is

relieved in line by 2d Bn, 385th Inf, night 15–16.

In XX Corps area, 2d Bn of 302d Inf, 94th Div,

takes several pillboxes and shelters E of Campholz

woods but loses them in strong night counterattack.

26th Div slightly improves positions in Saarlautern bridgehead in limited attack by 328th Inf.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps opens limited offensive to straighten and

shorten front line by eliminating enemy salients at

Gros Réderching in 44th Div sector and at Wilferding in 63d Div zone. 44th Div, leading off, attacks

with 324th Inf through Buschenbusch woods against

light resistance; in center, 71st Inf thrusts NE,

capturing Rimling and reaching objective; on left,

114th Inf, despite enemy fire in vicinity of Bellevue

Farm, attains regimental objective on other side of

Bois de Blies Brucken. 63d Div, to advance its

right flank and tie in with 44th Div’s left, attacks

with 255th Inf to clear Bois de Blies Brucken. To

left of 44th Div, 100th Div conducts strong diversionary raids.

In Fr 1st Army area, U.S. 3d Div is detached

from U.S. XXI Corps and attached to Fr 2d Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—While troops of Second

White Russian Front improve positions N of Bromberg in NW Poland, forces of First Ukrainian Front

seize Gruenberg, in N Silesia, and enter Brandenburg.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 20th Div is beginning to meet strong

opposition as it is expanding and consolidating its

Irrawaddy bridgehead. In 4 Corps area, Ind 7th

Div expands Irrawaddy bridgehead to Pagan and

elements still W of the river take Pakokku.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

bitter fighting continues within Manila. 40th Div,

to right rear, continues to clear enemy from hills in

its zone. 185th Inf gains its final objective—Hill

1500. 108th is attempting to regain Hill 7 and 160th

to clear objectives in div center. I Corps assumes

responsibility for portion of XIV Corps zone lying

generally N of E–W line through Tarlac. RCT 158

assembles in vicinity of Tarlac, passing to army reserve. 126th Inf, 32d Div, occupies San Manuel–

Asingan–San Nicolas triangle, releasing entire 127th

Inf for drive up Villa Verde Trail. In XI Corps area,

38th Div completes mop-up of enemy’s Zigzag position. After preparatory bombardment, South Force

lands on Mariveles coast at 1000. Gen Chase takes

command ashore, relieving Adm Struble, CTG 78.3.

No opposition is met, but Japanese counterattack,

night 15–16—the last organized enemy effort on E

coast—is repulsed.

[ 15 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 404 ]

16 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 43d Div drives toward escarpment overlooking Goch. 53d Div

reaches Asperberg and finds bridge blown. 51st Div

captures Asperden. 52d Div, taking over 51st Div

right, clears Afferden, night 16–17.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XII

Corps area, elements of 80th, 5th, and 76th Divs

engage in local actions to improve bridgehead positions and patrol actively. Relief of 417th Inf, 76th

Div, by 385th is completed, night 16–17. In XX

Corps area, 94th Div begins regrouping for offensive. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues local action to

improve positions in Saarlautern bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 63d Div continues limited attack in

right part of its sector until objective is reached and

line in Gros Réderching area is straightened. 44th

Div repels counterattacks. In VI Corps area, 42d

Div (formerly TF Linden) begins relief of 45th Div.

XXI Corps reverts to control of Seventh Army from

attachment to Fr 1st Army.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army completes circle

about Breslau, Silesia.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army orders

limited attack by IV Corps, beginning 20 February,

to improve positions W of Highway 64.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Ind 10th Div

takes over part of 6th Armd Div’s sector in preparation for relief of the armd div by Folgore Group,

which has not yet been in action. 5 Corps takes command of Cdn 1st Div in place.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, brig of

Ind 25th Div lands on Arakan coast near Ru-ywa,

W of An, to operate in conjunction with W African

82d Div moving down from N in effort to block

enemy withdrawal toward Prome. Landing is supported by aircraft and by arty that has been emplaced secretly on small island nearby. Japanese

offer little opposition. In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33

Corps area, Ind 20th Div consolidates Irrawaddy

bridgehead, but enemy is bringing heavy pressure

to bear against it and hard fighting continues for

the next few days.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

108th Inf of 40th Div regains Hill 7 and continues

W, turning right flank of Japanese line. I Corps

patrols aggressively to determine routes of advance

on Baguio and Balete Pass. 1st Bn, 161st Inf, establishes observation posts in hills commanding Highway 5. In XI Corps area, after intensive preparatory

bombardment by aircraft and naval vessels, Rock

Force (503d Para RCT and reinf 3d Bn of 34th

Inf, 24th Div) starts landing on Corregidor about

0830: Fifth Air Force begins dropping 503d Para

RCT; 3d Bn of 34th Inf arrives by sea from Mariveles and starts ashore about 1030. Beachhead is established and contact made between paratroopers

and 34th Inf troops without serious difficulty since

enemy is shaken by preparatory bombardment and

is taken completely by surprise.

IWO JIMA—Intensive preinvasion bombardment

begins. TF’s 52 and 54 arrive off the island and

start naval and air bombardment and mine sweeping. Aircraft from escort carriers co-ordinate with

Marianas-based bombers in pounding Iwo Jima

while planes of TF 58 (fast carrier force) deliver

simultaneous attacks on Japan in general support

of the Iwo operation.

MARIANAS—Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51)

leaves Saipan for Iwo Jima.

17 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 30 Corps closes in on Goch.

43d Div clears escarpment NE of the town; 53d

maintains positions on the escarpment to right of

43d; 51st and attached elements of Gds Armd Div

move in on the W and clear Hassum.

75th Div is assigned to U.S. Ninth Army and

placed under operational control of Br Second Army.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 9th Div ( — RCT 39) is transferred to III Corps

at 2400 and starts to zone of 82d A/B Div near Huertgen. 2d Div takes over former 9th Div zone and is

reinf by RCT 39 of that div.

In U.S. Third Army area, XII Corps in local actions expands and consolidates Our–Sauer bridgehead. 385th Inf, 76th Div, takes responsibility for S

portion of bridgehead from 417th Inf. In XX Corps

area, 328th Inf of 26th Div continues limited action

in Saarlautern bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps begins second phase of limited offensive

to straighten and shorten line, employing 70th Div

on left flank against heights SW of Saarbruecken.

276th Inf tries in vain to take Oeting but gains hills

commanding the town. 274th seizes Kerbach and

Behren. 275th pushes toward Lixing and Grosbliederstroff. In conjunction with 10th Div, 63d Div’s

253d Inf drives northward toward woods beyond

Auersmacher, which elements reach; gains weak

hold on Auersmacher. 255th Inf conducts diversionary raids across Blies R. 44th Div holds its line

against determined counterattacks. 100th Div defends right flank of corps and also engages in diversionary raids. In VI Corps area, 42d Div completes relief of 45th Div and takes command of its

sector at 2400. 79th Div, in reserve, is transferred

to XVI Corps of Ninth Army.

[ 16–17 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 405 ]

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Ind 25th

Div expands bridgehead on Arakan coast to Ru-ywa

village against continued light resistance.

In NCAC area, Br 36th Div holds Shweli R bridgehead, which is supplied entirely by air, against major

enemy counterattack.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer warns Generalissimo

Chiang Kai-shek that enemy may try to take airfields

at Hsian, Laohokou, and Chihchiang. Changting is

the only airfield still held by U.S. Fourteenth Air

Force in E China.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

begins intensive fire against Intramuros in Manila

in preparation for assault. 6th Div, less RCT 1, is

transferred to XIV Corps from I Corps in order to

participate in offensive to clear region E of Manila

and thus insure safety of that city. In I Corps area,

43d Div (less RCT 169) is placed in army reserve;

RCT 169 is given mission of holding W part of

Central Plain N of line Tarlac–Palauig and W of

the Agno. In XI Corps area, East Force, now backed

up by units released from the Zigzag (149th Inf,

38th Rcn Tr, and supporting units), starts W on

Bataan along Pilar–Bagac Road without opposition.

From Mariveles, South Force is working northward.

Rock Force is methodically clearing Corregidor.

1st Bn, 503d Para RCT, arrives there by landing

craft.

MINDORO—U.S. Eighth Army activates Palawan

Task Force (composed of 41st Div’s 186th Inf,

reinf, and under command of Brig Gen Harold

Haney) to make amphibious assault—Operation

VICTOR III—on Palawan on 28 February. 41st Div

is also to clear Zamboanga Peninsula (Mindanao)

beginning 10 March.

IWO JIMA—Fifth Fleet surface vessels and carrier-based and land-based planes continue to

pound Iwo Jima as underwater demolition teams

go into action.

JAPAN—Carrier planes of TF 58 again provide

general support of the imminent Iwo operation with

attacks on Tokyo.

18 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 30 Corps begins assault on

Goch: passing through 43 Div, 15th Div reaches

N outskirts of the town; 51st Div enters Goch from

the NW. Upon being passed through, 43d Div

gradually works E from Goch area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s III Corps

area, 9th Div begins relief of 82d A/B Div and takes

over its zone. Upon relief, 82d A/B starts to assembly area near Walheim (Germany) and from there

later moves to vicinity of Reims (France).

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps renews offensive, attacking S toward XII Corps zone

through West Wall defenses in region W of the

Pruem. Early morning assault without arty preparation takes enemy by surprise, and the assault

divs—90th Inf and 11th Armd—overrun numerous

pillboxes and other obstacles. On N, 90th Div’s 358th

Inf takes hill commanding Pronsfeld from the NW;

359th seizes Kesfeld. Attacking on narrow front in

co-ordination with 90th Div, CCR of 11th Armd

Div gains Grosskampenberg and Leidenborn. 4th

Div zone is extended slightly S as elements of 12th

Inf relieve elements of 358th Inf, 90th Div, near Pronsfeld. 4th Div sends out combat patrols as

diversion for 90th Div attack. On corps S flank, 6th

Cav Gp secures small bridgehead E of the Our

between Gemund and Biewels and builds footbridge. XII Corps attacks NE toward Pruem R

against scattered resistance. On left, 80th Div’s 318th

Inf takes Cruchten and drives toward Hommerdingen; 317th captures Stockigt and advances on

Nusbaum; 319th contains enemy remaining in West

Wall fortifications and releases 51st Armd Inf Bn,

which reverts to 4th Armd Div. 5th Div, to the

right, crosses Enz R and drives to W bank of the

Pruem from vicinity of Peffingen southeastward:

2d Inf, making main effort, takes Schankweiler;

11th clears W bank of the Pruem to SE. 385th Inf,

76th Div, consolidates positions to right of 5th Div.

In XX Corps area, 94th Div completes preparations

for attack. In Saarlautern bridgehead, 328th Inf of

26th Div consolidates, repels counterattacks, and

clears a few more buildings.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 10th Div overruns Oeting and pushes

on toward Forbach on left; in center, takes Etzling

and reaches ridge S of Stiring Wendel; on right,

clears Lixing and Grosbliederstroff. Enemy infiltrators recover Auersmacher from elements of 253d Inf,

63d Div. In VI Corps area, 45th Div passes to army

reserve. XXI Corps completes movement to

Morhange area.

I TALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, in preparation for main

attack on M. Belvedere and M. Castello in order

to improve positions W of Highway 64, 1st Bn of

86th Inf, 10th Mtn Div, begins scaling the steep

Sarasiccia-Campania cliff to left at 1930, taking

enemy by surprise and gaining objectives during

night 18–19. Main assault force of 10th Mtn Div

moves secretly to base of Belvedere–Gorgolesco feature, night 18–19.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

continues preassault fire on Intramuros in Manila

and is cleaning out approaches to it. In I Corps

area, RCT 169 of 43d Div relieves elements of 40th

Div in NW part of revised I Corps zone. Patrol of

[ 18 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 406 ]

35th Inf, 25th Div, finds Pantalbangan clear. In

XI Corps area, South Force contacts East Force at

Limay on Bataan. Rock Force continues clearing

Corregidor.

U.S. Eighth Army conducts offshore rcn of Capul,

Dalupiri, and Biri Islands, N of Luzon.

IWO JIMA—Preinvasion bombardment continues,

with special attention to landing beach area.

JAPAN—TF 58 sails from Japan area for Iwo to

assist in invasion when weather conditions prevent

further attacks on Japan.

19 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Br 30 Corps continues battle of

Goch, where enemy is resisting from street to street.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 99th Div reverts to First Army control from

attachment to corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 358th Inf

of 90th Div seizes Masthorn and a hill W of Pronsfeld; 359th takes Ober and Nieder Uttfeld and heads

for hill N of Houf; TF Gassman (90th Rcn Tr and

tanks) is organized to cover right flank of 357th Inf

and moves toward Binscheid. CCR, 11th Armd Div,

captures Herzfeld and mops up in Leidenborn area.

Many more pillboxes are reduced. 6th Cav Gp

crosses platoon of 28th Sq over the Our just N of

Vianden and constructs footbridge at crossing site;

6th Sq reinforces its bridgehead between Gemund

and Biewels. In XII Corps area, 80th Div, continuing

NE toward the Pruem with 318th and 317th Regts,

clears Hommerdingen, Freidlingerhohe, and Nusbaum. 319th begins envelopment of enemy remaining within West Wall positions; elements capture

Niedergegen. 5th Div, employing 2d Bn of 2d Inf,

clears Stockem; 11th Inf is withdrawn to reserve

upon relief by elements of 385th Inf, 76th Div, and

10th Inf. Boundary between 5th and 76th Divs is

adjusted. On S flank of corps, TF of 2d Cav Gp

crosses the Moselle at Ehnen under cover of darkness and captures road center of Wincheringen. XX

Corps opens attack to clear Saar–Moselle triangle.

After intense arty preparation, 94th Div attacks with

3 regts abreast (376th, 301st, and 302d with 5th

Ranger Bn attached, from left to right) at 0400 to

clear initial objective, Borg–Munzingen highway

and ridge. Attack, closely supported by air and arty,

goes well, breaching West Wall switch line defenses

on broad front on left and overrunning towns of

Oberleuken, Keblingen, Faha, and Munzingen. At

1800, RCT 376 is attached to 10th Armd Div, which

is assembling in Perl–Basch area to attack through

94th Div. 26th Div and TF Polk continue aggressive

defense of current positions.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 276th Inf of 70th Div breaks into Forbach and begins street fighting there. 253d Inf, 63d

Div, recovers Auersmacher and takes Kleinblittersdorf. In VI Corps area, 14th Armd Div relieves right

flank elements of 103d Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Vigorous fighting is reported

on Samland Peninsula (Prussia) as Germans attempt

to escape westward from Koenigsberg. In NW Poland,

Red Army troops are pressing northward toward

Danzig and have encircled Grudziadz. Soviet forces

in Silesia continue attacks against Breslau garrison

and in region NW of Breslau.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div maintains positions

on Sarasiccia–Campania ridge against counterattacks and at 2300 begins main attack on BelvedereGorgolesco mass with 87th and 85th Regts, omitting arty preparation in effort to surprise enemy.

Substantial progress is made during night against

sporadic resistance.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Japanese

begin determined operations against Ind 25th Div’s

bridgehead at Ru-ywa.

In NCAC area, 30th Div of Ch New First Army

takes Hsenwi.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

intensive bombardment of Intramuros continues.

With capture of Object Hill by 160th Inf, 40th Div’s

current mission on right flank ends. RCT 1 rejoins

6th Div. In I Corps area, 33d Div begins limited

attacks to clear Bench Mark and Question Mark

Hills, NE of Sison. 1st Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div,

assisted by aircraft and arty and mortar fire, begins

operations against enemy positions NW of Lumboy,

clearing the first of a series of 4. In XI Corps area,

East Force suspends drive across Bataan Peninsula

while 149th Inf searches for enemy positions. Rock

Force repels Japanese counterattack on Corregidor.

Probing of Ternate area on S coast of Manila Bay

is begun.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X

Corps begins series of amphibious operations to

clear shipping route through San Bernardino Strait

to port of Manila. Prov Task Force of Americal Div

lands elements at Allen, on NW tip of Samar, and

1st Bn of 182d Inf on Capul I., at W entrance to

San Bernardino Strait. The landing parties begin

search for enemy.

LEYTE—Americal Div units are eliminating enemy pocket in Villaba area.

IWO JIMA—V Amphibious Corps (VAC): After

intense preparatory bombardment by warships and

carrier-based and land-based planes, VAC Landing

Force (TG 56.1, commanded by Gen Schmidt,

USMC) goes ashore on SE coast, beginning at 0900.

[ 19 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 407 ]

Two RCT’s each of 4th and 5th Mar Divs land

abreast against initial light resistance. As attack

progresses inland, enemy fire becomes increasingly

heavy, particularly on right, and marines incur

heavy casualties and loss of equipment. On right

flank of corps 4th Mar Div, with RCT 25 on right

and RCT 23 on left, lands on Beaches Blue 1 and

Yellow 2 and 1, from right to left; right flank elements turn right to secure Beach Blue 2, while rest

of div attacks frontally across heights commanding

beaches to E edge of Airfield I. On corps left, 5th

Mar Div, with RCT’s 27 and 28, lands on Beaches

Red 2 and 1 and Green 1, from right to left, and

drives across island to heights overlooking W coast;

left flank elements turn S toward Mt Suribachi,

highest point of the island and located on S tip,

while those to right start N. Tanks and arty, as soon

as landed on fireraked beaches, go into action.

20 February

WESTERN EUROPE—SHAEF opens forward

headquarters at Reims. 20th Armd Div arrives on

Continent.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s Br 30 Corps

area, Bailey bridge over the Meuse at Gennep is

opened to traffic. Enemy continues to resist strongly

in S part of Goch. 43d Div makes contact with Cdn

3d Div, a Corps; upon relief by 15th Div, which is

pushing toward Udem, returns to Cleve for rest.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps

area, 99th Div ( — 394th Inf) is attached to corps

and moves to Aubel and Clermont areas. In V Corps

area, 28th Div is attached to corps to relieve 2d Div

in line.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, main opposition to corps centers in Lichtenborn, in 90th

Div sector, from which enemy fire is direct and intense as Germans attempt to protect withdrawal.

359th Inf, 90th Div, breaks through woods E of

Ober and Nieder Uttfeld; 2d Bn, 357th, takes Houf

and hill to N but TF Gassman and Co A are unable

to clear Binscheid; 358th is held in reserve. CCR,

11th Armd Div, clears Sengerich and heights around

the town against decreasing opposition. Along the

Our, 6th Armd Div renews offensive: making main

effort on N, CCB overruns West Wall fortifications

within its zone, N of Dahnen, gaining about 2 miles,

while CCA provides diversionary fire and smoke,

largely in Dasburg area. 6th Cav Gp expands and

strengthens Our R bridgeheads. In XII Corps area,

318th Inf of 80th Div reaches favorable position for

assault on heights S of Mettendorf; 317th dears high

ground N of Nusbaum, crosses Enz R, and captures

Enzen; 319th continues reduction of West Wall

positions within its sector. 5th Div mops up along

W bank of the Pruem; elements of 2d Inf take Halsdorf. 358th Inf, 76th Div, continues to consolidate

bridgehead positions and destroy pillboxes. East of

the Moselle, contact is made between 2d Cav Gp

and 10th Armd Div, XX Corps, at Wincheringen.

In XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div, reinf by RCT

376 of 94th Div, enters offensive to clear Saar–

Moselle triangle. On left, RCT 376 clears Kreuzweiler and Thorn and CCR overruns Palzem, Dilmar, Sudlingen, Wehr, Helfant, and Rommelfangen. On right, CCA takes Kirf, Meurich, Kelsen,

Dittlingen, Korrig, and Fisch. Pressing E toward

the Saar, 301st Inf of 94th Div clears Kollesleuken

and Freudenberg while 302d takes Weiten and

Orscholz.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 276th Inf, 10th Div, continues street

fighting in Forbach; 275th takes Alsting, Zinzing, and

Hesseling villages.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div after gaining crest of

M. Belvedere and M. Gorgolesco during early

morning hours, drives toward saddle of ridge leading to M. Torraccia.

LUZON—In U .S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

continues preparations for assault on Intramuros in

Manila. 6th Div completes relief of 2d Cav Brig,

1st Cav Div, in Novaliches–Balera area. 7th Cav,

2d Cav Brig, seizes crossings of Mariquina R in

Ugong–Rosario area. In I Corps area, 1st Bn of 161st

Inf, 25th Div, gains control of 3 of the 4 enemy

positions under attack NW of Lumboy. In XI Corps

area, 1st Inf, renewing westward drive on Bataan

Peninsula, reaches W coast at Bagac.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, Americal Div’s Prov TF sends land and amphibious patrols from Allen, on Samar, along NW

coast to Lavezares. Elements make uncontested

landing on Macarite I. and cross channel to establish beachhead on Biri I., at E entrance to San

Bernardino Strait.

IWO JIMA—VAC enlarges beachhead against

stubborn opposition. 4th Mar Div, reinforcing each

of its assault RCT’s with a BLT of RCT 24—div

reserve—overruns Airfield 1. After repelling predawn counterattack, 5th Mar Div continues drives

to N and S. With tanks spearheading, RCT 27, reinf

by bn of div reserve—RCT 26—drives slowly N on

left flank of corps while RCT 28, assisted by flamethrowing tanks and close naval gunfire support,

works S toward Mt Suribachi—from which enemy

is pouring a heavy volume of fire—systematically

reducing the numerous emplacements in its path.

Maximum gain, 1,000 yards, is made in center of

corps. Casualties to men and equipment continue to

be high; tank casualties, after 2 days of bitter fighting, are estimated as 20% to 30%

[ 20 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 408 ]

21 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 51st Div overcomes

final resistance in Goch.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s III

Corps area, RCT 39 reverts to 9th Div from attachment to 2d Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 359th Inf

of 80th Div seizes Strickscheid and Euscheid; 357th,

assisted by aircraft, takes high ground above Lichtenborn, clears Stalbach, and assists TF Gassman in

capturing Binscheid; 358th clears draw between

Halenbach and Hickeshausen and takes both towns.

CCR, 11th Armd Div, widens breach in West Wall,

seizing Roscheid and reducing pillboxes to NE and

NW. 41st Cav Rcn Sq, detached from 6th Armd

Div, assembles near Lascheid. 6th Armd Div makes

good progress E of the Our: 9th Armd Inf Bn, driving S and bypassing pillboxes along E bank of river,

seizes Dahnen and Dasburg; 50th Armd Inf Bn

moves E and clears Reipeldingen and Daleiden. In

XII Corps area, 318th Inf of 80th Div clears high

ground S of Mettendorf; 317th is checked by heavy

fire as it attempts to reach heights W of Niehl. 319th

Inf, reinf by 53d Armd Inf Bn of 4th Armd Div,

envelops and destroys enemy in West Wall positions

between Our and Gay Rivers with capture of Roth;

also clears Korperich and Lahr. 385th Inf, 76th Div,

dears additional pillboxes within its zone. 2d Cav

Gp withdraws its task force at Wincheringen to

positions W of the Moselle. In XX Corps area, 10th

Armd Div, against disorganized resistance, drives to

final objective in Saar–Moselle triangle and attacks

toward Kanzem and Wiltingen bridges: CCR clears

Rehlingen, Nittel, Temmels, and Fellerich; CCA

takes Wawern and clears to the Saar to N and E;

CCB enters battle, driving NE on Saarburg, which

it largely clears; attached RCT 376, 94th Div, mops

up to the Saar in Ockfen area. 94th Div ( — ) clears

eastward to the Saar within its zone, between Orscholz and Saarburg, overrunning a number of

towns and villages. 5th Ranger Bn is detached from

94th Div and attached to TF Polk, whose zone is

extended northward.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 276th Inf of 10th Div gains about a

third of Forbach as street fighting there continues.

274th and elements of 275th capture Spicheren and

reach heights beyond commanding Saarbruecken

and Stiring Wendel; withstand determined enemy

efforts to regain the strategic heights during next

few days. In VI Corps’ 36th Div sector, RCT 141

is relieved by 9th Zouave Regt, Fr 3d Algerian Inf

Div, in accordance with boundary change directed

on 13 February.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div continues toward crest of M. Torraccia against strong opposition.

Brazilian 1st Div begins attack toward M. Castello

with 1st and 11th Regts, gaining the feature and taking village of Abetaia.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

elements of Ind 17th Div open drive toward Meiktila

from Nyaungu bridgehead.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XI Corps

successfully concludes operations on Bataan Peninsula with junction of East Force and South Force S

of Bagac. Casualties: about 50 killed or missing.

Japanese dead total about 200. Small Japanese force

remains in Mt Natib area but it is eventually destroyed. Corps takes command of 40th Div in

current positions in Zambales Mtns. 40th Div rests

while Japanese positions are being neutralized by air.

IWO JIMA—After preparatory air, naval, and

arty bombardment, VAC attacks N toward Airfield

2 and S toward Mt Suribachi. Progress is slow and

costly; effective tank strength at end of day is about

50%. While clearing northward to positions generally along phase line O–1, which includes S part

of Airfield 2, assault forces encounter severe opposition from well-organized enemy positions around

Airfield 2. RCT 21, 3d Mar Div, released as corps

reserve, lands on Beaches Yellow to support attack

on Airfield 2 and is attached to 4th Mar Div. RCT

28, 5th Mar Div, is viciously opposed as it continues

methodical reduction of enemy positions but reaches

base of Mt Suribachi. 5th Mar Div CP opens ashore.

Enemy makes several local counterattacks and repeated infiltration attempts, night 21–22. Although

Americans control air over Iwo, a few Japanese

planes get through to attack shipping; sink Bismarck

Sea and damage other vessels before being shot

down.

22 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Moyland, on road to Calcar, falls to Cdn 2d Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s III Corps

area, 82d A/B Div clears corps sector. In V Corps

area, 2d Ranger Bn is attached to 102d Cav Gp.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy

resistance to corps disintegrates. On 80th Div N

flank, 359th Inf clears its zone and patrols to the

Pruem at Lunebach; 357th quickly overruns Lichtenborn; 358th, reinf by newly formed TF Spiess,

takes Arzfeld, Holzchen, and heights extending

from SW of Heckeshausen to SE of Neurath. 11th

Armd Div gains its final objectives: CCR clears

Eschfeld and Reiff; attacking through Eschfeld after its capture, CCB pushes to div S boundary,

where contact is made with 6th Armd Div. CCB,

6th Armd Div, takes Irrhausen and Olmscheid.

[ 22 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 409 ]

Elements of CCA cross the Our and relieve units

of CCB within Dasburg, then drive S along E bank,

taking Preischeid and Afer; W of the Our, 15th

Tank Bn, after supporting the crossings, moves S

and captures Ober Eisenbach, completing reduction

of West Wall positions within div zone. 6th Cav Gp

crosses rest of 28th Sq over the Our at Vianden,

where Bailey bridge is completed, and makes contact with 80th Div (XII Corps) at Obersgegen. XII

Corps consolidates positions and begins regrouping.

80th Div’s 318th Inf mops up near Mettendorf and

drives toward Nieder Geckler and Sinspelt; 319th

clears Geichlingen. Under command of 80th Div,

CCB of 4th Armd Div begins attack through 319th

Inf about midnight 22–23; 53d Armd Inf Bn reverts

to CCB from attachment to 319th Inf. 5th and

76th Divs regroup for assault across the Pruem. 5th

Div’s 2d Inf relieves elements of 317th, 80th Div, as

5th Div boundary is moved northward. In 76th Div

zone, 304th Inf is relieved of positions along the

Sauer between Steinheim and Girst by 2d Cav Gp;

385th continues to clear its zone W of the Pruem.

2d Cav Gp is to defend line of Sauer and Moselle

Rivers from Steinheim to Grevenmacher. In XX

Corps area, 10th Armd Div clears rest of Saar–

Moselle triangle; attempting to secure bridgehead

across the Saar near Ockfen, attached RCT 376 of

94th Div is prevented from crossing before dawn by

lack of assault boats and in afternoon by heavy

enemy fire, but succeeds in crossing during night

22–23. To the S, 94th Div begins crossing 302d and

301st Regts in assault boats in Staadt (opposite Serrig)–Taben region in morning and partly clears

Serrig against determined resistance. Elements of

TF Polk and attached 5th Ranger Bn clear region

between old and new N boundaries.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 276th Inf of 10th Div gains control of

two thirds of Forbach while other elements of div

are clearing objective heights below Saarbruecken.

In VI Corps area, new boundary between U.S.

Seventh and Fr 1st Armies becomes effective at

2300 upon relief of RCT 143, 36th Div, by elements

of 3d Algerian Div, Fr 2d Corps. CG Fr 3d Algerian

Div takes responsibility for sector E of 08.2 Easting.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, enemy still clings to crest of M.

Torraccia, but all 10th Mtn Div objectives to left

are now clear. Brazilian 1st Div consolidates positions on M. Castello and extends slightly northward.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

2 mechanized brigs of Ind 17th Div and the 255th

Tank Brig are committed to drive on Meiktila from

Nyaungu bridgehead.

CHINA—Gen Chennault learns that Ch forces

under Gen Hsueh Yueh in E China have at last

received arms from Chungking, well after fall of

Suichwan.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

continues preparations for final assault on Intramuros in Manila. In region E of Manila, 6th Div

and 1st Cav Div attack across the Mariquina toward

line Taytay–Antipolo–Montalban, cavalrymen

driving through Taytay. I Corps begins drive toward

Balete Pass. 35th Inf, 25th Div, attacks with 2d Bn

along crude trail leading N from Rizal through

Pantabangan and with 1st Bn toward Pampanga R

valley. 2d Bn, 161st Inf, is ordered to clear final

enemy position, called Bryant Hill, NW of Puncan.

127th Inf of 32d Div, with arty and air support, renews attack on Villa Verde Trail, taking knoll positions in the bowl. 33d Div gains Question Mark and

Bench Mark Hills, concluding 4 days of limited

attacks on these objectives; subsequently probes

toward Baguio.

IWO JIMA—VAC continues northward attack

toward phase line O–2—extending generally from

Tachiiwi Pt on E coast to Motoyama village in center to W coast S of Hiraiwa Bay—after preparatory

bombardment; is virtually pinned down by resistance

from main enemy defenses consisting of mutually

supporting pillboxes on high ground between Airfields 1 and 2. 4th Mar Div, passing RCT 21 of 3d

Mar Div through RCT 23, continues attack with

RCT 25 on right and RCT 21 on left, latter making

frontal attack against Airfield 2. 5th Mar Div,

passing RCT 26 through RCT 27 and reinforcing

it with bn of RCT 27, continues slowly N on left

flank of corps but is forced back to O–1 line when

gap develops on right flank. RCT 28 works slowly

around base of Mt Suribachi, encircling it except

for 400 yards on W coast. Enemy continues local

counterattacks and infiltration attempts under cover

of darkness.

23 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army area, Operation GRENADE begins at

0330, following heavy arty preparation lasting for

45 minutes. XIII and XIX Corps attack across the

Roer while XVI Corps stages demonstration at

jump-off time. Enemy is taken by surprise and assault troops move forward rapidly against light to

moderate resistance, but engineers putting in bridges

are greatly handicapped by swift current of river

as well as accurate enemy ground fire and aerial

attacks on crossing sites that delay movement of

rear elements and supporting armor. In XVI Corps

area, as a diversion for Operation GRENADE, 79th

Div’s 314th Inf and 35th Div’s 320th Inf move

forward to positions overlooking the Roer. In XIII

Corps area, 84th and 102d Divs cross the Roer at

Linnich and Roerdorf, respectively. On the left,

[ 23 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 410 ]

84th Div’s 334th Inf makes excellent progress against

unexpectedly light resistance, clearing Koerrenzig,

Rurich, and Baal. On the right, 102d Div, employing 407th Inf on left and 405th on right, takes

Glimbach, Gevenich, and Boslar. XIX Corps uses

29th and 30th Divs in its assault across the Roer,

29th on left making main effort. 29th Div crosses in

Broich–Juelich area, with 115th and 175th Regts on

left and right, respectively: 115th seizes Broich and

heights NE and SE of the town, blocks Mersch–

Pattern road, and patrols toward these towns; 175th

Inf’s crossing at Juelich is delayed because of bridging difficulties, but large portion of Juelich is cleared

and a containing force is left at the Citadel; 3d Bn

of 116th Inf, attached to 175th to help mop up

Juelich, crosses the Roer in afternoon. RCT 330, 83d

Div, moves to Schleiden area and is attached to 29th

Div. 30th Div crosses in vicinity of Schophoven:

119th Inf seizes villages of Selgersdorf, Altenburg,

and Daubenrath, and at 2300 opens attack for

Hambach. To the S, 120th clears villages of Selhausen

and Krauthausen and begins attack on Niederzier.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps, after 45 minutes of intense preparatory fire,

attacks across the Roer at 0330. Two regts of 104th

Div and two of 8th Div, each of them initially employing two assault bns, cross abreast in vicinity of

Dueren. On the N, 104th Div’s 415th Inf takes

Huchem and Stammeln while 413th clears Birkesdorf and that part of Dueren N of RR. On the S, 8th

Div’s 13th Inf enters Dueren S of RR; 28th, driving

on Stockheim, passes through woods just W of town.

Swift current of river presents greater obstacle than

enemy, though bridging operations are slowed by German fire. 394th Inf and 324th Engr Bn rejoin 99th

Div in vicinity of Aubel (Belgium).

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy

resistance is becoming increasingly disorganized.

357th Inf, 90th Div, overruns Kopscheid and pushes

to Pruem R line at Waxweiler, where enemy blows

bridge, and Manderscheid; 358th and TF Spiess

clear Lauperath area and capture Krautscheid, Heilbach, Upperhausen, and Berkoth. 11th Armd Div,

pinched out, consolidates and maintains contact with

90th Div on E and 6th Armd Div on S. CCB, 6th

Armd Div, takes last of its objectives, Jucken and

heights near that town and Olmscheid; makes contact with 6th Cav Gp at Karlshausen, which it bypasses and contains; and heads for Ober Geckler in

effort to contact XII Corps. CCA mops up within

its bridgehead E of the Our; 15th Tank Bn crosses at

Ober Eisenbach and clears region southward between Our and Irsen Rivers. In XII Corps area, 80th

Div mops up and clears Ober Geckler; CCB , 4th

Armd Div, takes Nieder Geckler and pushes on to

Sinspelt, where bridge is captured intact. Boundary

between 5th and 76th Divs is moved N, and 304th

Inf of 76th Div relieves elements of 10th Inf within

new zone. 76th Div continues mopping up W of

the Pruem. In XX Corps’ 10th Armd Div zone, RCT

376 gains its objectives E of the Saar and clears Ockfen. Against heavy fire, 94th Div continues crossing troops into Serrig bridgehead, first by assault

boats and later by foot bridge erected near Taben,

and completes capture of Serrig; on W bank of the

Saar, 94th Rcn Tr clears Krutweiler. 5th Ranger Bn

and 3d Bn of 101st Inf, 26th Div, are attached to

94th Div; upon relief in Orscholz area by 3d Bn of

101st Inf, 5th Rangers cross the Saar. TF Polk, in

support of operations to the N, conducts fire demonstration against enemy positions E of the Saar,

particularly in Merzig area, and patrols actively. 26th

Div continues aggressive defense of Saarlautern

bridgehead sector and slightly improves positions

in limited attack.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 275th and 274th Regts, 10th Div, improve positions below Saarbruecken while 276th

mops up in Forbach. In VI Corps area, 36th Div

begins relief of mist A/B Div on its left.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow announces collapse

of enemy resistance in Arnswalde (Pomerania) and

Posen (Poland). In Silesia, Russians continue fighting in suburbs of Breslau and push into S part of

the city.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div is still short of crest of

M. Torraccia but Brazilian 1st Div seizes M. della

Casselina and Bella Vista. In II Corps area, 1st Armd

Div, with RCT 135 of 34th Div attached, takes responsibility for left flank of corps, relieving S African 6th Armd Div, which passes to army reserve.

SEAC—At a commanders’ conference in Calcutta, the decision is made to push overland toward

Rangoon in Burma and not to make an amphibious

assault before the monsoon.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div begins assault on Intramuros, final enemy

stronghold in Manila, at conclusion of powerful program of arty bombardment. 145th Inf enters by

Quezon and Parian Gates; 3d Bn, 129th, works its

way through Mint building after crossing the Pasig

in assault boats. Stunned by preliminary bombardment, enemy at first offers light resistance but later

rallies. 2d Cav Brig, 1st Cav Div, drives E and NE

from Taytay area, meeting fire from enemy’s

Shimbu line. 20th Inf, 6th Div, crosses the Mariquina and takes edge of heights S of San Mateo;

gives ground a little under enemy fire after nightfall. Elements of 11th A/B Div, in amphibious,

overland, and airborne operation, take Japanese internment camp at Los Banos. In I Corps area, Co B

of 35th Inf, 25th Div, reaches Pantabangan. 27th

[ 23 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 411 ]

Inf prepares to attack strong enemy force located by

patrols during the wide movement to E. On Villa

Verde Trail, 127th Inf of 32d Div completes reduction of enemy positions within the bowl. In XI

Corps area, Rock Force now holds W part of

Corregidor. 40th Div renews attack to clear final

enemy positions in Zambales Mtns of Luzon, employing 108th and 185th Regts.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americans turn control of Biri over to 1st Filipino

Inf and return to Samar. Japanese have lost 72 killed

and Americans, 3. Verde I. attack force—reinf rifle

co of 1st Bn, 19th Inf—leaves Mindoro for Verde I.

IWO JIMA—Surface vessels, aircraft, and arty

continue to support VAC closely as it attacks toward

O–2 line, making main effort in center against Airfield 2. Limited progress is made on flanks, but enemy retains re-entrant in center. RCT 24, reinf by

bn of RCT 25, relieves RCT 25 on 4th Mar Div right

flank and gains a little ground, but RCT 21 is unable to advance except on extreme right. On left flank

of corps, RCT 26 of 5th Mar Div is also slowed by

heavy enemy fire. RCT 28, continuing assault on Mt

Suribachi, gets elements to summit, where American flag is raised; completes circle about the mountain and is methodically eliminating enemy on slopes.

4th Mar Div CP opens ashore. 3d Mar Div, less RCT’s

21 and 3, is released to corps from Expeditionary

Troops Reserve but remains afloat. 2d Mar Div is

designated area reserve.

24 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 53d Div, making main effort of corps, drives slowly on Weeze from Goch.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, after unsuccessful enemy attempt to regain Rurich, 335th

Inf of 84th Div attacks to enlarge bridgehead, passing through 334th at Baal and turning NW toward

Doveren, which falls to 1st Bn assisted by newly arrived armor. 102d Div withstands enemy thrusts

against its right flank early in day, then attacks,

swinging due N to clear villages of Kofferen and

Dingbuchhof on left and Hompesch and Hottorf

on right. Treadway bridge is completed at Linnich,

permitting arty to follow. CCB, 5th Armd Div, is

detached from 102d Div and moves to vicinity of

Baesweiler, reverting to parent unit. In XIX Corps

area, 29th Div’s 175th Inf completes capture of

Juelich and reduces the Citadel with assistance of

flame-throwing tanks. Elements attacking due E

along Juelich-Steinstrass road take Stetternich and

make contact with 30th Div. 3d Bn, 116th Inf, is

detached from 175th Inf. At night, 116th Inf relieves

elements of 175th, and RCT 330 relieves 115th Inf.

30th Div completes capture of Hambach by 0130,

gains all of Niederzier by 0630, and clears Grosse

Forst and Lindenberger Wald portions of Staats

Forst Hambach by 2130. 117th Inf crosses the Roer

and attacks NE from Niederzier area toward Steinstrass at 1630, but encounters mine fields and felled

trees that halt supporting armor; infantry elements

dismount from tanks and continue to within 1,000

yards of Steinstrass. Zone of 30th Div, which would

have been pinched out by 29th at Steinstrass, is

extended, and 30th Div is ordered to continue

toward Neuss.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps expands Roer R bridgehead toward corps

bridgehead line E of Elle R and moves additional

units into it. 415th Inf, 104th Div, clears Oberzier

and more than half of Arnoldsweiler; at midnight

24–25, opens drive on Ellen; 413th mops up in Dueren and takes marshaling yards NE of the city. 8th

Div’s 13th Inf continues to clear S Dueren and suburbs; 28th takes Krauthausen and Niederau but pulls

back slightly NW of Stockheim. In V Corps area,

relief of 2d Div by 28th is completed by 0230 and

28th assumes responsibility for sector, 2d Div retaining that portion formerly held by 9th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 90th Div,

in limited attacks, clears its right flank with capture

of Bellscheid, Ringhuscheid, and Ober and Nieder

Pierscheid. Preparations are made for relief of 90th

Div by 6th Armd Div and 6th Cav Gp. CCA, 11th

Armd Div, is attached to 87th Div; rest of 11th

Armd Div is held in corps reserve. 6th Armd Div

gains its final objectives: CCB takes Leimbach, Neuerburg, and Muxerath and continues S to make contact with 80th Div (XII Corps) N of Ober

Geckler; Sevenig falls to combat patrol of CCA.

6th Cav Gp seizes Karlshausen in conjunction with

6th Armd Div and easily overruns Herbstmuhle,

Rodershausen, Koxhausen, Berscheid, Nasingen,

and Bauler. In XII Corps area, elements of 318th Inf,

80th Div, clear high ground N of Ober Geckler,

where contact is made with 6th Armd Div (VIII

Corps). CCB, 4th Armd Div, reaches Outscheid and

Brimingen against moderate resistance. 5th and 76th

Divs begin crossing the Pruem, night 24–25. In XX

Corps area, 10th Armd Div expands RCT 376’s Ockfen bridgehead toward Schoden and Beurig and

moves 3 armd inf bns, under CCA control, into

it by assault boats since enemy fire prevents bridging.

94th Div’s 301st and 302d Regts expand Serrig–

Taben bridgehead under heavy fire; last bn W of

river crosses into it; 5th Ranger Bn, driving NE behind enemy lines to cut Irsch-Zerf road, reaches

positions overlooking the road, where it is isolated.

Engineers build treadway bridge at Taben. TF Polk

continues destructive fire demonstration with all

available weapons. 26th Div fails to gain ground in

[ 24 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 412 ]

another limited attack in Saarlautern bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 63d Div, renewing limited attack northward, completes reduction of Welferding salient with

capture of Buebingen and Bliesransbach and heights

between.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div reaches summit of M.

Torraccia during morning and Brazilian 1st Div clears

La Serra. 92d Div, which has been reinf by attachment of separate 473d Inf, extends its zone to include that formerly held by TF 45, taking responsibility for W half of corps from the coast to boundary

of 10th Mtn Div’s zone.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Br 2d Div starts crossing the Irrawaddy at

Ngazun, W of Mandalay, bringing swift enemy reaction. In 4 Corps area, Ind 17th Div, continuing

toward Meiktila, takes Taungtha, Japanese supply

base.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div overcomes organized resistance in

Intramuros. Fire is placed on last 3 strongpoints in

Manila: the Legislative, Finance, and Agriculture

buildings. Against increasing resistance, 2d Cav Brig,

1st Cav Div, drives toward Antipolo, reaching positions less than 2 miles from that objective. 6th Div

attacks with 2 regts: 63d takes Montalban and San

Isidro; 20th reaches heights S of Mataba. In I Corps

area, while 35th Inf of 25th Div patrols, 1st Bn of

27th Inf continues to clear Highway 5. 2d Bn of

127th Inf, 32d Div, passes through 3d Bn in Villa

Verde Trail sector. In XI Corps area, Rock Force dears

all of Corregidor except 3,000 yards at E end of the

island. 40th Div continues action against enemy

positions in Zambales Mtns of Luzon, committing

160th Inf in assault on Sacobia Ridge.

S PHILIPPINES—U.S. Eighth Army Area Command, under Maj Gen Frederick A. Irving, relieves

X Corps of responsibility for closing phase of mop

up on Leyte, Samar, and the Camotes. Americal Div,

under control of the new command, continues operations against enemy in Villaba on Leyte and attacks to clear San Bernardino Strait. Verde I. attack

force lands without opposition on NE corner of

Verde I. shortly after midnight, 24–25.

IWO JIMA—After preparatory bombardment,

VAC attacks toward limited objective line O–A, extending across island 800 yards N of Airfield 2 in

region between lines O–1 and O–2. Both flanks

reach O–A line and enemy re-entrant in center is

eliminated. RCT 28, 5th Mar Div, continues to mop

up on Mt Suribachi. Corps CG establishes CP

ashore. 3d Mar Div, less RCT’s 21 and 3, lands and

is assigned zone in center of corps; div CP is established ashore. Seaplane base is established.

25 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First

Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 53d Div, about a mile

from Weeze, halts drive upon order. 15th Div, after

relief by 3d Div, is withdrawn from line; its sector

on left flank of corps is taken over by 3d Div and

Gds Armd Div.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 35th Div

begins crossing the Roer at Linnich to join in offensive. XIII Corps presses northward toward Erkelenz.

84th Div’s 335th Inf, reinf, takes Houverath; 334th

clears Hetzerath and Granterath. 405th Inf, 102d

Div, after 3d Bn dears Ralshoven, drops back to protect div’s right flank and is replaced by 406th; 407th

Inf takes Loevenich; 406th dears Katzem and a number of villages. CCB, 5th Armd Div, crosses the Roer

and assembles S of Hottorf. In XIX Corps’ 29th Div

zone, RCT 330 captures Pattern, Mersch, and

Muentz; 116th secures Welldorf and from there continues to Guesten, sending elements N that seize

Serrest; 175th Inf is pinched out. 30th Div’s 119th

Inf takes Hollen and Rodingen; 117th clears

Steinstrass and opens assault on Lich.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps completes capture of Dueren and reaches

bridgehead line. On 104th Div left, 415th Inf battles

during night 24–25 for Ellen and rest of Arnoldsweiler, taking both. 413th secures heights NE of Arnoldsweiler and at 2100 begins drive toward Morschenich from bridgehead line. 414th, com-mitted

on div right, attacks at 0300 toward Merz-enich,

which is clear by noon, and at 2100 begins drive on

Golzheim. With corps bridgehead thus

established, 4th Cav Gp is committed on N flank

and 3d Armd Div prepares to enter line. Elements

of 4th Cav Gp relieve 415th Inf in Oberzier and

Ellen and make contact with Ninth Army. 13th

Inf, 8th Div, mops up final resistance in S Dueren

and takes barracks; passing through 13th Inf, 121st

captures Binsfeld and part of Girbelsrath; 28th

dears most of Stockheim and takes Rommelsheim.

III Corps opens assault across the Roer with 1st Div.

2d and 3d Bns, 16th Inf, cross over bridges in VII

Corps zone and drive S from Niederau to secure

crossing sites Within div zone; 2d Bn takes Kreuzau

and Drove; 3d is stopped by enemy at Stockheim.

Using newly constructed bridge in div zone, 1st Bn

of 16th Inf crosses in afternoon and drives S from

Kreuzau. 26th Inf begins crossing later in afternoon,

2d Bn closing in Kreuzau and 3d Bn in Niederau.

In U. S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCA of

11th Armd Div moves to Manderfeld area and, during night 25–26, begins relief of 247th Inf on left

flank of 87th Div. 87th Div prepares for attack to

clear remaining West Wall defenses on N flank of

corps. 6th Armd Div takes over new zone W of the

[ 25 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 413 ]

Pruem and relieves elements of 90th Div (359th

and 357th Regts) within it. 6th Cav Gp relieves elements of 6th Armd Div in Neuerburg and routs

enemy in fire fight at Scheuren. In XII Corps area,

80th Div clears Mettendorf and mops up to rear of

4th Armd Div, to which CCB reverts. 4th Armd Div

regroups while continuing attack. CCB (51st Armd

Inf Bn, 37th Tank Bn, and supporting units) drives

E against disorganized resistance, crossing the

Pruem at Hermesdorf and establishing bridgehead

across the Nims at Rittersdorf. CCA (10th Armd

Inf Bn, 8th Tank Bn, and supporting units) moves

from Brimingen to the Pruem and starts across at

Oberweis, night 25–26. Contact is made with 80th

Div forces clearing Oberweis. 5th Div crosses 2 bns

of RCT 2 (1st and 3d) and 3 of RCT 10 over the

Pruem near Peffingen and drives NE toward Bitburg.

RCT 2, on left, takes Wettlingen and high

ground to NE; W of the Pruem, 2d Bn clears Olsdorf and Bettingen. On right, RCT 10 seizes Peffingen and reaches positions W of the Nims, overrunning Ingendorf. Bn of RCT 11 also crosses the Pruem

and relieves elements of 2d Inf, to which it is temporarily attached. 2 bns of RCT 304, 76th Div,

cross the Pruem at 5th Div crossing site early in

morning and clear Holsthum; by midnight 1st Bn,

385th Inf, is across the river and 3d Bn of 304th is

crossing. In XX Corps area, since enemy continues

to prevent bridging in 10th Armd Div zone, CCB

crosses the Saar in Taben area of 94th Div zone,

driving through Irsch toward Zerf; CCA and CCR

prepare to cross; RCT 376 slowly improves and expands Ockfen bridgehead. 94th Div’s 301st and

302d Regts expand Serrig–Taben bridgehead against

heavy fire; isolated 5th Ranger Bn withstands strong

pressure with aid of arty and improves positions S

of Irsch–Zerf road. Treadway bridge is put in at

Serrig.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps organizes and defends current positions. In

VI Corps area, 36th Div completes relief of 101st

A/B Div and takes command of new sector.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, first phase of limited offensive W of Highway 64 ends as organized resistance

on M. Torraccia and in La Serra area collapses.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, first elements

of Folgore Gp arrive in corps zone. In 5 Corps area,

Cdn participation in the Italian campaign ends. Cdn

1st Div turns its sector over to Ind 8th Div. By

mid-March Cdn I Corps will be in action in ETO.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 17th Div takes Mahlaing.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

continues preparations for assault on last 3 strongpoints in Manila. 2d Cav Brig, 1st Cav Div, is

checked for some days by stubborn enemy in Antipolo area. 6th Div is also strongly opposed. 63d Inf

mops up and patrols toward Mt Pacawagan. 20th

gets to within about a mile of Mt Mataba peak. 1st

Inf, less 2d Bn, is committed in center and directed

toward Wawa and Wawa Dam; advances through

San Mateo. In I Corps area, 2d Bn of 35th Inf, 25th

Div, reaches vicinity of Carranglan with ease; repels

counterattack, night 25-26. 1st Bn closes in Pantabangan. 27th Inf continues to clear hill commanding

Lumboy and Highway 5. 161st Inf completes capture

of Bryant Hill NW of Puncan. In XI Corps area,

2d Bn of 151st Inf, 38th Div, replaces 3d Bn of

34th Inf, 24th Div, on Corregidor, where 1,000

yards are gained along E end of island. On Luzon,

185th Inf of 40th Div completes its mission with

capture of Hill 1700. 160th clears most of its sector.

IWO JIMA—VAC, with 3 divs abreast, continues

attack toward O–2 line, making main effort in

center where, by end of day, E–W strip and two

thirds of N–S strip of Airfield 2 are secured. 3d Mar

Div, resuming command of RCT 21 and passing

RCT 9 through it, begins attack in center for rest

of Airfield 2 and gains several hundred yards under

heavy fire from heights commanding both runways.

On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div employs RCT

24 on right and RCT 23, which is released from

corps reserve, on left; secures portion of E–W runway of Airfield 2 within its sector. On left flank,

RCT 26 of 5th Mar Div remains in place waiting

for 3d Mar Div to come abreast. RCT 28 continues

to mop up on Mt Suribachi. Airfield 1 is ready for

emergency use.

JAPAN—Major effort of XXI BC B–29’s against

Tokyo with incendiary bombs demonstrates clearly

the effectiveness of this weapon, which is still being

used experimentally; leads to change in XXI BC

tactics from daylight precision attacks on industrial

targets, which have proved none too successful, to

night fire attacks on Japanese urban areas. TF 58

begins 2-day strike on targets in Tokyo area.

26 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn 2 Corps begins Operation

BLOCKBUSTER—to take Calcar and Udem and exploit

between them to Xanten. As regrouped, corps

now consists of Cdn 4th Armd Div, Br 11th Armd

Div, Cdn 2d Armd Brig, Cdn 2d and 3d Inf Divs,

and Br 43d Div. Cdn infantry leads off at 0430 and

the 2 armd divs join in attack, which continues

during night 26-27. First day’s advance gains escarpment S of Calcar, Keppeln, and positions near

Udem.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 137th Inf

of 35th Div, attacking NE from Doveren, drives

through Bruck toward Hueckelhoven; 134th, seizing

[ 26 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 414 ]

bridge at Hilfarth, crosses the Roer and gains

bridgehead almost a mile deep. In XIII Corps area,

84th Div cuts Erkelenz–Gerderath road and assists

102d Div with TD fire on Erkelenz. Golkrath falls

to 335th Inf and Matzerath to 334th. Continuing

N with 407th Inf on W and 406th on E, 102d Div

clears Tenholt, Kueckhoven, Bellinghoven, and

Wockerath, then launches concerted assault on

Erkelenz, which falls after moderate resistance.

Advancing N on right flank of corps, CCB of 5th

Armd Div clears Terheeg, Hauthausen, and Mennekrath. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div attack gains

momentum: Hasselsweiler and Gevelsdorf fall to

330th Inf; 116th, after completing capture of Guesten early in day, is replaced on right flank by 115th,

which takes Speil, Ameln, and Titz. 30th Div’s

120th Inf captures Kalrath; 117th clears Oberembt,

Kirch, and Troisdorf. 113th Cav Gp and CCB of

2d Armd Div take up defensive positions on 30th

Div right flank.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, on

VII Corps’ N flank 24th Sq of 4th Gp moves through

Hambach Forest, making contact with enemy at

NE edge; Tr B of 4th Sq reconnoiters toward Esch,

passing through Steinstrass. 3d Armd Div, after

crossing into bridgehead and being reinf by 13th

Inf of 8th Div, spearheads attack NE. On div left,

CCB, employing TF’s Welborn and Lovelady, drives

through woods to outskirts of Elsdorf, Wuellenrath,

and Berrendorf; CCA, blocking on the S with TF’s

Kane and Doan, takes Buir and Blatzheim; reinf

83d Armd Rcn Bn, advancing between CCB and

CCA, attempts to secure bridgehead across Erft

Canal near Bergheim but halts at Manheim, which

it takes with assistance of TF Kane. Morschenich

falls to 413th Inf, 104th Div, and Golzheim to 414th

before dawn; 415th Inf, passed through by 4th Cav

Gp, is held in reserve. In 8th Div zone, 121st Inf

completes capture of Girbelsrath and takes Eschweiler, then continues NE without making contact

with enemy; 28th clears rest of Stockheim and captures Frauwullesheim and villages near Rommelsheim. Elements of 104th and 8th Divs follow in

wake of 3d Armd Div, occupying captured towns.

In III Corps area, 1st Div expands bridgehead to E

and SE against moderate resistance: 16th Inf clears

Soller; 26th takes Udingen, Leversbach, Rath, and

Boich; 18th relieves 8th Div (VII Corps) of responsibility for Stockheim and takes Jakobwuellesheim. 9th Div’s 39th Inf, reinf by 1st Bn of 60th,

crosses the Roer in 1st Div zone and assembles near

Boich.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCA of

11th Armd Div completes relief of left flank elements of 87th Div and engages in defensive patrolling. At 1500, 87th Div, with elements of 345th

and 346th Regts in line, attacks N toward Hallschlag and Ormont; strong resistance and obstacles

of all types are met as attack continues through the

night. 6th Armd Div maintains defensive positions

along the Pruem and searches for crossing sites. 6th

Cav Gp takes up defensive positions along the

Pruem from Waxweiler southward and relieves

358th Inf of 90th Div, which passes to SHAEF

reserve. In XII Corps area, 80th Div finishes clearing region W of the Pruem on corps N flank; 319th

Inf takes Phillipsweiler and Mauel. CCB, 4th Armd

Div, seizes high ground N of Bitburg but is unable

to clear Erdorf, on Kyll R; CCA closes in Rittersdorf area. 5th Div’s RCT 2, 3d Bn of which crosses

the Pruem and joins in advance, pushes NE to

Nims R, taking Stahl and Birdingen; RCT 10 clears

Messerich and Dockendorf on W bank of the Nims

and crosses to take Ober and Nieder Stedem; RCT

II crosses the Pruem and begins attacking through

10th Inf. 76th Div regroups in preparation for drive

to the Moselle at Trier and attacks E and S from

Holsthum bridgehead: elements of 304th Inf secure

bridgehead across the Nims in vicinity of Wolsfeld;

1st Bn of 385th pushes S from Holsthum toward Irrel; 417th (—) closes in Holsthum area and prepares to attack from Wolsfeld bridgehead. 2d Cav

Gp continues to defend S flank and moves elements

into Wasserbillig. In XX Corps area, 10th Armd

Div and 94th Div expand and join Ockfen and Serrig bridgeheads; jointly clear Beurig area, permitting heavy ponton bridge to be put in at Saarburg.

CCB, 10th Armd Div, driving along Irsch–Zerf

road, relieves pressure on 5th Ranger Bn (attached

to 94th Div) S of the road and reaches Zerf; CCA

crosses the Saar in 94th Div zone and moves to

Irsch; CCR starts from Nittel toward Beurig. 94th

Div prepares to attack toward high ground from

Hamm to Geizenberg to protect drive of 10th

Armd Div on Trier. 101st Inf, 26th Div, takes command of Saarlautern bridgehead, relieving 328th

Inf.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

101st A/B Div is detached from VI Corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div begins strong southward push

toward Mandalay. In 4 Corps area, Ind 17th Div,

continuing toward Meiktila, seizes airstrip at

Thabutkon.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

begins assault on last 3 strongpoints in Manila. Elements of 63d Inf, 6th Div, reach crest of Mt Pacawagan but are forced back after nightfall by heavy

fire. Japanese defeat efforts of 1st Inf to take Mt

Mataba. 20th Inf troops advance up southernmost

slopes of the mountain. In I Corps area, 2d Bn of

35th Inf, 25th Div, reaches Carranglan, but Japanese

cut regimental supply line. In XI Corps area, 40th

Div completes its immediate mission in Zambales

[ 26 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 415 ]

Mtns sector when 108th Inf captures Hill 12. Rock

Force concludes operations on Corregidor, except

for mopping up, by 1600.

S PHILIPPINES—U.S. Eighth Army is directed

to plan for operations against Panay and N Negros.

As VICTOR III Attack Group (TG 78.2 under Adm

Fechteler) and Close Covering Group (TG 74.2

under Rear Adm R. S. Riggs) sail from Mindoro

for Palawan covered by Fifth and Thirteenth Air

Forces, intensive aerial bombardment of Puerto

Princesa area of Palawan begins. Americal Div

completes encirclement of enemy forces in NW

coastal sector of Leyte. Div’s Prov TF finishes clearing S part of San Bernardino Strait from NW Samar

through Balicuatro I. and W to Capul and Naranjo

Is.

IWO JIMA—Although still closely supported by

air, naval, and arty bombardment, VAC progress

toward O–2 line is measured in hundreds of yards

as enemy resistance continues strong. RCT 9, 3d Mar

Div, again making main effort in center of corps, is

supported by massed arty fire on heights commanding Airfield 2 as it inches forward. On right flank

of corps, 4th Mar Div withdraws RCT 24 to reserve

and continues attack with RCT 25 on right and

RCT 23 on left; latter gains up to 300 yards, reaching SW slopes of Hill 382, where enemy is firmly

entrenched. RCT 26, 5th Mar Div, pushes N on left

flank of corps, center elements ahead of those on

flanks, which are echeloned on left rear to commanding ground overlooking W coast and on right rear

to conform with advance of 3d Mar Div. Observation planes land on Airfield 1 and start spotting for

arty. AAA begins neutralization of Kangoku and

Kama Rocks, off W coast.

27 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn a Corps area, Br 43d Div overruns Calcar and Grieth, latter on the Rhine. Cdn

2d Inf and Cdn 4th Armd Divs enter Hochwald

Forest, E of Udem, and gain positions between there

and Balberger Forest to S. Cdn 3d Div clears Udem

and Br 11th Armd Div drives from Udem toward

Kervenheim. In Br 30 Corps area, Cdn offensive

eases pressure on corps. 52d Div moves E from

Afferden area and takes over 51st Div sector. 3d

Div cuts Udem–Weeze road.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 35th Div

advances rapidly E of the Roer against moderate

resistance: 137th Inf clears Altmyhl, Myhl, Gerderath, and Gerderhahn; 134th takes Millich,

Schauffenberg, Ratheim, Luchtenberg, Orsbeck,

Wassenberg, and 2 other towns. 15th Cav Gp is detached from 35th Div and, under corps control, relieves 8th Armd Div of positions S of Roermond between the Roer and Meuse. CCA, 8th Armd Div,

crosses the Roer at Hilfarth and heads for Wegberg.

In XIII Corps area, 84th Div organizes motorized

task force (TF Church, based on 334th Inf) for

breakthrough attack since enemy appears to be thoroughly disorganized. Spearheaded by Co B, 771st

Tank Bn, the TF drives about 10 miles N from Matzerath to road junction SE of Waldniel, where opposition is met. Beeck, Wegberg, Rickelrath, and many

villages are cleared. 11th Cav Gp is attached to 84th

Div for screening duty. On right flank of corps, CCB

of 5th Armd Div, though handicapped by extremely

muddy terrain, gets elements to Guenhoven and S

edge of Rheindahlen before bogging down. 102d

Div’s 406th Inf attacks through the halted armor,

clearing Rheindahlen and continuing N; 405th Inf,

to right, reaches E–W railway line between Wegberg and Rheydt. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div advances to E–W road between Erkelenz and Garzweiler against token resistance: 175th Inf takes Holzweiler, Kuckum, Keyenberg, and Borschemich; 116th

clears Immerath, Pesch, and Otzenrath; 115th seizes

Opherten and Jackerath. RCT 330 reverts to 83d Div

from attachment to 29th. 30th Div advances N to

line Garzweiler–Koenigshoven: Garzweiler

falls to 120th Inf and Koenigshoven to 119th. 2d

Armd Div ( — CCB) assembles across the Roer for

offensive to the Rhine and is reinf by 331st Inf of

83d Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps advances steadily across Cologne Plain despite

enemy’s stubborn defense of approaches to Cologne.

4th Cav Gp takes Tollhausen and Esch. CCR, 3d

Armd Div, gains two bridgeheads across the Erft,

TF Hogan crossing bridge at Glesch and TF Richardson wading across at Paffendorf. 83d Armd Rcn

Bn clears Grouven and Zieverich but finds Erft

bridge out. CCB task forces take Elsdorf, Wuellenrath, Berrendorf, and Giesendorf. CCA’s TF Kane

takes Heppendorf and Sindorf while TF Doan, in

conjunction with 8th Div, clears Bergerhausen and

part of Kerpen. 104th and 8th Divs follow 3d Armd

Div closely, mopping up and occupying captured

towns. RCT 395, 99th Div, assembles near Stolberg.

In III Corps area, 16th Inf of 1st Div clears Frangenheim and Vettweiss; attacking toward Neffel R at

1900, 18th Inf reaches Kelz and Irresheim. 9th Div’s

39th Inf, reinf, attacks S through 1st Div bridgehead

and takes Thum and Nideggen; begins drive on

Berg. 90th Inf ( — ) crosses the Roer and assembles

near Rath. 14th Cav Gp, with mission of protecting

S flank of corps, crosses the Roer and closes in Drove

area. In V Corps area, 69th Div begins limited

attacks for ridge E of Prether R to insure safety

of Hellenthal-Hollerath highway as MSR, 271st

Inf taking Dickerscheid and 273d, Giescheid.

[ 27 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 416 ]

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

makes limited gains toward Ormont and Hallschlag.

CCA, 6th Armd Div, establishes small bridgehead

across the Pruem: 9th Armd Inf Bn crosses near

Manderscheid and seizes Heilhausen. Elements of

CCB cross to N but are forced back by heavy fire.

In XII Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div, crossing

the Pruem on N flank of corps, takes Wissmannsdorf. CCB, 4th Armd Div, clears Nattenheim and Fliessem while CCA takes Matzen. RCT’s

II and 10, 5th Div, drive E abreast, cutting Bitburg–

Trier highway: RCT II enters S outskirts of Bitburg

and overruns Masholder and Moetsch; RCT 10

clears Esslingen. RCT 2 organizes positions along

W bank of the Nims. 76th Div pushes SE toward

Trier from the Wolsfeld bridgehead: 304th Inf takes

Meckel and Gilzem; 417th thrusts toward Idesheim

and Welschbillig. Between the Pruem and Nims,

1st Bn of 385th Inf clears Irrel; 2d Bn, crossing the

Pruem and Nims, takes Niederweis. In XX Corps

area, CCA of 10th Armd Div begins drive on Trier,

moving N through CCB at Zerf to Pellingen area,

where extensive mine fields are found. CCB leaving elements to block to S and E of Zerf, follows

CCA and takes Baldringen. CCR completes its

crossing of the Saar in 94th Div zone and moves

N of Irsch–Zerf road to protect MSR. 94th Div’s

RCT 376, attached to 10th Armd Div, and 301st

and 302d Regts expand Ockfen–Serrig bridgehead

N and NE. TF Polk (3d Cav Gp) is attached to 94th

Div and its sector passes to control of 104th Inf,

26th Div.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Japanese opposition to Ind 20th Div subsides and

Irrawaddy bridgehead is firmly established. In 4

Corps area, brig of Ind 17th Div is flown in to

Thabutkon from Palel as rest of div reaches outskirts

of Meiktila.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

148th Inf of 37th Div clears stubborn enemy from

most of Legislative building in Manila. 145th relieves 3d Bn of 129th. 63d Inf, 6th Div, holds Mt

Pacawagan against heavy opposition. 1st Inf positions in Mt Mataba area are untenable and Cos I

and L withdraw; Co C is unable to progress against

the mountain and also falls back. In I Corps area,

27th Inf of 25th Div captures Japanese plan for

defense of Balete Pass. 35th Inf reopens line of

communication.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, an 81-

mm. mortar section of 19th Inf is sent to Verde I.

Advance party lands on Lubang I. to establish roadblock.

IWO JIMA—VAC continues attack toward O–2

line after intense preparatory fire. In center, RCT

9 of 3d Mar Div penetrates enemy positions to secure rest of Airfield 2 and heights beyond. RCT 23,

making main effort of 4th Mar Div, reaches top of

Hill 382 but withdraws to more favorable position

for night; RCT 25 is delayed on left by troublesome

pocket near Minami but gains ground along E coast.

5th Mar Div, replacing RCT 26 with RCT 27,

advances slowly but steadily N on left flank of corps.

First detachment of PBM search planes arrives at

seaplane base.

28 February

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Br 43d Div continues SE along the Rhine on left flank of corps. Cdn

2d Inf and Cdn 4th Armd Divs deepen penetration

into the Hochwald and between there and Balberger

Forest. Cdn 3d Div, followed by Br 11th Armd Div,

advances to Balberger Forest.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, XVI Corps’ 35th Div

gains 31/2 miles: 137th Inf takes Rogden, Wildenrath, and Station Vlodrop; 134th seizes Ophoven,

Steinkirchen, Effeld, Birgelen, and Rosenthal; 320th

Inf task force (TF Byrne) prepares for motorized

drive on Venlo (Holland) some 200 miles N. CCA

of 8th Armd Div, pushing N past Wegberg, overruns Merbeck and Tetelrath; CCB and CCR, upon

relief by 15th Cav Gp, cross the Roer at Hilfarth,

CCB sending task force N that captures Arsbeck

and CCR moving to Wegberg area. In XIII Corps

area, 84th Div, against stiffer resistance, gains about

2 miles. One 334th Inf column begins clearing

Waldniel while another drives to Birgen. 102d Div

continues N, 406th Inf taking Hardt and 405th

clearing Hehn and Vorst. 5th Armd Div remains in

position as reserve and protects right boundary of

corps. XIX Corps overruns numerous towns and

villages during rapid advance. 29th Div drives

quickly toward Munchen–Gladbach with 175th and

116th Regts. In 5–8-mile advance from Otzenrath–

Garzweiler region, 2d Armd Div reaches positions

within 5 miles of Neuss and 6 miles of the Rhine.

30th Div improves positions in limited attacks and

is pinched out by 2d Armd Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div expands shallow bridgeheads at Glesch and Paffendorf and crosses armor

over newly completed bridge at Paffendorf; repels

tank-infantry counterattack on Paffendorf bridgehead. RCT 395 of 99th Div is attached to div to

help expand Paffendorf bridgehead. CCA, relieved

at Sindorf by 104th Div and at Kerpen by 8th, moves

to assembly area; TF Kane relieves 83d Armd Rcn

Bn in Zieverich and latter moves back to Grouven.

104th Div mops up W of the Erft and prepares to

cross. While 3d Bn of 121st Inf, 8th Div, mops up

stragglers in Kerpen, 1st and 2d Bns attack for

Moedrath, wading Erft Canal to reach W edge. In

[ 28 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 417 ]

III Corps area, 18th Inf of 1st Div clears several

towns along Neffel R; 16th takes Gladbach by noon

and Luxheim in night attack. Div gives TF Davisson mission of screening N flank corps and attaches

it to 18th Inf. 32d Sq, 14th Cav Gp, is attached to

1st Div to protect that div’s S flank. 39th Inf, 9th

Div, clears Berg and heights between Berg and

Thum; 60th assists in capture of Berg; 47th crosses

the Roer and clears Abenden. Elements of 60th and

47th Regts clear rest of E bank of the Roer within

div zone. 311th Inf, 78th Div, crosses the Roer in

9th Div zone and drives S to secure crossing sites

for main div crossings. 9th Armd Div ( — ) crosses

the Roer; CCB attacks S from assembly area at

Soller in afternoon. In V Corps area, 69th Div clears

rest of objective heights E of Prether R from Honningen to Rescheid.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy opposition to 87th Div is unabated, but 345th Inf gains

Neuenstein. To S, corps attacks across the Pruem in

force, starting before dawn. 4th Div’s 8th Inf takes

Klienlangenfeld while 22d captures Dausfeld. 6th

Armd Div enlarges its bridgehead: crossing near

Lunebach, CCB outposts Pronsfeld and captures

Lunebach, Lierfeld, and Merlscheid; 9th Armd Inf

Bn expands its bridgehead and is passed through by

44th Armd Inf Bn, which takes Dackscheid and Eilscheid. Elements of 6th Cav Gp cross at Wax-weiler

and clear that town. Enemy opposition to crossings

is at first light but becomes heavy later in day. In XII

Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div drives N between

Pruem and Nims Rivers, taking Liessem and Niederweiler; rest of div is out of contact with enemy. CCB,

4th Armd Div, attacking toward Sef-ferweich and Malbergweich, is halted by enemy in woods N of Nattenheim; CCA patrols and estab-lishes contact with 5th

Div. 5th Div clears to W bank of Kyll R within its

zone: Bitburg and Irsch fall to RCT 11; Roehl and

Scharfbillig to RCT 10; Suelm, Dahlem, Trimport,

and Idenheim to RCT 2. 76th Div continues SE

between Pruem and Kyll Rivers toward Trier, clearing Hofweiler, Ittelkyll, Idesheim. Helenenberg,

and Eisenach. In XX Corps area, continuing N toward Trier, CCA of 10th Armd Div,

followed by CCB, breaches mine field near Pellingen

and clears Paschel and Obersehr. 94th Div’s RCT

376, still attached to 10th Armd Div, and 301st and

302d Regts continue to clear pillbox resistance and

expand Ockfen-Serrig bridgehead to NE, protecting 10th Armd Div’s drive on Trier. 26th Div maintains and improves positions in Saarlautern

bridgehead.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army regroups

as XXI Corps takes over zone on left flank. In accordance with orders of 25 February, 63d and 70th

Inf Divs, 12th Armd Div, and 101st Cav Gp, all

formerly within XV Corps zone, pass to control of

XXI Corps in current positions. XV Corps holds

defensive line with 44th and 100th Divs and has

106th Cav Gp in reserve.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow announces capture

of Pomeranian communications centers of Neustettin and Prechlau and further gains in Breslau

(Silesia).

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div and 1st Div

of BEF complete regrouping for second phase of

limited offensive to secure heights W of Highway

64.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

Ind 17th Div begins assault on Meiktila against

strong opposition.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Gen Krueger

orders XIV Corps to open Balayan and Batangas

Bays, SW Luzon. With reduction of opposition in

Legislative building, only the Agriculture and Finance buildings remain to be cleared in Manila.

Co C of 63d Inf, 6th Div, reaches crest of Mt

Pacawagan, which is largely clear. 1st Inf suspends

attack as regrouping of div is ordered before continuation of offensive. In I Corps area, 2d Bn of

35th Inf, 25th Div, starts toward Puncan, its supply

route protected by 1st Bn. In XI Corps area, 188th

Inf ( — 2d Bn), reinf, of 11th A/B Div gets into

position for assault on Ternate region of S coast of

Manila Bay. 43d Div begins relief of 40th Div in Zambales Mtns sector.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, TF

VICTOR IV (41st Div, less RCT 186, reinf, under

Maj Gen Jens A. Doe) is activated on Mindoro for

assault on Zamboanga area of Mindanao I. and parts

of Sulu Archipelago. At Palawan, Attack Group

VICTOR III (TG 78.2) arrives off Puerto Princesa at

dawn; after air and naval bombardment lands assault waves of RCT 186, reinf, 41st Div, without

opposition. Town of Puerto Princesa and its airfields are quickly seized and radar installations are

established. In shore-to-shore operation, 2d Bn lands

at Iwahig R mouth and moves inland. CG Palawan

TF takes command ashore. On Samar, 1st Bn of

182d Inf, Americal Div, and 1st Filipino Inf begin

advance to clear Mauo area. Lubang I. attack force

leaves Mindoro.

IWO JIMA—VAC continues attack toward O–2

line, several hundred yards distant, prepared to

continue upon order toward next objective, O–3

line, which includes Airfield 3, under construction,

and most of northern part of the island. 3d Mar

Div, still making main effort in center of corps,

passes RCT 21 through RCT 9 and presses N under

rolling arty barrage, overrunning Motoyama village

[ 28 FEBRUARY 1945 ]
[ 418 ]

and reaching commanding ground overlooking Airfield 3; in 4th Mar Div zone, RCT 23 is still

vigorously opposed on Hill 382; RCT 25 gains additional ground along E coast, but enemy pocket remains near Minami. On left flank of corps, RCT 27

of 5th Mar Div gains forward slopes of Hill 362,

S of Nishi. RCT 28, which as corps reserve has been

mopping up in Suribachi area, prepares to join in

assault on northern front and releases BLT 3 to 5th

Mar Div.

1 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 3d Div clears Kervenheim. 2 Cdn Corps makes slow progress through

the Hochwald and Balberger forests and toward

Sonsbeck.

In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps releases U.S.

75th Div ( — RCT 289) to U.S. XVI Corps, Ninth

Army.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, on XVI Corps N flank,

35th Div’s TF Byrne (based on 320th Inf) speeds

more than 20 miles N from Wildenrath area of

Germany and captures Venlo in Holland; surprised

enemy yields 20 towns and villages; RCT’s 137 and

134 follow IT Byrne, mopping up bypassed pockets.

15th Cav Gp, which has been defending Roer R

line in Holland from Roermond to Vlodrop, crosses

the Roer at Orsbeck (Germany) and heads N toward Venlo. CCA, 8th Armd Div, moves to Waldniel; CCR closes at Wegberg; CCB remains at Arsbeck. 79th Div is transferred to XIII Corps.

XIII Corps begins co-ordinated attack before dawn

with 84th and 102d Divs: Speeding N from Birgen

area, motorized TF Church of 84th Div overruns

Boisheim and is then dissolved; 333d Inf captures

Duelken and passes through Suechteln to reach

Niers Canal at Oedt; 335th follows 333d Inf to

Suechteln; 11th Cav Gp, attached to 84th Div, extends screen to Boisheim. Employing 405th and

406th Regts, 102d Div overruns Viersen and secures

bridgehead over Niers Canal. CCB of 5th Armd

Div relieves RCT 407 of 102d Div in line. CCA,

attacking from Hardt area, crosses Niers Canal and

enters Anrath, which it captures before dawn of

2 March. In XIX Corps area, Munchen–Gladbach

falls to 29th Div; final assault by 175th and 116th

Inf abreast, latter on right, meets moderate resistance. 2d Armd Div, employing CCA on left and

CCB on right, speeds N over Cologne Plain for

gains of up to 9 miles. CCA takes Kleinenbroich,

crosses Nord Canal over bridges captured intact, and

continues N to line Willich-Osterath, clearing both

those towns. CCB heads for Adolf Hitler bridge at

Uerdingen, moving via Grefrath and Buettgen to

Nord Canal, where treadway bridge is put in; during night 1–2 continues on to Bovert. CCR follows

CCA, mopping up bypassed resistance. 83d Div

is committed to right of 2d Armd Div: 331st Inf

( — bn), operating under attachment to CCB until

noon when it reverts to parent unit, clears to the

Erft SW of Neuss, overrunning Holzheim and

Grevenbroich; 1st Bn of 329th Inf begins assault on

Neuss and is joined there, night 1–2, by 2d Bn of

330th, which protects left flank. 30th Div mops up

W of Erft Canal within zone; 113th Cav Gp is detached and passes to corps reserve. 95th Div is released from army reserve to corps; RCT 379 is attached to 2d Armd Div and starts to Kleinenbroich

area while rest of div begins assembling near Juelich.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps continues attack toward Cologne and the

Rhine from the Erft. 3d Armd Div and attached

RCT 395 of 99th Div expand bridgeheads over the

Erft in Glesch–Paffendorf region, taking Bergheim

and Kenten and woods to E; 83d Armd Rcn Bn

crosses at Paffendorf after dark to clear line of departure for CC Howze (CCR). 4th Cav Gp, after

elements secure high ground NE of Glesch in order

to protect left flank of bridgehead, is detached from

3d Armd Div and attached to 99th Div. Attacking

across Erft Canal before dawn, elements of 104th

Div’s 413th and 414th Regts overrun Quadrath,

Ichendorf, and Horrem. 8th Div effort is against

Moedrath and neighboring heights: while 121st Inf

(—) maintains pressure from W edge of town, 2

bns of 28th cross the Erft to left and push S toward

Moedrath. III Corps drives steadily E toward the

Rhine. On 1st Div left flank, 18th Inf takes Wissersheim, Rath, Pingsheim, and Dorweiler while 16th,

to right, overruns Eggersheim and crosses Neffel R.

26th Inf passes through 16th during evening. Attacking in 9th Div zone, CCB of 9th Armd Div

secures Mueddersheim, Disternich, and Sievernich

early in day; relieved of these towns by 39th Inf of

9th Div, CCB continues E from the Neffel toward

Roth R. 9th Div, directed toward the Rhine at Bad

Godesberg, attacks with 39th Inf on left and 60th

on right, clearing Froitzheim, Ginnick, Thuir, Muldenau, and ridge W of Embken. To right, CCA of

9th Armd Div, after closing in Drove and moving to

Berg, drives SE to Wollersheim, where it is

halted by strong resistance. CCA is reinf by 3d Bn

of 310th Inf, 78th Div, and CCB by 1st Bn of 310th.

311th Inf of 78th Div, driving S along E bank of the

Roer to secure bridge sites, clears region between

Abenden and Blens, overcomes opposition at Hausen, and reaches positions just N of Heimbach;

bridge is put in at Blens and 309th Inf starts across

it late in day. V Corps is principally engaged in consolidating current positions. On N flank, 102d Cav

Gp prepares to cross the Roer S of Schmidt and

sends patrols of attached 2d Ranger Bn across to

[ 1 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 419 ]

secure concentration area on E bank. 2d Div organizes TF S, based on 38th Inf, in preparation for

crossing the Roer to S. 69th Div, continuing limited

attacks for high ground E of Prether R with elements of 271st and 273d Regts, seizes Hescheld and

heights near Schnorrenberg.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps, disposed

astride the Pruem, continues E against strong resistance, particularly on the N. 87th Div, its left

flank protected by attached CCA of 11th Armd

Div, battles fortified positions on N flank of corps

with elements of 3 regts, reducing strongly defended pillboxes and clearing Ormont. 4th Div

makes limited progress in bridgehead E. of Pruem

R and crosses 12th Inf into it. 6th Armd Div expands Pruem R bridgehead, CCB clearing Matzerath and CCA improving positions to S by patrolling extensively. Bailey bridge is completed at

Lunebach. On corps S flank, 6th Cav Gp finishes

its crossing of Pruem over newly completed Bailey

bridge at Waxweiler: 6th Sq takes Lascheid; 28th

secures Lambertsberg, Gremelsheid, and Hargarten and attacks unsuccessfully toward Pluetscheid.

Gp establishes contact with 6th Armd Div on N and

XII Corps on S. In XII Corps area, continuing N

between Pruem and Nims Rivers, 80th Div’s

317th Inf overruns Oberweiler and Schleid; 318th

moves S to 76th Div zone. Between the Nims and

Kyll, CCB of 4th Armd Div, with close air and arty

support, takes Sefferweich and Malbergweich. 5th

Div maintains positions along W bank of Kyll R.

76th Div clears generally southward toward Trier and

line of Kyll and Moselle Rivers: 417th Inf

secures Mohn and Newel and reaches the Kyll near

Kordel; 304th takes Olk and is passed through at

Olk by 385th, which continues S. In XX Corps

area, 10th Armd Div, reinf by RCT 376 of 94th

Div, enters Trier, important communications center, in afternoon and begins to clear it; Moselle

bridge is taken intact, night 1–2. CCB overtakes

CCA and joins it in fight for Trier. RCT 376 overruns some 30 pillboxes E of the Saar and clears Wiltingen. 94th Div, reinf by 3d Cav Gp (TF

Polk) and 5th Ranger Bn, expands Saarburg

bridgehead, protecting 10th Armd Div’s right flank

and blocking enemy’s escape from Trier: on left,

302d Inf expands positions NE to Hentern, Schomerich, Paschel, Lampaden, and Obersehr; firm opposition to right prevents 301st from making much

headway. 26th Div continues aggressive defense of

Saarlautern bridgehead sector. 65th Div is attached

to corps.

6th Army Group: Detachment d’Armee des Alpes

(DA ALPS) is established under 6th Army Group

with responsibility for Alpine sector along FrancoItalian border from junction of France, Switzerland,

and Italy to the Mediterranean. French General

Doyen heads the command, which consists of Fr

and U.S. forces. Fr 27th Alpine Inf Div holds left

flank as far S as Mt Thabor; two Fr regts, 66th and

141st Alpine Inf Regts, are disposed in central sector;

U.S. 44th AAA Brig holds right flank. Detachment

d’Armee de l’Atlantique (DA ATL) is new designation for forces previously known as “French

Forces of the West” or “Western French Forces.”

U.S. Seventh Army, with XXI, XV, and VI Corps

abreast, holds defensive line generally along the

Saar, Rothbach, and Moder Rivers between Emmersweiler (Germany) and Oberhoffen (France).

Fr 1st Army remains on the defensive along the

Rhine, protecting right flank of U.S. Seventh Army

and of 6th Army Group.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, IV Corps postpones limited offensive on right

flank scheduled for this time because of weather

conditions.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Folgore Gp

begins relief of 6th Armd Div.

MIDDLE EAST—USAFIME takes over NW

Africa from MTOUSA and is redesignated AfricaMiddle East Theater (AMET).

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

5th Cav clears Agriculture building, leaving a single

strongpoint in Manila—the Finance building. RCT

145, including 1st Bn, which is garrisoning Intramuros, passes from control of 37th Div and Sixth

Army to Provost Marshal General, USA FFE. In

region E of Manila, 6th Div regroups for further

action against enemy’s Shimbu line, extending N

from Antipolo to Mt Oro, while 1st Cav Div to S

continues to probe to develop this line. In I Corps

area, 33d Div continues to probe toward Baguio

from S while Philippine Guerrilla Forces, North

Luzon, under Lt Col Russell W. Volckmann, are

exerting pressure toward the summer capital from

the N. 32d and 25th Divs continue limited actions

along Villa Verde Trail and Highway 5, respectively,

toward Cagayan Valley and ultimately Balete Pass.

2d Bn of 127th Inf, 32d Div, encounters strongpoint

in outer perimeter defenses of Salacsac Pass on Villa

Verde Trail at Cabalisian R and is delayed by pillbox opposition. Other elements of 32d Div are working forward along Arboredo and Ambayabang Valleys. On Highway 5, 25th Div columns are converging on Puncan and Digdig.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, aircraft begin preinvasion bombardment of Zamboanga area of Mindanao and of islands of Panay

and Negros. After naval and aerial bombardment,

1st Bn of 21st Inf, reinf, lands on Lubang I., at W

end of Verde I. Passage, and clears Tilic. Most of the

island, the largest in the Lubang Group, is cleared

with ease within the next few days. Elements of

Co E, 21st Inf, move to Verde I. from Mindoro. On

[ 1 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 420 ]

Palawan, RCT 186 of 41st Div secures Puerto

Princesa Harbor, assuring virtual control of the

island.

IWO JIMA—VAC attacks toward Line O–3 from

positions generally along Line O–2 in center and on

left but far to rear on right. 3d Mar Div attacks with

RCT 21 but upon encountering well-organized enemy position about 1,000 yards due E of Motoyama

village, commits RCT 9 as well. RCT 21 secures W

part of Airfield 3, but RCT 9 makes little headway

against savage opposition. On right flank of corps,

RCT 24 of 4th Mar Div relieves RCT 23 on div left

and fights throughout day about base of Hill 382;

RCT 25 slows its advance to tie in with RCT 24 and

hammers at enemy re-entrant near Minami. Contact

between 4th and 3d Mar Divs is maintained with

difficulty. 5th Mar Div, confronted with W flank of

enemy’s cross-island defenses, replaces RCT 27 with

RCT 28 and completes capture of Hill 362. 3d Bn,

26th Marines, is committed to plug gap between div

and 3d Mar Div, relieving elements of RCT 21 of

this task. U.S. fighter makes emergency landing on

Airfield I.

RYUKYU IS.—Aircraft and surface vessels of TF

58 bombard a number of targets in the Ryukyus

chain, one of them, Okino Daito, within 450 miles

of Kyushu.

2 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Br 30 Corps area, 53d Div clears

Weeze and heads for Geldern. Winnekendonk falls

to 3d Div.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div pushes rapidly from Venlo NE into

Germany, via Straelen and Nieukerk, and takes

Sevelen. 15th Cav Gp closes at Venlo to screen 35th

Div left flank and make contact with Cdn First

Army. 8th Armd Div speeds N: CCA passes

through RCT 134 of 35th Div and drives through

Lobberich to Wachtendonk; CCB overtakes CCA

at Wachtendonk, where bridge is out, and pulls

back to Wankum; from Wegberg, CCR moves

through Lobberich to Grefrath. In XIII Corps area,

84th Div crosses Niers Canal near Suechteln and

Oedt. With 333d Inf effectively blocking on the left,

335th advances through St Tonis and begins assault on NE part of Krefeld: RCT 334 passes

through 335th Inf’s bridgehead and heads N from

St Tonis toward the Rhine, moving along axis

Inrath–Rath. 405th and 406th Regts, 102d Div, drive

to Krefeld and begin attack on SE portion of town.

Despite strong rear-guard opposition, CCA of 5th

Armd Div drives on Fischeln and, after brief halt

S of objective to permit 102d Div to move on

Krefeld, captures the town and turns it over to XIX

Corps units. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div, pinched

out, consolidates in Munchen–Gladbach. Continuing N toward Uerdingen, 2d Armd Div’s CCA advances through Krefeld Oppum; CCB reaches S

edge of Krefeld Oppum. CCR withstands strong

counterattack against Schiefbahn. 83d Div’s 329th

Inf completes capture of Neuss before dawn and

secures W approach to Rhine R bridge there, but

enemy blows the bridge; elements of 330th head

for bridge at Oberkassel; bn of 331st moves from

the Erft to the Rhine. Determined tank-inf counterattack from Kapellen against 83d Div right flank

is contained. 30th Div relieves elements of 331st

Inf as its zone is extended to Holzheim.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 99th Div, with mission of clearing to

the Rhine on N flank of corps and protecting Ninth

Army’s flank, crosses 4th Cav Gp and 393d Inf over

the Erft near Glesch: 4th Cav Gp overruns Bedburg,

Broich, Buchholz, and Frimmersdorf; helps 393d

Inf take Neurath. 3d Armd Div meets organized

resistance as it expands bridgehead NE: On left,

CC Howze’s TF Hogan pushes through Wiedenfeld

and Garsdorf to Auenheim while TF Richardson,

attacking from line of departure secured early in

day by 83d Armd Rcn Bn, clears Niederaussem;

after RCT 395 reduces Fortuna factory area E of

Bergheim, TF’s Kane and Doan of CC Hickey

(CCA) cross the Erft and capture Oberhausen in

concerted assault. 104th Div defends bridgehead E

of the Erft and regroups. 8th Div, continuing assault on Moedrath with elements of 28th and 121st

Regts, overcomes sharp resistance there; 28th Inf

column takes Habbelrath and heads for Grefrath.

In III Corps area, 1st Div, continuing E toward the

Rhine with 18th Inf on left and 26th on right,

overruns Gymnich, Lechenich, Poll, and Erp. 14th

Cav Gp is relieved of mission of protecting corps

S flank and attached to 1st Div. CCB, 9th Armd Div,

still operating in 9th Div zone, reaches Roth R at

Friesheim, Muelheim, and Wichterich and establishes bridgehead at Friesheim. Other elements of

CCB and bn of 39th Inf, 9th Div, converge on Niederberg and secure it night 2–3, CCB attacking

through Weiler and Borr and 39th Inf from Erp

area. Elsewhere in 9th Div zone, 47th Inf takes Fuessenich, Geich, Bessenich, and Roevenich while 60th

clears Juntersdorf and Embken. CCA, 9th Armd Div,

attacking in 78th Div zone, clears Wol-lersheim and

Langendorf. 78th Div crosses last of its combat elements over the Roer and secures firm bridgehead,

permitting bridging operations to continue: 311th

Inf, assisted by 2d Bn of 310th, expands bridgehead,

clearing Heimbach and positions near that town and

Hausen; attacking through the bridgehead, 309th Inf

captures Vlatten, Eppenich, and part of Buervenich.

V Corps continues to consolidate positions. 102d Cav

Gp crosses the Roer in force.

[ 2 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 421 ]

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

improves positions around Ormont against determined resistance, taking some 60 pillboxes. 4th

Div, with 3 regts in assault, is slowed by terrain and

lively opposition E of the Pruem and makes negligible gains; efforts to take Weinsheim, Gondelsheim, and Nieder Pruem are unsuccessful. 6th

Armd Div gets forward elements to Nims R:

against disorganized resistance, 44th Armd Inf Bn

of CCA thrusts E to the Nims NW of Heisdorf,

bypassing and later clearing that town, and crosses

dismounted troops to E bank after enemy blows

bridge; to left, CCB clears Ober and Nieder Lauch,

Winringen, and Dingdorf. 6th Cav Gp’s 28th Sq

takes Pluetscheid and heights to S; well-organized

resistance to left slows 6th Sq, but elements reach

Nims R and enter Reuland. 90th Div passes to

corps control from SHAEF reserve and is directed

to attack through 6th Armd Div on 4 March. XII

Corps begins assault crossings of the Kyll at midnight 2–3, when 5th Div opens attack for bridgehead between Erdorf and Philippsheim. 4th Armd

Div provides diversionary fire. On corps N flank,

80th Div remains in position except for 80th Rcn

Tr, which captures Heilenbach. 76th Div, on corps

S flank, clears most of its zone N of the Moselle

and W of the Kyll and makes contact with XX

Corps: 417th Inf, temporarily reinf by bn of 318th

Inf of 80th Div, takes Kordel, Butzweiler, Lorich,

Besslich, and Aach; 385th secures region W of

Trier; 2d Cav Gp, attached to 76th Div, crosses 2d

Sq over the Sauer near Steinheim to screen right

flank along E bank of the Sauer and N bank of

the Moselle. In XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div

completes capture of Trier. Continuing N, CCB

finds Kyll R bridge near Ehrang out. Konz Karthaus falls to elements of CCA. RCT 376 clears

Filzen peninsula and Kommlingen. CCR blocks

to E of Trier and after nightfall starts toward

Sweich in effort to gain bridge there. 94th Div

continues to expand Saarburg bridgehead, which

by now is 6–8 miles deep, and withstands local

counterattacks.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 5 Corps area, Cremona Gp, assisted by

Italian partisans of 28th Garibaldi Brig, begins

attack for Comacchio Spit between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 20th Div and Br 2d Div link their Irrawaddy

bridgeheads W of Mandalay.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, I Corps is

ordered to press attack northward as XIV Corps is

winding up battle for Manila. On Villa Verde Trail,

2d Bn of 127th Inf, 32d Div, reduces the strongpoint barring its progress. On Highway 5, 2d Bn of

35th Inf, 25th Div, seizes Puncan and 3d Bn begins

assault on Digdig. In XI Corps area, 43d Div completes relief of 40th Div. 40th Div, less 103d Inf,

which is given garrison duty on Leyte, assembles in

army reserve. Rock Force finishes clearing Corregidor, to which Gen MacArthur pays return visit. For

Japanese losses of about 4,500 killed and 20 captured,

in addition to some 200 killed while trying to escape

and about 500 sealed in caves or tunnels, American

casualties number over 1,000 killed, wounded, injured, or missing. Para RCT 503 remains on

Corregidor for garrison duty.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 1st

Bn of 132d Inf, reinf, leaves Leyte for amphibious

operations against Burias and Ticao Islands. On

Samar, Co C of 182d Inf, Americal Div, drives to

outskirts of Mauo and is joined there by Co B,

which reports Mt Bermodo deserted. On Palawan,

186th Inf of 41st Div patrols actively to locate enemy,

meeting fire near Hill 1125, N of Iratag.

IWO JIMA—VAC, now in control of about two

thirds of island, attacks in greater strength in order

to exploit gains in center. 3d Mar Div, in center of

corps, gains control of Airfield 3, which enemy continues to rake with fire; continues N into 5th Mar

Div zone to Hill 362; RCT 9 is virtually pinned

down on div right. 4th Mar Div, its combat efficiency greatly reduced by casualties and fatigue,

continues to clear rough terrain abounding in pillboxes, caves, and underground passages on right

flank of corps: RCT 24 concentrates on clearing

reverse slope of Hill 382 and RCT 25 on reducing

enemy reentrant near Minami. On left flank of

corps, RCT 28 of 5th Mar Div makes slow progress

in attack on Nishi ridge. Additional elements of

RCT 26 are committed on div right as 5th Mar Div

zone is broadened by northeastward attack of 3d

Mar Div. Artillery support is limited by proximity

of opposing forces and tank support by increasingly

difficult terrain. Unloading begins on western

beaches. Airfield 1 is ready for use by transport

planes.

3 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Contact

is made between Cdn First and U.S. Ninth Armies.

1st Cdo Brig, attached to 52d Div, Br 30 Corps,

and 15th Cav Gp of U.S. XVI Corps make the

junction at Walbeck, SW of Geldern.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div meets firm opposition and its progress

is limited to small advance E of Sevelen. 8th Armd

Div, pinched out by 35th Div and XIII Corps, is

withdrawn as reserve. Before being recalled, CCB

crosses newly constructed bridge at Wachtendonk

and captures Aldekerk; CCR crosses the Niers at

Muelhausen and drives NE to Schaephuysen–

Toenisberg area. In XIII Corps’ 84th Div sector,

[ 3 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 422 ]

RCT 334 meets and overcomes first determined

resistance at Rath and continues toward Homberg;

335th Inf finishes clearing NE Krefeld early in day

and pushes toward the Rhine at Moers; 333d Inf

continues blocking mission on left flank. 102d Div

completes capture of SE Krefeld during morning.

5th Armd Div is given mission of mopping up on

corps N flank in Orsoy area and sends CCR NE

for this purpose. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div

passes to army reserve but remains in MunchenGladbach. 2d Armd Div, reinf by 379th Inf of 95th

Div, continues N over Cologne Plain: From Niederbruch–Krefeld Oppum area, CCA pushes through

Viertelsheide; CCR is attached to CCA and, moving

through E outskirts of Krefeld, heads for Kaldenhausen, halting SW of town upon order; CCB

fights bitterly for W approach to Uerdingen bridge,

which is weakened by explosion but still intact.

3d Bn of 330th Inf, 83d Div, reaches bridge at

Oberkassel, which enemy destroys; 331st mops up

until relieved by 329th. 95th Div gets into position

for attack.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, on 99th Div left, 24th Sq of 4th Cav

Gp takes Grevenbroich and Wevelinghoven; in center, 3934 Inf drives NE from Neurath to village of

Muchhausen, W of Ramrath; 394th, committed on

right, advances from Wiedenfeld area to Rommerskirchen. 395th Inf reverts to 99th Div from attachment to 3d Armd Div at 0001 and 3d Bn, after

moving to Neurath, attacks E and captures Sinsteden. 4th Cav Gp is detached from 99th Div at

1800 and attached to 3d Armd Div. 3d Armd Div

jumps off early in day, with CC Howze on left and

CC Hickey on right, each employing 2 task forces,

and drives to Stommeln and Pulheim. CC Boudinot

(CCB) attacks later in day between CC’s Howze

and Hickey, TF Lovelady assisting CC Howze in

reducing lively opposition in Stommeln and TF

Welborn easily clearing Sinnersdorf. Air support at

Stommeln is highly effective. 83d Armd Rcn Bn

starts toward Roggendorf and the Rhine. Pushing

E toward Cologne with elements of 415th and 414th

Regts, 104th Div takes Glessen and Dansweiler,

clears high ground E of Horrem, and begins attacks

against Koenigsdorf. E of Moedrath, 8th Div’s 28th

Inf captures Grefrath and Bottenbroich before dawn

and at 1930 opens attack for Frechen. In III Corps

area, 1st Div reaches the Erft and gets elements

across: 18th Inf takes Dirmerzheim while 26th

seizes Blessem and Liblar. 14th Cav Gp begins relief of 18th Inf along Erft Canal. CCB, 9th Armd

Div, completes drive to the Erft, reaching Weilerswist and Lommersum, and is attached to 9th Div;

small Weilerswist bridgehead is taken over, night

3–4, by 1st Div, whose boundary is moved S. From

Niederberg, elements of 39th Inf, 9th Div, advance

with armor to Lommersum and, night 3–4, establish bridgehead there; 47th Inf takes Ober Elvenich

and Ober Wichterich; 60th captures Zulpich and

begins attack toward Nemmenich. CCA, 9th Armd

Div, takes Merzenich and continues E to Sinzenich.

9th Armd Div is given zone between 9th and 78th

Divs and directed to drive on Euskirchen and secure

crossings of the Erft in that region. For this purpose,

CCA is reinf, night 3–4, by 2d Bn of 310th Inf, 78th

Div, and RCT 60 of 9th Div. CCR closes in forward assembly area near Zulpich. On corps S flank,

78th Div’s 311th Inf defends Heimbach bridgehead

while 309th continues attack, clearing rest of Buervenich, assisting 9th Armd Div in reduction of Sinzenich, and taking Linzenich and Loevenich. In V

Corps area, 102d Cav Gp advances to high ground S

of Heimbach. TF S of 2d Div crosses the Roer at

Heimbach and drives S toward Gemund; 23d Inf

improves positions W of Gemund, occupying Malsbenden. 28th Div patrols aggressively about

Schleiden. Employing bn of 271st Inf, 69th Div

finishes clearing high ground E of Prether R.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div,

with tank and TD support, makes slow progress

generally N of Ormont and in vicinity of Reuth.

Enemy continues stubborn resistance to 8th Inf of

4th Div in and about Gondelsheim; good progress is made to right, where 22d Inf clears Weinsheim and positions W of Fleringen and 12th overcomes negligible resistance in Nieder Pruem and

takes Rommersheim. CCB, 11th Armd Div, crosses

Pruem R and attacks toward the Kyll through 4th

Div bridgehead, clearing Fleringen; numerous

mines are found, but opposition is generally light.

6th Armd Div completes drive from the Pruem to

the Nims. One CCB column clears Giesdorf and

continues northward through woods to make contact with 4th Div on left; another drives to the Nims

and crosses just N of Schoenecken. One CCA

column clears Wetteldorf and Schoenecken; another, following 44th Armd Inf Bn across the Nims,

clears E bank to right of 44th. 90th Div ( — 358th

Inf) assembles E of Pruem R, relieves CCB of 6th

Armd Div after nightfall, and prepares to drive E

through CCA. 6th Cav Gp crosses Nims R in Reuland–Lasel area and clears Reuland and that part

of Lasel W of the river. In XII Corps area, 5th

Div, with 2 regts abreast, secures small bridgehead

E of the Kyll: 11th Inf, on left, clears Metterich

and presses toward Erdorf and Badem while 10th

takes Gondorf and Huettingen. 76th Div mops up

along Kyll and Moselle Rivers and at 2400 begins

crossing 304th Inf over the Kyll near Trimport; TF

Onaway (17th Armd Gp Hq and Hq CO, 702d

Tank Bn, 2 motorized bns of 385th Inf, and supporting units) is formed to exploit bridgehead. On

corps N flank, 318th Inf rejoins 80th Div and re-

[ 3 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 423 ]

lieves elements of 4th Armd Div in place. 4th Armd

Div assembles near Bitburg in preparation for attack through 5th Div bridgehead. 89th Div is attached to corps. In XX Corps area, CCR of 10th

Armd Div continues toward Sweich, halting at

Ruwer R line near Eitelsbach, where bridge is out.

Other elements of 10th Armd Div patrol along the

Moselle and make contact with adjacent friendly

units. RCT 376 is detached from 10th Armd Div

and reverts to 94th Div, which consolidates positions to right of 10th Armd Div and relieves 3d

Cav Gp of quiet sector W of the Saar. 3d Cav Gp,

with mission of holding region W of the Ruwer,

moves to new zone and relieves CCR of 10th Armd

Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XXI Corps begins limited attacks in zones of 70th

and 63d Divs to improve positions. 70th Div, assisted by CCA of 12th Armd Div and Fr Lorraine

Div, attacks toward objectives beyond Forbach–Saarbruecken road. 276th Inf clears Forbach and blocks

road to Stiring Wendel; 274th gets elements into Stiring Wendel and to Metz highway NE of

there. 253d Inf, 63d Div, attacks toward the Hahnbusch and adjacent heights, employing Co C of

253d Inf and 1st Bn of 255th. Attack is halted a

little short of the woods by enemy fire. Elements of

63d Div conduct diversionary raids in support of

main action.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, reinforcements for the spring offensive are

arriving and by the end of month fighting strength

is increased sharply, particularly in arty and infantry. IV Corps opens second phase of limited offensive, attacking toward ridges NE of M. Torraccia and M. Castello. 10th Mtn Div, with 86th

Inf on left and 87th on right, pushes about 2 miles

northward, taking M. Terminale and M. della

Vedetta and blocking road at Pietra Colora. 1st Div

of BEF co-ordinates closely with 10th Mtn Div,

moving forward to right of that div.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div gains

firm hold on E bank of the Senio near S. Severo as

Cremona Gp continues attack at base of Comacchio

Spit.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

37th Div overcomes final resistance within Manila.

Elements of 11th A/B Div conclude operations to

clear Manila Bay with reduction of resistance in

Ternate area. In I Corps area, 35th Inf of 25th Div

seizes Digdig and is eliminating pockets in vicinity

of Puncan as other elements of the div work toward

Puncan, on Highway 5.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 1st

Bn of 132d Inf, reinf, lands on Burias and Ticao

Islands without opposition. Ticao is free of enemy.

Uneventful search of Burias is begun. Verde I. is

now secure and American forces withdraw. Total

enemy casualties there are 82 killed. On Palawan,

1st Bn of 186th Inf attacks toward Hill 1125 but is

pinned down by intense fire.

IWO JIMA—VAC makes slow progress toward

O–3 Line against increased resistance. In center,

3d Mar Div’s RCT 9 is still unable to reach Hill

362, in region E of Motoyama, but RCT 21 reaches

Hill 357, NE of Airfield 3, and moves elements SE

in effort to outflank Hill 362 and help RCT 9 capture it. Left flank elements of 3d Mar Div on the

Hill 362 N of Airfield 3 are relieved by elements of

RCT 25, 4th Mar Div, as 4th Mar Div zone is

expanded eastward. 5th Mar Div, with RCT 28 on

left and RCT 26 on right, continues battle for Nishi

ridge on left flank of corps. On corps’ right flank,

4th Mar Div’s RCT 24 secures rest of Hill 382;

RCT 23 passes through RCT 25 on div right and

isolates enemy pocket near Minami.

4 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn 2 Corps makes substantial

gains as resistance suddenly slackens. Br 43d Div,

clearing W bank of the Rhine, pushes SE toward

Xanten, taking Appeldorn and Vynen; Cdn 2d and

3d Divs, respectively, complete clearing Hochwald

and Balberger forest; Cdn 4th Armd Div assembles

in Balberger forest to await further action; Br 11th

Armd Div maintains positions S of Balberger forest.

In Br 30 Corps area, 53d Div clears Geldern and

Issum; makes contact with U.S. 35th Div at Geldern.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div presses slowly NE toward the Rhine

against strong resistance, reaching Camperbruch

area; RCT 137 moves to Rheurdt and attacks unsuccessfully toward Lintfort; RCT 134 contains

enemy in Geldern area and is passed through by

elements of Cdn First Army. 35th Div is reinf by 15th

Cav Gp, which is blocking enemy movement

along Issum–Wesel road, and CCB of 8th Armd

Div, which is to assist in drive on Lintfort. In XIII

Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div overcomes houseto-house resistance in Repelen and to SE cuts enemy

escape route, the Rheinberg–Moers road. CCA and

CCB close in assembly areas near Kempen. 335th

Inf, 84th Div, drives to the Rhine, overrunning

Moers and Baerl; Rheinhausen RR bridge across the

Rhine at Baerl is still standing but is well defended

by enemy rear guards. 334th Inf presses NE toward

Admiral Scheer highway bridge, which connects

Duisburg and Homberg. 102d Div is held in reserve.

In XIX Corps area, 95th Div, to which RCT 379

reverts from attachment to 2d Armd Div, begins attack toward the Rhine on N flank of corps. 378th

Inf, on N, drives through Uerdingen to the Rhine

[ 4 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 424 ]

and clears part of N Uerdingen; efforts of 379th

Inf, on S, to reduce pocket near Adolf Hitler bridge

are only partially successful as German rear guards

put up determined resistance. 2d Armd Div concludes its Cologne Plain operations, capturing Kaldenhausen and mopping up Uerdingen, Kaldenhausen, and Viertelsheide areas.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 99th Div, employing 3 regts, speeds NE

along the Erft on broad front, overrunning more

than 30 towns and villages and halting a little short

of Erft–Rhine junction, on line Derikum–Uekerath.

Finding Roggendorf strongly held, 83d Armd Rcn

Bn of 3d Armd Div bypasses it to take Hackhausen

and patrol to the Rhine near Worringen before

dawn; then, in conjunction with TF Lovelady of

CC Boudinot, temporarily under its command, captures Roggendorf and Worringen and holds them

against counterattacks. 4th Cav Gp, attacking toward the Rhine in left part of 3d Armd Div sector,

seizes Hackenbroich, Delhoven, and Shaberg. 104th

Div pierces outer defenses of Cologne in fighting

that starts at midnight 3–4 and continues into night

4–5. Brauweiler, Loevenich, Freimersdorf, and Widdersdorf fall to 415th Inf and Koenigsdorf, Buschbell, and Weiden to 414th. 413th Inf relieves 3d

Armd Div forces in Busdorf, Sinthern, and Geyen.

28th Inf, 8th Div, captures Frechen and is passed

through, night 4–5, by 121st Inf. In III Corps area,

14th Cav Gp completes relief of 18th Inf, 1st Div,

and organizes defensive positions along Erft Canal.

1st Div’s 26th Inf clears Bliesheim and Ober Liblar

and secures bridgehead across the Erft while 16th

Inf mops up Weilerswist. Continuing operations E

of the Erft, 39th Inf of 9th Div takes Derikum and

Hausweiler; bn of 47th overruns Frauenberg early

in day. CCB of 9th Armd Div, under 9th Div

command, drives S from Lommersum to Bodenheim; during night 4–5 secures bridgehead across

the Erft, clearing Wuescheim and Gross Buellesheim. 9th Armd Div attacks E at 1400: CCR, on N,

drives to Erft R line N of Euskirchen; CCA captures

Euskirchen. In 78th Div zone, 309th Inf clears Uelpenich, Duerscheven, and Enzen; 311th Inf assembles

in Langendorf–Buervenich–Merzenich area for attack SE. In V Corps area, 102d Cav Gp, with mission of protecting corps N flank, secures line Vlatten–Hergarten–Duttling SW to 2d Div zone

near Gemund. 2d Div’s TF S captures Gemund and

overcomes stubborn pillbox resistance along N bank

of the Urft; passing through TF S, 9th Inf drives

rapidly NE about 4,500 yards; co of 23d Inf meets

determined resistance upon crossing Olef R just S

of Gemund and withdraws. 28th Div seizes

Schleiden and begins relief of elements of 2d Div S

of Gemund. 69th Div extends northward and relieves 110th Inf, 28th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

reduces some 110 pillboxes on N flank of corps:

347th and 346th Regts clear to Kyll R line, taking

Scheid, Hallschlag, Kronenburgerheutte, and Kerschenbach; on right, 345th seizes Schoenfeld and

Reuth. 4th Div presses eastward all along line, overrunning Gondelsheim and Schwirzheim and mopping up resistance bypassed by 11th Armd Div at

Buedesheim and Wallersheim. CCB drives rapidly

E past Buedesheim and Wallersheim until halted

near the Kyll in vicinity of Lissingen by fire from

E bank of river. CCA reverts to 11th Armd Div

from attachment to 87th Div and assembles W of

the Pruem. 90th Div attacks E through 6th Armd

Div toward Kyll R against light resistance: 357th

Inf, on left, clears Nieder and Ober Hersdorf and

continues toward Kopp; 359th takes Seiwerath and

Neustrassburg, making contact with 6th Cav Gp at

Neustrassburg; 358th, in reserve, assembles E of

the Pruem. 6th Armd Div assembles in Arzfeld

area in SHAEF reserve. 6th Cav Gp advances rapidly E of the Nims, clearing rest of Lasel, Wawern,

Huscheid, Barbach, Balesfeld, and Neuheilenbach;

makes contact with XII Corps on right. In XII

Corps area, 80th Div’s 318th Inf and Rcn Tr reconnoiter N toward corps boundary, gaining contact

with VIII Corps. 5th Div expands Kyll R bridgehead to include Erdorf, Badem, Dudeldorf, and Ordorf. 76th Div’s 304th Inf completes its crossing of

the Kyll and captures Hosten, Auw, Preist, Orenhofen, and Speicher; RCT 417 is attached to 10th

Armd Div (XX Corps); 2d Sq of 2d Cav Gp completes screening along the Moselle and assists 385th

Inf in screening Kyll R line. Scheduled attack of

4th Armd Div through 5th Div bridgehead is postponed to await further expansion of the bridgehead.

In XX Corps area, CCA of 10th Armd Div begins

drive on Sweich bridge; crossing Ruwer R near Eitelsbach, where bridge is later put in, the column

pushes 1,500 yards NE against firm opposition.

CCB takes commanding ground near Ehrang;

crosses a dismounted infantry co over the Kyll.

RCT 417 of 76th Div (XII Corps) is attached to

10th Armd Div as it prepares for breakout assault

toward Wittlich. 94th Div regroups while continuing to defend and consolidate bridgehead.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, 276th Inf of 10th Div pushes from Forbach into Forbach Forest; elements clear Mari-enau,

W of Forbach; 274th Inf gets additional elements into

Stiring Wendel, where street fighting continues.

63d Div’s 253d Inf partially clears the Hahnbusch

and takes Birnberg hill nearby.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army troops break

through to Baltic coast, splitting enemy forces remaining in Pomerania and severing communication lines between Danzig and Stettin. Second White

[ 4 MARCH 1945 ]
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Russian troops reach coast at Koeslin while elements

of First White Russian Front thrust to coast near

Kolberg. Other forces of First White Russian Front

drive to the Oder SW of Stargard, overrunning

Pyritz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div makes substantial

progress, 87th Inf taking M. Acidola, Madonna di

Brasa, and M. della Croce, while 86th clears its

objective, M. Grande d’Aiano. Brazilians of 1st

Div take over 10th Mtn Div positions E of Pietra

Colora.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Cremona Gp

takes Torre di Primaro, a commanding feature from

which operations can be continued later against

Comacchio Spit.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

Ind 17th Div has now largely completed capture of

Meiktila.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

orders continuation of drive to E against Shimbu

line on 8 March; gives 11th A/B Div, reinf by RCT

158, task of clearing Balayan and Batangas Bays on

S Luzon. In XI Corps area, elements of 43d and 38th

Divs make contact at Tiaong; 43d then begins westward push into Zambales Mtns W of Clark Field.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, Co

B of 186th Inf, with flame-thrower assistance, secures

Hill 1125 on Palawan. On Samar, Mauo region is

searched carefully for enemy.

IWO JIMA—VAC continues attack with 3 divs,

each employing 2 RCT’s abreast, but is unable to

advance appreciably. B–29 makes emergency landing

on Iwo Jima.

JAPAN—XXI BC employs 192 B–29’s in precision attack on Musashino aircraft factory at Tokyo.

This raid ends precision bombardment phase of XXI

BC operations against Japanese aircraft industry.

5 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Br 43d Div and Cdn

2d Div are converging slowly on Xanten, enemy’s

last strong position W of the Rhine; Cdn 3d Div

fights hard for high ground N of Sonsbeck. In Br

30 Corps area, 43d Div pushes NE from Issum toward Alpen.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div clears Camperbruch and Camp; RCT

137, bolstered by CCB of 8th Armd Div, captures

Lintfort and Rheinberg and, organized as TF Murray, prepares to drive on Wesel; RCT 134 is withdrawn to reserve.

In XIII Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div reaches

the Rhine at Orsoy, capturing that town and Rheinkamp, and fires on enemy columns attempting to

escape; contact is made with 8th Armd Div, XVI

Corps. In 84th Div sector, enemy explosion damages

Rheinhausen bridge; 334th Inf takes Homberg in

lively fighting and approaches to Admiral Scheer

bridge, but enemy destroys the bridge. In XIX Corps

area, 95th Div overcomes negligible resistance W

of the Rhine within its zone, concluding corps’ part

of Operation GRENADE. While 378th Inf, supported

by 377th, drives NE from Uerdingen to Rheinhausen, where bridges are destroyed, 379th

eliminates pocket near Adolf Hitler bridge in S Uerdingen. Div outposts the Rhine from Uerdingen N

to Essenburg. 95th Div relieves CCA, 2d Armd Div,

which withdraws to assembly area; CCB, leaving

Rcn Co of 67th Armd Regt, reinf, to defend Rhine

R line, begins movement to assembly area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 99th Div continues toward the Rhine,

Co K of 393d Inf reaching it at Grimlinghausen,

395th Inf taking Delrath and several small villages,

and 1st Bn of 394th capturing Nievenheim. On 3d

Armd Div N flank, 4th Cav Gp and 83d Armd

Rcn Bn are clearing W bank of the Rhine: former

takes Horrem and Dormagen as well as I. G. Farben

factory and brick plant; 83d Armd Rcn Bn works

SE along the Rhine from Worringen area past

Langel to positions opposite Leverkusen. To S, 3d

Armd Div and 104th Div begin assault on Cologne early in day and enter the city during morning. 3d Armd Div, with CC Boudinot on left and

CC Hickey on right, each employing 2 TF’s, drives

SE into the city, overrunning a number of suburban communities. Continuing E toward Cologne

with 415th and 414th Inf, 104th Div clears Junkersdorf and penetrates 4,000 yards into the city. 8th

Div attack to E is continued by 121st Inf, which,

by dawn of 6th, holds Bachem, Gleul, Stotzheim,

Burbach, and Alsstadten and is pressing toward

Huerth; resuming attack at 2400, 28th Inf takes Berrenrath and Knapsack before dawn of 6th.

Boundary between III and VII Corps is shifted S and

extended to tile Rhine S of Cologne; this leaves gap

between the two corps that extends eastward from

the Erft between Moedrath and Liblar. In III Corps

area, 14th Cav Gp, to which 32d Sq reverts from

attachment to 26th Inf of 1st Div, begins clearing

the pocket between the two corps. 1st Div’s 26th Inf

thrusts to high ground SW of Dorf Pingsdorf and to

Walberberg; 16th reaches Roesberg and Merten and

captures Metternich. E of the Erft, 47th Inf of 9th

Div takes Gross Vernich, Schwarzmaar, Mueggenhausen, and Neukirchen; elements of 39th clear

Schneppenheim and Strassfeld. RCT 60 reverts

to 9th Div from attachment to CCA, 9th Armd

Div. 9th Armd Div, to which CCB reverts from

9th Div, attacks across the Erft toward Stadt Meckenheim and Rheinbach: CCB, replacing CCR in

[ 5 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 426 ]

line, drives toward former, taking Klein Buellesheim, Esch, and Ludendorff; CCA advances toward Rheinbach from Euskirchen, capturing Cuchenheim, Roitzheim, Weidesheim, and Odendorf.

78th Div’s 311th Inf, attacking through 309th,

overruns Obergartzem, Firmenich, Satzvey, Antweiler, Rheder, Billig, and Stotzheim; upon being

passed through, 309th clears Elsig, Weiskirchen, and

Euenheim. In V Corps area, 102d Cav Gp takes Irnich, Schwerfen, Gehn, Kommern, Schaven, and

Ober Gartzem as enemy falls back toward the

Rhine. After displacing to Buervenich area, 23d

Inf of 2d Div attacks S and captures Berg, Floisdorf, and Eicks; TF S is dissolved and 3d Bn, 38th

Inf, continues attack S of Gemund, taking heights

in Nierfeld area before being relieved by 28th Div.

28th and 69th Divs prepare for offensive action. On

corps S flank, 106th Div extends right and left

flanks of 424th Inf to make contact with 69th Div

on N and U.S. Third Army on S; patrols E to determine extent of enemy’s withdrawal.

In U.S. Third Army’s VII Corps area, 87th Div’s

current mission is concluded as 345th Inf clears

heights E of Reuth. Div organizes TF Muir (Co A

of 345th Inf, 87th Rcn Tr, and supporting weapons)

upon being given new objectives. 4th Div drives NE,

clearing Duppach and Oos; one of two hills N of

Oos is secured at request of 11th Armd Div. CCB,

11th Armd Div, halts after short advance to NE to

await clearance of second hill N of Oos by 4th Div.

90th Div, whose N boundary is extended to include

Gerolstein, advances to the Kyll on broad front and

starts across the river: 357th Inf clears Lissingen,

Hinterhausen, and Birresborn and begins fording

the Kyll in Birresborn area at 2300; 359th, after

reaching river line to S, prepares for attack through

357th 358th starts toward Lissingen. 6th Cav Sq,

6th Cav Gp, moves from S to N flank of corps and

begins relief of elements of 87th Div; 28th Sq continues clearing S flank of corps until pinched out

by 90th Div and XII Corps. In XII Corps area, 80th

Div zone W of the Kyll is clear, except for small

pocket in Usch–St Thomas area, with capture by

318th Inf of Neidenbach and Malberg. 4th Armd

Div attacks NE through 5th Div bridgehead: 25th

Cav Rcn Sq, screening left flank, clears Kyllburgweiler, Seinsfeld, and Steinborn; CCB thrusts rapidly to Salm area, overrunning towns of Meisburg,

Weidenbach, Wallenborn, and Salm; to right, CCA,

though hampered by difficult roads, takes Gindorf

and continues to Oberkail. Bridgeheads of 5th and

76th Divs are joined N of Speicher. 5th Div expands bridgehead to include Orsfeld, Pickliessem,

and Philippsheim. 304th Inf, 76th Div, mops up

bypassed resistance within its bridgehead; TF Onaway begins movement into bridgehead; 2d Sq of

2d Cav Gp relieves 385th Inf of screening mission

W of the Kyll. In XX Corps’ 10th Armd Div zone,

RCT 417 ( — 2d Bn) passes through CCA, to which

it is temporarily attached, in Ruwer R bridgehead

near Eitelsbach and expands the bridgehead 1,500

yards to NE; CCB, reinf by 2d Bn of 417th Inf,

moves another co, of dismounted infantry across the

Kyll near Ehrang. 94th Div, after comparatively

quiet day in which Ollmuth is taken without opposition, during night 5–6 undergoes strong counterattack, largely in zone of 302d Inf, that penetrates

positions. 65th Div, assembled in Ennery area, begins its first combat mission—relief of 26th Div

in Saarlautern bridgehead sector—during night

5–6.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, 276th Inf of 10th Div continues to clear

Forbach Forest and woods NW of Marienau; 274th

completes capture of Stiring Wendel. 63d Div, reinforcing attack on the Hahnbusch with an additional co, finishes clearing the woods and peak to N,

its objective.

EASTERN EUROPE—First White Russian troops

overrun Stargard, outer bastion of Stettin.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, IV Corps completes second phase of limited

offensive. While 86th Inf mops up on left flank of

10th Mtn Div, 87th reaches final phase line at Castel

d’Aiano and 85th, committed on right flank, pushes

forward to M. della Spe, where it holds fast against

enemy counterattacks, night 5–6. 1st Div of BEF

outflanks Castelnuovo and gains positions beyond

overlooking Vergato.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, 25th Ind

Div, on Arakan coast, takes Tamandu, where forward supply base for DRACULA is organized before

div moves to Akyab. In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33

Corps area, Ind 19th Div, continuing steadily S toward Mandalay, crosses Chaungmagyi in Madaya

area.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army field order transferring 37th Div from XIV Corps to direct control

of army for garrison duty in Manila and releasing

RCT 158 from army reserve to XIV Corps goes into

effect. In XIV Corps area, 11th A/B Div, reinf by

RCT 158, begins operations to open Balayan and

Batangas Bays, S Luzon. 158th Inf drives E along

Route 17 on Balayan Bay until stopped by opposition

near Langanan. In I Corps area, Philippine Guerrilla Forces, N Luzon, now control N coast of island

W of Cagayan R mouth; control W coast, except for

Vigan, S to San Fernando area. 33d Div continues

northward toward Baguio and San Fernando,

threatening to close pincers on Japanese between it

and the guerrillas. Elements of 32d Div continue to

battle Salacsac Pass defenses on Villa Verde Trail.

25th Div completes mop-up of Puncan area, open-

[ 5 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 427 ]

ing Highway 5 from San Jose to Digdig and concluding first phase of drive on Cagayan Valley.

S PHILIPPINES—U.S. Eighth Army assigns 19th Inf,

24th Div, mission of clearing Romblon Is. On

Palawan, 2d Bn of 186th Inf reaches Hill 1445 (near

Iratag), which enemy is prepared to defend.

IWO JIMA—VAC remains in place, improving

current positions and reorganizing for concerted attack on 6th. 2d Mar Div is released as area reserve.

RCT 3, 3d Mar Div, held in Expeditionary Troops

Reserve, afloat, is released and leaves for base camp.

6 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Br 43d and Cdn 2d

Divs slightly improve positions before Xanten under heavy fire and prepare for concerted assault on

the town. Cdn 3d Div concludes its mission as it

drives into Sonsbeck and makes contact with 3d

Div, Br 30 Corps. Cdn 4th Armd Div attacks from

Sonsbeck toward Veen. In Br 30 Corps area, 53d

Div continues slowly toward Alpen, on road to

Wesel.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, Operation GRENADE—

drive from the Roer to the Rhine—is successfully

concluded. In XVI Corps area, 35th Div completes

drive to the Rhine and mops up Rheinberg. 30th

Div is transferred from XIX to XVI Corps. In XIII

Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div mops up most of

zone assigned to it around Orsoy. XIX Corps defends W bank of Rhine within zone.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 395th Inf of 99th Div overcomes weak

resistance W of the Rhine on corps N flank, taking

the 4 remaining towns, among them Udesheim, and

a zinc works. 3d Armd Div zone is cleared except

for small pocket in NE Cologne: along the Rhine

just N and NW of Cologne, CC Boudinot, assisted

by TF Hogan of CC Howze, secures Feldkassel

(SE of Fuehlingen), Merkenich, Niehl, and Merheim; CC Hickey, with TF’s Kane and Doan in

assault, drives steadily through Cologne to the

Rhine, clearing N part of city except for small

pocket. 104th Div, continuing assault on Cologne

with 415th and 414th Inf, clears most of S part

of city, and gets patrols to the Rhine; Efferden falls

early in morning to 414th Inf. 8th Div again conducts day and night attacks toward the Rhine S

of Cologne: by daylight of 7th, 121st Inf holds

Huerth, Hermulheim, and Kendenich and 28th Inf

has Kalscheuren and Meschenich. In III Corps area,

corps attack is directed SE instead of due E as a

result of boundary changes. 14th Cav Gp continues

to make good progress clearing pocket between VII

and III Corps. Closing in tin Bonn from the N, 1st

Div’s 26th Inf seizes Dorf Pingsdorf, Badorf, Eckdorf, Schwadorf, and Walberberg; 16th clears Trippelsdorf, Merten, Roesberg, Hemmerich, Waldorf,

Dersdorf, and Ullekoven. 9th Div, employing elements of 3 regts, expands Erft bridgehead, taking

Heimerzheim, Dunstekoven, Ollheim, and Buschoven. 9th Armd Div attack is directed toward

junction of Rhine and Ahr Rivers: CCB overruns Miel, Morenhoven, Flerzheim, and Stadt Meckenheim; CCA drives almost to Bad Neuenahr, clearing Palmersheim, Ober Drees, Rheinbach, Wormersdorf, Altendorf, Gelsdorf, Bettelhoven, Bollingen, and Lantershofen. 311th Inf

of 78th Div clears Nieder Kastenholz, Flamersheim,

Schweinheim, Queckenberg, Loch, Schlebach, and

Merzbach; 309th concentrates in Flamersheim area.

V Corps pursues enemy toward Rhine and Ahr

Rivers. 102d Cav Gp seizes Antweiler, Wachendorf,

Kalkar, Kirspenich, and Arloff. Mounting infantry

on tanks and TD’s, 2d Div, with 23d Inf on left and

9th on right, gains up to 7 miles SE toward the

Ahr and clears some 25 towns to reach general line

Iversheim–Noethen–Pesch. From Gemund–Schleiden region, 28th Div presses SE toward the Ahr

with RCT 110 on left and RCT 112 on right: RCT

110 gets some forward elements to Zingsheim and

others to Kall and Soetenich; RCT 112 takes Golbach, Rinnen, and road junction near Eichen. 69th

Div, with 3 regts abreast, drives eastward to gain

contact with fleeing enemy, advancing past Oberhausen, Blumenthal, Reifferscheid, Zingsheid, Wildenburg, and Ober Wolfert. On corps S flank, 424th

Inf of 106th Div consolidates, patrols, and maintains

contact with friendly forces on flanks.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Cav

Gp, to which 6th Sq reverts, completes assembly on

N flank of corps and takes over new mission of

protecting N flank and maintaining contact with

First Army; 6th Sq completes relief of 347th Inf

and 1st Bn of 346th, 87th Div. Continuing attack

with 346th and 345th Regts and TF Muir of latter,

87th Div clears along Kyll R line and gets elements

across: Stadtkyll, Niederkyll, Glaadt, Juenkerath,

Schueller, Krimm, Goennersdorf, Lissendorf, Birgel, and Staffeln are overrun. 4th Div, after completing capture of high ground N of Oos and taking

Roth early in morning, follows CCB of 11th Armd

Div to the Kyll, with 22d Inf on left and 12th on

right; during night 6–7, crosses to relieve CCD and

expand bridgehead. CCB, meanwhile, drives to the

Kyll at Ober and Nieder Bettingen and against

strong opposition secures small bridgehead by fording river. On 90th Div left flank, 358th Inf, reinf

by TF Kedrovsky (90th Rcn Tr and TD’s), motors

to Lissingen, crosses the Kyll dismounted, and overruns Gerolstein; 357th, after securing heights E of

crossing site and towns of Michelbach, Niederbach,

and Buescheich, is passed through by 359th ( — 1st

[ 6 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 428 ]

Bn), which crosses at Birresborn and drives NE to

clear Gee and high ground near Gerolstein; 1st Bn,

359th, crosses the Kyll to right to clear rest of Muerlenbach and occupy Densborn. Construction of

bridges over the Kyll is begun. In XII Corps area,

318th Inf eliminates last enemy pocket W of the

Kyll in 80th Div zone. Drive of 4th Armd Div toward the Rhine gains momentum: CCB speeds

through Ober Stadtfeld, Puetzborn, Daun, Darscheid, and Schoenbach and outposts Ulmen; CCA

abandons right flank attack because of poor roads

and follows CCB, reaching Salm–Wallenborn–

Uedersdorf area, 5th Div improves and strengthens

positions E of the Kyll. 2d Inf crosses into bridgehead and drives E to Oberkail, where bridge is out;

foot elements enter Schwartzenborn but are driven

out during night. 11th Inf clears northward along

E bank of the Kyll to Kyllburg, taking Wilsecker

and Etteldorf. In 76th Div zone, TF Onaway drives

through 304th Inf’s bridgehead to Herforst; 42d Sq

of 2d Cav Gp crosses into bridgehead in preparation

for clearing right flank of div and corps. In XX

Corps area, CCB of 10th Armd Div crosses additional elements into Kyll R bridgehead near Ehrang;

enemy fire prevents construction of bridge at crossing site. Ruwer R bridgehead is expanded by RCT

417 ( — ) to include Mertzdorf, Ruwer, and Kenn.

94th Div partly restores its bridgehead positions,

but enemy infiltrators remain along Zerf–Pellingen

road. 26th Div, as relieved by 65th, moves to 94th

Div zone and begins relief of that div: 328th Inf

crosses the Saar and relieves 2d Bn of 301st Inf and

3d Bn of 376th on 94th Div right flank.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, 10th Div continues to clear Forbach

Forest and woods NW of Marienau; patrols reach

outposts of West Wall.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front complete reduction of Grudziadz, key

point in enemy’s defense system on the lower

Vistula in Poland; continue along Polish corridor

toward Danzig; destroy encircled enemy forces SW

of Koeslin (German Pomerania). First White Russian Front forces make substantial gains in N

Pomerania, where Belgard and other points are

cleared.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 81st Cav Rcn Sq is detached from 1st

Armd Div (II Corps) and attached to IV Corps to

relieve elements of 1st Div of BEF and pinch out

the rest. 1st Div of BEF later moves to left of 10th

Mtn Div. In II Corps area, 34th Div relieves 88th

Div astride Highway 65.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

is ordered by Gen Krueger to relieve 1st Cav Div

with 43d Div, less one RCT. Enemy positions are

being softened with aerial and arty bombardment

in preparation for renewed ground attack. In 11th

A/B Div sector, elements of 158th Inf reach Lemery, across Pansipit R from Taal. I Corps is ordered

by Gen Krueger to speed action toward Balete PassSanta Fe-Imugan area. Elements of 80th Inf, 33d

Div, assemble at Damortis for drive on Aringay. On

Villa Verde Trail, 1st Bn of 127th Inf, 32d Div,

crosses Cabalisian R and drives E toward Salacsac

Pass No. 2. 25th Div drives N astride Highway 5

toward Putlan with 161st Inf on W and 27th on E.

35th Inf’s 1st Bn starts wide enveloping move NE

from Carranglan to secure high ground about 5,000

yards NE of Putlan. 3d Bn, upon relief at Digdig

by 27th Inf, starts rcn up Old Spanish Trail toward

Salazar.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 21st

Inf patrols find 2 other islands of Lubang Group

free of enemy. On Palawan, Japanese on Hill 1445

repulse attacks of 2d Bn, 186th Inf. On Burias, 1st

Bn of 132d Inf gains first contact with enemy.

IWO JIMA—After the most intensive massed

arty preparation of this operation, supplemented by

naval gunfire, VAC renews efforts to break through

to O–3 line but is still so bitterly opposed that progress is negligible. In center of corps, RCT 21 of 3d

Mar Div achieves maximum gain of corps—about

200 yards. Progress on flanks is limited to 100 yards

or less. 4th Mar Div, passing RCT 23 through left

flank of RCT 24, pushes SE toward coast with 2

regts abreast, while RCT 25, on right, supports

assault with fire and mops up in Minami area. 5th

Mar Div attacks an hour before rest of corps, with

RCT’s 27, 26, and 28, from right to left, and gains

50-100 yards except on left, where no progress is

made. Seventh Air force fighters land on Airfield 1

to support ground operations.

7 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, further efforts of

Cdn 4th Armd Div to take Veen are fruitless.

Preparations for all-out assault on Xanten continue.

In Br 30 Corps area, 52d Div begins relief of 53d

near Alpen.

U.S. Ninth Army front, except for limited offensive by XVI Corps to extend its N flank to

Wesel, is quiet, with activity confined to patrolling

W and E of the Rhine, making preparations for assault crossing of the Rhine, policing, and regrouping.

In XVI Corps area, 35th Div attacks N, as corps

boundary is extended to Wesel, but makes little headway: TF Murray is halted at outskirts of Ossenberg.

Div is reinf by attachment of RCT 291, 75th Div.

79th Div is attached to corps upon release by XIII

Corps. In XIII Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div

completes mop-up in Orsoy area and turns that

[ 7 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 429 ]

town over to XVI Corps. 11th Cav Gp reverts to

corps control from attachment to 84th Div and is

given security mission.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, Cologne, third largest city in Germany,

falls to 3d Armd and 104th Inf Divs, which overcome organized resistance during morning and

declare the city secure by 1600. 3d Bn of 413th Inf

is committed on 104th Div right for final drive

and advances through S outskirts of Cologne to the

Rhine. While 121st Inf, 8th Div, mops up Kendenich and clears Fischenich, 28th drives to the

Rhine at Rodenkirchen and Godorf, clearing part

of Rodenkirchen and Al of Godorf. Resistance

within corps zone is now confined to an isolated

pocket in Rodenkirchen–Weiss–Surth region of 8th

Div sector. In III Corps area, 9th Armd Div, in

momentous drive, reaches junction of Rhine and Ahr

Rivers and establishes bridgeheads across both.

CCB advances in two columns, one heading toward Remagen and the other toward Sinzig. N column overcomes light resistance in Remagen and,

finding Ludendorff RR bridge standing though

damaged and prepared for demolition, starts across

the Rhine to high ground near Orsberg. Corps plans

are hastily changed in order to exploit this unexpected advantage. Instead of clearing southward

from Remagen along W bank of the Rhine, CCB

moves N column across the bridge as rapidly as

possible and brings up S column, which has meanwhile seized Sinzig and Ahr bridge there. Crossings start in afternoon and continue throughout

night 7–8, 27th Armd Inf Bn leading, followed by

weapons and 52d Armd Inf Bn. 9th and 78th Divs

prepare for action in Remagen bridgehead. 7th

Armd Div is attached to corps and assembles in Zulpich area before taking over 9th Div zone. 9th Div

releases RCT 47 to CCB, moving it to Remagen, and prepares to commit RCT 60 in bridgehead. RCT air of 78th Div prepares to cross the

Rhine. On 9th Armd Div S flank, CCA drives to

the Ahr at Bad Neuenahr and Heimersheim, taking the two towns and bridges there intact; late in

day Tr A of 89th Cav Rcn Sq is moved to Sinzig

to release CCB’s S column for operations across

the Rhine. On corps N flank, 14th Cav Gp finishes

mopping up between VII and III Corps. 1st Div

reaches edge of Bonn and prepares to attack the

city: 26th Inf overruns Bruhl, Berzdorf, and Sechtem; 16th clears Bornheim, Botzdorf, Brenig, Roisdorf, and Alfter. In 9th Div zone, 39th Inf thrusts

to positions just short of Bad Godesberg while 60th

gets elements within 2,000 yards of Duisdorf and

overruns Witterschlick, Volmershoven, and Rottgen. On S flank of corps, 78th Div drives SE to

Ahr R: attacking through Pith Inf, 309th reaches

the river near Dernau and at Ahrweiler and secures

3 rail and 2 vehicular bridges intact. In V Corps

area, 102d Cav Gp, driving SE, reaches Ahr R in

Altenahr–Kreuzberg area, 2d Div thrusts SE

through Munstereiffel for maximum gains of 10

miles on left where 23d Inf reaches the Ahr in

Kreuzberg–Bruck region and takes bridge at

Kreuzberg intact; 9th Inf, on right, advances 5

miles SE against moderate resistance. 28th Div

also reaches the Ahr and clears Blankenheim. 69th

Div clears most of its zone, taking Hecken, Kreuzberg, Schmidtheim and Dahlem; patrols between

Dahlem and Blankenheimerdorf. 106th Div’s 424th

Inf moves E on corps S flank toward Simmer R

until pinched out by 69th Div and U.S. Third

Army, then begins period of rehabilitation and

training. 7th Armd Div is detached from corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div,

with 346th, 347th, and 345th Regts in line from

left to right, thrusts rapidly NE toward Ahr R:

346th clears Esch; 347th, jumping off night of 6–7,

seizes Feusdorf, Allendorf, and Ripsdorf; 345th and

TF Muir take Wiesbaum and Mirbach. Expanding

bridgehead secured by 11th Armd Div, 4th Div’s

22d Inf takes Hillesheim while 12th secures Bolsdorf, Dohm, and Bewingen. CCB, 11th Armd Div,

having been relieved E of the Kyll by 4th Div,

moves S toward Lissingen; CCA crosses newly completed bridge in 90th Div zone at Lissingen and

attacks through 90th Div bridgehead taking Dockweiler, Dreis, Boxberg, and Kelberg. Enemy makes

firm stand at Kelberg, vital road center, but is

unable to halt CCA. 358th Inf, on 90th Div N

flank, improves bridgehead for passage of 11th Armd

Div and extends it NE toward Dreis, and Ober

Ehe; 359th captures Kirchweiler, Hinterweiler, and

Waldkenigen; 90th Rcn Tr clears Salm Wald. In

XII Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div, leapfrogging tank-infantry teams with excellent effect, advances to high ground overlooking the Rhine S

of Andernach along axis Ulmen–Kaisersesch–Dungenheim–Kehrig–Polch–Ochtendung CCA follows

without opposition, halting near Ochten-dung.

CCR crosses the Kyll at Erdorf and follows in trace

of other combat commands. On 5th Div

left, motorized 11th Inf speeds NE behind armor,

occupying Darschied, Daun, Puetzborn, and Salm;

2d Inf takes Gransdorf, regains Schwartzenborn, and

clears Eisenschmitt; 10th, in limited attack before

dawn, seizes Spangdahlem, Spang, and Dahlem. In

76th Div zone to S, TF Onaway clears Binsfeld

and Niederkail; 304th Inf takes Beilingen and, night

7–8, Arrenrath; 42d Cav Sq overruns Schleidweiler

and Zemmer. In XX Corps area, one 10th Armd

Div column drives NE toward Wittlich while others

converge on Sweich: CCA, passing through Kyll

R bridgehead of 76th Div (XII Corps) in Hosten

area, reaches Orenhofen; CCB clears Ehrang and

[ 7 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 430 ]

Quint and is passed through by dismounted infantry

of CCR, who turn E toward Sweich; RCT 417 ( — )

expands Ruwer R bridgehead to high ground opposite Sweich. 94th Div continues to clear infiltrators

from Saarburg bridgehead; 301st Inf ( — 3d Bn),

its relief completed by 26th Div, closes in rear assembly area. Under cover of darkness, 65th Div

continues relief of 26th Div, which in turn relieves

right flank elements of 94th.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XXI Corps halts limited attacks to await extensive

rcn.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, boundary between Pol 2 Corps and Br 5

Corps is altered in order to narrow zone of latter

in preparation for spring offensive. Regrouping of

troops is about completed. Pol 2 Corps extends well

across Highway 9 to S. Severo, 5th Kresowa Div

relieving NZ 2d Div and left flank elements of

56th Div, 5 Corps, and reverting to command of

Pol 2 Corps. NZ 2d Div is withdrawn to reserve.

Ind 8th Div, 5 Corps, which is reinf by Jewish Brig

during most of March, conducts river crossing exercises over the Montone. Pol 2 Corps is reinf by

Ind 43d Brig-previously under command of 56th

Div-and 7th Armd Brig.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 112th Regt of 38th

Div, Ch New First Army, occupies Lashio, successfully concluding second phase of CAPITAL.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Japanese

are making determined efforts to recover Meiktila

and succeed, by capturing Taungtha, in cutting off

Ind 17th Div troops at Meiktila.

LUZON—Hq USAFFE closes on Leyte and

opens at Manila.

In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area, 6th Div

and 1st Cav Div continue preparations for coordinated drive eastward against Shimbu line. Arty

and aerial bombardment destroys or uncovers enemy

positions. In 11th A/B Div zone, 158th Inf advances

through undefended Taal and gains several miles to

E and S, completing first phase of attack. 187th Inf

joins in the attack: 1st Bn, attacking in 2 columns N

of Lake Taal, advances rapidly against slight resistance. In I Corps area, 1st Bn of 130th Inf, 33d

Div, takes Aringay bridge and town without opposition and probes toward Mt Magabang. Opposition

to 1st Bn of 127th Inf, 32d Div, on Villa Verde Trail

is so stiff that 3d Bn starts from Santa Maria in

effort to outflank enemy. 25th Div continues N

astride Highway 5 with 161st and 27th Regts; 1st

Bn, 35th Inf, gains heights NE of Putlan with ease.

S PHILIPPINES—U.S. Eighth Army designates

Americal Div ( — ) to clear Cebu, Bohol, and Negros

Oriental, and small islands adjacent. On Palawan,

troops of 186th Inf are still unable to clear Hill 1445

although supported by arty and mortar fire as well

as aircraft.

IWO JIMA—VAC begins assault in center before

dawn, withholding preparatory fire and moving forward with great secrecy. RCT 21 of 3d Mar Div captures the Hill 362 E of Motoyama but RCT 9, to

right, is pinned down after limited advance at daybreak. Elements on extreme left of div continue to

attack in conjunction with 5th Mar Div but are unable to advance. 5th Mar Div, again attacking with

3 Regts abreast on left flank of corps, makes limited

progress on right and in center; on left, where terrain is a greater handicap than enemy, overruns Hill

215 and gains up to 600 yards. On right flank of

corps, 4th Mar Div’s RCT’s 23 and 24 advance slowly

but RCT 25 is unable to move and continues to mop

up rear areas. Island Commander takes responsibility for base development. Since use of naval gunfire

is now greatly restricted, most of Gunfire and Covering Force (TF 54) leaves for Ulithi.

8 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Br 43d and Cdn 2d

Divs, in concerted assault on Xanten, clear the town.

Cdn 4th Armd Div is still held up before Veen. Br

52d, 3d, and Guards Armd Divs pass from Br 30 to

Cdn 2 Corps control as Cdn 2 Corps takes over Br

30 Corps sector on the Rhine from Wesel to Emmerich at 1800. Br 11th Armd Div, now under command of 8 Corps, Br Second Army, moves to Louvain area. In Br 30 Corps area, Hq and 51st Div

revert to Br Second Army.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div takes Huck and Millingen, SE of Alpen;

TF Murray makes slow progress within Ossenberg

and clears factory area; RCT 291 takes over right

sector of 35th Div zone and makes contact with 84th

Div (XIII Corps). 15th Cav Gp is detached from

35th Div and reverts to corps control.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 28th Inf clears remaining resistance W

of the Rhine in 8th Div and VII Corps zone in

morning, whereupon corps sector is extended S to

include Bonn. 4th Cav Gp reverts to corps from

attachment to 3d Armd Div and extends left flank

to junction of Erft and Rhine Rivers, relieving 99th

Div. 104th Div takes over 8th Div zone; 8th Div

( — 13th Inf, still attached to 3d Armd Div) assembles as reserve. 1st Div, attacking toward the

Rhine at Bonn, is attached to corps and reinf by CC

Howze of 3d Armd Div. From Roisdorf–Alfter area,

RCT 16, on 1st Div left, drives E to the Rhine and

clears N end of Bonn; RCT 18, to right, pushes NE

into Bonn, taking Duisdorf, Lengsdorf, Endenich,

Odekoven, Lessenich, and Messdorf. Contact is made

[ 8 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 431 ]

between the two teams within Bonn and patrols are

sent to the Rhine. 14th Cav Gp, attached to 1st Div,

maintains contact between 1st and 104th Divs and

relieves 26th Inf of 1st Div in place. III Corps is

largely concerned with build-up and expansion of

Remagen bridgehead. Traffic congestion proves a

more serious handicap than enemy opposition,

though Germans make strong attempts to knock

out the bridge by air and with arty. CCB of 9th

Armd Div, reinf by RCT 47, completes crossing

into bridgehead. Reinf 1st Bn of 60th Inf, 9th Div,

and RCT 311 of 78th Div also cross the Rhine. By

end of day bridgehead extends in 11/2- mile arc about

Erpel, with Linz, on right, partly cleared. W of the

Rhine, CCA remains along Ahr R and, with elements of 310th Inf, expands bridgehead S of the

river to include Laehndorf. On corps N flank, 1st

Div and attached 14th Cav Gp are transferred to

VII Corps and boundary is adjusted accordingly.

9th Div continues attacks until 1715, when 7th

Armd Div takes over its zone: RCT 39 occupies

Bad Godesberg and is attached to 7th Armd Div;

RCT 60, fighting for limited objective near Duisdorf, is also attached to 7th Armd Div except for

reinf 1st Bn, which is under 9th Armd Div control.

7th Armd Div is unopposed as it begins clearing

its zone W of the Rhine. 9th Div hq, all combat

elements now being detached, begins movement to

take over Rhine bridgehead. 2d Div (V Corps)

assumes responsibility for 78th Div zone, relieving

309th Inf in line; RCT 309 is then attached to 9th

Armd Div. In V Corps area, 102d Cav Gp of 2d

Div and 28th Div finish clearing their sectors N

of the Ahr and consolidate positions along the river.

272d Inf clears rest of 69th Div zone, advancing to

Waldorf, Ripsdorf, and Hungersdorf, in region S

of the Ahr.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps drives rapidly toward the Rhine against scattered resistance.

On N flank, 6th Cav Gp is pinched out by V Corps

and 87th Div. 87th Div gains all its objectives by

noon, advancing to Hungersdorf and Dollendorf,

seizing bridge intact over the Ahr at Ahrhutte, and

making firm contact with V Corps. Brushing aside

ineffective resistance, 11th Armd Div continues toward the Rhine: CCA takes road center of Mayen,

where engineers put in bridge, and continues toward

Andernach; CCB, upon crossing the Kyll at Lissingen, drives NE, taking Mannebach, where enemy

pocketed between First and Third Armies puts up

strong opposition. Rest of 11th Armd Div crosses

the Kyll and follows CCB. To rear of 11th Armd

Div, 90th Div engages in widespread, unopposed

patrolling. While zed and 12th Regts improve current positions, 4th Div drives rapidly NE with TF

Rhine (8th Inf, reinf) to Honerath area. In XII

Corps area, 4th Armd Div mops up W of the Rhine

and searches for crossing sites: CCB clears Saffig–

Ketting region; CCA, to right, overruns Bassenheim,

Wolken, Rubenach, Kaerlich, and Muelheim. From

positions overlooking Andernach Koblenz highway, div effectively attacks enemy convoys, swelling

the already impressive total of enemy losses in personnel and equipment. 11th Inf of 5th Div continues

to follow armor and is attached to 4th Armd Div;

2d presses NE toward Klein Kyll R and moves TF

Graham (reinf 2d Bn) to Uedersdorf in preparation

for attack to S; 10th Inf takes over Schwartzenborn–

Gransdorf region from 2d Inf. In 76th Div zone, TF

Onaway consolidates along the Salm in Burg–Bruch

area and releases 1st Bn of 385th Inf to parent unit;

1st Bn of 385th Inf takes Lanscheid; 304th Inf seizes

Niersbach and Greverath; 42d Cav Sq makes contact

with 304th Inf at Greverath and takes Gladbach. In

XX Corps area, CCA of 10th Armd Div drives E

from Orenhofen sector toward Salm R through Heidweiler, Naurath, Dierscheid, and Erlenbach to vicinity of Sehlem. Completion of Ehrang bridge permits

CCR to complete crossing of the Kyll and seize Sweich. RCT 417 ( — ) defends and improves Ruwer

bridgehead. 94th Div drives enemy remnants from

Saarburg bridgehead and prepares to resume offensive instead of withdrawing to rear as planned, since

new boundary is established between it and 26th Div,

running generally E from Saarburg.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army is being

strengthened for mid-March offensive against West

Wall. 6th Armd Div is released to XV Corps from

SHAEF reserve.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, 1st Armd Div makes limited attack

to improve positions on left flank of corps, taking

village of Carviano, NE of Vergato.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XIV Corps

begins eastward drive against Shimbu line with 6th

Div and 1st Cav Div, former on N. 1st Inf, 6th Div,

having been relieved in precarious positions on Mts

Pacawagan and Mataba by 63d Inf, attacks against

unexpectedly light opposition and gains initial objectives. 1st Cav Div, with 5th, 12th, 7th, and 8th

Cav Regts abreast from N to S, attacks toward hills

near Antipolo, taking one, Bench Mark 11. In 11th

A/B Div sector, 158th Inf mops up and patrols

while 187th Inf columns converge on Talaga and

advance beyond that town until stopped by strong

opposition from Hill 660. In I Corps area, Co C

of 130th Inf, 33d Div, seizes Mt Magabang, NE of

Aringay. 1st Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div, takes Putlan,

on Highway 5, but Japanese destroy Putlan bridge

to N.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 41st

Inf force sails for Zamboanga, Mindanao, from

Leyte. To assist guerrillas in holding Dipolog airfield there, Cos F and G of 91st Inf, 24th Div, are

[ 8 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 432 ]

flown in. On Palawan, Co G of 186th Inf reaches

top of Hill 1445 without incident. This ends organized resistance on Palawan. Patrols are searching

for enemy remnants. Palawan Force later seizes

Busuanga I., off S tip of Palawan, and Balabac and

Pandanan Islands as well.

IWO JIMA—VAC attacks toward coast after arty

and naval gunfire preparation, 4th Mar Div leading

off at 0620 and 3d and 5th Mar Divs following at

0750. A few hundred yards are wrested from enemy in some sectors. In center, 3d Mar Div’s RCT

21 gets elements to O–3 line; RCT 9 starts toward

coast from Hill 362, gaining about 400 yards. 4th

Mar Div; profiting a little by early hour of attack,

makes limited progress in zone of RCT 23 but is

unable to advance its right flank; withstands counterattack in force against left flank. 5th Mar Div,

attacking on left flank of corps with 3 regts, gains

some ground on left. First detachment of carriers

leaves Iwo for Ulithi.

9 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery issues instructions for crossing the Rhine N of the Ruhr. Germans abandon

their Wesel bridgehead across the Rhine, night 9–10,

and blow the last remaining bridge.

In Cdn First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Br 43d

and Cdn 2d Divs clear last enemy positions in immediate vicinity of Xanten. Cdn 4th Armd Div

breaches mine fields before Veen and captures that

town. Br 52d Div advances slowly NE toward the

Rhine.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, TF Byrne

of 35th Div inches forward to Drupt, NE of Alpen,

and, night 9–10, is passed through by RCT 134; TF

Murray completes capture of Ossenberg and pushes

N past Borth and Wallach.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, German resistance W of the Rhine ends

as 1st Div’s RCT’s 16 and 18 complete capture of

Bonn by 1600. 99th Div is transferred to III Corps

and moves to Stadt–Meckenheim area. In III Corps

area, 9th Div takes command of Remagen bridgehead; div’s troops revert to it. Combat elements of

78th Div (RCT’s 311 and 309, and 310th Inf) are

detached from 9th Armd Div and attached to 9th

Div. CCB, 9th Armd Div, is also attached to 9th

Div. RCT 309 crosses the Rhine and is committed

in bridgehead; RCT 60 of 9th Div completes its

crossing and 1st Bn, reinf, is committed. Enemy,

though still offering no concerted opposition to

bridgehead, puts up sharp local resistance as 9th

Div expands bridgehead to include half of Honnef,

Rheinbreitbach, Scheuren, Bruchhausen, rest of

Linz, and positions beyond these towns. Firm opposition is met in Honnef and counterattack against

center of bridgehead causes local withdrawal. Ludendorff bridge continues to be objective for German

air attacks and arty fire. Corps zone W of the Rhine

is cleared of enemy. 7th Armd Div defends

W bank of the river between Bonn and Remagen.

CCA, 9th Armd Div, defends Ahr R line; releases

2d and 3d bns of 310th Inf, 78th Div, to 9th Div

for operations E of the Rhine after elements of 2d

Div (V Corps) effect relief of the 2 bns in bridgeheads S of the Ahr. In V Corps area, 2d Div’s 23d

Inf advances to the Rhine along axis Bruck–Sinzig;

9th Inf drives E to rear of 23d; 38th Inf moves along

Bad Neuenahr–Konigsfeld road to edge of Konigsfeld, S of the Ahr. RCT 110, 28th Div, temporarily

attached to 2d Div, relieves 9th Inf in place.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes

drive to the Rhine. On 11th Armd Div left flank,

CCB gains heights overlooking the Rhine near

Brohl; CCA reaches the river at Andernach and

clears most of that city. Passing through 87th and

4th Divs, both of which are then out of contact

with enemy, 6th Cav Gp drives E without opposition and establishes contact with 11th Armd Div.

TF Rhine completes 4th Div’s mission, clearing Honerath, Adenau, Rodder, and Reifferscheid be-fore

being passed through. 87th Div begins period of rest,

maintenance, and training. 90th Div dis-places to

Kelberg area and sends elements on to Mayen. In

XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div, directed to secure

Moselle bridge at Treis if possible, regroups. CCB, with 51st Armd Inf Bn and 35th

Tank Bn under command and former components

transferred in place to CCR, moves S to Carden,

on river opposite Treis, but finds bridge wrecked.

CCR and CCA continue clearing W bank of the

Rhine, taking river towns between Andernach and

Koblenz. 5th Div’s 2d Inf, employing leapfrog

tactics, makes rapid progress, clearing Bleckhausen,

Manderscheid, Bettenfeld, and Pantenburg; elements are motored to Darscheid and Puetzborn in

preparation for drives SE. On corps S flank, elements of 385th Inf, 76th Div, capture Grosslittgen;

Musweiler falls to 304th Inf, temporarily reinf by

bn of 385th; TF Onaway is disbanded; 42d Cav Sq

crosses Salm R in Dreis–Bruch area and attacks

toward Dreis and Bergweiler. 89th Div begins

concentration to rear of 76th Div. In XX Corps

area, CCA of 10th Armd Div closes along Salm

R, clearing Hotzerath, Rievenich, and Sehlem, and

turns N to Dorbach area, where bridge is put in

and bridgehead established. Driving NE through

CCR, CCB takes Foren and Bekond. CCR clears

commanding ground E of Sweich. RCT 417 ( — )

withstands enemy efforts to compress bridgehead

NE of Ruwer R. 94th Div regroups to place 376th

Inf on N, 301st on S, and 302d in reserve; 376th

[ 9 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 433 ]

relieves elements of 3d Cav Gp within its sector.

At 2400, 3d Cav Gp is detached from 94th Div and

reinf by attachment of 16th Cav Gp, which becomes

operational at this time; the 2 cav gps combine

to form 316th Prov Cav Brig. 65th Div relieves final

elements of 26th Div before dawn and aggressively

defends Saarlautern bridgehead sector.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

71st Div is attached to XV Corps.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, elements of 10th Mtn Div

improve positions N of Castelnuovo with unopposed

capture of M. Valbura and M. Belvedere.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div breaks into Mandalay, where

lively fighting ensues.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

6th Div and 1st Cav Div continue eastward attacks.

12th Cav of latter reaches slopes of Hill Bench Mark

9. Elements of 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div, begin assault on Hill 660 but are unable to take it. In I

Corps area, 136th Inf of 33d Div is ordered to maintain pressure against enemy with patrols on Kennon

Road; 123d is to patrol N and E of Pugo; 1st Bn of

130th is to patrol N and E of Mt Magabang. 3d Bn

of 127th Inf, 32d Div, completes march to Villa

Verde Trail to eliminate opposition blocking progress there. 161st Inf column, 25th Div, drives

through Anabat to positions within 1,000 yards of

Putlan, on Highway 5. 1st Bn, 35th Inf, remains at

Putlan bridge site under heavy fire.

S PHILIPPINES—In Eighth Army area, naval

bombardment of Zamboanga area, Mindanao, is

begun in preparation for offensive. Final elements

of Americal Div leave Samar, where 1st Filipino Inf

is to complete search for enemy. On Lubang, Co E

of 19th Inf relieves 1st Bn of 21st. By end of month

the island is turned over to guerrilla forces. For

American losses of 8 killed, Japanese suffer 250 killed

by mid-March.

IWO JIMA—VAC continues efforts to clear rest

of Iwo Jima- 3d Mar Div breaks through to coast in

corps center, splitting enemy forces remaining on

the island; continues reduction of bypassed pockets

in div rear. On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div

gains ground along boundary of RCT’s 23 and 24

but is unable to advance its flanks. 5th Mar Div, on

corps left flank, is still checked on right and in center

but pushes slowly forward along W coast. Adm

Turner (CTF, Joint Expeditionary Force) departs

for Guam after turning over command to Adm Hill,

who is redesignated Senior Officer Present Afloat

Iwo Jima.

JAPAN—XXI BC begins powerful fire raids on

Japanese cities, night 9–10. This marks a radical

change in previous tactics of precision bombardment

attacks against industrial targets. From this time until end of the war, XXI BC—and from time to time

carrier planes of fast carrier force—concentrates on

wearing down Japanese will to resist in preparation

for invasion of Japan.

10 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, battle of the Rhineland (Operations VERITABLE and BLOCKBUSTER) is

successfully ended. Cdn 2d Div is almost unopposed

as it pushes SE along Xanten–Rheinberg road. Cdn

4th Armd Div makes flank contact with friendly

forces. Br 52d Div easily clears to the Rhine and

makes contact with Cdn and U.S. forces on flanks.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, RCT 134

continues 35th Div’s drive toward Wesel, overrunning Buederich. TF Byrne is dissolved and 320th

Inf proceeds to Sevelen as reserve. TF Murray is

pinched out and releases CCB of 8th Armd Div to

parent unit. 75th Div regains command of RCT’s

291 and 289 from 35th Div and Br 8 Corps, respectively, and establishes CP in Germany to left of

84th Div (XIII Corps).

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, shift in boundary between Ninth and

First Armies places 4th Cav Gp sector within Ninth

Army zone and the gp is relieved in place by 113th

Cav Gp of XIX Corps. Corps maintains defensive

positions along the Rhine with 3d Armd Div, 104th

Div, and 1st Div in line; 8th Div and 4th Cav Gp

remain in assembly areas. In III Corps area, 9th Div

further expands Remagen bridgehead against stubborn resistance. 9th and 78th Divs complete movement into bridgehead and 99th Div starts crossing

the Rhine. N flank of bridgehead is expanded beyond Honnef, though enemy retains strong hold on

Honnef, and S flank is enlarged to include Dattenberg; progress in center is slower, but line is pushed

forward to Hills 244 and 411. Sharp counterattacks

continue, forcing 47th Inf, in center, to fall back

slightly. Germans continue persistent air and arty

attacks against Ludendorff bridge and make similar

attacks on newly constructed treadway bridge.

Elements of 7th Armd Div occupy the westernmost

of two small islands in the Rhine W of Honnef.

In V Corps area, elements of 23d Inf, 2d Div, move

S along the Rhine and clear half on Nieder Breisig;

3d Bn of 9th Inf reaches the Rhine near Rheinbeck.

Patrolling S and SE to destroy enemy pocket to its

right, 102d Cav Gp reaches Dedenbach, Nieder Zissen, Waldorf, and Gonnersdorf, all S of the Ahr.

102d Gp, less 102d Sq, is alerted for movement to

new zone on short notice; 102d Sq continues

mopping-up mission under command of 2d Div.

106th Div is transferred to U.S. Fifteenth Army,

[ 10 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 434 ]

which will undertake security mission W of the

Rhine.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps units mop

up within prescribed zones. 6th Cav Gp, to left rear

of 11th Armd Div, patrols actively along S bank of

Ahr R to locate stragglers and maintain contact with

First Army. 11th Armd Div holds Rhine R line and

methodically clears sector W of the Rhine, overrunning a number of towns: CCB establishes contact with V Corps, completing encirclement of large

body of enemy remaining W of the Rhine between

First and Third Armies; CCA, to right, mops up in

Andernach; CCR mops up to SW of CCA. 90th Div

finishes mopping up within its zone. 4th Div is detached from corps and attached to Seventh Army.

In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div continues to mop

up W of the Rhine from Andernach to Koblenz and

N of the Moselle from Koblenz to Cochem. Driving

SE from Darscheid, 5th Div’s TF Graham reaches

the Moselle at Cochem; 1st Bn of 2d Inf drives SE

from Puetzborn to take Udler, Gillenfeld, Strohn,

Nieder and Ober Winkel, Immerath, and Strotzbusch; 3d Bn, 2d Inf, is relieved by 10th Inf. 76th

Div’s 385th and 304th Regts reach positions astride

line of Klein Kyll–Lieser Rivers from Karl to Wittlich; on right flank, 42d Cav Sq, after clearing Dreis

and Bergweiler, moves elements through 10th Armd

Div (XX Corps) at Wittlich to Dorf and Flussbach.

80th Div is transferred to XX Corps. XX Corps prepares for concerted breakout from Saarburg bridgehead on 13 March and is reinf by 80th Div. 10th

“Armd Div gains final objectives in Wittlich area and

begins clearing toward the Moselle: CCA easily takes

Wittlich and Bombogen and high ground between;

CCB establishes bridgehead across the Salm in Sehlem area, where bridge is put in, and clears Esch,

Karmes, and Clausen; CCR cleans out Lorsch–

Polich-Ensch bend of the Moselle; expanding Ruwer

bridgehead, RCT 417 ( — ) clears Kirsch, Longuich,

and heights near Mertesdorf. 3d Cav Gp occupies

Kasel and Riol and begins relief of RCT 417 in

Ruwer bridgehead; 3d Sq, relieved by elements of

43d Sq and 94th Div, assembles in Konz Karthaus

area.

6th Army Group: Fr 1st Army is directed to

continue defense of current zone along the Rhine on

right flank of 6th Army Group; probe enemy positions E of the Rhine; effective 13 March, turn over 3d

Algerian Inf Div, reinf, now on left flank of 2d

Corps, to U.S. VI Corps.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 13 Corps area, Ind 10th Div begins relief of

U.S. 85th Div on M. Grande.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div columns

converge on Mongmit and take it.

INDOCHINA—Japanese, fearing a U.S. amphibious operation against French Indochina in which Fr

troops might participate, begin expulsion of Fr garrisons from key positions.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

1st Inf of 6th Div gains about 300 yards, taking small

ridge N of Bench Mark B. Intense air and arty

bombardment of Shimbu line on 10 and 11 March

takes heavy toll of Japanese forces forming for major

effort against 6th Div. Advance elements of 1st

Cav Div reach crest of Bench Mark 9. 11th A/B Div

is directed to clear Batangas and drive to second

phase line. 3d Bn, 158th Inf, gets into position to

attack toward Calumpan Peninsula. Assisted by air

strike, 1st Bn of 187th Inf clears most of Hill 660.

511th Inf columns start S along Route 1 for Santa

Anastasia and E along S shore of Laguna de Bay

virtually unopposed. In I Corps area, 25th Div

columns converge in Putlan sector of Highway 5.

27th Inf relieves 1st Bn of 35th at bridge site N of

Putlan with 3d Bn and joins with 161st Inf forces S

of Putlan to clear opposition from there S to Digdig. 35th Inf turns its full attention to reconnoitering up Old Spanish Trail. In XI Corps area, 43d

Div turns over its sector to 38th Div and releases

RCT 169 to that div. By this time, 43d Div has

penetrated final enemy positions.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, Romblon and Simara attack forces sail from Min-doro.

On Mindanao, following air and naval gunfire preparation, 41st Div ( — RCT 186) lands on Zam-boanga

Peninsula virtually unopposed; secures

Wolfe airfield and village of San Roque and advances on Mindanao City. Gen Doe takes command

ashore and Gen Eichelberger lands to inspect beachhead. Guerrillas, helped by the 2 COS of 21st Inf,

24th Div, gain firm control of Dipolog and its airfield.

IWO JIMA—On right flank of VAC, 4th Mar

Div continues SE toward coast against decreasing

resistance, RCT 23 on left and RCT 25 on right,

each bolstered by a bn from RCT 24. RCT 23,

pushing through Higashi, gets forward elements to

within 400 yards of beach and patrols to coastline

at Tachiiwi Pt. RCT 25 eliminates enemy re-entrant

on div right but is unable to keep pace with RCT

23. 3d Mar Div’s RCT 21 clears right half of its

sector; RCT 9 makes little headway against troublesome pocket on extreme right of div zone. 5th Mar

Div is practically halted on left flank of corps by

rugged and well defended terrain, but RCT 28,

on left flank, inches forward to S rim of rocky gorge

about 200 yards wide and 700 yards long.

11 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, patrols of 134th Inf,

35th Div, take Fort Blucher, concluding div’s drive

[ 11 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 435 ]

toward Wesel. 15th Cav Gp is attached to 75th Div,

which is to defend corps front. 8th Armd Div, in

reserve, is given rear area security mission. 75th

Div relieves 5th Armd Div of responsibility for

Kempen–Repelen area; 5th Armd polices rear area

of corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s III Corps

area, RCT’s 309 and 311 revert to 78th Div and 39th

Inf ( — ) of 9th Div is attached as 78th Div becomes

responsible for N flank of Remagen bridgehead.

Attacking with 39th and 309th Regts, 78th Div

makes slow progress toward Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn against determined resistance. In center of

bridgehead, 9th Div continues attack with 310th,

60th, and 47th Regts, making small gains in vicinity

of Hill 448 and Hargarten. 99th Div completes move

of its RCT’s across the Rhine, takes over S flank of

bridgehead, and attacks SE and S with 3934 Inf on

left and 394th on right; 393d Inf gains a few hundred yards, but 394th drives 3,000 yards S along E

bank of the Rhine, clearing Leubsdorf and Ariendorf. Released by VII Corps, 14th Cav Gp assembles

in Remagen area, and 18th Sq takes over defense of

Rhine bridges from 9th Div. In V Corps area, 2d

Div improves positions, along the Rhine, 23d Inf

completing capture of Nieder Breisig and making

contact with 9th Inf, which has meanwhile cleared

Rheinbeck and Ober Breisig.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues

to mop up W of the Rhine. Because of change in

boundaries, V Corps relieves elements of 11th Armd

Div N of 05 horizontal grid line; 90th Div prepares

to relieve elements of 11th and 4th Armd Divs along

the Rhine to S, but change of orders immediately

transfers it to XII Corps. XII Corps continues mopping up along the Rhine and Moselle and prepares

for assault across the Moselle. Boundary between 5th

Inf and 4th Armd Divs is altered at 2400 to give 5th

Div responsibility for former zone of CCB along

the Moselle; at the same time, RCT 11, having

effected relief of CCB, reverts to parent unit. 5th

Div finishes clearing its sector. 89th Div continues

movement into assigned zone between 5th and 76th

Divs and relieves elements of those divs within its

zone. In 76th Div sector, 42d Cav Sq reaches Hasborn and Bausendorf; 304th Inf and 2d Cav Sq advance rapidly toward Moselle R line on right flank

of corps, former pressing S and SE from Wittlich

and latter clearing enemy from Sweich–Piesport

sector. In XX Corps area, CCA of 10th Armd Div,

reinf by 2d Bn of 417th Inf, begins drive toward the

Moselle at Bullay, halting at Bausendorf, where Alf

R bridge is out; CCB and CCR begin concentration

in Trier area. RCT 417, less 2d Bn, reverts to 76th

Div, XII Corps, at 2400; earlier in day, 1st Bn is

forced from hill near Mertesdorf by counterattack.

316th Prov Cav Brig (3d and 16th Cav Gps) regroups to defend N flank of corps from the Moselle

S to 94th Div zone with 3d, 43d, 16th, and 19th

Sqs in line, from left to right; from assembly area

at Veckring (France), 16th Cav Gp moves up and

relieves 43d Sq with 16th Sq and 3d Sq with 19th

Sq. Other units of corps continue preparations for

coming offensive. 80th Div starts from XII Corps

zone toward E bank of the Saar opposite Saarlautern.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces are investing the

Baltic ports of Danzig and Gdynia. Berlin reports slight penetrations of German positions in

Kuestrin area as Soviet forces expand Oder bridgeheads.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 10 Corps takes command of left flank elements of Pol 2 Corps, Friuli Gp, and Ind 43d Brig,

and of sector currently held by them, placing it between 13 Corps and Pol 2 Corps. In 5 Corps area,

78th Div replaces 56th Div in line, permitting 56th

Div to prepare for offensive.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten announces that a

regt of U.S. 5332d is to leave for China at once, the

rest of the brig on 1 April.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div continues battle for Mandalay,

taking hill strongpoint commanding NE part of the

city.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army issues basic plan

for its part in clearing Bicol Peninsula and Visayan

Passage. RCT 158, currently assisting 11th A/B

Div, XIV Corps, in clearing S Luzon, is to make

amphibious assault against Legaspi, in Bicol Peninsula, and will assemble at staging area by 17th;

511th Para Inf of 11th A/B Div, less one bn, will

serve as army reserve for the operation. In XIV

Corps area, 43d Div begins relieving 1st Cav Div,

which is now generally on first phase line except

at Antipolo. 1st Inf, 6th Div, gets into favorable

position to exploit advance eastward. 2d Bn drives

nearly a mile E to trail junction while 3d Bn seizes

Bench Mark B. After nightfall, Japanese begin series of abortive counterattacks, all small, against

6th Div. Efforts to penetrate positions of all 3 regts

fail. In 11th A/B Div sector of S Luzon, 2d Bn of

158th Inf clears Batangas and immediate vicinity

while rest of regt is cleaning out region to W and

NW. 1st Bn, 187th Inf, completes capture of Hill

660. 3d Bn, 511th Inf, is brought to a halt by Japanese firmly entrenched on Mt Bijang. In I Corps

area, 33d Div consolidates and patrols toward

Galiano, about 10 miles W of Baguio. 127th Inf,

32d Div, is still held up by strong enemy defense

of Salacsac Pass positions on Villa Verde Trail. As

25th Div’s 27th and 161st Regts continue forward

astride Highway 5, 3d Bn of 35th Inf seizes Salazar,

[ 11 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 436 ]

an Old Spanish Trail. 43d Div, less RCT 169, is

transferred to XI Corps from XIV Corps.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

163d Inf of first Div secures airfield and Zamboanga City on Mindanao and pushes toward Pasananca. 162d extends positions toward Caldera Pt.

East entrance of Visayan Passage is now secure

and Filipino guerrillas take over occupation of

Burias and Ticao Islands, releasing 1st Bn of 132d

Inf, which returns to Leyte. Co C, reinf, 19th Inf,

makes unopposed landing on Romblon shortly

after midnight 11–12.

IWO JIMA—4th Mar Div, VAC, overcomes organized resistance within its zone on right flank of

corps except for stubborn pocket on div right. In

center of corps, 3d Mar Div’s RCT 21 mops up

and protects right flank of 5th Mar Div while RCT

9 develops enemy pocket on div right. Withdrawing RCT 26 from line, 5th Mar Div continues

attack on left flank of corps with RCT 27 on right

and RCT 28 on left. Terrain, as well as enemy, makes

progress slow despite close arty support.

12 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 75th Div takes over

defense of corps sector along the Rhine and with its

290th Inf relieves 35th Div. 35th Div prepares to

move to rear for rest and rehabilitation.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s III Corps

area, in N part of Remagen bridgehead, 78th Div

withstands counterattacks against Honnef, where

isolated pockets of enemy remain, and with 39th

Inf drives E toward Kalenborn; 1st Bn of 310th Inf

reverts to div from attachment of 9th Armd Div and

is attached to 311th Inf. In center, 9th Div is strongly

opposed in Kalenborn and Hargarten areas, but

enters Hargarten late in day. CCB, 9th Armd Div, is

detached from 9th Div and passes to corps reserve.

99th Div, in S part of bridgehead, gains initial objectives in region between Hargarten and Hoenningen.

V Corps, out of contact with enemy, begins period

of consolidation of positions W of the Rhine and

preparations for crossing.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes

organized mop-up W of the Rhine. CCB, 11th Armd

Div, withdraws S of 05 horizontal grid line, the

new V-VIII Corps boundary. XII Corps continues

to mop up and prepares for attack across the Moselle.

89th Div enters combat for the first time, driving

through 5th and 6th Divs, with 353d Inf on left

and 355th on right, toward Cochem–Alf sector of

the Moselle. 76th Div continues to clear toward the

Moselle to right of 89th Div, employing 385th Inf

on left and 304th on right, and reaches river line in

zone of 304th at Kesten and Piesport; 2d Cav Gp

screens Piesport–Sweich sector with 2d Sq and withdraws 42d Sq to Gladbach as reserve. 90th Div, directed to attack with 5th Div across the Moselle,

moves assault regts to Moselle R line. XX Corps

completes preparations for offensive. Clearing

Bausendorf with dismounted inf and taking bridge

near Olkenbach, CCA of 10th Armd Div drives from

Alf R to the Moselle; on commanding ground opposite Bullay it is relieved by 76th Div of XII Corps. 1st

Bn of 417th Inf, after regaining hill near Mertesdorf

in surprise attack before dawn, is relieved by 3d Cav

Gp, which improves positions SE of Mertesdorf

under heavy enemy fire.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army is regrouping extensively for assault on West Wall. 3d and 45th

Divs are attached to XV Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—First White Russian Front

forces capture Kuestrin, enemy stronghold astride

the Oder on E approach to Berlin, after prolonged

fighting; continue reduction of German bridgehead

E of Stettin. Troops of Second White Russian Front

close in on Danzig and Gdynia, thrusting to Gulf of

Danzig N of Gdynia.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Ind 20th Div is rapidly clearing region SW of Mandalay and takes communications center of Myotha.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

6th Div commits 20th Inf to attack against Shimbu

line, repels further small-scale enemy counterattacks.

20th Inf, driving E on left flank of div, gains its

objective. 1st Cav Div is withdrawn from line for

well-earned rest. 43d Div holds positions to S of 6th

Div, previously zone of 1st Cav Div. Patrol of 103d

Inf finds Antipolo undefended and in ruins. In 11th

A/B Div sector of S Luzon, 3d Bn of 158th Inf

drives on Mabini, at neck of Calumpan Peninsula,

until stopped N of Mainaga by Japanese. Strong

Japanese positions on Mt Bijang are being neutralized by aircraft and arty. In I Corps area, 2d Bn of

128th Inf, 32d Div, on Villa Verde Trail, is attached

to 127th Inf in order to increase pressure toward

Salacsac Pass No. 2. 3d Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div,

holds roadblock on Old Spanish Trail a little N of

Salazar, but efforts to continue along this axis are

abandoned as impracticable.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

162d Inf reaches Recodo on Caldera Pt, Mindanao,

and finds abandoned enemy positions. Co C drives

to Masilay, NW of San Roque. Elements of 3d Bn

reach village 1,500 yards NE of San Roque, which

Japanese are defending stoutly. Co B of 19th Inf

lands on Simara without opposition at dawn after

naval bombardment and diversionary air attack on

another part of island. On Romblon, Co C of 19th

Inf takes Romblon town with ease and begins clearing scattered opposition elsewhere on the island.

[ 12 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 437 ]

IWO JIMA—4th and 3d Mar Divs, VAC, mop

up their respective sectors and reduce pockets of

resistance remaining on each of their right flanks.

5th Mar Div is assisted by air, naval gunfire, arty,

and tanks as it continues assault on final defenses

of enemy—network of mutually supporting pillboxes

and prepared positions on broken terrain of N Iwo

Jima. Although little ground is gained, enemy positions are softened and many caves and pillboxes overrun. Iwo Jima airfields are renamed South, Center,

and North Airfields.

13 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s III Corps area, 78th Div continues to

meet strong resistance as it expands bridgehead to

NE: 311th Inf, further strengthened by attachment

of 60th Armd Inf Bn of 9th Armd Div and 78th

Rcn Tr, occupies Rhine island just W of Honnef,

mops up within Honnef, and presses slowly NE

over difficult terrain; 309th co-ordinates its attack

to NE with that of 39th, which secures high ground

immediately W of Kalenborn. 9th Div completes

capture of Hargarten and makes limited gains in

Kalenborn–Notscheid–Hargarten region. On S

flank, 99th Div consolidates and withstands local

counterattacks. In V Corps area, 102d Cav Gp ( — )

and 38th Sq are directed to start to Saverne area on

14th; 102d Sq is detached from 2d Div but remains

in position.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Cav

Gp takes over defense of the Rhine from Andernach southward, relieving elements of 11th and 4th

Armd Divs. 87th Div starts concentrating in

Koblenz–Lehmen sector along the Moselle and

relieves CCA, 4th Armd Div. XII Corps completes

preparations for assault across the Rhine. 4th Armd

and 5th Inf Divs regroup. 90th Div’s reserve regt

358th, assembles W of Mertloch. 89th and 76th

Divs clear most of their zones along the Moselle from

Cochem to Sweich. 417th Inf, 76th Div, completes assembly as reserve. XX Corps attacks SE

from Saarburg bridgehead at 0300 after heavy arty

preparation. Rugged terrain and West Wall defenses make progress slow. 94th Div, with 302d

Inf on N and 301st on S, crosses Ruwer R by ford

and bridge and takes Bonerath, Holtzerath, Schondorf, and Bergheid (village W of Heddert). 80th

Div drives through 94th and 26th Divs: 318th Inf,

on left, breaks through enemy lines to block the

one good road through Wadern Forest at a point

near center of forest; 317th captures Greimerath.

26th Div, with 104th and 328th Regts in assault,

moves slowly forward; TF D (reinf and motorized

3d Bn of 104th Inf) fights abreast 80th Div, slowly

clearing roadblocks on Zerf–Britten road. In conjunction with main attack, 65th Div makes diversionary attacks in Saarlautern bridgehead area on

right flank of corps. On corps left flank, 3d Cav

Gp undergoes determined counterattacks; 16th Sq,

16th Cav Gp, is pinched out and moves NE to

relieve 43d Sq, which withdraws as reserve. 19th

Sq, 16th Cav Gp, clears Morscheid–Sommerau

ridge and both towns. Final elements of 10th Armd

Div close in Trier area, where brief maintenance

and rehabilitation program is conducted.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army continues

to regroup in preparation for offensive. In XXI

Corps area, patrols report evidence of enemy withdrawal and 10th Div takes up pursuit at once, driving N toward Sarre R. In VI Corps area, 3d Algerian

Inf Div of Fr 2d Corps is attached to VI Corps

in current positions.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Boundary between

U.S. Fifth and Br Eighth Armies is adjusted to

run just E of Idice R valley and M. Belmonte as

Ind 10th Div of Br 13 Corps takes responsibility

for M. Grande hill mass from 85th Div of U.S. II

Corps.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, elements

of Ind 26th Div conduct final amphibious operation

on Arakan coast, landing on mainland in vicinity of

Letpadan to cut Ru-ywa–Taungup road.

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army postpones Legaspi

operation for a week, permitting RCT 158 to remain in XIV Corps line a while longer. In XIV

Corps area, 6th Div repels further piecemeal counterattacks with little difficulty. Elements of 103d Inf,

43d Div, reach W base of Bench Mark 7. TF consisting of Co B, reinf, motors N from Taytay along

Laguna. de Bay coast; makes contact with div rcn

troops in Morong and Maybancal. In 11th A/B Div

sector, 3d Bn of 158th Inf is unable to outflank enemy

strongpoint N of Mainaga and is jeopardized as

enemy, in amphibious operation, blocks road behind

it at Baliti R. After further aerial and arty pounding

of Mt Bijang, 511th Inf of 11th A/B Div renews

attack and gets up slopes but is forced off. For next

few days aircraft and arty conduct softening bombardment. In I Corps area, 1st Bn of 161st Inf, 25th

Div, is directed to attack through 2d Bn in Putlan

area, on Highway 5, for Norton’s Knob, a spur of

Balete Ridge about 1,500 yards SW of Kapintalan.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Japanese resistance on Mindanao N of San Roque

and S of Pasananca stiffens.

IWO JIMA—4th and 3d Mar Divs, VAC, continue to mop up and reduce small enemy pockets

within their sectors. 5th Mar Div encounters fewer

pillboxes and makes relatively good progress on

right flank. Since ridges in this area extend from

center of island to W coast, attack will be from E

to W. Tanks, flame throwers, and arty are again

[ 13 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 438 ]

employed to flush enemy from concealed positions,

but restricted area denies troops air support. Co B,

Amphib Rcn Bn, lands on Kangoku and Kama

Rocks, off W coast, and secures these small islands

without opposition.

14 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army area, VII Corps regroups in preparation

for action E of the Rhine. 8th Div ( — 13th Inf)

takes over 1st Div zone on S flank of corps. Zone

of 104th Div is extended W to include region formerly occupied by 8th Div. In III Corps area, Germans shift bulk of their arty fire from Rhine bridges

to troops, but continue frequent air attacks against

the bridges, employing many jet planes. Of 372

enemy planes attacking the bridges during 7–14

March, 80 are shot down by AA fire. Despite hilly

terrain and lively resistance, 78th Div presses slowly

N toward Konigswinter and NE toward the autobahn; secures objectives near Aegidienberg, Rottbitz,

and Kalenborn. Continuing E in center of bridgehead, 9th Div gets some elements into Lorscheid

and others just short of Notscheid. 99th Div’s 395th

Inf, released from reserve, drives 1,200 yards E on

S flank of bridgehead while rest of div holds current

positions. 7th Armd Div places cable across the

Rhine.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 11th

Armd Div, assembled as corps reserve, defends corps

N flank and maintains contact with First Army. 87th

Div closes in new zone along the Moselle, where it

defends Koblenz–Lehmen sector with 346th Inf and

patrols across river. XII Corps begins drive from the

Moselle to the Rhine at 0200. 90th Div, with 2 regts

in assault, crosses in Kattenes–Moselkern region and

clears heights E of river: 357th Inf, on left, takes

Alken, Brodenbach, Noerdershausen, Udenhausen,

Herschwiesen, and Oppenhausen, but is unable to

gain Pfaffenheck; 359th secures Burgen and part of

Morshausen and Macken; 358th, in reserve, crosses

at Hatzenport and assembles in Brodenbach.

Crossing the Moselle to right of 90th Div, 5th Div,

with 11th Inf on left and 2d on right, seizes Treis,

Lutz, and Eveshausen and commanding ground

near these towns; 10th remains W of river. Engineers put in bridges. 89th and 76th Divs clear all

but small pockets W and N of the Moselle. 2d Cav Gp

( — 2d Sq) is detached from 76th Div and moves to

Kollig area. In XX Corps area, 94th Div moves forward about 1,500 yards to positions within Osburger

Hoch Wald and clears Heddert. 80th Div is largely

engaged in mopping up, but 2d Bn of 318th Inf

reaches Weiskirchen, where it is isolated by enemy

infiltration; 1st Bn of 319th Inf starts toward Bergen. 104th and 328th Regts of 26th Div continue

slowly SE to right of 80th Div. On corps right flank,

65th Div continues limited action and aggressive

patrolling in Saarlautern bridgehead sector. 316th

Prov Cav Brig is active on N flank of corps: 16th

Sq, 16th Cav Gp, attacks toward Waldrach but is

halted at edge of town by stubborn opposition; 3d

Sq, 3d Cav Gp, takes Nieder Fell and Fell.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army completes

preparations for West Wall offensive, moving assault

forces to forward assembly areas. In XXI Corps area,

101st Cav Gp, on left flank of corps, joins 10th Div

in pursuit of enemy northward. 80th push into Germany and patrol to S bank of Sarre R.

BURMA—In NCAC area, air movement of U.S.

5332d Brig (MARS) to China is begun.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 19th

Div clears city area of Mandalay but enemy retains

Fort Dufferin, target for heavy air attacks and closerange arty fire for next few days.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

6th Div continues to repel small counterattacks. All

enemy efforts to mount a concerted counterattack

have proved unsuccessful and costly. 20th Inf gains

positions on approaches to Mt Mataba. 1st Inf runs

into well-organized enemy positions. 43d Div, less

169th Inf, begins full-scale attack against enemy’s

Shimbu line, employing 172d Inf on left and 103d

on right; initial objective is heights E and N of

Morong R valley. Jumping off from positions N of

Antipolo, 172d comes up against outer defenses of

strong enemy position on Sugar Loaf Mountain. 103d

moves additional elements to Bench Mark 7 area.

Co B TF continues rapidly up Morong R valley

against scattered resistance.

S PHILIPPINES—In Eighth Army area, 162d Inf

begins converging drive on Mt Capisan, Mindanao,

with 1st and 2d Bns while 3d Bn works on the

village strongpoint NE of San Roque; clears San

Roque and gains trail junction 500 yards NW of

Masilay. 163d Inf, with air support, seizes Pasananca

road junction.

IWO JIMA—VAC raises American flag on Iwo

at 0930. 4th and 3d Mar Divs continue to mop up

and considerably reduce pockets in their respective

sectors. 4th Mar Div begins re-embarkation. 5th

Mar Div, committing RCT 26 between RCT’s 28

on left and 27 on right, renews assault on N Iwo

Jima and gains up to 600 yards on right, although

left flank remains in about the same position. Air

support of the operation ends with P–51 strike in

behalf of 5th Mar Div.

15 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn I Corps takes up positions

[ 14–15 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 439 ]

in NW Europe, having transferred gradually from

Italy.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, RCT 26 of 1st Div, the first unit of VII

Corps across the Rhine, crosses in III Corps zone

in preparation for attack through 78th Div. In III

Corps area, 78th Div pushes a little closer to the

autobahn with 311th and 39th Regts while 309th

reorganizes. 311th gains up to 2,000 yards and 39th

clears Schweifeld. 9th Div completes capture of

Lorscheid and takes Notscheid. With elements of

3 regts in assault, 99th Div expands bridgehead some

2,500 yards to SE and E, taking several terrain features and villages. Air attacks on bridges decrease

during day. In V Corps area, 102d Cav Gp ( — ) is

detached from corps and attached to VI Corps,

Seventh Army.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

prepares for assault across the Moselle to clear

Koblenz and region to S between the Moselle and

Rhine Rivers. In XII Corps area 2d Cav Gp ( — 2d

Sq), upon crossing the Moselle at Hatzenport, relieves left flank elements of 90th Div. 90th Div commits elements of 1st Bn, 358th Inf, on left to assist

357th Inf and drives SE with 3d Bn of 358th to

gain Dieler, Ney, Halsenbach, and Kratzenburg; on

right, 359th Inf completes capture of Morshausen

and clears Beulich, Mermuth, and Ober and Nieder

Gondershausen. 5th Div expands bridgehead SE,

taking Lieg, Dommershausen, and Dorweiler. 4th

Armd Div is committed in bridgehead and attacks

toward Nahe R at Bad Kreuznach: CCA advances

through 90th Div’s bridgehead, clearing Liesenfeld

and Schwall; CCB, driving through 5th Div, clears

Beltheim, Goedenroth, Laubach, and Simmern and

takes bridge over Simmer R. Enemy columns withdrawing in disorder before armor suffer heavily from

combined action of troops, tanks, arty, and aircraft.

89th and 76th Divs improve positions along the

Moselle and patrol actively; former begins limited

attacks to clear Moselle loop near Alf. In XX

Corps area, elements of 16th Cav Gp clear

Waldrach. 94th Div drives about 10,000 yards E as

resistance slackens: 302d Inf takes Hill 708 and

Reinsfeld; 301st clears Schillingen, Kell, and Gusenburg; 376th starts toward Schillingen. In 80th Div

zone, 318th Inf ( — ) mops up and prepares for drive

on Weis-kirchen to relieve trapped 2d Bn; 317th

clears Waldholzbach and Scheiden and reaches

Mitlesheim area; 319th takes Bergen and clears toward Britten and Losheim. 26th Div pushes slowly

forward to positions near Saarholzbach, passing

101st Inf through 328th.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army Opens

UNDERTONE—offensive to break through West Wall

and, in conjunction with Third Army to N, clear

the Saar–Palatinate triangle, within the confines of

the rivers Rhine, Moselle, and Lauter–Sarre. Three

corps attack abreast, XV in center making main

effort. Elements jump off at 0100 to achieve tactical

surprise. In XXI Corps area, 63d Div attacks on

right flank of corps SE of Saarbruecken to develop

West Wall positions and clears Fechingen, Eschringen, and Ensheim. On left flank of corps, 101st Cav

Gp and 10th Div mop up S of the Sarre; 70th Div

attacks toward Saarbruecken in afternoon but gains

little ground before breaking off attack to patrol

vigorously. In XV Corps area 45th and 3d Divs,

passing through 44th Div, drive N into Germany.

180th Inf, 45th, crosses the Blies to advance along

W side while 157th pushes northward along E

side of the river. From Rimling area, 3d Div drives

N toward West Wall and Zweibrucken. 100th Div attacks toward Bitche on E flank of corps, clearing

Schorbach and 2 Maginot forts and reaching heights

in Reyersviller area. VI Corps attacks across the Rothbach and Moder Rivers with 4 inf divs abreast, assisted by armor of 14th Armd Div. On left, 42d Div

reaches positions commanding Baerenthal and cuts

Baerenthal-Mouterhouse road. 103d Div drives to

positions near Zinswiller. 36th Div takes Bitschhoffen and penetrates enemy line along the Moder.

On right flank of corps, 3d Algerian Div, reinf by

elements of Fr 5th Armd Div, drives toward Lauterbourg from Oberhoffen area but is soon stopped by

heavy fire.

EASTERN EUROPE—German pocket in East

Prussia is split as troops of Third White Russian

Front break through to the coast SW of Koenigsberg.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, elements of 1st Armd Div

try in vain to establish outpost in Salvaro, on left

flank of corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 17th Div continues to hold out in Meiktila

although still isolated and dependent upon air

supply. To assist in this area, 9th Brig of Ind 5th

Div is being flown to Meiktila. Two mechanized

brigs of Ind 5th Div are moving overland from

Jorhat to aid Ind 7th Div on W flank of corps.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

127th Inf of 32d Div continues hard fighting on

Villa Verde Trail; 2d Bn of 128th Inf gets to within

500 yards of Imugan; where it is brought to a halt

by enemy. On Highway 5, 1st Bn of 161st Inf, 25th

Div, begins assault on Norton’s Knob, where entrenched Japanese throw back repeated attacks for

next 10 days. 35th Inf is ordered to relieve 1st Bn

of 27th so 27th Inf may apply its full force against

Mt Myoko. XI Corps, with new mission of attacking vigorously against center of Shimbu line, takes

over XIV Corps zone E and NE of Manila and the

divs (6th and 43d, less RCT 169) operating there.

[ 15 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 440 ]

XIV Corps has penetrated outer positions of enemy

in Montalban-Antipolo area. 6th Div, reinf by

112th Cav RCT, is to hold on left in Montalban

area while advancing its right flank eastward in

conjunction with 43d Div to S. In 43d Div zone,

Japanese on Bench Mark 7 are almost encircled by

103d Inf. Co B TF gains ground commanding

Teresa from S to E. 172d Inf is checked by opposition from Sugar Loaf. In W sector of corps, 38th

Div continues to clear toward Mt Pinatubo. XIV

Corps, with 1st Cav Div and 11th A/B Div under

command, can now give its full attention to clearing

S Luzon. In 11th A/B Div zone, Co C of 158th

Inf reaches and clears Mabini, on Calumpan

Peninsula. Continuing S toward Mabini, 3d Bn is

stopped by resistance about a mile short.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Panay invasion force sails from Luzon for target,

convoy protected by Fifth and Thirteenth Air

Forces. On Mindanao, 1st Bn of 163d Inf, 41st Div,

clears heights N and E of Pasananca Reservoir with

little difficulty while 2d Bn pushes 1,000 yards N of

the Santa Maria and establishes line running N to

Pasananca road junction. San Roque airfield becomes

operational. On Romblon, Co C of 19th Inf reaches

far side of island in overland and shore-to-shore movements. About 70 Japanese are estimated to remain

in SW part of Romblon.

IWO JIMA—4th and 3d Mar Divs, VAC, further

reduce pockets of enemy within their sectors. 5th

Mar Div gains 400 yards on right and 200 in center;

RCT 28, on div left, remains in place supporting

assault forces with fire. Naval support, except for

illumination, ceases.

16 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army area, VII Corps takes over N flank of

Remagen bridgehead. 78th Div is attached in place

and continues to expand bridgehead northeastward:

311th Inf, reinf by elements of 310th, clears most of

Konigswinter while 309th takes Hovel and

Aegidienberg and cuts Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn. 39th Inf and 60th Armd Inf Bn revert respectively to 9th Inf and 9th Armd Divs from

attachment to 78th Div. RCT 310, less 1st and 2d

Bns, reverts to 78th Div. RCT 18, 1st Div, assembles

E of the Rhine. 4th Cav Gp and 104th Div relieve

3d Armd Div along the Rhine, night 16–17. In III

Corp’s 9th Div zone, now N flank of corps, 39th Inf

takes Kalenborn, 47th gains a little ground near

Vettelschoss, and 60th takes Strodt. 99th Div gains

up to 4,000 yards as it continues E and S through

Honningen Wald: driving E, 395th and 393d Regts,

395th on left, reach objective heights W of Wied R,

overrunning a number of villages; advancing S,

394th Inf enters Honningen, where indecisive fighting ensues. Enemy offers a little less ground

resistance and ceases air attacks on bridges.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

begins assault across the Moselle early in day, crossing 347th and 345th Regts in Winningen–Kolberg

region against light resistance. Clearing SW along

E bank of the Moselle, 347th takes Dieblich, Dieblicherberg, Nieder Fell, and positions near Waldesch. 345th thrusts NE through Lay to outskirts of

Koblenz. Corps releases 11th Armd Div to XII

Corps and takes control of 28th Div from V Corps.

In XII Corps area, 2d Cav Gp, to which 2d Sq

reverts from attachment to 76th Div, is directed to

protect N flank of corps. 42d Sq completes relief

of N flank elements of 90th Div and 2d moves to

Kollig. 90th Div’s 357th Inf continues to meet

lively opposition in Pfaffenheck area; after taking

Ehr, 3d Bn of 358th swings NE toward 357th; TF

Spiess (90th Rcn Tr, reinf), organized to clear Boppard–St Goar sector of the Rhine, crosses the Moselle

at Hatzenport and drives rapidly to the Rhine, taking Weiler, Hirzenach, Rheinbay, Karbach, Holzfeld, Werlau, and Hungeroth; RCT 359

is attached to 4th Armd Div. 4th Armd Div speeds

SE to Nahe R near Bad Kreuznach and secures

bridgehead: on right CCB crosses at Oberhausen

and Bad Muenster and continues S to Dreineiherof

and Hochstatten; CCA reaches the Nahe at Gensingen and halts, since bridge is out. 5th Div sweeps

SE against negligible resistance: TF Breckenridge

(motorized 10th Inf (less 2d Bn) reinf) crosses into

bridgehead and moves S along right flank to Reidenhausen; 2d Inf thrusts to Hundheim area; 11th

reaches positions near Simmern; 2d Bn of 10th Inf

clears Moselle bend E of Cochem. 89th Div, with

353d Inf on left and 354th on right, starts across the

Moselle in assault boats in Bullay area at 0330 and

presses toward Grenderich on left and Hill 409, E

of Enkirch, on right, gaining shallow bridgehead;

elements W of the Moselle take Alf and Ernst.

Engineers put in Class 40 bridge at Bullay. 11th

Armd Div is attached to corps and starts to Lutzerath–Buchel assembly area. XX Corps commits

armor in breakout assault. 10th Armd Div, with

CCB on left and CCA on right, drives through 94th

and 80th Divs and is reinf by RCT’s 301, 94th Div,

and 318, 80th Div. In closely co-ordinated thrusts

toward the Prims, CCB and 94th Div clear to line

Hermeskeil–Nonnweiler while CCA and 80th Div

advance to line Ober Morscholz–Noswendel–Nieder

Losheim–Wahlen. Pressing S toward Merzig, 26th

Div clears Saarholzbach and Mettlach; TF D (a

rifle co, tanks, TD’s, and engineers) crosses Seffers

R to clear Rimlingen.

[ 16 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 441 ]

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, 63d Div continues attack to develop

West Wall positions on right flank of corps. In XV

Corps area, while 45th and 3d Divs continue attacks

against outer defenses of West Wall, tooth Div finishes clearing Bitche and environs. In VI Corps

area, 42d Div penterates enemy positions near Baerenthal. 103d clears Zinswiller and Oberbronn and

reaches outskirts of Reichshoffen. After massed arty

fire, 142d Inf of 36th Div crosses Zintzel R

and captures Mertzwiller; 141st continues drive in

Haguenau Forest; motorized column of 143d (1st

Bn, reinf) speeds toward Soultz until stopped by

enemy below Eberbach. German withdrawal on

right flank of corps permits 3d Algerian Div to move

forward rapidly.

EASTERN EUROPE—From Szekesfehervar region

of Hungary, Soviet forces open drive on Vienna.

BURMA—In NCAC area, CAI troops reach

Hsipaw, NE of Kyaukme. Joint Chiefs of Staff

suggest that U.S. TF MARS and Ch 38th, 50th, and

30th Divs be flown to China in transports of NCAC

as well as those of China Theater and ATC.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

35th Inf of 25th Div, leaving 3d Bn to maintain

roadblock on Old Spanish Trail in Salazar area,

starts forward to relieve 1st Bn, 27th Inf. In XI

Corps area, 6th Div prepares to renew eastward

drive against Shimbu line. 172d Inf, 43d Div, is still

unable to progress in Sugar Loaf Hill area; 103d

seizes Bench Mark 20, 1 1/2 miles N of Teresa, and

drives to crest of Bench Mark 7, last enemy strongpoint W of Morong R Valley. In XIV Corps area,

3d Bn of 158th Inf reaches Mabini. This completes

capture of Calumpan Peninsula.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, in

preparation for assault landing by 40th Div on

Panay, arty cub planes are flown in to guerrilla-built

airstrip in N part of island. On Mindanao, Co F

of 162d Inf, 41st Div, reinf, moves by water from

Zamboanga to Basilan I. and lands without opposition after 30-minute naval gunfire bombardment by

a DD.

IWO JIMA—Iwo Jima is declared secure at 1800,

though enemy continues to hold out on northern

tip. RCT 25 eliminates pocket on 4th Mar Div

right flank; RCT 23 is relieved by RCT 24 and

re-embarks. 3d Mar Div, whose left boundary is

changed, relieves left flank elements of 5th Mar

Div with RCT 21, which, after arty preparation,

drives N to coast at Kitano Pt against scattered

resistance; RCT 9 overcomes organized resistance

on div right flank. 5th Mar Div’s RCT 26 inches

forward 200 yards while RCT 28 continues clearing

along gorge across its front and supports RCT 26

with fire; RCT 27, upon relief by 3d Mar Div,

assembles as reserve. Center Airfield is operational.

17 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 1st Div begins attack

E of the Rhine toward Sieg R: 18th Inf, on left,

passes through 309th Inf, on 78th Div right, and

takes limited objectives in Grafenhohn–Huscheid

region; 26th takes crossroads E of Himberg and

drives on Hill 363, S of Wullscheid. Elements of

16th Inf assemble E of the Rhine. 78th Div regroups and provides fire support for 1st Div. 3d

Armd Div, held in reserve, releases 13th Inf to 8th

Div and recovers CC Howze from attachment to

1st Div. In III Corps area, Maj Gen James A. Van

Fleet takes command of corps, relieving Gen Milliken. Ludendorff RR bridge collapses while under

repair but other bridges have been constructed.

Ground opposition continues to slacken. 9th Div

cuts autobahn near Windhagen, overruns Vettelschoss, and partly clears high ground along the

Wied E of Strodt. 99th Div gains initial objectives.

While 394th Inf overcomes strong opposition in

Honningen, 393d clears Hausen and Solscheid and

395th consolidates along the Wied and searches for

crossing sites. 18th Sq, 14th Cav Gp, is attached to

99th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 345th Inf

of 87th Div crosses 2d Bn over the Moselle near

Guels after 3d Bn clears Moselweiss, then attacks E

through Koblenz with 2d and 3d Bns while 1st

remains in S outskirts; about a third of the city is

cleared in house-to-house fighting. 347th Inf presses

SE toward the Rhine, overrunning Waldesch, entering Rhens, and reaching positions near river

bend NW of Osterpai. Bridges are completed at

Winningen and Kobern. 28th Div is assembling in

Nieder Mendig sector. In XII Corps area, 357th Inf

of 80th Div seizes Boppard against light resistance;

elements of 358th clear St Goarer Stadtwald; TF

Spiess finishes clearing along the Rhine from Boppard to St Goar and receives surrender of latter.

2d Cav Gp, attached to 80th Div since that unit is

to extend right boundary along the Rhine to Bingen,

relieves 80th Div of Boppard–St Goar–Oberwesel

sector and makes contact with VIII Corps. On 4th

Armd Div right, CCB enlarges Nahe bridgehead

and in evening begins assault on Bad Kreuznach.

CCA fords the Nahe and thrusts toward Sprendlingen, overrunning Ippesheim, Biebelsheim, and

Zotzenheim. TF Breckenridge, 5th Div, gets advance elements to Waldboeckelheim but rest of

column and 2d Inf halt near Tiefenbach; 11th Inf

reaches Riesweiler, Argenthal, and Ellern. 89th Div

expands and consolidates Bullay bridgehead and is

passed through by 11th Armd Div. 11th Armd Div

begins drive toward the Rhine at Worms at noon:

CCB moves through Atlay and Lauzenhausen to

[ 17 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 442 ]

Buechenbeuren area; 41st Cav Rcn Sq advances to

right, taking Loetzbeuren and Wahlenau; on div

left, CCA drives through Kappel toward Kirchberg.

In XX Corps area CCB of 10th Armd Div crosses

the Nahe near Turkismuhle; CCA closes along W

bank of the Prims on right flank of div. 94th and

80th Divs make substantial gains in conjunction

with armor. 94th Div reaches Birkenfeld, its objective. 80th Div establishes bridgehead across the

Prims in Krettnich-Nunkirchen area. 101st Inf of

26th Div takes Brotdorf, Honzrath, and Dueppenweiler; 104th seizes Prims R bridge at Huettersdorf;

328th clears Merzig and Haustadt. 65th Div prepares for breakout attack from Saarlautern bridgehead. 261st Inf (—) crosses the Saar near Menningen and clears heights S of Merzig in preparation

for drive on Dillingen. On N flank of corps, 316th

Prov Cav Brig finishes clearing MSR, the Trier–Hermeskeil road. 16th Cav Gp begins relief of 3d Cav

Gp, which is to assemble in reserve at Trier.

12th Armd Div is attached to corps to exploit 94th

Div breakthrough and starts to forward assembly

areas.

6th Army Group: Generals Eisenhower and Patton visit Seventh Army hq at Lunéville to discuss

liaison between Third and Seventh Armies.

In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, 63d

Div continues efforts to break through West Wall

on right flank of corps. 12th Armd Div, which was

to have exploited through 63d Div, is transferred

to XX Corps, Third Army. In XV Corps area, 45th

and 3d Divs reach West Wall fortifications in

Zweibrucken area. VI Corps advances rapidly all

along line as resistance slackens sharply. On left,

42d Div gains up to 6 miles, clearing Bannstein, Stuzelbronn, Baerenthal, Philippsbourg, Dambach, Neunhoffen, and Niedersteinbach; 117th Cav

Rcn Sq seizes Mouterhouse. 103d Div overruns a

number of towns and villages, among them Niederbronn, Reichshoffen, and Woerth. Motorized

column of 143d Inf, 36th Div, pursues enemy to Bieberbach R near Gunstett, where bridge is

down; 142d Inf follows 143d northward; 141st continues clearing Haguenau Forest. 3d Algerian Div

continues rapidly N on right flank of corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Japanese continue to hold Fort Dufferin, in

Mandalay. Br 2d Div takes Ava Fort, at bend of the

Irrawaddy S of Mandalay.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

27th Inf of 25th Div begins attack along ridge leading to Mt Myoko, on Balete Ridge 5,500 yards SE

of Balete Pass. In XI Corps area, 6th Div attacks

eastward against Shimbu line with 20th and 1st

Regts, 20th on N, while 63d Inf holds along general

line San Mateo Montalban San Isidro, gaining

day’s objectives. Elements of 1st Inf fall back

under counterattack, however. 172d Inf, 43d Div,

continues futile efforts to reduce Sugar Loaf Hill.

With S entrances to Morong R Valley secure, 103d

Inf patrols toward Pantay, NE of Bench Mark 20.

In XIV Corps area 188th Inf ( — 1st Bn) of 11th

A/B Div relieves RCT 158 in Batangas.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Japanese on Mindanao are firmly established at

Masilay and Pasananca. 162d Inf, 41st Div, improves positions near San Roque, capturing hill.

163d advances NW of Pasananca. On Palawan, 1st

Bn of RCT 186 leaves for Zamboanga, Mindanao,

to joint 41st Div.

IWO JIMA—RCT 24 of 4th Mar Div relieves

RCT 25, which re-embarks; continues mopping up

div zone on right flank of corps. 3d Mar Div mops

up within its sector. Enemy is confined to such a

small portion of N Iwo Jima that arty support of

5th Mar Div is impossible. 5th Mar Div pockets

enemy forces, including their commander, Lt Gen

Tadamichi Kuribayashi, in area 700 yards long and

200-500 yards wide. RCT 26, after advancing its

right and center to N coast, presses S and W toward rocky gorge, along which RCT 28 remains.

18 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 78th Div, driving N

along E bank of the Rhine with 311th Inf on left

and 310th on right, secures Nieder and Ober Dollendorf and high ground dominating Konigswinter bridge site. 18th Inf, on left flank of 1st Div,

takes commanding ground and 2 villages NE of

Brungsberg; 26th, on right, clears Orscheid, Wullscheid, Hill 363 S of Wullscheid, and Stockhausen.

16th Inf completes its crossing of the Rhine and

relieves elements of 18th Inf and of 78th Div. In

III Corps area, 9th Div, pressing toward initial

objective line along Pfeffer and Wied Rivers, clears

Windhagen and Ober Windhagen, improves positions E of Vettelschoss, and gains high ground

along the Wied in Strodt area. 99th Div mops up

and patrols along the Wied to locate crossing sites.

18th Cav Sq relieves elements of 394th Inf.

In U.S. Third Army s VIII Corps area, 345th Inf

of 87th Div clears most of Koblenz and places direct

fire on Fort Constantine, which continues to hold

out. 347th makes progress to S despite observed

enemy fire from across the Rhine, clearing rest of

Rhens and taking Brey and Niederspay. 6th Cav Gp,

whose zone is extended S to junction of Rhine and

Moselle Rivers, prepares for relief by 28th Div,

which completes assembly in Nieder Mendig area.

XII Corps issues orders for drive to Mainz–Worms

sector of the Rhine: 90th Div is to take Mainz; 4th

Armd Div, previously ordered to Mainz, is re-

[ 18 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 443 ]

directed to Worms. In 90th Div zone, 2d Cav Gp

holds Boppard-Oberwesel sector of the Rhine; TF

Spiess mops up from Oberwesel to Nieder Heimbach; 358th Inf clears from Nieder Heimbach to

Bingerbruch. 359th Inf reverts to 90th Div at 2400.

CCB of 4th Armd Div captures that part of Bad

Kreuznach E of the Nahe and attacks toward Volxheim and Wollstein, clearing part of Volxheim;

CCR mops up resistance bypassed by CCB; CCA

takes Sprendlingen, Gau Bickelheim, St Johann,

and Wolfsheim with little difficulty. Continuing S,

elements of TF Breckenridge, 5th Div, reach

Gemuen-den–Mengerschied–Sargenroth area. 2d and

11th Regts clear through woods to vicinity of Weitersborn, Seesbach, Pferdsfeld, Ippenscheid, Winterbach, Begroth, Argenschwang, and Dalberg. 11th

Armd Div speeds S to Nahe R and crosses elements,

although bridges are wrecked: on right, 41st Cav

reaches the river at Fischbach; CCB crosses some

elements at Kirn and others at Kirnssulzbach; advancing through Kirchberg, CCA reaches river line

near Simmern unt Dhaun. Closely co-ordinated air

and ground action results in heavy losses to enemy

withdrawing in confusion. RCT 355, 89th Div,

crosses the Moselle at Alf and follows 11th Armd

Div, to which it is attached for motorized mopping

up. To rear of 11th Armd Div, 89th Div expands

positions E of the Moselle and makes contact with

5th Div to left. 76th Div establishes bridgehead

across the Moselle SE of Wittlich, crossing 304th Inf

in Wehlen–Lieser–Kesten area and clearing Muelheim, Filzen, Wintrich, Reinsport, Nieder Emmel,

and Mustert. In XX Corps area, 16th Cav Gp, completing relief of 3d Cav Gp, passes to corps control

to screen N flank. 94th Div pursues disorganized

enemy to Baumholder. 12th Armd Div, with CCR

on left and CCB on right, begins drive through 94th

Div toward the Rhine in Worms area. 10th Armd

Div, pressing forward in multiple columns, reaches

St Wendel area. CCA begins assault on St Wendel,

target for 2 hours of direct fire; elements prepare to

continue pursuit of enemy falling back toward Kaiserslautern. CCB gets forward elements to Thalichtenberg area. 80th Div follows 10th Armd

Div closely by motor and on foot. 104th Inf, 26th

Div, takes Gresaubach, Thalexweiler, Aschbach, and

Dirmingen while 101st clears Lebach, Bubach, and

Kalmesweiler; 328th assembles at Haustadt as

reserve. Beginning breakout assault from Saarlautern bridgehead, 65th Div’s’ 261st Inf takes Dillingen; 259th and 260th improve positions in Saarlautern bridgehead but fail to break out.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army is planning

for assault across the Rhine. In XXI Corps area, engineers assisting 63d Div breach gap in dragon’s

teeth of West Wall N of Ensheim and Ommersheim. In XV Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs begin

assault on pillboxes and dragon’s teeth of West

Wall. 100th Div starts withdrawal from line in

Bitche area as 71st Div relieves it. In VI Corps

area, 42d Div, crossing into Germany, reaches West

Wall defenses on left flank of corps. 103d Div advances rapidly northward across German border,

taking Bobenthal and bridges over the Lauter there;

runs into opposition below Niederschlettenbach.

Crossing Bieberbach R over newly completed bridge.

some elements of 36th Div seize Dieffenbach and

others take Surbourg. 14th Armd Div is moving

forward to exploit through 36th Div. Orders for 3d

Algerian Div to revert to Fr 1st Army upon

reaching the Lauter are altered to permit French

to continue to Erlen R. The div pursues retreating

enemy on right flank of corps to within a mile of

German border.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First White Russian

Front complete capture of town and port of Kolberg

(Pomerania), last enemy pocket on Baltic coast

between Polish corridor and Stettin Bay.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

II Corps area, Italian Legnano Gp is attached to

corps and placed under command of 91st Div, later

relieving 2 regts of that div. 85th Div passes to army

reserve.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

33d Div TF (1st Bn, 130th Inf, reinf) assembles near

Bauang for rcn in force of Bauang–Naguilian area.

Japanese, under increasing pressure from Filipino

guerrillas on N and Americans on S, are ordered

to withdraw from San Fernando on 20th. 25th Div

at last overruns the enemy positions N of Putlan

that have been delaying it for some days. Next

objective on Highway 5 is Kapintalan, some 41/2

air miles N of Putlan. In XI Corps area, 2d Bn of

20th Inf, 6th Div, attacks NE, night 18–19, toward

Mt Baytangan. 1st Inf, in limited action, recovers

ground lost in counterattack. 1st Bn of 103 Inf, 43d

Div, drives to S end of Bench Mark 23. 3d Bn attacks toward Mt Tanauan and gains positions on

slopes. 38th Div commander requests and receives

permission to reconnoiter Caballo I. In XIV Corps

area, 158th Inf turns over responsibility for Calumpan Peninsula to AT Co. Guerrilla patrol reports

Mt Bijang clear of enemy.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

VICTOR I Attack Group (TG 78.3 under Adm

Struble) lands 185th Inf, 40th Div, on S Panay

after brief naval gunfire bombardment of landing

beaches in Tigbauan area. Landing is unopposed

and assault forces move rapidly E and NE toward

Iloilo, forward elements reaching Arevale, 10 miles

E of Tigbauan. 2d Bn, 160th Inf, follows 185th Inf

ashore and takes responsibility for NW edge of

beachhead. 40th Rcn Tr columns drive to Alimodian

and Santa Barbara. CG, 40th Div, assumes com-

[ 18 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 444 ]

mand ashore. In Mindanao area, elements of Co. F,

162d Inf, 41st Div, move from Basilan I. to Malamaui

I. where search for enemy is uneventful.

IWO JIMA—3d Mar Div relieves RCT 24, 4th

Mar Div, with RCT 9, whereupon RCT 24 reembarks. RCT’s 9 and 21, 3d Mar Div, patrol and

mop up from this date until relieved by garrison

forces. 5th Mar Div is methodically reducing final

pocket of resistance: RCT 28 conducts holding action along S rim of the rocky gorge across its front

and provides fire support while RCT 26 works forward slowly from N to E. Elements of 5th Mar Div

not engaged in combat begin re-embarking.

JAPAN—In preparation for Operation ICEBERG

(invasion of the Ryukyus), carrier planes of TF 58

attack Japanese homeland to neutralize enemy airfields on Kyushu. The strikes are highly effective,

resulting in heavy damage to airfields and installations and destruction of many aircraft on the ground

and in the air.

19 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, continuing N along the

Rhine, 78th Div’s 311th Inf takes Romlinghoven,

Obercassel, and positions dominating bridge site

while, 310th overruns Busch, Bennert, and Heisterbacherrott. 1st Div meets stubborn opposition as it

drives enemy 1,000–3,000 yards farther NE and E

from the Rhine: Eudenbach falls to 18th Inf; 26th

reaches Gratzfeld by daylight and presses E toward

airfield. First Class 40 bridge over the Rhine is completed. Corps units W of the river regroup. 8th Div

relieves 413th Inf, 104th Div, and begins relief of

4th Cav Gp. 7th Armd Div is attached to corps and

defends W bank of the Rhine to S of 8th Div. In

III Corps area, 9th Div, continuing E throughout

day and night with 39th and 47th Regts, secures

initial bridgehead line by dawn of 20th. 99th Div,

directed to secure commanding ground along general line Solscheid–Hammerstein, extends right

flank S past Rheinbrohl and Hammerstein in limited

attack. In V Corps area, elements of 9th Inf, 2d

Div, clear Rhine island near Namedy.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps zone W

of the Rhine is cleared as 87th Div gains its objectives. 345th Inf completes capture of Koblenz and

347th clears Oberspay. 28th Div relieves 6th Cav

Gp of holding positions along the Rhine. Corps

gradually becomes responsible for W bank of the

Rhine from Boppard to Bingen and for 76th Div,

which is to defend it, as 2d Cav Gp of XII Corps

is relieved there. 385th Inf, first of 76th Div units

to reach new zone, begins relieving 2d Cav Gp and

is attached to corps. In XII Corps area, 2d Cav Gp

displaces S along the Rhine to its junction with the

Nahe, relieving 358th Inf and TF Spiess of 90th

Div. 90th Div attacks across the Nahe toward the

Rhine at Mainz. 358th Inf, on left, after crossing

the Nahe at Bretzenheim, drives to Aspisheim and

Dromersheim and outposts Welgesheim. 359th

crosses the Nahe at Bad Kreuznach and drives to

Wolfsheim, Vendersheim, St Johann, Sprendlingen,

Hackenheim, and Volxheim. TF Spiess crosses into

bridgehead and assembles. 4th Armd Div makes

rapid progress against weakening resistance. CCB

overruns Wollstein, Gumbsheim, Siefersheim, Wonsheim, Eckelsheim and Wendelsheim. CCA takes

Vendersheim, Sulzheim, Wallertheim, Rommersheim, and Schimsheim. With close air support

softening resistance immediately ahead, 11th Armd

Div breaks through last enemy defense positions

on high ground S of the Nahe and pursues demoralized enemy E toward the Rhine; objective is changed

to the Rhine just S of Worms, rather than Worms,

which 4th Armd Div is to take. From Fischbach,

41st Cav Rcn Sq drives to Medard and Odenbach

and makes contact with 12th Armd Div of XX

Corps, on right. CCB overruns enemy defenses S

of the Nahe; races to Meisenheim and takes Glan

R bridge; continues forward to Alsenz R at Rockenhausen, where bridge is secured. Rear elements

of CCA battle enemy pocket at Rohrbach while

others ford the Nahe at Martinstein, overrun enemy’s MLR at Merxheim, and continue to Meisenheim. CCR follows CCB and assists in handling

horde of prisoners. To rear of armor, 5th and 89th

Divs clear southward to the Nahe from Bad Kreusnach westward. Upon dissolution of TF Breckenridge of 5th Div, RCT 10 is attached to 4th Armd

Div. 304th Inf, 76th Div, expands Moselle bridgehead sufficiently to permit bridging at Muelheim

and makes contact with XX Corps; Graach, Bernkastel, Andel, Monzelfeld, Longkamp, and Gornhausen are easily cleared. XX Corps continues

rapidly E toward the Rhine. 16th Cav Gp displaces

eastward to screen N flank. 94th Div gains 22 miles

in zone of 302d Inf and 12 miles in zone of 376th.

12th Armd Div’s CCR bypasses resistance at Lauterecken, which 94th Div eliminates. CCB, directed

toward autobahn bridge over the Rhine N of Mannheim, passes through 94th Div at Baumholder and

with TF Norton on left and TF Field on right

reaches positions beyond Winnweiler. CCA joins in

eastward drive, following the other assault columns.

10th Armd Div drives E with 3 CC’s abreast to

positions near Kaiserslautern. 80th Div clears Kusel, helps 10th Armd Div clear St Wendel, which it

outposts, and moves elements E from St Wendel

area. Elements of 26th Div reach Ottweiler. 65th

Div expands Saarlautern bridgehead: 261st Inf

takes Nalbach, Piesbach, Bilsdorf, and Saarwellingen; 260th is pinched out after clearing Saarlautern

[ 19 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 445 ]

and Saarlautern–Roden; 259th takes Fraulautern and

Ensdorf.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, 63d Div, continuing assault on West

Wall, destroys many pillboxes. On left flank of

corps, 70th Div renews attack for Sarre R crossings

and Saarbruecken; at night, gets patrol of 276th

Inf across the river without opposition. CCA, 6th

Armd Div, is attached to 63d Div to exploit expected breakthrough. In XV Corps area, 45th and

3d Divs continue assault on West Wall, destroying

numerous pillboxes and bunkers. 45th Div overruns Alschbach, Blieskastel, and Webenheim. Forward elements of 3d Div reach positions E of Zweibrucken. In VI Corps area, 42d Div progresses

slowly against West Wall fortifications on left flank

of corps. 103d Div is strongly opposed near Nieder

Schlettenbach and Reisdorf. Lively fighting is in

progress in Wissembourg Gap as 36th Div clears

Wissembourg and continues across German border

to Ober Otterbach and positions to E. Elements of

CCA, 14th Armd Div, cross the Lauter NE of Schleithal. Fr Groupement Monsabert is organized from

3d Algerian Div and attached elements of 5th Fr

Armd Div to continue operations beyond the Lauter. Crossing the Lauter into Germany, Groupement Monsabert seizes Scheibenhard and Lauterbourg.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 19th Div is still unable to break into Fort

Dufferin, but aircraft breach the thick wall. Ind

20th Div column drives through Pyinzi to Pindale,

in region S of Mandalay.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

33d Div TF takes Bauang town and bridge with

little difficulty. In XI Corps area, 2d Bn of 20th

Inf, 6th Div, reaches positions some 1,200 yards W

of Mt Baytangan during morning. 1st Inf renews

attack and gains ground to right of 20th Inf. 172d

Inf, in effort to envelop Sugar Loaf Hill, moves 2d

Bn through 103d Inf to Mt Caymayuman to strike

from rear. 3d Bn, 103d Inf, continues clearing Mt

Tanauan, where enemy is offering strong opposition. Platoon of 2d Bn, 151st Inf, 38th Div, from

garrison of Corregidor, lands on E end of Caballo

I. without opposition; locates enemy defenses in

center of the island, against which softening bombardment is conducted for the next week. In XIV

Corps area, patrol of 511th Inf, 11th A/B Div, and

guerrillas occupy Mt Bijang without opposition.

RCT 158 begins attack for 3 hills in Cuenca area:

2d Bn reaches 2 of the hills with ease, but 3d Bn,

attacking the third, Mt Macolod, is stopped short

of Cuenca by intense fire.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, in

preparation for assault landing on Cebu, Thirteenth

Air Force starts intensive bombardment. On Mindanao, 1st Bn of 186th Inf arrives at Zamboanga,

where American control is being extended. Elements of Co F, 162d Inf, on Malamaui I., return to

Basilan. On Panay, one 185th Inf column continues

toward Iloilo until halted by enemy defenses at

Molo. Another seizes Carpenter bridge across Iloilo

R north of Molo before Japanese can destroy it. A

third column seizes Mandurriao and its airfield

without opposition. Japanese, after nightfall, attempt to escape into mountains through guerrilla

lines at Jaro and are largely successful.

IWO JIMA—5th Mar Div’s RCT 26, assisted by

fire of RCT 28, maintains pressure against final enemy pocket, moving forward slowly. 4th Mar Div

completes re-embarkation.

JAPAN—For the second successive day, carrier

planes of TF 58 strike at Japanese homeland, concentrating on enemy fleet units in Kure-Kobe area.

Despite extremely heavy AA fire, carrier planes

damage at least 16 Japanese warships and a number

of other vessels. Enemy planes hit USS Franklin

(CV) and leave it burning. During afternoon TF

58 withdraws southward, covering the disabled Franklin and conducting fighter sweeps over Kyushu airfields.

20 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, continuing N along

the Rhine toward the Sieg, RCT 311, on 78th Div

left, reaches Geislar; 309th Inf passes through 310th

to continue right flank drive and advances rapidly.

16th Inf, committed on 1st Div left, takes objective

towns of Stieldorferhohn and Oberpleis; 18th captures Berghausen and Bennerscheid and commanding heights and villages near these; against heavy

opposition, 26th cuts Eudenbach–Buchholz road and

gains objectives in vicinity of airfield. CC Howze,

3d Armd Div, is attached to 1st Div and relieves

elements of 16th Inf. 4th Cav Gp, upon relief by

8th Div, moves S to defensive positions along the

Rhine in Bonn area. III Corps continues limited

attack to SE with 394th Inf, 99th Div, improving

positions.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 76th Div

continues relief of 2d Cav Gp along the Rhine and

withdraws its Moselle bridgehead on S flank of

corps. 2d Cav Gp, under 90th Div command, crosses

42d Sq over the Nahe at Bretzenheim and drives N

to S edge of Bingen. Driving quickly toward Mainz

with 358th Inf on left, 359th in center, and TF Spiess

on right, 90th Div reaches Wackernheim, Ober Olmer Wald, Klein Winternheim, Ebersheim, Mommenheim, and Selzen; 357th crosses the Nahe. 5th

Div crosses the Nahe and clears eastward toward the

Rhine and Oppenheim; RCT 11, in the lead, reaches

[ 20 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 446 ]

Gau Odernheim–Spiesheim–Woerrstadt region. 4th

Armd Div gets forward elements to the Rhine at

Worms and blocks roads leading to the city. On right

flank of corps, 11th Armd Div continues rapid advance toward the Rhine and gets CCB within 4

kilometers of the river. 89th Div crosses the Nahe

and moves forward behind 11th Armd Div, clearing

bypassed resistance. In XX Corps area, 94th Div

gains up to 23 miles, advance elements (2d Bn of

302d Inf) reaching Dirmstein, E of Gruenstadt.

CCR, 12th Armd Div, reaches Gruenstadt area;

CCB’s TF Norton reaches the Rhine N of Mannheim, night 20–21, and TF Field moves to Freinsheim area to assist 92d Cav Rcn Sq as it drives E

on div right flank. 80th Div’s 319th Inf seizes and

outposts Kaiserslautern; 317th halts at Enkenbach

and Neukirchen, NE of Kaiserslautern. Bypassing

Kaiserslautern to N and S, 10th Armd Div drives E

to Neukirchen–Enkenbach–Hochspeyer area.. 26th

Div mops up around Ottweiler. 65th Div pushes E

to Kirschhof–Dilsburg area. 3d Cav Gp moves from

Trier to Saarlautern to protect S flank of corps and

is attached to 65th Div. Contact is made with

Seventh Army to right.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army breaks

through West Wall fortifications in zones of XXI

and XV Corps. In XXI Corps area, 70th Div, on

left flank of corps, occupies Saarbruecken without

opposition and makes contact with XX Corps, Third

Army. 63d Div achieves complete breakthrough of

West Wall to right: 254th Inf reaches Ober Wurzbach; 255th moves forward through West Wall into

Hassel and St Ingbert TF Harris, 3d Bn of 254th

Inf, reinf, is created to clear Neukirchen area. CCA,

6th Armd Div, after exploiting through 63d Div to

Homburg against light opposition, reverts to parent

unit. In XV Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs break

through West Wall defenses in their respective

zones. With capture of Homburg, 45th completes

its immediate mission. 3d Div pushes forward into

Zweibrucken and takes bridges intact. 6th Armd

Div ( — CCA) passes through 3d Div to exploit to

the Rhine, advancing rapidly. In VI Corps area, 42d

Div is virtually halted by effective enemy defense of

West Wall positions on left flank of corps. 103d Div

is also slowed by strong opposition but takes Nieder

Schlettenbach. Left flank elements of 36th Div reach

Dorrenbach area. CCA, 14th Armd Div, attacks in

Wissembourg Gap and reaches main defenses of

West Wall at Steinfeld, which it begins clearing.

Groupement Monsabert is slowly clearing the Bien

Wald on right flank of corps. 4th Div is attached to

corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First White Russian Front overrun Alt Damm (Pomerania) and

eliminate last German bridgehead across the Oder,

opposite Stettin. In East Prussia, forces of Third

White Russian Front capture Braunsberg. Red Army

maintains pressure against Baltic ports of Gdynia

and Danzig.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Ind 19th Div, at Mandalay, breaks into Fort

Dufferin and finds that enemy has withdrawn.

In NCAC area, Br 36th Div reaches Mogok and

turns SE toward Kyaukme.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

33d Div TF moves N toward San Fernando from

the Bauang sector in attempt to link up with

guerrilla forces of N Luzon. Japanese withdraw

from San Fernando under cover of darkness. On

Highway 5, Co C of 161st Inf, 25th Div, takes fork

of ridge W of Norton’s Knob while rest of 1st Bn

continues fruitless attack on Norton’s Knob. 3d Bn

relieves Co C. In XI Corps area, 6th Div gains

several hundred yards, reaching heights commanding Bosoboso R, and pauses to mop up and reconnoiter. Japanese make determined counterattack

against 172d Inf of 43d Div on Mt Caymayuman,

night 20–21. 3d Bn of 103d Inf suspends attack on

Mt Tanauan while that area is being neutralized

with fire. In XIV Corps area, 3d and 1st Bns of

158th Inf continue attack toward Cuenca and Mt

Macolod. Patrol reports Cuenca undefended.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X

Corps is designated as VICTOR V TF to seize

Malabang-Parang-Cotabato area of Mindanao and

clear region E of Zamboanga Peninsula. 24th and

31st Divs are placed under control of X Corps. 41st

Div and Para RCT 505 are to be held in army

reserve. On Mindanao, Co F ( — ) of 162d Inf returns to Zamboanga from Basilan I. Cos K and L,

121st Guerrilla Regt, and platoon of Co F, 162d Inf,

remain on Basilan to provide security. On Panay,

elements of 185th Inf drive quickly through Molo

to Iloilo, which is secured with ease. Organized

resistance on Panay has collapsed. Japanese groups

withdrawing toward the mountains from Jaro are

intercepted by 40th Rcn Tr and 3d Bn and harassed

by aircraft. Search of the island continues.

IWO JIMA—RCT 26, 5th Mar Div, pushes slowly

NW toward the sea along draw that crosses front

of RCT 28. RCT 28 continues to support attack

with fire and begins gradual withdrawal of elements from line as attack progresses across its front.

Transports with garrison force—RCT 147—arrive

off island.

21 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army’s VII Corps area, 78th Div concludes

drive to the Sieg: 311th Inf reaches the river at

Meindorf; 310th takes Hangeler, Niederpleis, Muelldorf–Siegburg, and Menden. 4th Sq, 4th Cav Gp,

[ 21 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 447 ]

is attached to div to defend river line and relieves

elements of 311th and 310th Regts along the Sieg.

CC Howze, 3d Armd Div, is also attached to 78th

Div and drives N with TF Richardson to the Sieg

on div right flank, partly clearing Buisdorf; 309th

Inf follows armor and mops up. 1st Div progresses

NE toward the Sieg. 16th Inf clears Uthweiler,

Rott, Soven, Pleiserhohn, Westerhausen, and Buchholz; 18th takes Eisbach, Ruebhausen, and Kurtscheid; in limited attack, 26th secures Germscheid.

RCT 413, 104th Div, upon crossing into bridgehead E of the Rhine, is attached to 1st Div and

begins relief of 26th Inf. 8th Div relieves 414th and

415th Regts, 104th Div, in line. III Corps prepares

for breakout assault. RCT 38 of 2d Div, V Corps,

and CCB of 9th Armd Div take over part of 99th

Div zone. At midnight 21–22, 9th Armd Div is

transferred to V Corps. V Corps goes on the offensive. 2d Div begins crossing the Rhine via III Corps

bridges and LCVP’s at 0400. RCT 9, upon relief

W of the river by 69th Div, closes in vicinity of

Rheinbrohl E of the Rhine. 69th Div is moving

forward to W bank of the Rhine.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 76th Div

completes relief of 2d Cav Gp, XII Corps, along the

Rhine from Boppard to Bingen and passes to corps

control. In XII Corps area, 42d Sq of 2d Cav Gp

takes Bingen and extends positions along the Rhine

to Frei Weinheim; 2d Sq, disposed along the Rhine

between Frei Weinheim and Mainz, is in contact

with 90th Div near Mainz. 90th Div closes in on

Mainz and clears most of its zone W of the Rhine.

357th Inf is committed between 359th Inf and TF

Spiess. 5th Div clears its zone W of the Rhine, RCT

11 reaching the river at Oppenheim and Nierstein.

RCT 10, which reverts to parent unit, mops up

Worms and begins assembly. 4th Armd Div drives

N along W bank of the Rhine with CCB on right

and CCA on left, clearing region between Worms

and Oppenheim; CCR assembles in Stein Bockenheim area to block roads on div S flank. 11th Armd

Div completes its second drive to the Rhine by 0800,

when CCB takes final objective, airport S of Worms.

CCB, to which 41st Cav is attached, enters Worms,

which is in ruins, and withdraws to assembly area

near Weinsheim. RCT 355 reverts to 89th Div

from attachment to 11th Armd Div. XX Corps gets

additional elements to the Rhine between Worms

and Mannheim and takes up positions for assaults

on Ludwigshafen and Speyer. Elements of 302d Inf,

94th Div, reach the Rhine near Petersau; 376th

advances to W edge of Ludwigshafen. 12th Armd

Div’s CCA reaches outskirts of Ludwigshafen and

is passed through by elements of 94th Div, which

it prepares to assist in attack on the city. CCR and

CCB ( — TF Field) complete drive to the Rhine

and, upon relief along W bank by 94th Div, move

to assembly area. TF Field and 92d Cav Rcn Sq head

for Speyer (which is also objective of 10th Armd

Div), reaching edge of Mutterstadt. 10th Armd Div

drives S on broad front toward Speyer: CCA reaches

Neustadt and Dannstadt; CCR clears Rinnthal, Annweiler, and Queichambach, W of Landau;

CCB reaches Densieders, NE of Pirmasens, and

positions near Rinnthal. 80th Div ( — ) moves to

forward assembly areas E of Kaiserslautern. 26th

and 65th Divs continue E until ordered to halt.

Former, advancing generally toward Neustadt, is

to remain W of vertical 20 grid line and S of horizontal 90 grid line. 65th Div is to assemble in Neunkirchen area and 3d Cav Gp, which is detached

from it, in Ottweiler region for rehabilitation and

training.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army CP moves

forward from Luneville to Sarreguemines. In XXI

Corps area, organized resistance collapses. 63d Div’s

TF Harris clears Neunkirchen area. 63d Div is then

transferred to XV Corps. 70th Div is withdrawn

as army reserve. In XV Corps area, 6th Armd

Div moves rapidly eastward to the Rhine, which

CCA reaches at Rhein–Durkheim; makes patrol contact with Third Army at Worms. 179th Inf, 45th

Div, follows CCA while rest of div mops up. In VI

Corps area, 42d Div, renewing attack on West

Wall at 1900 after air and arty preparation, finds

that enemy has abandoned his first belt of pillboxes.

102d Div TF (2d Bn, 409th Inf, and elements of

761st Tank Bn) drives into Reisdorf. 36th Div

overruns a number of enemy strongpoints within its

sector. CCA and CCR, 14th Armd Div, continue

clearing Steinfeld against determined opposition.

Groupement Monsabert is still engaged in clearing

the Bien Wald.

In Fr 1st Army area, DA ALPS completes

relief of U.S. Forces within limits of Alpine Front

Command.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, organized resistance within Mandalay ceases.

Br 2d Div opens road from Ava to Mandalay while

Ind 10th Div thrusts to Wundwin.

CHINA—Japanese begin drive on Laohokon

airfield, moving by night.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

troops of 130th Inf, 33d Div, link up with Filipino

guerrillas of U.S. Army Forces in the Philippines,

North Luzon, in vicinity of San Fernando without

opposition. Co F of 130th Inf finds Naguilian and

its airstrip undefended. Guerrillas of 121st Inf occupy San Fernando without opposition. West coast

of Luzon is now clear. 3d Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div,

attacks along ridge extending to Crump Hill, about

1,000 yards W of Kapintalan, against accurate fire

that stalls advance until 8 April. 27th Inf, 25th Div,

beats off determined counterattack on ridge leading

[ 21 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 448 ]

to Mt Myoko. In XI Corps area, after air and arty

preparation, 1st Inf of 6th Div attacks and gains

600–800 yards; blocks trail running N from Antipolo

to Wawa. Captured document indicates enemy

is reinforcing this area. Japanese resistance to 172d

Inf, 43d Div, collapses. Mt Caymayuman, Mt Yabang,

and Sugar Loaf Hill are cleared with ease. Until

26 March, 172d Inf mops up and patrols. 3d Bn of

103d Inf drives to crest of Mt Tanauan. Co B, reinf

by guerrillas, advances 2 miles N of Bench Mark

23 and crosses New Bosoboso R below barrio of

the same name. In XIV Corps area, 158th Inf

drives rapidly E without opposition from Cuenca to

slopes of Mt Macolod.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, Co

B, having completed clearing Simara, joins Co C on

Romblon. By this time 118 Japanese have been killed

on Simara for U.S. losses of 10 killed. From Panay,

amphibious patrol of 2d Bn, 160th Inf, lands on

Guimaras I. and searches it uneventfully.

22 March

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

First Army area, VII Corps consolidates, regroups,

and conducts limited attacks for line of departure

from which to make co-ordinated breakout assault.

CC Howze, assisted by 309th Inf, finishes clearing

78th Div zone and reverts to 3d Armd Div. On 1st

Div left, 16th Inf receives excellent air support as

it clears toward stream running SE from Hennef.

Relief of 1st and 3d Bns, 26th Inf, is completed by

RCT 413. 104th Div, less RCT 413, moves E of

the Rhine and releases 414th Inf to 3d Armd Div.

III Corps begins limited attacks across Wied R,

night 22–23, surprising enemy who offers little opposition. 9th and 99th Divs start crossing at 2200

and 2400, respectively, 9th Div employing 60th Inf

and 99th Div, 395th and 393d Regts. 18th Cav Sq

reverts to 14th Cav Gp and assembles near Ariendorf.

7th Armd Div, no longer required to defend W

bank of the Rhine, prepares to cross the river. V

Corps, attacking SE with RCT 38 of 2d Div and

CCB of 9th Armd Div abreast, clears region between the Rhine and Wied Rivers and secures

bridgehead across latter. RCT 38, co-ordinating with

99th Div of III Corps, clears Datzeroth on left and

on right takes Segendorf, Rodenbach, and other

villages in the vicinity. CCB crosses the Wied and

overcomes considerable opposition in Neuwied.

Since CCB’s commander, Brig Gen William Hoge,

is released by div to head 4th Armd Div, CCA hq

crosses the Rhine to take command of attack and

troops previously attached to or supporting CCB.

Class 40 treadway bridge is constructed over the

Rhine at Hommingen. 28th Div, holding W bank

of the Rhine to right of 2d Div, reverts to corps

control as result of interarmy boundary change.

In U.S. Third Army area, XII Corps completes

drive to the Rhine and begins assault crossing. 90th

Div, employing 3 bns each of 358th and 359th

Regts, breaks into Mainz and overcomes halfhearted resistance there; 357th Inf maintains defensive positions to right and clears Weisenau; TF

Spiess is dissolved upon relief by 5th Div Rcn Tr.

2d Cav Gp conducts river-crossing demonstration

NW of Mainz and relieves elements of 358th Inf at

Mainz. CCA, 4th Armd Div, assembles near Springlingen. 5th Div reorganizes for assault across the

Rhine at Oppenheim and at 2200 begins crossing

1st and 3d Bns, RCT 11, with little difficulty. 11th

Armd Div completes mop-up of its sector and prepares for relief by 80th Div, XX Corps. 94th Div,

XX Corps, relieves elements of 41st Cav along the

river in accordance with local boundary change.

89th Div prepares to cross into 5th Div’s Rhine

bridgehead. In XX Corps area, 94th Div forms TF

Cheadle (RCT 376 and CCA, 12th Armd Div) for

attack on Ludwigshafen that penetrates Friesenheim,

Mundenheim, and Rheingonheim. As 94th Div zone

is extended N, elements of 89th Div, XII Corps,

within it, are relieved by 302d Inf. 12th Armd Div

attacks to secure bridge across the Rhine in vicinity

of Speyer or Germersheim: CCR takes Boehl, Iggelheim, and Hafsloch; CCB moves to Mutterstadt and,

with 92d Cav Rcn Sq temporarily attached, turns S

and begins assault on Speyer. 10th Armd Div columns converge on Landau and take it. 26th Div

begins assembly near Alzey in preparation for operations with XII Corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area

XXI Corps takes command of 71st and 100th Divs

in Bitche area and will cover right flank of XV

Corps as it advances to the Rhine. In XV Corps

area, 3d and 45th Divs are directed to search for

Rhine crossing sites. 45th Div advances to the Rhine.

Elements of 3d Div move forward behind armor.

6th Armd Div, less elements on W bank of the

Rhine, moves to assembly areas. In VI Corps area,

42d Div finds that enemy has abandoned West Wall

positions within its sector and pushes forward with

ease through Dahn. 103d Div TF reaches Klingenmuenster and makes contact with Third Army

while other elements clear Silz. Pushing through

Dorrenbach, 36th Div closes in on Bergzabern, destroying numerous pillboxes. 14th Armd Div completes capture of Steinfeld. Groupement Monsabert

makes local gains in the Bien Wald. Since German

withdrawal routes are blocked, enemy columns are

profitable targets for aircraft and arty.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third White Russian Front continue reduction of German pocket in

East Prussia. Second White Russian forces make

[ 22 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 449 ]

slow progress against fortifications about Danzig

and Gdynia. Moscow announces that troops of First

Ukrainian Front have broken through enemy positions W and S of Oppeln (Silesia). Berlin reports

intensified Soviet breakthrough attempts between

Lake Balaton and the Danube in Hungary.

ALFSEA—At a meeting of commanders in

Monywa, the problem of air supply is discussed. It

is agreed that CAI be moved from Burma as quickly

as possible to ease supply situation of Br Fourteenth

Army, but Adm Mountbatten is not willing to use

transport from SEAC for this purpose.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

128th Inf of 32d Div is ordered to relieve 127th Inf

on Villa Verde Trail. 35th Inf, 25th Div, moving

toward Balete Pass along Putlan R Valley, is halted

by strong opposition. In XI Corps area, 1st Bn of

20th Inf, 6th Div, begins attack toward wooded area

about 600 yards ahead. 1st Inf patrols and mops up.

Co B of 103d Inf, 43d Div, driving up Bosoboso R

Valley, takes Mt Balidbiran and is joined there by

Co C. 3d Bn, 103d, mops up on Mt Tanauan. 169th

Inf, 43d Div, is relieved in 38th Div line by 2d Bn of

152d Inf, 38th Div.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div, less RCT 164, conducts amphibious

rehearsal for Cebu landing in Leyte Gulf and sails

for target. On Panay, Co G of 185th Inf lands on

Inampulugan I. to reconnoiter and destroys mine

control station.

NEI—Japanese make the last of a prolonged

series of air attacks against Morotai.

POA—TF 58 joins Logistic Support Group S of

Okinawa and replenishes fuel, ammunition, and

provisions in preparation for operations against

Okinawa. During period 18–22 March, TF 58 has

contributed materially to the success of the imminent invasion of Okinawa by destroying 528 enemy

planes, damaging 16 surface vessels, and hitting

ground installations.

IWO JIMA—Assisted by flame-throwing tanks,

RCT 26 of 5th Mar Div continues tortuous advance

NW toward the sea while RCT 28 conducts holding

action along S perimeter of the pocket and supports

assault with fire. RCT 27 begins re-embarking.

23 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Begins

Operation PLUNDER (assault across the Rhine N of

the Ruhr) at 2100 after strong air and arty preparation. While Cdn First Army holds Allied left flank

from Emmerich W to North Sea, Second Army

begins assault crossings.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, after intense

arty preparation, 51st Div leads assault, crossing the

Rhine near Rees at 2100 and heading for Rees. In

12 Corps area, 1st Cdo Brig crosses the Rhine NW

of Wesel at 2200 and begins assault on that city.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, while 78th Div consolidates on corps’

N flank, 1st Div continues limited attacks to expand

bridgehead. Jumping off at 2000, 18th Inf takes

Wellesburg before midnight; 16th Inf begins attack

for crossings of the Hauf, stream running SE from

Hennef, late at night. 104th Div ( — ), having relieved elements of 9th Div (III Corps) and of 1st

Div during night 22–23, takes over zone on right

flank of corps at 0130; RCT 413 reverts to it from

attachment to 1st Div. With 2 bns of 415th Inf on

left and bn of 413th on right, 104th Div begins

limited attacks to E at 2100, gaining 400–1,000 yards

and overrunning airfield E of Eudenbach. 3d Armd

Div ( — ) crosses the Rhine. Advance elements of

86th Div, newly arrived on Continent, reach corps

zone. In III Corps area, 9th and 99th Divs expand

bridgehead E of the Wied. 60th Inf of 9th Div clears

Strauscheid, Rahm, Weissenfels, Neschen, and several small villages between the river and the autobahn. 99th Div, with 395th Inf on left and 393d on

right, pushes E past Breitscheid, Rossbach, Waldbreitbach, Nieder Breitbach, and Kurtscheid; 393d

reaches final objective a little beyond Kurtscheid

shortly after midnight 23–24. 7th Armd Div starts

assembly E of the Rhine, night 23–24. 14th Cav Gp,

relieved of traffic control and bridge-guarding mission in Remagen area by 8th TD Gp, moves 32d

Sq across Rhine to assembly area near Leubsdorf. V

Corps expands bridgehead E of the Wied. RCT 38,

2d Div, clears Wolfenacker, Ehlscheid, Rengsdorf,

Melsbach, and Altwied. CCA, 9th Armd Div, expands bridgehead slightly in limited attack. 2d

Div’s RCT 23 crosses the Rhine. 69th Div completes

move to the Rhine in Bad Neuenahr region and

takes responsibility for sector, completing relief of

2d Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Cav

Gp takes over Koblenz–Boppard sector along the

Rhine, relieving 87th Div. 89th Div is transferred to

corps from XII Corps. In XII Corps area, 5th Div

gets 4 regts and supporting weapons across the

Rhine and establishes firm bridgehead 8 miles wide

and 5 miles deep. On left, RCT 2 takes Astheim; in

center, RCT 11 clears Trebur, Wallerstaedten, and

Geinsheim; on right, RCT 10 seizes Leeheim and

Erfelden and presses toward Dornheim; RCT 357

of 90th Div, temporarily attached to 5th Div to cover

right flank of bridgehead, crosses the Rhine and

moves elements to Erfelden area to relieve RCT 10.

Engineers work on bridges, completing Class 40

treadway. 90th Div ( — RCT 357) and 4th Armd

Div prepare to cross the Rhine. 26th Div is attached

to corps and during night 23–24 takes over Mainz–

Nackenheim sector from 90th Div; 2d Cav Gp is

[ 23 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 450 ]

detached from 90th Div and attached in place to 26th

Div. 11th Armd Div begins concentration in Alzey

area and relieves 4th Armd Div of Oppenheim–

Worms sector of the Rhine. In XX Corps area, after

heavy arty preparation, 94th Div’s TF Cheadle renews attack on Ludwigshafen, clearing suburbs and

entering city proper late in day; because of determined opposition, 301st Inf is committed on N and

relieves elements of TF Cheadle. Since Rhine bridge

at Speyer is out, 12th Armd Div’s CCR attempts to

establish bridgehead at Germersheim, thrusting S

through Geinsheim and Friesbach to Weingarten,

where stiff resistance is overcome with aid of air

support. CCB enters Speyer from N and begins to

clear moderate resistance. Driving S toward Lauterbourg with CCB on right and CCA on left, 10th

Armd Div makes contact with Seventh Army units

moving N and is attached to Seventh Army.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps releases 6th Armd Div to Third Army;

while patrolling along W bank of the Rhine and

relieving elements of Third Army within its zone,

trains assault forces for crossing of the Rhine. In

XXI Corps area, 10th Armd Div is attached to

corps. In VI Corps area, 103d and 36th Divs are

mopping up W of the Rhine. 143d Inf of 36th Div

advances through Bergzabern. CCB, 14th Armd

Div, gets elements to Herxheim and Germersheim.

CCA takes Schaidt and presses eastward. Groupement Monsabert is strongly opposed from West

Wall positions and suffers heavy casualties.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front reach Gulf of Danzig between Danzig

and Gdynia, splitting German defenders of these

port cities. Troops of Third White Russian Front

maintain pressure against enemy pocket in East

Prussia. Offensive of First Ukrainian Front continues to gain ground in Upper Silesia.

ITALY—Gen Heinrich von Vietinghoff succeeds

Field Marshal Kesselring as supreme commander of

enemy forces in Italy.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 20th Div column drives from Wundwin

northward to Kume. In 4 Corps area, Myingan

falls to Ind 7th Div, which is by now being assisted

by elements of Ind 5th Div. Fighting continues at

Meiktila, where enemy is still trying to oust Ind

17th Div.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Fifth Air

Force begins series of attacks on Legaspi area in

preparation for amphibious assault there. In I Corps

area, Gen Krueger, to speed operations toward

Baguio, attaches RCT 129 of 37th Div to corps,

which in turn attaches it to 33d Div. 128th Inf, 32d

Div, begins relief of 127th on Villa Verde Trail.

2d Bn, 128th, withdraws from Imugan area to

Batchelor. XI Corps is directed to press operations

to destroy enemy in Antipolo-Montalban-Ipo area,

to complete opening of Manila Bay by capturing

islands of El Fraile, Caballo, and Carabao, and to

establish contact with XIV Corps E of Laguna de

Bay in order to close gap between the corps. 20th

Inf, 6th Div, is ordered to be prepared to take

Mt Mataba. 1st Bn reaches woods toward which it

started on 22d. 1st Inf gains most of its objective

line. 2d Bn of 103d Inf, 43d Div, relieves 3d Bn on

Mt Tanauan and drives N toward New Bosoboso.

In XIV Corps area, 1st Cav Div relieves 511th Para

Inf, 11th A/B Div, for Legaspi operation. 187th

Inf takes responsibility for capture of Mt Macolod.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, Co

G of 185th Inf returns to Panay from Inampulugan

I. On Leyte, RCT 108 of 40th Div completes relief

of 164th Inf, Americal Div.

POA—Br carrier task force (TF 57 under command of Vice Adm Sir Bernard Rawlings) is assigned to U.S. Fifth Fleet and sorties from Ulithi;

the task force is to neutralize air installations in

Sakishima Is., Ryukyu Chain, in support of Okinawa

operation.

24 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div is unable to

overcome determined resistance by enemy paratroopers at Rees. In 12 Corps area, 1st Cdo Brig

clears large part of Wesel in street-to-street fighting.

15th Div, which is to make main effort of corps,

crosses the Rhine N of Xanten, starting at 0200,

and overruns Mehr and Haffen. XVIII Corps

(A/B) of First Allied Airborne Army, under operational control of Br Second Army, drops two

airborne divs—Br 6th and U.S. 17th—E of the

Rhine in region N and NW of Wesel, starting at

about 1000. Airdrops of troops and a day’s supplies

are successfully executed; resupply by air is not required. Both assault divs take initial objectives,

reaching Issel R and securing crossings, and make

contact with each other and with Br 12 Corps. On

the N, Br 6th A/B Div overruns Hamminkeln; to

the S, 17th A/B Div takes Diersfordt and high

ground to E. Strong enemy counterattacks N of

Wesel are contained, night 24–25. U.S. 13th A/B

Div is not employed in Operation VARSITY—the airborne drop E of the Rhine—because of insufficient

airlift.

U.S. Ninth Army begins assault across the Rhine.

XVI Corps, after an hour of intensive arty preparation, leads off at 0200 when 30th Div, with 119th,

117th, and 120th Regts abreast from N to S, starts

across in Buderich-Wallach-Rheinberg region. To the

S, 79th Div, employing 315th and 313th Regts

abreast, begins crossing at 0300 after similar arty

[ 24 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 451 ]

preparation; 314th crosses later in day. 30th Div

gains firm bridgehead 6–10 kilometers deep S of

Wesel, clearing a number of towns and villages,

among them Spellen, Ork, Mehrum, Lohnen, Friedrichsfeld, Stockum, Worde, and Moellen. 79th Div,

on the N, clears Stapp and Dinslaken; to the S overruns Overbruch, Vier Linden, and Walsum. 75th

Div crosses 1st Bn of 290th Inf in order to defend

bridges. By end of day, 19 bns of inf and several of

supporting weapons are E of the Rhine and bridgehead is established with minimum of casualties.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps, continuing limited attacks in zones of 1st

and 104th Divs, expands bridgehead to assigned

line of departure for breakout assault. Though

enemy contests every inch gained and makes frequent and determined counterattacks, 1st Div, with

effective air support, expands N perimeter of

bridgehead, fighting into night 24–25: 16th Inf,

reinf by bn of 26th, clears Geisnach and Lichtenberg; 18th takes Heuchel and part of Uckerath.

104th Div gains all limited objectives required on S

flank of bridgehead, including high ground NE

of Eudenbach and road junctions near airfield. On

corps N flank, 1st Bn of 310th Inf, 78th Div, eliminates strongpoint NW of Menden. In III Corps

area, 9th Div continues limited action to expand

bridgehead E of the Wied with 60th Inf, clearing

Borscheid; at 2200 commits 39th and 47th Regts

to left in region W of the Wied. 99th Div renews

limited attack eastward with 395th Inf at 2200,

pressing toward the autobahn. In V Corps area,

RCT 38, 2d Div, expands Wied bridgehead several

more kilometers and clears Gladbach and Ober Bieber. CCA of 9th Armd Div holds current

positions.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes

preparations for assault across the Rhine. 89th Div

moves into corps zone. XII Corps expands and

strengthens Rhine bridgehead and commits armor

through it in effort to break through to the Main.

Enemy reacts more strongly and makes futile attempts to destroy bridges by air. 5th Div enlarges

bridgehead to include Bauschheim, Nauheim, Gross

Gerau, Dornberg, and Dornheim. As 90th Div

completes movement across the Rhine to positions

on 5th Div right, RCT 357 reverts to it. Driving

NE with 359th Inf on left and 357th on right, 90th

Div relieves 10th Inf, 5th Div, at Erfelden and Dornheim and reaches line Buettelborn–Griesheim. 4th

Armd Div begins drive through bridgehead

toward the Main. CCA crosses Rhine in morning

and is followed in afternoon by CCB and at night by

CCR. 104th Inf, 26th Div, is attached to 4th Armd

Div to block on right flank and starts across river,

night 24–25. CCA advances to edge of Ober Ramstadt; CCB, blocking to S for CCA, clears Stockstadt, Hahn, and Hahnlein; CCR moves to Pfungstadt. 26th Div ( — 104th Inf) prepares to cross the

Rhine; 101st Inf takes responsibility for Rhine

bridges. 6th Armd Div is attached to corps and

prepares to join in drive to the Main. XX Corps

completes operations W of the Rhine and has firm

contact with Seventh Army on right. After nightlong fight, Ludwigshafen falls to 94th Div in morning when N and S assault forces meet in center of

city. 12th Armd Div completes its mission, capturing Speyer in zone of CCB in morning and Germersheim in zone of CCR after nightfall, and

is detached from corps; CCA reverts to it from

attachment to 94th Div. Germans destroy bridge at

Germersheim. 11th Armd Div is transferred to XX

Corps from XII Corps in place and retains current

defensive mission.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

plans to drop airborne forces E of the Rhine are

canceled. XV Corps continues preparations for

assault across the Rhine. Under cover of darkness,

24–25, assault forces begin assembly near the river

and small party reconnoiters E bank. In VI Corps

area, 36th Div completes drive to the Rhine and

captures Leimersheim. Fr forces reach Erlen R,

clearing Kandel, Rheinzabern, and Neupfotz. XXI

Corps takes control of 12th Armd Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow announces that

troops of Third Ukrainian Front on the offensive

SW of Budapest have advanced about 44 miles on

broad front and captured numerous towns, among

them Szekesfehervar, Mor, Zirc, Veszprem, and

Enying.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Orders for spring

offensive are issued, calling for preliminary action

by Br Eighth Army to begin on 10 April followed

by main assault of U.S. Fifth Army. The 10 April

attack date is later changed to 9 April. Separate

442d Inf returns from France to rejoin U.S. Fifth

Army.

LUZON—Hq, Fifth Air Force, is established at

Fort Stotsenburg.

In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area, 1st Bn of

20th Inf, 6th Div, tries in vain to reach knoll about

500 yards to E. 1st Inf finishes clearing its zone with

capture of ridge overlooking Bosoboso R. 2d Bn of

103d Inf, 43d Div, pauses below New Bosoboso

while enemy positions ahead are being softened with

fire. In XIV Corps area, 1st Cav Div and 11th A/B

Div begin converging drives on Lipa in areas to

N and S of Lake Taal, respectively. 1st Cav Div,

on N, takes Santo Tomas with ease. 1st Cav Brig

relieves 7th Cav in Los Banos area, night 24–25.

188th Inf, 11th A/B Div, reinf by 3d Bn of 511th

Para Inf and TD units, starts northward drive

against scattered resistance. 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div,

opens drive on Mt Macolod against strong oppo-

[ 24 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 452 ]

sition. 511th Para Inf, less 3d Bn, is being held in

reserve for Legaspi operation. RCT 158 concentrates in Lemery for the same operation and passes

to army control.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 40th

Div is alerted for Negros Occidental operation.

Covering Group (cruiser-DD force under Rear

Adm R. S. Berkey) for Cebu operation leaves Subic

Bay for target. On Mindanao, 162d Inf of 41st Div,

reinf by 1st Bn of 186th, attacks Mt Capisan and

secures it. Entire Sinonog R area is now cleared of

organized resistance. For the next few days 162d

Inf consolidates and mops up.

IWO JIMA—RCT 28, 5th Mar Div, takes responsibility for completing reduction of final resistance

on Iwo; enemy pocket is confined to area 50 yards

square on coast. Gen Kuribayashi is reported to be

alive and holding out in a cave, but his hiding place

is never discovered.

RYUKYU Is.—Mine sweeping begins under cover

of naval and aerial bombardment.

25 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div clears Rees except for small pocket. 43d Div takes over left flank

of corps front E of the Rhine. In 12 Corps area,

15th Div overruns Bislich. In U.S. XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, Br 1st Cdo Brig, as it is completing

reduction of Wesel, is transferred to corps from Br

12 Corps and attached to U.S. 17th A/B Div. Corps

consolidates positions, straightens lines, and eliminates enemy pocketed between Br 6th A/B and

U.S. 17th A/B Divs. Jumping off at 1500 with

194th Gli Inf on N and 507th Para Inf on S, 17th

A/B Div crosses Issel Canal and drives to Phase

Line LONDON, some 3,000 yards E of Wesel.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 30th

Div, continuing assault E of the Rhine during night

24–25 and on 25th, gains about 4 miles all along

its front; on the N clears Hunxe and makes contact

with Br 1st Cdo Brig. 79th Div pushes about 2

miles eastward. 134th Inf, 35th Div, reinf as a TF

and attached to 79th Div, crosses the Rhine E of

Rheinberg, night 25–26. 15th Sq, 15th Cav Gp,

crosses the Rhine to relieve 30th Div on island S of

Wesel between Lippe R and Lippe Canal. Resistance

is gradually stiffening.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII

Corps opens co-ordinated assault to break out of

bridgehead at 0400, as 3d Armd Div, reinf by 414th

Inf of 104th Div, passes through 1st and 104th

Divs to spearhead drive on Altenkirchen, initial

objective. Attacking with two CC’s abreast, CC

Boudinot on left and CC Hickey on right, 3d Armd

Div gets about half way to Altenkirchen in 6–9

mile advance. On left, TF Welborn of CC Boudinot, pushing through Uckerath and Kircheib,

reaches positions near Hasselbach; TF Lovelady advances through Griesenbach to Fiersbach. On right,

CC Hickey’s TF Kane thrusts past Limbach, Sessenheim, and Kescheid to Ahl Creek while TF Doan

drives to Flammersfeld area via Asbach and Schoneberg. 83d Armd Rcn Bn protects left flank and CC

Howze follows the two assault commands, prepared

to assist either. 1st and 104th Divs mop up in wake

of armor. 1st Div mops up S of the Sieg within its

zone, overrunning a number of villages and terrain

features. 104th Div ( — ) follows armor closely, gaining up to 5 miles. 78th Div begins relief of 1st Div

along the Sieg and, in limited attack by elements of

309th Inf, clears strongpoint S of the river near Hennef. 4th Cav Gp ( — ) is relieved of defensive position in Bonn area by corps security elements;

4th Sq, upon relief along the Sieg by 78th Div,

reverts to gp control. III Corps joins in First Army’s

large-scale offensive, making rapid progress eastward. On 9th Div left, 39th and 47th Regts clear

div zone between Pfeffer and Mehr Rivers, 47th

pinching out 39th; E of Wied, 60th Inf thrusts past

Ober Steinbach, Krunkel, and Epgert. Speeding

about 3 miles E with 395th and 393d Regts, 99th

Div cuts autobahn near Willroth and takes a number of towns and villages to right; 394th Inf crosses

the Wied. 7th Armd Div completes assembly E

of the Rhine to spearhead corps breakout attack. In

V Corps area, RCT 38, after adjusting positions to

protect N flank of 2d Div and being passed through

by 23d Inf, is attached to 9th Armd Div; 23d Inf

drives E about 6 kilometers and is itself passed

through by 9th, which continues E to Grenzhausen.

CCA, 9th Armd Div, continues SE along the Rhine,

taking Bendorf and Vallendar. 102d Cav Rcn Sq

moves up to Neuwied.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps begins

attack across the Rhine. 87th Div crosses, starting

at midnight 24–25, in Braubach–Boppard region

and establishes bridgehead against firm opposition,

particularly on left where determined counterattack

develops and is contained. 347th Inf ( — 2d Bn), on

div left, starts clearing Braubach and reaches outskirts of Ober Lahnstein; since 2d Bn is unable to

cross, 2d Bn of 346th is attached to 347th and

crosses river to assist in clearing Braubach. To S,

345th Inf thrusts to edge of Lykershausen. In XII

Corps area, 16th Cav Gp, transferred to XII Corps

from XX Corps, relieves 2d Cav Gp of defensive mission along the Rhine from Bingen to Mainz; 2d

Cav Gp is detached from 26th Div. 6th Armd Div

begins drive toward the Main at Frankfurt, crossing

the Rhine at Oppenheim and passing through 5th

Div. CCB crosses first and advances NE to vicinity

of Walldorf and Langen; CCA reaches the Main

[ 25 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 453 ]

between Ruesselsheim and Raunheim, coming under heavy AA fire from Frankfurt; CCR assembles

to rear of CCA in Gross Gerau area; 4th Armd Div

breaks through to the Main near Hanau and Aschaffenburg and establishes bridgeheads. On left, CCA

reaches the river at Klein Auheim, just S of Hanau,

where bridge is seized and small bridgehead is

established at Grossauheim. From Hahnlein, CCB,

on right, speeds to the Main S of Aschaffenburg,

taking a rail and highway bridge and establishing

bridgehead in Schweinheim area; elements enter

Aschaffenburg but are withdrawn to guard bridge.

CCR displaces to Dieburg to block between there

and Eberstadt and sends TF to Darmstadt, which

is virtually undefended. 5th Div’s RCT 2 clears to S

bank of the Main within its zone; RCT 10, to

right, seizes Hassloch and Koenigstaedten. Driving

NE toward the Main between Frankfurt and Hanau

with 359th Inf on left and 358th on right, 90th Div

cuts autobahn and gets forward elements of both

regts to Langen; to right, TF Spiess, reorganized to

exclude 90th Rcn Tr, enters Darmstadt from the

W as 4th Armd Div TF enters from E, and the city is

easily cleared. 328th Inf, 26th Div, relieves 101st

Inf of defensive mission along the Rhine, permitting

101st to move to Darmstadt; 104th, still attached to

4th Armd Div, protects right flank of that div after

completing river crossing. XX Corps enjoys brief

lull during which it prepares to force crossings of

the Rhine. 94th Div conducts rehabilitation and

training program in Baumholder area. 80th Div

closes in Rockenhausen assembly area. Seventh

Army units begin relief of 11th Armd Div along

the Rhine: 3d Div of XV Corps relieves CCB and

all elements of CCA S of grid line 33.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army, having

cleared the industrially important Saar Palatinate

in conjunction with Third Army to N, regroups to

continue offensive across the Rhine. VI Corps releases 4th and 42d Divs to XXI Corps and takes

control of 71st and 100th Divs from XXI Corps.

Corps will defend W bank of the Rhine while XV

Corps and, later, XXI Corps attack across the river.

Fr armor eliminates enemy bridgehead at Maximiliansau.

EASTERN EUROPE—In East Prussia, Heiligenbeil

falls to Third White Russian Front forces. Troops

of Second White Russian Front overrun Oliva,

suburb of Danzig. Red Army offensive from Hungary toward Austria broadens as troops of Second

Ukrainian Front start W to right of Third Ukrainian

forces and clear Esztergom, Felsoegall, and Tata.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 10 Corps takes command of Jewish Brig from

5 Corps. In 13 Corps area, Lt Gen Sir John Harding,

new corps commander, arrives.

CHINA—U.S. Fourteenth Air Force personnel

withdraw from Laohokon airfield after destroying

installations. This is the last of the Fourteenth Air

Force bases to fall to enemy. Subsequent Japanese

thrusts toward bases at Sian and Ankang are stopped

short of their objectives by Chinese.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

128th Inf of 32d Div completes relief of 127th Inf

on Villa Verde Trail and prepares to continue attack

toward Salacsac Pass and Santa Fe. 3d Bn of 35th

Inf, 25th Div, turns over roadblock on Old Spanish

Trail to guerrilla forces, concluding American operations on this crude trail. 27th Inf, working along ridge

toward Mt Myoko, has by now gained 4,000 yards

and is up against enemy outposts. In XI Corps area,

1st Bn of 20th Inf, 6th Div, patrols and places arty

fire on enemy positions ahead. 1st Inf prepares to

relieve 20th of positions along Bosoboso R. 2d Bn

of 103d Inf, 43d Div, seizes barrio of New Bosoboso

and ridges commanding it, limiting Japanese escape

routes to a single trail running NW from the barrio.

To close this route 100, 1st Bn begins attack on Hill

1200, which commands it. In XIV Corps area, one

1st Cav Div column pushes from Santo Tomas toward Tanauan; another drives into Los Banos with

ease. 188th Inf, 11th A/B Div, makes contact with

187th SE of Mt Macolod. 187th pauses briefly in Mt

Macolod area to patrol and probe.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X

Corps issues orders for future operations on

Mindanao. 24th Div is to land in Malabang area on

17 April. Five days later, 31st Div is scheduled to land

in Parang area. 185th Inf assembles for operation

against Negros. Cebu Attack Group, commanded by

Capt Albert T. Sprague, USN, joins Covering Group

off Cebu.

IWO JIMA—RCT 28, 5th Mar Div, completes

reduction of final pocket of resistance on Iwo in

morning. RCT 26 starts re-embarking.

RYUKYU Is.—Preinvasion aerial and naval

bombardment continues, though mine-sweeping operations prevent naval surface vessels from moving

up to within effective range of Okinawa. Underwater demolition teams go into action.

26 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps expands bridgehead toward the Issel. 51st Div completes capture of Rees

and thrusts toward Isselburg; 43d Div, advancing

to left of 51st, reaches Millingen. In 12 Corps area,

15th Div reaches the Issel at Ringenberg and is

passed through by 53d Div reinf by 4th Armd Brig.

7th Div moves up to spearhead drive on Rheine.

In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, Br 6th A/B and U.S.

17th A/B Divs drive E abreast against progressively

[ 26 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 454 ]

weakening resistance, to next phase line, NEW YORK,

extending from Ringenberg on N to Lippe R near

Krudenberg on S. 1st Cdo Brig is held in reserve

in Wesel area. Build up E of the Rhine progresses

rapidly as bridges are opened. Br 6th Gds Armd Brig

crosses, night 26–27.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 30th Div

expands bridgehead another 4 miles E, though resistance is strong and wooded terrain difficult, and

on the N partly clears Gahlen; 190th Inf of 75th Div

is attached. In 79th Div sector to the S, 35th Div

TF relieves 315th Inf and gains 3–5 kilometers;

the TF then reverts to 35th Div, whose 137th Inf

crosses the Rhine and prepares to attack between

30th and 79th Divs. Against sporadic resistance,

314th Inf of 79th Div pushes east 1–2 miles, but

313th remains in position; 315th begins relief of

314th late in day. 8th Armd Div begins crossing the

Rhine. 15th Cav Gp reverts to corps control and

assembles E of the Rhine near Dinslaken; elements

on Lippe R–Lippe Canal island are relieved by 75th

Div. XIII Corps becomes responsible for XIX Corps

sector and takes operational control of 95th Div

( — RCT 377) and 113th Cav Gp. RCT 377 is attached to 2d Armd Div. XIX Corps prepares to

move to new zone on N flank of army.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, CC Hickey’s TF’s Kane and Doan, on

3d Armd Div right, break through enemy defenses

and drive through Altenkirchen to Hachenburg and

Wahlrod. On left, however, stubborn opposition

makes progress of CC Boudinot so slow and costly,

despite close air-ground cooperation, that attack is

broken off in afternoon and CC Howze is committed between CC’s Boudinot and Hickey. Attacking with TF’s Hogan and Richardson, CC Howze

mops up Altenkirchen and continues E toward Nister R, reaching positions near Eichelhardt. 1st Div,

employing elements of 3 regts, clears region S of

the Sieg as far E as Eitorf, taking a number of

towns and villages. 78th Div continues relief of

1st Div along the Sieg, permitting latter to follow

armor eastward. 104th Div ( — ) eliminates scattered

resistance while advancing some 12 miles E behind

armor. III Corps drives armored spearheads through

infantry in pursuit of disorganized enemy. 7th

Armd Div, jumping off at 0200 in center of corps,

thrusts toward Lahn R and Limburg. CCR attacks

from Vettelschoss, TF Griffin moving steadily E to

Ailertchen and TF Brown, after bypassing resistance and rubble at Dierdorf, advancing so rapidly to

2 of its objectives, Obertiefenbach and Heckholzhausen, that it overtakes retreating enemy and inflicts severe losses. CCR is directed to turn NE to

secure crossings of Dill R. CCA, organized into

TF’s Rhea, Wemple, and King, drives SE along

the autobahn toward Limburg until contact is made

with 9th Armd Div (V Corps) at Montabaur, then

swerves NE toward Wetzlar as plans are hastily

changed to leave reduction of Limburg to V Corps.

9th and 99th Divs drive E abreast behind armor.

9th Div advances to Holz R and secures crossings:

after reaching the river at Puderbach, 47th Inf is

passed through by 39th, which speeds E to Muendersbach and Herschbach; to right, 60th Inf secures

Horhausen by daylight and continues to the Holz

at Raubach, securing crossing there and stream

crossings to E at Elgert, Maroth, and Marienhausen.

On 99th Div left, 394th Inf, passing through 395th,

reaches objective high ground E of Dierdorf; 393d

drives to Gros and Klein Maischeid. In V Corps

area, 2d Div continues attacks with 9th and 23d

Regts, taking Alsbach, Hilgert, Baumbach, Ransbach, and defensive positions on N flank of corps.

9th Armd Div, reinf by 38th Inf of 2d Div, drives

spearheads E through forward elements of 2d Div

to the Lahn at Limburg and Diez. From Bendorf

area, CCB advances generally along Cologne–

Frankfurt Autobahn to the Lahn near Limburg,

moves 4 tanks across bridge there before enemy

blows it, then clears the city with dismounted infantry. Upon relief at Vallendar by CCR, CCA

drives rapidly to the Lahn at Diez, where bridges

are out. RCT 272, 69th Div, crosses the Rhine.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps expands

and strengthens Rhine bridgehead. 347th Inf continues to meet lively resistance in Braubach–Ober

Lahnstein area, N flank of 87th Div bridgehead, but

completes capture of Braubach. Against moderate

resistance, 345th Inf drives salient E to include Gemmerich. 346th Inf is committed between 347th and

345th; after crossing the Rhine at Boppard drives

NE to Dachsenhausen. TF Sundt (elements of 607th

TD Bn, 87th Rcn Tr, co of 346th Inf, tanks, and

arty) follows 346th Inf to Dachsenhausen. Treadway bridge is completed at Boppard under extremely

adverse circumstances. 3d Bn of 385th Inf, 76th Div,

crosses the Rhine and relieves elements of 87th Div,

to which it is temporarily attached, at Lykershausen.

At 0200, 89th Div starts across the Rhine in Wellmich–Oberwesel region under intense fire: on left,

354th Inf ( — ) secures Weyer, Nochern, Lierscheid,

Patersberg, and St Goarshausen; 353d, reinf by bn of

355th, captures Dorscheid, Kaub, Bornich, and

Weisel; TF Johnson (motorized bn of 355th Inf

plus supporting weapons and engrs) crosses at Boppard and moves along E bank capturing Kestert;

TF Engel (89th Rcn Tr and TD co) follows TF

Johnson, mopping up. 6th Cav Gp, organized as TF

Fickett, prepares to cross the Rhine. In XII Corps

area, 6th Armd Div reaches S bank of the Main at

Frankfurt and under intense arty fire forces crossing

into Frankfurt: CCA drives to Sachsenhausen and

enters Frankfurt via damaged bridge at Niederrad;

[ 26 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 455 ]

moving through Langen and Springlingen, in 90th

Div zone, CCB reaches the Main and captures Offenbach; on extreme right, CC 86 (86th Cav Rcn

Sq) reaches the river near Offenbach; CCR

bivouacks S of Niederrad and releases elements to

CCA and CCB. 4th Armd Div holds shallow bridgeheads across the Main against ground and air attacks

and is reinf by 328th Inf of 26th Div, which passes

2 bns through CCA’s bridgehead in Hanau area and

is assisted by CCA in clearing opposition in Grossauheim. Upon relief along the Main by 26th Div, 4th

Armd Div is directed to drive N on Gruenberg. 5th,

90th, and 26th Divs move rapidly toward the Main

in wake of armor, forward elements of each reaching

the river line. 5th Div’s RCT 2 takes Raunheim;

RCT 10 captures Rhine-Main airport, Kelsterbach,

and Schwanheim; RCT II makes progress in woods

S of Frankfurt and starts crossing 3d Bn into Frankfurt bridgehead. 90th Div reaches the Main in zone

of 359th Inf, which takes Buergel, Muehlheim, and

Rumpenheim; forward elements of 357th reach

Hausen; TF Spiess mops up along div right flank

and clears Offenthal. 26th Div, with 101st Inf on

left and 104th on right (104th reverting to div from

attachment to 4th Armd Div), clears most of its

zone on right flank of corps to the Main and makes

contact with Seventh Army; 328th Inf, released to

4th Armd Div, is motorized for movement from the

Rhine to the Main. 2d Cav Gp crosses the Rhine to

protect corps flanks and maintain contact with adjacent friendly units: 2d Sq ( —Tr C) takes responsibility for left flank along S bank of the Main from

Gustavburg to Kelsterbach, relieving RCT 2 and

elements of RCT 10, 5th Div, and is attached to

5th Div; 42d Sq screens right flank from Gernsheim

to Altheim and relieves right flank elements of 26th

Div. In XX Corps area, 80th Div starts to Mainz in

preparation for assault crossings of Rhine and Main

Rivers. 45th Div of XV Corps, Seventh Army, relieves

final elements of CCA, 11th Armd Div, along

the Rhine N of grid line 33. 3d Cav Gp assembles

in vicinity of Kriegsfeld.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army CP closes

at Sarreguemines and opens at Kaiserslautern. XV

Corps begins assault across the Rhine with 45th

and 3d Divs at 0230 after saturation bombardment

of far shore in 3d Div zone. On N, 45th Div, with

179th and 180th Regts in assault, crosses near

Hamm and Rhein Durkheim and drives to corps

bridgehead line, the N–S autobahn along E edge

of Jaegersburger Wald, clearing Biblis and Gros

Hausen and making contact with Third Army on

left and 3d Div on right. Opposition to crossing is at

first strong, resulting in loss of many landing craft,

but soon eases. 3d Div, with 30th and 7th Regts in

assault, crosses near Worms and Mannheim. Opposition is light at first as result of overpowering

preparatory bombardment, but enemy rallies to

resist strongly later. Clearing Burstadt, Lampertheim, Bobstadt, and Sandhofen, 3d Div pushes into

Lorcher Wald toward corps objective, the autobahn on far side. Reserve elements cross into

bridgehead later in day. Corps releases 63d Div

to XXI Corps and takes control of 12th Armd Div

from XXI Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third White

Russian Front are completing mop-up of enemy

remnants in East Prussia. Second White Russian

Front continues fight for ports of Danzig and

Gdynia; second line of defense has now been

breached and fighting is in progress along third and

last line. In Czechoslovakia, troops of Second

Ukrainian Front take communications center of

Banska Bystrica. Continuing W through Hungary

toward Austria, Third Ukrainian Front seizes

Papa and Devecser.

ALFSEA—Gen Leese directs Adm Mountbatten

to draw up plans for modified DRACULA since overland drive on Rangoon is not making the desired

progress.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div is ordered to relieve 130th

Inf of 33d Div upon arrival in Bauang area and to

reconnoiter along Highway 9 from Naguilian toward Baguio. 1st Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div, begins

final assault on Norton’s Knob, on Highway 5,

after Japanese positions there have been heavily

bombarded. In XI Corps area, 1st Bn of 20th Inf,

6th Div, is being relieved in line by 1st Inf. In XIV

Corps area, 1st Cav Div elements push S on Highway 19 through Tanauan to Malvar. 188th Inf, 11th

A/B Div, probes toward Lipa. 187th renews attack

toward Mt Macolod but makes little headway

against strong opposition.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div ( — RCT 164) lands 3 bns (1st and

3d Bns of 182d Inf and 1st Bn of 132d) abreast on

Cebu near Talisay after an hour of naval gunfire

bombardment. Enemy opposition consists of scattered fire, but mine field disables 8 landing vehicles and delays inward movement. After breaching the mine field, 182d Inf drives through Talisay

toward Cebu City, dispersing delaying force about

half way there, and by end of day holds Mananga

R crossings and line through foothills along highway from Pardo to Mananga R. 132d Inf drives

about 2 1/2 miles NE to line running through Basak.

Guerrillas have not secured the reservoir as directed

and this task is assigned to 182d Inf.

IWO JIMA—Enemy makes final attack on Iwo

in early morning. 200 or more attempt to infiltrate

bivouac area; at least 196 are killed. Capture and

occupation phase of Iwo operation ends at 0800

when Gen Chaney assumes title of Island Com-

[ 26 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 456 ]

mander. Commander Forward Area takes responsibility for defense and development of Iwo Jima.

5th Mar Div turns over its zone to 3d Mar Div and

continues to re-embark. RCT 9 of 3d Mar Div and

RCT 147 (AUS) are now jointly responsible for

defense of Iwo Jima. RCT 21, 3d Mar Div, re-embarks

for return to Guam. Japanese suffer and exact

heavy casualties during their losing battle; for the

first and last time, inflict about as many casualties

on U.S. forces as they suffer. The enemy force of almost 23,000 defending the island is practically annihilated. U.S. casualties exceed 20,000, about one

third of the total assault force strength of some

60,000; more than 5,500 are killed in action. The

Iwo victory gives the U.S. an air base for operations

against the Japanese Empire, affords protection for

previously captured Pacific bases, and tightens sea

and air blockade of Japan.

RYUKYU Is.—Invasion stage of Operation ICEBERG

starts with preliminary landings by 77th Div, reinf,

on Kerama Is. to secure seaplane base and fleet

anchorages in preparation for main invasion of Okinawa. After naval and aerial bombardment, 4 BLT’s

of 77th Div land on as many islands of the Kerama

group almost simultaneously: BLT 3, RCT 305, lands

first, at 0804, on Aka I. and with little difficulty secures town of Aka and clears two thirds of the island; BLT 1, RCT 306, seizes Geruma I., where howitzers are unloaded to support future

operations; BLT 2, RCT 306, takes Hokaji I. without opposition; BLT 1, RCT 305, secures about a

third of Zamami I. and holds firm against counterattacks. So successful are scheduled landings that a

reserve force (BLT 2, RCT 307) lands on Yakabi I.

in afternoon and clears it with ease. Patrols of Fleet

Marine Force Amphib Rcn Bn, attached to 77th

Div, land on Keise I., within arty range of most of

southern Okinawa, and find it free of enemy. Warships and planes from fast and escort carriers of

Fifth Fleet support ground operations. Enemy air

reaction to the invasion is light, consisting largely

of uncoordinated attacks on shipping by suicide

planes. Air and long-range naval, gunfire bombardment of Okinawa continues. British carrier task

force (TF 57) begins neutralization of Sakishima Is.

27 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 51st Div reaches the

Issel at Isselburg and is relieved by Br 3d Div. 43d

Div reaches Mechelen. In 12 Corps area, Raesfeld

falls to 7th Armd Div. XVIII Corps (A/B) advances

rapidly through Wesel Forest and gains up to 9,000

yards. Br 6th A/B Div reaches Phase Line PARIS

by daybreak; upon order to exploit gains, continues

E to Erle. U.S. 17th A/B Div’s 194th Gli Inf takes

positions near Erle–Schermbeck road. 6th Gds Armd

Brig, reinf by 513th Para Inf ( — ) of U.S. 17th A/B

Div, attacks toward Dorsten through elements of

U.S. 17th A/B Div, night 27–28.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 119th Inf

of 30th Div completes capture of Gahlen and continues E; 117th, turning N, clears Besten; 120th

takes commanding ground near Kirchhellen. 35th

Div, with 134th Inf on left and 137th on right, attacks between 30th and 79th Divs from positions

near Kirchhellen and gains several hundred yards

before encountering stiff resistance. 79th Div

presses slowly southward toward the Ruhr, clearing

Schmachtendorf, Wehofen, and Sterkrade Holten;

some elements cross Emser Canal E of Orsoy and

others halt at line of canal. 8th Armd Div closes in

assembly areas E of the Rhine. 290th Inf, 75th Div,

is detached from 30th Div and attached to 8th Armd

Div.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div’s CC Hickey makes spectacular dash to Dill R at Herborn and Burg and

 secures crossings; continuing E throughout night

26–27 and on 27th, CC Howze reaches Loehnfeld

and positions near Heisterberg. 1st and 104th Divs

continue to follow armor, former clearing resistance

to Breitscheidt and latter advancing unopposed to

within 3 miles of Dill R. 78th Div consolidates on

wide front along the Sieg. 4th Cav Gp ( — ) assembles

E of the Rhine to relieve 1st Div progressively of

Stromberg–Roth sector. 86th Div closes in assembly

areas W of the Rhine. In III Corps area, 7th Armd

Div drives NE to Dill R between Herborn and Wetzlar against scattered resistance. CCR gains

crossings at Sinn, Edingen, and Katzenfurt; CCA

crosses at Asslar and Hermannstein. 9th and 99th

Divs follow armor closely. 9th reaches Dill R line

and relieves CCR of responsibility for crossings in

Sinn–Katzenfurt region; is reinf by 32d Sq, 14th

Cav Gp. 99th Div drives to Sainscheid–Wilsenroth–

Friekhofen–Niederzeuzheim region, S of Westerburg. In V Corps area, 2d Div finishes clearing its

zone and mops up stragglers. Diez surrenders to

CCA, 9th Armd Div, which crosses dismounted infantry over the Lahn on improvised footbridge;

some CCB elements take Lahn bridge at Aumenau

intact, while others take up positions at Hadamar

and on W bank of the Lahn at Weilburg; CCR displaces to Offheim area, near Limburg, crosses the

Lahn, and drives SE along Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn toward Niedernhausen in effort to make contact with U.S. Third Army. 69th Div crosses additional elements over the Rhine and attacks E of the

river with RCT 272, clearing region across from

Koblenz, where Luftwaffe citadel at Ehrenbreitstein

is captured, and taking Lahn R towns of Bad Ems

and Nassau. 106th Cav Rcn Sq clears high ground

[ 27 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 457 ]

between Gel and Latin Rivers just E of RCT 272;

relieves CCA, 9th Armd Div, at Diez, night 27–28.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues

to enlarge and strengthen Rhine bridgehead. 87th

Div expands bridgehead to Lahn R line on N, where

contact is made with First Army, and to general

line Bergnassau–Scheuern–Holzhausen road on

right, overrunning approximately 20 towns. 89th

Div crosses the last of its combat elements over the

Rhine and expands bridgehead toward Wiesbaden;

forward units take Bogel on N, Strueth in center,

and reach Lorch on S; 335th Inf ( — ) is committed

on right flank. TF Fickett, upon being relieved

along the Rhine by 78th Div, drives E through 87th

and 89th Divs toward Giessen–Frankfurt Autobahn, forward elements reaching Hohenstein. 76th

Div, night 27–28, crosses 385th ( — ) and 417th Regts

over the Rhine at Boppard; 304th holds W bank of

the river from Delhofen to Bingerbruck and guards

bridges. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd and 4th Armd

Divs are relieved by infantry of Main R bridgeheads

in preparation for breakout drive to N. Enemy fire

delays bridging operations. 5th Div takes over

Frankfurt bridgehead and finishes crossing 3 bns

(2d and 3d of 10th Inf and attached 3d Bn of 11th)

into the city, which it is methodically clearing. RCT

11 continues to clean out woods S of the Main and

takes Walldorf. 90th Div mops up its zone S of

the Main between Offenbach and Hanau. 4th Armd

Div is relieved of Hanau–Aschaffenburg sector of

the Main and bridgeheads by 26th Div, to which

328th Inf reverts and 2d Cav Gp ( — 2d Sq) is attached. Helped by CCA of 4th Armd Div, elements

of 328th and 101st Regts, 26th Div, slowly expand

Hanau bridgehead; Grosskrotzenberg is cleared, but

enemy resists from house to house in Hanau. 1st

Bn, 104th Inf, relieves CCB of bridgehead near

Aschaffenburg. Other elements of 26th Div cover

bank of the Main and block along line Dieburg–Babenhausen. 2d Cav Gp continues to screen N and S

flanks of corps, moving eastward as its positions are

uncovered by adjacent friendly forces. 16th Cav Gp

is transferred to XX Corps. In XX Corps area, 80th

Div completes preparations for assault across the

Rhine and Main in Mainz area: RCT 317 closes in

Mainz; RCT 319 crosses the Rhine at Oppenheim, in XII Corps zone, and assembles in Bischofsheim area for assault across the Main. 16th Cav Gp

is attached to 80th Div but remains in place temporarily.

6th Army Group: DA ALPS begins clearing

Petit St Bernard Pass on Franco–Italian border W

of Aosta (Italy).

Fr 1st Army is directed to regroup quickly for

assault across the Rhine in Germersheim area.

In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps pursues

enemy toward the Main. 45th Div, with 3 regts

abreast, speeds NE some 16 miles; patrols to the

Main. To S, 3d Div also advances rapidly toward

the Main. 44th Div crosses the Rhine and secures

right flank of corps, relieving 7th Inf of 3d Div in

Sandhofen. 12th Armd Div crosses the Rhine.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front break into Danzig and Gdynia and

street fighting ensues. First Ukrainian Front overruns Silesian towns of Strehlen (S of Breslau) and

Rybnik (E of Ratibor); forces of Fourth Ukrainian

Front overrun Zory and Wodzislaw, SE of Ratibor.

In Hungary, troops of Second and Third Ukrainian

Fronts continue W toward Austria.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s II Corps area, 1st Armd Div troops take

Salvaro without a fight.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

2d Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, relieves 3d Bn of

130th Inf, 33d Div, in Naguilian area and seizes

Burgos. 128th Inf, 32d Div, opens battle for Salacsac

Pass No. 2 on Villa Verde Trail. Well-organized,

interlocking enemy positions in this region have been

delaying progress along Villa Verde Trail for some

time since troops must investigate the numerous

caves. Troops of 161st Inf, 25th Div, complete capture of Norton’s Knob and hold it against night

counterattack. In XI Corps area, as final elements

of 1st Bn, 20th Inf, 6th Div, withdraw to reserve,

rest of 20th Inf prepares for drive on Mt Mataba.

1st Inf completes relief of 20th Inf and prepares to

drive N to clear region S of junction of Bosoboso

and Mariquina Rivers. 2d Bn of 151st Inf, 38th Div,

in shore-to-shore move from Corregidor, lands on

Caballo and begins clearing the island, which Japanese are garrisoning with well-entrenched force of

about 400. In XIV Corps area, 1st Cav Div, less

strongly opposed than 11th A/B Div, is directed to

take Lipa. 8th Cav continues S along Route 19 to

within 5,000 yards of Lipa; 7th Cav drives E from

Tanauan against light resistance. 188th Inf of 11th

A/B Div secures Lipa Hill, S of Lipa, and gets

elements to within a mile of Lipa.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, only

light resistance is met as Japanese withdraw from

Cebu City to strong hill positions commanding it.

Americal Div forces seize Cebu City and continue

forward. Elements of 182d Inf secure reservoir area

and turn it over to guerrillas. Co G of 132d Inf lands

on Cavit I., in Cebu Harbor, and searches uneventfully for enemy. From Palawan, regt Hq and 3d Bn,

RCT 186, leave for Mindanao.

KERAMA Is.—On Zamami I., BLT 1 of RCT 305

patrols actively and locates one organized enemy

position. BLT 3 of RCT 305 disperses force of 75

Japanese on Aka I. RCT 306 lands on Tokashiki I.,

BLT’s 1 and 2 pushing northward abreast, slowed

by difficult terrain; BLT 3, initially in reserve, lands

[ 27 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 458 ]

to clear S part of island and patrols to S tip. Kuba I.

and Amuro I. are taken without opposition by Co G

of RCT 307 and Co B of RCT 305, respectively.

Japanese suicide planes continue to attack surface

vessels.

JAPAN—As preparations for invasion of Japan

continue, Tinian-based B–29’s of 313th Bombardment Wing inaugurate a strategic night mining

program to complete the blockade of the islands.

This, combined with further intensive day and night

aerial bombardment by other aircraft and submarine

action in waters about Japan, yields excellent results.

By midsummer Japan’s merchant fleet is fatally

crippled.

28 March

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower alters

direction and plan of final Allied drive. Objective is

changed from Berlin, toward which Soviet forces are

moving rapidly, to Leipzig. 12th rather than 21 Army

Group is to make main effort.

21 Army Group: Br Second Army, on right, breaks

out of bridgehead and begins drive to the Elbe. In

Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div, attacking toward

Emmerich, reverts to corps from attachment to Br

30 Corps in current positions. Br 30 Corps reaches

general line Haldern–Isselburg–Anholt. In 12 Corps

area, 53d Div overruns Shede and begins assault on

Bocholt. 7th Armd Div thrusts past Heiden to

Borken. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 6th A/B Div

speeds from Erle to Lembeck; is transferred to Br 8

Corps control at 2400. U.S. 17th A/B Div’s 507th

Para Inf overruns Wulfen and starts motorized column to Haltern, night 28–29, to relieve 6th Gds

Armd Brig. 6th Gds Armd Brig, reinf, reaches Dorsten early in day and drives rapidly NE to Haltern.

1st Cdo Brig passes to Br 8 Corps control.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 8th Armd

Div attacks through 30th Div with CCA and CCR,

pushing toward Dorsten. CCA reaches SW approaches, where lively fighting ensues. 30th Div improves N flank positions in limited attack. 35th Div’s

3-regt attack in Kirchhellen region makes limited

progress. 79th Div, pressing S against the Ruhr, makes

little headway on left but on right overruns a number of towns and villages, among them Hamborn and

Neumuhl.

12th Army Group: U.S. Fifteenth Army, with XXII

and XXIII Corps under its command, is assigned

twofold mission of containing bypassed pockets at

Lorient and St Nazaire in coastal sector of France

and occupying, organizing, and governing the Rhine

sector in Germany. As U.S. advance continues E of

the Rhine, Fifteenth Army will move forward to provide security for rear areas. U.S. First and Third

Armies effect junction N of Idstein.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area CC Boudinot of 3d Armd Div, attacking through CC Hickey,

drives E practically unopposed, TF Lovelady reaching Lahn R and seizing Marburg and TF Welborn

halting at Runzhausen; CC Howze advances to Dill

R and secures Dillenburg. Div, ordered to swing N

toward Paderborn to complete encirclement of the

Ruhr in conjunction with Ninth Army, passes 83d

Armd Rcn Bn through CC Howze at Dillenburg

to secure turning line Dillenburg–Marburg; the

armd rcn bn seizes Bottenhorn and Holzhausen. 1st

Div clears Breitscheidt and drives enemy E of Biersdorf and Daaden, while 104th Div ( — ) advances E

10 miles behind armor. 4th Cav Gp begins progressive relief of 1st Div on successive objectives along

the Sieg to E of 78th Div. Myth Div begins relief

of 8th Div in defensive positions along W bank of

the Rhine. In III Corps area, 7th Armd Div, jumping off shortly after midnight 27–28 from Dill R

line, drives NE to Lahn R and secures crossings between Marburg and Giessen and communications

centers E of the Lahn. CCR’s TF Griffin crosses S

of Marburg to gain objectives in Schroeck–Beltershausen region and makes contact with 3d Armd Div

(VII Corps) at Marburg. TF Brown crosses in

Roth–Bellnhausen area and continues to Ebsdorf.

CCA meets determined resistance as it approaches

Giessen but succeeds in entering and clearing the

city; since bridge there is damaged, treadway bridge

is constructed over the Lahn. CCB, having displaced

eastward, is committed between CCR and CCA and

secures crossings of the Lahn N of Giessen and road

centers E of the Lahn. Bypassing resistance near

Rodheim, CCB advances to Wissmar, which it is

obliged to capture before continuing; TF Erlenbusch

clears Wissmar, crosses the Lahn, and captures

Wieseck and Grossen Buseck; from Wissmar, TF

Chappuis turns N, taking Ruttershausen and crossing the Latin to clear Staufenberg, Mainzlar, Daubringen, Lollar, and Alten Buseck. 7th Armd Div

thus gains all of its objectives and is directed to

assemble in Marburg area to continue attack to N.

9th Div speeds E to W bank of Lahn R in Niederwalgern–Odenhausen region. 99th Div’s 393d Inf

clears to Dill R line NW of Wetzlar, relieving armor

of crossings in Asslar–Hermannstein region; 395th

is pinched out S of Merenberg; 394th motors to Giessen area. 14th Cav Gp displaces to vicinity of Lahr,

W of Weilburg, and its 18th Sq is attached

to 99th Div. 28th Div ( — ) is transferred to III Corps

from V Corps. In V Corps area, 9th Armd Div assembles along the Lahn. CCR makes contact with

Third Army on Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn N of

Idstein and withdraws to the Lahn. 2d Div relieves

CCB at Hadamar and Limburg. 69th Div finishes

crossing the Rhine and takes over sector cleared by

RCT 272.

[ 28 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 459 ]

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th

Div makes substantial progress despite congested

roads at boundary of First and Third Armies:

346th Inf clears its zone and establishes CP in

advance of troops at Lindenholzhausen, across

Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn; 345th reaches Kirberg; TF Sundt takes Katzenelnbogen; 347th displaces eastward on N flank of corps as attack progresses. From Nastatten area, 76th Div drives

rapidly E, with 385th Inf on left and 417th on right,

toward Kamberg and Idstein and, ultimately,

Usingen. TF Fickett reaches Cologne–Frankfurt

Autobahn N of Idstein and makes contact with 9th

Armd Div (V Corps). 89th Div moves SE against

spotty resistance: TF Johnson reaches Bad Schwalbach and halts; 354th Inf moves forward behind

TF Johnson; 353d, clearing Hinter Wald, is

strongly opposed in vicinity of Nieder and Ober Gladbach; 355th, reinf by components of TF Engel as that

TF is dissolved, overcomes severe resistance at Lorch.

XX Corps begins assault NE across the Rhine. 80th

Div attacks simultaneously across the Rhine and

Main Rivers at 0100: 317th Inf leads

assault across the Rhine at Mainz and is followed

by 318th; 319th crosses the Main in Bischofsheim

area. Opposition is moderate and by end of day 80th

Div holds firm bridgehead in Mainz area, including

towns of Kostheim, Kastel, Biebrich, Ervenheim,

Wiesbaden, Bierstadt, Igstadt, Auringen, Hochheim, Wicker, Massenheim, and Delkenheim. 3d

Cav Gp moves 3d Sq to Mainz area to guard

bridges. As Corps attacks in center of army zone,

boundaries are altered and 5th Inf and 6th Armd

Divs, in and near Frankfurt, are attached to corps

in place; 11th Armd Div passes to XII Corps control. XII Corps begins breakout attacks across Main

R. 90th Div starts across in assault boats in Doernigheim area at 0300 and by noon holds firm

bridgehead for debouchment of armor, despite

stiff local resistance on left. Assault regts—357th

on left and 358th on right—clear 5–6-mile bridgehead. Footbridge and ferry are completed during

morning and entire div and supporting weapons are

across by end of day. 6th Armd Div starts crossing

into 90th Div’s bridgehead in early afternoon and

drives rapidly N against scattered resistance. CCB,

in the lead, takes Enkheim, Bergen, Vilbel, Massenheim, Dortelweil, Nieder Eschbach, and Nieder

Erlenbach; CC 86 spearheads assault, driving to

positions just S of Friedberg; CCA follows CC 86

to region N of Hochstadt. Meanwhile, on corps

right, 4th Armd Div crosses treadway bridge at Grossauheim in single column, starting at 0300, and

drives N with CCA on right, CCB on left, and

CCR to rear prepared to assist either of the

other columns. After reducing resistance at Ostheim, CCA speeds to Gruenberg, its objective.

CCB meets little resistance as it advances to positions NE of Gruenberg and outposts Beltershain.

CCR closes in Muenzenberg. On Main R line,

5th Div continues fight for Frankfurt, crossing

RCT 2, 1st Bn of RCT 10, and 2d Bn of RCT 11

into the city and clearing most of it; 1st Bn of RCT

11 takes portion of Frankfurt S of the Main. 26th

Div continues blocking mission to E and S and

completes reduction of Hanau by 0630; 45th Div

(Seventh Army) takes over bridgehead near

Aschaffenburg. 2d Cav Gp is released from screening mission and detached from 5th and 26th Divs.

11th Armd Div begins move to the Main at Hanau

and is attached to corps to fight abreast 4th Armd

Div; CCA crosses the Rhine and assembles in Bischofsheim area. 6th Armd and 5th Inf Divs

pass to control of XX Corps in place as XIIXX

Corps boundary is altered.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th Div reaches the Main near Obernau and establishes bridgehead across the river: 157th

Inf crosses and pushes toward Aschaffenburg and

Schweinheim, a suburb of Aschaffenburg; 179th

starts across behind 157th; 180th closes along the

river. 3d Div speeds toward the Main to S and is

passed through on its right flank by 12th Armd Div.

Forward elements of 12th Armd Div clear the Odenwald. 44th Div drives S along the Rhine and across

the Neckar toward Mannheim and Heidelberg. Burgomaster of Mannheim tries unsuccessfully

to arrange for surrender of the city. XXI Corps

begins crossing the Rhine to operate in region S of

XV Corps. 10th Armd and 63d Inf Divs complete

crossing and assemble. In VI Corps area, 103d Div

begins relief of 71st Div along the Rhine from

 Oppau to S of Speyer. 36th Div maintains defensive

positions along the Rhine.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front capture naval base of Gdynia and

clear W part of Danzig. Continuing W along S

bank of the Danube in region E of Budapest, Second Ukrainian forces take Gyoer.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

inactivates separate 366th Inf, placing its personnel

in 224th and 226th Engr General Service Regts.

BURMA—Burma Defense Army, renamed

Burma National Army, rises in revolt against Japanese in central and S Burma. Adm Mountbatten

establishes Air and Ground Supply Committee to

study air supply situation and recommend improvements.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Japanese

begin withdrawing from Meiktila sector, night 28–

29.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 1st

Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, joins 2d Bn and the

combined force consolidates NE and E of Burgos

[ 28 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 460 ]

for next few days. 3d Bn is responsible for San

Fernando area. 35th Inf, 25th Div, is directed to

halt drive on Balete Pass via Putlan R Valley since

27th Inf is making better progress on Mt Myoko;

is to remain in present positions temporarily, then

block E approach to Putlan Valley and attack N

through 1st Bn of 27th Inf. In XI Corps area, 1st

Bn of 1st Inf, 6th Div, drives 600 yards N from Mt

Baytangan area. 2d Bn, 20th Inf, attacks toward Mt

Mataba, gaining ridge position. 3d Bn also joins in

attack, but progress is slow. In XIV Corps area, 1st

Cav Div forces drive to outskirts of Lipa and San

Agustin. To N, 12th Cav seizes Mayondon Point

and reaches corps objective line within its sector.

187th Inf, 11th A/B Div, attacks from 2 directions

in vain effort to gain saddle between Mt Macolod

and Bukel Hill.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 40th

Div forces on Panay embark at Iloilo for Negros

Occidental. On Cebu, 182d Inf, in 2-pronged assault

by 2d and 3d Bns, seizes Lahug Airfield. 1st Bn

secures bypassed Hill 30 and attempts to clear Go

Chan Hill, a spur of Hill 31, as well but finds it too

strongly defended. 32 pillboxes are destroyed on

Guadalupe Road E of Go Chan. Co E, 132d Inf,

secures Mactan I. and Opon Airfield without

opposition.

KERAMA Is.—BLT 3, RCT 305, meets no further

opposition on Aka I. Other elements of RCT

305 are eliminating the enemy position on Zamami.

RCT 306 seizes town of Tokashiki on Tokashiki I.

29 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div

continues clearing Emmerich against strong resistance. Netterden falls to Cdn 2d Div. In 12 Corps

area, 7th Armd Div drives on Rheine, passing

through Sudlohn and Stadtlohn. From Bocholt, 53d

Div drives toward Winterswijk. 8 Corps attacks to

exploit breakthrough on right flank of army, employing 11th Armd Div on left and 6th A/B Div

on right, and makes rapid progress toward Osnabrueck. 11th Armd Div reaches Beikelort, SE of

Ahaus, and 6th A/B Div drives to Coesfeld. In

XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 6th Gds Armd Brig,

relieved in Haltern before dawn by motorized elements of U.S. 17th A/B Div, proceeds to Duelmen

and from there starts toward Buldern. U.S. 17th

A/B Div’s 194th Gli Inf is shuttled to Duelmen by

motor. U.S. 2d Armd Div (XIX Corps, U.S. Ninth

Army) begins passing through and relieving U.S.

17th A/B Div.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, CCA

of 8th Armd Div clears SW part of Dorsten; elements push E toward Marl and Polsum. Some units

of CCR drive N to assist CCA at Dorsten while

others continue E, overrunning Feldhausen and

Schoven. 30th Div maintains defensive positions.

35th Div’s 134th Inf takes Gladbeck but firm enemy

resistance holds other regts to negligible gains.

Continuing S with 314th and 315th Regts, 79th Div

gets left flank to Emser Canal S of Sterkrade and

right flank to Rhine–Herne Canal. 29th Div is

attached to corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div, swerving N from Marburg,

pursues disorganized enemy about 50 miles N

toward Paderborn: on left, CC Howze’s TF Kane

reaches Brilon and TF Doan reaches Thuelen; to

right, CC Boudinot columns halt just short of Marsberg and Mengeringhausen. 1st and 104th Divs move

forward to left and rear of armor, respectively. RCT’s

13 and 28, 8th Div, assemble E of the Rhine and

begin mopping up region just S of the Sieg between

Roth and Wahlbach, thus releasing elements of 1st

Div and 4th Cav Gp for operations elsewhere. 78th

Div continues to defend S bank of the Sieg to left of

8th Div and relieves elements of 4th Cav Gp in place.

86th Div completes relief of 8th W of the Rhine. In

III Corps area, 7th Armd Div begins drive N for

Edersee dam and crossings of Eder R. TF

Brown jumps off early in morning to clear CCR’s

assembly area—Kirchhain–Amoeneburg–Kleinseelheim quickly clearing all but Kirchhain, where

resistance is so severe that TF Beatty is committed.

Elements of TF Brown bypass Kirchhain to reach

Bracht. TF Griffin advances to Buergeln area. CCB,

on right, drives N to Kirchhain, taking over attack

on that city and troops already engaged there at

1600 and completing its capture by 1800. CCB retains control of TF Beatty but releases attached elements of TF Brown upon fall of Kirchhain. CCA,

relieved at Giessen by 99th Div, is held in reserve.

9th Div maintains defensive positions along W bank

of Lahn R. After motoring to Wissmar area, 395th

Inf of 99th Div mops up W of Staufenberg and

establishes OPL east of that city; 394th relieves

CCA, 7th Armd Div, at Giessen and outposts region

to E; 393d occupies Wetzlar. 28th Div starts assembling E of the Rhine. V Corps shifts its attack from

E to N, using 9th Armd Div to spearhead drive

toward Eder R. From Latin R, 9th Armd Div

sweeps NE to Gleen R line between Kirchhain and

Kirtorf with two CC’s abreast, relieving III Corps

elements at Giessen. On left, CCB crosses the Lahn

at Weilburg and drives to Schweinberg area while

CCA, followed by CCR, advances from Aumenau to

Kirtorf. 2d Div, riding tanks, TD’S, and organic

vehicles, moves forward behind armor. 69th Div

mops up stragglers in rear areas.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 347th

Inf, on 87th Div N flank, relieves V Corps of re-

[ 29 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 461 ]

sponsibility for Diez–Limburg area; TF Sundt,

spearheading div attack, reaches corps boundary.

345th cuts autobahn near Niederselters and clears

that town. On 76th Div left, 385th Inf clears Kamberg against vigorous opposition; 417th, to right,

drives through Idstein to Oberems–Kroftel–Wuestems area. TF Fickett gets advance elements, on

left flank, to Giessen–Bad Nauheim highway in

vicinity of Grossen Linden. 354th Inf, 89th Div,

reaches Bad Schwalbach and relieves TF Johnson,

which is dissolved, then continues toward corps

boundary; 353d clears resistance in vicinity of Ober

and Nieder Gladbach and takes Hausen; 355th and

Rcn Tr clear Rhine bend W of Wiesbaden. In

XX Corps area, 6th Armd Div (with CC’s A, B,

and 86 in assault) rolls northward astride autobahn

practically unopposed, reaching objective NE

of Steinbach in region E of Giessen; attack passes

through Friedberg, Bad Neuheim, Grossen Linden,

and many smaller towns. 80th Div mops up within Mainz bridgehead and expands it NE on right

to Koenigstein; attached 16th Cav Gp crosses the

Rhine to screen left flank and drives to line

Eltville–Neudorf–Georgenborn, W of Wiesbaden.

65th Div closes in Schwabenheim area and, during

night 29–30, begins crossing 260th and 261st Regts

over the Rhine; 261st is attached to 6th Armd Div.

5th Div completes capture of Frankfurt, which it

then polices. 3d Cav Gp crosses the Rhine and

drives NE along right flank of 6th Armd Div to Karben area without opposition. Action of 6th

Armd Div and 3d Cav Gp opens autobahn as MSR

for corps. 71st Div is attached to corps. 94th Div is

transferred to XXII Corps, Fifteenth Army. In

XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div drives rapidly E:

CCB captures Lauterbach, its objective; CCA, moving through Ulrichstein and Herbstein, takes Grossenlueder; to open MSR, CCR advances to right of

CCA through Nidda to Herbstein, which it outposts;

RCT 359 (—3d Bn) of 80th Div is attached

to div, motorized, and employed as blocking force

on right. 11th Armd Div moves to the Main at

Hanau and begins drive through 26th Div’s bridgehead toward Fulda: CCA is brought to a halt at Rothenbergen; CCB follows CCA across the Main but

coils off road for night at Ravolzhausen. 90th Div

mops up to general line Burg Grafenrode–Kaichen–

Windecken. 26th Div clears bypassed re-sistance in

Hanau–Lieblos region and in Langen-diebach and

Rueckingen. 2d Cav Gp starts crossing 42d Sq over

the Main, night 29–30, to maintain contact between

26th Div and Seventh Army.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th Div runs into firm opposition for

the first time E of the Rhine as it attempts to expand

Main bridgehead. Enemy is resisting 157th Inf attacks from house to house in Aschaffenburg and

Schweinheim. 179th Inf attacks E in Sulzbach area.

180th crosses the Main and drives through Sulzbach.

3d Div reaches the Main at Woerth and prepares to

cross. 12th Armd Div continues eastward drive with

CCA on left and CCB on right. 44th Div moves

into Mannheim, from which German garrison has

withdrawn. XXI Corps directs 10th Armd Div to

pass through elements of 3d and 44th Divs in

preparation for drive S of the Neckar. Elements of

10th Armd Div move forward to search for crossing

sites over the Neckar. 63d Div begins relief of 44th

Div (XV Corps). 101st Cav Gp assembles E of the

Rhine. In VI Corps area, 103d Div completes relief

of 71st Div and assumes control of its sector. Div

passes to Seventh Army control. 71st Div is detached

and starts to Third Army sector. 36th Div turns

over its sector to 3d Algerian Div and passes to army

control. 102d Cav Gp is also detached from corps

and starts from corps sector.

In Fr 1st Army area, DA ALPS clears most of

Petit St Bernard Pass and breaks off attack.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third White Russian Front mop up remnants of encircled enemy

groups SW of Koenigsberg in East Prussia. Fighting continues in E part of Danzig. In Hungary,

troops of Third Ukrainian Front drive to Austrian

frontier, capturing Szombathely, Koeszeg, and

Kapuva.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army area, Ind 7th

Div (less 33d Brig, which is assisting Ind 5th Div

of 4 Corps in Taungtha–Meiktila area) is transferred

from 4 to 33 Corps control.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

elements of 43d Div gain positions on Hill 1200,

commanding last enemy escape route, which runs

NW from New Bosoboso. 1st Inf, 6th Div, pushes

forward to within about 300 yards of its objective.

Some 20th Inf elements consolidate on ridge near

Mt Mataba while others continue attack under intense fire. In XIV Corps area, 8th Cav of 1st Cav

Div seizes Lipa and its airdrome and establishes

contact with 11th A/B Div near there. Highway 19

is now open for traffic from Calamba to Batangas.

7th Cav pushes to San Andres. Elements of 187th

Inf, 11th A/B Div, driving W on Mt Macolod, clear

part of Dita, on Route 417.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, reinf

platoon of Co F, 185th Inf, lands at Patik in Negros

Occidental Province, Negros I., and secures Bago R

bridge, which is urgently needed for drive on

Bacolod, in lively action with bridge guards. Main

body of 185th Inf goes ashore near Pulupandan unopposed; using Bago R bridge, drives N to outskirts

of Bacolod. While 132d Inf patrols actively on Cebu,

182d battles enemy on Go Chan Hill, securing it in

costly battle. Japanese explosives blow up E spur of

Go Chan, causing heavy American casualties, par-

[ 29 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 462 ]

ticularly to Co A, which is withdrawn from line.

76 pillboxes are destroyed. On Mindanao, organized

resistance in Zamboanga sector collapses as 3d Bn,

163d Inf, gains heights near Mt Pulungbatu, but

mopping up continues for some time. Philippine

guerrilla forces land on Masbate after LCI bombardment and soon take town of Masbate.

RYUKYU Is.—77th Div completes capture of

Kerama Is. RCT 305’s BLT 1 withdraws from

Zamami and BLT 2, the garrison force, takes over.

BLT 3, RCT 305, withdraws from Aka after mopping up the island. RCT 306 secures rest of Tokashiki

and withdraws, except for BLT 1, which remains

to patrol until end of month. The anchorage and

seaplane base are put into operation. With approaches to Okinawa landing beaches now cleared

of mines, naval surface vessels move in to pound assault area at close range. Aircraft continue to bombard Okinawa. Underwater demolition teams reconnoiter Hagushi beaches. Elements of TF 58, after

uneventful search for enemy fleet units off

Japan, attack Kyushu airfields and enemy shipping

on return trip to Okinawa.

30 March

U.K.—Prime Minister Churchill writes Gen

Marshall, asking that U.S. air resources be made

available for support of British drive on Rangoon.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div completes capture of Emmerich. Elten falls to Cdn 2d

Div. 30 Corps breaks out of bridgehead and heads

for Lingen. Gds Armd Div and 43d Div advance

rapidly, former bypassing and containing Groenlo.

In 12 Corps area, Winterswijk falls to 53d Div. 7th

Armd Div reaches Ahaus. In 8 Corps area, 6th A/B

Div and 11th Armd Div reach Ems R at Greven and

Ensdetten, respectively, after driving 14 miles NE.

In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 16th Gds Armd Brig

reaches Buldern early in morning. U.S. 17th A/B Div

is placed under command of U.S. XIX Corps at

0600. Corps reverts to First Allied Airborne Army

at same time and its zone is divided between Br 8

and U.S. XIX Corps.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XVI Corps area, 75th Div

moves E of the Rhine in preparation for attack

through 30 Div and 8th Armd Div. Some elements

of CCA, 8th Armd Div, are pinned down E of Marl

but others take Polsum. CCR reaches Buer Hassel.

35th Div pushes from Gladbeck to Buer and to the

SW clears Bottrop and Eigen. 314th Inf, 79th Div,

drives S of Sterkrade Buschhausen to Emser Canal,

concluding div’s mission; relief of right flank elements of 35th Div is begun. 15th Cav Gp is attached

to XIX Corps.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Fifteenth Army area,

XXII Corps becomes operational at noon with mission of defending, occupying, organizing, and governing Neuss–Bonn sector along W bank of the

Rhine. Corps temporarily has control of 95th Div,

Ninth Army, and 86th Div, First Army, pending

relief by Fifteenth Army units.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, leading

elements of 3d Armd Div get to within 2 miles of

Paderborn. Resistance is scattered at first but stiffens

as assault columns approach city. On left, determined resistance halts CC Howze’s TF Richardson

at Nordborchen and TF Hogan at Wewer. On

right, CC Boudinot’s TF Welborn, after reaching

forest NE of Etteln, has its lines severed by infiltrators, and TF Doan of CC Hickey is committed to

open route of advance; TF Lovelady is halted in

Wrexen area, SW of Scherfede. While driving toward front lines, div CG, Maj Gen Maurice Rose,

is fatally shot by the enemy. 104th Div continues

to advance rapidly behind armor, 413th Inf reaching Arolsen and Adorf and forward elements of

415th stopping near Heringhausen. 4th Cav Gp,

whose relief is completed by 78th Div, moves via

Hackenburg and Dillenburg to Eibelhausen and from

there attacks N, forward units reaching Beddelhausen and Markhausen. 1st Div, with elements

of 3 regts in line, pushes N to line Strassebersbach–

Hainchen–Irmgarteichen–Gernsdorf–Rudersdorf–

Rodgen, thereby gaining heights dominating Siegen. 8th Div completes movement to new zone E

of the Rhine and continues attack with 13th and

28th Regts to destroy enemy S of the Sieg within

zone, largely accomplishing mission. In III Corps

area, 7th Armd Div speeds N to line of Ederstau

See and Eder R, captures Edersee Dam intact, and

secures crossings of Eder R. CCR, on left, advances

to the Eder without opposition and sends patrols

to N bank. CCB organizes TF Lohse for attack on

Edersee Dam, but TF Wolfe (a sub-task force of

TF Brown, CCR) reaches the dam first and captures it while temporarily attached to CCB. TF Chappuis, followed by attached TF Beatty, drives to river

line on right and seizes six bridges between Hemfurth and Bergheim. 99th Div, relieved at Wetzlar by

elements of V Corps, assembles near Krofdorf–

Gleiberg. 14th Cav Gp displaces to vicinity of Frankenbach. In V Corps area, 9th Armd Div continues

N to the Eder and secures crossings. CCB drives to

Bad Wildungen: some elements clear the town and

cross 7th Armd Div (III Corps) bridge to establish

bridgehead while others cross at Wega and move

along the river to take bridge at Bergheim.

CCA advances to Fritzlar, where bridge is blown

and enemy offers organized resistance from ground

and air: some elements cross 6th Armd Div (XX

Corps) bridge at Sennern and attack Fritzlar from

[ 30 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 463 ]

the rear while others take airfield S of Fritzlar. 2d

Div continues rapid advance to rear of armor. 69th

Div takes over new zone SW of Weilburg and begins

movement into it; elements move to Wetzlar and

relieve III Corps units.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 87th Div

completes its mission as TF Sundt; reversing its

course, drives W and joins 345th Inf, which is

moving E. Continuing toward Usingen, 76th Div

is halted at Finsternathal, Dorfweil, and Schmitten

by opposition from German officer candidates;

304th Inf ( — ) crosses the Rhine to protect right

flank along Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn. TF Fickett gets elements to Butzbach, on Giessen–Bad Nauheim highway, completing its mission. 89th

Div reaches corps boundary from Neuhof to Eltville

and begins mopping up bypassed pockets. In

XX Corps area, 6th Armd Div exploits breakthrough N of Frankfurt, pressing relentlessly toward

Kassel and reaching Eder R in Zenner–Wadern area

and the Fulda near Ober Beisheim, a little short

of objective; among numerous towns, overruns Romrod, Alsfeld, Treysa, Borken, and Homberg. CCR

starts to Remsfeld area. 80th Div releases

318th Inf to 6th Armd Div for motorized followup operations; 319th Inf motors to Grossen Buseck

area, near Giessen. 65th Div, less elements attached

to 6th Armd Div, continues to cross the Rhine and

advances NE behind 6th Armd Div, mopping up insignificant bypassed resistance. 3d Cav Gp thrusts

NE to final objectives in Wallenrode–Hebles area,

between Romrod and Lauterbach. 71st Div motors

to Rockenhausen assembly area. In XII Corps area,

4th Armd Div, turning NE, pursues enemy toward

Hersfeld: CCB overcomes some resistance at Niederaual and Asbach and begins attack on Hersfeld,

but falls back to Asbach area for night; CCA reaches

its objective, high ground between Hersfeld and

Vacha. 90th Div ( — RCT 359) is motorized for follow-up operations behind 4th Armd Div and moves

to general line Rudingshain–Breungeshain–Herchehain. 11th Armd Div completes its crossing of the

Main near Hanau and continues drive toward Fulda.

CCA, despite close air and arty assistance, is unable

to take Gelnhausen. Reinf 41st Cav Rcn Sq

( — ) moves forward to open route for CCA: bypassing Gelnhausen, the column drives to outskirts of

Schlierbach. CCR moves to Mittel Gruendau to

contain Gelnhausen. On div left, CCB advances

rapidly through Huettengessas and Buedingen to

Nieder Seemen. 26th Div, with 328th Inf on left

and torst on right, continues to mop up to rear of

11th Armd Div, reaching Michelan–Leisenwald

area; 104th Inf, which has moved up to Hanau region, is relieved there by 2d Cav Gp and displaces

to Budinger Wald. 2d Cav Gp finishes crossing

the Main and screens right flank of corps NE of

Hanau with 2d Sq; 42d Sq is relieved of screening

mission below Third Army boundary by 106th Cav

Gp of XV Corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div is still held up at

Aschaffenburg but clears Schweinheim. Rest of div

is moving steadily forward. 3d Div crosses the Main

at Woerth and establishes bridgehead. 12th Armd

Div continues E, CCA driving through Amorbach

to Schippach and positions near Nassig and CCB

getting lead elements to Hardheim area. 44th Div,

passed through and relieved in Mannheim area by

63d Div of XXI Corps, is held in reserve. In XXI

Corps area, 101st Cav Gp makes contact with 12th

Armd Div, XV Corps, and secures bridgehead line.

4th Div completes its crossing of the Rhine and

advances E through elements of 12th Armd Div.

63d Div, after relieving 44th Div, XV Corps, crosses

the Neckar in Wieblingen area. CCA and CCB,

10th Armd Div, cross Neckar R and move S.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front complete capture of Danzig. In

Silesia, Soviet units are eliminating encircled enemy

forces at Glogau and Breslau. Some elements of

Second Ukrainian Front open offensive along border

of Czechoslovakia and Hungary, speeding W across

Hron and Nitta Rivers toward Slovak capital of

Bratislava. Other elements of this front continue to

clear S bank of the Danube in Hungary. Some

elements of Third Ukrainian Front drive into Austria from vicinity of Hungarian town of Koeszeg

while others gain ground W of Lake Balaton; still

others, assisted by Bulgarian troops, thrust quickly

southward from Lake Balaton to the Drava R along

border of Hungary and Yugoslavia.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, continuing SE from Mogok, reaches Kyaukme, where

junction is made with Ch 1st Sep Regt. This brings

operations on NCAC front virtually to an end, since

Chiang Kai-shek has obtained Adm Mountbatten’s

promise to halt along line Lashio–Hsipaw–Kyaukme. In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Kyaukse falls to Ind 20th Div after hard fighting.

In 4 Corps area, with Meiktila secure, Ind 17th Div

and 255th Tank Brig start S toward Pyawbwe.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 1st

Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div, is ordered to block E

approach to Putlan Valley. 3d Bn relieves 1st Bn of

27th Inf on Highway 5 near Kapintalan. 3d Bn,

27th Inf, attacks through 2d Bn along ridge leading

to Mt Myoko. In XI Corps area, 103d Inf of 43d

Div is chosen to drive S and establish contact with

XIV Corps. 172d Inf is to relieve 103d in current

positions. 1st Bn of 1st Inf, 6th Div, continues attack

but because of heavy enemy fire its gains are small.

3d Bn, 20th Inf, continues to fight toward Mt

[ 30 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 464 ]

Mataba. As XIV Corps objective is moved E to line

Lucena–Pagsanjan, 12th Cav of 1st Cav Div continues eastward, encountering enemy position near

Calauan. 1st Bn of 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div, is unable to progress in Mt Macolod sector.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

185th Inf clears Bacolod with ease as enemy retires

eastward on Negros into mountains in PatogNegritos area. 40th Rcn Tr, probing eastward from

Pulupandan, establishes contact with enemy’s secondary line of defense near Atipuluan. 160th Inf,

less 2d Bn, lands on Negros. On Cebu, 182d Inf

clears rest of Hill 31, destroying 9 pillboxes.

RYUKYU IS.—Activity in Kerama Is. is limited to

patrolling. Rcn and demolition around Okinawa

proceed satisfactorily under protective cover of planes

and naval gunfire. Preinvasion air and naval bombardment continues.

31 March

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps takes Hoch Elten

feature. In 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div thrusts

to Haaksbergen, on road to Enschede. In 12 Corps

area, 7th Armd Div, driving on Rheine, reaches

Neuenkirchen. 53d Div advances to Alstatte. In 8

Corps area, 6th A/B and 11th Armd Divs gain

bridgeheads across the Ems.

In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps starts crossing the Rhine at Wesel, 5th Armd Div in the lead.

102d Div and 17th A/B Div, with Br 6th Gds Armd

Brig attached, are attached to corps in place. In

XVI Corps area, 75th Div, with 289th and 291st

Regts abreast, passes through 8th Armd Div and

attacks E on N flank of corps after half hour of arty

preparation, gaining about 4 miles. Upon being

passed through by 75th Div, CCA of 8th Armd Div

is withdrawn to assembly area; CCR, attacking at

0300, drives E to positions 1,000 yards E of Langenbochum. 75th Rcn Tr closes gap between 75th Inf

and 8th Armd Divs. On corps S flank, 35th Div

advances 2 miles, clearing a number of towns and

villages.

12th Army Group: U.S. Fifteenth Army takes

command of coastal sector of France and forces disposed there—reinf 66th Div and Fr troops of FFO,

French Forces of the West—with responsibility for

containing Lorient and St Nazaire pockets. XXII

Corps’ zone is extended N to Homberg as corps takes

control of 102d Div, Ninth Army. 82d A/B Div,

First Allied Airborne Army, is attached to corps

and prepares to move from base camps in France to

the Rhine, where it will relieve 86th Div.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, Brig Gen

Doyle O. Hickey assumes command of 3d Armd

Div; Col Doan is put in charge of former CC

Hickey; Lt Col Boles becomes head of former TF

Doan. Paderborn defenders firmly oppose 3d Armd

Div columns as they maneuver into position for

final assault on the city. CC Howze, employing

flame throwers, drives enemy from Nordborchen

and Wewer. In CC Boudinot sector, TF Boles (formerly Doan) of CC Doan (formerly Hickey) destroys enemy pocket holding up Welborn’s advance

and TF Welborn drives to Haxtergrund; TF Lovelady withstands pressure in Scherfede area until

104th Div units arrive, then moves NW to Ebbinghausen. Mopping up to rear of armor, 413th Inf of

104th Div gains 35 miles and blocks enemy escape

route from Rimbeck; 415th halts in Hallenberg–

Medebach area to counter threat of enemy breakout

from Winterberg and Willingen; TF Laundon (Div

Rcn Tr, reinf) blocks main road at Brilon. 1st Div,

with mission of blocking in region SW of Paderborn, starts to new zone: 16th Inf, upon relief by

8th Div, motors to Bueren without incident and

from there blocks to W and NW and makes contact

with 3d Armd Div on right; 26th Inf follows 4th

Cav Gp N and prepares to block to W from

Ruethen; 18th Inf is relieved by 8th Div during

day. 4th Cav Gp, with 24th Sq on right and 4th on

left, displaces N against stubborn delaying action

to block to left of 1st Div in Ruethen–Brilon region;

right column halts near Hallenberg and left near

Laasphe. 9th Div is attached to corps and starts to

zone between 4th Cav Gp and 8th Div. 8th and

78th Divs maintain defensive positions along the

Sieg on left flank of corps; 8th Div continues to

clear its zone and prepares for assault on Siegen.

In region E of Siegen, 121st Inf of 8th Div clears

Salchendorf, Helgersdorf, Deuz, and Grissenbach;

elements of 13th Inf overrun Kirchen, SW of Siegen.

In III Corps area, 7th Armd Div’s CCR and CCB

defend newly won positions along the Eder and

are passed through by elements of V Corps. 9th

Div is attached to VII Corps. 99th Div starts to Gemuenden area. 18th and 32d Cav Sqs revert to 14th

Cav Gp, which is assigned defensive sector W of

Lahn R formerly occupied by 9th and 99th Divs.

8th TD Gp relieves 14th Cav Gp of responsibility

for Dill R bridges. 28th Div ( — ) closes in assembly

areas E of the Rhine. In V Corps area, 9th Armd

Div establishes bridgehead across Diemel R in Warburg area. CCB overcomes lively resistance at

Wethen, then crosses river to take Ossendorf, Rimbeck, Noerde, and Menne. CCA reaches and clears

Warburg and continues N across Diemel R to Daseburg. CCR, with mission of protecting corps E flank

from Fritzlar northward, completes mop up within

Fritzlar, relieving elements of CCA, and continues

N behind CCA. 2d Div reaches positions just N of

Ederstau See.

[ 31 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 465 ]

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps, except for

76th Div, mops up stragglers. 385th Inf, 76th Div,

drives to Usingen and partly clears it; 417th overcomes lively resistance in Finsternthal–Dorfweil–

Schmitten region and continues NE past HausenArnsbach to vicinity of Usingen. TF Fickett is dissolved. XX Corps is slowed by enemy defense line

along Fulda and Eder Rivers. 6th Armd Div continues toward Kassel and establishes small bridgehead across the Fulda at Malsfeld. CCA, upon crossing the Eder on div left, pushes slowly toward Kassel, which is firmly held, reaching Werkel–Nieder

Vorschutz area. CCB and CC 86 search bank of the

Fulda for crossing sites; CCB establishes bridgehead

at Malsfeld, crossing infantry elements at destroyed

bridge site; CC 86 discovers RR bridge standing,

though damaged, N of Malsfeld and prepares to

cross. Ultimate objective of 6th Armd Div is changed

from Leipzig to Weimar, but Muhlhausen remains

immediate objective. 80th and 65th Divs, less elements attached to 6th Armd Div, continue follow-up

operations to rear of 6th Armd Div, 80th Div driving

toward Kassel. 65th Div completes its crossing of

the Rhine. 3d Cav Gp moves on Heilenstadt and

Mulhausen, but is halted near Fulda R line by strong

delaying action. 16th Cav Gp reverts to corps from

attachment to 80th Div; Gp Hq and 16th Sq move

to Alsfeld–Kassel area to protect corps N flank. In

XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div, with CCB on left

and CCA on right, jumps off in afternoon toward

objectives near Eisenach, reaching positions near

Berka: CCB overruns Hersfeld and continues rapidly to Bosserode; main body of CCA halts for

night at Wolfershausen with forward elements outposting Dankmarsheim. CCR moves from Herbstein

to Hersfeld. 90th Div’s 357th and 358th Regts

advance behind 4th Armd Div to general line Nieder

Jossa–Kruspis–Grossenmoor; TF Spiess, its usefulness ended, is dissolved. On 11th Armd Div left,

CCB drives from Nieder Seemen to Grossenlueder

and is followed as far as Reichlos by CCR. CCA,

moving along route cleared by Cav Comd, reaches

Walroth–Mueldorf area while Cav Comd (41st Cav

Rcn Sq) blocks to SE. 26th Div follows 11th Armd

Div toward Fulda. 2d Cav Gp continues screening

mission on right flank of corps; 42d Sq assembles

at Spielberg. 71st Div is attached to corps and, upon

crossing the Rhine at Oppenheim, assembles near

Housenstamm, SE of Frankfurt.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div continues to clear

Aschaffenburg with close air and arty support. Rest

of div makes substantial progress. 3d Div expands

Main R bridgehead. 12th Armd Div is transferred

to XXI Corps. Corps takes control of 14th Armd

Div from VI Corps. In XXI Corps area, 12th Armd

Div spearheads corps attack toward Wuerzburg–

Schweinfurt Kitzingen region and is followed on

left by 42d Div and on right by 4th Div. CCA speeds

forward to Wertheim area and CCB drives toward

Ochsenfurt. 10th Armd Div continues S along the

Rhine, clearing Sandhausen, Leimen, St Ilgen, and

Bammenthal. From Heidelberg, 63d drives E to Neckargemund. In VI Corps area, 100th Div begins relief

of 63d Div, XXI Corps.

Fr 1st Army begins assault crossings of the

Rhine. In Fr 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Div crosses

in vicinity of Speyer while 2d Moroccan Inf Div

crosses to right in Germersheim area. Germans,

taken by surprise, are unable to stem the advance but

offer heavy fire at some points.

EASTERN EUROPE—In upper Silesia, troops of

First Ukrainian Front overrun Ratibor, Moravian

Gap outpost. Troops of Second Ukrainian Front

take Nitra and force Vah R to seize Galanta, 28

miles from Bratislava. Right flank elements of Third

Ukrainian Front push toward Sopron (Hungary) and

Wiener Neustadt (Austria); elements in Raba R valley of Hungary seize Vasvar, Koermend, and

Szentgotthard.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

128th Inf of 32d Div continues battle for Salacsac

Pass No. 2 on Villa Verde Trail, capturing one hill,

but is forced from crest of another. 3d Bn of 27th

Inf, 25th Div, attacks along ridge leading to Mt

Myoko. In XI Corps area, advance elements of 103d

Inf, 43d Div, start S to seize Santa Maria Valley and

make contact with 1st Cav Div. 1st Inf, 6th Div,

regroups and patrols. In XIV Corps area, 12th Cav

of 1st Cav Div seizes Calauan, from which enemy

has now withdrawn. 5th Cav relieves elements of

7th Cav in San Agustin area and drives E along

route N of and paralleling that of 7th Cav. In Mt

Macolod sector, elements of 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div,

gain positions on Bukel Hill. 188th Inf continues

forward against scattered opposition.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

185th Inf, on Negros, patrols toward Talisay in preparation for attack. 160th Inf moves to Bacolod and

patrols from there. On Cebu, Americal Div prepares

for all-out assault on hill defenses commanding

Cebu City and beats off night attacks.

RYUKYU Is.—420th FA Gp and attachments are

landed on the 4 small islands of the Keise group to

support impending operations on Okinawa. 77th

Div, except for the small garrison on Zamami, withdraws from Kerama Is. As against the low U.S.

casualties of 31 killed and 81 wounded during operations on the Keramas, 530 Japanese have died and

121 have been captured. 1,195 civilians have been

taken prisoner. 77th Div captures and destroys more

than 350 suicide boats in the Keramas, heretofore an

enemy suicide boat base.

[ 31 MARCH 1945 ]
[ 466 ]

1 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Takes

direct command of Br I Corps from Cdn First

Army.

Br Second Army continues from the Rhine toward Hamburg–Wittenberg sector of the Elbe and

has forward elements across Dortmund–Ems Canal,

immediate objective and enemy’s first line of organized resistance. Cdn 2 Corps, on left flank of Br

Second Army, expands and strengthens Emmerich

bridgehead. 30 Corps presses toward Dortmund–

Ems Canal at Rheine. 8 Corps expands bridgeheads

of 6th A/B and 11th Armd Divs over Dortmund–

Ems Canal toward Osnabrueck.

U.S. Ninth Army effects junction with U.S.

First Army at Lippstadt, sealing off the rich industrial Ruhr and trapping the whole of Army

Group B and two corps of Army Group H. In XIII

Corps area, 5th Armd Div spearheads drive toward

the Weser, bypassing Muenster, which 17th A/B

Div prepares to assault. While CCR, 5th Armd,

drives to the Ems at Greffen, CCB moves to Warendorf and reconnoiters to Telgte. 84th Div begins

assembly E of the Rhine. 11th Cav Gp also crosses

to screen N flank of corps from Coesfeld eastward.

In XIX Corps area, CCB, 2d Armd Div, drives SE

to Lippstadt and makes contact with 3d Armd Div

of VII Corps, First Army, closing noose about

the Ruhr. CCA takes Cologne–Berlin Autobahn

pass through Teutoburger Wald but cannot gain

passages near Oerlinghausen and Augustdorf. 83d

Div and 15th Cav Gp, driving E across Muenster

Plain, mop up bypassed resistance and protect right

.flank of corps along Lippe R. 8th Armd Div is

attached to corps for drive on Paderborn. 30th Div

assembles in Drensteinfurt area, between Muenster

and Hamm; 113th Cav Gp is attached to it at 2400

to protect left flank. XVI Corps continues clearing

region S of Haltern. 75th Div, reinf by 116th Inf

of 29th Div, attacks with 3 regts abreast on left

flank of corps, elements passing through 8th Armd

Div zone. 134th Inf presses toward Zweig Canal,

overrunning Recklinghausen; 137th completes

drive to Rhein–Herne Canal; 320th mops up along

Rhein–Herne Canal. 79th Div, defending right

flank of corps, extends a little eastward to relieve

elements of 35th Div. 29th Div completes assembling E of the Rhine.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, TF Kane of 3d Armd Div moves quickly

to Lippstadt and establishes contact with XIX Corps.

Paderborn falls to 3d Armd Div in concerted assault

from SW, S, and SE. 1st Div ( — ) moves to region

 SW of Paderborn to block enemy movement from

the Ruhr (ROSE) pocket. 104th Div, less 414th Inf,

continues to fight on two fronts and is reinf on left

by 4th Cav Gp. 413th Inf improves positions W of

Rimbeck while 415th, far to left rear, defeats enemy

attempt to break out of the Ruhr in Winterberg–

Medebach area. 9th Div is also employed to block

enemy escape from the Ruhr and attacks N, NW,

and W with 3 regts. 8th and 78th Divs continue active along Sieg R line. 8th Div clears its sector S of

the Sieg and begins assault on Siegen and commanding ground N of the river. XVIII Corps

(A/B), transferred from First Allied Airborne

Army to First Army command to operate against

Ruhr pocket, establishes CP at Dillenburg. III Corps

mops up while awaiting further orders. 99th Div

closes in Gemuenden area. In V Corps area, 9th

Armd Div expands Diemel R bridgehead N of Warburg and makes contact with 104th Div (VII Corps)

at Rimbeck. CCR, protecting right flank, is relieved

on right by 102d Cav Gp, which has just returned

from VI Corps zone. 2d Div (less 38th Inf, attached

to 9th Armd Div) completes concentration in Sachsenhausen area and establishes contact with 104th

Div. 69th Div is in the process of moving from Weilburg–Wetzlar region to new assembly area in general

vicinity of Naumburg.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 97th

Div takes over zone of 95th Div in vicinity of Neuss.

95th Div, upon relief, is attached to XIX Corps,

Ninth Army, and starts assembling E of the Rhine.

101st A/B Div is attached to corps to relieve 97th

Div and starts from base camp to corps zone.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps meets effective opposition only around

Aschaffenburg. While 2d and 3d Bns of 157th Inf,

45th Div, continue frontal assault from the S, fighting from house to house within the city, 1st Bn gains

heights NE of the city. Other elements of 45th Div,

as well as 106th Cav Gp to left and 3d Div to right,

are pushing NE against scattered resistance. 14th

Armd Div is attached to corps. XXI Corps continues

E and NE with 12th Armd Div spearheading, 42d

Div following on left, and 4th Div on right. Against

determined opposition, armored columns close in on

Wuerzburg on left and Koenigshofen on right, beginning assault on latter. 101st Cav Gp, screening

right flank of corps, is attached to 4th Div. VI Corps

drives SE astride the Neckar against disorganized

resistance and makes contact with French forces on

right flank. 10th Armd Div spearheads advance,

followed on left by 63d Div and on right by 100th

Div. CCR, on left flank, thrusts SE along E side of

the Neckar toward Jagst R, reaching positions beyond Alfeld. CCA reaches general line from W bank

of the Neckar through Hueffenhardt and Hoffenheim to Dielheim, SE of Wiesloch. CCB, on right

flank, drives S to Bruchsal and then turns E to

Stettfeld–Ubstadt area.

[ 1 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 467 ]

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 76th Div

finishes clearing its sector, concluding offensive of

corps in current zone W of Frankfurt–Bad Nauheim Autobahn. Usingen and a number of other

towns are secured. In XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div drives E from the Fulda, leaving Both Div (to

which RCT 318 reverts) task of clearing Kassel.

CCB crosses at Malsfeld and pushes E through Spangenberg. 80th Div drives N astride the Fulda, forward elements getting to within 3 miles of the

city. 65th Div, less 261st Inf, which is attached to

6th Armd Div, is concentrating to rear of 3d Cav

Gp. 5th Div continues to police Frankfurt area. XII

Corps, having outdistanced XX and XV Corps,

continues NE with both flanks vulnerable, 4th and

11th Armd Divs spearheading and 90th and 26th

Divs following. CCB, 4th Armd Div, reaches the

Werra and establishes small infantry bridgehead,

permitting construction of ponton bridge, night 1–2.

CCA and CCR follow CCB. 90th Div, less elements

attached to 4th Armd Div, remains in place to

facilitate movement of armor. 11th Armd Div,

ordered to drive eastward on right flank of corps to

Arnstadt and Kranichfeld via Meiningen and Thuringer Wald, attacks N into 90th Div zone near Schlitz and then E, CCB reaching Kaltensundheim area

and CCA advancing to Frankenheim and Reichenhausen. Rest of div is following. 26th Div continues

mopping up to rear of 11th Armd Div; 101st Inf begins assault on Fulda. 71st Div, assem-bled in reserve

near Hanau with defensive mission, moves to intercept bypassed SS force N of Hanau. 2d Cav Gp,

screening right flank of corps, pushes NE toward Bad

Orb.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps expands Rhine

bridgehead, cutting Karlsruhe–Frankfurt highway

in vicinity of Mingolsheim and Bruchsal on left and

reaching Linkenheim on right.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First Ukrainian

Front complete destruction of German garrison of

Glogau, on the Oder in Silesia. Second Ukrainian

Front continues W astride the Danube toward

Vienna; elements N of the river reach positions

within 13 miles of Bratislava. Troops of Third

Ukrainian Front overrun Sopron (Hungary); push

farther NW toward Wiener Neustadt and Vienna

(Austria); with assistance of Bulgarians, continue

clearing region SW of Lake Balaton in Hungary.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army

area, 5 Corps begins series of preliminary operations

to improve positions on right flank and divert enemy

to this sector in preparation for main offensive to

left. 2d Cdo Brig opens Operation ROAST—to clear

Comacchio Spit between the lake and the sea—

night 1–2, moving by water to W bank of the spit

after considerable delay when craft bog down in

mud of the shallow lake.

BURMA—Br Fourteenth Army takes command

of Br 36th Div, which has completed its mission

with NCAC. While conducting limited attacks to

clear rest of central Burma, British are regrouping

to make main effort with 4 Corps (Ind 5th and

17th Divs and 255th Tank Brig) down Mandalay–

Rangoon RR while 33 Corps (Br 2d, Ind 7th, and

Ind 20th Divs plus Ind 268th Inf Brig) shifts SW

to drive along Irrawaddy R Valley on Army right

flank toward Prome. Ind 19th Div, under army

command, is to mop up behind 4 Corps.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, Legaspi Attack Group (TG 78.4) lands RCT 158, reinf, in

Legaspi area, Bicol Peninsula, after preparatory

aerial and naval bombardment. Landing is unopposed and the assault forces quickly secure Legaspi

port, town, and airstrip as well as Libog. 2d Bn encounters resistance near Daraga. Gen MacNider

takes command ashore. In I Corps area, on Villa

Verde Trail, 128th Inf of 32d Div recovers ground

lost to Japanese during counterattack on 31st, but

operations during next few days are curtailed

sharply by torrential rains. 3d Bn of 27th Inf, 25th

Div, secures ridge leading to Mt Myoko and until

9 April works on spur W of its crest. In XI Corps

area, 43d turns S flank of Shimbu line as 172d Inf

mops up Hill 1200. Main body of 103d Inf concentrates in Maybancal area and reconnoiters for routes

of advance. In XIV Corps area, elements of 7th

Cav, 1st Cav Div, reach Alaminos. 5th Cav continues eastward to N of 7th. 2d Sq, 12th Cav, begins

attack on strongly defended Imoc Hill, about 4,000

yards SW of Calauan. Against decreasing resistance

1st Bn of 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div, secures Bukel

Hill. 2d Bn has now opened Route 416 from Cuenca

to Dita.

S. PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

185th Inf of 40th Div drives to outskirts of Talisay

on Negros. Elements of 160th Inf take Granada. On

Cebu, 2d Bn of 182d Inf, Americal Div, begins assault on Bolo Ridge, less than a mile NW of Guadalupe, making slow progress against well organized

positions consisting of numerous pillboxes and cave

and tunnel defenses.

OKINAWA—Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51,

Adm Turner) lands Tenth Army on SW shore

of Okinawa in vicinity of Hagushi at approximately

0830, following intensive naval and aerial bombardment by supporting forces of Fifth Fleet. Northern

Attack Force (TF 53, Rear Adm Lawrence F. Reifsnider) puts marines of 6th and 1st Mar Divs, III

Amphibious Corps, ashore N of Bishi R while

Southern Attack Force (TF 55, Rear Adm J. L.

Hall, Jr.) lands 7th and 96th Divs, XXIV Corps, S

of the river. Japanese offer little opposition as assault units move inland to gain beachhead of about

[ 1 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 468 ]

15,000 yards in length and 4,000–5,000 yards in

depth. As a diversion, 2d Mar Div feints landing

on SE shore of Okinawa. Air opposition is light but

kamikazes, destined to play a more important role

as the campaign progresses, cause some damage to

shipping. In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps

area, 6th Mar Div, employing 22d Regt on N and

4th on S, takes Yontan airfield with ease. 1st Mar

Div lands to S and, with 7th Regt on N and 5th

on S, speeds E beyond Sobe in conjunction with

XXIV Corps to S. In XXIV Corps area, 7th Div

moves quickly eastward with 17th Inf on left and

32d on right, seizing Kadena airfield. 96th Div, to

S, moves forward to secure commanding ground S

and SE of its beaches, pushing to river beyond

Chatan on coast.

2 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Hq Netherlands District takes over zone of Br I Corps as

hq of that corps passes to Br Second Army command.

In Cdn First Army’s Cdn t Corps area, 49th Div

opens drive on Arnhem from Nijmegen bridgehead. Cdn 2 Corps, which reverts to Cdn First

Army from attachment to Br Second Army, drives

N toward Doesburg and Zutphen.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps closes along

Twenthe Canal and armored elements continue toward Lingen. In 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div

enters Rheine, on Dortmund–Ems Canal, but enemy is stubbornly defending airfields in the area.

8 Corps continues toward Osnabrueck.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 17th A/B

Div, to which RCT 507 reverts, envelops and

enters Muenster, clearing all except heart of city.

5th Armd Div continues rapidly toward the Weser,

CCB columns advancing to Borgholzhausen region and CCR reaching edge of Herford. In XIX

Corps area, 2d Armd Div continues battle for Teutoburger Wald passes, hampered by terrain,

blown bridges, and roadblocks. CCA, assisted by

elements of CCR, cuts main road from the autobahn to Bielefeld and gets elements to outskirts of

Oerlinghausen. CCB moves forward through Teutoburger Wald along Detmold road to Hiddesen area. RCT 377 reverts to 95th Div from attachment to 2d Armd Div. RCT 119, 30th Div, is attached to 2d Armd Div. 83d Div continues clearing

right flank of corps along the Lippe and maintains and strengthens small bridgehead at Hamm.

30th Div, less RCT 119, starts toward Teutoburger

Wald to relieve 2d Armd Div units. 8th Armd Div

continues E against scattered resistance; CCB is

vigorously engaged at Neuhaus, NW of Paderborn.

In XVI Corps area, 75th Div reaches Dortmund–

Ems Canal from Datteln southward. 134th Inf,

35th Div, reaches Zweig Canal in Meckinghoven

area and is there relieved by elements of 75th Div;

137th and 320th Regts defend positions along

Rhein–Herne Canal.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div consolidates in Paderborn area; elements enter Dahl without opposition.

1st Div organizes defensive positions from which

to block enemy movement from the W. 413th Inf,

104th Div, takes Rimbach; 415th decisively defeats

another enemy counterattack toward Medebach and

later drives W to E part of Kuestelberg. 9th Div

secures Zueschen and Winterberg on right, Berleberg and Berghausen in center, and Girkhausen and

Neu Astenberg on left. Corps zone is narrowed as

78th and 8th Divs pass to control of XVIII Corps

(A/B) in place. XVIII Corps (A/B) takes over

sector bounded by Rhine, Ruhr, Lenne, and Sieg

Rivers. 78th Div defends S bank of the Sieg on left

flank. 8th Div continues fight for Siegen and Netphen and heights N of the Sieg. In III Corps area,

CCA of 7th Armd Div is attached to VII Corps

and starts to Medebach area. In V Corps area, 9th

Armd Div maintains Diemel R bridgehead against

strong opposition on left, where CCB drives off

counterattacking tank-infantry forces. 2d Div continues to mop up and takes responsibility for Eder

bridges in Affoldern area. 102d Cav Gp is given

mission of screening right flank of corps and maintaining contact with Third Army.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps starts NE

to new zone in preparation for attack between XX

and XII Corps. In XX Corps area, 6th Armd Div

completes crossing the Fulda at Malsfeld and, with

CCA and CCB abreast, drives toward the Werra and

its tributary, the Wehre. Some elements reach the

Werra in Bad Sooden area and search for crossing

site while others secure bridgehead at Reichensachen.

80th Div pushes into outskirts of Kassel against determined resistance and tank-infantry counterattacks.

65th Div attacks E across the Fulda on right flank

of corps with 260th and 259th Regts abreast, latter

on right, and makes rapid progress against scattered

resistance. 3d Cav Gp, ordered to defend left flank

of corps, is relieved along the Fulda by 6th Cav Gp,

night 2–3. In XII Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div

expands Creuzburg bridgehead to Neukirchen.

After ponton bridge is completed at Sprichra, CCA

gains heights commanding that town. Ground opposition is light but German Air Force is active

against both bridge sites. 90th Div begins crossing

the Werra near Berka and Bengendorf. 11th Armd

Div thrusts quickly to the Werra N and S of Meiningen. CCB establishes small bridgehead at Wasungen. CCA gains bridgehead in Grimmenthal area;

elements take bridge at Vachdorf. Far to rear of

armor, 26th Div finishes clearing Fulda area. 2d

Cav Gp and 71st Div engage bypassed enemy N of

[ 2 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 469 ]

Hanau. After German SS column attacks rear of 2d

Cav Sq, overrunning Waldensberg, 71st Div commits its full strength in this region: 5th Inf joins 14th

W of Budingen in effort to force enemy E into

Budinger Wald while 66th moves to block E exits

from the woods. Forward elements of 2d Cav Gp

reach Bad Orb.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div continues assault

on Aschaffenburg, where resistance is undiminished.

1st Bn drives into the city from NE. 14th Armd Div

attacks NE through infantry toward Neustadt and

Ostheim with CCA on left and CCB followed by

CCR on right. Retreating enemy offers little opposition. In XXI Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div

patrols eastward toward Wuerzburg, meeting no

organized resistance, and is reinf by 222d Inf, 42d

Div, which clears Marienburg, on W bank of the

Main opposite Wuerzburg. CCB awaits repair of

bridge across the Main at Ochsenfurt. CCR, reinf by

2 bns of 22d Inf, 4th Div, overcomes opposition in

Koenigshofen. 232d Inf, 42d Div, clears region N

and W of the Main in Wertheim–Marktheidenfeld

area and forces crossing at Homburg; 242d drives N

along the Main to positions beyond Bronn R. 8th

Inf, 4th Div, clears region just SW of Wuerzburg;

1st Bn moves to Ochsenfurt and is ferried across the

Main to establish small bridgehead, night 2–3. In

VI Corps area, 10th Armd Div is slowed by rearguard action in some sectors as it continues S, SE,

and E toward Heilbronn. Left flank elements of

CCA, however, reach Bockingen, across the river

from Heilbronn. 63d and 100th Divs continue to

mop up to rear of armor.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Inf Div clears Oestringen, Ubstadt, and Bruchsal.

In region W of Bruchsal, 2d Moroccan Inf Div occupies Hochstetten and Karsdorf. Valluy Groupement (Fr 9th Colonial Inf Div) begins crossing the

Rhine near Leimersheim and makes contact with

2d Moroccan Inf Div of 2d Corps.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth

Army’s 5 Corps area, 2d and 9th Cdos, 2d Cdo Brig,

establish bridgehead on W shore of Comacchio Spit

while 43d (Royal Mar) Cdo clear tongue of land

between the Reno and the sea to attack the spit

from E.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten, meeting with military leaders in Kandy to plan for capture of Rangoon, decides to mount an amphibious assault from

Akyab and Kyaukpyu by one div, supported by

armor and a composite bn of airborne troops, before

the monsoon, not later than 5 May.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158

develops defense position in Legaspi area of Bicol

Peninsula, which enemy has organized to insure

control of Route 1—running northward from San

Bernardino Strait. 1st Bn is halted by fire from Bantog. 2d withdraws through Daraga after relieving elements isolated near there. In I Corps’ 33d

Div sector, 3d Bn of 129th Inf joins 2d in drive up

Highway 9 toward Baguio and 1st Bn goes into

reserve. 3d Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div, begins clearing

ridge dubbed “Fishhook” in Kapintalan region of

Highway 5. In XI Corps area, 1st Inf of 6th Div

renews northward attack with 2d Bn but gains little ground. 20th Inf begins co-ordinated attack with

1st and 3d Bns after arty preparation. 63d and 20th

Regts are ordered to exchange places. In XIV Corps

area, 5th Cav of 1st Cav Div reaches San Pablo. 7th

Cav is pushing toward Mt Malepunyo.

In U.S. Eighth Army area, 185th Inf pushes into

Talisay on Negros and clears the town and airfield;

continues toward Silay, halting at Guinhalaron R,

where bridge is down. Elements of Co B, 160th Inf,

probe toward Concepcion and meet heavy fire. On

Cebu, 2d Bn of 182d Inf gains positions on lower

slopes of Bolo Ridge; is relieved by 1st Bn, 132d Inf.

3d Bn, 132d, encounters enemy position S of Talamban and withdraws while naval gunfire bombards it.

In Sulu Archipelago, 2d Bn, reinf, 163d Inf, 41st

Div, lands unopposed on Sanga Sanga I., in Tawi

Tawi group, after naval and aerial bombardment of

nearby Bongao I. After securing airfield and making

contact with Filipino guerrillas, who already hold

most of island, elements of 2d Bn move to Bongao I.

and establish beachhead.

RYUKYU Is.—Convoy, with 77th Div embarked, is attacked by suicide planes while withdrawing from Kerama Is. and suffers some damage.

U.S. Tenth Army rapidly continues inland on

Okinawa against light resistance. Kadena and Yontan airfields are ready for emergency use and arty

spotting planes are flown ashore. In III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div clears peninsula NW of

Hagushi and pushes into foothills of Yontan–Zan.

Enemy is disposed for strong defense of ridges and

hills of this mountainous region. 1st Mar Div commits 2 bns of 1st Marines on fight as zone of attack

widens; drives to line Ishimmi–Kutoku–Chatan. In

XXIV Corps area, 7th Div employs 184th Inf troops

to plug gap existing on left flank. 17th Inf reaches

heights commanding Nakagusuku Bay and patrols

to E coast, cutting the island in two. 32d Inf reduces

strongpoint S of Koza. Enemy strongpoint near

Mombaru delays center elements of 96th Div, but

flanks are extended past Shimabuku on left and to

vicinity of Futema on right.

3 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div reaches

Dortmund–Ems Canal in Lingen area. In 12 Corps

[ 3 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 470 ]

area, 52d Div mops up Rheine, relieving 7th Armd

Div of this task. 8 Corps makes steady progress toward Osnabrueck.

In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 17th A/B

Div completes reduction of Muenster. 5th Armd Div

reaches the Weser, where bridges are down. CCB

columns advance to Bergkirchen, W of Minden, and

positions SE of Bad Oeynhausen. Bypassing Herford, CCR columns drive NE along autobahn to the

Weser near Vennebeck, receiving surrender of Bad

Oeynhausen. CCA moves forward toward Herford,

crossing Dortmund–Ems Canal near Hiltrup. 84th

Div starts toward the Weser in wake of 5th Armd

Div. 102d Div is attached to corps and, night 3–4,

crosses the Rhine at Wesel. XIX Corps, while continuing E into Germany, begins attack on Ruhr

pocket. 30th Div relieves 2d Armd Div of positions

in Teutoburger Wald, RCT 117 taking over passes

formerly held by CCR and CCA on left and RCT

120 relieving CCB units W of Hiddesen and clearing part of Forst Berlebeck, which extends SE from

Teutoburger Wald. 2d Armd Div gets into position

for drive E to the Weser. CCR column drives SE to

Mackenbruch and cuts Oerlinghausen–Lage road.

One CCA TF attacks SE in evening through Osterheide to Lage while others overrun Oerlinghausen,

assisted by CCR’s flanking movement, and clear

region about Pivitsheide. CCB advances through

Forst Berlebeck and seizes Berlebeck. 83d Div,

which releases 15th Cav Gp to 95th Div and takes

control of 113th Cav Gp ( — 125th Sq) from 30th

Div, continues to clear along Lippe R on right flank

of corps; relieves elements of 8th Armd Div in Neuhaus and mops up that town; turns over positions

generally W of 30th N–S grid line, including Hamm

bridgehead, to 95th Div. In afternoon, 8th Armd

Div opens assault against Ruhr pocket, driving SW

with CCA and elements of CCR. CCA moves along

Paderborn–Soest highway to Erwitte area. CCR,

closing in Lippstadt area, sends TF Walker to Elsen

to relieve pressure on CCB and moves TF Artman

to Weckinghausen. 95th Div begins relief of 83d

Div and prepares to join in assault on Ruhr pocket.

XVI Corps defends current positions and prepares

to attack with 75th Div across Dortmund–Ems

Canal. Co E of 291st Inf, 75th Div, crosses the canal.

12th Army Group: U.S. First Army directs XVIII

Corps (A/B) and III Corps to attack in conjunction

with Ninth Army to destroy enemy S of the Ruhr

and E of the Rhine; VII and V Corps are to regroup in order to continue attack to E. In VII Corps

area, 3d Armd and 1st Inf Divs maintain and improve defensive positions. 3d Armd Div makes contact with 8th Armd Div (XIX Corps). 413th Inf,

104th Div, takes Scherfede and Hardehausen while

415th reduces opposition in Kuestelberg. At 2400

CCA, 7th Armd Div, relieves elements of 415th

Inf in Kuestelberg and is attached to 9th Div. 39th

Inf, 9th Div, clears region W of Zueschen–Winterberg road but falls back a little at one point; elements

of 47th Inf take Oberkirchen; 60th Inf secures Westfeld and relieves elements of 39th Inf in Neu Astenberg. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 97th Div is

moving forward to take over left sector from 78th

Div. 8th Div continues slowly NW along the Sieg.

13th Inf overcomes organized resistance in Siegen

and seizes commanding ground to NW; 121st is

still strongly opposed in Netphen but makes progress to right. III Corps prepares to attack on 5 April

to reduce that part of the Ruhr pocket between

Lenne and Ruhr Rivers, co-ordinating with XVIII

Corps (A/B) to left. 32d Cav Sq, 14th Cav Gp,

upon relief by 8th TD Gp, relieves CCB, 7th Armd

Div, along the Eder. 99th Div starts W to

Schwarzenau area. V Corps maintains and improves defensive positions. 69th Div completes assembly in Naumburg area and relieves CCR, 9th

Armd Div, which assembles in Warburg area.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues

concentration in new zone for attack to limiting line

Muhlhausen–Langensalza–Gotha. 89th Div, concentrating in Hersfeld area, releases RCT 355 to 4th

Armd Div. 4th Armd Div is transferred in place

to corps from XII Corps at 2400. In XX Corps area,

6th Armd Div crosses the Werra and thrusts toward

Muhlhausen. CCB, in the lead, crosses the Wehre

at Reichensachen, clearing that town and Eschwege;

crosses the Werra at Gross Burschla and drives to

Heyerode. CCA, unable to cross in Bad Sooden area,

follows CCB. CCR guards Eschwege and river line

between Wanfried and Heldra. 80th Div continues

lively battle for Kassel, clearing part of the city.

65th Div advances rapidly on right flank of corps:

260th Inf reaches line Reichensachen–Langenhain,

where it is held up by friendly armor with road

priority; to right, 259th crosses the Werra—3d Cav

Gp assembles in Fritzlar area. 76th Div is transferred to corps from VIII Corps and is assembling in

vicinity of Homberg. XII Corps directive orders

advance to halt along line Gotha–Suhl. CCB, 4th

Armd Div, gains positions commanding Gotha

while CCA advances to Hoerselgau area. 90th Div

clears Berka–Vacha sector E of the Werra. 11th

Armd Div drives well into Thuringer Wald, German small arms manufacturing center. CCB pushes

to Oberhof. CCA reaches Suhl and clears S part in

house-to-house battle. 26th Div drives toward the

Werra to rear of 11th Armd Div, forward elements

reaching Schwarzbach. Germans N of Hanau are

driven into Budinger Wald and encircled there by

co-ordinated action of first Div, 2d Cav Gp, and XX

Corps’ 5th Div. 2d Sq, 2d Cav Gp, is attached to

71st Div and intercepts small enemy parties pushing

toward Wirtheim.

[ 3 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 471 ]

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 94th

Div closes in vicinity of Krefeld and relieves 102d

Div along the Rhine. 102d Div is attached to XIII

Corps, Ninth Army. 20th Armd Div is attached to

corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Aschaffenburg surrenders to 157th Inf,

45th Div, concluding stiff battle. Other assault forces

of corps continue quickly NE. CCB, 14th Armd

Div, takes Lohr. In XXI Corps area, 222d Inf of

42d Div (attached to CCA, 12th Armd Div) opens

frontal assault on Wuerzburg; 2d Bn forces the

Main before dawn and establishes bridgehead in W

part of Wuerzburg; 1st Bn crosses later and expands

bridgehead to right. 232d Inf, 42d Div, moves to

Marienburg and prepares to cross the Main; 242d

reaches the Main about 10 miles N of Wuerzburg

and searches for crossing site. 8th Inf, 4th Div, completes its crossing at Ochsenfurt and CCB, 12th

Armd Div, also crosses after bridge is repaired.

CCR, after closing in Sonderhofen assembly area

and releasing attached elements of 4th Div, drives

rapidly E, forward elements reaching N–S railway

line at edge of Herrnberchtheim. In VI Corps area,

CCR of 10th Armd Div establishes shallow bridgehead across the Jagst in Griesheim area, N of Heilbronn, against strong resistance. CCA prepares for

assault crossing of the Neckar in Heilbronn area;

meets intense fire from enemy entrenched along

the river. CCB drives rapidly E on Heilbronn

against moderate resistance, reaching Kirchhausen–

Schluchtern region. 63d Div runs into troublesome

pockets of resistance as it continues clearing region

N of the Jagst on left flank of corps. 397th Inf, 100th

Div, drives E toward Heilbronn; 399th, pinched out

by Fr forces to right, assembles in Sinsheim area;

398th relieves 255th Inf, 63d Div, along the Neckar.

Fr 1st Army is directed to expand bridgehead

to line Lichtenau–Pforzheim–Ludwigsberg and

capture Karlsruhe and Pforzheim; be prepared to

clear the Black Forest. 2d Corps pushes E toward

the Neckar on left and S toward Karlsruhe. Valluy

Groupement drives on Karlsruhe to right of 2d

Corps. DA ALPS opens fight for Mt Cenis pass.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian

Front continue W toward Vienna on broad front:

those N of the Danube in Czechoslovakia take eastern suburb of Bratislava and to right rear overrun

Kremnica with aid of Rumanian troops; elements

S of the Danube cross Austro–Hungarian border S

of Bratislava. Troops of Third Ukrainian Front in

Austria overrun important industrial center of

Wiener Neustadt and cut roads and rail lines between there and Vienna. Left flank elements of

Third Ukrainian Front and Bulgarian troops continue clearing region SW of Lake Balaton in

Hungary; forward units cross Hungarian–Yugoslav

border.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army’s IV Corps area, 92d Div, less 365th and 371st

Regts, which are exchanged for RCT 442 and 473d

Inf, passes to army control for diversionary attack

along Ligurian coast toward Massa and La Spezia.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158

makes limited progress against enemy positions on

ridge running southward from Daraga. In XI Corps

area, 169th Inf is detached from 43d Div and, with

112th Cav, forms Baldy Force to protect N flank

of corps and probe toward Ipo, N end of enemy’s

Shimbu line. During night 3–4, 103d Inf of 43d

Div concentrates secretly on slopes of Mt Sembrano

and begins advance to establish contact with 1st

Cav Div. 1st Inf, 6th Div, suspends ground attack

while enemy positions ahead are being pounded by

aircraft, mortars, and arty. 63d Inf is directed to

renew attack against Mt Montalban. On Caballo I.,

tanks are brought forward but cannot reach enemy

positions. In XIV Corps area, 187th Inf of 11th

A/B Div, which now has foothold on saddle between Mt Macolod and Bukel Hill, moves to Lipa

area, leaving 1st Bn behind to contain and maintain limited pressure on bypassed Japanese on Mt

Macolod. 188th Inf is joined by its 1st Bn and

releases 3d Bn, 511th Inf, for reserve. Patrol of

188th enters Tiaong without opposition. 2d Bn,

187th Inf, takes responsibility for Lipa–Lipa Hill

area.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

185th Inf, fording Guinhalaron R on Negros, advances through Silay to Imbang R. 40th Rcn Tr

platoon probing along Silay–Guimbalon road meets

heavy fire near latter. 1st Bn, 160th Inf, places fire

on Concepcion area. Gen Eichelberger grants request for RCT 164 to move to Cebu from Leyte. On

Cebu, 1st Bn of 132d Inf finishes clearing Bolo

Ridge. Positions delaying 3d Bn are pounded by air.

A co, reinf, of 2d Bn, 108th Inf, lands on Masbate at

town of Masbate to help guerrillas gain control of

the island. On Romblon, organized enemy resistance

ceases.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army spotting planes

start operating on Okinawa. In III Amphib Corps

area, 6th Mar Div extends control over Yontan–Zan

hill mass in 7,000-yard drive; advances its left flank

to base of Ishikawa Isthmus. 1st Mar Div advances

its right flank to E coast; reconnoiters Katchin Peninsula and along E coast as far N as Hizaonna. F6F

makes successful forced landing on Yontan airfield.

XXIV Corps pivots right to attack due S with 7th

Div on E and 96th on W. 32d Inf, 7th Div, drives

quickly S along E coast to Kuba; 184th Inf starts

passing through left flank elements of 96th Div. 96th

Div, which commits 382d Inf between 381st and

[ 3 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 472 ]

383d, is unable to reach Unjo but to W reaches general line Atanniya–Futema–Chiyunna–Isa.

U.S.—Gen Marshall assures the British that

U.S. air resources will not be withdrawn from

Burma before 1 June or capture of Rangoon.

JCS designate Gen MacArthur Commander in

Chief, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific, and Adm Nimitz

commander of all naval forces in the Pacific.

4 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army area, 30 Corps establishes bridgehead

over Dortmund–Ems Canal in vicinity of Lingen.

12 Corps gains bridgehead across Dortmund–Ems

Canal in Rheine area. In 8 Corps area, some 6th

A/B Div elements enter Osnabrueck while others

bypass the city and thrust to the Weser at Minden.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army reverts to

12th Army Group from control of 21 Army Group.

In XIII Corps area, 17th A/B Div organizes perimeter defense of Muenster. Efforts of 5th Armd Div

to secure Weser bridges intact at Minden and Rinteln are futile. Forces of 8 Corps, Br Second Army,

enter Minden before surrender of its garrison can be

arranged and Germans blow bridges. CCA, U.S. 5th

Armd Div, mops up pockets of enemy within Herford. Assault elements of 84th Div assemble near

Bad Oeynhausen, night 4–5, for attack across the

Weser. 102d Div moves forward rapidly to rear of

5th Armd and 84th Inf Divs, mopping up isolated

pockets. In XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div progresses

rapidly on left, where one CCA column advances

from Lage to Lemgo and thence to approaches to

the Weser and another clears Pivitsheide and continues to vicinity of Gross Berkel; CCB, slowed by

terrain and opposition, advances from Berlebeck to

Kreuzenstein. 30th Div, protecting left flank of

corps, maintains defensive positions; in limited attacks overruns Hiddesen and Detmold. To right,

83d Div makes main effort with TF Biddle—

strongly reinf 113th Cav Gp—and employs 329th

and 331st Regts close behind it to mop up; 330th Inf

defends Lippe R line from Lippstadt westward. 95th

Div begins assault on Ruhr pocket: attacks S across

Lippe R and Canal in Hamm–Lippborn area with

379th and 378th Regts, former on left; forward elements reach Dinker. 15th Cav Gp screens Lippe R

along div right flank. 8th Armd Div continues assault on Ruhr pocket: one CCA column thrusts S

to Mohne R line while another clears Erwitte and

drives toward Androchte; CCR overruns Overhagen,

Stirpe, Norddorf, Ebbinghausen, and Voellinghausen. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div attacks in

strength across Dortmund–Ems Canal early in

morning, employing 291st Inf on left, attached 116th

in center, and 289th on right; overruns Waltrop,

Henrichenburg, Ickern, and part of Brambauer. 35th

Div regroups to give 134th Inf center of line along

Rhein–Herne Canal.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div prepares to renew eastward offensive. 1st Div

is being pinched out by 8th Armd Div, XIX Corps.

104th Div clears its two zones against decreased

resistance: 413th Inf cleans out Forst Hardehausen

and seizes Holtheim and Kleinenberg; 415th Inf and

4th Cav Gp scour Briloner Stadt–Forst. In 9th Div

sector, CCA of 7th Armd Div drives NW, taking

Hildfeld, Gronebach, and Niedersfeld; 39th Inf

seizes terrain features in Gronebach–Winterberg

area; 60th takes Alt Astenberg; 47th defends S

flank, repelling determined counterattacks against

Oberkirchen. Upon relief by 99th Div (XVIII

Corps), 1st and 3d Bns of 47th Inf move to Kuestelberg area. 9th Div forms TF Birks, consisting of

CCA of 7th Armd Div and 47th Inf, at 2000 and

at midnight the div plus attachments passes to control of III Corps in place. In XVIII Corps (A/B)

area, 97th Div begins relief of 78th Div along S

bank of the Sieg on left flank of corps; RCT 387

joins 78th Div and is attached to it. 8th Div withstands severe counterattacks against Siegen and Netphen and makes limited progress elsewhere.

III Corps completes preparations for assault

against Ruhr pocket. V Corps remains on the defensive, mopping up.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div, advancing in multiple columns with close air

support, encircles Muhlhausen and sends strong

patrols into the city. CCA moves N and CCB S

about the city, closing noose at Koerner. Defeated

garrison of Kassel surrenders to 80th Div. 76th Div

completes, assembly in Homberg area and advances

NE toward Langensalza to clear bypassed resistance. 5th Div is detached from corps and held in

army reserve, retaining security mission in Frankfurt area. On N flank of corps, 3d Cav Gp’s 3d Sq

begins clearing Ober Meiser–Obervellmar road NW

of Kassel. VIII Corps becomes operational in new

zone between XX and XII Corps and attacks E.

65th Div, on right flank of XX Corps, is transferred

to corps in place and continues E on left flank of

VIII Corps. RCT 261 reverts to 65th Div from

attachment to 6th Armd Div and guards N flank.

259th Inf gets advance elements to Creuzberg area.

260th, assembled near Datterode, prepares to motor

E. In center of corps, 89th Div, less RCT 355,

shuttles E to forward assembly areas; 353d Inf

moves to Berka–Lauchroeden region and relieves

elements of 90th Div (XII Corps). 4th Armd Div

is transferred to corps from XII Corps in place,

present right flank of VIII Corps, and releases RCT

359 to 90th Div, CCB receives surrender of Gotha

and moves to Muehlberg area. CCA drives SE to

[ 4 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 473 ]

Ohrdruf. 6th Cav Gp, ordered to clean out stragglers in rear area, clears region W of the Fulda and

crosses to follow 65th and 89th Divs eastward.

87th Div is ordered to assemble in Friedewald area

but lacks transportation to move at once. In XII

Corps area, 90th Div continues E against sporadic

resistance, 357th Inf taking Marksuhl and Moehra

and 358th seizing Merkers, where Nazi art treasures, gold, and uniforms are discovered in salt mine.

11th Armd Div, its mission substantially completed within limits of corps restraining line, engages in limited action to consolidate and improve

current positions and open lateral routes between

CCA and CCB. CCA captures Suhl, liberating

many slave workers from arms factories. CCR begins clearing zone between CCB and CCA. 26th

Div assault regts reach the Werra in Schmalkalden–

Wasungen area and start across it. 71st Div and

2d Cav Gp complete reduction of pocket N of

Hanau, eliminating threat to MSR. 71st Div relieves

42d Sq, 2d Cav Gp. 17th Armd Gp, to which 2d

Cav Sq is attached, takes over mission of guarding MSR.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 101st

A/B Div completes relief of 97th Div. 82d A/B

Div takes over sector of 86th Div.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps continues rapid drive NE through

Spessart Mountains. CCB of 14th Armd Div reaches

outskirts of Gemuenden. In XXI Corps area, after

engineers complete bridging in Wuerzburg area,

232d Inf of 42d Div and elements of CCA, 12th

Armd Div, cross under smoke screen. 232d works N

and then E into Wuerzburg while 222d, attached

to CCA, pushes S and E, clearing a large portion

of the city against last-ditch resistance. CCB expands Ochsenfurt bridgehead N to include Erlach.

92d Cav Rcn Sq clears heights E of Obernbreit

while CCR overruns Gnoetzheim and Herrnberchtheim. 8th Inf, 4th Div, presses northward in Ochsenfurt bridgehead in conjunction with CCB. 22d and

12th Regts launch attack in Koenigshofen area and

make slow progress on wooded heights. VI Corps is

so strongly opposed along the Neckar and Jagst

Rivers as it opens assault on Heilbronn that it is

forced to change plan of attack. 10th Armd Div

begins attack on Heilbronn in sector of CCA where

3d Bn of 398th Inf, 100th Div, forces the Neckar at

Neckargartach before dawn and establishes shallow

bridgehead against sharp opposition. 100th Div is

then given task of continuing frontal assault while

10th Armd Div conducts outflanking maneuver to

attack from the rear. 100th Div reinforces Neckar

bridgehead in afternoon with 2d Bn, 397th Inf.

CCA clears Frankenbach–Neckargartach sector

along W bank of the Neckar while CCB clears

region SW of Bockingen; CCR withdraws bridgehead across the Jagst N of Heilbronn. 399th Inf

begins clearing right flank of 100th Div, reaching

positions W of Bockingen. On left flank of corps,

63d Div continues E in region N of the Jagst, committing 255th Inf between 254th and 253d. Two

bns of 253d establish bridgehead across the

Jagst in Griesheim–Herbolzheim area against firm

opposition.

Fr 1st Army captures Karlsruhe in assault by

Valluy Groupement and elements of 2d Corps. DA

ALPS breaks off operations in Mt Cenis area where

it has been under strong enemy pressure.

EASTERN EUROPE—Fourth Ukrainian Front and

Czechoslovak troops open offensive toward Moravian Gap, driving W along border of Poland and

Czechoslovakia from positions SW of Nowy Targ

(Poland). Important communications center of Bratislava (Czechoslovakia) falls to troops of Second

Ukrainian Front. In Austria, forces of Third Ukrainian Front push to within 2 miles of Vienna. Elements of Third Ukrainian Front and Bulgarian

troops finish clearing Germans from Hungarian soil

and continue to pursue them into Yugoslavia.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In Br Eighth Army’s

5 Corps area, 2d Cdo Brig on Comacchio Spit is

brought to a halt by enemy on far bank of Canale di

Valetta and is relieved, night 4–5, by 56th Div.

Subsequent efforts of 56th Div to cross the canal

are so strongly opposed that this subsidiary action

is broken off. Operation FRY—occupation of 4 small

islands in Lake Comacchio—is carried out, night

4–5, without opposition by troops of Special Boat

Service and 28th Garibaldi Brig.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, 1st Bn of

RCT 158, moving northward to positions NW of

Busay, attacks southward along ridge on left flank

while 2d and 3d Bns are attacking frontally below

Daraga. Progress for next week is very slow since

enemy must be destroyed in detail. In I Corps’ 33d

Div sector, 129th Inf patrol runs into heavy fire near

Salat, about 3 1/2 air miles SE of Burgos. In XI Corps

area, 103d Inf, less 2d Bn, 43d Div, secures Santa

Maria Valley, seizing Mabitac, Sinaloan, and Famy.

Supporting weapons astride N–S highway block

enemy escape. 2d Bn drives E along highway

through Macatunao. 63d Inf, 6th Div, begins relief

of 20th Inf and takes over its sector. In XIV Corps

area, 5th Cav of 1st Cav Div, probing S with patrols

from San Pablo, makes contact with 11th A/B Div

forces in Tiaong area, completing isolation of Japanese on Mt Malepunyo. 188th Inf, 11th A/B Div,

after contact is gained with 1st Cav Div, assembles

S of Tiaong.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 1st

Bn of 160th Inf on Negros moves into Concepcion

from which enemy has withdrawn. 2d Bn, 185th Inf,

clears Guimbalon, important enemy supply base.

[ 4 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 474 ]

On Cebu, 182d Inf drives from Go Chan Hill against

Horseshoe Ridge, about 800 yards to N, and takes

it.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, corps CG assumes command ashore and

moves CP ashore. 6th Mar Div closes along base of

Ishikawa Isthmus, the L plus 15 line, and starts up

the isthmus. 1st Mar Div clears its zone of action

as remaining elements reach E coast. XXIV Corps

meets stiffening resistance while pressing southward

toward hill mass extending from Urasoe-Mura to

Ouki. 96th Div, with 383d Inf on right and 382d

on left, advances down W coast to Uchitomari area

and pushes E flank units forward more than 2 miles

beyond Nodake. 7th Div, employing 184th Inf on

right and 32d on left, meets organized resistance

W of Kuba on ridge surmounted by ruins of an

ancient castle and falls behind.

IWO JIMA—RCT 9, 3d Mar Div, turns its portion of island over to Army RCT 747 and prepares

to re-embark for Guam.

5 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn I Corps finishes clearing region between Nijmegen and the Neder Rijn. Cdn 2

Corps establishes bridgehead across Twenthe Canal

in region E of Ijssel R and clears Almelo.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 43d Div, on

left flank, holds Hengelo. To right, 3d Div captures

Lingen. 72 Corps expands and strengthens bridgehead across Dortmund–Ems Canal. 8 Corps clears

rest of Osnabrueck and continues to close along the

Weser.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 77th A/B Div (less RCT 794 under control of XIX Corps) is transferred to XVI Corps and

starts to Duisburg region. 84th Div prepares for

assault crossing of the Weser near Minden. 5th

Armd Div stands by to lend engineer and other

assistance. 102d Div continues rapid drive eastward

toward the Weser, gaining 20–35 miles a day. In

XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div reaches the Weser

S of Hameln and establishes bridgehead with 4

TF’s and 2 arty bns. On left, one CCA TF crosses

in assault boats in vicinity of Ohr and, when bridge

is completed, is followed by another. CCB drives to

the Weser in Emmern–Grohnde area; crosses one

column in assault boats near Grohnde and another

in sector of CCA. By the end of day, CCA bridgehead extends from Rohrsen to Voremberg; CCB

holds Hajen, Frenke, Brockensen, and Heyen. 83d

Div continues NE toward the Weser to right of 2d

Armd Div, clearing many towns. Aided by air

strikes, 95th Div expands and strengthens its bridgehead S of the Lippe against diminishing resistance.

377th Inf attacks S across the Lippe toward Soest in

afternoon, passing through 379th Inf, and reaches

positions beyond Wiltrop. 8th Armd Div, reinf by

194th Gli Inf of 77th A/B Div, continues W toward

Soest: CCA columns converge on Altenmellrich;

CCB, attacking through CCR, reaches line Weslarn–

Lohne. 95th Inf and 8th Armd Divs prepare for

concerted assault on Soest. In XVI Corps area, 75th

Div straightens left sector of its bridgehead line and

finishes clearing Brambauer.

U.S. First Army joins in battle to destroy Ruhr

pocket, at first employing III Corps. XVIII Corps

(A/B) regroups for co-ordinated assault on Ruhr

pocket: 86th Div starts assembly in corps zone; RCT

347 is attached to 97th Div. 8th Div is still firmly

opposed as it continues attack N of the Sieg; maintains positions in Siegen area against further counterattacks and mops up in Netphen. III Corps begins

attack on Ruhr pocket, employing 9th Div on N,

7th Armd Div in center, and 99th Div on S. On 9th

Div right flank, TF Birks clears Wiemeringhausen,

Brunskappel, Assinghausen, Bruchhausen, Wullmeringhausen, and Elleringhausen. 39th Inf seizes Silbach while 60th drives into woods NE of

Oberkirchen and cuts Oberkirchen–Nordenau road.

32d Sq, 14th Cav Gp, moves to Willingen area and

is attached to 9th Div to protect its right flank. CCB,

7th Armd Div, attacks W through 9th Div to edge

of Winkhausen, which elements bypass to reach

positions near Grafschaft. 99th Div, with 394th and

393d Regts in assault, 394th on right, takes Latrop,

Aue, and Muesse and thrusts toward Wingeshausen.

VII Corps, now relieved of responsibility for the

Ruhr pocket, starts E toward the Weser. At noon 3d

Armd Div moves forward in 4 parallel columns—

from left to right, TF’s Boles and Kane of CCA and

TF’s Welborn and Lovelady of CCB; against scattered resistance gains up to 22 miles, CCA reaching

Ottbergen–Rheder area and CCB advancing to Siddessen and Willegassen. 104th Div regroups. V

Corps, ordered to drive to line Duderstadt–Schlotheim, attacks with 2d and 69th Divs abreast. On

left, 2d Div, with RCT 23 on left and RCT 9 on

right, drives quickly E through 9th Armd Div elements to Hofgeismar on left and to heights overlooking the Weser N of Hann Muenden on right.

Elements attached to 9th Armd Div revert to 2d

Div. On right flank, 69th Div relieves 80th Div,

Third Army, in Kassel area, where RCT 271 remains to guard installations, and continues E with

RCT 273 on left and RCT 272 on right to Fulda R

line between Hann Muenden and Kassel, crossing

elements at Steele and beginning attack toward

junction of Fulda, Weser, and Werra Rivers at Hann

Muenden.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA and

CCB of 6th Armd Div clear Muhlhausen by 0905.

CCB then moves to Schlotheim area. CCA drives SE

[ 5 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 475 ]

and advance elements begin assault on Langensalza

from the NW as elements of 65th Div (VIII Corps)

push to same objective from the SW. 80th Div begins attack E from Kassel but is halted by change of

orders and relieved by 69th Div (V Corps). 76th

Div continues eastward toward Werra and Wehre

Rivers: RCT 385 begins attack on Grossalmerode;

RCT 304, to right, reaches the Wehre at Niederhone, W of Eschwege, and takes bridge. VIII Corps

boundaries are altered to give corps former XII

Corps zone. 65th Div continues toward line Muhlhausen–Langensalza. 259th Inf, on right, gains control of most of Langensalza by nightfall. Elements

of 353d Inf, 89th Div, move into Eisenach after

enemy agrees to surrender it, but pulls back upon

learning that Germans are returning. Against light

resistance, 354th Inf advances E on div left to line

Henningsleben–Warza, S of Langensalza, and halts

to await relief by XX Corps. 4th Armd Div remains

in place awaiting relief. 6th Cav Gp is relieved of

mopping up mission in corps rear. XII Corps, in

preparation for drive SE upon order, begins regrouping and patrolling SE to secure line of departure.

90th Div, now out of contact with enemy and disposed within zone of VIII Corps, consolidates N of

the Werra. CCA, 11th Armd Div, in limited attack,

presses slowly toward crest of Thuringer Wald.

CCR opens lateral routes between CCB and CCA,

then drives on Meiningen, taking it and nearby airport. Div halts offensive when it receives warning

order to expect new orders, and CCR turns Meiningen over to 26th Div forces who arrive there in

evening. 328th Inf, 26th Div, completes crossing the

Werra, overruns Schmalkalden, and establishes contact with 90th Div on left; elements of 101st relieve

CCR at Meiningen; 104th, upon relief by 71st Div

units in Fulda area, motors E to screen right flank

from Ulster R eastward. 71st Div, with mission of

protecting right flank of corps, starts to Fulda area.

42d Sq, 2d Cav Gp, screens S flank from Fulda to

Ulster R.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, converging columns of armor and infantry take Gemuenden. While CCB, 14th Armd

Div, drives into Gemuenden from the W, 2d Bn

of 7th Inf, 3d Div, crosses the Main and pushes

into the town from SE, making contact with the

armor. In XXI Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div

completes its crossing of the Main at Wuerzburg

and in conjunction with elements of 42d Div overcomes resistance there; starts drive on Schweinfurt. After CCB seizes bridge at Kitzingen, 8th

Inf of 4th Div establishes small bridgehead there.

CCR clears Seinsheim and Ippesheim. 22d and

12th Regts, 4th Div, continue to clear region E of

Koenigshofen. In VI Corps area, 100th Div continues frontal assault on Heilbronn. 10th Armd

Div, in an outflanking maneuver, crosses 3d Bn,

397th Inf, into Neckargartach bridgehead and expands the bridgehead southward into N part of Heilbronn; crosses 1st Bn, 397th Inf, over the

Neckar at center of Heilbronn in effort to speed

operations. 399th Inf consolidates positions on div

right flank W of the Neckar. 398th ( — ) attacks in

support of and to right of 63d Div: 2d Bn crosses

the Neckar in Offenau area while its organic vehicles cross farther N in 63d Div zone. 63d Div is

directed to face S instead of E. On right flank,

some elements of 253d Inf push E along S bank

of the Jagst toward Hardehauser Wald while others

fight from house to house within Moeckmuehl.

255th Inf reaches general line Merchingen–Ober

Kessach–Widdern; 254th consolidates in Osterburken–Merchingen area. CCB, 10th Armd Div,

after clearing Bockingen and passing into reserve, moves southward along the Neckar and

makes contact with French troops near Lauffen.

CCR of 10th Armd Div, followed by CCA, attacks

through 63d Div to Rengershausen–Roth area.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Inf Div, assisted by CCS of 5th Armd Div, drives

to Neckar R line S of Heilbronn on left flank of

corps. 2d Moroccan Inf Div, reinf by CC’s 4 and

6 of 5th Armd Div, pushes toward Pforzheim,

next objective of corps. Valluy Groupement begins

clearing region S of Karlsruhe, where enemy has

fortified valley positions, and N spurs of Black

Forest.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth

Army area, 92d Div begins diversionary attack in

Ligurian coastal sector toward Massa with 370th

Inf on left and 442d on right. 370th Inf, moving up

Highway 1, gets advance elements more than 2

miles toward objective before falling back under

counterattack. 442d takes M. Fragolita and M.

Carchio. In IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div is attached

to corps. In 11 Corps area, 34th Div moves to Idice

Valley sector, previously held by 91st Div, and

91st Div takes over zone of 34th astride Highway 65.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div

begins Operation LEVER—to clear wedge of land

between the Reno and SW shore of Lake Comacchio—attacking across the Reno, night 5–6.

USSR—Notifies Japanese ambassador in Moscow it wishes to denounce 5-year neutrality pact

signed with Japan on 13 April 1941.

BURMA—Br Fourteenth Army releases Ind 19th

Div to 4 Corps

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

63d Inf of 6th Div is ordered to attack Mt Mataba.

While main body of 103d Inf, 43d Div, patrols, 3d

Bn, motorized, moves S along Laguna de Bay coast

to Lumban and seizes bridge over Pagsanjan R. On

Caballo I., 2d Bn, 151st Inf, is trying to reduce en-

[ 5 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 476 ]

emy positions with ignited diesel oil. In XIV Corps

area, resistance to 1st Cav Div eases. 5th Cav makes

contact with 43d Div (XI Corps) in Lumban area,

on E shore of Laguna de Bay. 12th Cav completes

clearing Imoc Hill area near Calauan. 7th Cav,

pushing toward Mt Malepunyo from N, gets forces

on Mapait Hills. 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div, takes Talisay and probes in W foothills of Mt Malepunyo

while 188th mops up S and SE of Mt Malepunyo.

S PHILIPPINES—U.S. Eighth Army announces

completion of Visayan Passage mission, although

mopping up is still in progress. Romblon I. is

turned over to guerrillas. 139 Japanese and 17 Americans have been killed there. On Negros, 160th Inf

is pushing toward Hill 3155, later called Dolan

Hill, which commands approaches to Patog. On

Cebu, Americal Div forces strengthen positions and

patrol while awaiting RCT 164 to assist in enveloping assault.

RYUKYU Is.—U.S. Tenth Army begins rcn of

Eastern Islands, off Okinawa, employing FMF Amphib Rcn Bn. In III Amphib Corps area, 22d Marines of 6th Mar Div, spearheading northward drive

up Ishikawa Isthmus, reaches Atsutabaru–Kin line.

1st Mar Div mops up and patrols to S; reconnoiters

Yabuchi Shima, off Katchin Peninsula, with negative

results. XXIV Corps CP closes on board USS

Teton and opens ashore. 96th Div encounters wellorganized enemy positions near Uchitomari and

Ginowan that limit its progress. 383d Inf, on W,

makes unsuccessful attack on Cactus Ridge, 600

yards SE of Mashiki. 382d gains 400–900 yards. 7th

Div moves S to positions almost abreast 96th Div.

JAPAN—Gen Koiso’s cabinet resigns and is succeeded by another under Adm Kantaro Suzuki.

6 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div drives

from Lingen toward Bremen. 12 Corps finishes

clearing Rheine area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps opens assault across the Weser at 0500.

335th Inf, 84th Div, crosses in assault boats S of

Minden and just S of village of Neesen under cover

of darkness, taking enemy by surprise and gaining

bridgehead astride Weser Gebirge. 334th Inf crosses

into bridgehead, night 5–6, over bridges erected by

engineers. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 2d Armd Div

thrusts NE to the Leine at Schulenberg and takes

bridge intact. CCB clears Harderode, Esperde, and

heights S of Heyen. CCR crosses the Weser at

Grohnde and drives NE toward Burgstemmen,

reaching Elze. 30th Div, with RCT 117 on left and

RCT 120 on right, speeds eastward behind 2d Armd

Div, clearing N flank of corps to the Weser; takes

responsibility for Weser bridge sites; crosses 2 bns of

RCT 117 over the Weser at Ohr and bn of RCT

120 at Grohnde. 83d Div gets forward elements to

the Weser in Bodenwerder–Holzminden area, to

right of 2d Armd Div; 3d Bn, 329th Inf, crosses

at Bodenwerder and clears Halle. In Ruhr pocket

sector, 377th Inf of 95th Div begins clearing Soest;

378th secures portion of Hamm E of Hamm–Soest

RR in 2-pronged assault from Hamm bridgehead

and from NE. CCB column, 8th Armd Div, reaches

Ost Oennen, SW of Soest. In XVI Corps area, 75th

Div thrusts S toward Ruhr R just W of Dortmund

in effort to sever communication lines of trapped

enemy and block movement from Dortmund westward. 35th Div releases 320th Inf to 75th Div. 17th

A/B Div, less 194th Gli Inf, is attached to corps

and relieves 79th Div of defensive positions along

Rhein–Herne Canal from the Rhine NE, on right

flank of corps. 79th Div gets into position for attack

S toward Ruhr R in region just W of Gelsenkirchen

and relieves elements of 320th Inf, 35th Div, along

Rhein–Herne Canal. 29th Div displaces eastward to

Sendenhorst–Ahlen region, SE of Muenster, and is

held in army reserve.

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B)

begins co-ordinated assault against Ruhr pocket,

heading N and NW toward the Ruhr in vicinity of

its junction with the Rhine. 78th Div, disposed along

S bank of the Sieg from Dattenfeld to Brachbach,

attacks N across the river at 0500—309th Inf on

left and 310th on right—and secures bridgehead

about 6,000 yards deep. 8th Div attacks at 0600,

after 1/2-hour arty preparation: 13th Inf takes Seelbach, barracks just NW of Siegen, and Weidenau;

121st seizes Eschenbach and Lutzel; 28th reaches

Erndetebrueck. On left flank of corps, 97th Div

completes relief of 78th Div and takes command of

its sector along S bank of the Sieg. In III Corps

area, TF Birks of 9th Div continues northward,

clearing several towns, and at 1930 is dissolved. Siedlinghausen falls to 39th Inf. 60th Inf takes a number

of terrain features NE of Oberkirchen. CCB, 7th

Armd Div, reaches Gleidorf; CCR moves forward

to Oberkirchen area. 99th Div overruns Ober Fleckenberg and Wingeshausen and commanding ground

near these towns. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div

meets determined opposition, particularly on left,

as it approaches the Weser. 104th Div ( — ) completes assembly on right flank of corps and relief of V

Corps elements within its zone; moves eastward

toward the Weser to right of 3d Armd Div. 4th

Cav Gp is detached from 104th Div. 16th Inf, 1st

Div, displaces to forward assembly area. In V Corps

area, 2d Div reaches the Weser and secures bridgehead. From Hofgeismar, RCT 23 drives to W bank

in Veckerhagen–Vaake area, where it is relieved by

38th Inf, and at 1930 begins unopposed crossing in

[ 6 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 477 ]

assault boats at Veckerhagen. RCT 9 clears wooded

heights along W bank of the Weser to right. On

69th Div left flank, RCT 273 closes in on Hann

Muenden, at junction of Werra, Weser, and Fulda

Rivers, elements reaching the Werra at Laubach.

RCT 272 is approaching the Weser to right.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div’s mission is concluded as Langensalza, under

assault by elements of CCA and VIII Corps’ 65th

Div, capitulates. 86th Div begins move from Kassel

area to Gotha. RCT 385, 76th Div, reaches the

Werra, capturing Grossalmerode, Trubenhausen,

and Bad Sooden; crosses the Wehre at Niederhone to

reach Eschwege area. RCT 304 speeds E from the

Wehre by motor to vicinity of Schonstedt. 3d Cav

Gp assembles S of Kassel when boundary change

places it within V Corps zone. In VIII Corps area,

65th Div completes capture of Langensalza by 0745

and is disposed along restraining line Muhlhausen–

Langensalza before noon. 353d Inf, 89th Div, overcomes strong opposition at Eisenach; 354th moves

around 353d to vicinity of Waltershausen; RCT 355

reverts to div and moves to Ohrdruf area to screen

right flank of div. 4th Armd Div remains in Gotha–

Ohrdruf area. 87th Div moves forward on right

flank of corps and relieves 90th Div and elements

of 328th Inf, 26th Div, of XII Corps. In XII Corps

area, 357th and 358th Regts, 90th Div, upon relief

N of the Werra, assemble S of the river; 359th joins

26th Div, to which it is attached with mission of

relieving 11th Armd Div in Zella Mehlis–Oberhof

area. 11th Armd Div is ordered to secure assembly

area along line Schleusingen–Hildburghausen in

preparation for drive on Bayreuth. 26th Div, continuing E, relieves 11th Armd Div and establishes

outposts near Themar. 71st Div closes in Fulda area

and relieves 2d Cav Gp of task of screening right

flank of corps from there eastward.

6th Army Group: XV Corps continues rapid

northeastward advance. CCB and CCR columns of

14th Armd Div fan out on right flank. CCA continues toward Neustadt. In XXI Corps area, 42d

Div troops and CCA, 12th Armd Div, drive NE

toward Schweinfurt. CCB crosses the Main at Kitzingen and in conjunction with CCR to right overruns Markbreit, Obernbreit, and Mainbernheim,

completing its mission. CCR also attains its objective upon reaching Iphofen and Einersheim. 8th

Inf, 4th Div, mops up in Main bend N of Ochsenfurt. 22d and 12th Regts clear Koenigshofen area

and start SE abreast toward Bad Mergentheim.

Corps prepares to pivot SE about 4th Div. In VI

Corps area, 100th Div continues struggle for Heilbronn, where assault forces, without aid of armor,

inch forward in NE and W portions of the city.

398th Inf ( — ) is firmly opposed near Jagstfeld while

attempting to expand Offenau bridgehead S toward

Heilbronn. 253d Inf, on right flank of 63d Div, withstands strong pressure along the Jagst and completes

capture of Moeckmuehl. 254th and 255th Regts mop

up on N flank between Bad Mergentheim and Berlichingen. While CCR, 10th Armd Div, blocks on left

flank of corps, repelling counterattack in

Roth area, CCA speeds SE, forward elements reaching Crailsheim area. Enemy infiltrates across MSR

between Bad Mergentheim and Crailsheim, night

6–7. Corps releases CCB to 10th Armd Div.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, elements of

5th Armd Div assisting 3d Algerian Inf Div on left

flank of corps reach the Neckar at Lauffen. 3d

Algerian begins to clear Stromberg Forest. 2d Moroccan Inf Div, reinf by elements of 5th Armd Div,

reached Enz R at Muehlacker on left, N outskirts

of Pforzheim in center, and clears Stein and Koenigsbach on right. Valluy Groupement continues clearing fortified region about Karlsruhe, taking

Durlach.

EASTERN EUROPE—Some elements of Second

Ukrainian Front clearing region N of the Danube

reach Morava R line NE of Vienna on 37-mile front

while others to S close in on Vienna from the E.

Troops of Third Ukrainian Front are clearing

southern suburbs of Vienna.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div continues attack toward Massa with

442d Inf, enemy fire preventing 370th from jumping off. 442d takes M. Cerreta and begins attack on

M. Belvedere.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div expands its bridgehead across the Reno.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s Legaspi sector,

1st Bn of 158th Inf continues southward along ridge

to trail running W from Daraga, about a mile S of

Busay. 2d Bn reaches Route 160, which extends from

Legaspi to Daraga. AT Co, reinf, in shore-to-shore

operation to clear Sorsogon Province, moves from

Legaspi to Bacon, where Bicol Peninsula is but 5

miles wide, and lands unopposed; drives overland to

Sorsogon. In I Corps area, on Highway 9, Co G of

129th Inf, under 33d Div control, becomes isolated

from main body of 2d Bn while executing envelopment maneuver in Salat area. 126th Inf, 32d Div,

moving eastward to N of 128th, reaches Salacsac

Pass area and takes Hill 519. 25th Div, astride Highway 5, continues pressure toward Kapintalan. In

XI Corps area, 2d Bn of 63d Inf, 6th Div, opens assault on Mt Mataba after preparatory arty fire. 20th

Inf, whose relief by 63d is completed, probes toward

Mt Oro and Mt Pacawagan. 103d Inf column of

43d Div, driving along shore of Laguna de Bay,

makes contact with Tr B of 5th Cav, 1st Cav Div

(XIV Corps), at Santa Cruz, giving Sixth Army a

solid front in S Luzon. In XIV Corps area, elements of 1st Cav and 11th A/B Divs are fighting

[ 6 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 478 ]

in foothills at N and W approaches of Mt Malepunyo hill mass. 7th Cav holds Mapait Hills and elements reach Onipa R. 187th Inf, with 3d Bn of 511th

attached, drives NE from Talisay toward Malarya

Hill and Sulac.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s Sulu

Archipelago area, 41st Div detachment, having

cleared Bongao I. with ease, returns to Sanga

Sanga I.

RYUKYU Is.—Japanese make belated but all-out

air effort against shipping and Okinawa beaches.

Of some 400 planes involved, about three fourths are

destroyed. Kamikazes sink 2 DD’s, a mine sweeper,

2 ammunition ships, and an LST; damage other

shipping. Preinvasion air strikes against Ie Shima

are intensified.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps area, 6th

Mar Div, passing 4th and 29th Marines through 22d

Marines, continues up Ishikawa Isthmus to line

across it extending eastward from Chuda. In XXIV

Corps area, troops of 383d Inf, 96th Div, clear half

of Cactus Ridge in the course of hard fighting. 382d

moves forward in region E of Ginowan road. On 7th

Div right flank, 184th Inf, with close fire support

and flame throwers, overruns elaborate outpost position on pinnacle some 1,000 yards SW of Arakachi.

32d Inf advances in coastal sector with little difficulty.

PACIFIC—U.S. Army Forces in the Pacific

(AFPAC) is established under Gen MacArthur,

with headquarters in Manila. The new command

includes forces formerly assigned to U.S. Army

Forces in the Far East and of U.S. Army Forces in

POA.

7 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br

Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 6th A/B Div and

11th Armd Div establish bridgeheads across the

Weser at Minden and Stolzenau, respectively, and

drive toward the next river line, the Leine.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 84th Div completes its crossing of the

Weser and expands bridgehead substantially. 102d

Div continues eastward, clearing scattered pockets.

11th Cav Gp is given mission of screening N flank of

corps from the Weser to the Leine. In XIX Corps

area, 2d Armd Div, ordered to halt upon reaching

general line of Sarstedt–Hildesheim road, attains

objective and suspends offensive operations. 83d

Div clears its zone W of the Weser except for small

portion in Polle area and makes rapid progress E

of the Weser. 330th Inf rejoins div. Continuing

operations against Ruhr pocket, 95th Div’s 377th

Inf finishes clearing Soest by 0730 and attacks toward Werl until pinched out; 379th pushes into

Werl; 378th finishes clearing Hamin and several

suburbs. TF Twaddle (Maj Gen Harry L. Twaddle, 95th Div CG) is formed to complete action

against Ruhr pocket in conjunction with XVI

Corps. The TF consists of 8th Armd and 95th Inf

Divs plus their attachments and supporting forces.

TF Twaddle organizes TF Faith, under Brig Gen

Don C. Faith, composed of 377th Inf, 194th Gli Inf,

and supporting units, and gives it mission of

clearing region between Ruhr and Mohne Rivers,

protecting left flank of TF Twaddle, and maintaining contact with friendly forces on left. CCB

columns, 8th Armd Div, drive on Werl in afternoon, reaching West Onnen and positions near Gerlingen. CCA clears and holds sector along

Mohne R SE of Soest. CCR starts from Lippstadt

to Soest area. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div continues S toward Ruhr R in center and right of its

zone, 290th Inf seizing Frohlinde and Kirchline and

291st clearing most of Castrop Rauxel. On left

flank, extending N to Lippe R, 320th Inf replaces

116th, which rejoins 29th Div in army reserve. 79th

Div attacks S across Emscher and Rhein–Herne

Canals in region between Gelsenkirchen and Essen

at 0300, with 313th Inf on left and 315th on right,

and drives salient to railway at Katernburg. 35th

Div expands positions along Rhein–Herne Canal

eastward. 17th A/B Div maintains defensive positions along right flank of corps.

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B)

attack broadens as 97th Div goes on the offensive

for the first time, committing its right flank regt,

386th, in assault on Ruhr pocket after arty preparation. Crossing the Sieg in assault boats, 386th gains

up to 4,000 yards against light resistance and maintains contact with 78th Div to right. 78th Div, despite

well-defended enemy strongpoints, gains up to 5,000

yards. 8th Div advances about 4,000 yards and withstands counterattacks against Seelbach on left. 86th

Div, less RCT 341, completes assembly in corps

zone. In III Corps area, 9th Div drives rapidly W on

right flank, where 47th Inf, becoming a part of

reformed TF Birks, clears Gevelinghausen, Esshoff,

Nuttlar, Ostwig, Bestwig, and Heringhausen. 39th

Inf seizes Altenfeld, Elpe, and Heinrichsdorf while

60th moves forward in wooded region N of Oberkirchen and clears Rehsiepen, Ober Sorpe, and Mittel

Sorpe. CCB, 7th Armd Div, hurls back counterattacks against Gleidorf; assisted by air and arty,

overcomes lively opposition in Schmallenberg. CCR,

attacking on div right flank, envelops and captures

Holthausen. CCA reverts to div. In 99th Div zone,

394th Inf gains about 5,000 yards in region W of

Schmallenberg; 393d overcomes resistance in Oberhundem. 28th Div, performing security mission, is

detached from corps at 2400 and passes to command

of First Army. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div

closes along the Weser and finds all bridges down.

1st Div prepares to force the river on left flank of

corps. At 1400, TF Taylor is formed—consisting of

[ 7 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 479 ]

RCT 26 ( — 1st Bn), 1st Div, and reinf 4th Cav Gp,

under Brig. Gen. George A. Taylor—to secure

region E of Ruhr pocket between XIX and III Corps

and maintain contact with adjacent friendly forces.

The task force operates under corps command. 104th

Div, less 414th Inf, drives to the Weser on right flank

of corps and gets elements across it. With TF Laundon (104th Rcn Tr, reinf) spearheading, 413th and

415th Regts reach the river in vicinity of Gieselwerder and Bursfelde respectively. 1st Bn, 415th,

crosses in Bursfelde area while 3d Bn moves S and

crosses in V Corps zone. In V Corps area, 2d Div

continues movement across the Weser at Veckerhagen and expands bridgehead toward Dransfeld.

Supporting vehicles cross upon completion of treadway bridge. Aided by arty, air, and armor, 69th Div

reaches the Werra from Hann Muenden to Witzenhausen, establishes bridgeheads, and makes contact

with 2d Div on left. RCT 273 captures Hann Muenden; crosses there and at Laubach to clear Altmuenden, Lippoldshausen, Wiershausen, and commanding ground NE of Hann Muenden; moves elements

along S bank to Oberode. RCT 272 reaches Witzenhausen just as enemy blows bridges; starts crossing

in assault boats while engineers construct ponton

bridge.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th

Armd Div, less CCR, defends current positions in

Muhlhausen area. CCR, assisted by 3d Bn, 304th

Inf, moves NW to help 76th Div, eliminating enemy

forces falling back from the Werra toward Muhlhausen. RCT 417, 76th Div, continues mopping up

W of the Werra, reaching Bad Sooden area; from

Eschwege area RCT 385 pushes N along E side of

Wehre R toward Allendorf and Volkerode; RCT

304 reaches line from vicinity of Klettstedt to

Graefentonna area, E of Langensalza. 80th Div concentrates in Gotha area and relieves elements of 4th

Armd Div. In VIII Corps area, enemy counterattack overruns 3d Bn of 261st Inf, 65th Div, in

Struth, but situation is restored with assistance of

elements of XX Corps and aircraft. Elements of

65th Div relieve 87th Div forces at Gerstungen.

353d Inf, 89th Div, clears region SE of Eisenach to

line Wutha–Ruhla; 354th drives S across right front

of div, entering Friedrichroda; 355th screens div

right from Seebergen to Woelfig. 87th Div drives

quickly E on right flank of corps with 2 regts abreast:

345th reaches Tanbach area; 347th reaches Oberhof,

where it establishes contact with 11th Armd Div

(XII Corps) and repels counterattack, night 7–8.

6th Cav Gp moves some elements to Eschwege area

to protect left flank of corps and others to Eisenach

to maintain order. In XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div starts clearing assembly zone in preparation for

drive on Bayreuth. 26th Div, disposed in Meiningen–

Suhl region, mops up southward toward Themar

and Schleusingen, both of which fall to 11th Armd

Div. RCT 14, 71st Div, closes in Kaltensundheim

area, where it protects right flank of corps. Elements

of 2d Cav Gp screen line Bettenhausen–Meiningen

until uncovered by 106th Cav Gp of Seventh Army.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, CCA of 14th Armd Div takes Neustadt,

on Saale R, with ease but right flank forces are

slowed by strong resistance. In XXI Corps area,

42d Div is given task of capturing Schweinfurt, ballbearing center, and is reinf by CCA, 12th Armd

Div. Continuing NE, div gains 8–10 miles; right

flank elements establish bridgehead E of the Main

at Volkach. 22d and 12th Regts, 4th Div, continue

SE on right flank of corps against scattered resistance: 22d Inf clears Bad Mergentheim while 12th

Inf drives to Tauber R line. In VI Corps area, 100th

Div slowly expands its positions in Heilbronn:

398th Inf commits 1st Bn to assist 2d in Offenau

bridgehead. Since frontal attacks against Hardehauser Wald have failed, 63d Div begins enveloping

maneuver: while 253d Inf continues E, 3d Bn of

255th establishes bridgehead across the Jagst at Widdern to block on E and eventually join 253d Inf at

Lampoldhausen. 255th ( — ) and 254th Regts clear a

number of towns astride the Jagst to NE. CCA, 10th

Armd Div, captures Crailsheim; elements drive W

in effort to attack Heilbronn from rear and effect

junction with 100th Div, thereby pocketing enemy

opposing 63d Div. CCB rejoins div and starts SE

toward Bad Mergentheim–Crailsheim highway.

RCT 324, 44th Div, is directed to move to VI Corps

zone.

EASTERN EUROPE—Elements of Third Ukrainian Front break into S part of Vienna, where street

fighting ensues.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 442d Inf of 92d Div clears M. Belvedere after

hard fighting. 2d Bn, 473d Inf, is committed to left,

where enemy guns continue to hold up advance.

Strettoia, E of Highway 1, is being bypassed.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div expands Reno bridgehead to Fossa di Navigazione.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158

continues efforts to extend control over Legaspi area.

Airstrip at Legaspi becomes operational. In I Corps

area, Gen Krueger, to speed operations in the N, releases rest of 37th Div, less 145th Inf, to corps. In

33d Div sector, Co G, 129th Inf, is still isolated in

Salat area. On Villa Verde Trail, elements of 126th

Inf, 32d Div, capture Hill 518 in Salacsac Pass area.

128th Inf, with air and arty support, launches general assault against Japanese hill positions in this

region. 25th Div columns astride Highway 5 are

enveloping Kapintalan. In XI Corps area, Baldy

Force begins reconnaissance in force toward Ipo

Dam. XIV Corps is directed to seize E coast towns

[ 7 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 480 ]

of Mauban and Atimonan, on Lamon Bay, and prepare for advance SE into the Bicols. Elements continue pressure toward Mt Malepunyo. 187th Gli Inf,

11th A/B Div, seizes Malarya Hill. Elements of

188th Inf move E through Candelaria to establish

contact with Filipino guerrillas moving W through

Sariaya.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, rest

of 2d Bn, 108th Inf, arrives on Masbate. On Cebu,

3d Bn of 132d Inf advances 1,000 yards NW from

vicinity of Hill 27 toward Hill 26 but withdraws

under counterattack. On Negros, Para RCT 503

arrives at Pulupandan.

BATTLE OF EAST CHINA SEA—Japanese fleet units

heading toward Okinawa are intercepted by planes

of TF 58, which sink BB Yamato, CL Yahagi, and 4

DD’s and damage 2 other DD’s. Kamikaze plane

damages USS Hancock, but TF 58 shoots down 54

aircraft for loss of 10.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army area, fighter

aircraft arrive on Okinawa. Amphib Rcn Bn, FMF

Pac, completes reconnaissance of Eastern Islands,

finding enemy on but one. In III Amphib Corps area,

6th Mar Div reaches line Nago–Taira, at base

of Motobu Peninsula, and begins reconnaissance of

the peninsula. In XXIV Corps area, 383d Inf of 96th

Div completes capture of Cactus Ridge while 382d

advances in region E of Ginowan road. 184th Inf

makes main effort of 7th Div. After unsuccessful

frontal assaults on hill 1,000 yards W of Minami–

Uebaru, elements of 184th take this strong enemy

outpost in enveloping maneuver.

8 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div,

driving NE toward Oldenburg, crosses Ems R in

Meppen–Lathen area. Cdn 3d Div takes Zutphen

and thrusts toward Deventer. Pol 1st Armd Div is

released to corps and is moving to corps zone.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd

Div, overcoming sharp resistance E of Lingen, continues NE toward Bremen. In 12 Corps area, 7th

Armd Div is rapidly approaching the Weser. 8 Corps

reaches the Leine SE of Nienburg.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

29th Div, in army reserve, takes responsibility for

security of rear area in large sector extending from

the Rhine to Dortmund–Ems Canal initially and

gradually extending eastward. In XIII Corps area,

84th Div gains bridgehead objectives and on the

N reaches the Leine. 334th Inf takes bridge over

the Leine near Guemmer. 333d takes up defensive

positions about Weetzen. CCR of 5th Armd Div,

ordered to secure Leine R crossing S of Hannover

and block enemy escape, moves S into XIX Corps

zone to cross the Weser at Hameln, then returns to

XIII Corps zone. CCB garrisons Minden and CCA

remains in Herford area. 102d Div continues to

mop up W of the Weser. 11th Cav Gp crosses the

Weser and screens N flank of corps to the Leine.

In XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div improves defensive positions in limited attacks and regroups

for future action. 30th Div continues to follow

armor eastward. 83d Div continues E on right flank

of corps, crossing the Leine at several points in Alfeld–Greene area, and reaches assigned objective,

line Gandersheim–Westfeld, S of Hildesheim.

331st Inf starts across the Weser, 3d Bn crossing at

Heinsen and clearing Bevern. TF Twaddle continues operations against Ruhr pocket. TF Faith

clears region between Mohne and Ruhr Rivers E

of line Allengen–Hirschberg–Meschede. CCB, 8th

Armd Div, drives W through Werl and captures

Ost Buederich. CCR clears westward toward Werl–

Wickede road. 95th Div continues W in region

between Hamm and Unna–Soest rail line, clearing

numerous towns. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div, with

effective air and arty support, completes capture of

Castrop Rauxel and drives to edge of Luetgendortmund. 79th Div expands bridgehead S of Rhein–

Herne Canal beyond Schonnebeck. 17th A/B Div

moves elements of 507th Para Inf across the canal

to protect exposed right flank of 79th Div by clearing to Berne Canal.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

386th Inf of 97th Div expands Sieg bridgehead

northward; 1st Bn of 387th, to its left, attacks across

the Sieg, broadening bridgehead westward. Forward elements of 78th Div seize Waldbrol, Lichtenberg, and Freudenberg. 8th Div makes substantial

gains, especially on right, where resistance is light

and 28th Inf reaches Wurdinghausen–Rinsecke

region, well ahead of main body. 86th Div prepares

to attack on right flank of corps. 13th Armd Div

starts from Homberg area to join in operations

against Ruhr pocket. In III Corps area, TF Birks of

9th Div continues W, overrunning Velmede, Halbeswig, and Wehrstapel, and begins to clear Meschede;

39th Inf takes Ramsbeck, Werden, Westernboedefeld, and Boedefeld; 60th secures terrain features NE

and N of Fredeburg. CCB, 7th Armd Div, clears

Obringhausen and provides fire support for attack of

CCR on Fredeburg; in vigorous, day-long fighting,

CCR clears most of Fredeburg. 99th Div’s 394th Inf,

co-ordinating closely with 7th Armd Div, clears

Wormbach, Felbecke, Selkentrop, Werntrop, and

part of Saalhausen; 393d takes Selbecke and reduces

bypassed resistance W of Milchenbach. 5th Div, less

11th Inf, is attached to corps. VII Corps establishes

firm infantry bridgehead across the Weser and prepares to pass armor through it. On left flank, 1st Div

crosses 18th Inf in Beverungen area and 16th Inf

[ 8 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 481 ]

in Wehrden area and gains bridgehead including

Fuerstenberg, Derenthal, Meinbrexen, and Lauenfoerde. To right, 104th Div expands and strengthens

Weser bridgehead: 413th Inf crosses at Gieselwerder, starting at 0400; 415th completes crossing

on div right. CCR, 3d Armd Div, crosses at Gieselwerder and assembles in Imbsen area. TF Taylor,

no longer required for defensive mission along Ruhr

pocket, is dissolved. In V Corps area, 2d Div completes its crossing of the Weser and drives rapidly

E about 10 miles: on left, 23d Inf clears Gottingen

and continues SE; 9th Inf thrusts through Reinhausen into Forst Reinhausen; 38th Inf gets into

position to protect left flank E of the Weser. On 69th

Div left flank, RCT 273 mops up in Hann Muenden

area; RCT 272, to right, completes crossing the

Werra, drives to Leine R in Nieder Gandern–Hohengandern sector, and establishes bridgehead; RCT

271 (—) is moving forward to relieve RCT

273. 9th Armd Div starts to assembly area E of the

Weser.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, RCT 417

of 76th Div moves to defensive positions E of Eschwege. RCT 385 and CCR, 6th Armd Div, continue

to clear region N and NE of Eschwege. RCT 385

reaches Allendorf and Volkerode and relieves elements of CCR at Volkerode. RCT 304 holds line E

of Langensalza and extends it NW, uncovering part

of zone of CCA, 6th Armd Div. 80th Div, leaving

319th Inf at Gotha to maintain order, starts E toward Erfurt with 317th Inf on left and 318th on

right. In VIII Corps area, 65th Div, whose zone on

left flank of corps is being uncovered by XX Corps,

passes into reserve. 89th and 87th Divs continue

clearing Thuringer Wald against scattered but determined opposition. 6th Cav Gp assembles in reserve in Thal–Seebach area. 4th Armd Div, upon relief by 89th Div and XX Corps’ 80th Div, assembles

in Gotha area. XII Corps finishes clearing to line of

departure from which to attack SE in force. On left

flank, 90th Div ( — ) moves to Thuringer Wald,

where it takes over Zella Mehlis sector and, with

359th and 358th Regts in assault—359th reverting to

it from attachment to 26th Div—clears eastward to

vicinity of Gehlberg on left and Stutzenbach on

right. Clearing Thuringer Wald to right of 90th

Div, 26th Div’s 328th and 101st Regts reach Nahe R

line from Schmiedefeld to Rappelsdorf and establish

contact with CCA of 11th Armd Div at Rappelsdorf. 11th Armd Div completes occupation of its assembly area. 71st Div clears to general line Meiningen–Marisfeld–Juchsen. 42d Sq, 2d Cav Gp,

pushes SE on right flank of corps to Juchsen–Nordheim area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps continues attack in Hohe Rhon hills with

infantrymen of 3d and 45th Divs. 3d Div is reinf

by CCB of 14th Armd Div. CCA and CCR, 14th

Armd Div, assemble. 44th Div is transferred to VI

Corps. In XXI Corps area, 42d Div meets strong

opposition from outer defenses of Schweinfurt: on

left, 232d Inf drives to line Alt Bessingen–Schwebenried; in center, CCA, 12th Armd Div, and 242d Inf

units reach Werneck and Ettleben; on right, 222d

Inf maintains Volkach bridgehead and positions W

of the Main. 12th Armd Div begins reconnaissance

in force to SE, employing 92d Cav Rcn Sq on left

and 101st Cav Gp on right. 22d and 12th Regts, 4th

Div, patrol actively SE on right flank of corps. In

VI Corps area, 100th Div continues bitter street

fighting in Heilbronn and crosses reinforcements

into bridgehead there. To N, 398th Inf is still

strongly opposed in Jagstfeld area as it attempts to

expand Offenau bridgehead to Odheim. 63d Div

pushes S on left flank of corps to clear region between Jagst and Kocher Rivers. 10th Armd Div

alters plan of attack, heading NW from Crailsheim

area toward 63d Div rather than due W toward

100th Div. Germans are offering strong opposition

in vicinity of Crailsheim. RCT 324, 44th Div, is

attached to 10th Armd Div.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian

Inf Div finishes clearing its zone W of the Neckar

as far S as the Enz at Bissingen. Groupements

Schlesser and Navarre overrun Pforzheim and, in

conjunction with Valluy Groupement, clear Dietenhausen, Ellmendingen, and Diedingen to W. 2d

Moroccan Inf Div gains further ground N of the

Enz and establishes bridgehead S of the river in

vicinity of Muehlhausen.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces of Third White

Russian Front begin all-out assault on Koenigsberg

(East Prussia), having broken through outer defenses from NW and S. Elimination of German

garrison oaf Breslau (Silesia) continues. Second

Ukrainian Front pushes right flank elements northward in Czechoslovakia toward Moravian frontier

and to left establishes bridgeheads across Morava

and Danube Rivers E and NE of Vienna. Troops of

Third Ukrainian Front gain ground in S and W

Vienna; some elements bypass the city and head W

toward Linz while others speed southward from

Wiener Neustadt area toward Graz.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 473d Inf replaces 370th in coastal sector and

continues attack up Highway 1 while 370th moves

to Serchio Valley positions previously occupied by

473d Inf.

CHINA—Strong Japanese patrols begin probing

Chinese outpost positions W of Paoching in preparation for drive on Chihchiang.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, patrols of

AT Co, RCT 158, reach Bulan, on W coast of Bicol

Peninsula. In I Corps area, Gen Swift orders drive

[ 8 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 482 ]

on Baguio hastened. 37th Div is to make main effort

along Highway 9 while 33d Div is opening other

routes, among them Galiano–Baguio and Kennon

roads. 123d Inf has elements beyond Galiano, on

the crude Pugo–Baguio trail, and on Mt Calugong,

about 5 1/2 miles SW of Baguio. 129th Inf is still

held up in Salat area of Naguilian–Baguio highway.

136th Inf reaches positions about midway between

Rosario and Baguio on Kennon road. Along Villa

Verde Trail, 32d Div troops continue battle for

Salacsac Pass, the saddle between Hills 504 and 505.

On Highway 5, 161st Inf, 25th Div, reaches W

slope of Crump Hill, about 1,000 yards W of Kapintalan, and pauses until 35th Inf can clear Kapintalan. In XI Corps area, air and arty fire saturates

Mt Mataba as 63d Inf, 6th Div, prepares to renew

ground assault. 43d Div mops up and patrols extensively. In XIV Corps area, some elements of

corps probe eastward toward Lamon Bay; others

maintain pressure on Mt Malepunyo. 187th Inf,

11th A/B Div, occupies Sulac, in W foothills of

Mt Mataasna Bundoc.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 3d

Bn of 132d Inf takes ridge 2,000 yards NW of Hill

27 on Cebu and holds it against night counterattack. Co E, 182d Inf, and guerrillas move against

Hill 20, between the Reservoir and Race Course.

On Negros, 3-regt assault is ordered to prevent

enemy from improving positions in mountainous

interior. Enemy positions are pounded by aircraft.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, battle for Motobu Peninsula begins as

columns of 29th Marines, 6th Mar Div, move forward to fix enemy positions. In XXIV Corps area,

383d Inf of 96th Div, with air, arty, and naval gunfire support, presses toward Kakazu Ridge and

makes unsuccessful attacks on its approaches. Japanese employ spigot mortar fire for the first time.

382d Inf is virtually halted since friendly forces on

its flanks cannot advance. 184th Inf, 7th Div, attacks toward 2 strongpoints—Tomb Hill, 1,000

yards NW of Ouki, and Triangulation Hill, 1,000

yards NW of Tomb Hill—taking the latter. 32d Inf

continues to gain ground on E in coastal sector.

9 April

WESTERN EUROPE—RAF BC sinks Admiral

Scheer during attack on Kiel, night 9–10.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30

Corps advances E and NE of Lingen, Gds Armd

Div reaching positions beyond Fuerstenau and 43d

Div crossing Hase R. 3d Div passes to 12 Corps

command. In 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div reaches

the Weser in Hoya area and establishes bridgehead. 8 Corps crosses Leine R, making contact with

U.S. forces to right, and starts toward Aller R at

Celle.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 84th Div gets into position for assault

on Hannover from N, NW, and W. CCR, 5th

Armd Div, crosses the Leine S of Hannover and

drives rapidly toward line Uetze–Peine en route to

Oker R, cutting autobahn near Vohrum. CCA,

directed toward line Celle–Uetze and thence to the

Aller R, moves to Hameln to cross the Weser. Congestion there, where 102d Div is also crossing, delays CCA, which is ordered to attack instead in S

portion of corps zone. 407th Inf, 102d Div, motors

to new assembly areas and begins clearing Obernkirchen region, E of the Weser. XIX Corps is relieved of responsibility for Ruhr pocket by XVI

Corps, which takes command of TF Twaddle, and

prepares to renew eastward drive. XVI Corps, now

commanding all Ninth Army forces operating

against the Ruhr, further compresses the pocket.

75th Div, closely supported by aircraft and arty,

presses S: 290th Inf takes Dorstfeld, at W edge of

Dortmund; 289th clears Luetgendortmund; 291st

blocks roads on right flank of div. 35th Div, less

320th Inf, drives S across Rhein–Herne Canal to

positions N and E of Gelsenkirchen. 79th Div, continuing S with 3 regts—314th passing through elements of 315th and 313th—overruns Kray, Frillendorf, and Steele to reach the Ruhr and split enemy

forces; prepares to drive E toward Dortmund. 507th

Para Inf, 17th A/B Div, protecting right flank of

79th Div, reaches Berne Canal, its objective. TF

Twaddle continues W toward Unna and Kamen.

8th Armd Div’s CCB takes Holtum, Hemmerde,

Westhemmerde, and Stockum; CCR continues W

along N bank of the Ruhr; CCA holds Mohne R

sector. 378th and 379th Regts, 95th Div, gain

ground toward Kamen. TF Faith is rapidly clearing region between the Mohne and the Ruhr and

makes contact with First Army on left.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

97th Div further expands and strengthens bridgehead N of the Sieg on left flank of corps, crossing

rest of 387th Inf into it at dawn and 303d Inf at

1800. 303d opens assault on Siegburg and clears

about two thirds of the city. 386th Inf, on right flank,

mops up bypassed pockets. 78th Div, committing

311th Inf between 309th and 310th, moves northward

on broad front, reaching positions near Nuembrecht and Oberwiehl on left, Denklingen–Erdingen region in center, and Bueschergrund on right. 8th Div’s

zone is narrowed as 86th Div takes over right flank

from 28th Inf. Continuing NW with 13th and

121st Regts, 8th Div reaches Olpe–Rahrbach region,

a gain of 5–10 miles. 86th Div begins attack on right

flank of corps with 342d Inf, which advances northward in narrow zone to Hotolpe–Altenhundem

[ 9 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 483 ]

area. 341st Inf reverts to div from attachment to 97th

Div. Corps prepares for double envelopment of the

Ruhr pocket S of the Ruhr: 13th Armd Div, which

is attached to corps, is to constitute left prong of

pincers after debouching through 97th Div’s bridgehead. 8th and 86th Divs are to form the right prong.

78th Div will maintain direct pressure in center. In

III Corps area, 5th Div, less 11th Inf, closes in Olsberg area and attacks W with RCT 10 through TF

Birks, 9th Div; 32d Cav Sq protects left flank. TF

Birks finishes clearing Meschede and is dissolved.

39th Inf continues NW against light resistance,

clearing Berlar on right. Altenilpe and Ober Henneborn fall to 60th Inf. Continuing NW with CCR

on right and CCB on left, 7th Armd Div overruns

numerous towns and villages and reaches general

line Mailar–Ober Landenbeck–Kobbenrode. 394th

Inf, 99th Div, secures Bracht and ridge to SW; 395th

clears Saalhausen–Langener sector N of the Lenne;

3934 finishes clearing region S of the Lenne and

crosses elements. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div

passes through infantry bridgehead across the Weser

and drives quickly toward Nordhausen. On left,

CCR reaches Northeim and Levershausen area. CCB

reaches Leine R north of Gottingen and bridge construction is begun. CCA, in reserve, crosses the

Weser and follows CCR. 1st Div completes its

crossing of the Weser and with 16th and 18th Regts

expands bridgehead eastward; 26th Inf, motorized,

attacks through 16th toward Einbeck: 4th Cav Gp

is attached to 1st Div. 104th Div follows 3d Armd

Div closely and makes contact with 1st Div S of

Uslar; right flank elements take Barterode and

drive toward Bovenden. In V Corps area, 9th Armd

Div prepares to attack E through 2d and 69th Divs

and is reinf by motorized elements of 38th Inf, 2d

Div, and of 273d Inf, 69th Div. 2d and 69th Divs

continue E against light resistance.

In U.S Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Cav

Gp relieves RCT 385 of 76th Div and, in conjunction with elements of CCR of 6th Armd Div, attached to 76th Div, finishes clearing N flank of

corps. RCT 385 motors to right flank of 76th Div

SE of Langensalza and clears Doellstaedt, Grossfahner, Gierstadt, and Kleinfahner. 80th Div continues toward Erfurt. CCB defends N flank of 6th

Armd Div and clears Toba; CCA zone on right is

completely uncovered by advance of friendly forces.

In VIII Corps area, 89th and 87th Divs continue

attack abreast, reaching positions generally along

corps restraining line; are ordered to make limited

attacks eastward from there on 10th. 3534 Inf finishes clearing 89th Div left flank; 354th, reinf by

bn of 355th, clears Georgenthal and Finsterbergen;

355th continues to protect right flank of div and

overruns Grafenhain. Continuing E with 345th and

347th Regts, 87th Div reaches vicinity of Stutzhaus

on left and takes high ground E of Oberhof on

right; 346th Inf moves elements NE to protect N

flank of div and maintain contact with 89th Div.

4th Armd Div is transferred to XX Corps. XII

Corps improves positions in limited action and

prepares to renew offensive on 10th.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs gain corps objectives

in Hohe Rhon hill mass and corps prepares to

drive SE on Nuremberg. In XXI Corps area, 42d

Div, despite close air support, meets increasingly

strong resistance as it closes in on Schweinfurt.

12th Armd Div—less CCA, which is assisting 42d

Div—reconnoiters SE. 4th Div activity is limited

to patrolling on right flank of corps. In VI Corps

area, 100th Div continues efforts to join N and S

bridgeheads in Heilbronn. 398th Inf is still stubbornly opposed in Jagstfeld area as it attempts to

expand Offenau bridgehead. On right flank of 63d

Div, elements of 255th Inf driving SW in Hardehauser Wald and 253d Inf pushing E join forces

and finish clearing the woods, reaching N bank

of Kocher R to S. 255th Inf ( — ) reaches the Kocher

at Weissbach and establishes bridgehead. 254th,

to left, reaches line Ingelfelden–Weldingsfeld and

reconnoiters toward 10th Armd Div sector. 10th

Armd Div, assisted by RCT 324 of 44th Div,

withstands strong enemy pressure against Crailsheim and MSR between there and Bad Mergentheim.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps expands Enz

bridgehead and to the W gains ground in spurs

of Black Mountains SE of Ettlingen. Valluy

Groupement, now reinf by CC2 of 1st Armd Div,

gains ground in region S of Ettlingen.

EASTERN EUROPE—Organized resistance in

East Prussia virtually ends as Koenigsberg fortress

falls to troops of Third White Russian Front and

Germans fall back to Samland Peninsula. Other

Soviet forces are steadily extending control over

Vienna.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div pushes forward to outskirts of Massa,

its first objective. In IV Corps area, 371st Inf is

attached to corps in place and boundary between

IV and II Corps is altered accordingly. 371st takes

over left sector of 1st Div, BEF, on M. Belvedere,

permitting Brazilians to shift NE and reduce sector of 10th Mtn Div.

Br Eighth Army opens final offensive in Italy,

attacking in evening with Pol 2 and Br 5 Corps,

latter making main effort, after air preparation on

an extensive scale, lasting for 11/2 hours, and arty

bombardment of enemy positions. Flame throwers

are used along the Senio just ahead of infantry and

assist materially in reducing opposition at the river

banks. Pol 2 Corps attacks with 3d Carpathian Div,

[ 9 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 484 ]

clearing to E bank of the Senio against strong resistance; using 5 Corps’ bridge, establishes bridgehead N of Highway 9 in S. Severo–Felisio sector. In

5 Corps area, NZ 2d and Ind 8th Divs, former on

left, establish bridgeheads across the Senio in Lugo

area. 10 Corps, with Italian Friuli Group and Jewish

Brig under its command, attacks across the Senio,

night 9–10, to divert enemy from main action, establishing bridgehead in Cuffiana area by dawn. 13

Corps holds defensive positions on left flank of

army.

CBI—Gen Wedemeyer meets with officers of

Tenth Air Force and India–Burma Theater to discuss projected move of Tenth Air Force to China.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s Legaspi sector,

RCT 158 overcomes resistance near Daraga and

secures junction of Highways 1 and 160. Widespread patrolling of Sorsogon Province indicates

that Japanese are now concealed in hills around San

Francisco, about 5 miles NE of Bulan. In I Corps

area, 37th and 33d Divs prepare for strong effort

against Baguio, 148th Inf of 37th Div moving from

Manila to Naguilian area. Cos E and F, 129th Inf,

try in vain to reach isolated Co G on Naguilian–

Baguio road. 3d Bn moves to base of mountain mass

called Three Peaks in preparation for attack on

Monglo. 130th Inf, 33d Div, relieves elements of

123d Inf at Galiano. 32d Div assault toward Salacsac Pass, on Villa Verde Trail, gains some ground.

Elements of 27th Inf, 25th Div, finish clearing spur

W of Mt Myoko, from which Japanese have been

barring forward movement. In XI Corps area, air

and arty continue to neutralize Mt Mataba. Elements of 38th Div that have been pushing along

Sacobia R toward Mt Pinatubo have gained several

thousand yards during last few days. In XIV Corps

area, some elements of 1st Cav and 11th A/B Divs

speed E toward the coast, establishing contact at

Lucban, and others are maintaining pressure on Mt

Malepunyo.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div gets into position on Cebu to place

enfilade fire on enemy positions in mountainous interior. RCT 164 arrives at Cebu City at night. On

Negros, 40th Div begins concerted effort to eliminate enemy in mountains, employing 503d Para Inf

on left, 185th Inf in center, and 160th Inf on right.

503d, driving SE from Napilas area toward Manzanares, is soon halted by enemy fire. 185th drives

E toward Lantawan, gaining 6,000 yards and clearing hill position. 160th, moving NE toward Hill

3155 later called Dolan Hill, reaches its base. 2d

Bn of 186th Inf, 41st Div, begins shore-to-shore operations to clear Calamian Is., N of Palawan, with

unopposed landing on Busuanga I. In Sulu Archipelago, RCT 163 (less 2d Bn), 41st Div, makes unopposed landing on Jolo and begins clearing it. 2

weeks of aerial bombardment and preliminary naval

bombardment by Seventh Fleet precede landing.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps area, 29th Marines of 6th Mar Div continues to explore Motobu Peninsula in effort to develop enemy positions there. In XXIV Corps area,

battle for Kakazu Ridge, key feature in enemy’s

Shuri defense system, starts as 2 bns of 383d Inf,

96th Div, storm up the ridge in surprise attack beginning before dawn. Under enemy fire and frequent counterattacks, the regt withdraws. Both sides

suffer heavy casualties. 184th Inf, 7th Div, captures

Tomb Hill with assistance of massed fire. 32d Inf

continues to advance along E coast. 27th Div

( — RCT 105) lands to reinforce corps.

10 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div takes

Deventer and continues northward toward Leeuwarden. Cdn 2d Div drives on Groningen against

scattered resistance. Cdn 4th Armd Div pushes beyond Soegel toward Oldenburg.

Br Second Army’s 30 Corps continues NE toward

Bremen. In 12 Corps area, 53d Div, from the Hoya

bridgehead across the Weser, attacks NE toward

Soltau. 8 Corps continues toward Celle sector of

the Aller R.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 84th Div attacks and takes Hannover.

5th Armd Div, spearheading drive toward final

objective, the Elbe, reaches and crosses Oker R:

CCR captures bridge in Ahnsen area; CCA crosses

the Oker on right flank of corps and reaches Meine,

N of Braunschweig. 102d Div continues to mop up

rear area. In XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div renews

eastward drive: CCA advances in 3 columns to Hallendorf area, SW of Braunschweig; CCB columns,

to right, speed to the Oker at Schladen, where bridge

is secured, and Gross Dohren, to SW. 30th Div

shuttles E on left flank of corps from Hameln area,

with RCT 117 on left and RCT 120 on right, and

reaches Fuhse Canal, W of Braunschweig. 83d Div,

with 329th Inf on left and 330th on right, drives E

on right flank of corps from Westfeld–Seesen

sector, left flank elements taking several towns in

region N of Harz Mountains and right flank units

fighting slowly forward through Harz Mountains.

In XVI Corps area, 75th Div progresses steadily S

toward Witten sector of the Ruhr against slackening

resistance, forward elements taking Dueren and Stockum; establishes contact with TF Twaddle E

of Brambauer. 35th Div screens right flank of 75th

Div on left and clears Gelsenkirchen and suburbs

on right. 79th Div advances E along the Ruhr

against scattered resistance (313th Inf on left and

[ 10 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 485 ]

314th on right) and clears Bochum. After regrouping and relieving elements of 79th Div, 17th A/B

Div attacks S with 507th Para Inf and takes Essen

without opposition. In sector of TF Twaddle, 8th

Armd Div gets into position for final assault on

Unna, a target for aircraft. In conjunction with

CCB, 95th Div’s 379th Inf drives through Luenern

and Muehlhausen on left and on right takes Kamen.

TF Faith finishes clearing its zone except for

Neheim and Arnsberg.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

13th Armd Div begins crossing the Sieg in Siegburg

area. One CCA column proceeds to Breidt area and

another reaches positions near Siegburg. CCB

thrusts to Agger R and establishes bridgehead with

2 rifle cos. 97th Div completes capture of Siegburg

and supports crossing of 13th Armd Div over the

Sieg. 78th Div, against delaying opposition, pushes

steadily NW to general line Nuembrecht–Eckenhage–Hillmicke. 8th Div drives rapidly NW to Valbert–Wegeringhausen area. 86th Div’s 342d Inf

presses NW toward Attendorn. In III Corps area,

RCT 10 of 5th Div continues rapidly W to Wenne

R and takes bridge intact near Berge. RCT 2 secures

bridgehead across the Wenne on high ground E of

Grevenstein. 9th Div continues attack with 39th Inf

on right and 60th on left until pinched out. 7th

Armd Div commits CCA between CCR and CCB

and drives steadily NW in multiple columns. 394th

Inf, 99th Div, pushes through Odingen and Ober

Elspe; 393d takes Halberbracht; 395th clears Meggen and Kickenbach. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd

Div continues rapid advance on Nordhausen, CCB

columns, on right, reaching Klein and Gross Werther, just SW of objective, and CCR reaching Silkerode, Bockelnhagen, and Zwinge. 1st and 104th Divs

continue to follow armor closely. In V Corps area,

9th Armd Div passes through 2d and 69th Divs to

spearhead attack to E: on left, CCB reaches Hain

area, S of Nordhausen; CCA, in center, drives to

positions beyond Ebeleben; on right, CCR overruns Schlotheim and gets forward elements to Freienbessingen. 2d and 69th Divs mop up to rear of armor.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps continues E

with 76th Div on left and 80th on right and prepares

to commit armor to spearhead drive to the Elbe.

76th Div, with RCT’s 304 and 385 abreast, 304 on

left, advances to assigned objective, Straussfurt–Kuehnhausen rail line, with little difficulty; RCT

417 then relieves RCT 304. Against scattered resistance, 80th Div closes in on Erfurt and partially

encircles it. 6th and 4th Armd Divs prepare to attack

E abreast through 76th and 80th Divs. Elements of

6th Armd Div within First Army zone are relieved

by 9th Armd and 69th Inf Divs (V Corps). 3d Cav

Gp assembles N of Gotha and will protect left and

right flanks of corps. In VIII Corps area, 89th and

87th Divs continue E abreast. 89th Div, with 355th

Inf on left and 354th on right, drives to Gera R at

Rudisleben, Arnstadt, and E of Espenfeld. 87th Div’s

345th Inf takes Stutzhaus and continues to vicinity

of Crawinkel; 347th, to right, reaches edge of Geraberg. Div forms TF Sundt (Div Rcn Tr, Co K of

346th Inf, and supporting units) to spearhead drive

to the Saale on 11th, followed by 3d Bn of 346th

Inf, motorized; rest of 346th Inf prepares to attack

through 345th. 65th Div closes in assembly area in

vicinity of Berka. XII Corps opens offensive to SE.

11th Armd Div, with close arty and air support,

drives quickly to vicinity of Coburg, its immediate

objective, against sporadic delaying action. On left,

CCA blocks N and NE exits from the city. CCB

reaches Wiesenfeld area, just N of Coburg, and

reconnoiters in force toward the city, drawing AT

fire. Heavy fire is placed on Coburg throughout

night. 71st Div follows 11th Armd Div, mopping

up. 26th Div pushes SE over difficult terrain of Thuringer Wald to NE of 71st Div. On left flank

of corps, 90th Div continues E through Thuringer

Wald, 359th Inf reaching Ilmenau and 358th,

Neustadt.

U.S. Fifteenth Army takes command of 28th Div

( — RCT 112), which starts to Juelich area. XXIII

Corps takes over sector W of the Rhine to right of

XXII Corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps holds current positions and patrols SE

while preparing to continue offensive. CCB reverts

to 14th Armd Div. In XXI Corps area, 42d Div,

supported by powerful medium bomber attack and

continuous arty fire, drives to within 3 miles of Schweinfurt against tenacious resistance. 232d Inf circles

northward, overrunning Zell and Hambach; 242d

holds current positions in center; 222d continues N

along W bank of the Main to Bergrhein-feld. CCA

of 12th Armd Div, assisting 42d Div,

drives N along E bank of the Main, overrunning

Unter and Ober Spiesheim and Alitzheim. CCB

clears Stadt–Schwarzach, Klein Langheim, and Castell. CCR, followed by 101st Cav Gp, drives SE to

Weigenheim and Geckenheim. Renewing offensive

on right flank of corps, 4th Div’s 22d Inf pushes SE

to line Bartenstein–Niederstetten while 12th, to left,

overruns Laudenbach. RCT 324, 44th Div, is attached to 4th Div. Corps objective line is extended

to Blaufelden. In VI Corps area, 100th Div gets its

two bridgeheads in Heilbronn to within a city block

of each other. In Offenau bridgehead to N, 398th

Inf continues to battle stubborn enemy. On N flank

of corps, 253d Inf of 63d Div consolidates along the

Kocher; 255th expands Kocher bridgehead southward; 254th pushes S to general line Kunzelsau–Jagstberg and makes contact with 10th Armd Div

[ 10 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 486 ]

at Wolfsoelden. 10th Armd Div begins to withdraw

its Crailsheim salient in compliance with army order

and starts concentration in 63d Div zone.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps expands bridgehead S of the Enz and to right reaches Neuenburg

and Dobel plateau. Valluy Groupement breaks

through enemy defenses S of Karlsruhe. DA ALPS

opens assault on l’Aution, commanding terrain in

Alpes Maritimes province.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div enters Massa, from which enemy has

withdrawn.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 3d Carpathian Div presses forward from the Senio toward

the Santerno to left of 5 Corps, taking Solarolo and

reaching Lugo Canal. In 5 Corps area, NZ 2d and

Ind 8th Divs attack toward the Santerno. 78th Div

force crosses the Senio between the two at Cotignola.

56th Div begins overland and amphibious operations

toward Bastia in flooded coastal area. 167th

Brig advances along the Reno while 169th, reinf by

40th (Royal Marine) Cdo, moves by water toward

Menate, threatening enemy from rear.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, columns of Ind 17th Div and 255th Tank Brig

converge on Pyawbwe and with air assistance capture this key point on Mandalay–Rangoon railway.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158,

after securing Legaspi area, begins rcn of islands

in Albay Gulf and prepares to send elements to

help AT Co in San Francisco area. In I Corps’

Baguio area, Sablan–Salat region is cleared as Cos

E and F of 129th Inf, 37th Div, establish contact

with Co G in advanced position. 3d Bn begins assault up Three Peaks and gets to within 100 yards

of top. 27th Inf, 25th Div, gives 1st Bn task of continuing offensive for Mt Myoko and withdraws 3d

Bn into reserve. Salacsac Pass No. 2 falls to 128th

Inf of 32d Div, concluding prolonged and costly

battle for this gateway to Cagayan Valley. In XI

Corps area, 63d Inf of 6th Div, having suspended

ground attacks on Mt Mataba for several days

while enemy positions there were being neutralized,

renews assault and gets elements to the summit, but

Japanese continue to defend positions on this feature for the next week. XIV Corps columns drive to

coast at Lamon Bay, sealing off Japanese forces in

the Bicols. Elements of 1st Cav Div take Mauban

while units of 11th A /B Div seize Atimonan.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Gen Suzuki is lost at sea while withdrawing from

Cebu toward Mindanao. Hill 26 on Cebu falls to

elements of 132d Inf. Co E, 182d, rejoins regiment

after clearing Hill 20 in conjunction with guerrilla

forces. On Negros, 160th Inf is pinned down by

heavy fire at foot of Dolan Hill and for next few

days reconnoiters extensively. In preparation for

amphibious assault on Bohol, advance party of 3d

Bn, 164th Inf, lands at Tagbilaran to secure guides.

RYUKYU Is.—3d Bn of 105th Inf, 27th Div,

under command of Eastern Islands Attack and

Fire Support Group (TG 51.19), lands on Tsugen

Shima after preparatory aerial and naval gunfire

bombardment and begins search for isolated enemy

groups.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps area on

Okinawa, 29th Marines of 6th Mar Div is enveloping Japanese positions on Yae-Take hill mass,

Motobu Peninsula. Some elements reach Toguchi,

on coast NW of Yae-Take, and others are at Itomi,

NE of Yae-Take. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div,

with unusually heavy fire support, attacks with 2

regts, 383d and 381st, toward Kakazu Ridge; gains

positions on it in costly fighting but is unable to

drive enemy off. 7th Div makes limited progress in

region to E, 184th Inf consolidating and 32d pressing toward Ouki.

11 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div attacks W across Ijssel R toward Apeldoorn while

rest of corps continues northward on broad front.

Pol 1st Armd Div, now operating to right of Cdn

2d Div, employs motorized elements in pursuit of

enemy.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps makes steady

progress toward Bremen. In 12 Corps area, some

53d Div elements cross Leine R at Westen but

others are held up in Rethem area. 8 Corps gets

forward elements to Aller R line near Celle.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 5th Armd Div continues toward the

Elbe: CCR columns reach Ohrdorf, SE of Wittingen, and Rohrberg; CCA, to right, reaches Poritz,

W of Bismark. 84th Div starts toward the Elbe in

left sector of corps zone, leaving 335th Inf in Hannover as corps reserve. In right sector of corps, forward elements of 102d Div reach the Leine near Pattensen, S of Hannover. In XIX Corps area, advance

elements of CCB, 2d Armd Div, in record

drive of 57 miles, reach the Elbe S of Magdeburg.

CCA gets columns to Wolfenbuettel, Schoppenstedt,

and Immendorf area. At 0200, 30th Div begins assault across Fuhse Canal W of Braunschweig with

RCT’s 117 and 120. RCT 117 seizes airfield SW of

Braunschweig and enters W part of city. RCT 120

takes rail bridge over the Oker SE of the city and

blocks eastern exits; cavalry units, driving through

5th Armd Div zone, block N and NE exits. 329th

Inf, 83d Div, clears Halberstadt and Groeningen;

330th and reformed TF Biddle are clearing large

wooded area to right. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div,

employing 289th, 290th, 291st, and 320th Regts during course of the day, reaches the Ruhr at Witten

[ 11 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 487 ]

and takes 2 bridges intact; clears Witten, Armen,

Eichlinghofen, and Brechten. 35th Div ( — ) closes

along the Ruhr W of Witten, between 75th and

79th Divs. 79th Div, reversing its course to drive W

with 313th and 315th Regts, reaches the Ruhr SW

of Essen and establishes small bridgehead at Kettwig. Driving SW with 507th and 513th Para Inf,

17th A/B Div clears scattered opposition from Mulheim–Duisburg sector of the Ruhr; 507th Para Inf

gains small bridgehead at Mulheim and turns it

over to 79th Div. In sector of TF Twaddle, 8th

Armd Div, passing CCA through CCB, takes Unna;

CCR continues W in region S of Unna. Pushing SW

toward Dortmund, 95th Div’s 378th and 379th Regts

reach line Gahmen–Grevel–Asseln. In Ruhr–Mohne

pocket, TF Faith overruns Neheim and pocket NE

of Arnsberg, leaving only Arnsberg to be cleared.

15th Cav Gp, its front now uncovered by 75th and

95th Divs, releases 17th Sq to TF Faith to replace

194th Gli Inf.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

CCB of 13th Armd Div, bypassing Troisdorf, drives

through Wahnerheide and Urbach, forward elements reaching initial objective near Dunnwald, W

of Berg Gladbach; to right, one CCA TF advances

along autobahn through Lohmar while another is

clearing opposition in Breidt area; CCR crosses the

Sieg. 97th Div assists armor, mopping up bypassed

resistance. 78th Div continues NW against spotty

delaying resistance to Drabenderhohe–Bielstein area

on left, Gummersbach in center, and Dummling,

near Berg Neustadt on right. 28th Inf passes

through 13th Inf, on 8th Div left, and drives rapidly NW to Kierspe area while 121st thrusts to

Verse River dam. On right flank of corps, 342d Inf

of 86th Div overruns Attendorn. In III Corps area,

5th Div expands Wenne bridgehead: on right, 5th

Cav Rcn Tr and RCT 10 clear Forst Rumbeck to

general line Rumbeck–Hellefeld; RCT 2 pushes

westward, taking Westerfeld, Weninghausen, Linnepe, and Grevenstein. 11th Inf is relieved of security mission in Frankfurt. 7th Armd Div gets into

position to drive W across fronts of 5th and 99th

Divs. On left flank of corps, 99th Div continues NW

in region E of the Lenne to positions near Serkenrode, Fretter, and Weringhausen. 9th Div, now out

of action, releases RCT 47 to VII Corps. In VII

Corps area, CCB of 3d Armd Div captures Nordhausen and turns it over to 104th Div troops. To

left, CCA and CCR attack toward Harz Mts: CCA

takes Osterode and Herzberg; CCR secures Bartolfelde, Osterhagen, Tettenborn, and Neuhof, turns

them over to 104th Div troops, and assembles NW

of Nordhausen. Moving through Nordhausen, 83d

Armd Rcn Bn takes Obersachswerfen, Gudersleben,

and Woffleben. 414th Inf, less 2d Bn, reverts to

104th Div. 1st and 104th Divs move forward rapidly behind armor. In V Corps area, 9th Armd Div

speeds eastward, followed closely by 2d and 69th

Divs. CCB, 9th Armd Div, reaches N–S line

through Ringleben on left. CCA, in center, reaches

Sachsenburg area, W of Heldrungen. On right,

CCR reaches Rothenberga-Hardisleben region.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps passes armor

through infantry and drives quickly to the Saale.

During day’s advance, Buchenwald concentration

camp near Weimar and Allied prisoner camp in

Bad Sulza area are overrun. Passing through 76th

Div, 6th Armd Div drives E, with CCB and CCA

abreast and CCR following, to the Saale SW of

Naumberg; crosses the river at Koesen, Kleinheringen, and Camburg. 4th Armd Div, attacking

abreast and to right of 6th Armd, with CCB and

CCA abreast and CCR following, moves E through

80th Div, bypassing Erfurt and Weimar. CCB, on

left, reaches Ulrichshalben–Schwarbsdorf area, a little short of the Saale. CCA reaches the Saale S of

Jena but finds bridges down and halts for night in

Goeschwitz area. Mopping up to rear of armor, 76th

Div reaches Buttstaedt area. 80th Div closes circle

about Erfurt with 317th and 318th Regts and moves

319th eastward along autobahn behind 4th Armd

Div. 3d Cav Gp takes responsibility for protecting

flanks of corps, 3d Sq on left flank and 43d Sq on

right. In VIII Corps area, 89th Div reaches line Gutendorf–Tonndorf–Kramchfeld–Wizleben;

forms TF Crater (motorized elements of 1st Bn of

3534 Inf, 89th Rcn Tr, and supporting units) for

dash to the Saale on 12th. 87th Div proceeds quickly

toward Stadtilm on left and Bad Blankenburg on

right. 65th Div starts to new assembly area at Waltershausen. 28th Sq, 6th Cav Gp, is given mission of

protecting N flank of corps and closing gap between

89th and 87th Divs. In XII Corps area, Coburg surrenders to 11th Armd Div, which prepares to drive

to Hasslach R line between Marktzeuln and Kronach; CCR TF finds Neustadt undefended. RCT 5,

71st Div, is attached to 11th Armd Div to occupy

Coburg and clear woods to W. 71st Div units continue to mop up behind armor, forward elements

reaching Rottenbach area. 26th Div takes Eisfeld

without opposition and reaches Steinheid–Schalkau

road. 90th Div advances rapidly as organized resistance collapses on left flank of corps, 359th Inf

thrusting beyond Langenwiesen and Gehren and

358th beyond Gross Breitenbach; reconnaissance

forces push through Konigsee.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps opens drive SE of Nuremberg at 1500

with 45th Div on left and 3d Div on right, progressing rapidly. 106th Cav Gp probes ahead of assault divs. In XXI Corps area, 42d Div regts converge on Schweinfurt and clear the city while CCA,

12th Armd Div, blocks enemy escape to E from

[ 11 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 488 ]

positions commanding Schweinfurt–Bamberg highway. CCB pushes to Markt Bibart. CCR columns

and 101st Cav Gp are maneuvering into position

to pocket enemy in Uffenheim area. 4th Div, reinf

by RCT 324 of 44th Div, opens drive SE toward Rothenburg. 12th and 22d Regts, 12th on left,

making main effort, reach general line Baldersheim–Roettingen–Laudenbach. In VI Corps area,

100th Div forces within Heilbronn link up and

clear about three fourths of the city. 398th Inf

reaches the Kocher N of Heilbronn, overrunning Jagstfeld and Hagenbach and gaining positions

near Odheim. 255th Inf, 63d Div, expands Kocher

bridgehead S of Weissbach against strong opposition and is passed through by elements of 10th

Armd Div. 254th Inf establishes bridgehead across

the Kocher in vicinity of Ingelfingen and probes

toward Kunzelsau. 10th Armd Div completes concentration in 63d Div zone and crosses elements of

CCA over newly completed treadway bridge in Weissbach area.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps continues clearing along the Enz, reaching Calmbach and valley

S of Dobel; to left maintains bridgehead across the

Enz. Valluy Groupement reaches Murg R SE of Rastatt from Gaggenau to Gernsbach and envelops Rastatt.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 442d Inf of 92d Div takes Carrara, from which

enemy has withdrawn. 473d Inf continues to meet

strong opposition to left, where 758th Tank Bn ( — ),

reinf, is committed late in day.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps finds enemy

positions covering the Senio abandoned and moves

forward in pursuit. Pol 2 Corps reaches the Santerno. 169th Brig, 56th Div, lands near Menate

and takes that town and Longastrino while 167th

continues overland attack on right flank.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 5th Div, with armored force spearheading, passes through Ind 17th Div at Pyawbwe and

drives to Yamethin. The armored force drives

through the town but infantry forces are delayed

there by stubborn opposition.

CHINA—Six ration purchasing commissions are

sent into the field, beginning at this time, to procure supplies for ALPHA.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, one column

of 158th Inf moves by truck to Malabog and thence

bn foot to Camalig, which is undefended; another

moves to SW slopes of Tagaytay Ridge. These advances place the regt in position for assault on

Cituinan Hill mass from N and S. In I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div pushes forward along Highway 9 toward Baguio and reduces opposition on

Three Peaks. Elements of 33d Div drive E toward

Asin from Galiano. Japanese are reacting strongly

to 32d Div’s penetration of Salacsac Pass, offering

heavy fire and local but sharp counterattacks. 35th

Inf, 25th Div, continues attacks toward Kapintalan

while 161st holds on Crump Hill and reconnoiters

toward Balete Ridge. In XI Corps area, 38th Div

has largely accomplished its mission of destroying

enemy W of Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg,

where over 5,500 enemy dead have been counted.

In XIV Corps area, patrols of 1st Cav and 11th

A/B Divs, from Mauban and Antimonan respectively, establish contact on coast of Lamon Bay.

Other elements of these divs maintain pressure on

Mt Malepunyo and Mt Mataasna Bundoc.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, rehearsal is conducted at Mindoro for amphibious

operation to secure Malabang-Parang-Cotabato

area of Mindanao. On Cebu, elements of Americal

Div secure Coconut Hill and prepare for assault

on Babay Ridge. 164th Inf, less 3d Bn, is moving

to Mananga R assembly area near barrio of Taup.

On Bohol, 3d Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, lands

without opposition at Tagbilaran and probes N and

E with motorized patrols. Co I motors to Candijay,

on E coast, and sets up roadblock. On Negros, 40th

Div continues co-ordinated attacks but makes slow

progress.

RYUKYU Is.—Enemy begins strong, 2-day air

effort against U.S. shipping in bid to regain Okinawa. TF 58, receiving weight of attacks, abandons

support missions to keep off attackers. Suicide plane

damages the CV Enterprise, which must withdraw

to Ulithi for repairs. Other vessels suffer lighter

damage. 27th Div units complete clearing Tsugen

Shima, where Japanese casualties total 234 killed.

U.S. Tenth Army orders 77th Div to land on Ie

Shima on 16th, an operation previously scheduled

as Phase II of Operation ICEBERG, although Phase I

is still in progress. In III Amphib Corps area, 6th

Mar Div has frequent, sharp clashes with enemy on

Motobu Peninsula as extensive patrolling continues.

By now enemy positions in mountainous Yae-Take

area are fairly well fixed. In XXIV Corps area, 96th

Div continues futile efforts to take Kakazu Ridge

under intense fire. Elements of 32d Inf, 7th Div,

push into Ouki but are forced to retire since tanks

cannot follow. Virtual stalemate exists all along

corps front on approaches to Shuri.

12 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn I Corps opens assault on

Arnhem. At 2240, 49th Div crosses the Ijssel near

Westervoort to attack from the rear while other

units provide diversion S of Arnhem.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps now has 3

divs in assault: 43d on left, Gds Armd in center,

[ 12 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 489 ]

and newly arrived 51st on right. In 12 Corps area,

53d Div clears Rethem and establishes bridgehead

across the Leine there. In 8 Corps area, 15th Div

passes through 6th A/B Div and enters Celle, on

Aller R.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army releases

29th Div to operational control of XVI Corps, but

the div retains its current security mission in army

rear. In XIII Corps area, 5th Armd Div completes

dash to the Elbe, CCR reaching the river at Wittenberge and Werben and CCA in Tangermuende

area, but is unable to secure bridges as hoped. 84th

and 102d Divs continue to clear toward the Elbe

in left and right sectors of corps, respectively. 11th

Cav Gp screens N flank of corps. In XIX Corps area,

CCB of 2d Armd Div establishes small infantry

bridgehead across the Elbe in Randau area, S of

Magdeburg. CCA and CCR speed toward the Elbe

at Magdeburg and block exits from Magdeburg.

30th Div completes capture of Braunschweig and

drives about 35 miles E toward the Elbe. 329th Inf,

83d Div, reaches the Elbe at Barby, SE of Schoenebeck. 330th continues to clear Harz Mts and block

main roads there. 331st, after assembling in Derenburg area, drives E, forward elements taking Nienburg, on Saale R. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div

continues to clear region N of the Ruhr between

Witten and Westhofen; 289th Inf relieves 137th

Inf, 35th Div. 134th Inf maintains and improves

positions along the Ruhr; 320th is relieved by 95th

Div and 75th Rcn Tr. On W flank of corps, 17th

A/B Div begins relief of 79th Div N of the Ruhr;

507th Para Inf patrol receives formal surrender of

Duisburg- 79th Div, as relieved, assembles for occupation duties in sector N of the Ruhr; withdraws

its small bridgehead at Kettwig. In zone of TF

Twaddle, 8th Armd Div mops up in Unna area and

at 2400 passes to army control as reserve. 378th Inf,

95th Div, breaks into E part of Dortmund, where

lively fighting ensues; 379th, to left, thrusts rapidly

SW toward the Ruhr; TF Faith contains Arnsberg

on the N while 5th Div of III Corps, First Army,

attacks the city from the S.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

as enemy withdrawal becomes increasingly hasty and

more and more prisoners are being taken, presaging

a speedy end of the Ruhr pocket, corps establishes

stop line and extends boundaries of 97th, 78th, and

8th Divs to it; provides alternate plans of advance

in the event 78th Div reaches Hueckeswagen–Wipperfuerth area, final objective of armor, before 13th

Armd Div. CCB, 13th Armd Div, closes on initial

objective in Dunnwald area and reorganizes CCA

takes Altenrath and thrusts toward Rath; CCR follows CCB, mopping up. 87th Div continues clearing

region to rear of armor. 78th Div column pushes

into woods near Engelskirchen on left; center and

right columns speed to Thier-Klueppelberg region,

threatening Wipperfuerth. 8th Div drives to

Kreuzberg–Oberbruegge area, SW of Luedenscheid.

86th Div drives about 4 miles NW on right flank of

corps; at 2200 forms TF Pope (reinf 3d Bn of 342d

Inf) to drive through 8th Div to Luedenscheid. In

III Corps area, RCT 10, on 5th Div right, captures

Arnsberg and Wennigloh; RCT 2 reaches the Rohr

in Hachen–Recklinghausen area and establishes

bridgehead; Sad Cav Sq, operating with RCT 2,

clears region between Rohr R and Sorpe Staubecken

Lake as far S as Seidfeld. 7th Armd Div speeds W

some 15 miles, passing through 5th Div on right and

cutting across front of 99th Div on left; CCA reaches

Hoevel and Balve on right; CCR seizes Neuenrade.

Continuing steadily NW, 99th Div reaches general

line Rohrenspring-Roenkhausen. In VII Corps area,

CCR of 3d Armd Div takes Obersdorf, Polsfeld, and

Blankenheim; CCA secures Sangerhausen; CCB

overruns Holdenstedt, Wolferstedt, and Allstedt;

83d Armd Rcn Bn, on right flank, reaches Oberroeblingen, Niederroeblingen, and Allstedt. 1st Div and

attached 4th Cav Gp are mopping up along edge of

Harz Mts, where bypassed enemy is almost encircled; 26th Inf pushes into W edge to Clausthal–

Zellerfeld. 413th Inf, 104th Div, enters Bad Lauterberg and seizes Sachsa and Ellrich; 414th blocks

Harz Mts exits NE of Nordhausen; 415th moves elements forward to Kelbra, Wallhausen, and Oberroeblingen. In V Corps area, CCB of 9th Armd Div,

after gaining positions near the Saale in vicinity of

Delitz and Bad Lauchstaedt, is directed to assemble;

CCA crosses Unstrut R at Nebra and continues to

Pettstaedt area, NW of Weissenfels, where it assembles; CCR crosses the Saale near Naumberg and

drives E through Naumberg to Weissenfels–Zeitz

road, then SE toward Zeitz, elements abandoning

drive NW toward Weissenfels upon learning that

bridge there is down. 2d and 69th Divs, following

armor, gain 25–30 miles.

In U. S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div continues E from the Saale to Weisse-Elster R

and gains crossings. One CCB column, finding

Weisse-Elster bridges down, turns N into V Corps

zone to seize bridge at Pegau and continues to Audigast; another bypasses Zeitz to N and searches for

crossing over Weisse-Elster R. CCA is held up

on left by strongpoint W of Zeitz but on right takes

bridge across Weisse-Elster at Rossendorf and establishes infantry bridgehead before bridge is lost to

time bomb. CCR moves E in effort to secure bridge

at Zeitz and reaches Kretzschau, just W of Zeitz.

4th Armd Div closes along the Saale where bridges

are down and crosses, initial elements in rubber

boats and by ferry and rest over newly constructed

bridges; CCB crosses the Saale N of Jena and clears

Kunitz and Laasan; CCA crosses S of Jena and

[ 12 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 490 ]

drives NE to Beulbar-Ilmsdorf-Scheiditz area; CCR

moves to Mellingen area and sends force N to mop

up between CCB and CCA. 76th Div, motorized,

follows 6th Armd Div toward Zeitz, RCT 304, in

the lead, reaching vicinity of Hollsteitz. In concerted assault, 317th and 318th Regts of 80th Div

clear Erfurt; 319th receives surrender of Weimar

and heads for Jena. VIII Corps drives E to the

Saale against decreasing resistance. On left, TF

Crater spearheads attack of 89th Div, moving

through Bad Berka to the Saale in Rothenstein area;

355th Inf mops up resistance bypassed by TF Crater

and seizes Tannroda; 354th progresses slowly S of

Kranichfeld. TF Sundt of 87th Div reaches the

Saale near Rudolstadt. 346th Inf assists TF Sundt

and takes Ehrenstein and Altremda. 347th overruns

Bad Blankenburg. In XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div, with CCA on left and CCB on right, drives

SE from Coburg to Hasslach R against light opposition; establishes bridgeheads at Kronach and Marktzeuln. CCR turns Neustadt over to 71st Div and

moves S to Ebersdorf. 71st Div continues forward

behind armor. 26th Div overruns Lauscha, Steinach,

Sonneberg, and Oberlind. 90th Div gains about 10

miles virtually unopposed, reaching positions S of

Bad Blankenburg from Beulwitz area on left to Bock

and Teich area on right. Continuing to protect right

flank of corps, 42d Sq of 2d Cav Gp reconnoiters to

the Main in Schney area and establishes small

bridgehead at Miehelau.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs, driving SE across

the Main, get into position to attack Bamberg. In

XXI Corps area, 42d Div mops up scattered resistance in Schweinfurt; attached CCA, 12th Armd

Div, establishes contact with 3d Div (XV Corps).

CCB pushes SW to Markt Nordheim area. CCR

and 101st Cav Gp encircle enemy in Uffenheim

area. 4th Div continues SE astride the Tauber toward Rothenburg with 12th and 22d Regts abreast

while 8th and 324th Regts mop up on left and right

flank of div, respectively. In VI Corps area, Heilbronn falls to 100th Div after 9-day battle. CCA,

10th Armd Div, crosses TF Hankins (61st Armd

Inf Bn) into Kocher bridgehead S of Weissbach

and expands it to Neuenstein. CCR follows CCA

across the Kocher. 63d Div continues to clear enemy

positions astride Kocher R line.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps finishes clearing

its zone as far as the Enz and improves positions in

bridgehead across the river. Valluy Groupement

clears Baden Baden and Rastatt. DA ALPS completes reduction of l’Aution, but enemy holds Roya

R valley.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

postpones offensive, scheduled for this date, 24

hours because of weather conditions. 92d Div, along

Carrione Creek, is beset with supply problems until

engineers reopen road between Massa and Carrara

during day.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 3d Carpathian Div establishes bridgehead across the Santerno. 5 Corps takes many prisoners as enemy line

along the Santerno collapses and Germans withdraw beyond Massa Lombardo. 56th Div’s 169th

and 167th Brigs link up near Longastrino and push

westward toward Bastia. 78th Div is committed

through 8th Ind Div’s bridgehead to exploit enemy

withdrawal; 36th Brig turns W toward Sillaro R

while 38th, strongly reinf with armor, prepares to

drive N on Bastia.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Kyaukpadaung, communications center between Chauk and Meiktila, falls to 33d Brig of

Ind 7th Div.

LUZON—GHQ SWPA establishes CP in

Manila.

In U.S. Sixth Army area, 1st and 3d Bns, RCT

158, begin two-pronged assault on Cituinan Hill

mass, which enemy is defending stubbornly. 2d

Bn ( — ) motors S along Route 1 to Bulan area to

dear San Francisco region of Sorsogon Province.

In I Corps area, 129th Inf of 37th Div, spearheading drive on Baguio along Highway 9, is stopped

short of Monglo by fire from hills commanding the

highway. Elements of 80th Inf, 33d Div, push

into Asin but further progress in this area is delayed by tenacious enemy defense of complex tunnel system. Other elements of 33d Div are clearing

Pugo–Tuba trail. Renewing northeastward attack

on Mt Myoko, 27th Inf troops of 25th Div seize

hill called Pimple near the crest. 2d Bn of 35th

Inf relieves 3d Bn on Fishhook feature and reconnoiters. In XI Corps area, Baldy Force, having developed enemy positions in Ipo area during reconnaissance in force, returns to original position. In

XIV Corps area, 1st Cav Brig, less 12th Cav Regt,

relieves 11th A/B Div forces in region E of Mt

Malepunyo and starts SE into the Bicols. 511th Inf,

less 3d Bn, is released from army reserve to 11th

A/B Div and takes responsibility for Mt Malepunyo

sector, permitting 187th Inf to return to Mt Macolod, which has been bypassed.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div on Cebu begins final drive on Babay

Ridge. 182d Inf, attacking toward Hill 21 with 2

bns abreast, penetrates trench system just below

military crest and repels several counterattacks during night. 2d Bn, 132d Inf, attacks from Guadalupe

Ridge while rest of regt harasses enemy to right.

1st Bn, 164th Inf, moves secretly into position to

attack from the rear and gets to within 1,200 yards

of top of the ridge. On Bohol, 3d Bn (less Co I) of

164th Inf moves toward Sierra Bullones in central

[ 12 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 491 ]

Bohol, where main Japanese forces are reported to

be disposed.

NEI—93d Div, U.S. Eighth Army, assumes

tactical control of Morotai, relieving 31st Div.

RYUKYU Is.—Enemy air effort shifts from TF

58 to ships anchored at Okinawa and the picket line,

with suiciders still playing a major role. Two Allied

ships are sunk, one of them the DD M. L. Abele,

and a number of other vessels are hit. Ground reconnaissance of Minna I., S of Ie Shima, by Amphib

Rcn Bn of FMF Pac, during night 12–13, discloses

no enemy troops.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, action

on Okinawa is confined to patrolling and mopping

up bypassed pockets, except for further abortive

efforts by elements of 96th Div to take Kakazu

Ridge. After intense preparatory bombardment,

Japanese begin a series of counterattacks in evening,

mainly against 96th Div. American lines hold, but

some enemy succeed in infiltrating.

U.S.—President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dies

suddenly in Warm Springs, Georgia.

13 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn I Corps continues battle for

Arnhem. Cdn 1st Div, driving toward Apeldoorn,

is transferred to I Corps from 2 Corps.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps, continuing

toward Bremen, reaches Cloppenburg–Goldenstedt

area. 3d Div returns to corps to assist in drive on

Bremen. 12 Corps expands Rethem bridgehead toward Soltau. 8 Corps continues toward Uelzen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, 8th

Armd Div, upon relief in XVI Corps zone by 95th

Div, moves to Wolfenbuettel area, where it is held

in army reserve. CCB ( — ) proceeds to Halberstadt

to defend right flank of XIX Corps. In XIII Corps

area, 5th Armd Div, mopping up along the Elbe,

clears a number of towns, among them Tangermuende. 84th and 102d Divs continue eastward toward the Elbe. In XIX Corps area, CCB of 2d

Armd Div, unable to expand Elbe bridgehead,

moves S at night to new site in Elbenau–Gruenwalde

area. CCA and CCR contain Magdeburg and probe

into its outskirts. 30th Div forces reach the Elbe

on left flank of corps. 83d Div establishes bridgehead

across the Elbe at Barby with elements of 329th and

331st Regts. RCT 330 passes to corps control and

continues clearing Harz Mts in conjunction with

VII Corps, First Army. In XVI Corps area, 75th

Div clears all of its sector N of the Ruhr from Witten to Westhofen except for town of Herdecke. 79th

Div begins occupation of new sector, relieving elements of 75th and 35th Divs. 35th Div, less 134th

Inf, which is temporarily attached to 79th Div,

passes to operational control of XIX Corps. 17th

A/B Div performs military government duties on

W flank of corps and is joined by 194th Gli Inf.

In TF Twaddle sector, 95th Div’s 378th Inf, reinf

by bn of 377th, completes capture of Dortmund,

which Allied planes have left in ruins. 379th Inf

completes drive S to the Ruhr; as regimental zone

is extended to Westhofen, moves 3d Bn westward

toward this final objective. TF Faith is dissolved

at noon when 15th Cav Gp takes over its Ruhr

sector. At 2400, TF Twaddle is dissolved, but 95th

Div retains control of 15th Cav Gp.

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B)

pursues rapidly withdrawing enemy. After regrouping, CCB of 13th Armd Div, followed by CCR,

thrusts northward from Dunnwald area; CCA

drives to positions near Bensburg. 97th Div pushes

northward behind armor, mopping up. 78th Div

reaches line extending from Wipperfuerth southwestward; on right flank takes Wipperfuerth and

Hueckeswagen, final objectives of 13th Armd Div,

without a fight. 8th Div, replacing 121st Inf on

right with 13th, races NW toward stop line SW of

Hagen, 28th Inf heading for Schwelm and 13th Inf

reaching Milspe–Vorde area. On right flank of

corps, 86th Div’s 341st Inf, motorized, dashes from

Hilchenbach to stop line in Hagen area; 342d Inf

seizes Luedenscheid and heads for Hohenlimburg;

343d clears Herscheid, Huinghausen, and Plettenberg. In III Corps area, RCT’s 10 and 2 of 5th Div

drive NW between Ruhr and Honne Rivers to line

Herdringen–Holzen–Boeingsen. CCA, 7th Armd

Div, assisted by left flank elements of 5th Div,

moves NW toward Hemer. 99th Div, with 394th

Inf on right, 395th in center, and 3934 on left, advances quickly on left flank of corps, clearing resistance bypassed by 7th Armd Div m region S and

SW of Sorpe Staubecken Lake. 14th Cav Gp takes

over zone of 9th Div. 9th Div ( — RCT’s 47 and

60) is attached to VII Corps. In VII Corps area, 3d

Armd Div drives E to Saale R at Alsleben, Nelben,

and Friedeburg and crosses dismounted elements;

constructs bridges, night 13–14. 1st Div and attached

4th Cav Gp begin systematic clearing of Harz Mts.

100th Div continues to block along S perimeter of

Harz Mts on left rear and drives E on right; organizes TF Kelleher (414th Inf ( — ) and Div Rcn

Tr, strongly reinf) to spearhead drive to the Saale

and Halle. 9th Div ( — ) assembles in Nordhausen

area and regains control of RCT 47. RCT 39 begins

relief of 414th Inf, 104th Div, near Nordhausen. In

V Corps area, CCA of 9th Armd Div drives E

through Naumberg to the Weisse-Elster in vicinity

of Pegau and then goes on the defensive. CCB

awaits bridge construction at Weissenfels. CCR,

upon securing bridge NE of Zeitz, abandons attack

on Zeitz and crosses to reach positions S of Leipzig.

[ 13 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 492 ]

2d Div, following armor closely, approaches Saale R

in vicinity of Merseburg. RCT 271, 69th Div, reinf

by reserve TF under command of CO, 777th Tank

Bn, clears portion of Weissenfels W of the Saale

and crosses elements in assault boats; RCT 272 gets

advance elements to Hohenmoelsen.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div continues to cross Weisse-Elster R and secures

additional bridges. Using a bridge at Pegau and another captured at Profen, in First Army zone, CCB

crosses and drives SE to Lucka area. CCA

crosses additional elements at Rossendorf, where ford

and treadway bridge are put in, and rest over bridge

captured at Schkauditz. From Rossendorf, column

drives NE to Breitenbach. In conjunction with RCT

304 of 76th Div, CCR starts across river near Zeitz

under intense fire. RCT 304, 76th Div, forces the

Weisse-Elster and begins assault on Zeitz. Bypassing

Jena, which 80th Div clears, 4th Armd Div races E

from Mulde bridgeheads, crossing Weisse-Elster R

and establishing bridgeheads over Zwick Mulde R

in 70-odd-mile drive. CCB establishes bridgehead

across the Zwick Mulde at Wolkenberg and CCA

another, in vicinity of Ober Winkel and Crumbach.

VIII Corps mops up W of the Saale, over which all

vehicular bridges are destroyed, and establishes

bridgehead on right. 89th Div, with 355th and 353d

Regts abreast, clears Rothenstein–Beutelsdorf sector

W of the Saale and dissolves TF Crater. 87th Div,

with 346th and 347th Regts abreast, clears its sector to the Saale; crosses elements at Etzelbach,

Schwarza, and Saalfeld by ford and foot bridges and

establishes firm bridgehead. 65th Div starts toward

Arnstadt to mop up stragglers. 6th Cav Gp continues

to defend left flank of corps. In XII Corps area, 11

Armd Div, continuing rapidly SE along muddy,

secondary roads, takes Kulmbach and cuts Kulmbach–Bayreuth road before it is ordered to halt;

probes toward Bayreuth, next objective of corps. 71st

Div mops up toward Kulmbach. 26th Div reaches

general line Steinbach–Fortschendorf–Steinberg–

Kronach. 90th Div advances to general line Lothra–

Gleima–Rottersdorf; reconnaissance elements seize

Selbitz R bridge SE of Lichtenberg. On right flank

of corps, 42d Sq of 2d Cav Gp reaches Thurnau area,

NW of Bayreuth.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 28th

Div is attached to corps and takes responsibility for

Juelich sector.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, elements of 45th and 3d Divs break

into Bamberg and begin clearing it. XXI Corps’

objective line is extended to include Feuchtwangen,

Ansbach, and Fuerth. 42d Div moves elements SE

in preparation for assault on Fuerth, W of Nuremberg, and releases CCA, 12th Armd Div, to parent

unit. CCB clears toward Aisch R SW of Neustadt;

CCR eliminates enemy pocket within its zone to

right. 101st Cav Gp, reconnoitering to SE of armor,

finds enemy disposed along line Adelshofen-Steinach–Burgbernheim–Windsheim; releases 101st Sq to

4th Div. 4th Div, with 12th, 22d, and 324th Regts,

from left to right, in assault, advances to line Freudenbach–Lichtel Schrozberg–Blaufelden on right flank

of corps. VI Corps advances rapidly all along line as

resistance weakens; is directed to secure line Poppenweiler–Crailsheim, from which to reconnoiter SE,

and be prepared to attack SE. 100th Div clears region about Heilbronn and pushes E

and SE. CCA, 10th Armd Div, takes Oehringen

and drives SW and W toward Heilbronn, establishing contact with 100th Div. 63d Div gains all its

objectives on N flank of corps with ease: 253d Inf

crosses the Kocher and reaches Brettach R in Neuenstadt Langenbeutingen area; 255th reaches Neuenstein area; 254th consolidates around Kunzelsau

and clears southward to general line Kupferzell–Rueblingen.

In Fr 1st Army area, Valluy Groupement, reinf

by CC3 of 1st Armd Div, speeds S over Baden

Plain E of the Rhine, overrunning Buehl; left flank

elements push through Black Forest toward Freudenstadt in conjunction with right flank elements

of 2d Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces of Third

Ukrainian Front, supported by those of Second

Ukrainian Front, complete capture of Vienna.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

again postpones offensive because of unfavorable

weather. 92d Div is unable to advance its left flank

across Carrione Creek but pushes toward Parmignola Canal in center and to vicinity of M. Pizzaculo

on right.

In Br Eighth Army area, boundary between Pol 2

and Br 5 Corps is altered, narrowing front of Pol

2 Corps, whose axis of advance now extends through

Medicina and Budrio. Pol 2 Corps expands Santerno

bridgehead. In 5 Corps area, NZ 2d Div and 36th

Brig of 78th Div push rapidly W toward Bastia in

conjunction with action of 56th Div to right. 56th

Div’s 24th Gds Brig, reinf by 9th Cdo, makes

amphibious assault on Chiesa del Bando, NE of Argenta, but is held up by enemy established along

Fosso Marina.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Ind 20th Div seizes Taungdwingyi.

CHINA—Japanese open full-scale drive on Chihchiang, making main effort along road from

Paoching.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, RCT 158,

less 2d Bn, continues indecisive battle for Cituinan

Hill area for next week. 2d Bn, reinf by AT Co,

attacks toward San Francisco, in Sorsogon Province, meeting heavy fire from hills around the town.

[ 13 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 493 ]

In I Corps area, 129th Inf of 37th Div, clearing

hills commanding Highway 9, reaches position 300

yards W of Monglo. 27th Inf, 25th Div, continues

northward attack on Mt Myoko, taking a feature

called the Wart. XI Corps continues to probe enemy

positions in mountains of central Luzon. On Caballo

I., last of Japanese are eliminated. TF (Co F ( — )

of 151st Inf and engineers) blows up Fort Drum on

El Fraile I. with ignited fuel oil. In XIV Corps

area, 5th Cav of 1st Cav Div, advancing SE toward

Calaug, finds prepared enemy positions that are

unoccupied. As 8th Cav closes in on enemy positions

in Mt Mataasna Bundoc area, 11th A/B Div prepares for final assault against Mt Malepunyo and

Mt Macolod.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

assault forces for Mindanao operation embark at

Mindanao and Leyte. On Cebu, Americal Div continues battle for Babay Ridge: 182d Inf secures Hill

21; 1st Bn, 164th Inf, makes slow progress against

strong opposition; 132d Inf attempts in vain to

secure Hill 25, N of Guadalupe road, and for next

few days destroys pillboxes and seals caves. Japanese are ordered to abandon their Cebu City defenses on night of 16th. On Negros, 185th Inf of

40th Div repels predawn counterattack by about

50 Japanese in vicinity of San Juan, killing most

of the force. RCT 503 reaches positions about 1,000

yards S of Manzanares and pauses for several days

to patrol. 160th Inf draws heavy fire from Hill 3155.

RYUKYU IS.—Preinvasion bombardment of Ie

Shima is intensified. Underwater demolition teams

begin reconnaissance of beaches.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps area, 6th

Mar Div prepares to attack well-organized

enemy positions on Yae-Take hill mass of Motobu

Peninsula. Some elements of 22d Marines moving

up W coast of Okinawa reach N tip at Hedo; others

are reconnoitering along E coast and inland. XXIV

Corps is fully occupied mopping up enemy infiltrators and repelling further counterattacks.

14 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Cdn First

Army takes command of Netherlands District. Cdn

1 Corps clears Arnhem except for isolated pockets

and is approaching Apeldoorn. Cdn 2 Corps continues northward on broad front; on left takes

Zwolle without opposition and advances to Meppel

area.

Br Second Army continues toward Bremen, Soltau, and Uelzen. 15th Div of 8 Corps drives into

outskirts of Uelzen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 11th Cav Gp races eastward to the

Elbe, screening N flank of corps, which is becoming exposed as British swerve northward. 5th Armd

Div, when orders for an assault across the Elbe

are revoked, mops up most of it’s sector along the

river. Forward elements of 84th and 102d Divs

reach the Elbe, overtaking armor. U.S. and political

prisoners are released during day at Salzwedel.

Evidence of mass Nazi atrocities is found at Gardelegen. In XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div, unable

to put bridge or ferry across the Elbe and consequently unable to supply CCB infantry E of the

river with armor, withdraws bridgehead in afternoon. CCR, upon relief in Magdeburg area by

CCA, crosses the Elbe at Barby and takes over

left flank of 83d Div bridgehead; is attached to

83d Div. 83d Div finishes crossing 329th and 331st

Regts plus their attachments and 2 FA bns. RCT

137, 35th Div, takes up positions along W bank

of the Elbe from Tangermuende to Grieben on

left flank of corps, relieving 125th Cav Rcn Sq;

RCT 320 comes under corps control. 30th Div clears

several towns within its zone W of the Elbe. CCB,

8th Armd Div, is attached to corps and screens

right flank. XVI Corps concludes operations

against Ruhr pocket within its zone. 75th Div receives surrender of Herdecke and is relieved by

79th Div. 17th A/B and 79th Inf Divs continue

occupation mission; latter establishes contact with

8th Div of XVIII Corps, First Army. 95th Div

finishes clearing its sector; makes contact with 79th

Div; relieves 15th Cav Gp of screening mission

along the Ruhr. 15th Cav Gp is attached to 29th

Div for military government duty.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

13th Armd Div begins final phase of its Ruhr assault—drive NE from Berg Gladbach–Bensburg

region toward Wipperfuerth—but rapid progress of

units to right necessitates change of plans, and div

is directed to drive N with CCA on left and CCB on

right to establish contact with Ninth Army. 97th

Div continues mopping up to rear of 13th Armd

Div. 78th Div reaches positions W of Burscheid on

left, enters Wermelskirchen, which is declared an

open city, in center, and reaches heights overlooking Lennep on right. 28th Inf, 8th Div, clears

Schwelm and continues N while 13th Inf, to right,

reaches the Ruhr in Wetter area and establishes contact with Ninth Army. 341st Inf, 86th Div, captures

Hagen; 342d continues toward Hohenlimburg; 343d

clears many towns and villages along Lenne R on

right flank. In III Corps area, RCT’s 10 and 2 of

5th Div finish clearing region between Ruhr and

Honne Rivers; RCT 11 completes movement to div

zone from Frankfurt. CCA, 7th Armd Div, reaches

edge of Hemet by noon but suspends assault until

2030 in futile effort to negotiate peaceful entry, then

attacks and clears the town. 99th Div continues to

mop up resistance bypassed by 7th Armd Div and

[ 14 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 494 ]

relieves CCR in Neuenrade–Garbeck sector. In VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div, when bridges across the

Saale are completed in morning, finishes crossing

and drives rapidly NE toward line of Elbe and

Mulde Rivers in vicinity of Dessau. 1st Div, despite

difficult terrain and numerous defended roadblocks,

pushes deeper into Harz Mts. While 413th Inf, 104th

Div, maintains positions about Harz Mts and establishes contact with 1st Div, TF Kelleher jumps off

at noon for Halle and forward elements reach the

Saale near Lettin; 415th Inf moves E behind TF

Kelleher. 9th Div begins attack with 47th and 39th

Regts to clear E portion of Harz Mts. In V Corps

area, CCA of 9th Armd Div consolidates along

Weisse-Elster R line and at 1400 attacks E to vicinity

of Lobstadt. CCB crosses newly completed bridge

and prepares to follow CCA eastward. CCR reaches

Borna area, overrunning Breitingen and factory area

at Deutzen. 9th and 23d Regts of 2d Div reach the

Saale N of Merseburg and 23d establishes bridgehead, using damaged railway bridge; at 1400, 38th

Inf, reinf by 3d Bn of 9th, crosses bridge at Weissenfels and drives slowly N under accurate fire massed

to protect synthetic rubber and gasoline factories at

Merseburg and Leuna. 69th Div’s RCT 271, reinf,

completes capture of Weissenfels; RCT 272 drives

to Weisse R at Luetzkewitz, NE of Zeitz.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div breaks through enemy defenses along the

Weisse-Elster and drives E to Zwick Mulde R, bypassing resistance in towns and villages. One CCB

column reaches the Zwick Mulde at Rochlitz and

establishes bridgehead while another halts near

river line in Carsdorf area. CCA, also attacking in

2 columns, reaches Spora on left and Oberkossa on

right. CCR completes its crossing of river at Zeitz

and Rossendorf and, though 76th Div is responsible

for clearing Zeitz, destroys many German AA batteries as it drives SE through that city; forward

elements reach Altenburg but await reinforcements

before attacking. In 76th Div zone, RCT 417 relieves RCT 304 of task of mopping up Zeitz, and

RCT 304 speeds E by motor toward Altenburg;

RCT 385 reaches positions E of Weisse-Elster R

near Zeitz. While CCB, 4th Armd Div, expands

Wolkenberg bridgehead and takes 2 bridges at

Penig, CCA columns, followed by CCR, clear Limbach and Wustenbrand. 318th Inf, 80th Div, moves

rapidly E behind armor; 319th clears Gera and

continues E; 317th maintains order in Gera and

Jena but is relieved at Weimar by 5th Ranger Bn.

VIII Corps sets restraining line extending from N

boundary S along Zwick Mulde R to Wilkau, thence

SW along autobahn to S boundary. 355th and 353d

Regts, 89th Div, speed E from the Saale to general

line Moeckern–Zwackau–Arnshagen. Upon completion of bridge near Saalfeld, TF Sundt again spearheads 87th Div advance, reaching Peuschen: 346th

Inf drives about 3 miles E from Ettelbach crossing

site, and 347th gets elements to Schmorda. 28th Sq,

6th Cav Gp, after crossing the Saale in XX Corps

zone, drives E in zone of 89th Div to Weisse-Elster

R in Gera–Weida sector. In XII Corps area, TF of

CCB, 11th Armd Div, drives SE on Bayreuth in 2

columns. Confusion arises as elements of 14th Armd

Div, Seventh Army, are found to be heading for

same objective, but the CCB TF continues to N and

W edges of the city. When surrender negotiations

fail, Bayreuth is softened by intense air and arty

bombardment and entered on N by CCB column.

Meanwhile, 71st Div is given task of clearing Bayreuth; RCT 14, reinf by elements of 5th Inf, begins

assault at 1830, clearing W part and relieving 11th

Armd Div elements there. 42d Sq, 2d Cav Gp,

blocks S and SE exits from the city. 26th Div

reaches N–S autobahn W of Hof in vicinity of

Selbitz, Muenchberg, and Streitau. Assault regts

of 90th Div close along line of Saale R, Saale Stau

Lake, and Selbitz R, overrunning Lobenstein. Using

bridge captured by 90th Rcn Tr SE of Lichtenberg,

358th Inf establishes bridgehead and clears Blankenberg.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps finishes clearing Bamberg and pushes

on toward Nuremberg. In XXI Corps area, 42d Div,

employing 222d Inf on left and 232d on right, pursues enemy SE astride Wuerzburg–Nuremberg

road. 12th Armd Div attacks SE to right of 42d Div,

with CCB followed by CCA on left, CCR on right,

and 101st Cav Gp reinf by 92d Cav Rcn Sq between

the combat commands. CCB closes along the Aisch

and establishes small bridgehead at Dietersheim before bridge collapses. Using ford at Lenkersheim and

bridge at Ipsheim, 101st Cav Gp gains bridgehead

across the Aisch. CCR overruns several towns on

right flank of div. 8th Inf shuttles SE on 4th Div

left flank to follow CCR closely while other elements

of 4th Div push closer to Rothenburg. In VI Corps

area, 100th Div, advancing E and SE from Heilbronn area toward Loewenstein with 3 regts abreast,

reaches general line Talheim–Unt Heinriet–Weiler

and relieves elements of CCA, 10th Armd Div, in

vicinity of Bitzfeld. 10th Armd Div finishes clearing

its zone and begins turning it over to 100th and

63d Divs. 63d Div consolidates, relieves elements

of CCA, 10th Armd Div, near Oehringen, and

makes contact with 100th Div.

In Fr 1st Army area, DA ATL opens offensive

to clear Gironde Estuary, concentrating initially on

Royan sector on N side of the river.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

opens final offensive in IV Corps zone. In Ligurian

coastal sector, 92d Div makes very little headway

during next few days although arty is in position to

[ 14 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 495 ]

counter fire of enemy guns. IV Corps attacks toward

Po Valley after preparatory air and arty bombardment, advancing in region between Samoggia and

Reno Rivers, the latter paralleling Highway 64. On

left, 1st Div of BEF assists main effort of 10th Mtn

Div in center, taking Montese. 10th Mtn Div clears

Pra del Blanco basin, seizing Torre Iussi and Rocca

di Roffeno. On right flank of corps, 1st Armd Div

pushes toward Suzzano on left and begins bitter

fight for Vergato, on Highway 64, on right.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps extends W to

take over zone vacated by 13 Corps on left flank of

army. This thinning of forces brings to an end

planning for offensive operations, but elements of

corps cross the Santerno to assist Pol 2 Corps’ attack

in Imola area. Jewish Brig is pinched out by Polish

forces and withdraws to reserve. Pol 2 Corps outflanks and takes Imola, on Highway 9. 13 Corps,

with Ind 10th Div under its command, takes over

new zone between Pol 2 Corps and Br 5 Corps,

leaving Folgore Gp and 6 infantry bns behind to

strengthen 10 Corps. NZ 2d Div drives to the Sillaro

and is transferred in place to 13 Corps from 5 Corps,

enabling 5 Corps to concentrate on northward drive

against Argenta Gap on right flank of army. In 5

Corps area, 36th Brig of 78th Div reaches Sillaro

R and 38th pushes N to the Reno at Bastia. Enemy

retains firm hold on Bastia, however. Resistance

NE of Argenta continues to hold up 56th Div forces

there but others push forward toward Bastia.

CHINA—China Expeditionary Forces is ordered

by Tokyo to move 4 divs to central and N China.

As a result, it is decided to withdraw from Hunan–

Kwangsi RR, which links Hengyang, Kweilin,

Liuchow, and Yung-ning, E China air bases. Gen

Ho’s chief of staff presents bold plan for campaign

to halt Japanese drive on Chihchiang, calling for

massing of troops on flanks of enemy and double

envelopment. This plan is adopted and proves

effective.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, 2d Bn of

RCT 158 continues attack toward San Francisco after air strikes but makes little headway. Co I moves

up Route I to Iriga. Rest of regt is held up to N but

probes northward. In I Corps area, after aerial

bombardment, 148th Inf of 37th Div attacks SE

through 129th Inf to Monglo, on Highway 9, elements moving to edge of hill, called Hairpin Hill,

about 900 yards W of Monglo.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, assisted by aircraft, ground

fire, and naval vessels, opens 2-pronged assault

against Yae-Take hill mass on Motobu Peninsula.

While 4th Marines ( — 3d Bn, reinf by 3d Bn, 29th

Marines) drives eastward, 1st and 2d Bn of 29th

Marines press W from Itomi. Gains are limited by

strong opposition and rough terrain, but 4th Marines

secures positions on first ridges. On XXIV Corps

front, action subsides after final Japanese counterattack is repulsed before dawn. 383d Inf, 96th Div,

is withdrawn from line. 27th Div prepares to enter

corps line.

15 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn I Corps area, 49th Div completes

capture of Arnhem. Cdn 5th Armd Div begins drive

from there to Zuider Zee. Cdn 1st Div continues toward Apeldoorn. Cdn 2 Corps progresses toward

line Leeuwarden–Groningen–Oldenburg and begins

to clear Groningen.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 3d, 43d, and

51st Divs continue toward Bremen. Gds Armd Div

zone is now clear. In 12 Corps area, 53d Div, advancing along Walsrode–Soltau road, gets elements

beyond Kirchboitzen. 8 Corps continues to fight in

Uelzen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 5th Armd Div continues to mop up

along the Elbe. Additional elements of 84th and

102d Divs close along the river. In XIX Corps area,

RCT 134 of 35th Div takes over sector along the

Elbe from Grieben to vicinity of Colbitz Forest.

RCT’s 117 and 120 finish clearing 30th Div zone W

of the Elbe. 2d Armd Div, less CCR, maintains defensive positions in Magdeburg sector, CCB holding

W bank of the Elbe from Westerheusen to Schoenebeck. 83d Div expands Elbe bridgehead E of Barby.

RCT 320, 35th Div, is attached to 83d Div and, after

assembling W of the Saale, opens attack to clear right

flank of corps between the Saale and Elbe, taking

Tornitz and Werkleitz, then crossing the Saale and

seizing Gross Rosenburg. Engineers, after nightfall,

begin work on treadway bridge at Breitenhagen, SE

of Barby, as a precautionary measure for Barby

bridgehead. 330th Inf continues to mop up in Harz

Mts and establishes contact with 1st Div of VII

Corps, First Army. XVI Corps zone along the Ruhr,

during period 15-18 April, grows steadily smaller as

result of action by III and XVIII Corps (A/B) of

First Army against Ruhr pocket S of the Ruhr. 75th

Div starts assembling near Brambauer.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

13th Armd Div ( — CCR) drives N against considerable opposition to Wupper R in Opladen

area; CCB, on right flank, clears Opladen. CCR is

attached to 13th Inf, 8th Div. Following armor

closely, 97th Div’s 303d Inf takes large I.G. Farben

chemical works near Leverkusen and continues to

the Wupper while 387th and 386th Regts reach

Berg Neukirchen–Burscheid railway. Enemy only

offers token resistance to 78th Div, which reaches

positions E of Solingen on left, overruns Remscheid and Ronsdorf in center, and captures Lennep

[ 15 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 496 ]

and drives to edge of Wuppertal on right. 28th

Inf of 8th Div reaches the Ruhr N of Schwelm and

is passed through by 13th and 121st Regts, which

start W abreast, former on right; 13th, reinf by

CCR of 13th Armd Div, overruns Hattingen; from

Schwelm assembly area, 121st gains about 3 miles

toward Wuelfrath. 86th Div finishes clearing its

sector along Lenne R up to the Ruhr except for

scattered pockets. In III Corps area, 5th Div completes offensive operations in the Ruhr and is passed

through by 7th Armd Div. While RCT’s 10 and

2 remain in place along S bank of the Ruhr, 11th

Inf clears region W of Meriden between Iserlohn

and the Ruhr. CCR, 7th Armd Div, drives W from

Meriden in two columns and reaches Kalthof area.

99th Div continues NW to general line Iserlohn–

Kesbern–Altena. In VII Corps area, CCB of 3d

Armd Div establishes shallow bridgehead across

Mulde R near Torten, using wreckage of a bridge;

elements to right reach Thurland area. CCR clears

all except NE edge of Koethen and sends elements

W toward Bebitz. CCA is committed on div right

facing Dessau and reaches line Quellendorf–Koernitz–Fernsdorf. Reconnoitering on extreme right of

div, 83d Armd Rcn Bn finds Wolfen and Bitterfeld

strongly held but secures Reuden, Thalheim, and

Sandersdorf. 1st and 9th Divs continue methodical

elimination of enemy in Harz Mts for next few

days. In V Corps area, CCA of 9th Armd Div

reaches Thierbach–Kirzscher–Stockheim region

NW of Borna, bypassing Borna, which CCB takes

without opposition. CCR reaches Mulde R line,

clearing Grimma on left and taking bridges in Colditz–Lastau area on right. 2d Div clears Merse-burg

and Leuna by 0800, then crosses 23d Inf over the

Saale at Merseburg and moves 9th Inf S after dark to

clear German AA positions in zone of 69th Div. Forward elements of 69th Div reach positions due S of Leipzig on S flank of corps, pushing through Zeitz.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div crosses the Mulde, CCB at Rochlitz and rest of

div at Lunzenau, and continues E to limiting line,

where div halts to await arrival of Red Army forces.

CCA takes 3 bridges across Zachopau R near Mittweida. 76th Div mops up in Zeitz and Altenburg

and pushes elements rapidly eastward in order to

take over 6th Armd Div’s Mulde bridgehead. CCB,

4th Armd Div, improves positions in Bergstadt area

and takes Chemnitz R bridges at and N of Draisdorf. CCA patrols toward Chemnitz and receives

surrender of Siegmar. 80th Div follows 4th Armd

Div closely: 319th Inf clears Grimmitscha and most

of Glauchau; 318th prepares to take over bridgehead overlooking Chemnitz. VIII Corps directs 89th

Div to establish bridgehead over Zwick Mulde R in

vicinity of Wickau and to make contact with XX

Corps. Committing 354th Inf between 355th and

3534, 89th Div drives to line of Weisse-Elster and

Weida Rivers between Gera and Zeulenroda and

begins crossing after nightfall. 6th Cav Gp crosses

Weisse-Elster R on left flank of corps and moves E

and SE in zone of 89th Div. Thrusting SE toward

Weisse-Elster R, 87th Div’s 346th Inf reaches Kleinwelschendorf, just W of Zeulenroda; TF Sundt

drives to Pausa area; 347th Inf reaches Langenbach.

65th Div is notified that it will be returned to XX

Corps. In XII Corps area, 11th Armd Div, its mission completed, remains in assembly areas. RCT 14,

71st Div, assisted by elements of 2d Cav Gp, continues to mop up within Bayreuth. Rest of 71st Div

completes drive to corps restraining line on SW

flank of corps, extending generally from Gefrees to

Bayreuth. In center of corps, 26th Div reaches restraining line from Hof to Gefrees. On NE flank,

90th Div continues toward Plauen-Hof road and

clears most of Hof.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, XXII Corps is made

responsible for Aachen area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps gains ground toward Nuremberg. In

XXI Corps area, 42d Div’s 222d and 232d Regts

reach Aisch R line in Neustadt area. CCB, 12th

Armd Div, completes its crossing of the Aisch at Dietersheim and thrusts SE to Scheller and Kotzenaurach; rorst Cav Gp drives SE through Linden

to Zenn R; CCR is halted by stubborn opposition in

vicinity of Westheim. 8th Inf, 4th Div, attacks SE

toward Ansbach in conjunction with CCR of 12th

Armd Div. 12th and 22d Regts push a little closer

to Rothenburg against stronger resistance. VI Corps

attacks SE with 100th and 63d Divs abreast, 100th

on right, each div employing 3 regts abreast. 100th

Div clears Unt Gruppenbach on right, begins outflanking Loewenstein in center, and on left drives

to Neuberg-Buchhorn region, S of Pfedelbach.

From right to left, 63d Div reaches Michelbach;

positions near Waldenburg and Westernach; Goggenbach; Steinkirchen; and Nesselbach.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps continues to

clear Black Forest in conjunction with Valluy

Groupement and is thrusting toward Nagold R. 1st

Corps crosses elements over the Rhine N of Kehl

without opposition. Valluy Groupement, assisted by

1st Corps elements E of the Rhine, clears Kehl;

forward elements overrun Offenburg and continue

S in Baden Plain to outskirts of Lahr; left flank elements continue clearing Black Forest. In DA ATL

area, after intense air and arty bombardment of

enemy fortifications in Royan sector, Fr forces push

to edge of that city. Fr troops across the Gironde in

Pointe de Grave sector drive salient into enemy positions in vicinity of Vensac.

[ 15 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 497 ]

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div takes M. Pigna and

M. Mantino but is unable to advance its exposed left

flank. 1st Armd Div seizes Suzzano and continues

to fight from house to house in Vergato. II Corps

joins in offensive after intensive aerial preparation,

attacking toward Bologna in region E of Highway

64, night 15–16. S African 6th Armd Div and 88th

Div lead off at 2230; 91st and 34th Divs attack at

0300. In support of offensive, Legnano Gp demonstrates vigorously on right flank of corps. Enemy

offers strong resistance all along line, but S African

6th Armd Div takes M. Sole by 0530.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps reaches

Sillaro R and begins crossing. 13 Corps drives toward Budrio, employing NZ 2d Div initially and

committing 10th Ind Div later. In 5 Corps area, 78th

Div turns over positions along the Sillaro on left

flank of corps to Commandos in order to concentrate

against the Argenta Gap. Enemy continues effective

defense of Bastia against attacks of 78th and 56th

Divs.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, main body of

RCT 158 continues almost futile attacks on Cituinan

Hill mass from N and S. I and R Platoon drives N

on Route 27. 2d Bn, RCT 158, makes two-pronged

assault on San Francisco and takes the town. In I

Corps area, troops of 148th Inf, 37th Div, after air

strike on Hairpin Hill, clear it; push forward on

Highway 9 beyond Quioeng. Elements of 130th Inf,

33d Div, attack unsuccessfully toward ridge W of

Asin Tunnels. Ground assault on the tunnel positions

is suspended for the next few days while enemy positions are being softened by bombardment. 1st Bn

of 27th Inf, 25th Div, attacks across ravine from

the Wart toward hill 300 yards ahead. 2d Bn, 35th

Inf, takes hill in its sector. In XI Corps area, protracted fighting by 38th Div in Mt Pinatubo area

is virtually concluded as 152d Inf column, which

has moved E from W coast, makes contact with

elements of 149th Inf on Mt Pinatubo. In XIV Corps

area, 511th Inf of 11th A/B Div opens eastward

drive on Mt Malepunyo hill mass.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div troops on Cebu continue battle to

destroy enemy on heights commanding Cebu City.

On Bohol, 3d Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, makes

contact with Japanese force N of Ginopolan. On

Negros, 40th Div remains in place while air and

arty are softening enemy positions in NegritosPatog area. 108 aircraft drop 170 tons of bombs.

Gen Sibert alters plan of amphibious operations

against Mindanao since guerrilla forces there are

reported to have taken Malabang. 24th Div, except

for bn of 21st Inf, is to land in Parang area. The

excepted bn will go ashore as planned at Malabang.

RYUKYU Is.—Arty lands on Minna I. to support

invasion of Ie Shima. Air and naval bombardment

of Ie Shima continues.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib Corps area,

fighting on Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa, is bitter

and costly as 6th Mar Div continues to press in on

Yae-Take hill mass under heavy and effective fire

from dominating terrain. XXIV Corps front remains

static. 27th Div enters corps line.

JAPAN—Carrier planes of TF 58 attack Kyushu

airfields with good effect but are unable to neutralize them completely.

16 April

WESTERN EUROPE—RAF BC sinks the Luetzow

during daylight attack on Swinemuende.

21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, Cdn

2 Corps seizes Leeuwarden and Groningen.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps closes in on

Bremen, forward elements of 3d Div reaching Brinkum, just S of the city. In 12 Corps area, 7th Armd

Div, driving on Soltau, gets advance elements beyond Walsrode. In 8 Corps area, 15th

Div is still strongly opposed in Uelzen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 84th and 102d Divs, former on left,

relieve 5th Armd Div along the Elbe. 5th Armd

Div is to clear rear area of stragglers, who threaten

supply routes; releases attached elements of 84th

and 102d Divs. Corps zone is extended southward

to include 35th Div sector along the Elbe; 35th

Div ( — RCT 320) is attached to corps. In XIX

Corps area, 35th Div shifts a little southward to

relieve elements of 30th Div. 30th Div regroups as

result of boundary change. 2d Armd Div maintains

defensive positions about Magdeburg and along

the Elbe to right and prepares for assault on Magdeburg in conjunction with 30th Div. 83d Div

maintains bridgehead E of Barby despite strong

counterattack against CCR of 2d Armd Div; RCT

320 continues to clear region between the Saale and

Elbe. Enemy places arty fire on Elbe bridges and

makes ineffective air attacks against them from

time to time. CCA, 8th Armd Div, is attached

to corps. In XVI Corps area, 79th Div, whose zone

is uncovered by 8th and 86th Divs of XVIII Corps,

relieves 116th Inf of 29th Div, SW of Muenster.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

13th Armd Div columns, preceded by 93d Cav Rcn

Sq, drive N across the Wupper in vicinity of Opladen, CCA on left advancing through Langenfeld

and Hilden to region E of Duesseldorf and CCB

pushing through Haan and Gruiten to Mettmann

area. Crossing the Wupper to rear of armor, 97th

Div drives rapidly N to general line Hilden–

Solingen, but enemy retains Solingen. 78th Div,

[ 16 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 498 ]

against little or no resistance, finishes clearing its

sector and is pinched out by 8th Div; Elberfeld and

Wuppertal are among towns overrun. 8th Div continues W, 13th Inf thrusting to Velbert area and

121st gaining final objective in Wuelfrath area. 86th

Div consolidates on right flank of corps. In III Corps

area, resistance in E part of Ruhr pocket collapses

early in day as Germans indicate desire to surrender

en masse. 7th Armd Div, with CCR again in assault,

starts W toward the Lenne but halts at 0630 to

await surrender negotiations. 99th Div also renews

attack, with 3 regts in line, but halts at 0850 pending

surrender of enemy forces, last of which—the Iserlohn garrison-capitulates by 1230. Each of the two

assault divs takes more than 20,000 prisoners during

the day. 7th Armd Div starts to new assembly area

in vicinity of Gottingen. VII Corps is directed to

halt along line of Elbe and Mulde Rivers pending

arrival of Soviet forces. 3d Armd Div maintains

bridgehead across the Mulde and extends right

flank southward along the river. CCR overcomes

resistance in Bernburg, closing that Harz Mts exit to

enemy; to right finishes clearing Koethen and seizes

nearby Klepzig and Merzien. CCA overruns Libbesdorf and continues NE toward Dessau; elements

begin sweeping Forst Haldeburg, S of Dessau. CCB

holds Mulde bridgehead near Torten and continues

bridging operations under fire; to right overruns a

number of towns. 104th Div continues assault on

Halle against tenacious resistance and gets bulk of

forces across the Saale. On W flank of corps, 1st and

9th Divs gain additional ground in Harz Mts. In V

Corps area, CCA of 9th Armd Div reaches the

Mulde in Bennewitz-Grimma area. CCR column

crosses and clears Colditz. CCB completes assembling in Wettewitz area. 2d Div consolidates and

pushes 3–5 miles eastward, 38th and 23d Regts coming abreast and squeezing out 9th. 69th Div pushes

NE toward Leipzig, left flank elements halting at

Zwenkau, in outer defenses of the city, and right

flank elements reaching positions SE of Leipzig.

In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 6th Armd

Div turns over Zwick Mulde bridgehead to RCT

304 of 76th Div and begins maintenance and rehabilitation program. 76th Div closes along Zwick

Mulde R, RCT’s 304 and 417 relieving CCA and

CCR of 6th Armd Div. 4th Armd Div turns over

Zwick Mulde bridgehead to 318th and 319th Regts,

80th Div. VIII Corps pushes E and SE against scattered resistance. 6th Cav Gp, developing enemy positions ahead of 89th Div, takes Weisse-Elster bridges

at Berga and Knottengrund and turns them over to

89th Div; pushes E to N–S rail line running through

Werdau. 89th Div reaches Pliesse R and begins assault on Werdau on left, in center drives into Werdauer Wald, and on right reaches Weisse-Elster R

in vicinity of Greiz. Assault forces of 87th Div

cross Weisse-Elster R on right flank of corps and

forward elements reach positions beyond corps restraining line, the autobahn. On left, 346th Inf captures Zeulenroda, crosses the Weisse-Elster, and

drives to vicinity of Brockau. TF Sundt drives SE

across Weisse-Elster R to Mechelgruen, E of limiting

line. 347th Inf overruns Plauen and reaches autobahn to E on left and drives to Oelsnitz, beyond restraining line, on right. XII Corps consolidates

along restraining line and patrols actively. 71st Div

completes mop up of Bayreuth. 90th Div clears rest

of Hof and improves defensive positions in limited

attacks.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, 422d and 423d Regts

of 106th Div and Div Rcn Tr are attached to 66th

Div for training purposes.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs continue drive on

Nuremberg and 45th breaks into suburbs. In XXI

Corps area, 42d Div, crossing Aisch R, overruns

Neustadt and drives rapidly toward Fuerth; 242d

Inf enters line between 222d and 232d Regts. 12th

Armd Div continues SE toward Ansbach in center

of corps with 3 combat commands in assault as CCA

opens attack on div left. 8th Inf, 4th Div, continues

toward Ansbach while 12th and 22d Regts gain

positions just N and W of Rothenburg, respectively,

and 324th Inf drives SE on div right. In VI Corps

area, 10th Armd Div attacks SE through infantry.

CCA, on right, reaches Gleichen-Heuholz area. To

left, CCB thrusts toward Schwaebisch Hall, forward

elements reaching vicinity of Suelz. 100th and 63d

Divs, each with elements motorized, follow armor

on right and left, respectively. Elements of 100th

Div push through Loewenstein.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps overruns Calw,

on Nagold R. 3d Algerian Inf Div, which has relieved 2d Moroccan Inf Div on the Enz, begins

clearing woods S of Pforzheim. 1st Corps starts forward for action against enemy in Black Forest.

Valluy Groupement reaches Nonnenweier. In DA

ATL area, French overrun Royan, on N side of Gironde Estuary, and begin clearing NW between the

Gironde and Le Seudre Rivers. Other French forces

in Pointe de Grave sector push N to E–W line

through Talais.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army opens all-out offensive toward Berlin in early morning hours, attacking along Oder and Neisse Rivers. On northern

front, troops of Third White Russian Front are

clearing enemy from Samland Peninsula, East

Prussia. On Southern front, Second Ukrainian

Front gains ground SE of Bruenn (Czechoslovakia)

and N of Vienna. Troops of Third Ukrainian Front

continue to clear region W of Vienna and overrun

Fuerstenfeld, E of Graz.

[ 16 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 499 ]

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, IV Corps makes substantial gains as enemy

begins to fall back. 10th Mtn Div, still spearheading, takes Tole, M. Mosco, and Monzuno. 1st Armd

Div secures M. Pero and finishes clearing Vergato.

1st Div of BEF begins relief of left flank elements

of 10th Mtn Div. In II Corps area, enemy continues

vigorous defense of its positions facing corps. S African 6th Armd Div takes M. Caprara and M.

Abelle. 88th Div seizes Furcoli but is unable to

reach crest of M. Monterumici. 91st Div, attacking

toward M. Adone, M. Posigliano, Pianoro, and M.

Arnigo, makes slow progress astride Highway 65.

34th Div, directed toward Sevizzano Ridge on right

flank of corps, reduces fortified position on Gorgognano Ridge.

In Br Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, Ind 43d

Brig seizes Medicina, on road to Budrio. In 5 Corps

area, enemy is at last forced to yield Bastia, and

lively battle for Argenta Gap begins.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, advance elements of Ind 5th Div occupy

Shwemyo against light resistance but are under

enemy fire from Shwemyo Bluff.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, 2d Bn of

RCT 158, after repulsing determined counterattack

on San Francisco, attacks and clears entire area.

With S tip of Bicol Peninsula clear, northern exits

of San Bernardino Strait are safe for Allied shipping. In I Corps area, elements of 148th Inf, 37th

Div, overcome strong opposition on heights E of

Highway 9 near Yagyagan. In XI Corps area, 1st

Inf of 6th Div begins attack on ridge called “Woodpecker” near junction of Bosoboso and Mariquina

Rivers. After 2 days of preparatory air and naval

bombardment, 1st Bn of 151st Inf, reinf, lands on

Carabao I., final objective in Manila Bay, and

secures it without opposition. In XIV Corps area,

11th A/B Div’s 511th Inf captures Mt Malepunyo

and Mt Dalaga. Elements of 8th and 7th Cav, 1st

Cav Div, have pocketed enemy N and NW of Mt

Mataasna Bundoc.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

Americal Div forces on Cebu make slow progress

against heights commanding Cebu City. Enemy

begins planned withdrawal after nightfall. On

Negros, torrential rains ground aircraft but arty

continues bombardment of enemy positions. In

Sulu Archipelago, RCT 163 of 41st Div mops up

scattered resistance on Jolo.

RYUKYU Is.—Japanese make major air effort

against Okinawa and TF 58, despite further attacks by planes of TF 58 on Kyushu airfields.

Suicide planes sink the DD Pringle and damage a

number of other ships, among them the carrier

Intrepid. After preparatory bombardment by warships and aircraft, 77th Div, less 307th Inf, begins

landing on S and SW coast of Ie Shima about 0800,

305th Inf on right and 306th on left. Assault forces

move rapidly inland, hampered more by numerous

mines than by enemy opposition; take the airfield

and clear about two thirds of the island. 305th Inf

repels enemy counterattacks after nightfall in brisk

fighting. Permission is requested and granted to

use 307th Inf on le. On Okinawa, III Amphib

Corps’ 6th Mar Div employs 7 bns in final, all-out

assault on Yae-Take ridges. 4th Marines, attacking

with its 3 bns and attached 3d Bn of 29th Marines,

moves forward on southern and western ridges

while 29th Marines probes from NE. 1st Bn, 22d

Marines, closes gap between 4th and 29th Marines.

XXIV Corps regroups and moves up supplies in

preparation for full-scale attack on 19th.

17 April

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—United States

and USSR sign Fourth Protocol for aid to Soviet

Union, granting 2,700,000 tons via the Pacific and

3,000,000 via the Atlantic.

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn I Corps area, Apeldoorn falls to

Cdn 1st Div. Thrusting toward Zuider Zee through

Barneveld, Cdn 5th Armd Div cuts Amersfoort–

Apeldoorn highway.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps continues to

meet strong opposition at outskirts of Bremen. 12

Corps, now reinf by Gds Armd Div, is approaching Soltau on right and speeding toward Harburg

on left. In 8 Corps area, 15th Div continues battle

for Uelzen. To left, 11th Armd Div drives toward

Lueneburg. 6th A/B Div crosses the Ilmenau SE of

Uelzen.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 29th Div is attached to corps to assist

5th Armd Div in pushing left flank of corps northward to the Elbe, since gap exists between U. S. and

British forces. CCA, 5th Armd Div, prepares to

clear Forst Knesebeck, S of Wittingen, and is reinf

by elements of 102d and 84th Divs. CCB blocks

roads E of the forest. CCR mops up its sector S

of Salzwedel. In XIX Corps area, after preparatory aerial bombardment, 30th Div and CCA of 2d

Armd Div open assault on Magdeburg about 1500.

30th Div pushes into N and NW part of city and

CCA into S and SW part, clearing about two thirds

of objective. CCB, 2d Armd Div, maintains defensive positions along the Elbe. 83d Div improves

positions in Elbe bridgehead E of Barby. 320th Inf

continues to clear between Saale and Elbe Rivers.

CCA, 8th Armd Div, closes in Seehausen area and

is held in reserve. In XVI Corps area, 75th Div

completes assembling near Brambauer.

[ 17 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 500 ]

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

CCA of 13th Armd Div takes German CP W of

Mettmann and halts for night near Ratingen; CCB

soon establishes contact with 8th Div in Wuelfrath

area and by 1800 reaches Duisburg, where contact

is made with Ninth Army; CCR reverts to div

from attachment to 8th Div. 97th Div reaches final

objective, clearing Solingen on right and reaching

Duesseldorf on left; stop line is moved to N to

permit attack on Duesseldorf on 18th. 78th Div

consolidates and mops up; Pith Inf motors from

Wuppertal to Dillenburg area. 8th Div completes

its offensive as 13th Inf clears rest of sector S of

the Ruhr, including Werden. 86th Div continues

light mopping up operations along right flank of

corps and prepares to join Third Army. III Corps

continues to round up prisoners and prepares to

depart for Third Army zone. 5th Div begins taking over corps zone, relieving CCR of 7th Armd

Div and 99th Inf Div. 7th Armd Div is transferred

to V Corps. 99th Div starts toward assembly area in

vicinity of Trossenfurt, NW of Bamberg. In VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div is clearing and consolidating its sector S of the Elbe and W of the Mulde;

begins withdrawing bridgehead in Torten area,

night 17–18. One CCR TF thrusts N from Koethen

area to Aken, on the Elbe; another circles SE from

Aernburg area to div right flank to clear Bobbau–

Steinfurth–Jessnitz sector and enters former. CCA

finishes clearing Forst Haldeburg, just S of Dessau.

Negotiations for surrender of Halle having failed,

104th Div’s TF Kelleher renews assault on the city,

some elements continuing S and others moving into

city from E. By end of day about two thirds of the

city is clear. 413th Inf assists TF Kelleher in closing

escape routes from Halle. 415th Inf reaches Sandersdorf on left and Roitzsch on right. 1st and 9th Divs

make progress in Harz Mts, on W flank of corps,

though resistance is still strong. 1st Div takes Braunlage, Zorge, and Tanne and relieves elements of 9th

Div in Hasselfelde. At 2000, 4th Cav Gp is transferred from 1st Div to 9th Div control. 60th Inf, on

9th Div left, reaches Maegdesprung area; 47th in

center clears Pansfeld and Degenershausen; and 39th

on right reaches Aschersleben, Guesten, and Ilberstedt. In V Corps area, 9th Armd Div mops up along

the Mulde and patrols northward. 2d and 9th Divs

close in on Leipzig from W and S.

In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps regroups on

quiet front for final drive into Austria. 65th Div,

assembling in Bamberg area, is transferred to corps

from VIII Corps. In VIII Corps area, 6th Cav Gp

secures corps limiting line on left and pushes S

across zone of 87th Div toward limiting line on

right. 89th Div completes capture of Werdau and

establishes bridgehead across Zwick Mulde R in

vicinity of Zwickau; on right clears Greiz and takes

Reichenbach after aerial softening of the city. 87th

Div closes along limiting line on corps right flank

and gains additional ground beyond it. 346th Inf

pushes beyond the autobahn to Lengenfeld and

Treuen. TF Sundt extends positions beyond the

autobahn to Bergen area. Elements of 347th Inf

occupy Theuma. XII Corps maintains defensive positions, patrols, and regroups; prepares to renew

attack to SE on 19th. 71st Div, upon relief along

line Bayreuth-Gefrees by 11th Armd Div, moves S

to relieve 14th Armd Div (XV Corps).

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, XXII Corps releases 20th Armd Div to First Army.

6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army orders attack to swerve from SE to S. In XV Corps area, 45th

and 3d Divs converge on Nuremberg and begin

clearing it against furious opposition. CCA and

CCB, 14th Armd Div, assemble near Berg; CCR

maintains positions along line Creussen–Buchau until relieved by 71st Div. In XXI Corps area, 42d Div

pursues enemy to edge of Fuerth. CCA, 12th Armd

Div, in conjunction with 232d Inf, 42d Div, clears

Gadolzburg and Zautendorf. CCB seizes Heilbronn. CCR, continuing toward Ansbach, reaches

Weihenzell–Bruenst area. Motorized TF of 8th Inf,

4th Div, thrusts to outskirts of Ansbach while rest

of regt works southward through woods to Ober

Felden area. 12th Inf takes Rothenburg. Other elements of div clear villages in region SW of Rothenburg. VI Corps is directed to speed to Swiss border

and block enemy escape from the Black Forest. 44th

Div, less RCT 324, is transferred to VI Corps from

XXI Corps. 10th Armd Div, in conjunction with

100th Div on right and 63d on left, makes substantial progress. CCA columns reach vicinity of Huetten, Schuppach, and Gailsbach. CCB takes Suelz,

assists 254th Inf of 63d Div in clearing about half of

Schwaebisch Hall, and clears most of Michelfeld

and Bibersfeld. 100th Div gains ground in hills E

and SE of Loewenstein and down Neckar R Valley

toward Beilstein. 63d Div opens assault on Schwaebisch Hall and is clearing enemy from this region.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps overruns Freudenstadt, splitting German 19th Army; to left, takes

Nagold and Horb. 1st Corps takes command of

Groupement Valluy (9th Colonial Inf Div and CC3

of 1st Armd Div), which is to constitute the right

prong of a pincer maneuver to encircle the

Black Forest. In addition to Groupement Valluy, 1st

Corps has under its command 1st Armd Div, 4th

Moroccan Mtn Div, and reserve units. Groupement

Valluy overruns Oberkirch after heavy fighting in

this region. In DA ALPS area, Germans withdraw

hastily from Roya R Valley. DA ATL clears most

of Royan pocket on N side of the Gironde. Forces on

S side of the river push northward until halted by

AT ditch.

[ 17 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 501 ]

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div continues to pin down enemy forces in

Ligurian coastal sector but gains ground very slowly.

473d Inf crosses Parmignola Canal and pushes toward Sarzana. In IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div

makes rapid progress, taking M. Ferra, S. Prospero,

and M. Moscoso. 1st Div of BEF continues relief of

left flank elements of 10th Mtn Div. 85th Div

(which has moved to IV Corps zone, contrary to

plans for it to operate under II Corps when boundary

of that corps is moved W) begins relief of 1st Armd

Div on right flank of corps. As relieved, 1st Armd

Div shifts from right to left flank of corps to protect

exposed left flank of 10th Mtn Div. II Corps continues to battle stubborn enemy on heights below

Bologna. S African 6th Armd Div tries in vain to

take M. S. Barbara. 88th Div gains summit of Monterumici. 91st Div makes little progress W of Highway 65 but is approaching Pianoro on the highway

and crest of M. Arnigo to E. 34th Div clears heights

in Sevizzano–Gorgognano area and reaches slopes

of Dei Mori Hill.

Br Eighth Army issues instructions for pursuit of

enemy to the Po. 10 Corps pursues enemy to Gaiana

R, where contact is regained. In Pol 2 Corps area,

Ind 43d Brig is detached from corps and placed

under command of NZ 2d Div. Corps gets advance

elements to Gaiana R W of Medicina but cannot

force crossing; to left takes Castel S. Pietro on Highway 9. In 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div reaches Gaiana

R, where it is also held up by enemy on far bank. 5

Corps is converging on Argenta Gap against

strong opposition. 78th Div clears Argenta village.

BURMA—Adm Mountbatten issues directive for

modified DRACULA, calling for amphibious and airborne operations to capture Rangoon.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

148th Inf of 37th Div comes up against enemy’s

final defensive line before Baguio as elements reach

Irisan R, where bridge is out. Further progress

along the road to Baguio is delayed for the next few

days by enemy’s stubborn defense of ridges near the

bridge site. 130th Inf, 33d Div, is still held up in

Asin Tunnels region. 32d Div continues clearing

heights in Salacsac Pass region of Villa Verde Trail.

Japanese are still defending Kapintalan sector of

Highway 5 against attacks of 25th Div. In XI Corps

area, 63d Inf of 6th Div clears N tip of Mt Mataba,

eliminating final resistance in this area. After further vain efforts to clear Woodpecker Ridge, near

junction of Bosoboso and Mariquina Rivers, 1st Inf

suspends attack and patrols actively. In XIV Corps

area, attack of 2d Cav Brig, 1st Cav Div, on W

slopes of Mt Mataasna Bundoc makes slow progress.

511th Inf, 11th A/B Div, turns N toward this hill

mass, the last enemy stronghold in S Luzon.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

after preparatory naval gunfire and aerial bombardment, VICTOR V Attack Group (TG 78.2, Adm

Noble) lands assault units of 24th Div, X Corps, on

Mindanao without opposition. Main body goes

ashore in Parang area and 3d Bn of 21st Inf lands

just N of Malabang. Despite congestion on beach,

main assault force moves rapidly inland and seizes

Parang and heights commanding Polloc Harbor. 3d

Bn of 21st Inf, finding guerrillas in possession of

Malabang as reported, patrols southward toward

Parang and N toward Polloc Harbor. 24th Div CG

takes command ashore. On Cebu, Americal Div

finds that enemy has withdrawn from Babay Ridge

and occupies Hills 22 and 25. On Bohol, Cos K and

L of 164th Inf open attack on Japanese N of Ginopolan. On Negros, 40th Div renews co-ordinated

attack. 503d Para Inf reaches outer defenses of enemy on lower slopes of Banana Ridge. 185th Inf is

halted at tank trap after gaining 1,600 yards. 160th

Inf advances about 1,000 yards. In Sulu Archipelago,

Jolo I. is now clear except for Mt Daho. Aircraft,

arty, and mortars pound this last enemy strongpoint

for next few days.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, 306th Inf of 77th

Div holds current positions while awaiting 305th

Inf, which has fallen behind. 305th drives E toward

Iegusugu Mt, which dominates entire island and is

dubbed “the Pinnacle,” and le town, elements reaching edge of the town. 2d and 3d Bns, 307th Inf, land

on S coast and attack NE through elements of 305th

Inf, meeting tenacious resistance from strong Japanese defenses organized in depth on ridge called

“Bloody Ridge” and a rise on it known as “Government House Hill.” On Okinawa, III Amphib

Corps’ 6th Mar Div breaks enemy organized resistance on Motobu Peninsula with capture of summit of Yae-Take hill mass; inflicts heavy casualties

on Japanese.

18 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army’s Cdn I Corps area, Cdn 5th Armd Div

reaches Zuider Zee, isolating enemy forces and

virtually ending offensive operations of corps. Corps

subsequently closes along line of Grebbe and Eem

Rivers, where it remains until end of the war. Cdn

2 Corps zone is largely clear, though enemy continues to oppose Cdn 4th Armd Div SW of

Oldenburg.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps prepares for

assault on Bremen. 12 Corps captures Soltau and

continues toward Harburg. In 8 Corps area,

Uelzen falls to 15th Div and Lueneburg to 11th

Armd Div. 5th Div, now under corps command, is

concentrating E of Osnabrueck before advancing to

the Baltic.

[ 18 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 502 ]

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, CCA of 5th Armd Div, after driving

through Forst Knesebeck unopposed, assembles at

Steimke and releases attached elements of 102d and

84th Divs. In XIX Corps area, organized resistance

in Magdeburg ceases after assault elements of 30th

Inf and 2d Armd Divs clear their respective portions and make contact. 83d Div forces E of the Elbe

regroup to improve defensive positions within

bridgehead; repel counterattack toward bridge at

Breitenhagen. Elements of RCT 320 take Dornbock,

W of the Elbe. 330th Inf continues to mop up in

Harz Mts. CCB, 8th Armd Div, attacking in woods

S of Derenburg, dears to Langenstein–Heimburg

road. Air attack forces enemy from Forst Heimburg.

XVI Corps’ mission of protecting Ninth Army’s

right flank is successfully concluded. 29th Div starts

to XIII Corps zone.

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B)

overcomes organized resistance in the Ruhr and

begins mopping up stragglers. German forces under

Field Marshal Model have suffered staggering losses

in men and materiel in the Ruhr. Prisoners taken

during the operation total 325,000, more than twice

the number of enemy estimated to have been encircled. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, CCA of 13th

Armd Div drives W through Ratingen to the Rhine

while CCB remains at Duisburg. In 97th Div sector,

303d Inf drives through Duesseldorf virtually unopposed. 78th Div, with new mission of guarding

First Army rear, continues movement to Dillenburg area. 8th Div searches for bypassed enemy.

86th Div passes to control of Third Army. In VII

Corps area, 3d Armd Div continues clearing its

zone and establishes contact with XIX Corps on

left. CCB completes withdrawal of Mulde bridgehead in Torten area. CCR, reinf by 83d Armd Rcn

Bn and elements of CCA, attempts to secure Jessnitz–Wolfen–Greppin sector on div right flank

and reaches Reuden and Thalheim. TF Kelleher,

104th Div, continues house-to-house fighting’ in S

part of Halle, clearing most of the city. 1st Div

continues E and NE in Harz Mts and establishes

contact with Ninth Army. 60th Inf, 9th Div, overruns Maegdesprung and Friedrichsbrunn; 47th

clears Meisdorf and Opperode and begins assault on

Ballenstedt; 39th Inf and 4th Cav Gp, organized

as TF X and largely motorized for swift advance on

div right, reach Quedlinburg. In V Corps area, 2d

and 69th Divs begin co-ordinated assault on Leipzig. 23d and 38th Regts of 2d Div push into W

Leipzig and clear to Weisse and Pliesse Rivers.

69th Div, employing 273d Inf, attacks NW and W

into Leipzig. 9th Inf, 2d Div, takes German AA

positions E of Lutzen. RCT 271 is attached to 2d

Div and continues to fight in Zwenkau area, overrunning Eythra and driving N toward Leipzig.

7th Armd Div closes in Gottingen in SHAEF

reserve.

U.S. Third Army regroups extensively and starts

side slipping southward for final drive SE to Austria and Czechoslovakia. VIII Corps clears to corps

restraining line and takes control of XX Corps sector

and of 4th and 6th Armd and 76th Inf Divs in

place. 6th Armd and 76th Inf Divs maintain current

positions along restraining line and patrol; 76th

Div begins relief of 4th Armd Div. 89th Div attains all its objectives: 355th and 354th Regts expand Zwick Mulde bridgehead toward Oelsnitz,

overrunning Zwickau, Wilkau, and many other

towns; makes contact with 76th Div on left; 353d

Inf takes a number of towns E of the autobahn on

right flank of div. 6th Cav Gp assembles on right

flank of corps, where 28th Sq relieves elements of

90th Div (XII Corps) and patrols toward Czechoslovakian border. XII Corps regroups as result of

boundary change and prepares to attack SE toward

Chain on 19th. 2d Cav Gp’s 42d Sq, upon relief in

Bayreuth area by 11th Armd Div, moves to Hof

area; after relieving left flank elements of 90th Div

now N of corps left boundary, maintains contact

with VIII Corps and patrols toward Czechoslovakia. 357th Inf of 90th Div shifts S, relieving 328th

Inf, 26th Div. 90th and 26th Divs push strong reconnaissance to front in preparation for general

drive to SE. Patrol of 358th Inf, 90th Div, thrusts

across Czechoslovakian border near Prex at 0955,

being the first Allied troops to do so. In 26th Div

zone, 104th Inf pushes E to Kirchenlamitz and Weissenstadt; 101st consolidates between Gefrees and

Voitsumra; 357th assembles in vicinity of Berneck.

XX Corps turns over its sector and 3 divs to VIII

Corps and starts to Bamberg area. 80th Div releases

positions overlooking Chemnitz to 76th Inf and 4th

Armd Divs- 76th Div relieves 4th Armd

Div in line. XII Corps passes to Third Army control

from First Army and starts to extreme right flank

in Bavaria. 5th Armd Div takes over entire zone

formerly held by corps, relieving 14th Cav Gp and

8th TD Gp in place; is placed under Third Army

control. 86th Div is attached to corps and starts to

Windsheim area.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 94th

Div takes over zone formerly held by 101st A/B

Div; 101st A/B Div prepares for move to Wurzburg

area in Seventh Army zone.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 3d Divs deepen penetration

into Nuremberg against stiff resistance. In XXI

Corps area, 42d Div enters Fuerth and, in conjunction with elements of XV Corps, blocks all exits

from Nuremberg. 12th Armd Div, directed to attack along axis Ansbach–Feuchtwangen–Lauchheim, concentrates in Ansbach area. While CCA

[ 18 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 503 ]

reconnoiters Ansbach–Feuchtwangen road, CCB and

CCR overrun northern part of Ansbach in coordinated assault; 101st Cav Gp moves forward to

screen S flank of div. 4th. Div continues southward

and begins relief of 324th Inf with 22d. In VI Corps

area, 10th Armd Div advances 9 miles as enemy

resistance slackens. CCA, in conjunction with 398th

Inf of 100th Div, captures Mainhardt, Grab, and Ob

Rot and continues SE through Hansen. CCB helps

63d Div complete capture of Schwaebisch Hall and

mops up in Michelfeld and Bibersfeld; after regrouping, continues S along Kocher R to positions

beyond Fichtenberg on right and to vicinity of Gross

Altdorf on left. 397th Inf, 100th Div, clears toward

Murr R at Sulzbach; 399th runs into considerable

opposition on heights NE of Beilstein in Neckar R

Valley. 254th Inf, 63d Div, mops up Schwaebisch

Hall and clears to general line Ruppertshofen–Croeffelbach; 255th clears Eltershofen–Celbingen area NE

of Schwaebisch Hall; 253d mops up W and SW of

Schwaebisch Hall to line Sanzenbach–Uttenhofen.

44th Div, less RCT 324, closes in corps zone.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps begins drive on Stuttgart. From Freudenstadt, 5th Armd Div and

2d Moroccan Inf Div advance NE along the Neckar

to Rottenburg and Herrenberg. 3d Algerian Inf Div

finishes clearing forest S of Pforzheim. 1st Corps

makes progress in Black Forest sector, clearing Obertal, Oppenau, Gengenbach, and Lahr. DA ATL

completes reduction of Royan pocket and in Pointe

de Grave sector crosses AT ditch and reaches Soulac.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

moves boundary between IV and II Corps W. In

IV Corps area, 10th Mtn Div reaches Sulmonte-S.

Chierlo area astride Lavino Creek and takes almost

3,000 prisoners. Forces flanking it are regrouped

to enable the mountain troops to concentrate in

center for rapid pursuit. 1st Div of BEF takes over

from left flank elements. 1st Armd Div, whose

relief on right flank of corps is completed, moves

forward rapidly on left flank of corps astride the

Samoggia. 85th Div releases right flank elements

of 10th Mtn Div and moves forward, on right flank

of corps. In II Corps area, enemy is retreating all

along line. S African 6th Armd Div finds S.

Barbara ridge undefended and patrols to junction

of Reno R and Setta Creek without incident, 88th

Div takes ridge extending W from Furcoli and

speeds northward to within a mile of M. Mario.

Elements on Furcoli ridge are pinched out. 91st

Div takes M. Adone, M. Posigliano, Pianoro, and

M. Arnigo. 34th Div seizes Dei Mori Hill.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

establishes bridgehead across the Gaiano. 5 Corps

gains Argenta Clap, through which it is to force

enemy back across the Po. 6th Armd Div is released

from army reserve to corps to exploit toward Ferrara and takes up positions on left flank.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 5th Div completes clearing Shwemyo

Bluff and drives S on Pyinmana.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, assault forces

of RCT 158 attacking Cituinan Hill from N and S

are 2,000 yards apart. 2d Bn, having turned over

responsibility for mopping up Sorsogon Province

to guerrillas, gets into position near Malabog to

attack the hill from E. In I Corps area, 148th Inf

of 37th Div fights for ridges astride Highway 9

near Irisan bridge site, clearing one and part of

another. In Mt Myoko sector, some elements of

27th Inf, 25th Div, continue efforts to clear hill

300 yards N of the Wart while others attack toward

hill 600 yards from the Wart. In XI Corps area,

145th Inf of 37th Div and 20th Inf of 6th Div

complete exchange of sectors. 145th Inf, now responsible for Novaliches watershed area, is directed

to attack toward Mt Pacawagan, about 3,000 yards

N of Mt Mataba, on 21st. Mt Pacawagan commands approaches to Wawa. 1st Inf, 6th Div, takes

high ground overlooking Mariquina R after costly

fighting. On El Fraile I., 38th Div patrol enters

Fort Drum, a burned out shell, and finds 69 enemy

dead. In XIV Corps area, 187th Inf of 11th A/B Div

renews attack on Mt Macolod and gains positions

on SE slope.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X

Corps CP opens at Parang on Mindanao, and Gen

Sibert assumes command ashore. 24th Div begins

amphibious and overland drives on Fort Pikit en

route to Kabacan road junction, a key position. 2d

Bn, 21st Inf, and force from 533d Engr Boat and

Shore Regt, divided into 2 groups, make amphibious drives up 2 branches of Mindanao R and take

Cotabato and Tamontaca without opposition; elements continue upstream and seize undefended

Lomopog, 22 miles from Cotabato. RCT 19 starts

overland drive southward along Highway 1, aided

after nightfall by illumination of naval star shells.

On Negros, 40th Div, assisted by aircraft, continues

assault on strong enemy defense positions, making

slow progress. 185th Inf inches forward from the

tank trap in its sector. Elements of 160th reach

military crest of Hill 3155 but are forced to withdraw. On Palawan, elements of Co G, 186th Inf,

41st Div, in shore-to-shore operation, secure Balabac

I., off S tip of Palawan.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, war correspondent

Ernie Pyle is killed by enemy sniper. 77th Div

continues to make main effort against Bloody Ridge

from S and W with 307th Inf helped by 305th, but

vicious opposition makes progress very slow. 1st

Bn, 305th Inf, is attached to 307th to protect right

flank. 3d Bn, 305th, drives into le town but pulls

[ 18 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 504 ]

back to more tenable positions in outskirts. 306th

Inf makes substantial progress against lighter opposition in region N of Iegusugu, pushing eastward

to line from NE base of Iegusugu to NE coast.

Disabled B–29 lands on Okinawa. U.S. Tenth Army

CP opens ashore on Okinawa. In III Amphib Corps

area, marines pursue enemy northward across

Itomi–Manna road; subsequently patrol extensively

and reduce bypassed pockets in N Okinawa. In

XXIV Corps area, Co G of 106th Inf, 27th Div,

in preparation for main attack of corps on 19th,

crosses Machinato Inlet secretly, starting at 1630,

and secures Machinato village to enable engineers

to bridge the inlet. A footbridge is completed by

midnight and 106th Inf troops start across it without arousing enemy.

19 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps, reinf by 52d Div, begins

assault on Bremen. While 3d Div attacks the portion

W of the Weser frontally, 52d Div, with elements

of 43d Div under command, begins crossing the

Weser to strike at the city from the SE. In 12 Corps

area, 7th Armd Div, driving rapidly N, cuts

Bremen–Hamburg Autobahn. In 8 Corps area, 11th

Armd Div reaches the Elbe in Lauenburg area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 5th Armd Div is assisted by arty and

aircraft in destroying enemy troops attempting to

escape through its zone. 44th Sq, 11th Cav Gp,

moves out to contain and determine strength of

enemy seeking to move through Forst Kloetze toward Harz Mts. XIX Corps maintains and improves

defensive positions along the Elbe. 113th Cav Gp

closes along the Elbe on right flank of corps from

Breitenhagen southward, relieving RCT 320 of 83d

Div, which in turn relieves CCR of 2d Armd Div

on N flank of 83d Div bridgehead. 83d Div continues to improve positions E of the Elbe and comb

Harz Mts to right rear. 8th Armd Div passes to

corps control and CCA and CCB revert to it; prepares to clear Blankenburg area, at E edge of Harz

Mts. XVI Corps begins period of regrouping, occupation, and military government. Its zone includes

all Ninth Army territory W of the Weser and is

held by: XVI Corps Arty, with 15th Cav Gp attached; 95th Div; 79th Div, with 18th AAA Gp

attached; and 17th A/B Div.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

8th Div extends W to the Rhine, relieving 13th

Armd Div. 13th Armd and 97th Inf Divs prepare to

join Third Army. 78th Div is placed under direct

control of First Army. In VII Corps area, CCR of

3d Armd Div endeavors to oust enemy from Bobbau-Steinfurth and Wolfen, on right flank of div,

partially clearing both towns; CCA and CCB columns gain ground near Torten; other elements of

CCA seize a number of towns generally N of Koethen. TF Kelleher, 100th Div, completes capture of Halle by 1055 and then clears Radewell and

Dieskau. 413th Inf attacks through 415th toward

Delitzsch and reaches Zschernitz. 415th improves

positions near Bitterfeld and clears Petersroda, just

E of Roitzsch. Against crumbling resistance, 1st

Div moves forward in Harz Mts: 26th Inf begins

attack on hill that commands div sector; 16th takes

Elbingrode and Huettenrode; 18th clears S part of

Thale. Organized resistance in 9th Div zone ends

as div reaches N boundary of corps and makes

contact with adjacent friendly units. Enemy pocket

continues to hold out SE of Ballenstedt. TF X is dissolved. In V Corps area, 2d and 69th Divs complete

capture of Leipzig.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps consolidates

along restraining line and patrols eastward. Boundary on right is altered to extend along N boundary

of Bavaria to Czechoslovakian border. 6th Cav Gp

continues patrolling toward Czechoslovakia. 4th

Armd Div assembles as reserve. XII Corps attacks

SE, air and arty softening resistance to front with

very good effect. 11th Armd Div, with CCA on

left and CCB on right, converges on Grafenwohr

and clears it; is ordered to halt there. 26th Div,

with 3 regts abreast, drives almost due S to general

line Trostau-Birk. 90th Div advances SE on left

flank of corps: 358th Inf, on left, takes Rehau and

pushes toward Selb; 357th, on right, gets forward

elements to Wunsiedel. XX Corps issues order for

final drive into Austria, designating 71st Div (temporarily under XV Corps) and 65th Div as initial

assault forces and 80th Inf and 13th Armd Divs

(13th under XVIII Corps) as reserve; 3d Cav Gp

will protect flanks of corps. 71st Div continues SE

toward Amberg. 80th Div closes in assembly area

and conducts training and rehabilitation. III Corps

continues movement to Bavaria and takes control

of 20th Armd Div from First Army.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, XXIII Corps relieves elements of 10th Div in Koblenz and Pfalz

areas.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps continues assault on Nuremberg, breaking into the inner walled city. 42d Div, transferred

to corps from XXI Corps, clears Fuerth, a western

suburb of Nuremberg, and pushes into Nuremberg.

14th Armd Div, with mission of protecting left

flank and rear of 45th Div, relieves 106th Cav Gp

of this task. XXI Corps takes command of 63d Div,

previously on left flank of VI Corps, in place. CCR

and CCB, 12th Armd Div, complete capture of Ansbach, relieving elements of 4th Div there, and push

quickly toward Feuchtwangen. Moving E to block

enemy escape from Nuremberg, CCA estab-

[ 19 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 505 ]

lishes roadblocks at Schwabach and Bertholdsdorf

and patrols between them. 101st Cav Gp, protecting

S flank of armor, regains command of 101st Sq

from 4th Div. 8th Inf, 4th Div, reaches Roedenweiler area; 12th reaches line Bottenweiler–Wildenholz–Theuerbronn; 22d completes relief of 324th,

which is detached from div and corps, and pushes S

to line Michelbach–Gailroth–Schoenbronn–Rossbuerg–Schainbach; 4th Rcn Tr clears Rot am See

and maintains contact with 63d Div. 63d Div, with

255th, 254th, and 253d Regts, from right to left,

is clearing region E of the Kocher between Schwaebisch Hall and Crailsheim. In VI Corps area, 10th

Armd Div, achieving complete breakthrough,

speeds almost 20 miles southward. CCA crosses

Rems R at Lorch and continues to Fils R, taking

bridge at Faurndau, near Goeppingen. CCB, bypassing Schwaebisch Gmuend, crosses the Rems W

of that city and pushes eastward. 398th Inf, 100th

Div, crosses the Murr at Murrhardt; 397th reaches

the Murr at Sulzbach and begins assault on that

town; 399th overruns Beilstein and Ilsfeld. 117th

Cav Rcn Sq is attached to 100th Div and given

sector on extreme right between 399th Inf and the

Neckar. 44th Div, with mission of mopping up in

rear and protecting flanks of armor, attacks S

through 63d Div with 71st and 114th Regts. 71st

follows CCA and 114th, CCB. RCT 324 reverts to

44th Div; 2d Bn, motorized, follows CCB southward. 103d Div is moving into corps zone.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps continues toward Stuttgart with 3d Algerian Inf Div on left and

5th Armd Div and 2d Moroccan Inf Div on right.

1st Corps, clearing W part of Black Forest, reaches

Biberach–Mahlberg area. In DA ATL area, Fr

forces in Pointe de Grave sector seize Le Verdon.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow confirms German

reports of Soviet offensive toward Berlin on central

front, stating that bridgeheads have been established

across Oder and Neisse Rivers during the last 3

days. Some Red Army forces are thrusting toward

Berlin from Oder bridgehead W of Kuestrin. Others

have forced the Neisse between Cottbus and Goerlitz

and are advancing in the direction of Dresden. Rothenburg, NW of Goerlitz, falls to Second Polish

Army. Ukrainian troops continue toward Bruenn

and Moravska Ostrava and gain additional ground

N of Vienna.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army issues orders for pursuit to the Po. 92d Div is to advance in Ligurian coastal sector when enemy

withdraws and be prepared to renew attack toward

La Spezia. IV Corps is to secure Panaro R line W of

Camposanto and be prepared to take Po crossings between Ostiglia and Borgoforte. II Corps will continue drive on Bologna, clear Panaro R line E of

Camposanto and be prepared to cross the Po between

Ostiglia and Sermide. IV Corps pursues enemy, now

in full retreat, toward the Po. 10th Mtn Div gets to

within sight of the Po plain, seizing Mongiorgio and

getting advance elements to road junction 3 miles

NE of M. S. Michele. 1st Armd Div and 85th Div

move forward on corps flanks, echeloned to rear.

II Corps shifts W while continuing pursuit against

spotty, but skillful, rear-guard action in order to

make main effort W of the Reno with S African 6th

Armd Div and 88th Div. 88th, less 350th Inf on M.

Mario, is pinched out E of the Reno and takes up

positions W of the river to right of 85th Div (IV

Corps). S African 6th Armd Div prepares to cross

the Reno in Pradura area. 91st and 34th Divs continue pursuit E of the Reno. 91st, taking command

of 350th Inf, which clears M. Mario—last of 88th

Div objectives E of the Reno—veers NW, eliminating scattered strongpoints. 34th Div, swinging W

to take over sector of 91st Div W of Highway 65,

takes hills N of M. Arnigo. Legnano Gp, which has

been assisting 34th Div, begins attack astride Idice

R to advance right flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps breaks

through positions along the Gaiana and pursues

enemy. 13 Corps drives to within sight of Budria; is

ordered to continue attack across the Idice. 5 Corps

is improving positions in Argenta Gap area.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 20th Div columns reach the Irrawaddy and

take Magwe and Myingun.

LUZON—Gen MacArthur directs U.S. Sixth

Army to seize reservoirs NE of Manila, a task subsequently undertaken by XI Corps. In the Bicols,

RCT 158 attacks Cituinan hill mass from 3 directions for the next week, progressing slowly but

methodically with aid of aircraft and arty. In I Corps’

Highway 9 sector, 148th Inf of 37th Div clears all

ridges S and NW of Irisan R bridge site, but enemy

retains ridge positions to NE. 130th Inf of 33d Div,

endeavoring to open Galiano–Baguio road, is still

engaged in Asin tunnels area. 123d Inf probes along

Pugo–Tuba trail. 127th Inf, 32d Div, relieves 128th

in Salacsac Pass area of Villa Verde Trail and makes

contact with 126th Inf to N. 25th Div’s 35th Inf is

clearing draws near Kapintalan on Highway 5. 2d

Bn, 27th Inf, withstands counterattack on its perimeter on Mt Myoko and continues efforts to advance.

In XI Corps area, 6th and 38th Divs are ordered

to exchange sectors so that 6th Div may have an opportunity to rest. 145th Inf, under command of 6th

Div, patrols actively toward Mt Oro and Mt Pacawagan. In XIV Corps area, elements of 1st Cav Div

and of 11th A/B Div maintain pressure on Mt Mataasna Bundoc but make little headway against stubborn

opposition. On Mt Macolod, Japanese are compressed into small pocket during 2-bn assault

by 187th Inf, 11th A/B Div.

[ 19 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 506 ]

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, main body of 2d Bn, 21st Inf, remains

at Lomopog and patrols to Highway i on Mindanao

while Co F and elements of Boat and Shore Regt

continue up Mindanao R to Ulandang; small party

moves farther upstream toward Fort Pikit and lands

without opposition at Paidu Pulangi. 19th Inf advances steadily along Highway 1 despite difficult

road conditions. Floating reserve—34th Inf—lands

at Parang and elements start up Mindanao R to assist the amphibious attack forces. On Cebu, 132d

Inf is directed to move elements along E coast road.

On Negros, 40th Div continues attack against enemy defenses near Negritos and Lantawan. Elements

of 160th Inf again push up Hill 3155 and are again

forced back. On Bohol, Co I of 164th Inf is directed

to move forward from Candijay to assist main attack of 3d Bn.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, 307th and 305th

Regts of 77th Div continue futile efforts to take

Bloody Ridge and Ie town; 3d Bn of 307th, bypassing main enemy positions, reaches base of Iegusugu

on E.

In U.S. Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps launches

general assault on Okinawa against outer belt of

Shuri defenses after tremendous preparatory bombardment in which naval vessels, 27 bns of arty, and

aircraft participate. Aircraft make the largest single

strike of the campaign. Landing force conducts diversionary feint off SE coast. Bombardment has

little effect against well-organized network of cave

and tunnel positions and corps gains are modest and

costly. On W flank, 106th Inf of 27th Div is halted

at W end of Urasoe-Mura Escarpment. After unsuccessful attacks on Kakazu Ridge, 105th Inf bypasses it to get elements on top of the escarpment,

but this leaves gap between 27th Div and 96th Div.

22 tanks are lost in fight for Kakazu Ridge. In center, 381st Inf of 96th Div pushes through Kaniku

and gains positions on forward slopes of Nishibaru

Ridge while 382d gets toehold on N–S Tombstone

Ridge between Kaniku and Nishibaru. 7th Div is

held up by intense opposition from Rocky Crags on

right and Skyline Ridge, E anchor of enemy line, in

coastal sector. 32d Inf gains positions on Skyline

Ridge but is unable to hold them.

20 April

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 29th Div, with 115th

Inf on left and 116th on right, attacks NE toward

the Elbe on left flank of corps; reaches line Esterholz–Schostorf–Wittingen and relieves British units

on left. 5th Armd Div gets into position to attack

to right of 29th Div. 36th Sq, 11th Cav Gp, assists

44th in containing Forst Kloetze and probing into

it. In XIX Corps area, 8th Armd Div, with CCA

on W and CCB on E, attacks to clear E edge of

Harz Mts, relieving 330th Inf of 83d Div of this

task; against sporadic resistance takes Heimburg

and Blankenburg. 30th Div defends and governs a

sector of the Elbe that includes Magdeburg and relieves elements of 2d Armd Div within its zone. 2d

Armd Div, upon relief in S part of Magdeburg and

along the Elbe to Schoenebeck, moves to occupation

zone generally S of Braunschweig and relieves elements of 8th Armd Div. CCR reverts to 2d Armd

Div from attachment to 83d Div. 113th Cav Gp is

relieved of flank security mission, since VII Corps

of First Army has reached the Elbe to right, but remains along W bank of the Elbe from Breitenhagen

southward. In XVI Corps area, 17th A/B Div is

relieved of responsibility for Duisberg by XVIII

Corps (A/B).

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B) is

directed to turn over Ruhr sector to Ninth and

Fifteenth Armies and prepare to join Br 21 Army

Group, beginning 25 April. 8th Div becomes responsible for security of entire corps zone, relieving

97th Div. In VII Corps area, CCR of 3d Armd Div

clears Bobbau-Steinfurth, W part of Jessnitz, Wolfen,

and Greppin; moves elements northward to Klein

Kuehnau, just W of Dessau. 3d Armd Div prepares

for concerted assault on Dessau. On 104th Div left

flank, 415th Inf begins assault on Bitterfeld at 0130

and clears about a third of the town; 413th Inf, in

center, drives E to Delitzsch; 414th, on right flank,

pushes eastward beyond Rackwitz and Schladitz.

Organized resistance in Harz Mts ends and 1st and

9th Divs mop up final opposition. In V Corps area,

2d and 69th Divs begin relief on 9th Armd Div in

line. Elements of CCB take Klein Krostitz with

ease.

In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps maintains

current positions and patrols actively. In XII Corps

area, 11th Armd Div, as it consolidates and improves positions in Grafenwohr area, discovers

huge cache of enemy materiel and munitions. Moving up close behind armor, 26th Div reaches general line Erbendorf–Pressath–Stegenthumbach. After

arty preparation on Selb, 358th Inf of 90th Div

clears it and speeds SE through Arzberg; 347th

drives through Marktredwitz to Fuchsmuehl and

Friedenfelds. 42d Sq of 2d Cav Gp takes As, E of

Rehau, and is assisted there by 2d Sq, which takes

up screening positions on left flank of corps. 97th

Div is arriving in corps zone to protect left flank.

XX Corps attacks SE through elements of XV

Corps toward the Danube in Regensburg area with

71st and 65th Divs abreast. 71st Div progresses

slowly over difficult terrain and encounters troublesome pockets of resistance in Haag area on left,

woods S of Auerbach in center, and Neuhaus–

[ 20 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 507 ]

Velden area on right. To right, 65th Div, while in

the process of closing in Altdorf assembly area,

attacks with RCT’s 260 and 259 abreast. RCT 260

reaches line Lauterhofen–Trautmannshofen while

RCT 359 advances to Neumarkt and clears northern third of the town. 13th Armd Div starts from

XVIII Corps (A/B) sector toward assembly area

in vicinity of Eschenau. III Corps issues instructions for attack to SE from new zone on right flank

of Third Army, with 14th Cav Gp in narrow zone

on left, 99th Div in center, and 86th Div on right.

Assault forces are to move to forward assembly

areas behind XV Corps, Seventh Army, on 21st,

relieve elements of XV Corps within assigned zone,

reconnoiter SE to line Unterferrieden–Roth–Weiszenburg, and be prepared to attack SE from reconnaissance line on 22d. 86th Div closes in Windsheim area.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, XXIII Corps, upon

relieving elements of 10th Div in Hessen area, completes occupation of 12th Army Group zone assigned to it.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, Nuremberg falls under co-ordinated

blows of 42d, 3d, and 45th Divs. In XXI Corps

area, CCB and CCR of 12th Armd Div converge

on Feuchtwangen, which CCB clears with ease.

CCA moves to Feuchtwangen upon relief near

Nuremberg by XV Corps and drives S, preceded

by 101st Cav Gp, to Dinkelsbuehl, where it halts

briefly to await bridging. 4th Div gains 6–8 miles

against disorganized resistance; elements of 22d Inf

reach outskirts of Crailsheim. On right flank of

corps, 63d Div continues S, clearing pockets of

resistance E and SE of Schwaebisch Hall. In VI

Corps area, CCA and CCB of 10th Armd Div,

thrusting SW across Fils R, converge on Kirchheim, div objective, and clear it. 44th Div follows

armor closely and takes responsibility for Rems

and Fils crossings; 114th Inf occupies Schwaebisch

Gmuend and blocks on exposed left flank between

there and Gaildorf. In W sector of corps, 100th

Div drives rapidly southward toward Stuttgart,

398th Inf pushing through Althuette to Eselshalden, 397th overrunning Sulzbach and Backnang

and continuing S, and 399th reaching Winnenden

area.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps, in conjunction

with VI Corps of U.S. Seventh Army, almost completes investment of Stuttgart. 1st Corps works

southward through Black Forest and Baden Plain

in multiple columns. On left, 1st Armd Div ( — )

pushes toward the Danube in vicinity of Sigmaringen and Tuttlingen. In center, an armored force

designated Groupement Le Bel drives to the Danube at Donaueschingen. On right, CC3 of 1st Armd

Div reaches Ettenheim and outskirts of Kaiserstuhl.

DA ATL completes reduction of Pointe de Grave

pocket.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

emerges from the Apennines onto Po plain. In IV

Corps area, 10th Mtn Div, still in the lead, crosses

Route 9 in vicinity of Ponte Samoggia, where the

highway crosses Samoggia R. To left rear, 1st Armd

Div reaches Crespellano. To right rear, 85th Div

reaches Gesso; elements turn E to Casalecchio,

Bologna suburb, to block withdrawal of disorganized enemy. In II Corps area, 88th Div, attacking

on W flank of corps W of the Reno, reaches positions between Casalecchio and Gesso. S African 6th

Armd Div crosses to W side of the Reno and speeds

northward to vicinity of Casalecchio. E of the Reno,

91st Div pursues enemy toward Bologna in region

W of Highway 65. 133d Inf, 34th Div, drives

quickly toward Bologna along Highway 65 while Legnano Gp advances right flank of corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps reaches Idice

R, following up enemy withdrawal. In Pol 2 Corps

area, forward elements cross the Idice in vicinity of

Highway 9, night 20–21, and speed toward Bologna.

In 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div, leading corps advance,

reaches the Idice and establishes bridgehead across

it. In 5 Corps area, enemy begins retreating hastily

before corps.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Br 2d Div and Ind 268th Brig complete envelopment and reduction of stubborn enemy pocket

in Mt Popa region.

CHINA—Air-ground liaison teams are rushed to

Chihchiang area to help avert enemy threat.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

elements of 148th Inf, 37th Div, seize ridge NE of

Irisan bridge site in flanking attack. 2d Bn and 1st

Bn (less Co A) of 130th Inf, 33d Div, assemble N

of Asin tunnel ridge to attack from N. Continued

fighting in other sectors results in little change in

positions. In XI Corps area, 145th Inf continues to

probe toward Mt Pacawagan and arty pounds it.

XIV Corps maintains pressure on Mt Mataasna

Bundoc and continues attack on Mt Macolod, clearing latter except for one pocket.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, 19th Inf of 24th Div continues along

Highway 1 on Mindanao toward Fort Pikit, dispersing enemy force some 3 miles E of Manauangan.

Of about 80 Japanese encountered SE of Lomopog,

31 are killed. Elements of 34th Inf take over river

and roadblock at Ulandang. On Cebu, 3d Bn of

132d Inf, Americal Div, in amphibious move up

coast from Cebu City, lands near Danao without

opposition and begins extensive patrolling to intercept retreating enemy groups. On Bohol, 3d Bn of

164th Inf, Americal Div, materially assisted by preparatory mortar fire, routs Japanese in Ginopolan

[ 20 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 508 ]

area. On Negros, 185th Inf, 40th Div, reaches Lantawan Plateau and starts to clear it. 160th continues

futile efforts to take Hill 3155.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, main effort of 77th

Div shifts from S to N, where 306th Inf succeeds in

enveloping the Pinnacle (Iegusugu Mountain).

307th and 305th Regts continue attack on the S,

getting upon Bloody Ridge.

In U.S. Tenth Army area on Okinawa, XXIV

Corps inches forward in some sectors against furious

opposition. 165th Inf, 27th Div, committed on right

flank, is stalled for the next week by enemy position

called “Item Pocket,” N of Gusukuma. 106th and

105th Regts battle for Urasoe-Mura Escarpment

against bitter opposition from West and East Pinnacles, key features near Iso Village. 2d Bn, 105th,

bypasses East Pinnacle and reaches the escarpment

but is surrounded there by Japanese. 1st Bn, 105th,

is given task of eliminating bypassed resistance in

Kakazu area and progresses well during day, but

Japanese reoccupy the area in strength, night 20–21.

96th Div clears rest of Tombstone Ridge and continues attack for Nishibaru Ridge. 7th Div is unable

to advance in Rocky Crags area but gains weak hold

on Ouki Hill, between Hill 178 and Skyline Ridge.

In III Amphib Corps area, 6th Mar Div finishes

clearing Motobu Peninsula. Except for small enemy

groups, corps zone on N Okinawa is now clear.

Mopping up and rcn of small islands off shore

continue.

21 April

U.S.—JCS approve BETA, projected operation to

take Canton-Hong Kong area and thus secure

coastal port. This plan is subsequently revised and

known by code names RASHNESS and CARBONADO.

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 29th Div, driving

NE against light resistance, reaches general line

Guelden–Dalldorf–Salkau–Gielau–Erpensen. 5th

Armd Div attacks to right from line’ Daehre–Salzwedel. CCA, on left, reaches Gaddau area against

opposition so firm that it delays jump-off of CCR

until 1500; one CCR column clears woods near Bombeck while another advances along Salzwedel–Luechow road to Saasse. 84th Div attacks to clear

Wahrenberg–Pretzetze sector along the Elbe, employing two bns of 335th Inf and one of 333d;

reaches line Gorleben–Gartow–Kapern. 11th Cav

Gp and 175th Inf of 29th Div eliminate enemy in

Forst Kloetze. In XIX Corps area, 83d Div relieves

RCT 320 in Elbe bridgehead with 330th Inf. RCT

320 reverts to 35th Div. 8th Armd Div completes

mop up of Harz Mts, reaching army boundary at

Michaelstein and Cattenstedt. 2d Armd Div elements

begin search of Forst Konigslutter.

In U.S. First Army area, XVIII Corps (A/B) is

ordered to assemble in Uelzen–Lueneburg–Celle

area by 30 April to protect Br Second Army E flank;

be prepared to secure Elbe bridge site; and to participate in further operations on army order. Corps will

command Br 6th A/B Div and U.S. 7th Armd, 8th

Inf, and 82d A/B Divs. 13th Armd and 97th Inf

Divs pass to Third Army control. In VII Corps area,

3d Armd Div, with maximum arty support, begins

assault on Dessau, employing elements of three combat commands; clears SW part of city in house-tohouse battle. While two CCA TF’s push NE through

Alten into Dessau, CCR column mops up Klein and

Gross Kuehnau, just W of the city, and CCB TF

drives N to Dessau, where it is pinched out by CCA.

Other elements of 3d Armd Div continue to clear

along the Mulde on right flank of div. 104th Div

finishes clearing its sector to Mulde R line, taking

rest of Bitterfeld and Delitzsch. 1st and 9th Divs

mop up in Harz Mts; 9th Div prepares to move E

to relieve 3d Armd Div elements along the Mulde.

In V Corps area, 2d and 69th Divs complete relief

of 9th Armd Div along the Mulde. 9th Armd Div

moves to Borna–Taucha region as reserve. 1st Bn of

271st Inf, 69th Div, begins assault on Eilenburg.

Mopping up is conducted throughout corps zone.

In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 28th Sq

of 6th Cav Gp finishes clearing right flank of corps

to Czechoslovakian border and crosses to reach Rossbach and Gottmannsgruen. In XII Corps area, 11th

Armd Div continues combing Grafenwohr area and

prepares for drive on Weiden and Chain. Arty

pounds Weiden throughout night 21–22. 26th Div

attacks with 104th Inf on left and 328th on right,

101st being pinched out, and reaches line Parkstein–

Schwarzenbach–Kaltenbrunn–Gressenwohr, overtaking 11th Armd Div, which it begins relieving of

guard duty at Grafenwohr. 90th Div thrusts quickly

SE with 358th and 357th Regts abreast, 358th driving through Mitterteich to Falkenberg and 357th

taking Windischeschenbach and positions near

Wildenreuth; blocking along left flank, 90th Rcn Tr

overruns Tirschenreuth while 359th Inf clears

Schirnding and Waldsassen. XX Corps establishes

restraining line Hahnbach–Lauterhofen–Neumarkt

since III Corps has not yet closed along its right

flank. 71st Div reduces stubborn enemy pockets on

its flanks and cuts Sulzbach–Nuremberg highway

and rail line. 65th Div clears many villages en route

to limiting line and gains about half of Neumarkt.

3d Cav Gp gets into position to attack through 71st

and 65th Divs. 80th Div starts to Nuremberg to relieve 3d Div, Seventh Army. In III Corps area, 14th

Cav Gp assembles in Fuerth area and prepares to

take over assigned sector on left flank of corps as it is

uncovered by 14th Armd Div (XV Corps), which

is pushing S across corps front. 394th Inf, 99th Div,

relieves 42d Div (XV Corps) of responsibility for

[ 21 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 509 ]

Fuerth. 86th Div concentrates in vicinity of Ansbach.

20th Armd Div closes in Oberzenn area.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps regroups for drive on Munich and probes

southward. 3d Div, under army control, is responsible for security of Nuremberg. In XXI Corps

area, CCA of 12th Armd Div speeds S from Dinkelsbuehl, toward the Danube, reaching Elchingen and

Bopfingen. CCB starts S from Feuchtwangen toward

the Danube. 4th Div continues S, gaining 6–8 miles

along entire front. 8th Inf, heading for Ellwangen,

gets advance elements to Stocken. TF Rodwell (12th

Inf (motorized), 4th Rcn Tr, and supporting units)

is formed for attack on Aalen and drives S through

22d Inf to vicinity of Jagstzell, between Crailsheim

and Ellwangen. 22d Inf clears Crailsheim with little

difficulty. 63d Div makes substantial gains on right

flank of corps against light resistance; 255th Inf

sends motorized TF’s forward to block exits from

Gaildorf and Schwaebisch Gmuend. In VI Corps

area, CCA of 10th Armd Div consolidates in Kirchheim until relieved by 103d Div; CCB drives SE to

Westernheim and Donnstetten; CCR advances to

Gosbach. 44th Div follows on heels of armor with

71st Inf on right and 324th on left; 114th Inf continues to block Schwaebisch Gmuend–Gaildorf sector. 103d Div closes in corps zone and advances S

behind armor, passing through elements of 44th and

100th Divs. 410th Inf relieves 10th Armd Div forces

at Kirchheim; 411th, after taking Schorndorf and

Rems crossings, gets elements beyond Hegenlohe;

409th follows 411th. On W flank of corps, 100th Div

seizes bridges across the Rems and drives to within

2 miles of Stuttgart; 398th Inf assembles at Winnenden upon relief by 410th Inf of 103d Div.

Seventh Army sets corps W boundary along the

Neckar from Stuttgart E to junction with the Fils

and thence S to Rottweil; revokes provision of field

order directing corps to advance S beyond line Rottweil–Sigmaringen.

In Fr 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 5th Armed Div

enters Stuttgart from the S and quickly occupies the

city. In 1st Corps area, 1st Armd Div speeds SE to

the Danube on left flank of corps: left column

reaches Sigmaringen; right column crosses the Danube in Tuttlingen area and drives to Stockach, within a few kilometers of Lake Constance. Groupement

Le Bel reaches Swiss frontier at Schaffhausen. Elements of Groupement Valluy overrun Emmendingen and Frieburg. Other Fr forces cross the Rhine

and seize Vieux Brisach.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army is developing

pincers movement against Berlin. Forces of First

White Russian Front, constituting right prong, continue broad frontal assault on the city from the E,

penetrating into suburbs. Elements of First Ukrainian Front that form left prong wheel northward

toward the German capital while others of the

front continue W toward Dresden and Leipzig.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

drives into Bologna, its objective for many months,

and races toward the Po across open ground containing excellent road network. In IV Corps area,

TF Duff (Brig Gen Robinson E. Duff), consisting

of tanks, TD’s, engineers, and infantry, spearheads

pursuit by 10th Mtn Div, reaching Panaro R at

Bomporto and taking bridge intact. 1st Armd Div

and 85th Div advance on flanks of 10th Mtn Div.

In II Corps area, 3d Bn of 133d Inf, 34th Div,

mounted on tanks, drives into Bologna during

morning, shortly after the city has been entered by

Pol forces, and is joined there later in day by rest

of 133d Inf, Legnano Gp, and right flank elements

of 91st Div. 34th Div is placed under army command to garrison Bologna. Legnano Gp goes into

corps reserve. To left, 91st Div takes M. Sabbiuno,

S of Bologna. S African 6th Armd Div moves forward to exploit, heading for S. Giovanni road center, NW of Bologna. 88th Div passes through S

African 6th Armd Div near this objective and takes

S. Giovanni, night 21–22.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps is pinched out

upon fall of Bologna and reverts to army reserve.

In Pol 2 Corps area, 9th Bn of 3d Brig, 3d Carpathian Div, reaches center of Bologna by 0600.

Army then orders corps into reserve. In 5 Corps

area, 6th Armd Div reaches Poggio Renatico. Ind

8th Div is withdrawn from reserve to drive on

Ferrara so that 6th Armd Div can push W.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps

area, Ind 7th Div surrounds Yenangyaung, where

enemy delaying force is prepared to make firm stand

to cover withdrawal to Allanmyo. In 4 Corps area,

Ind 5th Div continues rapidly S toward Toungoo,

leaving 9th Brig to assist Ind 17th Div in clearing

Pyinmana.

CHINA—Air movement of Ch 22d Div to Chihchiang (Operation ROOSTER) is begun. Ch 14th Div

follows some days later, transported on trucks

manned by U.S. 475th Inf. Japanese are progressing

westward toward Chihchiang, making main effort

along road from Pao-ching. Their spearheads are

being engaged in Keosha Tungkow area. On flanks,

enemy forces are threatening Wukang, NW of

Hsinning, and hold positions on mountain called

Paima Shan.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

battle of Irisan R bridge site ends as 148th Inf, 37th

Div, takes last of the ridges; upon completion of

temporary bridge, crosses to continue drive on

Baguio. 130th Inf, 33d Div, begins attack on Asin

tunnel positions from N. 35th Inf, 25th Div, finally

captures Kapintalan, opening Highway 5 as far N as

Kapintalan Ridge. Elements of 27th Inf on Mt.

[ 21 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 510 ]

Myoko take the hill 300 yards N of the Wart. In XI

Corps area, after heavy strikes and massed arty fire,

6th Div begins assault on Mt Pacawagan with attached 145th Inf. 63d Inf provides fire support from

N tip of Mt Mataba. 152d Inf, 38th Div, is directed to

relieve 1st Inf, 6th Div, in positions near junction of

Bosoboso and Mariquina Rivers. In XIV Corps area,

187th Inf of 11th A/B Div eliminates final pocket of

enemy in Mt Macolod area and turns this region over

to guerrilla forces. Route 417 is now clear.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, X

Corps seizes undefended Fort Pikit on Mindanao.

Amphibious force and company of 3d Bn, 34th Inf,

move by water to the fort, which patrol from gunboats occupies. Rest of 3d Bn, 34th Inf, arrives later

on foot.. On Highway 1, 19th Inf captures road junction at Dilap. On Bohol, 3d Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, pursues enemy northward from Ginopolan,

eliminating several small groups. On Negros, 40th

Div continues offensive agains Negritos-LantawanHill 3155 area. 160th Inf gains military crest of Hill

3155.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima 77th Div captures

the Pinnacle and holds Bloody Ridge against final

counterattack, crushing organized resistance on the

island, which is declared secure at 1730. Mopping

up begins. Japanese casualties during the bitter, 6-

day battle total 4,706 killed and 149 captured.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area on

Okinawa, 27th Div, on W flank of corps, continues

costly attacks on Item Pocket N of Gusukuma,

Kakazu, and the Pinnacles on Urasoe–Mura Escarpment without making much headway but clears

mines from road leading to the escarpment so armor

can move forward. 96th Div attempts unsuccessfully

to clear S slope of Nishibaru Ridge and village of

Nishibaru. 184th Inf, 7th Div, reinf by Co B of 17th

Inf, is unable to gain Rocky Crags, but 32d Inf

pushes to N slope of Skyline Ridge on E flank of

corps.

22 April

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S.

Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 29th Inf and 5th

Armd Divs continue rapidly toward the Elbe. CCA

advances N to Lueneburg–Dannenberg road W of

Metzingen, then moves one column E through

Metzingen to Pussade and another W to Goehrde

and NE to Weitzetze; makes contact with British

on left. CCR columns converge on Luechow, which

surrenders, then continue N along two routes toward Dannenberg. 84th Div finishes clearing its

sector along the Elbe NW of Wittenberge. In XIX

Corps area, 113th Cav Gp takes responsibility for

left flank of 83d Div sector W of the Elbe. 2d Armd

Div mops up rest of stragglers in Forst Konigslutter.

Corps is assigned zone of occupation. 30th and 83d

Divs will remain along the Elbe and 2d and 8th

Armd Divs will take up positions in rear. XVI Corps

zone is expanded to correspond closely with boundary of Westphalia Province. 5th Div, occupying

portion of Westphalia S of the Ruhr, is attached to

corps and will be relieved by 75th Div.

In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area,

75th Div (XVI Corps) relieves 8th Div of portion

of Ruhr sector as new boundary between Ninth and

First Armies becomes effective. VII Corps begins

regrouping as battle for Dessau nears an end. 3d

Armd Div continues fight for Dessau, clearing all

except NE tip. 104th Div maintains positions along

the Mulde and regroups. 8th Armd Div (XIX

Corps) begins relief of 1st Div in Harz Mts sector

and takes command of its sector at noon. 4th Cav

Gp reverts to VII Corps control from attachment

to 9th Div. In V Corps area, CCB of 9th Armd Div

assembles in vicinity of Rotha, where it becomes

responsible for guarding utilities and factories. 2d

Div repels counterattack E of the Mulde in Grimma

area and clears woods in this region. With intensive arty support, 1st Bn of 271st Inf, 69th Div,

continues to dear Eilenburg. VIII Corps is transferred from Third to First Army control as Third

Army attack veers from E to S. Its mission is to

defend current front, protect S flank of First Army,

and maintain contact with Third Army. 4th Armd

Div passes to direct control of First Army.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, main

bodies of CCA and CCB, 11th Armd Div, move

forward from Grafenwohr to join advance elements,

then drive S along parallel routes: CCA quickly

clears Weiden and continues S to Nabburg; CCB,

to right, reaches Schwarzenfeld and establishes

bridgehead across the Naab there. CCR moves forward, elements reaching the Naab at Wernberg.

26th Div follows armor to Wernberg–Amberg area.

358th Inf, 90th Div, takes Ploessberg and Floss while

357th clears woods and villages E of Weiden. 2d

Sq, 2d Cav Gp, screens As–Arzberg area; 42d Sq

extends screen to Rossbach and Thonbrunn in

Czechoslovakia. 97th Div is attached to corps and

begins relieving 2d Cav Gp. In XX Corps area, 3d

Cav Gp, reinf, organized as a combat team, spearheads corps attack toward the Danube, driving SE

through 71st and 65th Divs in 4 columns, 3d Sq on

left and 43d on right. 3d Sq seizes Naab R bridge

at Burglengenfeld and establishes bridgehead. 43d

overruns concentration camp N of Hohenfels; attempts vainly to gain Naab R bridge at Heitzenhofen before enemy can blow it. Because of bold

action by cavalrymen, infantry attack meets little

resistance. RCT 5, 71st Div, overruns Sulzbach–

Rosenberg and Rosenberg; motorized elements of

RCT 14, reinf with tanks, clear Amberg; RCT 66

continues to clear div right flank. 65th Div, con-

[ 22 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 511 ]

tinuing SE with RCT’s 260 and 259, reaches general line Kastl–Engelsberg–Wiesenacker–Ob Buchfeld but on right rear is unable to oust enemy from

position in S part of Neumarkt. 13th Armd Div

closes in Eschenau assembly area and is attached to

corps. III Corps postpones attack, since its zone is

not yet sufficiently cleared by XV Corps; displaces

SE, gradually taking over assigned zone from XV

Corps.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XXI

Corps area, CCA TF’s of 12th Armd Div reach the

Danube at Lauingen and Dillingen; seize bridge

prepared for demolition at Dillingen and establish

bridgehead on S bank. CCB reaches the Danube in

Hoechstadt area but is unable to find a bridge intact.

CCR begins mopping up in Bopfingen–Lauchheim

area and makes unsuccessful attack on Lauchheim.

101st Cav Gp mops up to rear of armor and gets

forward elements to the Danube at Lauingen. In

4th Div zone, TF Rodwell thrusts to outskirts of

Aalen; 8th Inf reaches Ellwangen but is unable to

clear it; 22d drives to Adelmannsfelden area, W of

Ellwangen. 63d Div clears most of its zone N of the

Rems between Schwaebisch Gmuend and Aalen

and takes Rems bridge at Unt Boebingen. In VI

Corps area, forward elements of 10th Armd Div’s

CCB column reach the Danube at Ehingen, where

bridges are out. Div is directed to cross the Danube

at Ehingen and attack toward Ulm. 44th, 103d, and

100th Divs move forward, clearing opposition to

rear and on flanks of armor.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps consolidates

positions in Stuttgart area; begins clearing enemy

from Swabian Jura S of Tuebingen. In 1st Corps

area, 1st Armd Div, turning E, drives rapidly along

the Danube toward Ulm. From Schaffhausen,

Groupement Le Bel advances E to NW shore of

Lake Constance near Stockach. In the Baden Plain,

Groupement Landouzy (9th Colonial Inf Div)

reaches Neuenburg and Muhlheim.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First White Russian Front gain additional ground in E suburbs of

Berlin. First Ukrainian Front continues N toward

Berlin and W toward Dresden; Berlin reports spearheads of these in outer defense zone of the capital.

In Czechoslovakia, troops of Fourth Ukrainian

Front capture road center of Troppau, NW of

Moravska Ostrava.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, TF Duff races to S. Benedetto Po.

10th Mtn Div assembles along S bank of the Po. 1st

Armd Div, bypassing Modena, on Highway 9,

pushes toward the Po with CCA; CCB protects left

flank and, against rear-guard opposition, crosses the

Panaro SE of Modena. 85th Div reaches the Panaro

at Camposanto and takes bridge before enemy can

destroy it. Bridging equipment intended for II Corps

is released to IV Corps in preparation for attack

across the Po. In II Corps area, S African 6th Armd

Div spearheads pursuit, moving columns toward the

Panaro at Camposanto on left and Finale on right

in effort to secure crossings. The left column, upon

reaching Camposanto, is diverted eastward toward

Bondeno in effort to establish contact with Br Eighth

Army and both it and the right column run into

rear-guard opposition S of Finale. 351st Inf, 88th

Div, crosses the Panaro between Camposanto and

Finale and establishes bridgehead, night 22–23.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps get forward

elements to the Reno. In 5 Corps area, 78th Div

reaches the Po di Volano, a few miles from the Po.

6th Armd Div column reaches Bondeno. Ind 8th

Div pushes to outskirts of Ferrara, which 78th Div

is also approaching.

BURMA—Lt Gen Kimura orders withdrawal of

bulk of Japanese forces from Rangoon to Pegu and

Moulmein. In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area,

Yenangyaung, largest of the Burmese oilfields, falls

to Ind 7th Div. In 4 Corps area, Ind 5th Div reaches

Toungoo 3 days ahead of schedule; leading elements

continue S to Oktwin.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div attacks through 148th toward

Baguio, gaining about 4,000 yards, then suspends

attack while approaches are being cleared to prevent

enemy reinforcement of the city. 130th Inf, 33d

Div, continuing assault on Asin tunnel positions,

gains heights over first tunnel; elements are pushing

toward Mt Mirador, at W outskirts of Baguio. 32d

Div troops continue to fight from hill to hill along

Villa Verde Trail. 1st Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div,

eliminates resistance between its hill position N of

the Wart and hill farther N while Co G makes wide

enveloping move to base of Lone Tree Hill, at

junction of Kapintalan and Balete Ridges 2,000 yards

from Balete Pass. In XI Corps’ 6th Div sector, 145th

Inf continues attack on Mt Pacawagan but is unable

to advance. XIV Corps takes control of Bicols sector

and of RCT 158 engaged there. Attack to clear

Cituinan Hill continues to progress slowly. Corps

has by now virtually surrounded Mt Mataasna

Bundoc. 11th A/B Div, given mission of clearing

Mt Malepunyo area, is reinf by 8th Cav and 2d Sq

of 7th. Div regroups and maintains pressure on

enemy.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 31st Div, less 2d Bn of 167th Inf on Morotai,

lands on Mindanao and begins relief of 24th Div

elements, freeing them for push across the island

to Davao Gulf. 19th Inf, 24th Div, continues along

Highway 1 to point about 3 miles SE of Balabac.

From Fort Pikit, 3d Bn of 34th Inf moves overland

to junction of Highway 1 with Sayre Highway,

which it takes, and continues to vicinity of Kabacan.

[ 22 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 512 ]

Japanese forces on Mindanao are thus divided.

Am-phibious forces move upstream and secure ferry

crossing in Kabacan area. In Sulu Archipelago,

troops of RCT 163, 41st Div, overrun Mt Daho, last

organized enemy position on Jolo I., with ease. On

Palawan, reinf platoon of Co G, 186th Inf, 41st Div,

makes unopposed landing on Pandanan I., off S

tip of Palawan. Liberation of Palawan Province is

virtually completed. On Cebu, 3d Bn of 182d Inf

moves W by truck from Cebu City to Toledo and

then N along coastal road to Tabuclan. On Bohol,

3d Bn regains contact with Japanese, who have dug

in N of barrio of Nanod, and is pinned down.

RYUKYU Is.—Japanese air activity against shipping in Okinawa area increases. In U.S. Tenth

Army’s XXIV Corps area, 27th Div slightly improves positions on W flank of corps but Japanese

retain Item Pocket, Kakazu, and most of UrasoeMura Escarpment. TF Bradford (Brig Gen William

B. Bradford, 27th Div ADC), consisting of elements of 27th, 7th, and 96th Divs with supporting

units, is formed to destroy the Kakazu Pocket. 383d

Inf, 96th Div, relieves battered 382d and, with 2d

Bn of 382d attached, attempts to take saddle in

Nishibaru Ridge; elements seize Nishibaru Village.

7th Div’s right flank is still held up at Rocky Crags;

on left flank, 32d Inf holds current positions on

Skyline Ridge and patrols.

23 April

WESTERN EUROPE—Heinrich Himmler offers to

surrender German forces to Western Allies during

conference at the Swedish consulate in Luebeck. The

offer is subsequently rejected by the Allies, who call

for unconditional surrender on all fronts.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 12

Corps enters Harburg, on the Elbe opposite

Hamburg.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 29th Div continues toward the Elbe

against light opposition. 5th Armd Div finishes

clearing its sector along the Elbe; Dannenberg surrenders to CCR after brief fire fight. In XVI Corps

area, 55th AAA Brig takes responsibility for N

part of 95th Div zone. 75th Div begins relief of

5th Div S of the Ruhr.

U.S. First Army releases 4th Armd Div to Third

Army as reserve. In VII Corps area, enemy resistance in corps zone ceases at 2100, by which time 3d

Armd Div has cleared Dessau and its entire sector.

9th Div ( — RCT 60) thoroughly combs Harz Mts.

4th Cav Gp begins security mission in Quedlinburg Aschersleben Klostermansfeld area that continues until end of war. In V Corps area, 1st Bn

of 271st Inf, 69th Div, finishes clearing Eilenburg.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, CCB and

CCA of 11th Armd Div drive quickly from Naab

R to Cham, which CCB clears with ease, completing

current mission of div. Roads in div zone are clogged

with thousands of prisoners and slave laborers. 104th

Inf, 26th Div, advances unopposed to Dautersdorf–

Neuenburg area; 328th gets forward elements to

Schoengras. 358th Inf, 90th Div, overruns Flossenburg—where large concentration camp and an aircraft factory are secured—and Waldthurn; 357th

takes Albersrieth (W of Waldthurn), Kaimling, and

Michldorf; 359th is relieved by 2d Cav Gp as far S

as Tirschenreuth and displaces SE to continue

blocking along left flank of div. 97th Div closes in

corps zone; continuing relief of 2d Cav Gp, takes

over line As-Arzberg. 11th Armd Div is directed to

continue SE to effect junction with Soviet forces near

German-Austrian border; 26th Div, echeloned to

right rear of armor, will protect right flank of corps

along the Danube and secure bridges; 97th and 90th

Divs and 2d Cav Gp are to contain enemy in

Czechoslovakia and seize passes along border. In

XX Corps area, 3d Cav Gp continues rapidly toward

the Danube, 3d Sq turning over Naab R bridgehead

at Burglengenfeld to 71st Div. 71st Div speeds SE,

bypassing pockets of resistance. 5th Inf, on left, clears

Schwandorf while 66th, on right, presses toward

Regensburg. 65th Div advances rapidly, committing

261st Inf on right flank through elements of 259th;

takes Griffenwang and Kittensee on left and Hardt

and See on right; to rear, final resistance is overcome at Neumarkt. In III Corps area, 14th Cav Gp

moves SE on left flank of corps, elements entering

XX Corps zone to relieve 65th Div forces on hill S

of Neumarkt. 14th Armd Div is transferred to corps

to spearhead attack S in center of corps front while

99th Div follows. 99th Div, after waiting for 14th

Armd Div to cross its front, jumps off in afternoon

with 394th Inf on left and 395th on right and advances to line Allersberg–Holpoltstein. 86th Div continues SE on right flank of corps.

U.S. Fifteenth Army issues instructions for expansion of Army zone of occupation to include First

and Ninth Armies’ portion of Rheinprovinz E of

the Rhine and 6th Army Group’s remaining portion of Pfalz, Saarland, and Hessen W of the Rhine.

In XXIII Corps area, 54th AAA Brig takes over

Koblenz subarea, relieving XXII Corps of that portion W of the Rhine and 8th Div (XVIII Corps

(A/B) ) of portion E of the Rhine.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV

Corps takes command of 20th Armd Div to spearhead drive on Munich, 45th Div to follow on left and

42d on right. 45th and 42d Divs are driving S toward

the Danube to clear routes of advance for armor.

In XXI Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div, reinf

by elements of CCB, strengthens and expands Dil-

[ 23 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 513 ]

lingen bridgehead. CCR overruns Lauchheim. 4th

Div gains its objectives and is ordered to continue to

the Danube. 8th Inf drives through Ellwangen to

Westhausen. Aalen falls to TF Rodwell, which also

takes Unter Kochen. 22d Inf reaches objective W of

Aalen. 63d Div, clearing region N of the Rems, is

ordered to continue as rapidly as possible to the

Danube. As relieved of garrison duties at Nuremberg, 3d Div begins assembly in corps zone and is

attached to corps for drive on Augsburg. In VI

Corps area, 10th Armd Div continues closing along

the Danube and begins crossing near Ehingen and

Erbach shortly after midnight, 23–24. CCR is reinforced for drive on Ulm. 44th Div follows armor to

the Danube, which 71st Inf crosses near Ehingen.

Against lively opposition, 103d Div closes enemy’s

escape corridor SE from Stuttgart: 410th Inf, reinf

by bn of 409th, pushes slowly toward Urach and

Muensingen; 411th clears Neuffen, Metzingen, Reutlingen, Pfullingen, and Honau. Div is reinf by

117th Cav Rcn Sq and 781st Tank Bn. 100th Div

mops up pockets E of Stuttgart and N of the Neckar;

elements of 397th Inf, crossing the Neckar, clear

Koengen and cut autobahn to W.

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army forces break into

Berlin proper and to the S reach the Elbe where

junction with Allied forces of the Western Front

is imminent. First White Russian troops enter Berlin

from the E while those of First Ukrainian Front

enter from the S. Oranienburg, N of Berlin, and

Frankfurt-on-Oder are also overrun by First White

Russian forces and Cottbus, SE of Berlin, by troops

of First Ukrainian Front. Left flank elements of

First Ukrainian Front take Pulsnitz, NE of Dresden, and thrust to the Elbe in Torgau area.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

shifts boundary between IV and II Corps W, giving

Highway 12 to II Corps. In IV Corps area, 10th

Mtn Div crosses the Po in assault boats and establishes bridgehead on N bank. CCA, 1st Armd Div,

reaches the river at Guastalla and Luzzaro; CCB

reaches Secchia R south of Highway 9. 85th Div

thrusts to the Po at Quingentole. 1st Div of BEF,

which has been moving forward on left rear of

corps, takes Marano and Vignola. 34th Div is attached to corps to screen left flank along Highway

9. In II Corps area, TF of S African 6th Armd Div

pushes through Finale and establishes contact with

Br 6th Armd Div to E. After securing bridgehead

across the Panaro at Camposanto and driving

quickly northward toward the Po, div is directed

toward the Po at Felonica, on right flank of corps,

and turns NE. Pursuit continues with 3 divs abreast.

88th Div reaches the Po near Carbonara, overtaking

and capturing many enemy troops as they prepare

to withdraw across the river. 91st Div drives quickly

toward the Po against scanty opposition.

Br Eighth Army adjusts boundary between 13

and 5 Corps to run N from the Reno to the Po,

since zone of latter has gradually widened to about

50 miles. 13 Corps establishes bridgehead across the

Reno. 6th Armd Div is attached to corps to drive

to the Po to right of NZ 2d Div. Ind 10th Div is

withdrawn from battle. In 5 Corps area, Ind 8th

Div takes Ferrara and reaches the Po to N at Pontelagoscuro. 6th Armd Div reaches the Po N of

Bondeno; makes contact with U.S. forces near

Finale.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

after aerial bombardment of Mt Mirador area, SW

of Baguio, 2d Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, drives

toward it, reaching cemetery, where it comes under

heavy fire from ravine between there and the

mountain. Some elements of 130th Inf, 33d Div,

clear heights over second Asin tunnel while others

motor to Irisan and march toward Asin. 123d Inf,

moving laboriously along the Pugo–Tuba Trail,

sends 1st Bn to assist 130th against Mt Mirador.

161st Inf, 25th Div, concludes lengthy battle for

Crump Hill. 35th Inf closes gap between it and

161st and attacks northward from the Fishhook. In

XI Corps area, 6th Div continues assault on Mt

Pacawagan with RCT 145, methodically reducing

mutually supporting positions. XIV Corps maintains pressure on Mt Mataasna Bundoc.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, town of Kabacan on Mindanao falls to 3d Bn

of 34th Inf, 24th Div. 19th Inf reaches Fort Pikit

and relieves 34th Inf units there. 24th Div is to drive

W along Highway 1 to Davao Gulf while 31st Div

drives N along Sayre Highway. On Cebu, 2d Bn

of 132d Inf moves by water to SE coast near Tooc

and patrols to locate enemy. 2d and 3d Bns enter

Danao and overcome organized resistance in this

region. Coastal sector is subsequently combed for

scattered enemy groups. On W coast, 3d Bn of 182d

Inf, assisted by guerrillas, seizes positions in vicinity

of Tabuclan; later probes eastward while guerrillas

push N. Except for mopping up, offensive operations

are completed by this time. On Bohol, 3d Bn of 164th

Inf, Americal Div, again attacks Japanese N of

Nanod after arty preparation and forces them to

withdraw.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV

Corps area on Okinawa, 27th Div completes capture

of Urasoe-Mura Escarpment within its sector and

wipes out counterattacking force. Resistance to 96th

Div slackens and div gains most of high ground

within its zone in Nishibaru-Tanabaru area. 1st Bn

(less Co B) of 17th Inf, 7th Div, occupies Rocky

Crags with ease while 32d Inf patrols and seals

caves on Skyline Ridge.

[ 23 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 514 ]

24 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps gets into position for assault on Bremen. 8 Corps closes along the Elbe in

Lauenburg area.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, 29th Div relieves 5th Armd Div along

the Elbe. 84th Div remains along the river awaiting

arrival of Soviet forces.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div

takes responsibility for 3d Armd Div sector along

the Mulde and is reinf by CCA and CCR of 3d

Armd Div. In V Corps area, 2d Div withdraws elements from E bank of the Mulde, except for outposts and bridge guarding details, upon order. Wurzen surrenders to 1st Bn of 273d Inf, 69th Div. In

VIII Corps area, 6th Armd and 76th Inf Divs,

ordered to withdraw elements E of the Mulde to conform to new restraining line along that river, begin

adjusting defensive positions.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, CCB of

11th Armd Div drives SE from Cham along Alpine

highway to Regen and clears the city with help of

air and arty. 26th Div continues SE unopposed to

Ragen R line W of Chain; crosses 104th Inf at

Roding and 328th in Walderbach–Reichenbach area.

358th Inf, on 90th Div’s left flank, overcomes resistance along Vohenstrauss–Waidhaus road and

thrusts SE to Eslarn area; 357th clear Vohenstrauss,

seizes bridge at Burgtreswitz, and continues SE to

Pullenried and Teunz; 359th moves forward to attack through 358th, turning over positions to 2d

Cav Gp. 2d Cav Gp extends screen S of Tirschenreuth to Floss–Flossenburg area and turns over positions on N to 97th Div. In XX Corps area, 3d Cav

Gp reaches the Danube, 3d Sq between Naab and

Regen Rivers and 43d in Riegling–Poikam area,

and finds bridges destroyed. In effort to take Regen

R bridge at Regenstauf, motorized RCT 14 of 71st

Div speeds SE from Amberg, crosses the Naab at

Burglengenfeld, and reaches the bridge, which enemy succeeds in destroying; crossing at first in assault

boats and later by newly constructed treadway

bridge, RCT 14 captures Regenstauf. 5th Inf reaches

the Regen to left of RCT 14 and, since no vehicular

crossings are found, crosses Regenstauf bridge behind RCT 14, night 24–25. 66th Inf continues S

between Naab and Regen Rivers against light

resistance. 260th Inf, 65th Div, drives almost to the

Danube, clearing Schoenhofen, Eilsbrunn, and Bergmatting; to right, 261st, thrusting through Hemau,

overruns Painten; 259th is pinched out.

III Corps begins co-ordinated attack SE toward the

Danube. 14th Cav Gp attacks on left flank of corps

in afternoon; 18th Sq, making main effort, heads

for Kelheim, located on N bank of the Danube and

astride Ludwigs Kanal, clearing Waldorf; 32d Sq

reaches Ludwigs Kanal to right. In center of corps,

14th Armd Div jumps off at 0600 with CCB and

CCR in assault, CCB on left, and reaches the Altmuhl at Beilngries and Gungolding. Bridging of

the Altmuhl is begun under heavy enemy fire. 99th

Div, with RCT 394 on left and 395 on right, follows

armor closely. On right flank of corps, 86th Div attacks with 342d Inf on right and 341st on left;

342d reaches the Altmuhl in Eichstatt area.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army area, XXII Corps takes

up positions E of the Rhine, relieving 8th Div of

XVIII Corps (A/B); 94th Div occupies Duesseldorf area while corps arty takes over Cologne area

E of the Rhine. In XXIII Corps area, 28th Div,

though still officially attached to XXII Corps, begins

relief of 36th Div, Seventh Army, in Regierungsbezirk Saarland.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 42d Divs continue rapidly

southward toward the Danube. In XXI Corps area,

CCA of 12th Armd Div, which is reinf in Dillingen

bridgehead by 15th Inf of 3d Div and which releases

attached elements of CCB, overruns Binswangen and

begins attack on Wertingen. CCB crosses the

Danube at Dillingen and pushes S to positions near

Burgau. CCR, after assembling in vicinity of Lauingen, moves SW along the Danube in search

of bridges. 101st Cav Gp protects left flank of armor

and moves elements W astride the Danube. 4th

Div speeds S toward the Danube, TF Rodwell

reaching Giengen. 63d Div, leapfrogging bns, advances rapidly S to Gerstetten-Geislingen area. In

VI Corps area, CCR of 10th Armd Div and 324th

Inf of 44th Div drive NE along N bank of the

Danube to Ulm and clear the city in co-ordinated

assault. CCA and CCB, 10th Armd Div, and 71st

Inf, 44th Div, drive quickly from the Danube to

the Iller R and Canal, where blown bridges halt

advance. 114th Inf, 44th Div, moves to intercept

Germans retreating from Muensingen toward Ehingen but fails to make contact. Assault forces of

103d Div finish clearing to line Muensingen–

Metzingen against diminishing resistance, overrunning Urach, Wittlingen, and Muensingen. 100th

Div remains in Stuttgart area, mopping up

stragglers.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps completes thrust

through Swabian Jura to Sigmaringen area, dividing encircled German forces between the Neckar and

the Danube. In 1st Corps area, one 1st Armd

Div column drives to Ulm, which falls to U.S. VI

Corps, while another closes along the Iller to right.

Destruction of enemy in Black Forest continues. On

right flank, Groupement Landouzy (9th Colonial

Inf Div) overruns Loerrach and reaches Swiss frontier at Basel. Elements of Groupement Valluy reach

[ 24 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 515 ]

Wehr. Forces of 10th Military Region cross the

Rhine and seize Kembs Dam intact.

EASTERN EUROPE—First White Russian and

First Ukrainian Fronts join forces inside Berlin

and deepen penetration toward heart of city. Elements are sweeping around the city to cut enemy

escape routes.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div, which has reduced Gothic Line positions on Ligurian coast except at Aulla, is ordered

to drive along coast to Genoa while pushing inland

along Highways 62 and 63 toward Parma and

Reggio. In IV Corps area, elements of 10th Mtn

Div start northward toward Villafranca airport,

SW of Verona. 85th Div establishes bridgehead

across the Po at Quingentole without opposition.

34th Div relieves elements of 1st Armd Div on

Highway 9 and takes Reggio. N of the highway,

elements of 1st Armd Div block enemy escape routes

E of Taro R. In II Corps area, 88th Div crosses 2

regts over the Po. 91st Div reaches the Po near

Sermide and at night crosses 362d Inf. S African 6th

Armd Div reaches the Po at Felonica.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

and 6th Armd Div establish bridgeheads across the

Po, night 24–25, 2d NZ at Gaiaba and 6th Armd

at Stienta. In 5 Corps area, Ind 8th Div leads attack

of corps across the Po, crossing at and to W of Pontelagoscuro, night 24–25.

BURMA—Japanese Gen Kimura moves his headquarters to Moulmein. One of the 3 airfields at

Toungoo becomes operational.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 3d

Bn of 130th Inf, 33d Div, drives E to within about

2,000 yards of Baguio while 2d Bn of 129th Inf, 37th

Div, clears the cemetery on approaches to Mt Mirador. 1st Bn, 129th, moves about 300 yards along

Highway 9, coming under heavy fire. Rest of 2d

Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div, joins Co G at base of Lone

Tree Hill; 3d Bn passes through 1st to continue

attack along Mt Myoko.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 24th

Div launches drive on Mindanao toward Digos, on

Davao Gulf. 34th Inf, leading, reaches Saguing, 30

miles E of Digos. 31st Div is directed to drive N

on Sayre Highway to its junction with Kibawe–

Talomo trail, a mission assigned to 124th Inf, which

will shuttle to Kabacan area to begin the drive. On

Bohol, 3d Bn of 164th Inf is systematically searching

the island to destroy disorganized enemy remnants.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, systematic mopping up continues. American casualties through this

date total 172 killed, 902 wounded, and 46 missing

in action.

In U.S. Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps pushes

through first line of enemy’s Shuri defenses on Okinawa with ease, except on W flank, Japanese having

withdrawn southward, night 23–24. TF Bradford

closes the gap between 27th and 96th Divs without

opposition, but Japanese continue to resist in Item

Pocket. 96th Div easily takes all of Nishibaru Ridge,

Tanabaru Escarpment, ridge to S, and Hill 143. 7th

Div eliminates final opposition in Hill 178 area.

25 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Br

Second Army takes operational control of U.S.

XVIII Corps (A/B), which retains command of

U.S. 8th Div, at noon for action in final drive from

the Elbe to the Baltic. 30 Corps enters Bremen and

begins to clear the city.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps ends offensive, except for patrolling

across the Elbe, and begins occupation phase. Elbe

R line is held by 29th, 84th, and 35th Divs, from

left to right. 5th Armd Div moves to rear and CCB

relieves RCT 407 ( — ), 102d Div, of responsibility

for protecting MSR; RCT 407 reverts to 102d Div. In

XVI Corps area, 75th Div takes command of 5th

Div sector S of the Ruhr. 5th Div prepares to move

to Third Army area. 17th A/B Div is transferred

to Fifteenth Army. XVI Corps zone, divided into

five parts, is occupied and governed by 79th Div

with 18th AAA Gp attached; 75th Div; 95th Div;

55th AAA Brig; and XVI Corps Arty with 15th

Cav Gp attached.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, RCT 39

joins 9th Div along the Mulde and completes relief

of 3d Armd Div, to which CCA and CCR revert.

In V Corps area, 69th Div makes patrol contact with

Soviet forces in vicinity of Riesa and Torgau. 1st

Bn, 271st Inf, crosses the Mulde at Eilenburg to clear

Kultzschau, just E of the river. 2d Div maintains

positions along the Mulde and patrols E of the river.

In VIII Corps area, 6th Armd and 76th Inf Divs

complete withdrawal to W bank of the Mulde except for small detachments that remain E of the river

to facilitate patrolling.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, CCB of

11th Armd Div drives SW from Regen to Tittling,

W of Ilz R; crosses the Ilz and seizes Perlesreut and

bridges across Ohe R near Prombach. After advance

elements of CCA find road near Zwiesel cratered and

impassable, CCA follows CCB route SE through

Regen to Kirchdorf, then turns E to Schwarzach

and S to Grafenau; advance elements continue E to

Kreuzberg. 26th Div reaches the Danube near Zeitldorn on right and Neukirchen–Mitterfels–Steinach

area on left. In 90th Div sector, 359th Inf, reinf by

90th Rcn Tr, attacks through 358th, speeding SE

to positions NW of Waldmuenchen; 357th continues SE to Schwarzach R in Roetz–Schoenthal area

and sends 1st Bn to Chain to block enemy movement

toward the redoubt region; 358th blocks along

[ 25 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 516 ]

Czechoslovakian border in Eslarn–Schoensee area

and clears several Czechoslovakian villages. 2d Cav

Gp, upon relief by 303d Inf of 97th Div, shifts S,

relieving elements of 90th Div. On extreme left

flank of corps, 97th Div attacks NE toward Cheb

(Czechoslovakia), with 386th Inf on left and 387th

on right; gains heights N of the city and begins assault on the city. In XX Corps area, 71st and 65th

Divs reach the Danube and relieve 3d Cav Gp along

it; 43d Cav Sq moves to right flank of corps to screen

from Hemau to the Danube. 71st Div, ordered to

attack across the Danube, night 25–26, and assist

65th Div’s assault on Regensburg with fire, pushes

S with all possible speed, 5th Inf pivoting about 14th

to advance on left and abreast it. 14th Inf reaches the

Danube and clears Donaustauf and Walhalla. 5th

closes along the river to left in Frengkofen area. On

left flank of div, 66th Inf reaches the Danube at Regensburg and begins clearing portion of the city N

of the river: 65th Div prepares for assault cross-ing

of the Danube at 0200 on 26th, 260th Inf displacing to forward assembly areas and 261st clearing

Waldorf and assisting in capture of Kelheim. In

III Corps area, 14th Cav Gp seizes Kelheim, where

Danube bridge is down, and searches for crossing

site over Ludwigs Kanal. 99th Div reaches the Altmuhl,

clearing Dietfurt and Kinding, and starts across the

river. 342d Inf, 86th Div, captures Eichstatt and

establishes small bridgehead over the Altmuhl there;

341st is clearing wooded region near Gungolding

bridge site.

In U.S. Fifteenth Army’s XXII Corps area, 417th

FA Gp relieves 82d A/B Div in Cologne sector;

82d A/B will move to Uelzen region for operations

under XVIII Corps (A/B). In XXIII Corps area,

54th AAA Brig takes over Koblenz district E of

the Rhine and rest of Koblenz district W of the

Rhine to boundary with Saarland, Pfalz, and Hessen. 28th Div is attached to corps and takes responsibility for military government of Saarland

and Hessen W of the Rhine and Pfalz (except for

Landkreise Speyer, Landau, Germersheim, and

Bergzabern).

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 42d Divs reach the Danube,

42d clearing Donauwoerth. In XXI Corps area, CCA

of 12th Armd Div defends Dillingen bridge and

finishes clearing Wertingen; 15th Inf then reverts

to 3d Div. CCB, driving W in region S of the

Danube in search of crossing sites, takes Rettenbach

and Limbach; elements thrust to Offingen but are

forced back to Rettenbach. CCR continues SW along

N bank of the Danube and makes contact with 63d

Div N of Guenzburg. 3d Div, less 30th Inf, completes movement into Dillingen bridgehead. 7th Inf

attacks eastward from Wertingen area in evening.

30th Inf takes up blocking positions N of the Danube

on left flank of div. Forward elements of 4th and

63d Divs reach the Danube and start crossing. Most

of 8th and 12th Regts, 4th Div, are across at Lauingen by end of day. 1st and 2d Bns of 254th Inf, 63d

Div, cross by damaged bridge near Riedheim and

take Leipheim; repel tank-supported counterattack.

In VI Corps area, 324th Inf of 44th Div and CCR

of 10th Armd Div cross the Danube at Ulm and

clear Neu Ulm. Upon completion of bridge at Dietenheim, CCB crosses the Iller and speeds S to Kellmunz area. CCA is unable to cross near Iller-rieden

since heavy fire prevents completion of

bridge there, but elements cross over Dietenheim

bridge and move N to block S and E exits from

Ulm. 71st Inf, 44th Div, crosses the Iller at Dietenheim and drives N, clearing Voehringen. 114th Inf

( — ) assembles in Laupheim. 117th Cav Rcn Sq is

attached to 44th Div to maintain contact with

French forces 103d Div completes move to left rear

of 44th Div and drives SE, advance elements reaching the Danube NE of Ulm. 115th Cav Gp and

107th Cav Rcn Sq are attached to toad Div. 100th

Div, in Stuttgart area, passes to direct control of

army.

In Fr 1st Army area, 2d Corps drives E from

Reutlingen–Sigmaringen area to destroy enemy remaining in Swabian Jura. In 1st Corps area, Germans make a desperate effort to escape to the

Bavarian Alps, mustering their forces in the Black

Forest and attacking between Villingen and the

Swiss frontier. 1st Corps, countering promptly, is

reinf by 5th Armd Div and part of 3d Algerian Inf

Div of 2d Corps and effectively supported by air.

EASTERN EUROPE—Germany is split into two

separate parts as patrols of First Ukrainian Front

establish contact with U.S. forces of Western Front

on the Elbe near Torgau. While fighting continues

within Berlin, elements of First White Russian and

First Ukrainian Fronts complete circle about the

city with junction NW of Potsdam. In East Prussia,

troops of Third White Russian Front overrun Pillau,

at tip of Samland Peninsula. On southern front,

forces of Second Ukrainian Front are fighting in

outskirts of Bruenn (Czechoslovakia).

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div completes reduction of Gothic Line

positions in Ligurian coastal sector with capture of

Aulla. In IV Corps area, 85th Inf of 10th Mtn Div

takes Villafranca airfield, where it is overtaken by

special pursuit TF under Col William O. Darby. TF

Darby moves on toward Verona. CCA, 1st Armd

Div, crosses the Po to intercept retreating enemy W

of Lake Garda. 34th Div takes Parma, at junction

of Highways 9 and 62. In II Corps area, 88th Div

reaches Verona after nightfall and clears scattered

opposition there by dawn of 26th. 91st Div reaches

Cerea, on Highway to, where extremely heavy

[ 25 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 517 ]

casualties are inflicted on enemy forces attempting

to withdraw. S African 6th Armd Div begins

crossing the Po at Felonica.

In Br Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Ind 8th Div

drives from its Po bridgehead along Highway 16 to

the Adige. 56th Div and Cremona Gp cross the Po,

56th near Polesella and Cremona Gp in coastal area.

BURMA—Preparations for DRACULA, amphibious

assault on Rangoon, are completed. In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, 5th Ind Div captures

Pyu and is passed through by 17th Ind Div, which is

to continue overland drive on Rangoon.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer receives radio from

Gen Marshall giving tonnage figures to be delivered

to China by ATC during May, June, July, and

August. These, because of European redeployment

needs, are less than the estimated requirements for

BETA. On flank of main Japanese drive on Chihchiang, Ch 58th Div is forced to fall back, leaving

small garrison at Wukang.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 2d

Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, begins assault on Mt

Mirador while 1st Bn, less Co C, organizes defensive

position on Quezon Hill, which overlooks Baguio.

Reinf co with tanks probes into Baguio. 1st Bn of

130th Inf, 33d Div, attacks through 3d, taking

southernmost peak of Mt Mirador and beginning

assault on Dominican Hill, which overlooks Baguio

from S, in conjunction with 1st Bn, 123d Inf. 123d

Inf arrives at Tuba, 21/2 miles SW of Baguio. Under

cover of darkness, 25–26, 2d Bn of 161st Inf, 25th

Div, attacks toward Kembu Plateau, about 2,000

yards NW of Kapintalan. In surprise attack, 2d Bn

of 27th Inf takes Lone Tree Hill. In XI Corps area,

152d Inf of 38th Div relieves 1st Inf, 6th Div, near

Woodpecker Ridge and begins patrolling this region. In 6th Div sector, RCT 145 continues reduction of Mt Pacawagan positions. XIV Corps continues action against Cituinan Hills and Mt

Mataasna Bundoc. Japanese order withdrawal of

forces to Mt Banahao, about 18 miles from

Malepunyo hill mass, beginning on 27th.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 34th

Inf of 24th Div, continuing toward Digos on Mindanao, reaches positions 15 miles from Davao Gulf.

On Cebu, 164th Inf (less 3d Bn) of Americal Div

loads and sails for Negros Oriental.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army area, XXIV

Corps is largely occupied with preparations for coordinated attack on Okinawa against enemy’s next

line of defense, improving positions, and patrolling

extensively. Enemy positions are brought under air,

naval, and arty bombardment. On W flank of corps,

27th Div, during next few days, makes limited efforts to improve positions and continues operations

against Item Pocket. 96th Div remains in place.

Elements of 17th Inf advance right flank of 7th

Div to slope of Horseshoe Ridge, N part of Kochi

Ridge, between villages of Onaga and Kochi.

U.S.—United Nations Conference on International Organization opens at San Francisco, California.

26 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn 2 Corps reports NE Holland

clear except for small region of coast at Ems estuary.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps completes capture of Bremen. 12 Corps closes along the Elbe opposite Hamburg. U.S. XVIII Corps (A/B) begins rail

and motor movement from the Ruhr and Cologne

sectors to new zone along the Elbe.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII

Corps area, elements of 102d Div relieve 35th Div

along the Elbe. 35th Div moves to Hannover area

to guard installations. 175th Inf reverts to 29th Div

from attachment to corps and relieves 335th Inf, 84th

Div, along the Elbe.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div

patrol makes contact with Soviet forces at Pretzsch.

3d Armd Div closes in Sangerhausen area, where it

performs security mission and engages in rehabilitation and training. In V Corps area, U.S. and Soviet

forces make firm contact at Torgau when regimental

commander of 273d Inf, 69th Div, meets commanding officer of 173d Regt, Soviet 58th Guard Div.

272d Inf, 69th Div, displaces along Eilenburg–

Torgau road to guard it.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div completes its mission. CCA, after overtaking

advance elements at Kreuzberg, drives S to Freyung

and E to Unter Grainet; patrols across Austrian

border near Lackenhausen. Continuing SE from

Ohe R, CCB takes Waldkirchen and pushes E to

Wollaberg; patrols to positions overlooking Austrian

border near Gollnerberg. Driving SE along N side

of the Danube, 26th Div reaches Muehlen–Berg area,

between Ruhmansfelden and Deggendorf. 357th

Inf, 90th Div, fans out to block roads E and SE of

Cham. To left, 90th Rcn Tr and 359th Inf continue

SE along Czechoslovakian border, 359th Inf clearing Waldmuenchen in hard fighting and reaching

Furth-Raenkam area and the reconnaissance forces

taking Furth, Raenkam, and Degelberg. 2d Cav Gp

extends screen in Czechoslovakia. 97th Div completes capture of Cheb. XX Corps begins assault

across the Danube at 0200 when 65th Div, on right,

starts crossing 260th and 261st Regts SW of Regensburg; strong opposition develops, particularly in

zone of 261st Inf, but firm bridgehead is established

including towns of Matting, Grasslfing, Oberndorf,

Nieder Gebraching, and Lengfeld. 259th Inf starts

across river at 1800. On left flank of corps, 71st Div,

delayed by terrain and small pockets of resistance,

[ 26 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 518 ]

jumps off at 0400. 14th Inf crosses in Donaustauf–

Sulzbach area and 5th, to left, in vicinity of Frengkofen; bridgehead extends as far S as Regensburg–

Straubing road and several small towns are overrun.

Assault regts are each reinf by bn of 66th Inf, which

cross by boat and ferry. 13th Armd Div moves from

Eschenau assembly area to vicinity of Parsberg,

in preparation for a crossing of the Danube. In III

Corps area, 14th Cav Gp, on left flank of corps,

patrols actively while awaiting bridge construction.

14th Armd Div crosses the Altmuhl, CCB over

bridge at Beilngries and CCR, preceded by elements

of 86th Div and followed by CCA, over bridge at

Gungolding; with 3 combat commands in assault,

proceeds rapidly S to the Danube, CCB reaching

Neustadt, CCA Menning, and CCR Mailing. 99th

Div’s 394th and 395th Regts also drive rapidly to N

bank of the Danube from Altmuhl bridgeheads.

341st Inf, 86th Div, crosses the Altmuhl at Gungolding before dawn and advances quickly toward

the Danube; 342d Inf, after being relieved in Eichstatt area by 343d, speeds to the Danube at Ingolstadt, capturing that town, and begins to cross the

river.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 42d Divs attack across the

Danube, 45th with 3 regts abreast in vicinity of Merxheim and Bergoldsheim and 42d employing 242d and

232d Regts in vicinity of Schaefstall and Altisheim;

establish firm bridgeheads. In XXI Corps area, CCA

of 12th Armd Div is relieved of Dillingen bridgehead by 3d Div and moves to assembly

area. CCB establishes contact with 63d Div at Bubesheim and Guenzburg and then assembles. 101st

Cav Gp, ordered to reconnoiter SE in 12th Armd

Div zone, advances to Wertach R at Hiltenfingen

and takes bridge intact. 3d Div expands Dillingen

bridgehead E and SE toward Werk Kanal and Augsburg, overrunning several towns and villages; 30th

Inf crosses into bridgehead. 8th and 12th Regts, 4th

Div, push S from the Danube to Dinkelscher-ben–

Horgau area; 22d, leaving elements to guard Lauingen bridge, assembles S of the Danube. 63d Div

crosses the Danube in force in Leipheim–Guenz-burg

area and clears Bubesheim. In VI Corps area, bridge

is completed across the Iller at Voehringen

in morning and used by elements of CCA of 10th

Armd Div and 71st Inf of 44th Div. CCA speeds

SE through Babenhausen to Mindelheim. CCB

drives S along E side of Iller Canal to its objective,

Memmingen, where many Allied war prisoners are

liberated. CCR follows CCA to Babenhausen, then

drives E toward Landsberg, advance elements reaching Wertach R at Turkheim. 90th Cav Rcn Sq s

creens left flank of div. Upon completing mop up

of Neu Ulm, 324th Inf of 44th Div starts to assembly area; 71st and 114th Regts continue forward

behind armor. 103d Div crosses the Danube NE of

Ulm: 409th Inf drives to Guenz R in Ellzee area;

410th reaches line Asch–Weiszenhorn; 411th assembles in reserve S of the Danube.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps, closing along

the Swiss border from Basel to Lake Constance,

completes encirclement of enemy in Black Forest.

Noose about the enemy is closed as Valluy Groupement joins forces with rest of corps; CC3 reverts to

1st Armd Div. Enemy pocket W of Tutlingen is

rapidly being destroyed. Groupement Le Bel enters

Constance.

EASTERN EUROPE—Moscow announces fall of

port and city of Stettin to troops of Second White

Russian Front who have forced the lower reaches

of the Oder and broken through German defenses

W of the river. Street fighting continues in Berlin,

with Germans gradually yielding to overwhelming

pressure. Some elements of First White Russian

Front push NE of Berlin while others clear region

W and SW of Frankfurt. Troops of First Ukrainian

Front take Torgau and Strehla, on W bank of the

Elbe. Fighting for Silesian capital of Breslau continues, with Moscow reporting gains in W part of

city. Troops of Second Ukrainian Front seize armaments center of Bruenn (Czechoslovakia). On northern front, forces of Third White Russian Front

begin clearing Frische Nehrung (East Prussia), crossing canal to this narrow strip of land from Pillau.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, TF Darby of 10th Mtn Div enters

Verona at 0600 and finds 88th Div (II Corps) in

control; starts along E side of Lake Garda to cut off

enemy escape routes. 85th Div establishes bridgehead

across the Adige in Verona area and, after pushing

through Adige Line, which is largely unmanned, in

hills to N, passes to army control. 1st Div of BEF

reaches Collecchio, SW of Parma, where enemy

pocket is eliminated. 34th Div drives along Highway 9 toward Piacenza but is halted a little short,

at Nure R, by delaying force. 371st Inf, detached

from 92d Div, has been pinched out on left flank of

corps and passes to army control. CCA, 1st Armd

Div, starts W along Highway 11 toward Lake Como

to block enemy escape between there and Lake

Garda. In II Corps area, 91st Div reaches the Adige

at Legnago and starts crossing. S African 6th Armd

Div expands Po bridgehead toward the Adige. From

Verona, 88th Div turns E toward Vicenza.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

reaches the Adige W of Badia and establishes bridgehead across it, night 26–27. In 5 Corps area, 56th

Div reaches the Adige above Rovigo and secures

bridgehead.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area,

Ind 17th Div, continuing overland toward Rangoon,

reaches Daik--u.

[ 26 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 519 ]

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Mt Mirador falls to 129th Inf, 37th Div. In 33d Div

sector, 1st Bn of 130th Inf and 1st Bn of 123d Inf

find Dominican hill virtually deserted by enemy. 2d

Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div, secures approach to

Kembu Plateau and for the next few days mops up

and patrols.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 34th

Inf of 24th Div continues toward Digos on Mindanao, hampered by demolitions and delaying obstacles

left behind by Japanese. 124th Inf, 31st Div, gets

into position for drive up Sayre Highway. 2d Bn,

which is to lead, arrives at Pikit by water. On Negros,

RCT 164 (less 3d Bn) of Americal Div makes

unopposed landing on SE coast of Negros Oriental in

vicinity of Looc, N of Dumaguete. 1st Bn lands

first and takes Dumaguete airfield and city without incident. 2d Bn follows 1st Bn ashore and moves

inland to San Antonio, thence S to Ocoy R, where

small enemy group is encountered. Contact is made

during day with 40th Div Rcn Tr, which has driven

down from the N, and with Filipino guerrillas. In

Negros Occidental, fighting continues on slopes of

Hill 3155, where enemy continues to hold out against

40th Div forces. 185th Inf finishes clearing Lantawan

Plateau and releases 2d Bn to 160th Inf in order

to strengthen assault on Hill 3155.

RYUKYU Is.—On Ie Shima, 77th Div, having

completed mop up of island, turns over command

to ISCOM Ie Shima.

U.S. Tenth Army learns that projected invasion

of Miyako, in Sakishima Group, is postponed indefinitely. III Amphib Corps, tentatively earmarked

to undertake the Miyako operation instead of V

Amphib Corps as planned originally, is thus free

for commitment in S Okinawa. On Okinawa, XXIV

Corps begins assault on next Shuri defense line

after extensive preparatory fire. 165th Inf, 27th Div,

continues reduction of Item Pocket while 105th Inf

pushes forward to Nakama and organizes defensive positions. 96th Div, with 381st Inf on right

and 383d on left, attacks for Maeda Escarpment,

also called Big Escarpment, the E part of UrasoeMura Escarpment. Maeda Escarpment has at its

E tip a lofty rock formation designated Needle Rock.

Elements of div reach crest of the escarpment, where

they meet furious opposition from enemy on reverse slopes. Supporting armor, however, pushes

into village of Maeda, on reverse slope. 17th Inf, 7th

Div, tries in vain to advance around W and E sides

of Kochi Ridge though it gains weak hold on E

side with platoon of Co G.

27 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, U.S. XVIII Corps (A/B) opens

CP at Uelzen and its troops are concentrating in this

area. 82d A/B Div is directed to relieve Br 5th Div

along the Elbe by 30 April; be prepared to seize limited bridgehead in Bleckede area.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth and First Armies

maintain and adjust defensive positions. 1st Div,

transferred from VII to VIII Corps, prepares to extend VIII Corps zone southward into Czechoslovakia by relieving 97th Div of XII Corps.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, patrol of

CCA, 11th Armd Div, reaches Czechoslovakian

border N of Bischofsreuth without opposition. 26th

Div drives across Regen–Deggendorf road and clears

Deggendorf. 90th Div organizes defensive positions,

mops up, and patrols along Czechoslovakian border,

finding enemy disposed N and NE of Furth. 2d

Cav Gp improves positions in Czechoslovakia. 97th

Div mops up in Cheb. XX Corps expands Danube

bridgehead, passes armor through it, and receives

surrender of Regensburg. Regensburg, though an

objective of 65th Div, surrenders to 71st Div without

a fight. 71st Div thrusts SE through Traubling and

Moosham to Sengkofen and is passed through by

elements of 13th Armd Div. 65th Div expands

Danube bridgehead to Traubling on left and Teugn

on right, overrunning Abbach and Peising in center

and making firm junction between the two assault

regts; moves 260th Inf into Regensburg. 13th Armd

Div begins drive to secure Isar R crossing and ultimately effect junction with Soviet forces. CCB halts

for night in Pfatter–Moosham–Geisling area. CCA,

ordered to cross 65th Div bridge SW of Regensburg,

and CCR, which is to follow CCB, are held up in

Deuerling area by mired approaches to the bridge.

In III Corps area, 14th Armd Div regroups and

mops up along the Danube; CCR relieves 86th Div

troops in Ingolstadt. 99th Div establishes bridgehead

across the Danube: 393d Inf, passing through 394th,

crosses in assault boats in vicinity of Eining, SW of

Kelheim, and captures Eining and Straubing; 395th

attempts to cross in Neustadt area but is so firmly

opposed that it turns N and follows 393d across at

Eining. 342d Inf, 86th Div, completes its crossing

of the Danube at Ingolstadt early in morning, rear

elements using newly completed footbridge, and is

passed through by 343d Inf, which thrusts quickly

S toward the Isar; 341st reaches the Danube and

starts crossing.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 45th and 42d Divs continue southward,

42d Div passing 222d Inf through 242d. 20th Armd

Div prepares to attack through infantry toward Munich. In XXI Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd

Div drives SE to the Lech at Landsberg. CCB moves

forward to Langerringen. CCR drives SE through

Markt Wald to W bank of the Wertach in Kirchsiebnach–Ettringen area. 3d Div closes in on Augs-

[ 27 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 520 ]

burg, 7th Inf reaching Werk Kanal and driving S

along it on the city and 15th continuing SE to W

outskirts. 4th Div’s 8th and 12th Regts continue to

follow armor SE; 8th Inf secures bridgehead across

the Lech at Schwabstadl with 2 cos. 63d Div, continuing leapfrog tactics, also follows armor closely.

36th Div, which is concentrating in corps zone, begins relieving 63d Div. VI Corps pursues enemy,

which is in full retreat, toward Austria and the

vaunted but mythical National Redoubt. CCR, 10th

Armd Div, drives to Landsberg area, making contact with elements of 12th Armd Div (XXI Corps),

then turns S. From Mindelheim, CCA drives SE to

Lech R at Schongau. From Memmingen area, CCB

pursues enemy toward Fuessen, one column reaching Markt Oberdorf and another taking Kempten

without a struggle. 71st and 114th Regts, 44th Div,

continue southward on heels of armored columns.

103d Div also follows armor closely: 411th Inf follows CCR to Landsberg area and begins clearing

this city where Hitler was imprisoned in 1923;

409th heads for Schongau, intercepting and destroying enemy columns of horse-drawn vehicles; 410th

gets forward elements to Kaufbeuren. Advance elements of 101st A/B Div close in Memmingen area.

Fr 1st Army virtually finishes clearing its zone.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second White

Russian Front drive rapidly W on broad front

along the Baltic in Pomerania, forward elements

taking Prenzlau and Angermuende. Fighting continues in Berlin, where Soviet troops have cleared

about three fourths of the city. Elements of First

White Russian Front overrun Spandau, NW suburb

of Berlin, Potsdam, and Rathenow.

ITALY—15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army

continues to pursue disorganized enemy. 92d Div

reaches Genoa, on Ligurian coast. In IV Corps area,

resistance by enemy div trapped S of the Po below

Cremona comes to an end; 2 more divs are being

eliminated in region S of Highway 9. CCB follows

CCA, 1st Armd Div, across the Po and turns W

also to block enemy escape routes.

CHINA—Chinese, materially assisted by air, are

maintaining defensive positions before Ankang and

Sian air bases and gradually taking the offensive.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, battle

for Baguio ends as columns of 37th and 33d

Divs converge on the summer capital and overrun

it. 2d Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div, reinf by Co B of

35th Inf, starts S along Kapintalan Ridge, where

Japanese are firmly entrenched, in effort to make

contact with 1st Bn of 35th Inf, which is working

N along it. 3d Bn, 27th Inf, continues to clear Mt

Myoko. 2d Bn, 35th Inf, gains ridge 600 yards N of

Fishhook. In XI Corps area, RCT 145 (attached to

6th Div), assisted by air and arty, gains crest of

Mt Pacawagan. In XIV Corps area, 1st and 3d Bns,

RCT 158, make contact on main ridge of Cituinan

hill mass. 11th A/B Div, with close air and fire support, launches co-ordinated assault on Mt Mataasna

Bundoc, final organized enemy position in S Luzon,

frustrating enemy plans to withdraw. Some ground

is gained against firm opposition.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, Gen Eichelberger draws up plan of attack to

clear rest of Mindanao. Japanese apparently intend

to make a final stand in hills NW of Davao City.

162d Inf, 41st Div, will move up from Zamboanga

to guard communication lines and thus free X Corps

to press attack. RCT 108, 40th Div, is to land at

Macajalar Bay and move S along Sayre Highway

to establish contact with 31st Div forces moving N,

thus splitting the island. In order to make a double

envelopment of Davao area, elements of 24th Div

are to drive N along Davao Gulf from Digos and

units of 31st Div are to press SE from Kibawe area

on Sayre Highway. Forward elements of 34th Inf,

24th Div, reach crossroads at Digos and are held up

by enemy. Aircraft and arty pound the strongpoint.

2d Bn of 124th Inf, 31st Div, starts up Sayre Highway toward its junction with Kibawe–Talomo Trail;

at 2200 clashes with enemy force of bn size moving

forward to attack and virtually destroys it by dawn

of 28th. On Negros, forward elements of 2d Bn,

164th Inf, reach ridge leading to Palimpinon. 1st

Bn scouts region W of Dumaguete City.

RYUKYU Is.—Japanese begin 2-day series of

strong air attacks against shipping in Okinawa area.

In U.S. Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps takes control of 77th Div. Some 27th Div elements fight

vigorously for limited gains in Yafusu area while

others virtually eliminate Item Pocket. 96th Div,

although assisted by tanks and armored flame throwers, makes slow progress in center of corps, especially

on right, where Japanese continue tenacious defense

of Maeda Escarpment; some elements gain saddle

between 2 hills on the escarpment and others work

forward through Maeda village. 17th Inf, 7th Div, is

still held up at Kochi Ridge strongpoint and assault

bns—1st and 2d—are unable to gain contact.

28 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Cdn

First Army area, Cdn 2 Corps, with task of clearing

Wilhelmshaven–Emden peninsula and the two

cities, is reinf by Br 3d Div.

In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps prepares for

assault crossing of the Elbe in Lauenburg area before

dawn of 29th. In U.S. XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 8th

Div completes assembling in Lueneburg area and

releases 13th Inf to 82d A/B Div’s 505th Para Inf,

which is to establish bridgehead across the Elbe in

Bleckede area, night 29–30.

[ 28 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 521 ]

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 329th Inf of 83d Div occupies Zerbst, E

of the Elbe, from which 125th Sq of 113th Cav

Gp will move eastward to establish contact with

Soviet forces.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps takes command of V Corps sector and of 2d and 69th Inf

and 9th Armd Divs at 1800.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div patrols actively and moves arty forward for

drive toward Passau. 26th Div continues SE to general line Hengersberg–Roggersing–Stracking–Thurmansbang. 90th Div continues to probe along

Czechoslovakian border and clears Fichtenbach, N

of Furth; organizes TF for drive on Nyrsko. 2d

Cav Gp gains ground E of Eisendorf in Czechoslovakia. In limited attack, 387th Inf of 97th Div

seizes Cheb airfield and neighboring villages, concluding action in this area. 1st Div, VIII Corps,

begins relief of 97th Div. In XX Corps area, CCB

of 13th Armd Div drives quickly SE along the

Danube to the Isar at Platting. CCR and CCA

cross the Danube in sectors of 71st and 65th Divs,

respectively, CCR closing in Dengling area and

CCA near Thalmassing. 71st Div, with 5th Inf on

left and 66th on right follows armor SE toward the

Isar on left flank of corps. 80th Div, in order to

follow armor in zone to right of 71st Div, is relieved

in Nuremberg by 16th Armd Div; RCT’s 318 and

319 assemble S of Regensburg, passing through

65th Div. 3d Sq, 3d Cav Gp, crosses the Danube

in zone of 71st Div and takes up positions on right

flank of that division; 43d crosses in 65th Div zone

and moves forward to protect right flank of corps.

65th Div polices Regensburg. In III Corps area, 14th

Cav Gp assembles S of Ludwigs Kanal and the Altmuhl in order to cross the Danube in 99th Div zone.

14th Armd Div crosses the Danube and continues

rapidly SE toward the Isar; CCA, in the

lead, takes Steinbach and approaches Moosburg.

99th Div expands Danube bridgehead to line Abensberg–Muehlhausen–Geibenstetten. 341st Inf, 86th

Div, completes its crossing of the Danube and with

3434 advances toward the Isar; by end of day, forward elements are within 5 miles of the river. 23d

Cav Rcn Sq, 16th Armd Div, is attached to 86th

Div to protect its right flank.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 20th Armd Div opens drive on Munich,

passing through 42d and 45th Divs, which then

follow. CCA and CCB, CCA on right, drive rapidly

southward over parallel routes. In XXI Corps area,

12th Armd Div, with attached 101st Cav Gp leading, starts across the Lech to block passes into

Bavarian Alps to SE. Using rail bridge at Landsberg

as soon as it is repaired for vehicular use, 101st Cav

Gp crosses and drives E to Ammer See and SE

along Weilheim road to Rott. At 2030, CCA starts

across bridge behind cavalry. CCR crosses the Wertach at Hiltenfingen. 15th and 7th Regts of 3d Div

converge on Augsburg and capture it with little

difficulty; 30th Inf crosses the Lech near Gersthofen

and starts toward Munich. At 2225, 3d Div is detached from corps and attached to XV Corps for

drive on Munich. 8th Inf, 4th Div, maintains Lech

bridgehead at Schwabstadl while 12th continues

southward toward the Lech in same area and prepares to cross upon completion of bridge. 22d Inf

moves SE to cross the Lech. 36th Div takes responsibility for 63d Div zone in right sector of corps.

Fr 2d Armd Div, en route to corps zone, is attached to corps. In VI Corps area, all elements of

10th Armd Div reach the Lech and search for

crossing sites while engineers work on bridges;

right flank elements cross Austrian border near Fuessen. CCB, continuing pursuit throughout night 27–

28, gets one column to Fuessen in morning;

another column crosses Austrian border to reach

heights S of Fuessen. CCA maintains positions in

Schongau while awaiting bridge construction and

reconnoiters for crossing site as far S as Lechbruck.

CCR follows CCA to Schongau. 71st and 114th

Regts, 44th Div, speed S behind armor, 71st Regt

assisting armor at Fuessen and elements of 114th

crossing Austrian border in vicinity of Steinach;

elements of 324th Inf are released from reserve and

help French capture Wertach, W of Fuessen. 103d

Div loses contact with enemy on left flank of corps:

411th Inf completes capture of Landsberg; 409th

assembles at Schongau; 410th reaches the Lech near

Lechbruck.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps opens final drive

toward Vorarlberg (Austria, advancing SE with

1st Armd Div followed by 2d Moroccan Inf Div on

left and 4th Moroccan Mtn Div followed by 5th

Armd Div on right. From Biberach, left column

drives to Leutkirch. Right column thrusts from Pfullendorf to Ravensburg.

ITALY—Benito Mussolini is intercepted by partisans while fleeing Italy and executed by a firing

squad in a village on Lake Como.

15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area,

Alessandria, on Highway 10, falls to 92d Div. In

IV Corps area, 1st Div of BEF relieves 34th Div in

Piacenza area on Highway 9 and continues to mop

up trapped enemy units. 34th Div moves N to

Brescia area to round up enemy remnants to W.

1st Armd Div reaches Lake Como, near Swiss

border. 10th Mtn Div is placed under army control

as it continues clearing E shore of Lake Garda.

In II Corps area, 88th Div clears enemy from

Vicenza. S African 6th Armd Div starts crossing the

Adige at Legnago.

[ 28 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 522 ]

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 6th Armd

Div crosses the Adige and drives to Monselice. NZ

2d Div column moves through Monselice to Padua

during night 28–29 and finds partisans in possession

of the town. 5 Corps attacks toward Venice with

56th Div.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, 82d W

African Div occupies Taungup, which patrols had

found clear of enemy in mid-April, completing reconquest of Arakan coast. In Br Fourteenth Army’s

33 Corps area, Allanmyo, on road to Prome, falls to

Ind 20th Div.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

37th and 33d Divs prepare to clear northward from

Baguio. In effort to exploit toward Balete Pass from

Lone Tree Hill, 25th Div attaches 3d Bn of 35th

Inf to 27th Inf. 3d Bn, 27th Inf, when relieved on

Mt Myoko by 3d Bn, 35th, is to move to Lone Tree

Hill sector. Co A, 35th Inf, overtakes Co F on ridge

1,300 yards NNE of Kapintalan and starts NE to

establish contact with 27th Inf but is soon pinned

down. 3d Bn, 27th Inf, gets to within 40 yards of

crest of Myoko hill mass. XI Corps is directed to

regroup for drive on Ipo Dam. In XIV Corps area,

Japanese resistance in Cituinan hill mass collapses,

concluding organized resistance in the Bicols. 11th

A/B Div continues attack in Mt Mataasna Bundoc

area with 511th Inf on S and 8th Cav and 188th

Inf on N. Some progress is made, but gap of 2

miles exists between N and S forces.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 2d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, seizes Digos,

cutting Mindanao in two. 19th Inf attacks N through

34th toward Davao. 2d Bn of 124th Inf, 31st Div,

gains over 4 miles along Sayre Highway, reaching

positions beyond Atoman. On Negros, 2d Bn of

164th Inf in Negros Oriental continues to clear

heights near Palimpinon while 1st Bn moves to

Luzuriaga to drive W in region S of 2d Bn. Contact

with enemy is light. In Negros Occidental, 2d Bn

of 185th Inf returns to parent unit after assisting

10th Inf in attack on Hill 3155, on slopes of which

Japanese are still clinging. Guerrillas replace 2d Bn

in this sector. Ground attack on Hill 3155 is suspended for some days while patrols develop enemy

positions and fire softens them.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV

Corps area, lively fighting continues in Yafusu area

of Okinawa on 27th Div front. Japanese hold Maeda

Escarpment against 96th Div attacks. Co K, 381st

Inf, moves through 27th Div zone toward strongpoint, called Apartment House, S of the escarpment

but is forced back with heavy losses. In 7th Div

zone, 3d Bn of 17th Inf replaces 1st Bn W of Kochi

Ridge and attempts unsuccessfully to outflank enemy

positions. 32d Inf attacks toward Kuhazu but is

stopped short by heavy fire. Armored flame throwers

push into the village, however.

29 April

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps, with task of clearing

Cuxhaven peninsula, takes command of Gds Armd

Div. 8 Corps opens final drive of army, from the

Elbe to the Baltic, at 0200 when 15th Div, reinf by

Cdn 1st Brig, crosses the Elbe in Lauenburg area

and establishes bridgehead. In U.S. XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, 505th Para Inf, the first of 82d A/B

Div forces to reach the Elbe, and attached 13th Inf

of 8th Div relieve Br 5th Div along the Elbe.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 125th Sq of 113th Cav Gp moves E of

the Elbe to Zerbst and reconnoiters in effort to

establish contact with Soviet forces.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps maintains

current positions, patrols, and regroups. 9th Div

shifts right to relieve 415th Inf, 104th Div, along

the Mulde. CCA and CCR, 9th Armd Div, start

to assembly area in vicinity of Jena. V Corps starts

S to new zone. In VIII Corps area, 1st Div completes relief of 97th Div on left flank of XII Corps

and takes responsibility for its sector.

U.S. Third Army releases 5th Div to XII Corps.

In XII Corps area, CCB of 11th Armd Div attacks

SW toward Passau to clear 26th Div zone E of Ilz R

and N of the Danube, reaching Hutthurm. Continuing SE along the Danube, 26th Div reaches general

line Spitzendorf-Otterskirchen and makes contact

with 11th Armd Div. 80th Div TF, driving from Neukirchen, finds Nyrsko undefended. 2d Cav Gp

( — ) moves to Zwiesel to secure pass NE of Regen

and screen along Czechoslovakian border. In XX

Corps area, 13th Armd Div doses along the Isar

and establishes bridgehead. CCB, assisted by arty

fire and smoke screen, crosses 2 cos at Platting, where

engineers begin construction of bridge. CCR, in

center, drives to the Isar in Landau area. On right

flank of div, CCA reaches the Isar at Landshut.

Preparations are made to cross the entire div over

bridge at Platting. 80th Div completes its crossing

of the Danube. RCT’s 318 and 319 follow 13th

Armd Div by motor. RCT 317 assembles in vicinity

of Koefering. 71st Div advances rapidly toward the

Isar against light resistance and is ordered to seize

Isar crossings in vicinity of Hanau and Zeholfing.

43d Sq, 3d Cav Gp, moves forward to protect right

flank of corps from the Danube to the Isar. In III

Corps area, 14th Cav Gp crosses the Danube in 99th

Div zone and heads for the Isar. 99th Div advances

to the Isar against little or no resistance, securing

line Pfettrach–Bruckberg–Moosburg. CCA, 14th

Armd Div, reaches the Isar at Moosburg and pre-

[ 29 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 523 ]

pares to force crossing; sends column NE along the

Isar to Altdorf, where heavy fire is met from Landshut. CCR and CCB assemble NW of Landshut in

Furth-Schatzhofen area; CCR prepares to take control of CCA forces at Altdorf and from there attack Landshut. Continuing SE on right flank of

corps, 86th Div crosses Amper Kanal; continues to

the Isar, capturing Friesing; begins crossing the

Isar in assault boats under heavy fire, night 29–30.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps, with 20th Armd Div spearheading and

3d, 42d, and 45th Inf Divs also in assault, races to

outskirts of Munich, overrunning Dachau concentration camp. 106th Cav Gp protects left flank of

corps. In XXI Corps area, 12th Armd Div completes

its crossing of the Lech at Landsberg and drives

SE until ordered to proceed S instead toward Innsbruck. 101st Cav Gp takes Weilheim and Diessen

and secures bridges across Ammer R; moves elements NE along E bank of Ammer See toward Munich upon hearing that the Nazi government

there is overthrown. 12th Armd Div follows cavalry

SE to Weilheim; attacking S through cavalry there,

CCA reaches Oberau and makes contact with 10th

Armd Div of VI Corps. 22d and 12th Regts, 4th

Div, cross the Lech in Schwabstadl area and drive

E to W bank of Amper R; 8th Inf maintains Lech

bridgehead and sends elements to Augsburg to relieve elements of 3d Div. At dusk, 36th Div, with

RCT’s 141 and 142 in assault, starts SE from Landsberg area to mop up in wake of armor, crossing

Lech R, night 29–30. In VI Corps area, 10th Armd

Div attacks across Lech R: CCA crosses at Schongau

and drives SE through Saulgrub to Partenkirchen;

CCB crosses at Fuessen and drives S beyond Reutte;

CCR follows CCA across the Lech to block in

vicinity of Saulgrub. 71st Inf, 44th Div, co-ordinates

its attack closely with that of CCB, 10th Armd Div,

and secures Vils approach to narrow pass to Reutte;

114th drives S toward Gran, making some progress

despite winding paths over mountainous terrain;

elements of 324th attempt to clear Wertach–Jungholz pass but are held up by enemy. 409th Inf of

103d Div advances with CCA of 10th Armd Div

from the Lech at Schongau to Partenkirchen area;

411th, upon relief at Landsberg by 101st A/B Div,

moves to Unterammergau; 410th crosses the Lech

at Lechbruck and clears road from Steingaden to

Buching.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, one 1st Armd

Div column advances from Leutkirch to Kempten

while another thrusts along Iller R valley to edge

of Immenstadt. 5th Armd Div overruns Friedrichshafen, on Lake Constance, and to left drives to

vicinity of Wangen.

EASTERN EUROPE—Second White Russian

Front continues W along Baltic coast, right flank

elements seizing Anklan, on road to Stralsund, and

others driving into Mecklenburg. Fighting continues in heart of Berlin. In Czechoslovakia, troops

of Second Ukrainian Front gain ground E of

Bruenn and S of Olmuetz. Berlin admits loss of

Austerlitz, SE of Bruenn, and reports that Soviet

forces have launched attack NW of Moravska

Ostrava.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Representatives of

Gen Vietinghoff, commander of German Army

Group Southwest, sign instrument of unconditional

surrender, effective 2 May, at Caserta.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 1st Div of

BEF completes mop up of enemy forces cut off in

the Apennines, receiving surrender of 2 div commanders. Milan is found to be in hands of partisans. 1st Armd Div takes up positions near the

city and reconnoiters to Ticino R. In II Corps area,

91st Div and S African 6th Armd Div reach and

cross the Brenta. Former is driving E along Highway

53 toward Treviso and latter is using parallel

route to S. S African 6th Armd Div makes contact

with Br Eighth Army at Padua.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

advances along Route 14 toward Trieste, reaching

the Piave, where bridge is down. 5 Corps takes

Venice.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps

area, Ind 17th Div reaches outskirts of Pegu.

CHINA—By this time 15,624 men of Ch New

Sixth Army are at Chihchiang. Detachment of Ch

14th Div reaches Ankiang within next few days.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area,

RCT 158, leaving 3d Bn to mop up stragglers in

Camalig area, starts northward. 1st Bn advances

along Route I to Pauili R while 2d Bn, reinf by

AT Co, moves along Route 27. 511th Inf, 11th A/B

Div, takes its objective, Hill 2610 at Mt Malepunyo

hill mass, and Hill 2480, assigned objective of

188th Inf moving down from N.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, forward elements of 19th Inf, 24th Div,

push through Coronon and Astorga on Mindanao

to positions near Darong airfield. Co K, 34th Inf,

arrives in Guma area, NW of Digos, to contain bypassed pocket. On Sayre Highway, 3d Bn of 124th

Inf, 31st Div, attacks through 2d Bn, reducing

Japanese roadblock and gaining 7,000 yards although enemy has destroyed bridges. On Bohol, 3d

Bn (less Co 1) of 164th Inf leaves for Cebu. Guerrillas, assisted by Co I, are responsible for completing mop up. Japanese casualties total 104 killed

and 16 captured for American losses of 7 killed and

14 wounded. On Negros, 2d Bn, 164th Inf, meets

heavy fire as it continues to clear heights near Palimpinon.

[ 29 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 524 ]

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV

Corps area on Okinawa, 77th Div begins relief of

96th Div, whose combat efficiency has been sharply

reduced by action on Maeda Escarpment in center

of corps zone. 307th Inf moves onto top of the escarpment, replacing 381st Inf. 96th Div withstands

enemy counterattacks and infiltration attempts all

along its line early in day. 383d Inf drives salient

toward Shuri, taking Hill 138, from which direct

fire can be placed on Shuri. 7th Div is unable to

advance in Kochi Ridge sector and suffers heavy

casualties from enemy fire. 32d Inf tries in vain to

get tanks from the coast to Onaga to ease pressure

on 17th Inf at Kochi Ridge.

30 April

WESTERN EUROPE—Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his bunker at the Reichschancellery, Berlin,

after having selected Adm Karl Doenitz as his

successor.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 8

Corps expands and strengthens Elbe bridgehead at

Lauenburg. 6th A/B Div begins crossing into it to

operate on right flank of 15th Div. U.S. XVIII Corps

(A/B), now consisting of corps troops and 8th

Inf, 82d A/B, and 7th Armd Divs, begins drive

from the Elbe to the Baltic to right of 8 Corps.

82d A/B Div, which releases 13th Inf except for

3d Bn to 8th Div and is reinf at 1800 by RCT 121

of 8th Div, leads off: 505th Para Inf crosses in

Bleckede area at 0100, using Buffaloes of 4th Royal

Tank Regt, Br 79th Armd Div, and engineer assault

boats; against light resistance establishes small

bridgehead, which includes Bandekow on left and

Stiepelse on right. Attached elements of 8th Div

begin crossing late in day to relieve left flank of 505th

Para Inf in the bridgehead.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 3d Platoon of Tr C, 125th Cav Sq, 113th

Cav Gp, makes contact with Soviet 121st Div at Appolensdorf at 1330.

U.S. First Army CG meets CG, Soviet 5th Guard

Army, on E bank of the Mulde at Eilenburg at 1300.

Junction of U.S. and Soviet forces is formally celebrated later in day. VII Corps releases 9th Armd

Div at 2400. VIII Corps becomes responsible for supply and administration of 9th Armd Div, which is

held in SHAEF reserve. 415th Inf of 104th Div

relieves 291st Inf of 69th Div. V Corps takes responsibility for new zone on right of VIII Corps

along Czechoslovakian border and assumes command of 1st and 97th Divs from VIII and XII Corps,

respectively. 1st Div holds line from Cheb to point

just S of Adorf, with 6th Cav Gp to left and 97th

Div to right.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div, with CCA and CCB in assault, drives SE along

right lank of corps to Austrian border. CCA, on div

left, advances to border town of Wegscheid, where

firm opposition is overcome. From Hutthurm, CCB

drives to Austrian border in Ober Kappel area; halts

to await outcome of battle for Wegscheid and sends

advance elements across border to Crettenbach.

CCR, upon relief by 5th Div, moves from Freyung

to Wollaberg to protect N and W flanks of div.

104th Inf, on left flank of 26th Div, drives SE unopposed to positions beyond Hauzenburg. 328th Inf

closes along Ilz R on div right flank and establishes

bridgehead with 1st and 3d Bns at Strasskirchen.

90th Div, in limited attack, gains ground in woods

E of Waldmuenchen in Czechoslovakia. In XX

Corps area bridge over the Isar is completed at

Platting at 1930 and 13th Armd Div begins crossing shortly afterward. CCR, after unsuccessful attempts to cross in Landau area, is relieved by 71st

Div and moves toward Platting bridge. 66th and

14th Regts, 71st Div, dose along the Isar and, after

massed, direct fire against enemy entrenched on

heights across the river, start across under cover of

smoke and supporting fire at 1645. Since swift current prevents use of standard assault boats, crossings

are made in storm boats equipped with motors, by

flying ferry, and over 2 damaged rail bridges. Both

regts cross and establish bridgehead, which includes

towns of Zeholfing, Zulling, Usterling, and Landau.

Work is begun on floating treadway bridge at

Landau after nightfall. 318th Inf, 80th Div, crosses

the Isar over RR bridge at Mamming and moves

SW toward Dingolfing. In III Corps area, 14th Cav

Gp reaches the Isar on left flank of corps. 99th Div

attacks across the Isar: 393d Inf begins crossing in

vicinity of Landshut; 395th crosses in Moosburg area

to cover bridging operations of 14th Armd Div and

secures line Kochbauer–Langenpreising. CCR, 14th

Armd Div, dears portion of Landshut N of the

Isar and assembles for crossing at Moosburg, where

engineers put in ponton bridge. Dismounted elements of CCA cross at Moosburg and drive beyond

Mittl Isar Kanal. CCB starts across the Isar over

Moosburg bridge at night. Foot elements of 86th

Div’s 342d and 343d Regts complete crossing the

Isar on right flank of corps; continue to Mittl Isar

Kanal and start across it in vicinity of Eitting; attached aid Cav Rcn Sq crosses over XVI Corps

bridge SW of Freising. Engineers construct treadway bridge at Freising.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps converges on Munich and clears the city

with ease; takes bridges over the Isar there intact.

In XXI Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div, after

driving NE to Schwaiganger in effort to secure another route to Innsbruck, is ordered to assemble in

[ 30 APRIL 1945 ]
[ 525 ]

Murnau area. CCB, preceded by 101st Cav Gp,

drives to Loisach R in Sindelsdorf area and halts

to await bridge construction. CCV, Fr 2d Armd

Div, is attached to 12th Armd Div. 22d and 12th

Regts, 4th Div, drive quickly to the Isar; 12th Regt

takes Loisach and Isar bridges in vicinity of Wolfratshausen. 36th Div speeds SE through Weilheim,

RCT 141 reaching Loisach R line W of Bad Toelz

on left and RCT 142 reaching Murnau–Klein Weil–

Eschenlohe area on right. In VI Corps area, some

elements of CCA, 10th Armd Div, driving E from

Partenkirchen toward Innsbruck, reach vicinity of

Klais; other elements move W to open lateral route

to CCB. CCB attacks to open Fern Pass, pushing

slowly SE to Lermoos and then SW along main

road to hairpin curve near Fernstein, where it is

halted by roadblock. CCR moves to Garmisch, W

of Partenkirchen. Div is ordered to halt and await

passage of infantry. 71st Inf, 44th Div, co-ordinates

closely with CCB and secures Reutte and Lermoos

road nets; 114th Inf drives SE through Haldensee

pass to Weissenbach, thence SW along the Lech to

Forchach; elements of 324th Inf move through

Wertach-Jungholz pass, capture Jungholz, and reconnoiter from there. 409th Inf, 103 Div, assists

CCA, 10th Armd Div, as it drives E toward Innsbruck; 411th moves S to Farchant; 410th reconnoiters in vicinity of Partenkirchen. Instructions

are issued for continuing attack: 101st A/B Div is

to police Kaufbeuren–Saulgrub–Wertach–Kempten

area; 10th Armd Div is to be passed through by

103d Div, which will drive to Innsbruck, and by

44th Div, which will drive to Imst.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 1st Armd Div

meets firm resistance near Immenstadt. 5th Armd

Div gets left flank elements to Staufen and on right

clears Lindau and thrusts across Austrian border to

vicinity of Bregenz. DA ATL troops land on

Oleron I., off Gironde Estuary, and begin to clear

ineffective opposition. The operation is supported

by Fr naval units, which neutralize W coast, and

by U.S. and Fr tactical aircraft. Night 30 April–

1 May, Fr commandos land on E coast in vicinity

of Pointe d’ Arceau and push toward St Pierre

d’Oleron and Dolus. On the Fr mainland, other

Fr units start toward La Rochelle.

EASTERN EUROPE—On southern front, Moravian Gap stronghold of Moravska Ostrava falls to

troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army

area, 92d Div reaches Turin, which is undefended;

473d Inf links up with Fr troops on Franco-Italian

border. 10th Mtn Div eliminates resistance at head

of Lake Garda; 85th Inf crosses the lake to Gargnano and moves on without incident to Riva. IV

Corps task force formally occupies Milan. Legnano

Gp moves to Brescia area to assist in mopping up.

II Corps is reinf by 85th Div. 91st Div speeds to

Treviso, N of Venice. This ends eastward drive of

corps.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

troops cross the Piave and continue to Porto Gruaro,

on route to Trieste. Pursuit forces of 6th Armd Div

establish contact with Americans at Treviso and

thrust toward Belluno and Udine.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, main

body of DRACULA assault force sails for Rangoon. In

Br Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Ind 17th Div

breaks into Pegu and begins clearing the city.

CHINA—Ch 58th Div again falls back under enemy pressure, this time to prepared positions in

Wa-wu-tang area.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

6th and 38th Divs complete exchange of sectors and

38th Div takes control of RCT 145, 37th Div, on Mt

Pacawagan. 152d Inf, 38th Div, is directed to prepare to attack Woodpecker Ridge. XIV Corps overcomes organized resistance in Malepunyo Mt area,

but pockets remain to be mopped up.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, 19th Inf of 24th Div advances on Mindanao to within 4 miles of Davao, seizing Daliao

airstrip and Talomo; 21st Inf moves forward to follow 19th Inf northward and clear region NW of

Talomo R. 3d Bn of 124th Inf, 31st Div, though

hampered by rear-guard opposition and demolitions,

makes substantial progress up Sayre Highway. On

Negros, 1st Bn is ordered to move to Malabo and

attack, in order to ease pressure on 2d Bn, 164th

Inf, on heights near Palimpinon.

RYUKYU Is.—U.S. shipping losses inflicted by

enemy during period 26 March to date total: 20

ships sunk, 14 of them by suiciders; 157 damaged,

90 of them by suicide attacks. The cost to Japanese

has been heavy in aircraft. Naval forces destroy

more than 1,100 enemy planes in addition to the

many shot down by AA guns and aircraft.

In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area on Okinawa, 1st Mar Div begins relief of 27th Div on W

flank of corps, 1st Marines relieving 165th Inf and

probing southward toward Asa R line. 77th Div

takes responsibility for 96th Div zone and continues

costly battle for Maeda Escarpment. 17th Inf, 7th

Div, is still unable to make progress against Kochi

Ridge, but 1st Bn of 32d Inf gains positions on ridge

SW of Kuhazu.

1 May

WESTERN EUROPE—News of Hitler’s death is

made public.

21 Army Group: In Br Second Army area, 8

Corps, having secured initial bridgehead some 15

miles wide and 8 miles deep, passes 11th Armd and

[ 1 MAY1945 ]
[ 526 ]

5th Inf Divs through it; 11th Armd, on left, makes

main effort toward Luebeck. 15th Div drives NW

along the Elbe to Geesthacht, about 16 miles from

Hamburg. 6th A/B Div passes to control of U.S.

XVIII Corps (A/B) in place. U.S. XVIII Corps

(A/B) expands Elbe bridgehead up to 9 miles

against light resistance. On left flank, Br 6th A/B

Div completes its crossing and expands bridgehead

to include Zweedorf, Nostorf, and Boizenburg. 8th

Div regains control of elements previously attached

to 82d A /B Div and attacks with them between Br

6th A/B and 82d A/B Divs, seizing Zahrensdorf.

82d A/B Div, committing 504th Para Inf to right

of 505th, thrusts to Forst Carrenzien. CCB, 7th

Armd Div, is attached to 82d A/B Div and will

operate in conjunction with 325th Gli Inf.

12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army, its offensive operations ended, maintains positions along the

Elbe with XIII Corps on left and XIX Corps on

right and continues occupation mission in zone of

XVI Corps to rear. Mass surrender of Germans,

particularly in XIII Corps zone, continues until

end of the war. Boundaries are gradually adjusted

to conform with German political boundaries. XVI

Corps, occupying Westphalia, Lippe, and Schaueburg Lippe, is adjusting internal boundaries to facilitate military government. 378th Inf, 95th Div,

moves to Bremen Enclave Military District, where

it passes to control of 21 Army Group and is attached to 30 Corps, Br Second Army.

U.S. First Army, holding a 160-mile front from

junction of the Elbe and Mulde Rivers at Dessau on

the N to Ronsperk (Czechoslovakia) on the S, faces

a disorganized enemy incapable of preventing Red

Army from closing up on a solid front. In V Corps

area, 97th Div, disposed along German-Czechoslovakian border on right flank of corps and army, improves positions in limited attacks.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div drives SE from the Austrian border to Klein

Muehl R and secures crossings. CCA, on left, seizes

bridge E of Peilstein and gets forward elements to

Oepping. Main body of CCB halts at Lembach while

elements search for crossings to E and NE, taking

bridge at Krondf and establishing small bridgehead.

CCR, after opening lateral communications between

CCA and CCB, moves to Kasberg. 41st Cav follows

CCB to Wildenranna and patrols to the Danube in

search of crossing sites. 26th Div, with 104th and

328th Regts in assault and 101st screening right

flank of corps and div, advances SE behind armor

in right half of corps sector: 104th Inf crosses Austrian border in vicinity of Messnerschlag; 328th,

to right, eliminates bypassed resistance N of Passau.

5th Div completes assembling in corps zone and,

with RCT’s 10 and 11 abreast, RCT 10 on left, advances to left rear of armor, forward elements crossing Czechoslovakian border on left and Austrian

border on right. 2d Cav Gp, screening GermanCzechoslovakian border between 5th and 90th Divs,

seizes Eisenstein pass into Czechoslovakia. Left

flank elements of 90th Div are passed through on

left flank of corps by 97th Div (V Corps). Div continues limited attacks, emerging from woods between Waldmuenchen (Germany) and Domazlice

(Czechoslovakia). 4th Armd Div is attached to

corps. In XX Corps area, 13th Armd Div finishes

crossing the Isar at Platting and drives to the Inn.

CCB reaches the Inn in Eisenfelden area and tries

in vain to take Marktl bridge. CCA thrusts to the

Inn opposite Braunau and searches for crossing site.

CCR reaches Unt Tuerken, between Marktl and

Braunau. Moving forward from Regensburg area,

65th Div follows armor across the Isar at Platting:

261st Inf drives SE along the Danube to Sandbach

on left and Aldersbach on right; 259th passes

through 261st to take up assigned sector to its right;

among towns cleared by div are Osterhofen, Pleinting, Aldersbach, and Vilshofen. 71st Div, attacking

with 3 regts abreast, expands Isar bridgehead SE of

Landau to Eichendorf, Arnstorf, and Simbach.

Floating treadway bridge is put in at Landau for

use of heavy transport and arty. On right flank of

corps, 318th Inf of 80th Div clears Dingolfing and

from there and Mamming drives SE across Vils

R, clearing Reisbach; 319th crosses the Isar in Nieder

Viebach area and drives SE, forward elements reaching the Vils. III Corps gets all elements across the

Isar and speeds SE toward the Inn in effort to take

bridges before enemy can destroy them. 99th Div

completes its crossing of the Isar at Landshut and

with RCT’s 393 and 394 abreast, 393 on left, drives

to line Vilsbiburg–Velden. 14th Cav Gp crosses at

Landshut, night 1–2. Upon completing crossing at

Moosburg, 14th Armd Div drives SE with CCA

on left and CCB on right, passing elements through

99th Div and continuing advance during night 1–2.

On right flank of corps, 86th Div organizes TF

Pope (bn of 342d Inf (reinf and motorized) and

23d Cav Rcn Sq of 16th Armd Div), which heads

for Wasserburg, where Inn R bridge is reported

intact. Div, with RCT 342 on left and RCT 343 on

right, pushes SE from vicinity of Mittl Isar Kanal

to Erding.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area,

XV Corps mops up Munich sector. In XXI Corps

area, CCR of 12th Armd Div drives SE from Starnberg across Isar R in 4th Div zone to Holzkirchen,

thence along autobahn, forward elements reaching

the Inn. CCA follows CCR to Holzkirchen. CCB,

Fr 2d Armd Div, assembles in vicinity of Uffing.

12th Inf, 4th Div, drives SE to Thankirchen and

Hechenberg; 22d Inf gets 2 cos across the Isar in

Unter Schaeftlarn area; 8th Inf ( — ) shuttles for-

[ 1 MAY 1945 ]
[ 527 ]

ward to screen left flank of div W of the Isar. 101st

Cav Rcn Sq, 101st Cav Gp, which is attached to 4th

Div to screen left flank E of the Isar crosses Loisach

and Isar bridges near Wolfratshausen. RCT 141,

36th Div, begins assault on Bad Toelz, elements

driving into the city and capturing Field Marshal

von Runstedt. VI Corps continues southward

through the Alps toward Innsbruck and Imst, passing 103d and 44th Divs through 10th Armd Div. On

left flank, 103d Div heads for Innsbruck; RCT 409,

making main effort, crosses Austrian border S of

Mittenwald and reaches Seefeld. 3d Bn of 71st Inf,

44th Div, gets into position for assault on Fern Pass

through the Alps. 114th Inf continues SW along the

Lech, clearing Rauth; in effort to secure lateral

contact with 71st Inf, elements drive E toward Tarrenz from road junction S of Elmen. 101st A/B Div

is moving to Miesbach area of Bavaria.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, left flank elements of corps overrun Immenstadt and Sonthofen.

Right flank units clear Austrian city of Bregenz.

DA ATL finishes clearing Oleron Island, concluding operations in Gironde enclave. Drive on La

Rochelle continues.

EASTERN EUROPE—Speeding W along Baltic

coast, troops of Second White Russian Front seize

Stralsund naval base and communications center.

Soviet forces within Berlin deepen penetration.

ITALY—15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s

IV Corps area, 1st Div of BEF gets elements to

Alessandria, where 92d Div is contacted. Contact

between corps and 92d Div has been made earlier

at Pavia, 34th Div relieves elements of 1st Armd Div

on Ticino R NW of Milan. In 11 Corps area, 85th

Div begins clearing Piave Valley, previously the responsibility of 88th Div, permitting latter to concentrate on Brenta Valley. Corps is directed to clear

Highway 49 in preparation for drive through

Brenner Pass to Austria.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div,

continuing toward Trieste; reaches Monfalcone and

makes contact with Yugoslav troops of Marshal Tito

near there.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer selects Gen Stratemeyer to command Army Air Forces, China Theater, with both Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces

under his headquarters.

NEI—Aus 26th Brig, 9th Div, lands on Tarakan

I., off NE Borneo, and begins to clear this oil prize.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 33d

Div’s 136th Inf effects junction with 123d, opening

up Kennon road to Baguio. 32d Div continues to

clear heights in Salacsac Pass .area. 25th Div is

strengthened for final effort against Balete Pass by

attachment of RCT 148, 37th Div. 161st Inf, with

close fire support, launches attack against Kembu

Plateau with 2 bns abreast. In XI Corps’ 38th Div

sector, RCT 145 consolidates on crest of Mt Pacawagan. 43d Div is directed to begin drive to

Ipo on 7th. In XIV Corps area, 5th Cav of 1st Cav

Div, pushing SE into the Bicols, is attached to RCT

158. 1st Bn, RCT 158, reaches Anayan, at junction

of Highways 1 and 27, without opposition. 3d Bn is

ordered to establish contact with 2d Bn, which is

advancing W on Route 27.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, 19th Inf of 24th Div closes in on Davao,

Mindanao, against strong opposition, bypassing and

containing Hill 550, which commands approaches to

the city. Leading elements of 21st Inf reach Bayo, 3

miles N of Dalaio. On Sayre Highway, 3d Bn of

124th Inf, 31st Div, reaches Misinsman, where

Japanese force is routed in fire fight. Japanese positions in Kibawe area are targets for air attacks. On

Negros, 2d Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, gains

another knob on Cuernos de Negros ridge (Negros

Oriental) and holds against counterattacks. Under

cover of heavy arty fire, 185th Inf, 40th Div, attacks

for Virgne Ridge (Negros Occidental), target for

extensive aerial bombardment for several days, and

gains control of this feature with ease. On N flank,

503d Para Inf pushes forward onto Banana Ridge.

160th Inf remains on slopes of Hill 3155 (Dolan),

which is still being pounded by fire and probed by

patrols.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps

area, 1st Mar Div completes relief of 27th Div in

line and takes responsibility for W sector of corps

front. 1st Marines continue futile and costly efforts

to reach Asa R line. 1st Bn of 307th Inf, 77th Div,

attempts unsuccessfully to scale precipitous E edge

of Maeda Escarpment with cargo nets and ladders;

elements succeed in getting to the top but are driven

off in night counterattack. Efforts of 3d Bn to take

the Apartment House strongpoint also fail. In 7th

Div zone, 184th Inf relieves 32d Inf in line by 1730.

Enemy infiltrators delay the relief. Co L, 184th,

penetrates to Gaja Ridge, night 1–2, but withdraws.

17th Inf, except for mopping up Onaga, remains in

place while approach routes to Kochi Ridge are

being cleared.

2 May

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Br Second

Army seals off Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark as

elements reach the Baltic. In 12 Corps area, 53d Div

passes through 8 Corps bridgehead and turns W

toward Hamburg. In 8 Corps area, Luebeck falls to

11th Armd Div. U.S. XVIII Corps (A/B) gains

final objective, general line Wismar–Schwerin–

Ludwigslust–Doemitz. Br 6th A/B Div drives to the

Baltic coast against negligible resistance, taking

Gadebusch, Labow, and Wismar; 3d Para Brig

makes contact with Soviet 1st Motorcycle Bn of 3d

[ 2 MAY1945 ]
[ 528 ]

Tank Corps at Wismar at 2100. 8th Div, attacking

with 121st Inf followed by 28th, secures Hagenow

and Schwerin without opposition. Passing 325th Gli

Inf, reinf by CCB of 7th Armd Div, through 505th

Para Inf, 82d A/B Div pushes eastward, clearing

Ludwigslust, Eldena, and Doemitz. At 2130, Lt Gen

von Tippelskirch surrenders German Twenty-first

Army unconditionally to 82d A/B Div. 7th Armd

Div ( — CCB) starts across the Elbe.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps gains its first contact with Red Army:

84th Div patrols meet Russians in vicinity of Balow

and Abbendorft at 1630 and 1730, respectively; at

2130, 29th Div makes patrol contact with Red Army.

In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 1st and 97th

Divs improve positions along Czechoslovakian

frontier in limited attacks. 2d Div is transferred to

V Corps from VII Corps and begins relief of 97th

Div and XII Corps’ 90th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, CCA of

11th Armd Div drives S from Oepping through Rohrbach to the Muehl at Neufelden and starts fording

infantry elements mounted on tanks without opposition. Main body of CCB remains at Lembach; failure of road net in Krondf area prevents crossing of

the Klein Muehl there. CCR moves forward to Peilstein. 26th Div continues SE along the Danube to

rear of armor, reaching Klein Muehl R in Aus-tria.

To left, RCT 11 of 5th Div clears to the Gross Muehl

in Austria and crosses; RCT 10 gains additional

ground in Czechoslovakia on div left. 359th Inf,

90th Div, pushes toward Vseruby. In XX Corps area,

261st Inf of 65th Div reaches the Inn at Passau on

left and at Neuhaus, opposite Schaerding, on right;

2d Bn clears most of Passau while 1st, with close

fire support, begins assault crossing of the Inn at

Neuhaus. Forward elements of 259th Inf reach the

Inn S of Neuhaus. 13th Armd Div closes along N

bank of the Inn to right and after establishing

small bridgeheads is ordered to assemble N of the

river. CCA negotiates successfully for surrender of

Braunau. 71st Div drives quickly SE toward the Inn,

motorized elements of 66th and 5th Regts seizing

Inn R dams near Egglfing and Ering, respectively,

and establishing shallow infantry bridgeheads over

the dams into Austria. Engineers begin work on the

dams so that vehicles can cross. 80th Div, with 318th

Inf on left and 319th on right, reaches the Inn in

vicinity of Braunau and Winhoering, overtaking

armor. III Corps continues SE toward the Inn until

ordered to refrain from crossing the Inn. Forward

elements of 14th Cav Gp reach the Inn in vicinity of

Neuoetting and make contact with XX Corps to left.

99th Div gets almost to the Inn. CCB, 14th Armd

Div, reaches the river SE of Aschau and takes bridge

intact. To left, CCA reaches the river in vicinity of

Muehldorf and establishes small infantry bridgehead, withdrawing it upon order. 86th Div, replacing RCT 343 with RCT 341, drives SE to Haag

with 2 RCT’s abreast; TF Pope reaches outskirts of

Wasserburg before being halted and is then dissolved. After breaking off attack, corps units begin

assembly in assigned areas N of the Inn.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 86th Div is attached to corps. 3d Div

prepares to drive on Salzburg. In XXI Corps area,

CCR of 12th Armd Div, directed to drive on Innsbruck, closes along the Inn and drives S along it to

Degerndorf area while CCA and CCB remain in

current positions. CCV, Fr 2d Armd Div, which is

to follow CCR, advances from Uffing assembly area

to the Isar at Bad Toelz. 101st Cav Gp moves to

Bad Aibling area to screen N flank of armor. Against

disorganized resistance, 12th Inf, 4th Div, drives to

Tegern See while 22d crosses newly completed

bridge near Unter Schaeftlarn and drives SE to Miesbach-Gusteig area. RCT 141, 36th Div, finishes clearing Bad Toelz area, elements crossing the Isar to clear

E part of city. In VI Corps area, RCT 409

of 103d Div continues S toward the Inn, taking Auland and Reith; other elements of div move to forward assembly areas and begin negotiations for surrender of Innsbruck. 71st Inf, 44th Div, clears Fern

Pass in enveloping maneuver: while 3d Bn

attacks frontally from N, 1st Bn, led by party of

Austrian soldiers, move to Fernstein and drives N

along highway to attack from rear, surprising Germans. Main body of 114th Inf, preceded by 44th

Cav Rcn Tr, continues along Lech R Valley; elements driving toward Tarrenz reach Boden.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps reaches Obersdorf

on left and Goetzis (Austria) on right.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces complete capture

of Berlin.

ITALY—15th Army Group: Hostilities come to

an end as surrender terms become effective.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div

receives surrender of Trieste. 10 Corps hq starts to

Naples for movement to the Far East.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Gp Capt

Grandy lands his plane on Mingaladon airfield and

enters Rangoon, where he confirms information

painted on roof of jail that Japanese have gone.

Aerial bombardment of Rangoon area, which has

been intensive since 26 April, halts. Ind 26th Div

troops land astride Rangoon R from small craft and

move toward Rangoon unopposed. Seaborne phase

of DRACULA is preceded by airdrop of 23d Bn, 50th

Ind Para Brig, in vicinity of Elephant Pt, about 20

miles S of Rangoon. Paratroopers move inland

without difficulty.

In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Ind 20th

Div seizes Prome, cutting last escape route of Japa-

[ 2 MAY 1945 ]
[ 529 ]

nese remnants in Arakan sector. In 4 Corps area,

Ind 17th Div completes capture of Pegu.

CHINA—5th Div, Ch 94th Army, makes contact

with enemy at entrance to Wuyang Valley.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 33d

Div is ordered to relieve 37th Div elements in Baguio

area on 5th so 37th, less RCT 145, can concentrate

to exploit expected breakthrough in Balete PassSanta Fe-Imugan area. 25th Div is to take Santa Fe,

at junction of Highway 5 and Villa Verde Trail,

after opening Balete Pass. 32d Div will continue E

along Villa Verde Trail. 161st Inf, 25th Div, gains

positions on Kembu Plateau as battle for this feature

continues. Region E of Highway 5 at head of draw

2,000 yards S of Balete Pass is now clear. In XI Corps

area, 145th Inf completes mop up of Mt Pacawagan. After arty preparation, 152d Inf of 38th

Div attacks to edge of Woodpecker Ridge. In XIV

Corps area, 2d and 3d Bns of RCT 158 effect junction at Mabatobato, opening all of Route 27. 1st Bn,

which has moved from Anayan to Pili, gains patrol

contact with 5th Cav, 1st Cav Div, at San Agustin.

Japanese forces in the Bicols are now located at Mt

Isarog, NE of Anayan; 158th Inf and 5th Cav patrols

probe this area actively for about the next 2 weeks.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, RCT 108 is detached from 40th Div for amphibious operations at Macajalar Bay, Mindanao.

19th Inf, 24th Div, is still stubbornly opposed as it

attempts to force Davao River but succeeds in establishing small bridgehead. While 1st Bn, 21st Inf,

pushes on toward Mintal, 2d Bn, in conjunction

with elements of 34th Inf, clears most of Libby airfield. On Sayre Highway, 1st Bn of 124th Inf, 31st

Div, takes the lead, advancing rapidly. On Negros,

1st Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, crosses Ocoy R

in Negros Oriental and drives through Badiang; Co

C pushes on toward Ticala along Ticala Valley and

Co B drives up ridge toward Odlumon. Forward

movement halts when Japanese cut supply line. 2d

Bn is patrolling extensively. For the next few days,

185th Inf of 40th Div consolidates positions on

Virgne Ridge in Negros Occidental and patrols.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV

Corps area, 1st Mar Div attacks S on W flank of

corps toward Asa R with 2 regts abreast, 1st Marines

on right and 5th Marines on left. Gains are negligible and exceedingly costly since enemy has excellent observation of this area and puts up accurate

fire. 307th Inf, 77th Div, continues futile efforts to

take Maeda Escarpment. In 7th Div zone, 1st Bn

of 17th Inf tries in vain to gain knob of Kochi Ridge.

184th Inf gains and later loses Gaja Ridge. Japanese

commanders decide to mount a major counteroffensive on the 4th.

3 May

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field

Marshal Montgomery refuses offer of German delegation to surrender all German forces in the north,

including those opposing the Red Army.

In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps receives surrender of Hamburg. 7th Armd Div crosses the Elbe

to help 53d Div occupy the city. 8 Corps pursues

enemy toward Kiel Canal. In U.S. XVIII Corps

(A/B) area, 7th Armd Div concludes offensive

operations of corps, driving N along left flank to the

Baltic W of Kluetz unopposed. Contact is established

with Soviet forces.

12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps

area, 2d Div closes in corps zone and continues relief

of 97th Div (V Corps) and 90th Div (XII Corps).

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 11th Armd

Div continues SE toward Linz, its final objective.

CCA advances SE to Gramastetten and Rottenegg.

CCB follows CCA across river at Neufelden and

drives E on div left flank to Zwettl, cutting main

N–S road to Linz. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues

SE on right flank of corps but is slowed by friendly

armor just ahead; at 2200 is attached to 11th Armd

Div. 101st Inf continues to screen right flank of 26th

Div. 104th remains in place. 5th Div patrols aggressively. 359th Inf, 80th Div, receives surrender of Vseruby; 357th establishes outpost line across Czechoslovakian border on div right flank. 4th

Armd Div closes in assembly area near Regen. XX

Corps is directed to veer from SE to E and establish

contact with Soviet forces as soon as possible. 65th

Div gets most of its forces across the Inn and prepares to cross rest at Neuhaus when bridge is completed. 261st Inf completes capture of Passau and

clears Schaerding, on the Inn; pushes rapidly SE

toward Linz , leading elements reaching Waizenkirchen. Elements of 260th mop up in woods between Sandbach and Passau. CCB, 13th Armd Div,

withdraws its small bridgehead at Neuoetting. 71st

Div crosses bulk of its forces into Austria over

Ering and Egglfing dams, which are opened to

heavy traffic during day, and expands bridgehead,

forward elements of 66th Inf reaching Ried. 80th

Div overtakes 13th Armd Div at Braunau. 43d Sq,

3d Cav Gp, extends screen along corps right flank

to the Inn. III Corps completes movement into assembly areas and with minimum forces mops up N

of the Inn.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 3d Div, with 7th Inf in assault, speeds

toward Salzburg. In XXI Corps area, CCR of 12th

Armd Div continues S along the Inn toward Innsbruck, crossing Austrian border and reaching positions near Reisach. CCV, Fr 2d Armd Div, is

directed to drive on Berchtesgaden, rather than fol-

[ 3 MAY1945 ]
[ 530 ]

low CCR to Innsbruck, and advances E along autobahn to Sulzbach. 4th Div remains in place, mopping

up and preparing for relief by 101st A/B Div, which

is moving into its zone. RCT 141, 36th Div, reaches

Tegern See on left and Lenggries area on right;

elements of RCT 142 make contact with VI Corps

units at Wallgau. In VI Corps area, 103d Div continues negotiations for surrender of Innsbruck. RCT

409 reaches the Inn at Telfs and Zirl, taking bridge

at Telfs; pushes E along the river to Innsbruck.

Elements of 410th Inf clear several small towns in

region W of Mittenwald Seefeld road. At 2030,

RCT 411 ( — ) starts motorized movement from Mittenwald toward Brenner Pass in effort to establish

contact with Fifth Army troops in Italy. 71st

Inf, 44th Div, drives S from Fern Pass to Nassereith

and from there 1st Bn continues toward Imst while

2d moves E along highway toward Innsbruck and

makes contact with elements of 103d Div at Telfs.

114th Inf TF reaches Tarrenz, NW of Imst.

In Fr 1st Army area, 1st Corps continues S along

the Iller and Rhine, reaching Feldkirch on the

Rhine.

EASTERN EUROPE—Continuing W through

Mecklenburg and Brandenburg on broad front,

troops of Second White Russian Front effect junction with British forces of Western Front along line

Wismar–Wittenberge. To left, troops of First White

Russian Front reach the Elbe SE of Wittenberg and

link up with U.S. forces of Western Front.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, 36th Brig

of Ind 26th Div enters Rangoon while 71st Brig

moves into Syriam, across the river from Rangoon.

23d Para Bn defends W bank of Rangoon R from

Thakutpin to Elephant Pt.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 3d

Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div, prepares to attack Mt

Haruna, commanding feature W of Balete Pass. In

XI Corps area, 6th Div relieves final elements of

38th Div in Kembu sector. 38th Div regroups for

coordinated attack with 145th Inf toward Wawa

Dam. 152d Inf temporarily suspends action against

Woodpecker Ridge while patrolling and consolidating. Fifth Air Force begins series of strikes on Ipo

area as 43d Div is moving secretly into position for

ground attack. Baldy Force is dissolved, RCT 169

reverting to 43d Div. In XIV Corps area, 8th Cav

and Tr F of 7th Cav revert to parent div from attachment to 11th A/B Div. RCT 158 probes in Mt Isarog

area to locate and destroy enemy remnants in the

Bicols.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, 3d Bn of 19th Inf, 24th Div, clears

Davao, Mindanao, which is in ruins, and patrols to

Santa Ana. Forward elements of 124th Inf, 31st

Div, overrun Kibawe and its airstrip and secure

junction of Sayre Highway with Talomo Trail; elements then advance SE along Talomo Trail. On Negros, 1st Bn of 164th Inf, Americal Div, tries in vain

to reopen supply line in Negros Oriental.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps

area, 1st Mar Div continues to receive heavy, accurate enemy fire and makes little headway on W

flank of corps. Elements of 307th Inf, 77th Div, reach

top of Maeda Escarpment, where they come under

heavy fire from reverse slope. Coordinated attack on

Kochi Ridge by 1st and 3d Bns of 17th Inf, 7th Div,

fails. Japanese begin their only major counteroffensive of the Ryukyus Campaign on night 3–4, sharply

stepping up air attacks and arty fire and attempting

landings behind American lines on W and E coasts.

The amphibious operations are costly failures: 500–

800 Japanese are killed, and most of their landing

craft are destroyed. The enemy forces that succeed

in landing are soon rounded up and wiped out.

4 May

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Germans

sign instrument of surrender of armed forces in Holland, NW Germany, and Denmark at 1820, to become effective at 0800 5 May.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area,

XIII Corps commander meets with Soviet III Cav

Corps commander. 29th Div is transferred to XVI

Corps.

U.S. First Army begins to turn over its troops to

other U.S. armies as First Army hq prepares to

return to the U.S. for redeployment to the Pacific.

VII Corps loses contact with enemy as Red Army

closes up solidly along its front. V Corps is assigned

9th Armd and 16th Armd Divs and at 1930 passes

to control of Third Army for final drive on Karlsbad

(Karlovy Vary) and Pilsen (Plzen). 9th Armd Div,

assembling in vicinity of Weiden, releases CCA to

1st Div for drive on Karlsbad. 16th Armd Div,

performing security duties in Nuremberg, is directed to move to Waidhaus area upon relief by

elements of 4th Div.

In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, enemy in

Linz and Urfahr places heavy fire on 11th Armd

Div columns as they threaten these objectives. From

Zwettl, CCB drives SE to Alterberg area; 41st Cav

continues SE, taking Gallneukirchen, where CCB is

ordered to halt and attempt to make patrol contact

with Soviet forces. CCR relieves CCB elements at

Zwettl and takes responsibility for guarding div N

flank. CCA makes slow progress in Gramastetten–

Rottenegg area; abandons plan to attack Urfahr

from the NW and prepares to circle N and E to

attack from NE. RCT 328, 26th Div, joins CCA and

is reinf by a medium tank company. Though AA

fire keeps XIX TAC from Linz, fighter bombers

assist CCA with strikes NW of Linz. Arty is

[ 4 MAY 1945 ]
[ 531 ]

brought forward to support assault on Linz and

begins pounding the area. 104th Inf, 26th Div, drives

quickly SE on right flank of corps until ordered in

afternoon to halt. 5th and 90th Divs prepare to

attack to clear passes into Czechoslovakia through

which 4th Armd Div will attack toward Prague.

2d Div of V Corps completes relief of 90th Div on

left flank of corps and new V–XX Corps boundary

becomes effective. In XX Corps area, 65th Div completes its crossing of the Inn at Neuhaus and, with

260th Inf on left and 261st on right, continues E

toward Linz, reaching Eferding. 71st Div, employing 66th Inf on left, 14th in center, and 5th on right,

speeds SE by foot and motor to Traun R, taking

Wels and Lambach and bridges at both cities and

cutting main highway between the cities. 80th Div

continues to cross the Inn at Braunau; 317th Inf

speeds SE to Voecklabruck; TF Smith (both Rcn

Tr and tanks) drives SE to Schwanenstadt. 3d Cav

Gp also crosses the Inn at Braunau. While 43d Sq

screens right flank of corps from the Inn to Neumarkt, arranging for surrender of Neumarkt by

telephone, 3d Sq precedes 80th Div toward the Enns

and helps reduce strongpoint at Voecklabruck.

6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV

Corps area, 7th Inf of 3d Div, crossing into Austria, advances through Salzburg to Berchtesgaden

without opposition. 106th Cav Gp, reconnoitering

ahead of 3d Div, accepts surrender of Salzburg.

Other elements of corps move forward to Austrian

border unopposed. In XXI Corps area, 12th Armd

Div, after continuing toward Innsbruck and Berchtesgaden, is placed in army reserve and releases attached CCV, 2d Fr Armd Div, and 101st Cav Gp

( — ). CCR reaches Kufstein area (Austria), where it

is relieved by 36th Div. Advancing toward Berchtesgaden, CCV, 2d Fr Armd Div, reaches Bad Reichenhall. 4th Div is relieved by 101st A/B Div, which

completes movement into corps zone and is attached

to corps, and starts to Neumarkt area for occupation

duty within Third Army zone; 8th Inf and 101st

Cav Rcn Sq are attached to 101st A/B Div. RCT

506, 101st A/B Div, moves toward Berchtesgaden.

RCT 141, 36th Div, clears banks of Tegern and

Schlier Lakes, including towns of Tegernsee and

Schliersee, and continues southward. RCT 142, after

relieving CCR of 12th Armd Div along the Inn, attacks S. In VI Corps area, 103d Div accepts formal

surrender of Innsbruck at 1015; 410th Inf polices

and garrisons the city; meanwhile, 411th Inf completes motor journey through Innsbruck to Brenner

Pass by 0150 and at 1051 effects junction with Fifth

Army’s 88th Div in Italy; 3d Bn, 409th Inf, reinf by

tanks, drives quickly along Inn R to Worgl, where

XII Corps is contacted. In 44th Div zone, 324th Inf,

motorized, speeds S through Fern Pass, passing

through elements of 71st Inf at Dollinger, and clears

Imst; continues SW toward Landeck with final objective of blocking Resia Pass into Italy, overrunning

Mils and Wenns. Officers of German Nineteenth

Army enter 44th Div lines to discuss surrender

terms.

In Fr 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 2d Moroccan

Inf Div, on left flank of corps, pushes S toward the

Inn in St Anton area while 5th Armd Div thrusts

SE from Feldkirch toward same objective. DA

ATL halts on current line SE of la Rochelle to await

surrender negotiations.

ITALY—15th Army Group: I and R Platoon of

349th Inf, 88th Div, establishes contact with U.S.

Seventh Army at Vipiteno, S of Brennero, on

Austro-Italian frontier.

BURMA—Vice Adm Mountbatten, having decided to omit Operation ROGER (capture of Phuket

I., off Kra Isthmus, as forward base for ZIPPER, assault on Malaya), asks for 11th Aircraft Carrier Sq

of British Pacific Fleet as close support force for

ZIPPER. Request is denied, but Mountbatten is

promised an additional escort carrier and 2 general

purpose carriers.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

elements of 161st Inf, 25th Div, seize Mt Haruna,

300 yards W of Balete Pass, and for some days to

come remain there patrolling and consolidating. 2d

Bn, 27th Inf, has advanced along Wolfhound Ridge

about 3,000 yards from Lone Tree Hill and 3d Bn

is relieving it. In XI Corps area, 145th Inf opens

co-ordinated attack after arty preparation, 1st Bn on

left, 3d in center, and 2d on right. Left flank elements get about halfway to Wawa but withdraw to

more tenable position at San Isidro under cover of

darkness. Progress otherwise is slow because of terrain as well as enemy opposition. 152d Inf, 38th

Div, renews attack on Woodpecker Ridge but makes

little headway.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 2d

Bn of 108th Inf returns to Leyte from Masbate, where

118 Japanese and 7 Americans have lost their

lives. Filipino guerrillas are responsible for final mop

up. In X Corps area, 24th Div forces mop up in

Davao area, Mindanao, while 124th Inf of 31st Div

probes northward with patrols from Kibawe. RCT

162, 41st Div, arrives at Parang from Zamboanga.

On Samal I., I and R Platoon of 19th Inf, 24th Div,

lands to reconnoiter. On Negros, 1st Bn of 164th

Inf, Americal Div, continues efforts to reopen supply line in Negros Oriental.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, III

Amphib Corps (6th Mar Div and corps troops)

is displacing southward. 27th Div takes over sector

vacated by 6th Mar Div. In XXIV Corps area, Japanese open ground phase of their counteroffensive

early in morning and it too is a costly failure. Arty

pieces, brought out into the open to provide power-

[ 4 MAY1945 ]
[ 532 ]

ful support, are profitable targets for U.S. counter

battery fire. Japanese troops attack line of 7th Div

and 306th Inf, 77th Div, in force but are unable to

achieve a breakthrough. Enemy survivors are caught

in the open and subjected to destructive fire. Suicide

planes are more successful than enemy ground or

amphibious forces. From evening of 3 May until

evening of 4th, 17 American ships are sunk at cost

to enemy of 131 planes destroyed. Japanese maintain

their well-organized Shuri defenses while conducting their counteroffensive and prevent much forward movement of corps. 1st Mar Div, although not

directly involved in the counteroffensive, suffers extremely heavy casualties while attacking W of Machinato airfield. 307th Inf, 77th Div, against vicious

opposition, improves positions on Maeda

Escarpment.

5 May

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Group

halts offensive operations at 0800, when cease-fire

order becomes effective. Military government is subsequently established within British zone, and on

25 August 21 Army Group is redesignated The

British Army of the Rhine.

12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX

Corps area, 83d Div begins withdrawing Elbe

bridgehead because of imminent arrival of Soviet

troops. 30th Div establishes contact with Red Army

forces at the Elbe.

In U.S. Third Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div prepares for drive on Karlsbad and in limited attack

by 18th Inf improves right flank positions near Cheb.

97th Div, with 303d Inf on left, 387th in center, and

386th on right, attacks toward Pilsen, taking

Trstenice, Chodova Plana, Plana, and Bor and investing Stribro. In XII Corps area, Urfahr–Linz

industrial center falls to 11th Armd Div. From

Gramastetten area, CCA drives NE to Zwettl, then

southward to heights overlooking Urfahr, at which

point arty bombardment of Urfahr–Linz area is

lifted; TF Wingard enters Urfahr at 1100 and soon

afterward crosses the Danube bridge there into Linz,

which surrenders promptly; at 1800, RCT 328 moves

into Linz, relieving TF Wingard. Capture of

Urfahr–Linz highway and rail bridges, which have

been prepared for demolition, cuts off escape of

Germans in Czechoslovakia to the redoubt area.

From Gallneukirchen, CCB sends 41st Cav patrols

E and SE well beyond line set as boundary between

U.S. and Soviet forces—the rail line running generally N and S about 12 miles E of Linz. In left

sector of corps zone, stage is set for drive on Prague.

2d Sq, 2d Cav Gp, speeds northward into Czechoslovakia to Klatovy, where garrison surrenders; 42d

Sq gets elements to Prasily. To right, 90th and 5th

Divs, respectively, clear Regen and Freyung Passes

into Czechoslovakia for debouchment of armor.

90th Div, with RCT 357 in assault, opens Zwiesel–

Zelezna Ruda–Dobra Voda road through Regen

Pass. 5th Div, with RCT’s 10 and 2 abreast, attacks

N and NE across Tepla R, RCT 10 opening

Freyung–Kunzvart–Hor Vltavice road and RCT 2

cutting Volary–Kunzvart road. 4th Armd Div reconnoiters routes toward Prague and prepares to attack

on 6th. XX Corps establishes restraining line along

the Enns. On left flank, 65th Div’s 260th Inf relieves

XII Corps forces in Linz; 261st reaches Enns R and

overruns town of Enns. From Traun R, 71st Div

drives eastward unopposed, advance elements of 5th

Inf reaching the Enns at Steyr. 3d Sq, 3d Cav Gp,

precedes 80th Div to Steyr and takes bridge intact;

43d Sq extends screen on right flank of corps to

Atter Kammer See. 80th Div (less 318th Inf, which

remains S of Braunau, and 1st Bn of 319th Inf,

which moves by train from Braunau to Voecklabruck) closes along the Enns to right of 71st Div and

patrols beyond the river.

6th Army Group: Hostilities cease as Army Group

G, consisting of German First and Nineteenth

Armies, accepts Allied surrender terms at Haar, in

Bavaria. The surrender is officially to take effect at

noon on 6 May, but both sides order immediate

cessation of fighting. In VI Corps zone of Seventh

Army front, 324th Inf of 44th Div occupies Landeck

without opposition.

BURMA—Ind 26th Div of 15 Corps completes

reconquest of Burma with occupation of Rangoon,

but large-scale mopping up must still be conducted

to destroy Burma Area Army.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer proposes to Gen

Stratemeyer that he (Stratemeyer) command a

smaller air force than that originally contemplated.

Gen Stratemeyer does not favor the suggestion.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

25th Div continues reduction of enemy defenses of

Balete Pass. 3d Bn, 27th Inf, finishes clearing Wolfhound Ridge. In XI Corps area, 2d Bn of 145th Inf

gains positions at base of Sugar Loaf Hill on regimental right; in center, 3d Bn reaches base of Mt

Binicayan. 152d Inf suspends attack on Woodpecker

Ridge while reorganizing. Combat elements of 43d

Div complete assembling for attack toward Ipo,

scheduled to begin night 6–7.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Army’s X Corps area,

1st Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, attacks heights N of

Bancal, making slow progress against entrenched

enemy. 3d Bn joins Co K in Guma area to

strengthen efforts against bypassed pocket there.

31st Div patrol moving N along Sayre Highway

finds enemy force disposed to hold woods N of

Lake Pinalay, later dubbed Colgan Woods for Capt

A. T. Colgan. On Negros, 1st Bn of 164th Inf reopens supply line in Negros Oriental. While main

[ 5 MAY 1945 ]
[ 533 ]

body of 2d Bn moves to Badiang area to assist 1st

Bn, Co G begins attack on strongpoint that patrols

have discovered SE of Odlumon.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps

area, Japanese renew unsuccessful efforts to break

through early in morning, concentrating against

U.S. line near junction of 77th and 7th Divs; some

450 penetrate between Route 5 and Kochi to regain

Tanabaru town and Tanabaru Ridge, cutting supply

road of 7th Div. While 306th Inf, 77th Div, is containing enemy onslaughts, 307th gains reverse slope

of Maeda Escarpment and holds against determined

counterattacks during night 5–6. In 7th Div zone,

elements of 17th Inf battle enemy infiltrators in Tanabaru area.

6 May

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: U.S.

Ninth Army takes control of VII and VIII Corps

from First Army at 1800. In XVI Corps area, 115th

Inf (reinf) of 29th Div moves to Bremen area to relieve 378th Inf, 95th Div. In XIX Corps area, 83d

Div completes withdrawal of Elbe bridgehead and

turns over its zone to 30th Div, to which 113th Cav

Gp is attached. Corps’ contact with enemy ends as

Soviet forces arrive along the Elbe in 30th Div zone

at 1700.

In U.S. Third Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div, on

left flank of corps, attacks toward Karlsbad on broad

front: 26th Inf, on left, takes Schoenbach; Kynsperk

falls to 16th, in center; 18th, on right, clears Sangerberg and Mnichov. CCA, 9th Armd Div, attached to

1st Div, attacks through 16th Inf along Cheb–Falknov road, head of column reaching Rudolec. 16th

Armd Div attacks through 97th Div, on right flank

of corps, toward Pilsen. CCB, making main effort,

drives along Bor-Pilsen road and captures Pilsen, site

of Skoda munitions plant. CCR drives through

Pilsen to assigned high ground E of the city. 97th

Div reaches assigned objectives within its zone. XII

Corps opens drive on Prague, Czechoslovakia. 4th

Armd Div speeds NE unopposed through Regen

and Freyung Passes into Czechoslovakia: CCB, on

left, reaches Vel Bor; CCA advances to Strakonice

and sends TF eastward to Pisek. To left, 2d Cav Gp

clears Planice and pushes toward Zinkovy. 90th and

5th Divs follow 4th Armd Div NE. 26th Div, to

which 328th Inf ( — ) reverts from attachment to

11th Armd Div, relieves 11th Inf of 5th Div and

drives NE to Vlatava R line SE of Volary; forward

elements cross the river. On right flank of corps, 11th

Armd Div patrols deep inside Soviet territory without making contact with Red Army. In XX Corps

area, 65th Div (less 260th Inf, which is policing

Linz) closes along Enns R on left flank of corps and

consolidates along W bank. 66th Inf, 71st Div,

reaches the Enns to right of 5th, from Steyr southward, and relieves 80th Div forces along W bank;

5th Inf elements move N from Steyr and secure Ernsthofen dam and heights on E bank. Elements of 80th

Div start S at 1700 from positions N of Kirchdorf.

3d Cav Gp takes responsibility for new zone, which

includes Atter Kammer See and Traun Gmundner

See.

6th Army Group: Surrender of Army Group G to

Allied forces becomes effective at noon.

BURMA—In ALFSEA’s 15 Corps area, Japanese

28th Army is isolated from rest of Burma Area Army

as 71st Brig, Ind 26th Div, pushing N along Rangoon

road, establishes contact with Ind 17th Div of 4

Corps, Br Fourteenth Army, at Hlegu.

NEI—Japanese are forced from Tarakan town,

Tarakan I.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 25th

Div continues to work forward toward Balete Pass,

161st Inf completing capture of Kembu Plateau and

seizing junction of the plateau with Balete Pass

Ridge. In XI Corps area, 3d Bn of 149th Inf is attached to 145th Inf to hold Mt Pacawagan while

145th devotes its attention to eastward drive; relieves

1st Bn, 145th Inf, which has been brought to a halt

on regimental left flank. 2d Bn, 145th Inf, gains top

of Sugar Loaf Hill. 3d Bn reaches positions just below crest of Mt Binicayan. After nightfall, 43d Div

opens drive on Ipo, employing 103d Inf on right and

172d on left. U.S. air and arty break up planned

enemy counterattack before it can get under way.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X

Corps area, 3d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, attacks

bypassed enemy pocket in Guma area of Mindanao

but gains no ground. In Sayre Highway sector, 1st

Bn of 124th Inf, 31st Div, assisted by air strikes and

mortar fire, begins assault on Colgan Woods, where

enemy is firmly entrenched. 3d Bn, in an outflanking

maneuver, gains positions N of the enemy strongpoint. 155th Inf moves up behind 124th in Kibawe

area. On Negros, in preparation for general drive

southward in Negros Oriental, 2d Bn, 164th Inf,

seizes ridge between 1st Bn and Co G. Co G continues attacks on enemy strongpoint SE of Odlumon. In Negros Occidental area, 185th Inf of 40th

Div seizes high ground E and S of Virgne Ridge

and attacks along the ridge onto Patog Plain. Para

RCT 503 is also pressing toward Patog Plain.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps

area, stubborn resistance on right flank of corps

virtually halts 1st Mar Div. Pivoting eastward, 1st

Marines attacks unsuccessfully for Hill 60, 1/2 mile

SE of Yafusu, while warding off Japanese attacks

from reverse slope of Nan Hill, 200 yards N of

Hill 60. Progress of 5th Marines against strongly

fortified hills and ridges S of Awacha is negligible.

7th Marines fills gap resulting from pivoting of

[ 6 MAY1945 ]
[ 534 ]

attack. In center of corps, 307th Inf of 77th Div,

moves forward from Maeda Escarpment to S slopes

of Hill 187. Some elements of 17th Inf, 7th Div, fight

for knob of Kochi Ridge while others continue

to eliminate enemy infiltrators in Tanabaru area.

184th Inf is patrolling extensively.

7 May

WESTERN EUROPE—German High Command

surrenders all land, sea, and air forces unconditionally to Allied forces. The surrender act is signed at

Reims at 0141 B Central European Time, to become

effective at 0001 B 9 May. Upon receipt of this news

in the field, all offensive operations are immediately

halted, and organization of defensive positions is

begun.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of First White Russian Front reach the Elbe N and SE of Magdeburg.

The long-besieged city of Breslau (Silesia) falls to

forces of First Ukrainian Front. In Czechoslovakia,

Ukrainian troops continue clearing Olmuetz area.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

1st Bn of 145th Inf attacks SE from Mt Pacawagan

for ridge extending to Wawa, meeting determined

opposition. Rest of regt holds current positions and

patrols. After aerial and arty preparation, 152d Inf

renews attack for Woodpecker Ridge but for the

next week is held to small gains. 43d Div continues

toward Ipo, gaining about 8,000 yards.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, Co C of 21st Inf, 24th Div,

moves N from Mintal toward Talomo R to intercept enemy; meets intense fire and withdraws. Aircraft and arty pound the enemy positions. While

Japanese pocket in Guma area is being softened by

aerial and arty bombardment, 3d Bn of 34th Inf

patrols. In Sayre Highway sector, 1st Bn of 124th

Inf, 31st Div, makes slow progress against enemy

in Colgan Woods. 3d Bn advances to Maramag Airfield No. I, SW of Maramag. On Negros, Co G of

164th Inf, assisted materially by air and arty bombardment, reduces the enemy strongpoint SE of

Odlumon in Negros Oriental. Preparations for general southward advance continue. In Negros Occidental area, Para RCT 503 effects junction with

185th Inf, 40th Div. Patrols find evidence of enemy

withdrawal from Patog Plain.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army takes direct command of operations on S Okinawa. Gen Hodge

orders seizure of line Asa–Dakeshi–Gaja by the 8th

in preparation for co-ordinated army offensive southward. In III Amphib Corps area, 1st Mar Div, which

reverts to corps control, continues to fight vigorously

in its zone. 1st Marines, still under heavy fire from

reverse slope of Nan Hill, makes another futile effort to take Hill 60. 5th Marines is held up for the

next week by opposition S of Awacha. XXIV Corps,

with 77th Div on right and 7th on left, presses slowly

southward toward Shuri and Yonabaru. 305th Inf,

77th Div, relieves 307th Inf. Some elements of 17th

Inf, 7th Div, finish clearing Tanabaru area of enemy

infiltrators while others improve positions on Kochi

Ridge; still others drive on Zebra Hill, just S of

Kochi town, until stopped by enemy strongpoint.

184th Inf takes Gaja Ridge with ease.

8 May

U.S.—President Harry S. Truman proclaims 8

May V–E Day.

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: U.S.

First Army turns over last of its units to adjacent

U.S. armies.

In U.S. Third Army area, XII Corps establishes

contact with Red Army. 11th Armd Div makes the

junction, concluding its mission: CCA patrol (Tr A

of 41st Cav) meets Soviet units at Amstetten. XX

Corps also gains contact with Soviet forces, 65th Div

in vicinity of Strengberg and 71st Div at St Peter.

This concludes mission of corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Resistance in Latvia ceases

as German Sixteenth and Eighteenth Armies begin

surrendering to forces of Leningrad Front. Dresden

and Goerlitz fall to troops of First Ukrainian Front,

elements of which push S across Czechoslovakian

border toward Prague. Troops of Fourth Ukrainian

Front overrun Olmuetz.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

145th Inf renews 3-bn attack, 1st Bn taking ridge

extending to Wawa and blocking trail in Mariquina

R gorge about 600 yards S of Wawa, 3d trying in

vain to advance up slopes of Mt Binicayan, and 2d

taking Sugar Loaf Hill. 3d Bn of 149th Inf relieves

1st Bn of 145th of all responsibility for Mt

Pacawagan.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, 1st Bn of 21st Inf, 24th Div,

establishes bridgehead across Talomo R north of

Mintal, evoking strong enemy reaction. Co E, 19th

Inf, relieves Co F on forward tip of Hill 550. In

Sayre Highway sector, 124th Inf of 31st Div continues efforts to clear Colgan Woods, replacing 1st

Bn with 2d. 3d Bn patrols in Maramag Airfield No.

I area. On Samal, Co K, 19th Inf, lands after arty

preparation and patrols to locate enemy. On Negros,

164th Inf, with 2 bns abreast, attacks southward in

Negros Oriental, slowly but steadily wresting ground

from stubborn enemy defenders as fighting continues through rest of month.

OKINAWA—Rain hampers ground, air, and

naval operations. In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 22d Marines, 6th Mar Div, relieves 7th

Marines, 1st Mar Div, on W coast N of the Asa. 1st

[ 7–8 MAY 1945 ]
[ 535 ]

Marines, 1st Mar Div, concentrates on blasting

enemy from caves on reverse slope of Nan Hill in

preparation for renewing assault on Hill 60. In

XXIV Corps area, limited attack by 305th Inf of

77th Div brings sharp enemy reaction. 184th Inf,

7th Div, slightly improves positions in E coastal

sector.

9 May

WESTERN EUROPE—All hostilities in the European

Theater of Operations are officially terminated at

0001 B as surrender act becomes effective.

EASTERN EUROPE—Resistance on Eastern Front

is limited to Czechoslovakian and Austrian areas,

where enemy is retreating W and SW as rapidly as

possible. On northern front, German remnants along

coast of Gulf of Danzig start surrendering to forces

of Third and Second White Russian Fronts. First,

Fourth, and Second Ukrainian Fronts pursue enemy

westward in Czechoslovakia; Prague falls to forces

of First Ukrainian Front. Troops of Third Ukrainian Front driving W in Austria reach Amstetten

and Graz and make contact with U.S. forces near

Amstetten.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, W African 82d Div,

now under direct command of ALFSEA and

moving S along Arakan coast from Taungup, enters

Sandoway.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

battle for Balete Pass nears the end as 27th and 161st

Regts, 25th Div, establish contact in this region. In

XI Corps area, 3d Bn of 145th Inf seizes Mt

Binicayan; 2d Bn improves positions near Sugar

Loaf Hill; 1st Bn patrols in Wawa sector. In XIV

Corps area, patrol of 158th Inf eliminates enemy

party in the Bicols, the only Japanese met in this

area.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

RCT 108 convoys leave Cebu and Leyte for Macajalar Bay operation, Mindanao. In X Corps area on

Mindanao, 1st Bn of 21st Inf, 24th Div, holds its

Talomo R bridgehead against strong opposition.

Efforts to bridge the river fail. Continuing attack

on Guma pocket after air strike, Co K of 34th Inf

finds that Japanese have withdrawn. 124th Inf, 31st

Div, suspends ground attacks in Colgan Woods for

next few days while enemy positions are being

softened by aircraft and mortar fire.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Gen

Buckner orders general attack by army to begin on

11th. While holding action is conducted in center,

troops on flanks will attempt double envelopment

of enemy’s Shuri positions. In III Amphib Corps

area, 6th Mar Div prepares to attack across Asa R

on W flank of corps. Engineers construct footbridge

during night. 1st Marines, 1st Mar Div, finishes

clearing Nan Hill, then attacks and takes Hill 60.

5th Marines is endeavoring to pocket enemy in region S of Awacha where stubborn opposition continues. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div’s frontal

assaults toward Shuri make little headway. Since enemy has organized a series of strongpoints on

heights N of Shuri that must be methodically reduced, div tactics are to attack in small area with

one regt after all available supporting weapons have

softened it, while another regt supports the attack

with fire and mops up. On left flank of corps, 382d

Inf of 96th Div relieves 17th Inf of 7th Div. Most of

the Japanese have been cleared from their Kochi

positions.

10 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

145th Inf mops up and patrols within its sector. 152d

Inf, 38th Div, continues almost futile efforts to advance in vicinity of Woodpecker Ridge. 43d Div

advance slows as troops approach Ipo.

In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area of Mindanao,

RCT 108 lands on shore of Macajalar Bay at 0830

after uneventful mine sweeping and aerial and naval

gunfire bombardment and, assisted by Filipino guerrillas, establishes beachhead without opposition. 2d

Bn starts SE along Sayre Highway to make contact

with 31st Div forces moving N along it, gaining 5

miles. 155th Inf, which has been probing down

Talomo Trail toward 24th Div sector, is relieved by

167th Inf; 167th will continue to explore the trail.

Japanese guns on Samal I. shell CP area of 19th Inf,

24th Div. 1st Bn, 21st Inf, withdraws its bridgehead

across the Talomo in evening. After arty preparation, 2d Bn of 19th Inf begins attack to destroy bypassed enemy force on Hill 550, which commands

Davao.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 22d Marines, 6th Mar Div, begins attack

across Asa Estuary at 0300, rear elements wading

after Japanese destroy the footbridge. Against increasingly strong resistance marines push forward

through Asa and establish bridgehead 350 yards

deep and almost a mile wide. Bailey bridge is constructed, night 10–11, for heavy weapons. 1st Mar

Div, under heavy fire from Shuri, makes little

progress: 1st Marines is unable to advance; 7th

Marines reaches Dakeshi Ridge and attacks it unsuccessfully. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div continues

laborious reduction of enemy positions N of Shuri.

383d Inf, 96th Div, relieves 184th Inf, 7th Div, and

prepares to attack toward Conical Hill, E anchor of

enemy’s Shuri defense line. 383d Inf reaches crest of

Zebra Hill and holds it against enemy counterattack

at night.

[ 9–10 MAY1945 ]
[ 536 ]

11 May

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet forces finish clearing

Czechoslovakia and Austria and begin to mop up

isolated remnants. Contact is made with U.S. forces

in vicinity of Chemnitz (Saxony), Pilsen (Czechoslovakia), and Linz (Austria).

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer writes Gen Marshall

that he (Wedemeyer) is reviewing plans for increasing air strength in China and opening a seacoast port because of reduced ATC tonnage offered

on 25 April and because of drain on Hump tonnage

during Japanese drive on Chihchiang. Gen Ho’s

ALPHA forces have halted Japanese drive on Chihchiang by outflanking maneuvers and are forcing

enemy back. Ch 18th and 100th Armies have blunted

enemy’s N spearheads in Paima Shan area; 18th

recovers Shanmen. On main axis of Japanese advance, Pao-ching–Chihchiang road, Japanese set

fire to Kaosha village. Ch 94th Army has successfully

turned enemy’s S flank and is now just 8 miles S of

Paoching–Chihchiang road, well E of Tungkow.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area 1st

Bn of 35th Inf, 25th Div, and 3d Bn of 27th Inf

establish contact on Kapintalan Ridge, where over

200 caves have been sealed and almost a thousand

Japanese dead counted. 25th Div is directed to continue N with 161st Inf advancing W of Highway 5,

35th astride it, and 27th E of it toward Villa Verde

Trail, Santa Fe, and heights E of Santa Fe. In XI

Corps area, 43d Div troops driving on Ipo reach

slopes of Hill 815, about a mile below objective.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, RCT 108, pushing steadily down

Sayre Highway, reaches positions commanding Del

Monte Airfield. Filipino guerrillas seize Cagayan.

21st Inf, 24th Div, reinf by 1st Bn of 34th, is directed to clear region NE of Talomo R in vicinity of

Mintal. 2d Bn, 19th Inf, makes little headway

against enemy on Hill 550 despite ground fire and

air support. On Samal, Co K, 19th Inf, searches for

enemy guns that continue to fire on Davao, Mindanao. On Negros, 185th Inf, reinf by 3d Bn of

503d Para Inf, opens southward drive along Terukini

and Kasagi Ridges toward Hill 4055 in Negros

Occidental, progressing very slowly during rest of

month. Bombardment of Dolan Hill by arty and aircraft is intensified for next few days as 160th Inf

prepares to renew ground assault.

NEW GUINEA—6th Aus Div seizes Wewak.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army, after 30-minute

arty preparation to neutralize enemy guns and

strongpoints, launches co-ordinated attack with III

Amphib Corps on right and XXIV Corps on left.

On III Amphib Corp’s W flank, 22d Marines of

6th Mar Div expands positions S of the Asa, some

elements on coast reaching positions at N outskirts

of Amike, which command the capital city of Naha,

and others taking hill 800 yards S of Asa. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, gains foothold on Dakeshi Ridge

despite intense fire from Wana Ridge to S, but 1st

Marines is still virtually halted by fire from Shuri

Heights. 5th Marines encircles enemy forces in region S of Awacha. In XXIV Corps area, columns

of 306th Inf, 77th Div, begin attacks toward Chocolate Drop Hill (Hill 130), NE of Ishimmi, and

Flattop Hill to SE, which dominates Dick hill mass

in 96th Div zone, but meet intense fire and make

little headway. 382d Inf, 96th Div, consolidates on

Zebra and tries unsuccessfully to push forward to

Dick hill mass; 383d begins attack for Conical Hill,

gaining positions on hills at NW approaches.

12 May

SEAC—Preparations for Operation ZIPPER—

invasion of Malaya—are in progress. Part of the

assault forces—Force W (amphibious), 15 Corps,

224th Gp (air), and newly formed 34 Corps, all

under Lt Gen O. L. Roberts—are now assembled

in India for reorganization, rest, and training. Other

assault forces that can be spared are concentrated in

Rangoon area, from which the ZIPPER forces from

Burma will be mounted.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

43d Div columns are converging on Ipo; Japanese

are driven from Hill 815.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, some elements of RCT 108 take

Del Monte Airfield while others advance to positions SW of Tankulan. 155th Inf is directed to

continue 31st Div’s northward drive along Sayre

Highway toward RCT 108. 124th Inf renews attack

on Colgan Woods strongpoint and overcomes resistance there. 21st Inf, 24th Div, supported by

massed arty fire, attacks NW along Talomo R with

1st Bn on .left and attached 1st Bn of 34th Inf on

right. 2d Bn, 19th Inf, assisted by air strikes, makes

limited progress on Hill 550. 3d Bn, 34th Inf, asks

and receives permission to remain in Guma area

until its relief can be physically accomplished by

162d Inf rather than return to Digos at once. On

Samal, aircraft and arty bombard suspected enemy

gun positions.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, while 3d Bn of 22d Marines, 6th Mar

Div, remains on W coast above Naha, Co G, to E,

pushes forward to Sugar Loaf Hill, key point in

Shuri defenses SE of Amike, but is forced back with

heavy casualties. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, gains

most of Dakeshi Ridge. 1st Marines, veering westward in order to advance, must be supplied by air.

In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf of 77th Div continues extremely slow advance generally along Route

5 toward Shuri. 306th temporarily suspends action

[ 11–12 MAY 1945 ]
[ 537 ]

against Chocolate Drop and assists 305th. 382d Inf,

96th Div, continues attack toward Dick hill mass

with negligible results but takes hill 600 yards S of

Zebra. 2d Bn, 382d Inf, gains weak hold on N spur

of Conical Hill, whereupon div is ordered to intensify frontal attacks on the hill.

13 May

EASTERN EUROPE—Red Army completes offensive

operations, overcoming last German resistance in

Czechoslovakia.

BURMA—In ALFSEA area, W African 82d Div

reaches Gwa without opposition, concluding operations in Arakan sector.

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer has by this time decided that he cannot receive the Tenth Air Force in

China for several months and so informs Gen

Stratemeyer. Gen Chennault’s Fourteenth Air Force

is to move to Chungking to command air forces

based in China.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, I Corps

finishes clearing Balete Pass, gaining access to

Cagayan Valley. In XI Corps area, 43d Div gets

elements to within sight of Ipo Dam.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, RCT 108, continuing down Sayre Highway on

Mindanao, runs into strong opposition from Mangima Canyon and is delayed in the area for several

days. 155th Inf, 31st Div, passes through 124th and

drives N along Sayre Highway in effort to establish

contact with RCT 108; on Talomo Trail, elements

of 167th Inf reach Pulangi R. 21st Inf, 24th Div,

makes slow progress northward along Talomo

Trail; 3d Bn, 34th Inf, moves forward from Guma

area to assist 21st Inf in clearing Talomo R Valley;

2d Bn, 19th Inf, progresses slowly against Hill 550.

On Samal, Co K, 19th Inf, unsuccessfully attacks

enemy position.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, although supported by

heavy volume of fire, continues to gain ground

slowly and with heavy casualties. 3d Bn, 29th

Marines, is committed in region E of 22d Marines.

1st Marines, 1st Mar Div, tries in vain to take Hill

55—part of S wall of Wana Draw. 7th Marines

completes capture of Dakeshi Ridge but suffers

heavy casualties while attacking through town of

Dakeshi toward Wana Ridge, N wall of Wana

Draw. In XXIV Corps area, 306th Inf, 77th Div,

renews costly attacks for Chocolate Drop Hill; tries

in vain to take Flattop. 382d Inf, 96th Div, attacks

toward 2 hills of Dick hill mass, taking one of

them; pressing frontal assault in E coastal sector,

383d Inf succeeds in penetrating eastern end of

Shuri line by driving to NE crest of Conical Hill and

holding there against determined counterattacks; some elements of 383d Inf fighting NW of

Conical Hill reach slopes of Charlie Hill but are

unable to take crest.

14 May

CHINA—Movement of MARS (U.S. 5332d Brig

(Prov)) from Burma to China is completed. The

move started on 14 March.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

27th Inf of 25th Div attacks northward from Balete

Ridge. In XI Corps area, forward elements of 43d

Div reach Ipo Dam. General assault on the dam is

ordered for 17th.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, on Mindanao, RCT 108 temporarily suspends

drive down Sayre Highway to await supplies. 155th

Inf, 31st Div, continues N along the highway; on

Talomo Trail, 167th Inf troops are slowed by scattered delaying opposition and difficult terrain as

they push toward barrio of Sanipon. From Bancal,

3d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, attacks northward

astride road leading to Mintal in conjunction with

21st Inf clearing Talomo R Valley but is soon halted;

flanking attack on Hill 550 by elements of 19th

Inf makes little headway; rest of 3d Bn, 19th Inf,

is ordered to Samal, where enemy guns are still a

threat to Davao from the N.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 22d Marines of 6th Mar Div charges

Sugar Loaf and gains feeble hold. 1st Marines, 1st

Mar Div, after unsuccessful attempt to take Wana

Ridge and make contact with 7th Marines, is relieved by 5th Marines. In XXIV Corps area, 306th

Inf of 77th Div, greatly depleted in strength, continues vain efforts to take Chocolate Drop and Flattop.

382d Inf, 96th Div, improves positions on Dick

hill mass; 383d extends control over Charlie and

reaches crest of King Hill to S.

15 May

INDIA—Base Section No. 1 (Karachi) is inactivated. As a result, the other sections within SOS are

given new designations.

BURMA—In Br Fourteenth Army area, Ind 26th

Div, now under army command as it moves N along

Rangoon Prome road, links up with Ind 20th Div,

33 Corps, moving S along the road.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, XI Corps

prepares to renew attacks on Woodpecker Ridge and

Ipo Dam.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, RCT 108, with air and arty

support, renews attacks in Mangima Canyon sector

of Sayre Highway against strong opposition. Elements of 124th Inf, 31st Div, guarding installations

[ 13–15 MAY1945 ]
[ 538 ]

in rear area repel counterattack by about 100 Japanese, killing 72. 79th Inf, 24th Div, is ordered to

drive NE from Davao area to effect junction with

Filipino guerrillas moving SW; elements of 21st

and 34th Regts continue clearing Talomo R Valley;

attack on Hill 550, where Co G, 34th Inf, relieves

2d Bn, 79th Inf, is suspended; Co F repels counterattacks after nightfall. On Samal, main body of 3d

Bn, 79th Inf, joins Co K. Japanese withdraw from

the island about this time. On Negros, 160th Inf

renews assault on Dolan in Negros Occidental, the

target for extensive aerial and arty bombardment,

and clears it except for pocket on N spur.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, small Marine force on crest of Sugar

Loaf (I officer and 79 men of 22d Marines, 6th Mar

Div) withdraws under fire when its position becomes untenable. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, suspends assault on Wana Ridge while Japanese positions are being softened with ground fire, air strikes,

and naval gunfire. In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf,

77th Div, inching forward on right flank of div, has

suffered heavy casualties and is at 1/4 strength. On

div left, 307th Inf attacks through 306th toward

Chocolate Drop and positions near crest of Flattop.

Japanese counterattack unsuccessfully after nightfall. 382d Inf, 96th Div, continues to battle enemy

on Dick hill mass. 383d improves positions on spurs

of Conical Hill; elements advance up NW spur but

are out of contact with others to E.

16 May

CHINA—Gen Eaker, AAF Hq, tells Gen Wedemeyer that Gen Chennault will be replaced regardless of other considerations.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 3d

Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div, is delayed by strongpoint

on E edge of Bolong Plateau. In XI Corps area,

149th Inf begins relieving 145th in Mt Pacawagan

area. 152d Inf opens all-out attack for Woodpecker

Ridge after preparatory bombardment, gaining

weak hold on military crest and forward slopes of

Twin Peaks. In XIV Corps area, Gen MacNider

reports the Bicols secure.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 3d Bn of 767th Inf, 31st Div, advancing along

Talomo Trail, runs into strong delaying opposition

that virtually halts it for more than a week about a

mile N of Sanipon. Continuing operations to clear

Talomo R Valley, 3d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, gains

a little ground and digs in to consolidate for next

few days.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, attacking with 2 regts

toward Sugar Loaf, experiences its worst day of

combat on Okinawa as enemy continues to resist

viciously. In 1st Mar Div zone, M–7’s and tankinfantry teams of 5th Marines try to neutralize

Wana Draw. 1st Bn, 7th Marines, attacks up Wana

Ridge but is forced back to N base. In XXIV Corps

area, 77th Div continues to battle enemy N of Shuri

with 305th Inf on right and 307th on left. Efforts

of 307th to take Chocolate Drop and Flattop are

again futile. 383d Inf, 96th Div, improves positions

on regimental left, where supporting tanks reach

outskirts of Yonabaru, but is unable to oust Japanese

from Love Hill, W of Conical Hill.

17 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

149th Inf of 38th Div continues relieving 145th and

patrols without incident; 152d Inf pauses to consolidate and patrol in Woodpecker Ridge area. In

final assault by 3 regts after intensive preparatory

bombardment, 43d Div takes Ipo Dam intact.

Japanese still hold Osboy Ridge, however.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 1st Bn, 19th Inf, 24th Div, starts NE to contact guerrilla forces; 2d Bn of 21st Inf, driving

toward Tugbok, meets strong opposition, which

arty and aircraft help to neutralize.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Gen

Buckner takes control of all forces ashore and is responsible for defense and development of captured

positions. Adm Hill replaces Adm Turner as Commander TF 51 and will control air defenses and

naval forces. In III Amphib Corps area, while badly

mauled 22d Regt, 6th Mar Div, conducts holding

action, 29th Marines continues attack for Sugar Loaf

after heavy naval gunfire, air, and arty bombardment. Striking from the E after 1st and 3d Bns have

opened approach from W end of Crescent Hill, 2d

Bn drives to crest of Sugar Loaf but falls back when

ammunition is exhausted. 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div,

continues to fire into Wana Draw; 2d Bn attacks

Hill 55, in its mouth, and gains positions on W

slope. 3d Bn, 7th Marines, relieves exhausted 1st Bn

and continues efforts to take Wana Ridge without

success. In XXIV Corps area, Co E of 307th Inf, 77th

Div, in surprise, predawn attack, advances to

Ishimmi Ridge, W of town of Ishimmi; there it is

dangerously exposed to enemy fire from all sides

and cannot be reinforced. 3d Bn secures positions

around Chocolate Drop and drives off counterattacking enemy; drives to crest of Flattop but is driven off.

305th Inf continues slow advance on right flank of

div. 96th Div commits 3d Bn, 381st Inf, on E flank,

where it relieves Cos E and F, 383d, in preparation

for drive S down 800 yard ridge extending from

Conical peak to Sugar Hill.

[ 16–17 MAY 1945 ]
[ 539 ]

18 May

CHINA—In Fukien Province, Chinese recover

Foochow.

BURMA—Movement of CAI (Ch 30th, 38th, and

50th Divs) from Burma to China is begun.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

149th Inf completes relief of 145th and takes responsibility for its sector. 145th is held in reserve.

152d Inf renews assault on Woodpecker Ridge but

continues to progress slowly. 43d Div extends control over Osboy Ridge and opens Metropolitan Road

from Bigti to Ipo.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, RCT 108, completing capture of Mangima

Canyon, is able to advance rapidly southward along

Sayre Highway. 1st Bn of 19th Inf, 24th Div,

reaches positions near lower end of Sasa airfield.

Tugbok falls to 2d Bn, 21st Inf, which halts for a

few days to patrol and consolidate.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, Sugar Loaf falls to 29th Marines, 6th

Mar Div; regt also consolidates positions on northern

slope of Crescent Hill and seizes part of Horseshoe,

commanding feature just SW of Sugar Loaf. 1st Mar

Div continues seesaw battle for Wana Draw and

Wana Ridge. 5th Marines further softens enemy

positions with tank and M–7 fire while engineers

clear lower slopes of the ridge. 3d Bn, 7th Marines,

makes another fruitless effort to take Wana Ridge.

In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf of 77th Div slightly

improves positions on Highway 5; 307th is still unable to take Chocolate Drop or Flattop but improves

positions about former. 382d Inf, 96th Div, succeeds

in holding crest of Dick Hill under fire from Flattop

and starts clearing reverse slope. 3d Bn, 381st Inf,

opens attack for Sugar Hill.

19 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 25th

Div, ordered to clear area W of Highway 5 as far as

Imugan and N and W of Santa Fe, is reinf by 126th

Inf, 32d Div. In XI Corps area, 152d Inf confines its

activity against Woodpecker Ridge to local probing

for next few days. Enemy resistance to 43d Div in

Ipo area ends and mopping up is begun.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div, passing 2d Bn through

1st, continues NE up coastal road to Panacan. 2d

Bn, 34th Inf, will renew attack on Hill 550.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div consolidates positions and

relieves depleted 29th Marines with 4th Marines. 5th

Marines, 1st Mar Div, further neutralizes enemy

positions in Wana Draw. 3d Bn, 7th Marines, continues assault on Wana Ridge until the 7th Marines

is relieved by 1st Marines. In XXIV Corps area, beleaguered Co E of 307th Inf, 77th Div, withstands

severe pressure on Ishimmi Ridge throughout day;

at night, when relief force arrives, withdraws with

very heavy casualties. Other elements of regt continue to consolidate positions around Chocolate

Drop. Direct fire is placed on Flattop and Dick Hill.

382d Inf, 96th Div, is slowly expanding hold on

reverse slope of Dick Hill. Elements of 383d Inf reach

W end of King Hill, NW of Conical peak, but

are driven off. 3d Bn, 381st Inf, continues southward

attack toward Sugar Hill.

20 May

CHINA—Japanese are redeploying to defend

Japan. They begin pulling back from Ho-chih, in

Kwangsi Province on branch line to Kweiyang.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 155th Inf of 31st Div drives northward along

Sayre Highway to positions commanding Malaybalay; meets heavy enemy fire. 3d Bn of 19th Inf,

24th Div, returns to Davao from Samal I. 2d Bn,

continuing N along coastal road, reaches Tibungko.

2d Bn, 34th Inf, begins assault on Hill 550, holding

limited gains against violent night counterattacks.

3d Bn, 34th Inf, renews attack along Bancal–Mintal

road in effort to contact 21st Inf; reaches positions

within 400 yards of road junction E of Mintal.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 4th Marines, 6th Mar Div, attempts to

clear rest of Horseshoe and Crescent features, which

command Sugar Loaf, making limited progress on

Horseshoe; repels enemy counterattacks at night,

inflicting more than 200 casualties. 5th Marines, 1st

Mar Div, seizes Hill 55 and advances into Wana

Draw; 1st Marines takes crest of Wana Ridge in

2-pronged assault. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf

of 77th Div finishes clearing Chocolate Drop and

takes Flattop. 382d Inf, 96th Div, gains additional

ground on reverse slope of Dick Hill. 3d Bn, 381st,

pushes forward slowly toward Sugar Hill.

21 May

INDIA—BURMA—SOS merges with theater Hq,

IBT G–4 replacing SOS commander. SOS is inactivated.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

38th Div commander orders 149th Inf to patrol

Wawa area carefully. Patrols report enemy established on the dam itself. 3d Bn, 152d Inf, renews

attack on Woodpecker Ridge with fire support of

1st and 2d Bns; crosses the ridge to draw between

there and Regimental Objective Hill.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 155th Inf of 31st Div, ordered to clear Malaybalay-Kalasungay region, temporarily halts northward

[ 18–21 MAY1945 ]
[ 540 ]

drive up Sayre Highway and takes Malaybalay, Japanese supply base, with ease. 1st Bn of 19th Inf, 24th

Div, attacking N through 2d Bn, reaches Bunawan.

To block enemy escape from 34th Inf E of Talomo

R, 3d and 1st Bns, 21st Inf, cross the river N of

Mintal and 1st Bn pushes northward. 3d Bn, 34th

Inf, renews attack but cannot advance despite air

support. After heavy preparatory fire, Co G, 34th

Inf, secures rest of Hill 550, from which Japanese

have now withdrawn.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div continues to clear toward

the Asato R on W flank of corps, fighting for Horseshoe and Crescent in Japanese Sugar Loaf defense

system. Elements clear part of tunneled interior of

the Horseshoe but efforts of others to expand hold

on Crescent fail. 1st Mar Div is attacking toward

Shuri Ridge, last feature covering Shuri Castle on

W; makes slow progress against reverse slope of

Wana Ridge and resists enemy efforts to regain

forward slopes. In XXIV corps area, 77th Div replaces 305th Inf, just N of Shuri on Route 5, with

306th. Co A, 307th Inf, reaches base of Jane Hill,

SW of Flattop, where it is isolated until the 30th

and exposed to intense fire. 382d Inf, 96th Div, drives

to edge of Oboe Hill 1,000 yards E of Shuri, and

is halted there by enemy for some days. With capture of Sugar Hill by 3d Bn of 381st Inf, E slopes

of Conical Hill are clear and enemy’s right flank is

turned. 184th Inf, 7th Div, starts southward along

E coast at 1900 to envelop Shuri. Japanese decide to

withdraw southward from Shuri.

22 May

INDIA—BURMA—Gen Stratemeyer’s hq learns that

C–54’s are on the way to India. Because of redeployment needs, this is unexpected.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, elements of 27th Inf, 25th Div, are 2,000 yards SE

of Santa Fe. In XI Corps area, platoon of Co A,

149th Inf, attacks to eliminate enemy position on

Wawa Dam but is brought to a halt by fire. 152d

Inf renews all-out attack and gains final objectives

in area near junction of Mariquina and Bosoboso

Rivers with assistance of flame-thrower tanks.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, RCT 108, continuing steadily southward along

Sayre Highway, reaches positions near Impalutao.

155th Inf, 31st Div, after taking undefended

Kalasungay, continues drive up Sayre Highway, surprising enemy force and inflicting heavy casualties.

2d Bn of 19th Inf, 24th Div, attacks through 1st

Bn and reaches Tambongan. 1st Bn, 21st Inf, gains

ground E of the Talomo, but gap still exists between

it and 3d Bn, 34th Inf.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, rains,

intermittent during past few days, become frequent

and heavy during rest of month and early June,

hampering operations. Japanese begin withdrawing

their supplies and wounded from Shuri. III Amphib

Corps, with supporting armor immobilized by mud,

curtails its activities sharply. 4th Marines, 6th Mar

Div, reaches N bank of the Asato R, on W flank,

and send patrols across it at night. In XXIV Corps

area, 383d Inf of 96th Div struggles for next few days

to reduce Love Hill defenses in region W of

Conical peak. 184th Inf, 7th Div, drives forward

unmolested through ruins of Yonabaru to hills

beyond.

23 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

27th Inf of 25th Div is still stalled in spite of tank

assistance. In XI Corps area, 1st Bn of 152d Inf

pushes N toward Mariquina R.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area on Mindanao, entire Sayre Highway is opened

as 155th Inf gains contact with RCT 108 S of Impalutao. 2d Bn of 19th Inf, 24th Div, reaches Ising

area and makes patrol contact with Filipino guerrillas. 1st Bn, 21st Inf, takes road junction 1,700

yards N of Talomo bridge. Arty pounds area between it and 34th Inf. On Negros, 160th Inf overcomes final opposition on Dolan Hill in Negros

Occidental with capture of pocket on N spur. 185th

Inf continues slowly southward toward Hill 4055,

final enemy strongpoint in Negros Occidental.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div begins drive from the

Asato to the Kokuba on W flank of corps. Since

patrols S of the Asato are but moderately opposed,

2 bns of 4th Marines cross under smoke screen and

start southward. In XXIV Corps area, 184th Inf of

7th Div, after securing line of departure from which

32d Inf can push W to envelop Shuri, protects left

flank and rear of Sad Inf- 32d Inf, whose supporting

armor is immobilized by mud, starts W along

Naha-Yonabaru valley and reaches positions a mile

SW of Yonabaru without great difficulty.

24 May

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 2d Bn of 19th Inf, 24th Div, effects junction

with Filipino guerrillas near Tagum R. 21st and 34th

Inf troops clearing Talomo R Valley continue efforts

to link up.

RYUKYU Is.—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Japanese intensify air activity, night 24–25, concentrating

on airfields on Okinawa and Ie Shima, as well as

shipping offshore. Some airborne troops are landed

[ 22–24 MAY 1945 ]
[ 541 ]

on Yontan field and destroy or damage a number of

aircraft before being rounded up and killed. In III

Amphib Corps area on Okinawa, elements of 6th

Mar Div Rcn Co cross the Asato, which engineers

bridge, and enter NW Naha without opposition. In

XXIV Corps area, Japanese attack troops of 382d

Inf, 96th Div, on Oboe Hill in company strength

and force 2 cos of 1st Bn off. 1st Bn is reduced to co

strength. Japanese retire leaving 150 dead. 2d Bn,

383d Inf, replaces 2d Bn, 382d, on Oboe. 5th Marines,

1st Mar Div, patrols to Asato. 32d Inf, 7th Div, begins probing to develop enemy defenses that cross

Yonabaru valley SE of Shuri. 184th Inf extends positions slightly southward. Enemy counterattacks toward Yonabaru, night 24–25, achieving limited penetration of 32d Inf line.

25 May

CHINA—Maj Gen Henry S. Aurand assumes

duties as head of SOS.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div consolidates for next few

days and prepares to drive W on Mandog. 21st and

34th Regts continue to clear Talomo R Valley; 34th

finds hill strongpoint that has been delaying it

undefended.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 4th Marines, 6th Mar Div, gains

Machishi and most of ridge line W of there. Div

Rcn Co completes its crossing of the Asato and

only meets stragglers as it pushes through the part

of the city W of N–S canal.

U.S.—Joint Chiefs of Staff approve directive for

Operation OLYMPIC, invasion of Japanese home

islands, scheduled for 1 November 1945

26 May

CHINA—Continuing redeployment for defense

of Japan, Japanese withdraw from Yung-ning, severing land route to Indochina. Chinese recapture

Nanning.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

27th Inf of 25th Div finally clears ravine N of

Balete Pass and gets patrol into Santa Fe. In XI

Corps area, 151st Inf of 38th Div, on left of 149th,

has cleared Wawa Road and secured supply route.

Reinf platoon from Co A closes in on Wawa but is

forced to withdraw; in another attempt secures the

barrio.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, Co I of 167th Inf, 31st Div, bypasses enemy

positions on Talomo Trail to reach Pulangi R near

Sanipon. 1st Bn moves forward to assist 3d Bn.

OKINAWA—III U.S. Tenth Army area, Japanese

combat units begin withdrawal from Shuri and are

targets for aircraft, arty, and naval gunfire. In XXIV

Corps area, 184th Inf of 7th Div drives southward

along E coast to next ridge line with ease, but 32d

Inf incurs heavy casualties while attempting vainly

to take Dick Hill in Japanese defense line E of

Chan.

27 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

rest of 1st Bn, 27th Inf, 25th Div, moves into Santa

Fe. This concludes corps’ mountain fighting and

bitter struggle for Villa Verde Trail. RCT 145

passes to corps control from XI Corps and reverts to

37th Div. In XI Corps area, 149th Inf of 38th Div

is ordered to take Wawa Dam, from which enemy

appears to be withdrawing. 1st Bn, jumping off in

afternoon, drives to within 50 yards of the dam,

where it is halted by enemy fire, and falls back to

position 200 yards W of the dam for night.

MINDANAO—III U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, Filipinos of guerrilla 118th Inf and elements

of 167th Inf, 31st Div, establish bridgehead across

the Pulangi near Sanipon. Progress of 167th Inf

along Talomo Trail from this point is extremely

slow for the next month. 91st and 34th Regts, 24th

Div, establish contact, concluding action to clear

Talomo R Valley.

RYUKYU Is.—Japanese open two-day air strikes

on shipping. In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area on Okinawa, co of 2d Bn, 22d Marines,

6th Mar Div, crosses the Asato and advances

through Rcn Co to deepen penetration into W part

of Naha. Opposition is still negligible. In XXIV

Corps area, 32d Inf of 7th Div is unable to dent

enemy’s strong defense line covering Shuri.

POA—Adm Halsey, Third Fleet commander,

takes control of all naval forces attached to Fifth

Fleet at midnight 27–28, and the figure “5” in TF

designations is changed to “3.” TF 58 becomes TF

38 and Vice Adm. John S. McCain succeeds Vice

Adm. Marc A. Mitscher as its commander.

28 May

BURMA—Br Twelfth Army, under command of

Gen Stopford, formerly commander of 33 Corps,

which is disbanded, establishes hq at Rangoon and

takes control of all Allied troops in Burma, with

responsibility for future operations within and from

Burma. Hq, Fourteenth Army, is withdrawn to

India to take command of 15 and 34 Corps for

Operation ZIPPER. In addition to 4 Corps (Ind 5th,

17th, and 19th Divs), Br Twelfth Army has under

its command Ind 7th Div reinf by Ind 268th Brig,

Ind 20th Div, and 6th Brig of 2d Br Div. The

Twelfth Army also has operational control over W

[ 25–28 MAY1945 ]
[ 542 ]

African 82d Div and E African 22d Brig, as well as

Burma National Army.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

37th Div is directed to relieve 25th Div in Santa Fe

sector and drive N astride Highway 5 toward

Aritao on 31st. Elements of 128th Inf, 32d Div, take

Imugan and establish contact with 126th Inf, which

has been attached to 25th Div. Corps is ordered to

exploit breakthrough. Philippine guerrilla forces are

placed under corps and ordered to capture Cervantes. In XI Corps area, 1st Bn of 149th Inf takes

Wawa Dam without opposition. This is the last

major objective of corps E of Manila.

NEGROS—In U.S. Eighth Army area in Negros

Oriental, 164th Inf finishes clearing enemy from

ridge positions and begins extensive mopping up

operations.

OKINAWA—Continuing air attacks in strength,

Japanese planes hit a number of ships and sink USS

Drexler (DD). More than a hundred enemy planes,

including kamikazes, are shot down. This is the last

strong enemy air effort against Okinawa. In U.S.

Tenth Army area, weather conditions improve

briefly, permitting more extensive action. In III

Amphib Corps area, marines of 22d Regt, 6th Mar

Div, in. Naha push forward to the Kokuba estuary

with ease but evoke strong reaction when trying to

reconnoiter Ona-Yama I., in Naha Harbor. Engineers bridge the canal in Naha after nightfall. 29th

Marines relieves 4th Marines and advances almost

to the Kokuba. 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div, takes

Beehive Hill on lower end of Shuri Ridge. In XXIV

Corps area, 32d Inf of 7th Div confines its activity

to patrolling; 184th Inf is held up by opposition at

Hill 69, N of Karadera village.

29 May

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, I Corps prepares for operation to clear Cagayan Valley. 37th Div

is to attack through 25th Div toward Aritao

while Philippine guerrilla forces seize Cervantes.

Each will then be prepared to move into Cagayan

Valley. 25th and 32d Divs have security missions.

129th Inf, 37th Div, motors to Santa Fe for drive

on Aritao.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div opens westward drive

on Mandog, last enemy defensive position at N

edge of Davao Plain, employing 3d Bn and assisted

by aircraft.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div drives eastward with 29th

Marines on left and 22d on right. 22d Marines

crosses canal into E Naha, where enemy is prepared

to make a stand. 1st Bn of 5th Marines, 1st Mar

Div, takes Shuri Ridge, S of Wana Draw, and

crosses into 77th Div zone to occupy undefended

Shuri Castle at 1015. Bypassing enemy opposition,

1st Marines moves forward and relieves 1st Bn, 5th

Marines. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div is pressing

southward toward Shuri. On 7th Div left, 184th Inf

continues to battle enemy at hill near Karadera.

30 May

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten meets in Delhi with

commanders of Operations ZIPPER and MAILFIST

(conquests of Malaya and Singapore, respectively)

and decides that these operations shall at first be

under command of 34 Corps and that hq of Fourteenth Army and 15 Corps shall be moved in about

D plus 50.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 2d and 3d Bns of 22d Marines, 6th

Mar Div, cross canal in Naha and attack through

1st Bn; assisted by direct tank fire, take Hill 27 at

SE edge of Naha. 1st Mar Div forces in Shuri are

being supplied by air and carrying parties. XXIV

Corps makes substantial gains as enemy rear-guard

opposition weakens. 77th Div takes 3 hills E of

Shuri (Dorothy, Jane, and Tom), former strongpoints in enemy’s inner defenses of Shuri; find an

elaborate network of cave defenses on Dorothy.

Right flank elements of 77th Div cross into III Amphib Corps zone and begin attack for 100 Meter Hill.

96th Div pushes forward all along its front, clearing most of its zone N of Yonabaru–Shuri–Naha

road. Among hill positions taken are Hen Hill,

which enemy has successfully defended for 9 days,

Love Hill, and reverse slope of Oboe. In coordinated

westward attack, 32d Inf of 7th Div seizes Oak,

Ella, and June Hills, SW of Yonawa; patrols of

184th Inf push into Chinen Peninsula without

incident.

31 May

SEAC—Since British and U.S. interests in Asia

are now widely divergent, U.S. Air Forces units, including Tenth Air Force and U.S. components of

EAC, are withdrawn from SEAC and returned to

operational control of AAF. EAC is inactivated.

India-Burma Theater is to support China as a diversion for operations in the Pacific while SEAC

prepares to recapture Malaya and Singapore.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div opens northward drive into

Cagayan Valley from Santa Fe along Highway 5.

Forward elements reach positions 6,000 yards N of

Santa Fe. TF Connolly (Maj Robert V. Connolly,

123d Inf) is organized and attached to the guerrilla

U.S. Army Forces in the Philippines (Northern

Luzon) for drive on Aparri. The TF, about 800

[ 29–31 MAY 1945 ]
[ 543 ]

men, will drive NE along Route 3; upon arrival in

Aparri area will be reinf by bn of guerrillas.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—In U.S. Eighth Army

area, organized resistance ends as enemy withdraws from last strongpoint, Hill 4055, into

mountains.

MINDANAO—In X Corps area, 2d Bn of 19th

Inf, 24th Div, joins 3d Bn in drive toward Mandog.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, continuing E along heights

N of the Kokuba, runs into strong rear-guard opposition in vicinity of Hill 46. Enemy positions are

softened by direct tank fire and arty bombardment.

1st Marines, 1st Mar Div, is withdrawn as reserve

and will mop up in Shuri sector. In XXIV Corps

area, 77th Div, after taking 100 Meter Hill, pushes

into ruins of Shuri, from which Japanese have withdrawn in an orderly fashion, and is pinched out by

friendly forces on flanks. 96th Div finishes clearing

its zone and establishes contact with 1st Mar Div.

Continuing to press W, 7th Div overcomes resistance

on hills near Chan, completing its current mission.

1 June

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten informs Chiefs of

Staff that he has decided to postpone D Day for ZIPPER from late August to 9 September.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div continues rapidly northward

against scattered resistance.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div continues westward during next few days, getting into position for assault

on Mandog.

OKINAWA—Since enemy has made good his escape from Shuri, U.S. Tenth Army begins southward pursuit, abandoning envelopment maneuvers

aimed at splitting Japanese forces on Okinawa. In

III Amphib Corps area, after clearing Hill 46, 6th

Mar Div seizes Shichina and northern branch of the

Kokuba. To E, 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div, are

patrolling across the Kokuba. At night, 6th Mar Div

Rcn Co crosses Kokuba estuary to reconnoiter in

preparation for amphibious operations against

Oroku Peninsula. XXIV Corps, upon regrouping,

pursues enemy southward. 96th Div, on right flank,

relieves 32d Inf of 7th Div and begins to clear opposition near Chan. 77th Div covers rear of 96th

Div and mops up in Shuri area. 7th Div, shifting E,

pushes southward on E flank of corps with 17th Inf

on right and 184th on left, clearing 2 hills of rearguard opposition.

2 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

43d Div completes mop up of Ipo area.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 7th Marines of 1st Mar Div takes up

positions along the Kokuba, releasing 6th Mar Div,

which is to conduct amphibious operation against

Oroku Peninsula. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div,

after cleaning out Chan area, speeds southward in

pursuit of enemy for next few days, as does 7th

Div to E.

3 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

forward elements of 129th Inf, 37th Div, reach positions 9,500 yards N of Santa Fe.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 1st Mar Div thrusts S across the Kokuba,

7th Marines moving forward to seal off Oroku

Peninsula and 5th Marines driving southward to

vicinity of Gisushi. In XXIV Corps area, 96th and

7th Divs continue quickly southward. 305th Inf,

77th Div, plugs gap developing between the corps.

Patrol of 184th Inf, 7th Div, reaches SE coast of

Okinawa near Hyakuna, cutting off Chinen Peninsula; 32d Inf starts reconnoitering the peninsula.

4 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div patrols to Aritao.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, intercorps boundary is shifted W to place Yaeju-Dake

Escarpment within XXIV Corps zone. In III Amphib Corps area, after preparatory bombardment,

6th Mar Div lands 4th Marines, followed by 29th

Marines, on N Oroku Peninsula. Pushing inland,

marines clear about half of Naha airfield. 6th Rcn

Co seizes Ono-Yama I. in Naha Inlet with ease,

killing the few Japanese there. 7th Marines, 1st Mar

Div, advances farther SW along base of Oroku

Peninsula. 1st Marines drives S through 5th Marines. XXIV Corps, advancing rapidly against scattered resistance and swerving SW because of boundary change, reaches line Iwa–Minatoga. In coastal

sector, 7th Div wades across Minatoga R.

5 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

1st Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, seizes Aritao during

morning and presses on; 145th Inf is in Aritao area.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, rains end

but armor is still mired down and supply lines are

dangerously overextended. In III Amphib Corps

area, Japanese on Oroku Peninsula put up determined opposition that limits gains, but 6th Mar

Div seizes most of Naha airfield. 7th Marines, 1st

Mar Div, continues SW to seal off the peninsula

while 1st Marines speeds S to Iwa area. XXIV

[ 1–5 JUNE 1945 ]
[ 544 ]

Corps drives to within 1,000–1,500 yards of enemy’s

final defense line on S Okinawa, extending from

Yuza on W to E coast at Gushichan and containing

3 formidable terrain features: Yuza-Dake Escarpment, Yaeju-Dake Escarpment, and Hill 95.

6 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, I Corps

pursues completely disorganized enemy through

Bambang to Magat R; destroys delaying force at

bridge and fords the river. In XIV Corps area, 5th

Cav reverts to 1st Cav Div.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div gains positions from

which to make final assault on Mandog.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div clears rest of Naha airfield on Oroku Peninsula and advances its right

flank along coast but is brought to a halt in center

of the peninsula by tenacious enemy on Hill 57.

To protect right flank of 1st Mar Div as it moves

S, 22d Marines is released from corps reserve to

establish line across base of Oroku Peninsula. 7th

Marines pushes forward to vicinity of Dakiton. In

XXIV Corps area, rapid pursuit ends as corps approaches enemy’s new defense line. After moving

through Yunagusuku, 1st Bn of 381st Inf, 96th Div,

attempts to drive up Yaeju-Dake Escarpment but

meets intense fire when coming within range of

enemy guns and falls back. 7th Div advances its

right flank very slowly but its left is held up at ridge

extending NE from Hill 95.

7 June

CHINA—Gen McClure directs Chinese armies

of Kwangsi Command (not a part of ALPHA Force)

to prepare to open Operation CARBONADO—to clear

Hong Kong-Canton area—with assault on Fort

Bayard. 3 ALPHA armies (8th, 54th, and New First)

are to join in the CARBONADO offensive. In Hunan

Province, Chinese stop pursuing the Japanese forces,

whose offensive they halted short of Chihchiang in

May. The pursuit ends at Paoching, the point from

which the Japanese had begun their offensive.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

3d Bn of 129th Inf, 37th Div, pursues enemy toward

Solano.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div begins assault on

Mandog.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, Japanese on Oroku Peninsula, determined to resist until death, are delaying 6th Mar

Div, but marines clear Hill 57 strongpoint with aid

of tanks. 1st Mar Div continues southward. 7th Marines reaches coast N of Itoman, sealing off Oroku

Peninsula. XXIV Corps, while awaiting supplies

for strong attack, conducts limited probing actions.

Aircraft and arty pound Japanese defense line to

neutralize it.

8 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

145th Inf of 37th Div, attacking through 129th Inf,

drives through Solano to junction of Highways 4

and 5; while main body pushes on to within 1,000

yards of Bagabag, patrols probe to Magat R east

of Bagabag to secure crossing of Highway 5 over it.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div is slowly pocketing enemy

in Tomigusuki sector of Oroku Peninsula against

vicious opposition. 1st Mar Div drives southward

toward enemy’s final defense line. XXIV Corps

continues preparations for all-out assault on YaejuDake Escarpment. Port of Minatoga is opened for

use, easing supply situation. 7th Div works slowly

forward on E flank of corps in limited action, but

enemy retains firm hold on Hill 95; 32d Inf, which

has been patrolling on Chinen Peninsula, relieves

184th Inf on div’s left flank.

U.S.—Gen Marshall queries Gen Wedemeyer

as to why the air forces in China have not been put

under command of Gen Stratemeyer, who has been

raised in rank for that purpose.

9 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army area, I Corps cuts

Japanese escape routes from Cagayan Valley. 1st Bn

of 145th Inf, 37th Div, seizes Bagabag and blocks

road NW of the barrio while 3d Bn secures crossing

of Magat R east of Bagabag on Highway 5.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 19th Inf of 24th Div penetrates enemy’s last

defensive position on Mindanao with capture of

Mandog. Marine aircraft are unusually active over

island during day.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, enemy’s last chance to escape from

Oroku Peninsula is lost as 4th and 22d Marines of

6th Mar Div establish contact. 1st Mar Div is

approaching Kunishi Ridge, where Japanese are

firmly established for final stand on Okinawa. XXIV

Corps continues preparations for concerted assault

on Japanese defense line. 7th Div attacks on E

flank of corps with elements of 2 regts. 3d Bn, 17th

Inf, advances to SE end of Yaeju-Dake Escarpment;

1st Bn, 32d Inf, tries unsuccessfully to take Hill 95

and ridge in front of it, but eliminates some enemy

positions.

[ 6–9 JUNE 1945 ]
[ 545 ]

10 June

BURMA—In Br Twelfth Army area, Loilem

falls to Detachment 101—guerrillas led by OSS personnel. Detachment 101 has been clearing Shan

Hills since end of NCAC campaign.

CHINA—Chinese forces pursuing enemy toward

Liuchow take I-shan.

PACIFIC—AFPAC and USAFFE are consolidated.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

37th Div is relieved of all security duties S of Aritao;

1st Bn, 148th Inf, is to take over Bagabag area so

145th Inf can continue along Highway 5; 145th

Inf runs into accurate fire from heights commanding Orioung Pass and almost comes to a halt; 1st

Bn, 148th Inf, drives N along Highway 4 to S edge

of Lantap.

NEI—Aus 9th Div lands on mainland of

Borneo at Brunei Bay and on islands of Labuan

and Muara. Allied aircraft and Seventh Fleet support the operation.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, bitter fighting continues on Oroku

Peninsula, where 6th Mar Div compresses Japanese

into area 1,000 yards by 2,000 yards. In local counter

attacks after nightfall, 200 Japanese lose their lives.

7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, takes ridge just N of

Tera and drives through Itoman; 1st Marines seizes

hill W of town of Yuza but pays heavy price in

casualties. XXIV Corps begins all-out assault on

Japanese defense line, with tank support that is now

adequate. While 383d Inf, 96th Div, is pressing

toward town of Yuza, 381st gets 2 cos to intermediate ledge in saddle between Yaeju-Dake and

Yuza-Dake peaks. 17th Inf, 7th Div, employs softening fire extensively against its portion of YaejuDake; 32d Inf, assisted by naval gunfire as well as

arty and flame-throwing tanks, secures key ridge in

front of Hill 95 at coast line.

11 June

CHINA—Japanese regain I-shan from Chinese.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

145th Inf of 37th Div battles enemy at Orioung Pass,

gaining some ground; 1st Bn, 148th Inf, neutralizes

strongpoint in Lantap, patrols into Santa Lucia, and

drives N to Lamut R.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, in strong effort to eliminate

enemy on Oroku Peninsula, compresses Japanese

into area 1,000 yards square. 7th Marines, 1st Mar

Div, tries vainly to cross open ground leading to

Kunishi Ridge; 1st Marines takes Hill 69, W of

Ozato. In XXIV Corps area, 383d Inf of 96th Div

reaches town of Yuza but withdraws under heavy

fire from the S; 381st gets entire 1st Bn to ledge of

saddle between Yaeju-Dake and Yuza-Dake peaks,

holds there against early morning counterattack, and

places neutralizing fire on caves on Yaeju-Dake

peak. 17th Inf, 7th Div, continues to neutralize positions and prepares for night assault on Yaeju-Dake;

enemy’s entire line on Yaeju-Dake Escarpment is

endangered as elements of 32d Inf take Hill 95 on E

flank.

12 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 6th

Div takes responsibility for Highway 5 S of Bayombong, relieving 37th Div, which, is to concentrate on

clearing Cagayan Valley. 1st Bn of 129th Inf, 37th

Div, relieves 1st Bn, 148th, of responsibility for

security of Highway 4 N of Bagabag so latter can

follow 145th Inf along Highway 5. Continuing attack on Orioung Pass, 145th Inf pushes through it;

clears town of Orioung and drives N to commanding

ground N of Balite.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, Japanese resistance on Oroku Peninsula

begins to crack as converging columns of 6th Mar

Div maintain pressure and further reduce the small

pocket. Some of the enemy defense force continue to

resist but others are committing suicide or surrendering. In 1st Mar Div zone, 7th Marines, advancing at

0300 under cover of darkness, gains positions on W

end of Kunishi Ridge. 1st Marines mops up and

consolidates on Hill 69 and patrols toward Kunishi

Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 383d Inf of 96th Div

drives through Yuza again but is held up short of

Yuza peak; 381st, with 3 bns in assault on div left,

drives to base of Yaeju-Dake Escarpment and by

envelopment maneuver reaches positions on steepest

part. Predawn assault by 17th Inf, 7th Div, takes

enemy by surprise and gains the regt its assigned portion of the escarpment. Japanese still hold YaejuDake peak but SE end of their defense line has been

penetrated.

13 June

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer writes Gen Marshall

that since Japanese withdrawals have virtually eliminated Phase I of projected offensive against CantonHong Kong area, plans are being made to use

Nanning-Liuchow Kweilin area as base for the

operation. Japanese still hold Liuchow and Kweilin

but are expected to abandon them soon.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Gen Beightler, in order to exploit capture of Orioung

Pass, organizes an armored column (37th Rcn Tr

reinf by a platoon of light tanks and supported by

a co of motorized infantry) and attaches it to 145th

Inf, 37th Div. The armored column pushes into

[ 10–13 JUNE 1945 ]
[ 546 ]

plain of Cagayan Valley, driving through Cordon

to Santiago. Elements of 148th Inf start forward to

Orioung area. Japanese counterattack and block the

road in Orioung Pass for night. 20th Inf, 6th Div,

relieves 129th Inf of highway security S of Bayombong.

NEI—On Borneo, Australian forces capture

Brunei town.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, organized resistance on Oroku Peninsula ends. 6th Mar Div, during 12th and 13th, bags

a record number of Japanese prisoners, 159 in all.

By dawn, 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, has 6 cos clinging to positions on Kunishi Ridge under heavy fire

that exacts 140 casualties. Marines are being supplied by aircraft and tanks. XXIV Corps, assisted by

armored flame throwers, is destroying in detail

Japanese in their cave positions. Battleground is

now generally level except for some coral outcroppings. Japanese are still firmly entrenched on

commanding ground of Yuza-Dake and YaejuDake peaks and on Hills 153 and 115, from W to E.

14 June

BURMA—Adm Mountbatten attends Burma

Victory Parade in Rangoon and while in Rangoon

continues to plan for ZIPPER (recapture of Malaya).

The operations will be mounted on 9 September,

as planned, but on a drastically reduced scale.

CHINA—Chinese recover I-shan and pursue

enemy toward Liuchow.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Highway 5 at Orioung Pass is cleared of enemy

block. Armored column followed by 1st Bn of 145th

Inf, 37th Div, drives through Ipil to Echague; from

Santiago, 3d Bn, 145th Inf, starts along road running

SW to Oscariz thence NE to Cabatuan and E to

Cauayan where it joins Highway 5; 148th Inf, less

security details at San Luis and Cordon, moves to

Santiago area. XIV Corps turns responsibility for

the Bicols over to Filipino guerrillas.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div is mopping up on Oroku

Peninsula. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, holds firmly

on W end of Kunishi Ridge under enemy fire. To

ease pressure, 2d Bn, 1st Marines, attacks toward E

end of the ridge at 0300; gains and holds this objective despite violent opposition. Tanks play an

important role in the Kunishi Ridge battle, moving

troops and supplies forward, evacuating the

wounded, and blasting enemy from their positions.

XXIV Corps continues to destroy enemy’s elaborate

cave defenses. 383d Inf, 96th Div, is still held up

short of Yuza peak, but 381st drives to top of YaejuDake peak. 7th Div is clearing Hills 153 and 115 on

E flank of corps.

U.S.—Joint Chiefs of Staff direct Generals MacArthur and Arnold and Adm Nimitz to prepare

plans for immediate occupation of Japan in the

event that foe suddenly collapses or capitulates.

15 June

BURMA—In Br Twelfth Army area, 101st Detachment, OSS, successfully concludes its mission

of clearing Shan Hills. Detachment is disbanded in

July.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Cervantes, on Highway 4, falls to Philippine guerrilla forces in North Luzon. 145th Inf, 37th Div,

continues advance into Cagayan Valley; 1st Bn

pushes N on Highway 5 to Ganano R; 3d Bn eliminates enemy strongpoint some 4,000 yards from Santiago, on road to Cabatuan. XI Corps takes over

sector of XIV Corps and control of 11th A/B Div,

1st Cav Div, and RCT 158. XIV Corps prepares to

conduct operations in N Luzon as directed by

Eighth Army.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div, exploring elaborate underground defense system of Japanese hq on Oroku

Peninsula, finds nearly 200 Japanese dead. Among

them are commanding officer and several members

of his staff who have committed suicide. Marines of

1st Mar Div on W and E ends of Kunishi Ridge

are unable to expand their positions and suffer further casualties. 2d Bn, 5th Marines, relieves 2d Bn,

1st Marines, on E end of the ridge after nightfall.

8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, lands on Oroku Peninsula and is attached to 1st Mar Div. XXIV Corps

continues to work toward Yuza peak on W and

Hills 153 and 115 on E, clearing Japanese positions

methodically as it goes. Elements of 382d Inf, 96th

Div, replace center elements of 383d and succeed

in taking N slope of Yuza peak.

NEI—Islands of Labuan and Muara, off

Borneo, are now clear of enemy.

16 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

37th Div columns converge on Cauayan: 2d Bn of

148th Inf, passing through 1st Bn of 145th on Highway 5, drives on to Cauayan; 2d Bn, 145th Inf,

advancing through 3d Bn, 145th Inf, moves to

Cauayan via Cabatuan; from Cauayan, 2d Bn of

148th Inf continues N toward Naguilian.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div prepares to attack on S

Okinawa. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, advances

slightly on Kunishi Ridge and gains visual contact

with 5th Marines to E. In XXIV Corps area, 382d

Inf of 96th Div completes relief of 383d in line and

continues assault on Yuza-Dake hill mass. Yuza-

[ 14–16 JUNE 1945 ]
[ 547 ]

Dake peak falls at last to 381st Inf. 7th Div’s 17th

and 32d Regts are clearing last commanding

ground—Hills 153 and 115.

17 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 2d

Bn of 148th Inf, 37th Div, preceded by armored

column, seizes Naguilian after forcing Cagayan R

near there.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, III Amphib Corps gains ground on Kunishi Ridge, where

enemy resistance weakens perceptibly after fresh

U.S. troops are committed. 22d Marines, 6th Mar

Div, replaces 2d Bn of 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div. In

XXIV Corps area, final defense line of Japanese

32d Army collapses. 7th Div completes capture of

Hills 153 and 115.

U.S.—Gen Arnold, in letter to Gen Wedemeyer,

asks that Gen Stratemeyer replace Gen Chennault

as head of air forces in China.

18 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, elements of 148th Inf, 37th Div, continuing N on Highway 5 with armored column spearheading, take

Ilagan airfield and cross Ilagan R. Upon completion

of treadway bridge across the Cagayan at Naguilian,

armor and vehicles cross.

MINDANAO—In Eighth Army’s X Corps area,

organized resistance on Mindanao ends as 3d Bn of

163d Inf, 24th Div, reaches Calinan, 8 miles from

Tugbok.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Lt Gen

Simon B. Buckner, Jr., is killed by enemy shell

while visiting observation post of 8th Marines, 2d

Mar Div. Gen Geiger, USMC, replaces him as commander of Tenth Army. In III Amphib Corps area,

6th Mar Div drives steadily forward on W flank of

corps against sporadic resistance, but 1st Mar Div is

desperately opposed near Medeera on E flank. Attack

by 5th Marines against Hill 81, W of Medeera, fails.

8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, enters action, replacing

elements of 7th Marines. In XXIV Corps area, 96th

Div meets intense opposition near Aragachi and

Medeera on right flank of corps. 7th Div, with 184th

Inf on right and 32d on left, advances southward

on E flank of corps against weakening resistance.

JAPAN—U.S. bombers begin attacks on secondary cities.

19 June

CHINA THEATER—Issues detailed plans for operation against Fort Bayard, which is to be taken

on 1 August for use as forward supply base for main

effort against Canton-Hong Kong area. IndiaBurma and China Theaters are both to support the

operation.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

3d Bn of 148th Inf, 37th Div, completes its crossing

of the Cagayan, using newly constructed ponton

treadway. It is passed through by 1st Bn, which

drives to Moranoa and destroys small delaying force.

The armored column moves E along the river and

captures 5 enemy tanks.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army is reaping substantial results from psychological warfare program

that has been going on for some time. 343 Japanese

surrender. In III Amphib Corps area, 6th Mar Div

continues southward on W flank of corps against

scattered resistance. In 1st Mar Div sector, some elements of 8th and 5th Regts reach S coast; other

elements of 5th Marines are still held up at Hill 81.

In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div continues to battle

enemy in Aragachi-Medeera area without making

appreciable headway. To E, 7th Div presses on

toward Udo and Mabuni.

20 June

CHINA—Gen Wedemeyer transmits to Gen

Marshall his approval of Gen Arnold’s recommendations of the 17th. Gen Stratemeyer is to command

China Theater Air Forces. Under him, Generals

Chennault and Davidson will head respectively the

SAF and TAF.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Philippine guerrilla units seize Tuguegarao, about

midway between Aparri and Ilagan. Co B of 6th

Ranger Bn, part of TF Connolly, crosses Cagayan

R and enters Aparri without opposition, night 20–

21. Spearheaded by armor, 1st Bn of 148th Inf, 37th

Div, eliminates enemy position on Highway 5 about

4,000 yards N of Ilagan.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, Operations VICTOR I (Panay-Negros Occidental),

VICTOR II (Cebu-Bohol-Negros Oriental), VICTOR

III (Palawan), and VICTOR IV (Zamboanga) are

officially closed.

NEI—Aus forces expand positions on Borneo

with unopposed landing at Lutong, in Sarawak.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army takes almost a

thousand prisoners, establishing a record. Japanese

pocket in Medeera area in center of army front is

still resisting strongly. In III Amphib Corps area,

29th Marines, on 6th Mar Div right, reaches S

coast against light opposition, but 4th Marines is

progressing more slowly in Kiyamu area. Japanese

on Hill 81 continue to delay 5th Marines, 1st Mar

Div. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div takes Aragachi

but cannot clear Hill 85, within the Medeera pocket.

32d Inf, 7th Div, reaches Hill 89, near Mabuni,

where Japanese hq is located underground.

[ 17–20 JUNE 1945 ]
[ 548 ]

21 June

LUZON—U.S. Sixth Army directs XI Corps CG

to be prepared to mount one Para inf bn for drop

on Aparri area to prevent enemy’s escape from there.

In I Corps area, 148th Inf of 37th Div continues

Cagayan Valley drive against scattered resistance.

Ranger patrols from Aparri establish contact with

Filipino guerrilla forces. 63d Inf, 6th Div, presses

forward toward Kiangan; 20th Inf reaches Pingkian.

25th Div elements operating on Old Spanish Trail

close in on Susuga Pass from N and S.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib

Corps area, 6th Mar Div clears most of its zone.

Hill 81 falls to 1st Mar Div. In XXIV Corps area,

Japanese in the Medeera pocket continue to hold out

on Hill 85, in 96th Div zone. 7th Div cleans out

Hill 89 pocket near Mabuni.

22 June

CHINA—Japanese set fire to Liuchow in preparation for withdrawal. Chinese are in outskirts.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,

advance party of 8 persons flies N to mark landing

area for airborne drop near Aparri. In I Corps area,

attack elements of 148th Inf, 37th Div, take

Tumauini, on Highway 5, and continue N to stream

9,000 yards SE of Cabagan; 129th Inf assembles at

Tumauini to take over northward drive. Filipino

guerrillas are forced from Tuguegarao under heavy

fire. TF Connolly secures Dugo and Camalaniugan

in Aparri area. 25th Div elements open Old Spanish

Trail through Susuga Pass.

OKINAWA—U.S. Tenth Army completes capture of Okinawa and conducts flag-raising ceremony.

Lt Gen Mitsuru Ushijima, commander of Japanese

32d Army, and his chief of staff commit suicide.

U.S. battle casualties, during this last and most

costly campaign against the Japanese, total 49,151,

of which 12,520 are killed or missing and 36,631

wounded. About 110,000 Japanese are killed and

7,400 captured. Ship losses to enemy action, largely

air, during the campaign total 36 sunk and 368 damaged. Japanese suffer heavy losses in aircraft, 7,800.

American possession of Okinawa, with its air and

naval bases, brings the war much closer to the

Japanese homeland, the next objective in the Pacific.

NEI—Organized enemy resistance on Tarakan

I., off Borneo, ceases.

23 June

BURMA—Gen Wheeler, USA, becomes commander of India-Burma Theater, replacing Gen

Sultan.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

Fifth Air Force transports drop TF Gypsy under

[ 21–26 JUNE 1945 ]

Lt Col Henry A. Burgess, consisting of reinforced

1st Bn of 511th Para Inf, 11th A/B Div, at airfield

a few miles S of Aparri, at 0900. Parachutists and

their glider-transported equipment land safely and

without opposition. TF passes to control of corps.

Parachutists establish contact with guerrillas and

push S toward 37th Div. 37th Div, meanwhile,

passing 129th Inf through 148th, speeds northward

11 miles on Highway 5.

OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Gen

Stilwell, USA, relieves Gen Geiger, USMC, as commander of Tenth Army. Both corps begin systematic

mopping up operations, working northward.

24 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

TF Gypsy continues southward; 129th Inf of 37th

Div pushes northward 51/2 miles and patrols vigorously on flanks.

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area, 164th

Inf of Americal Div returns to Cebu from Negros

Oriental. Army zone, except for Mindanao, is now

clear.

25 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

TF Gypsy, supplied by air, finds Gattaran undefended and advances to positions about 2,000 yards

S of Duman R. 129th Inf, 37th Div, with air and

arty support, takes Tuguegarao and Penablanca

without incident.

26 June

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—United Nations

Conference on International Organization ends in

San Francisco. United Nations Charter is signed by

the participating nations but is not ratified until 24

October.

CHINA—Chinese forces take Liuchow airfield.

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div and TF Gypsy effect junction

near Alcala on Highway 5. 37th Div takes command

of TF Connolly, TF Gypsy, and Filipino guerrillas

in the area.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 167th Inf of 31st Div, which has been creeping forward along Talomo Trail, reaches Pinamola.

RYUKYU IS.—To enlarge air warning net in

Okinawa area, special task group (TG 31.24) lands

on Kume I. without opposition. The task group

consists of troops from FMF Rcn Bn with one reinf

rifle co from 1st Mar Div and small naval force.

The island is subsequently covered by patrols.

JAPAN—B–29’s of XXI BC begin night attacks

on Japanese oil refineries.
[ 27 JUNE–11JULY 1945 ] [ 549 ]

27 June

LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area,

129th Inf of 37th Div reaches Aparri, ending Cagayan

Valley drive. This virtually concludes the Luzon Campaign as well.

29 June

RYUKYU Is.—Kume I. is declared secure.

30 June

P.I.—Luzon Campaign ends officially at midnight 30 June–1 July. U.S. Sixth Army turns over to

U.S. Eighth Army the task of concluding operations on Luzon and regroups extensively for its next

assignment, invasion of Japan (Operation OLYMPIC). Eighth Army takes command of XIV Corps,

which will conduct the final mop up on Luzon.

Two large pockets of enemy remain on N Luzon:

about 11,000 Japanese are estimated to be concealed

in Sierra Madre Mountains; and an estimated 12,000

are established in Kiangan-Bontoc area. Operations

to eliminate these pockets continue until end of

the war. Under XIV Corps command are 6th, 32d,

37th, and 38th Inf Divs plus Filipino guerrilla forces

on the island. 24th Div is chosen for the final

amphibious operation in the Philippines—a landing

on Mindanao at Sarangani Bay. On Mindanao, X

Corps continues to mop up until end of war.

RYUKYU Is.—U.S. Tenth Army completes mop

up of Okinawa.

1 July

CHINA—Ch forces take Liuchow town.

NEI—Balikpapan, Borneo, target for strong

aerial attacks for the past month and for naval gunfire since 24 June, is invaded by Australian forces

after a final, intense 2-hour bombardment. U.S.

Seventh Fleet puts the assault force, 7th Aus Div,

ashore and supports the operation. Japanese resistance is light at first but increases as Australians

drive inland.

2 July

S PHILIPPINES—In U.S. Eighth Army area,

RCT 368 of 93d Div takes responsibility for Zamboanga sector on Mindanao and for islands of Palawan, Jolo, and Sanga Sanga, relieving troops of 41st

Div, Sixth Army.

RYUKYU Is.—Campaign is officially ended.

NEI—Aus 7th Div takes Balikpapan, Borneo,

and its oil installations; subsequently extends holdings in this area.

4 July

CHINA—Party of U.S. officers flies from India to

Chungking to organize Hq, AAF, China Theater.

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 24th Div’s Sarangani TF organizes to clear

Sarangani Bay area by overland and amphibious

operations. Patrol of 24th Rcn Troop (part of TF)

sails from Talomo to Glan on southeast shore of

bay, delivers arms to guerrilla 116th Inf, 106th Div,

and in cooperation with guerrillas begins to clear

east shores of bay.

5 July

NEI—Aus troops, covered by Allied warships,

cross Balikpapan Bay, Borneo, and land on W shore

at Penadjim Pt without opposition. Other Australian

forces are extending control over key parts of

Borneo.

6 July

CHINA—Gen Chennault requests and is soon

granted permission to retire.

8 July

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, 24th Div’s Sarangani TF continues limited

operations. Prov infantry bn of U.S. Army AAA

troops and Combat Company of guerrilla 118th

Inf, 106th Div, start southeast overland from Lake

Buluan toward Sarangani Bay. Expeditionary Bn

of guerrilla 108th Div starts overland southwest

toward bay from Davao Gulf. Patrol of 24th Rcn

Troop and elements of guerrilla 116th Inf reach

Dadjangas on northwest shore of bay to reconnoiter for main landing.

9 July

NEI—Aus and Dutch forces complete encirclement of Balikpapan Bay, Borneo.

10 July

JAPAN—Carrier-based and land-based planes

open powerful and sustained attacks on Japan in

preparation for invasion. Airfields and industrial

targets in Tokyo area are hit. Japanese air reaction

is light.

INDIA—Naval personnel arrive in India for air

movement to China, where they are to assist in Fort

Bayard operation.
[ 550 ] [ 12 JULY–6 AUGUST 1945 ]

12 July

P.I.—In U.S. Eighth Army’s XIV Corps area

on Luzon, Kiangan falls to 6th Div, but Japanese

continue to hold out in the area. Thousands of

gallons of napalm have been dropped on enemy

pocket in Kiangan area during last few days. 32d

Div is advancing along Highway 11 against the

other enemy pocket on N Luzon, in Sierra Madre

Mountains. On Mindanao, in X Corps area, 1st Bn

of 21st Inf, 24th Div (part of Sarangani TF), lands

on north shore of Sarangani Bay against no opposition. Prov bn from Lake Buluan reaches point

20 miles northwest of bay; Expeditionary Bn of

guerrilla 108th Div reaches point 15 miles northeast of bay; guerrilla 116th Inf clears additional

areas along bay’s shore.

13 July

MINDANAO—In X Corps area, contact is made

between 1st Bn, 21st Inf, and Prov bn from Lake

Buluan at point 15 miles northwest of Sarangam

Bay.

15 July

MINDANAO—In X Corps area, guerrilla 116th

Inf and Expeditionary Bn, 108th Div, make contact 10 miles northeast of Sarangani Bay, marking

contact between all elements of 24th Div’s Sarangani TF.

16 July

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Terminal Conference opens at Potsdam, Germany, to draw up

terms for Japanese surrender and discuss military

and political issues connected with the termination

of hostilities. Representatives of the Soviet Union,

Britain, and the United States attend.

U.S.—An atomic bomb is tested successfully at

Los Alamos, New Mexico.

17 July

JAPAN—Units of Br Pacific Fleet join with U.S.

Third Fleet warships in bombarding Japan. Japanese offer no opposition. This is the first of a series

of combined American-British assaults on Japan.

18 July

GUAM—U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces is

established at Guam under Gen Spaatz.

NEI—Advance elements of Aus 7th Div find

Sambodja oil center on Borneo undefended.

20 July

MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps

area, Co F of 34th Inf, 24th Div, lands on Balut I.

at entrance to Sarangani Bay and searches the island,

finding few Japanese.

23 July

CHINA—Hq, U.S. Tenth Air Force, opens at

Kunming.

25 July

MINDANAO—In X Corps area, last organized

Japanese resistance in Sarangani Bay sector collapses.

Patrols mop up a few more Japanese until 11

August.

26 July

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—Potsdam ultimatum is issued, calling for Japan to surrender unconditionally or face “utter destruction.”

27 July

CHINA—Chinese break into Kweilin and by end

of month clear rear-guard opposition. Other Chinese

forces take Tanchuk airfield.

30 July

JAPAN—Rejects the Potsdam ultimatum. Nevertheless, Gen Marshall, in behalf of the Joint Chiefs

of Staff, directs Gens MacArthur and Wedemeyer

and Adm Nimitz to co-ordinate plans for the surrender.

2 August

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—TERMINAL Conference ends at Potsdam.

5 August

CHINA—Ch 13th Army takes town of Tanchuk.

Ch 58th Div recaptures Hsinning.

6 August

JAPAN—B–29 drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

GUAM—Final details for operation against Fort

Bayard are worked out on Guam between representatives of the China and the Pacific Theaters.
[ 7 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER 1945 ] [ 551 ]

7 August

LUZON—Advance detachment of Hq, U.S. First

Army, arrives to prepare for operations against

Japan.

8 August

USSR—Declares war on Japan, effective on 9

August.

9 August

JAPAN— Atomic Bomb is dropped on Nagasaki.

MANCHURIA—Soviet Forces pour into Manchuria.

10 August

JAPAN—Japanese Government offers to surrender “without prejudice to the Emperor’s position.”

11 August

U.S.—Replies to Japanese surrender offer.

12 August

U.S.—War Department suspends projected operations against Fort Bayard since end of hostilities

is imminent.

KOREA—Soviet troops move into Korea.

13 August

U.S.—Surrender documents, approved by

President Truman, are sent to Gen MacArthur.

14 August

JAPAN—Accepts Allied unconditional surrender

terms. 11th A/B Div moves by air from the Philipines to Okinawa en route to Japan.

15 August

PACIFIC—Gen MacArthur receives notice that

he is Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.

All offensive action against Japan comes to an end.

19 August

LUZON—Japanese delegation arrives in Manila

for conference on formal surrender arrangements.

20 August

LUZON—The Japanese delegation leaves Manila

for Tokyo with instructions about the occupation

of Japan and signing of final peace terms.

28 August

JAPAN—Occupation of Japan, delayed 48 hours

by typhoon, begins as advance party arrives there.

30 August

JAPAN—Occupation of Japan in force is begun

by U.S. forces. 11th A/B Div is flown to Atsugi

Airfield, and 4th Marines, 6th Mar Div, lands at

Yokosuka Naval Base.

HONG KONG—Br naval force reoccupies that

British colony.

2 September

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS—Hostilities with

Japan officially end with signing of instrument of

surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

U.S. Army battle casualties during World War II

total 936,259, or about 9 percent of the 10,420,000

military personnel who served in the U.S. Army and

Army Air Forces.

(On 31 December 1946, hostilities are declared

terminated by Presidential proclamation.)
[ 552 ]
[ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ] [ 553 ]

Glossary of Abbreviations

AA

AAA

AAF

AAFEC

AAFSC

AAI

AASC

ABDA

ABTF

ACMF

ADC

AEAF

AFGH

AFPAC

ALFSEA

AMET

AMLG

AMMISCA

amph

amphib

amtrac

AP

APD

armd

ASC

AT

ATC

Aus

AUS

AVG

BB

BC

BCT

BEF

BLT

bn

Br

brig

BTE

CA

CACW

CAI

CAM

CATF

Cav

CBI

CC

CCA

CCB

CCC

antiaircraft

antiaircraft artillery

Army Air Forces

Army Air Forces Engineer Command

Army Air Forces Service Command

Allied Armies in Italy

Allied Air Support Command (Mediterranean)

Australian-British-Dutch-American

airborne task force

Allied Central Mediterranean Force

assistant division commander

Allied Expeditionary Air Force (Europe)

Allied Force Headquarters (Mediterranean)

U.S. Army Forces in the Pacific

Allied Land Forces South East Asia

Africa-Middle East Theater

Allied Military Headquarters, Greece

American Military Mission to China

amphibian

amphibious

amphibian tractor

transport

transport, high-speed

armored

Air Support Command

antitank

Air Transport Command

Australian

Army of the United States

American Volunteer Group (China)

battleship

bomber command

battalion combat team

Brazilian Expeditionary Force

boat landing team

battalion

British

brigade

British Troops in Egypt

heavy cruiser

Chinese-American Composite Wing

Chinese Army in India

Composite Army-Marine

Chinese Air Task Force

Cavalry

China-Burma-India

combat command

Combat Command A

Combat Command B

Combat Command C
[ 554 ] [ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ]

CCD

CCL

CCR

CCV

CC1

CC2

cdo(s)

CG

Ch

CinC

CINCPAC

CINCPOA

CL

CMF

co

CO

COMAIRSOLS

COMCENPAC

COMINCH

COMSOPAC

COSC

COSSAC

CP

CT

CTF

CV

CVE

DA ALPS

DA ATL

DD

div

E

EAC

EAM

cngr(s)

ETOUSA

FA

FEAF

FEC

FF

FFI

FFO

FMF

FO

Fr

G–2

G–4

Gds

GHQ

gli

GMT

GO

gp

HALPRO

hq

I.

IBT

Combat Command D

Combat Command L

Combat Command R

Combat Command V

Combat Command I

Combat Command 2

commando(s)

commanding general

Chinese

Cornmander in Chief

Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas

light cruiser

Citizen Military Forces (New Guinea)

company

commanding officer

Commander Air Forces, Solomons

Commander Central Pacific

Commander in Chief

Commander South Pacific

Combined Operational Service Command

Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander (designate)

command post

China Theater, combat team

commander, task force

aircraft carrier

aircraft carrier, escort

Detachment d’Armée des Alpes

Detachment d’Armée de l’Atlantique

destroyer

division

east, eastern

Eastern Air Command (CBI)

Ethniko Apeleftherotiko Metopo (National Liberation Front, Greece)

engineer(s)

European Theater of Operations, USA

field artillery

Far East Air Force

French Expeditionary Force

Free French

Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur

Forces Françaises de l’Ouest

Fleet Marine Force

field order

French

Intelligence section of divisional or higher headquarters

Supply and evacuation section of divisional or higher headquarters

Guards

General Headquarters

glider

Greenwich mean time

general orders

group

Air operation against Rumanian oil fields, 1942

headquarters

Island

India-Burma Theater
[ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ] [ 555 ]

Ind

Inf

Is

ISCOM

JCS

JWC

LANDFOR

LCI

LCI(G)

LCM

LCVP

LOC

LRP

LST

M.

MAAF

MAC

MAG

Mar

MATAF

ME

MEF

MG

MLR

MP

MSR

MTB

mtn

MTOUSA

N

NAAF

NATO

NCAC

NEI

NGVR

NTLF

NZ

OPL

OPLR

PA

Pac

Para

PBM

PC

PG

PGC

PGSC

P.I.

PIB

POA

Pol

prov

PS

pt

PT

Pz

QM

Indian

Infantry

Islands

Island Commander

Joint Chiefs of Staff

Joint War Plans Committee

landing force

landing craft, infantry

landing craft, infantry, gun’

landing craft, mechanized

landing craft, vehicle and pi i—.A.

line of communications

long-range penetration

landing ship, tank

Mont, Monte, etc. (Italy and’Sicily only)

Mediterranean Allied Air Forces

Marine Amphibious Corps

Marine Aviation Group

Marine 6

Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force

Middle East

Middle East Forces

machine gun

main line of resistance

military police

main supply route

motor torpedo boat

mountain

Mediterranean Theater of Operations, USA

north, northern

Northwest African Air Force

North African Theater of Operations

Northern Combat Area Command (Burma

Netherlands East Indies

New Guinea Volunteer Reserve

Northern Troops and Landing Force

New Zealand

outpost line

outpost line of resistance

Philippine Army

Pacific

parachute

patrol search plane

Philippine Constabulary

patrol vessel, gunboat

Persian Gulf Command

Persian Gulf Service Command

Philippine Islands

Papuan Infantry Battalion

Pacific Ocean Areas

Polish

provisional

Philippine Scouts

point

patrol vessel, motor torpedo boat

Panzer

quartermaster
[ 556 ] [ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ]

R

RAAF

RAF

rcn

RCT

regt

reinf

RN

RR

S

S.

SACMED

SAP

SBD

SEAC

sep

SHAEF

SOPAC

SOS

SPM

sq

SS

SSF

STLF

SWPA

TAP

TD

TF

TOT

tr

U.K.

U.S.

USA

USAAF

USAAFUK

USAFBI

USAFFE

USAFIA

USAFICPA

USAFIME

USAFISPA

USASOS

USFIA

USFIP

USMC

USN

USSAFE

USSR

USSTAF

VAC

W

WDAF

river

Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Air Force

reconnaissance

regimental combat team

regiment

reinforced

Royal Navy

railroad

south, southern

San, Sant, Santa, etc. (Italy and Sicily only)

Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean

Strategic Air Force

“Dauntless” single-engine Navy scout-bomber

Southeast Asia Command

separate

Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Fc

South Pacific

Services of Supply

self-propelled mount

squadron

Schutzstaffel (Elite Guard)

Special Service Force

Southern Troops and Landing Force

Southwest Pacific Area

Tactical Air Force

tank destroyer

task force

time on target

troop

United Kingdom

United States

U.S. Army

U.S. Army Air Forces

U.S. Army Air Forces in the United Kingdom

U.S. Army Forces, British Isles

U.S. Army Forces, Far East

U.S. Army Forces in Australia

U.S. Army Forces in Central Pacific Area

U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East

U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area

US. Army Services of Supply

U.S. Forces in Australia

U.S. Forces in the Philippines

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Navy

U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

U.S. Strategic Air Forces

V Amphibious Corps

west, western

Western Desert Air Force
[ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ] [ 557 ]

Glossary of Code Names

Chindit stronghold near Manhton, Burma.

Code for U.S. Sixth Army while operating as a special ground task force

headquarters directly under GHQ SWPA.

Plan to defend Kunming and Chungking.

U.S. 3d Division force for southern France operation.

Plan for recapture of Burma.

Early plan for invasion of southern France.

U.S.-British conference held in Washington, December 1941–January

1942.

International conference held at Malta and Yalta, January–February 1945.

USSTAF air operations against German aircraft factories, February 1944.

Invasion of Italy at Salernb.

Mission sent by SEAC to Washington and London in February 1944 to

urge CULVERIN.

Task force for operations on Cape Gloucester, New Britain.

German offensive against USSR, 1941.

British invasion of Italy on Calabrian coast.

Plan to open port on coast of China.

British 12 Corps operation to clear enemy salient between the Meuse and

Roer-Wurm Rivers from Roermond southward.

Chindit roadblock on railroad near Namkwin, Burma.

Canadian 2 Corps offensive in Calcar-Udem-Xanten area.

Build-up of U.S. forces and supplies in United Kingdom for cross-Channel

attack.

Operations against the island of Elba.

.Operations in the Admiralties.

Plan for capture of Sardinia. Canceled.

Drop site for Chindits, about fifty miles northwest of Indaw, Burma.

Plan for amphibious operation in Andaman Islands. Canceled.

Operations to break out of Anzio (Italy) beachhead.

British operation against toe of Italy.

U.S. 36th Division force for southern France.

Attack across the Chindwin River to Mandalay.

Revised BETA.

Air operation from United Kingdom to drop supplies to patriot forces in

Western Eurooe.

Converging drives on Rabaul by South Pacific and SWPA forces.

U.S. 95th Division diversionary action during operations against Metz.

Operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls, Marshall Islands.

Late 1943 plan for general offensive in Burma.

AEAF operations against enemy train movements in France and Germany.

Invasion of Russell Islands.

British 30 Corps offensive to reduce Geilenkirchen salient.

U.S. First Army operation designed to penetrate the German defenses

west of St Lô and secure Coutances, France.

Conquest of Pantelleria.

Invasion of Kiska, 1943.

Malta portion of ARGONAUT Conference.

RAF operations against German V-weapons experimental bases.

ABERDEEN

ALAMO

ALPHA

ALPHA

ANAKIM

ANVIL

ARCADIA

ARGONAUT

ARGUMENT

AVALANCE

AXIOM

BACKHANDER

BARBAROSSA

BAYTOWN

BETA

BLACKCOCK

BLACKPOOL

BLOCKBUSTER

BOLERO

BRASSERD

BREWER

BRIMSTONE

BROADWAY

BUCCANEER

BUFFALO

BUTTRESS

CAMEL

CAPITAL

CARBONADO

CARPETBAGGER

CARTWHEEL

CASANOVA

CATCHPOLE

CHAMPION

CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO

CLEANSLATE

CLIPPER

COBRA

CORKSCREW

COTTAGE

CRICKET

CROSSBOW
[ 558 ] [ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ]

Planned small-scale operation on Arakan coast, Burma. Canceled.

Plan for assault on Sumatra.

Task force for Nocmfoor.

U.S. 45th Division force for southern France.

Operations against Cape Gloucester, New Britain.

Task force for invasion of Arawe, New Britain.

Mission of U.S. observers to Chinese communists.

Plan for attack on Rangoon, 1944.

Final code for invasion of southern France.

Plan for seizure of New Britain, New Guinea, and New Ireland area.

Task force of GALAHAD survivors used in drive on Myitkyina, Burma.

International conference at Tehran, November 1943.

Invasion of Corsica, 1943.

Air operation to disrupt flow of German air transports from Italy to Sicily

and Tunisia.

Operations in the Marshall Islands.

Operations in the Marianas.

AAF shuttle bombing of Axis-controlled Europe from bases in United

Kingdom, Italy, and USSR.

Occupation of four islands in Lake Comacchio, Italy.

American long range penetration groups (Burma).

Operations in Gilbert Islands.

Invasion of Italy at Cotrone. Canceled.

Normandy beach assaulted by troops of British 30 Corps, 6 June 1944.

Movement of Canadian I Corps from Italy to ETO.

Plan for operations in POA in 1944.

21 Army Group large-scale offensive from the Rocr to the Rhine.

Early plan for Allied invasion of northwest Africa.

German plan to invade Malta. Canceled.

Assault force for Biak, New Guinea.

Allied invasion of Sicily, July 1943.

Invasion of the Ryukyu Islands.

Japanese operation to take U.S. air bases in east China.

French offensive toward Belfort, France.

Rehearsal for Morotai operation.

Normandy beach assaulted by troops of Canadian 3d Division, 6 June

1944.

Operation to clear area between Reno and southwest shore of Lake

Comacchio Italy.

XVIII Corps (A/B) phase line near Wesel, Germany.

Movement of first U.S. forces to Northern Ireland.

Yalta portion of ARGONAUT Conference.

Capture of Singapore, 1945.

Air offensive against Po River bridges, Italy.

British occupation of southern Greece.

Operation to secure bridgehead over Rhine River.

U.S. task force (5332d Brigade (Provisional)), CBI.

Task force for seizure of Saidor, New Guinea.

Projected landing on heel of Italy near Taranto, 1943.

Actual 1944 operations within OVERLORD. Used for security reasons after

September 1943 on all OVERLORD planning papers that referred to target

area and date.

American long range penetration groups (Burma).

XVIII Corps (A/B) phase line in Ringenberg–Krudenberg area,

Germany.

German offensive against U.S. Seventh Army, January 1945.

U.S.-British conference at Quebec, September 1944.

CUDGEL

CULVERIN

CYCLONE

DELTA

DEXTERITY

DIRECTOR

DIXIE

DRACULA

DRAGOON

ELKTON

END RUN

EUREKA

FIREBRAND

FLAX

FLINTLOCK

FORAGER

FRANTIC

FRY

GALAHAD

GALVANIC

GOBLET

GOLD

GOLDFLAKE

GRANITE

GRENADE

GYMNAST

HERCULES

HURRICANE

HUSKY

ICEBERG

ICHIGO

INDEPENDENCE

INTERLUDE

JUNO

LEVER

LONDON

MAGNET

MAGNETO

MAILFIST

MALLORY MAJOR

MANNA

MARKET-GARDEN

MARS

MICHAELMAS

MUSKET

NEPTUNE

NEW GALAHAD

NEW YORK

NORDWIND

OCTAGON
[ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ] [ 559 ]

Attack on Gothic Line, Italy.

Plan for March 1946 invasion of Kyushu, Japan.

Normandy beach assaulted by troops of U.S. V Corps, 6 June 1944.

Allied cross-Channel invasion of northwest Europe, June 1944.

British 10 Corps drive across the Garigliano, Italy.

XVIII Corps (A/B) phase line west of Erie, Germany.

Assault force for Aitape operations, New Guinea.

Drop site for Chindits, Burma.

Limited operation on south Mayu Peninsula. Canceled.

21 Army Group assault across the Rhine north of the Ruhr.

Combined bomber offensive against Germany.

Occupation of Buna area, New Guinea, 1942. Canceled.

Attack on Mareth Line, Tunisia, 1943.

U.S.-British conference at Quebec, August 1943.

12th Army Group operation on Roer Plain between Wurm and Rocr

Rivers.

Assault on Camino hill mass, Italy.

Revised CARBONADO plan.

4 Corps plan for recapture of northern Burma.

Assault force for Hollandia operation.

SWPA plans for operations in the Bismarck Archipelago, along northern

coast of New Guinea and thence to Mindanao, P.I.

Japanese air operation to augment Rabaul air forces and delay Allied

offensives.

Operation to clear Comacchio Spit, Italy.

Capture of Phuket Island, off Kra Isthmus, Burma.

French commando force that lands at Cap Nigre, Mediterranean.

Arakan part of CAPITAL plan.

Operation to fly Chinese 22d Division to Chihchiang.

Ruhr pocket, April 1945.

French naval force that lands southwest of Cannes.

Plan for major U.S.-British cross-Channel operation in 1943.

Airborne force that drops to rear of southern France assault beaches.

Plan for U.S. II Corps operation against Sfax, Tunisia. Canceled.

Limited offensive to reopen land route from Burma to China.

Planned German invasion of United Kingdom. Canceled.

International conference at Cairo, November and December 1943.

Amphibious operation at Anzio, Italy.

Japanese plan to counterattack U.S. forces in Western Pacific.

Force that takes islands of Levant and Port Cros, Mediterranean.

Airborne drop at Taranto, Italy.

Plan for limited cross-Channel attack in 1942.

Invasion of the Palaus.

Air operation to interdict movement of enemy supplies in Italy.

British 30 Corps breakout, Egypt, 1942.

Revised plan of assault on Mereth Line, March 1943.

Normandy beach assaulted by troops of British 3d Division, 6 June 1944.

Akyab part of CAPITAL plan.

India-based portion of general offensive in Burma.

Task force in Aitape area, New Guinea

International conference, Potsdam, Germany, 16 July–2 August 1945.

Offensive in Metz area.

Low-level heavy bomber attack on Ploesti, Rumania, 1943.

One of the rehearsal exercises for OVERLORD.

Second phase of ICHIGO operation.

Allied invasion of northwest Africa.

Airborne assault on Mandalay.

OLIVE

OLYMPIC

OMAHA

OVERLORD

PANTHER

PARIS

PERSECUTION

PICCADILLY

PIGSTICK

PLUNDER

POINTBLANK

PROVIDENCE

PUGILIST

QUADRANT

QUEEN

RAINCOAT

RASHNESS

RAVENOUS

RECKLESS

RENO

RO

ROAST

ROGER

ROMEO

ROMULUS

ROOSTER

ROSE

ROSIE

ROUNDUP

RUGBY

SATIN

SAUCY

SEA LION

SEXTANT

SHINGLE

SHO

SITKA

SLAPSTICK

SLEDGEHAMMER

STALEMATE

STRANGLE

SUPERCHARGE

SUPERCHARGE

SWORD

TALON

TARZAN

TED

TERMINAL

THUNDERBOLT

TIDALWAVE

TIGER

TOGO

TORCH

TOREADOR
[ 560 ] [ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ]

Assault force for Wakde-Sarmi area, New Guinea.

Force for Morotai.

Plan to drop troops west of Seine River to block enemy escape routes.

Canceled.

U.S.-British conference held at Washington, May 1943.

GHQ SWPA’s first outline plan for operations directed at the capture of

Rabaul.

Plan to base B–29’s in CBI.

Task force for Sansapor-Mar operation, New Guinea.

U.S. Third and Seventh Army offensive to break through West Wall and

clear the Saar–Palatinate triangle, within the confines of the Rhine,

Moselle, and Lauter-Sarre.

Normandy beach assaulted by troops of U.S. VII Corps, 6 June 1944.

Airborne drop east of the Rhine.

Canadian First Army operation to dear area between Maas and Rhine

Rivers.

Panay and Negros Occidental operation.

Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental operation.

U.S. Eighth Army operations against Palawan.

U.S. Eighth Army operations against Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga

area of Mindanao.

U.S. Eighth Army operations against western Mindanao.

Final ground offensive to dear Tunisia, 1943.

Rehearsal for SHINGLE.

All U.S. organizations working with Y-Force, CBI.

U.S.-sponsored Chinese division in east China.

Plan for assault on Malaya, 1945.

TORNADO

TRADEWIND

TRANSFIGURE

TRIDENT

TULSA

TWILIGHT

TYPHOON

UNDERTONE

UTAH

VARSITY

VERITABLE

VICTOR I

VICTOR II

VICTOR III

VICTOR IV

VICTOR V

VULCAN

WEBFOOT

YOKE

ZEBRA

ZIPPER
[ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ] [ 561 ]

The multivolume series, UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II, consists of a number of

subseries which are: The War Department, The Army Air Forces, The Army Ground Forces, The Army

Service Forces, Defense of the Western Hemisphere, The War in the Pacific, European Theater of Operations, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, The Middle East Theater, The China-Burma-India Theater,

The Technical Services, Special Studies, and Pictorial Record.

The War Department

Chief of Staff: Prewar Plans and Preparations

Washington Command Post: The Operations Division

Strategic Planning for Coalition Warfare: 1941–1942

Strategic Planning for Coalition Warfare: 1943–1944

Global Logistics and Strategy: 1940–1943

Global Logistics and Strategy: 1943–1945

The Army and Economic Mobilization

The Army and Industrial Manpower

The Army Ground Forces

The Organization of Ground Combat Troops

The Procurement and Training of Ground Combat Troops

The Army Service Forces

The Organization and Role of the Army Service Forces

The Western Hemisphere

The Framework of Hemisphere Defense

Guarding the United States and Its Outposts

The War in the Pacific

Strategy and Command: The First Two Years

The Fall of the Philippines

Guadalcanal: The First Offensive

Victory in Papua

CARTWHEEL: The Reduction of Rabaul

Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls

Campaign in the Marianas

The Approach to the Philippines

Leyte: The Return to the Philippines

Triumph in the Philippines

Okinawa: The Last Battle

The Mediterranean Theater of Operations

Northwest Africa: Seizing the Initiative in the West

Sicily and the Surrender of Italy

Salerno to Cassino

Cassino to the Alps

The European Theater of Operations

The Supreme Command

Logistical Support of the Armies, Volume I

Logistical Support of the Armies, Volume II

Cross-Channel Attack

UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II
[ 562 ] [ UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II ] [ GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ]

Breakout and Pursuit

The Lorraine Campaign

The Siegfried Line Campaign

The Ardennes: Battle of the Bulge

Riviera to the Rhine

The Last Offensive

The Middle East Theater

The Persian Corridor and Aid to Russia

The China-Burma-India Theater

Stilwell’s Mission to China

Stilwell’s Command Problems

Time Runs Out in CBI

The Technical Services

The Chemical Warfare Service: Organizing for War

The Chemical Warfare Service: From Laboratory to Field

The Chemical Warfare Service: Chemicals in Combat

The Corps of Engineers: Troops and Equipment

The Corps of Engineers: The War Against Japan

The Corps of Engineers: The War Against Germany

The Corps of Engineers: Military Construction in the United States

The Medical Department: Hospitalization and Evacuation; Zone of Interior

The Medical Department: Medical Service in the Mediterranean and Minor Theaters

The Medical Department: Medical Service in the European Theater of Operations

The Medical Department: Medical Service in the War Against Japan

The Ordnance Department: Planning Munitions for War

The Ordnance Department: Procurement and Supply

The Ordnance Department: On Beachhead and Battlefront

The Quartermaster Corps: Organization, Supply, and Services, Volume I

The Quartermaster Corps: Organization, Supply, and Services, Volume II

The Quartermaster Corps: Operations in the War Against Japan

The Quartermaster Corps: Operations in the War Against Germany

The Signal Corps: The Emergency

The Signal Corps: The Test

The Signal Corps: The Outcome

The Transportation Corps: Responsibilities, Organization, and Operations

The Transportation Corps: Movements, Training, and Supply

The Transportation Corps: Operations Overseas

Special Studies

Chronology: 1941–1945

Buying Aircraft: Materiel Procurement for the Army Air Forces

Civil Affairs: Soldiers Become Governors

The Employment of Negro Troops

Manhattan: The U.S. Army and the Atomic Bomb

Military Relations Between the United States and Canada: 1939–1945

Rearming the French

Three Battles: Arnaville, Altuzzo, and Schmidt

The Women’s Army Corps

Pictorial Record

The War Against Germany and Italy: Mediterranean and Adjacent Areas

The War Against Germany: Europe and Adjacent Areas

The War Against Japan
[ INDEX ] [ 563 ]

Index

Aach: 421

Aachen: 269–71, 273, 275, 287, 292, 294–

95, 298–308, 318–19, 323, 393, 496

Aachen Municipal Forest: 269–70

Aalen: 509, 511, 513

Aandenberg: 382

Aaron Ward: 103

Abadan air base: 102

Abaiang Island: 151

Abate Hill: 165, 167

Abau: 56

Abau Track: 57

Abaucourt: 316

Abbach: 519

Abbendorft: 528

Abbeville: 261–62

ABDA. See Australian-British-DutchAmerican Command.

Abel, Cecil: 59

Abel’s Field: 59–60, 65

Abemama Island. See Apamama Island

Abenden: 398, 417–18

Abensberg: 521

ABERDEEN: 185

Abetaia: 408

Abijao: 363–64

Abo–Abo River: 15–16

Abra de Ilog: 358, 373

Abraham (Ennugarrett) Island: 167

Abrefontaine: 367

Abucay: 13

Abucay Hacienda: 15, 17

Abuyog: 314–17

Acerno: 136–37

Achain: 325

Achen: 346–47

Achouffe: 374

Acquafondata: 146, 157–58

Acqualina: 280

Acquarola: 305–06

Acquatraversa Creek: 193

Acquaviva: 221

Acqueville: 215

Acroma: 4, 39, 41

Acul: 364

Adak Island: 51–52, 54–55, 57, 104,

127

ADC Group (USMC): 159–63

Addis Ababa: 78

Adelmannsfelden: 511

Adelshofen: 492

Adelup Point: 238

Adenau: 432

Adige Line: 518

Adige River: 517–18, 521–22

Adler, Brig. Gen. Elmer E.: 35

Admiral Scheer: 482

Admiral Scheer Bridge: 423, 425

Admiralty area (Kwajalein): 169

Admiralty Islands campaign: 129, 152, 162,

164, 170, 175–88

Casualties summary: 190, 194

offensive plan completed: 43–45

staging area for Philippines: 303, 329

Adolf Hitler Bridge: 418, 424–25

Adony: 346

Adorf: 462, 524

Adrano, 120, 123, 125

Adriatic coast sector: 138, 140, 142, 145,

150, 153, 183, 191, 199, 204–05, 207,

210, 212, 216, 219, 221, 231–33, 247,

250–53, 259, 262, 277, 279, 283,

296, 306, 313, 318, 319, 337, 338,

339, 344, 397, 412, 421

Advance New Guinea Force: 75, 84

Aegean Islands: 134–35 138–39, 146–47,

261, 292

Aegidienberg: 438, 440

Aermeter: 297

Afetna Point: 211–12

Afferden: 404, 415

Affler: 409

Affoldern: 468

Africa, Northwest, recovery of. See Northwest Africa campaign.

Africa–Middle East Theater: 419

Afua: 202, 205–06, 216, 229, 231–45

Afwaterins Canal: 316

Agahang: 323

Agana: 240–41

Agat: 234–35

Agay: 249

Agedabia: 6, 8–9, 13, 17, 69

Agger River: 485

Agincourt: 280–81, 283

Agira: 121–23

Agno River: 8–9, 374, 376, 378–79, 405

Agoo: 7

Agriculture Building (Manila): 412,

417, 419

Agrigento: 119–20

Aguilar: 371–72, 374

Agy: 206

Ahaus: 460, 462

Ahawk Stream: 165–66

Ahawk Trail: 165

Ahioma: 52

Ahl Creek: 452

Ahlen: 476

Ahnsen: 484

Ahr River: 427, 429, 431–34

Ahrhutte: 431

Ahrweiler: 429

Ailano: 142

Ailertchen: 454

Ain River: 259–60

Aïn et Turk: 65

Ainsworth, Rear Adm. Walden L.: 118, 161

Air and Ground Supply Committee

(Burma): 459

Air bombardment of Europe. See

Combined Bomber Offensive

against Europe.

Air Commando, 1st (AAF): 178

Air Corps: 13, 22. See also Army Air Forces.

Air Force Engineer Command (Prov): 159

Air Force Service Commands

XII: 159

XV: 159

Air Forces

3d Tactical: 190, 333

Fifth: 25, 53, 58–59, 63–67, 69, 74, 78,

126, 128, 130–31, 136–37, 140, 143–

47, 170, 176, 181, 184–85,

194, 206, 215–16, 274, 315 346–

47 349–50, 372, 375, 380–81, 387,

389–90, 404, 415, 440 450–51,

530, 548

Sixth: 22

Seventh: 22, 38, 40, 42, 136, 145,

147, 344 368, 370, 383, 428

Eighth: 19, 33, 37–38, 42, 50, 72,

82, 89, 113–14, 122, 124, 128, 130,

132, 137–41, 144, 152 154, 156, 160,

176, 178, 185, 187, 189, 191–92, 197,

203, 215, 219, 236, 244, 245, 268, 271,

273

Ninth: 66, 75, 93, 105 124, 134,

141, 150, 152, 154, 179 186, 191, 236,

240, 321

Tenth: 23, 27–28, 31, 35, 43–44, 50, 55,

121, 153, 345, 375, 484, 527, 537,

542, 550

Eleventh: 22, 28, 112, 122, 125, 127,

133, 135

Twelfth: 50, 66, 82, 93, 96, 127, 139,

141

Thirteenth: 72, 84, 160, 183, 186–87,

315, 415, 440, 445

Fourteenth: 97–98, 114–16, 123, 132,

147, 149, 165, 189, 194 199, 204–05,

241, 248, 259, 266, 276, 314, 323, 342,

355, 375, 387, 390, 396, 405, 453,

527, 537, 550

Fifteenth: 141–43, 148, 160, 167, 175–

76, 185, 201, 203, 207, 219, 236–37,

242, 244, 261

Twentieth: 315

Alaskan: 15, 22

Caribbean: 22

Far East: 3–4, 6, 21, 315, 368

Middle East: 43

Strategic: 194

Western Desert: 74, 94, 103, 105

Air Service Area Commands

II: 159

III: 159

Air Service Commands

IX: 66

X: 35

Air Support Command, IX: 103
[ 564 ] [ INDEX ]

Air Transport Command

India–China Ferry Command: 45

India–China Wing: 71

operations in CBI: 71

transport of reinforcements to China:

441

Air Unit, 5318th: 170

Airaines: 260

Airborne Antiaircraft Battery, 709th: 52

Airborne Divisions. See also Glider Infantry Regiments; Parachute Infantry Regiments.

11th (187, 188, 511th): 301, 334,

337, 339, 347, 349, 352–54, 357,

372, 374, 379, 381, 385, 388, 390–

96, 398–402, 410, 417, 423, 425–

26, 428, 430–31, 433–37, 440, 442,

445, 450–53, 455, 457, 460–61,

464–65, 467, 471, 473, 476–78,

480, 482, 484, 486, 488, 490, 493,

497, 499, 501, 503, 505, 510–11,

520, 522–23, 530, 546, 548, 551

13th (88th, 326th, 515th): 450

17th (193d, 194th, 513th): 360, 362,

365–67, 369, 371–74, 377, 379–82,

384, 387, 392, 394, 396–400, 450,

452–54, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464,

466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478,

480, 482, 485, 487, 489, 491,

493, 504, 506, 515

82d (504th, 505th, 325th): 117–23,

131–32, 134–38, 143, 146–47,

154–56, 203–13, 222–24, 276–79,

281, 284–85, 288, 321, 324, 354,

356, 357–62, 366–71, 385–93, 395,

397, 399–402, 404–05, 408, 464,

473, 508, 516, 519–20, 522, 524,

526, 528

101st (327th, 401st, 502d, 506th):

203–10, 219, 221–22, 229, 276, 278–

79, 281–82, 284–85, 287–88, 321,

338, 354, 357, 359, 361–63, 365–67,

370–71, 373–76, 381, 384–85, 393,

410, 413, 414, 466, 473, 502, 520, 523,

525, 527, 530–31

Airborne Engineer Battalion, 871st: 131

Airborne Task Force, 1st: 249–50, 252–

55, 258–59, 261, 266, 333, 337

Aircraft, Army

first launching from carriers: 34

H2S–equipped: 137, 144

internment in Turkey: 41, 124

Aircraft carriers. See also by name.

first engagement between: 37

first launching of land bombers from:

34

Aire: 262

Airel: 226

Aisch River: 492, 494, 496, 498

Aisne River: 258, 260, 367

Aitape operation: 182, 187–90, 195–96,

199–202, 205–07, 212–14, 216,

221, 223, 225, 227–50, 256, 263,

269, 342

Aitsu Island: 173

Aix–en–Provence: 252–53, 255

Ajoncourt: 298

Aka: 456

Aka Island: 456–57, 460, 462

Akagi: 40

Akarakaro Point: 289

Aken: 500

Akhtyrka: 126

Akyab operation: 30, 36, 71, 75, 78,

145, 316, 351, 358, 362, 367, 384,

426, 469

Alacan: 373

Alagir: 62

‘Alam el Halfa: 50, 53–54

Alaminos: 372, 374, 467

ALAMO FORCE: 114–15, 136, 139, 141,

156, 176, 182, 189, 191, 195, 200–

202, 220, 249, 274. See also

Armies, Sixth.

Alangalang: 314

Alangan River: 32

Alaska Defense Command: 28, 38, 143

Alaska Sector (USN): 186

Alaskan Air Force: 15, 22

Alaskan Department: 143

Alaskan Sea Frontier (USN): 186

Alatri: 201

Albanella: 133

Albaneta Farm: 172

Albania, operations in: 301, 329

Albano: 164, 167, 173–76, 179, 198–

202

Albay Gulf islands: 486

Albereto: 341

Albersrieth: 512

Albert Canal: 265, 267–69, 353

Albert (Ennumennet) Island: 167

Albert River: 273

Albestroff: 333–35

Albiano: 392

Albuera: 339

Album: 13

Alcala: 548

Alcan Highway: 23, 62

Alchiba: 70

Aldekerk: 421

Aldenhoven: 327, 331

Aldersbach: 526

Aldringen: 382

Aldsdorf: 297

Alemont: 321

Alençon: 243, 245–48

Alessandria: 521, 527

Aleutian Islands Campaign: 40–129.

See also Attu Island; Kiska Island.

air–naval actions: 38, 40, 57, 88, 93,

100, 106, 112–13, 116, 121–22,

124–27

as base for assault on Paramushiro:

132

enemy naval support: 36

enemy seizure: 38–40

enemy supply situation: 100

Komandorski Islands naval battle:

100

recovery of: 88, 93, 96, 100, 102,

104–06, 108–14, 116, 120–29, 139

reinforcement of: 38

Alexai Point: 109, 112–13

Alexander, Gen. Sir Harold R. L. G.:

30, 35, 50, 94–95, 102, 104–05,

107–08, 159

CG of Allied forces in Tunisia: 92

Alexander, Gen. Sir Harold R. L. G.—

Continued

as CG of Burma Army: 27

as CG of 18 Army Group: 94

as CG of 15th Army Group: 113,

117–19, 120–23, 131, 133–36, 138,

145, 162, 168–69, 172, 190, 202,

204, 210, 217, 266

as CG of MEF: 49–50

Deputy CinC of Allied Forces in

French North Africa: 93

directive on drive on Rome: 190

directive on Egypt–Libya: 49

directive on Gafsa offensive: 98, 100

plan for final offensive in Tunisia:

104

and SACMED: 354

transfer to India: 38

Alexandra: 23

Alexandria: 43

Alexishafen: 189

Alf: 436, 439–40, 443

Alf River: 435

Alfeld: 466, 480

Alfonsine: 358, 366, 368

Alfter: 429–30

Algeria–French Morocco Campaign: 64–

66. See also Northwest Africa

Campaign; Tunisia Campaign.

Algiers

AFHQ moved to: 69

Allied command conference: 92

conference with French leaders: 60

French Committee of National Liberation formed: 113, 130

landings at: 53, 64–67

NATO established: 91

Algrange: 267

Alì: 128

Ali Island: 189

Alife: 141

Alimena: 121

Alimodian: 443

Alitzheim: 485

Alken: 438

Allagappa: 401

Allaine River: 330

Allanmyo: 30–31, 509, 522

Allen, Samar: 406–07

Allen (Ennubirr) Island: 167

Allendorf: 429, 479, 481

Allengen: 480

Allenstein: 381, 386

Aller River: 482, 484, 486, 489

Allerborn: 379

Allerona: 210

Allersburg: 512

Allex: 257

Allied Air Force (NW Africa): 82

Allied Air Forces (P.I.): 379

Allied Air Support Command: 93

Allied Airborne Army, First. See First

Allied Airborne Army.

Allied Armies in Italy: 179–354. See

also Army Groups, 15th.

Allied Central Mediterranean Force:

163–78. See also Allied Armies in

Italy.

Allied Expeditionary Air Force: 150,

154, 187, 191, 195, 239
[ INDEX ] [ 565 ]

Allied Expeditionary Force

activated: 55

Eisenhower as Supreme Commander:

152, 156, 163. See also Eisenhower, General Dwight D.; Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.

Allied Force Headquarters. See also

Eisenhower, General Dwight D.;

Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.

activated: 55

Alexander named Deputy CinC: 93

command conference: 92

control of Seventh Army: 249

meetings with Soviet Army: 496, 498,

512–17, 519, 521–23, 526–30,

532–33, 536

moves to Algiers, 69

moves to Gibraltar: 64

plans for invasion of Italy: 123–24,

126–30

plans for Southern France Campaign:

155, 157, 159, 162, 164, 171, 176–

77, 240, 246, 249

reconstitution of commands: 93

relinquishes 6th Army Group to

SHAEF: 273

staff structure: 64

Allied Land Forces, South East Asia:

324–58

Allied Naval Forces, Luzon: 373

Allstedt: 489

Almelo: 474

Almond, Maj. Gen. Edward M.: 296

Alor Star: 4

Alost: 262, 264

Alpe di Poti: 230, 232–33

Alpe di Vitigliano: 271–72

Alpen: ?95, 425, 427–28, 430, 432

ALPHA: 249, 333, 341, 348, 350, 354,

365, 369 387. See also Chungking; Kunming.

ALPHA Force: 248. See also Southern France

Campaign.

Alpine Front Command (Fr.): 447

Alpine Highway: 514

Alsace–Ardennes Campaign: 274, 353–

83

Alsbach: 454

Alschbach: 445

Alscheid: 382

Alsdorf: 295–98

Alsenz River: 444

Alsfeld: 463, 465

Alsleben: 491

Alsstadten: 425

Alstatte: 464

Alsting: 407

Alt Astenberg: 472

Alt Bessingen: 481

Alt Damm: 446

Altamura: 136–37

Altavilla: 133–35

Altdorf: 507, 523

Alten: 508

Alten Buseck: 458

Altena: 496

Altenahr: 429

Altenburg: 410, 494, 496

Altendorf: 427

Altenfeld: 478

Altenhundem: 482

Altenilpe: 483

Altenkirchen: 452, 454

Altenmellrich: 474

Altenrath: 489

Alterberg: 530

Altheim: 455

Althorn: 369, 371, 380

Althuette: 507

Altisheim: 518

Altkirch: 338–39

Altmuenden: 479

Altmuhl River: 514, 516, 518, 521

Altmyhl: 415

Alto Hill: 276

Altopascio: 261, 263

Altremda: 490

Altwied: 449

Altwiller: 335, 338

Alvignano: 141

Alzen: 271, 273, 275, 278, 387, 448,

450

Alzerath: 388

Amagansett: 41

Amance Hill: 280–81, 283–84

Amanvillers: 265, 268–69

Amaseno: 198

Amaseno River: 197

Amaseno Valley: 197

Amaye–sur–Seulles: 241

Ambayabang Valley: 419

Amberg: 504, 510, 514

Ambérieu: 259

Amberloup: 372

Amblève: 375, 383

Amblève River: 355–56, 358, 361, 372–74,

377

Ambon: 20, 22, 25

Ambrières–le–Grand: 244

Amchitka Island: 75–76, 88, 93

Ameln: 414

Amelscheid: 388

American Military Mission to China: 27

American republics, solidarity meeting:

15, 19

American Volunteer Group: 5, 7, 36, 44

Amersfoort: 499

Amiangal Mt.: 288–89, 291, 293

Amiens: 258–59

Amike: 536

Amlang: 374–75, 377–78, 380

Amleldingen: 402

Ammer River: 523

Ammer See: 521, 523

Ammerschwihr: 355

Amoeneburg: 460

Amorbach: 463

Amoy: 375

Amonines: 361

Amper Kanal: 523

Amper River: 523

Amphibious Corps, Marine. See Marine

Amphibious Corps.

Amphibious Forces (USN,)

III: 119, 303, 305

V: 129

VII: 222, 274, 302, 305

North Pacific: 102

Pacific: 299

Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion,

FMF: 438, 456, 476, 480, 491, 548

Amphibious Support Force (USN): 403

Amphibious Tank Battalions

536th: 374

718th: 374

776th: 344–45, 348–49, 374

Amsterdam Island: 239, 241

Amstetten: 534–35

Amuro Island: 458

An: 404

Anabat: 433

Anagni: 201

ANAKIM: 73, 88, 90, 108. See also

Burma, recovery of.

Anamo: 229–30, 234

Anao: 378

Anapa: 53, 137

Anatolia: 35

Anayan: 527, 529

Ancerville: 324

Ancerviller: 325, 326

Ancona: 204, 212, 230, 232–33, 340

Andaman Islands: 28, 30–31, 145, 152,

155

Andel: 444

Andelot: 268–69

Andernach: 429, 431–32, 434, 437

Anderson, Maj. Gen. Jonathan W.: 65

Anderson, Gen. Sir Kenneth A. N.

(Br.): 87–88, 92, 95, 99, 108

CG of Allied forces in Tunisia: 88

CG of British forces, AFHQ: 64

CG of First Army: 65

Andlau: 340

Andler: 387–88

Andolsheim: 389–90

Andrews, Lt. Gen. Frank M.

accidental death: 108

activates Ninth AF: 66

CG of U.S. Forces in ETO: 90–91,

108

CG of USAFIME: 63

Andriamanalina: 60

Androchte: 472

Anfa Conference: 84

Angaur Attack Group (USN): 274

Angaur Island: 226, 268, 276, 278–79,

281–83, 285–86, 288–91, 293, 297,

302–04, 306, 308, 310

Angeles: 11, 385–86

Angermuende: 520

Angers: 246–47

Ango: 69

Anholt: 458

Anibong–Point: 309

Anibung: 311

Aniene River: 202

Ankang: 453, 520

Ankiang: 523

Anklan: 523

Annen: 487

Anould: 332

Annweiler: 447

Anrath: 418

Ansbach: 492, 496, 498, 500, 502–04,

 509

Antelat: 8, 12, 18
[ 566 ] [ INDEX ]

Antiaircraft Artillery Battalions

434th: 273, 280, 295

435th: 266, 280, 295

976th: 172

Antiaircraft Artillery Brigades

44th 333, 419

45th: 237, 374

54th: 512, 516

55th: 512, 515

Antiaircraft Artillery Groups

18th: 504, 515

91st: 237

107th: 237, 296, 319

Antibes: 255

Antilao River: 352

Antimonan: 8, 480, 486, 488

Antipolo: 409, 412–13, 419, 431, 435–

36, 438, 440, 448, 450

Antipolo Point: 363

Antrain: 240

Antsirabe: 57

Antsirene: 3 8

ANVIL: 150, 152, 157, 159, 162, 164,

171, 176, 177, 182–84, 189, 207,

210, 212, 217, 219–20, 222, 224,

240. See also DRAGOON; Southern

France Campaign.

Antweiler: 426–27

Antwerp: 262, 264–65, 267, 269–71,

274, 276, 283, 292, 294, 297, 302–

05 309, 318, 320, 339, 353

Antwerp–Turnhout Canal: 286, 292

Anyasan River: 19–23

ANZAC Area: 20

ANZAC Naval Force (Allied): 22

Anzio Campaign: 145, 149, 155–56,

159, 162–82, 184–86, 194, 196–

202

Aoba: 58

Aoeki Island: 200

Aogiri Ridge: 160–61

Aola Bay: 63, 66, 71–72

Aosta: 457

Apamama Island: 139, 148–50

Aparri: 4, 542–43 547–49

Apartment House area (Okinawa): 522,

527

Apaukwa: 177

Apeldoorn: 423, 486, 491, 493, 495,

499

Apennines, operations in: 243–507, 523

Aphove: 381

Apostolovi: 171

Appenwihr: 393

Appolensdorf: 524

Aprilia: 165

Apt: 253–54

Apweiler: 327–30

Aquino: 194–97

Arad: 295

Aradura Spur: 202

Aragachi: 547

Arakachi: 478

Arakan coast: 75, 82, 90, 93, 98, 110,

145, 161, 170, 172, 178, 181, 183,

185, 240, 263, 290, 316, 321, 329,

333, 351, 353, 358, 363, 367, 372,

381, 384, 404–05, 426, 437, 522,

529, 535, 537

Arare: 193, 195, 199

Arawe: 149, 151, 154–57, 160–63

Araxos: 285–86, 298

Arayat: 10

Arboredo: 419

ARCADIA (Washington) Conference: 8–

10, 14

Arce: 197–99

Arcey: 326

Arches: 283–84

Archettes: 284

Ardennes–Alsace Campaign: 274, 353–

83

Arevale: 443

Arezzo: 136, 204, 224–25, 227–28,

230–33, 263

Argens River: 251

Argenta: 492, 495, 497, 499, 501, 503,

505

Argentan: 245, 247–53

Argentina: 165

Argenschwang: 443

Argenthal: 441

ARGONAUT Conference: 387, 390, 392,

398, 400

ARGUMENT: 175. See also Combined

Bomber Offensive against Europe.

Arielli: 156

Ariendorf: 435, 448

Aringay: 7, 428, 430–31

Aritao: 542–43, 545

Arles: 255, 257–58

Arloff: 427

Arlon: 267, 357, 359, 462–64

Arloncourt: 365–66, 375

Armaucourt: 284

Armavir: 48, 88

Armies

First: 166, 203–34, 236–71, 273,

275–76, 278–79, 281–86, 287–308,

311–12, 315–20, 322–23, 325–64,

366–77 379–95, 397 402, 404–08,

410–12, 414–16, 418, 420, 422,

424, 425, 427, 429–30 432–42,

444–46 448–49, 451–52, 454,

456–60, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470,

472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 485,

487, 489, 491–93, 495, 497, 500,

502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514–

15, 517, 519, 521–22, 524, 528–30,

533–34, 550

Third: 162, 165, 180, 225, 240–70, 272–

75, 277–78, 280–302, 305, 307–08,

312–32, 334–95, 397, 408, 410–12,

414, 416–17, 419–22, 424, 426–27,

429, 431–32, 434–42, 444–49, 451–

60, 463, 465, 467–68, 470, 472, 474,

477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487, 489,

492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502, 504,

506–08, 510–12, 514–15, 517, 519,

521–22, 524, 526, 528–34

Fourth: 165

Fifth: 82, 115, 123, 128–29, 132–47,

149–86, 191–202, 204–08, 210,

212–37, 240, 242–44, 248, 250–53,

255–61, 263–67, 269–77, 279–80,

282–315, 317–19 321–23, 325,

327–28, 334, 336, 338–42, 344,

346–48, 350–52, 354, 258–59,

361–64, 368–75, 377, 381, 383–84,

386, 392, 394, 397, 401–02 404–

10, 412–13, 417, 419, 423, 425–26,

428, 431, 433, 437, 439, 443, 451,

Armies—Continued

Fifth—Continued

457, 459, 471, 475, 477, 479, 481,

483, 486, 488, 490, 492, 494–95,

497, 499 501, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513, 515–18, 520–21, 525,

527

Sixth: 93, 114–15, 136, 139, 141,

159, 169, 172, 194, 260, 301–02,

307–61, 365, 370–92, 394–97, 399–

410, 412–14, 416–17, 419, 421, 423,

425–26 428, 430–31 433–43 445–51

453, 455, 457, 459, 461, 463, 465,

467, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 479, 481,

484, 486, 488, 490, 492, 495, 497,

499, 501, 503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513,

515, 517, 51920, 522–23, 525, 527,

529–38, 540–49. See also ALAMO FORCE.

Seventh: 117–28, 155, 157, 159, 162,

177, 207, 212, 249–69, 271–75, 277–

78, 280–87, 290–300, 302–22, 324–

29 331, 333–47, 349–52, 354–57,

361–63, 365–69, 371–85, 388–94,

396–410, 412–14, 417, 419, 423–24,

426, 428, 430–31, 433–34 436–39

441–43, 445–48, 450–53 455, 457,

459, 461, 463, 465–66, 469, 471, 473,

475, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487, 490,

492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502, 504,

507–09, 511–12, 514, 516, 518–19,

521, 523–24, 526, 528–29, 531

Eighth: 207, 263, 265, 327, 331–32,

361–65, 367, 372, 374, 381, 385, 388–

401 403, 405–07 411–12, 415–17 419,

421, 423, 425, 427–28, 430–31, 433–

34, 436–38 440–43, 445–46 448–50

452–53, 455, 457, 460–61, 464–65,

467, 471, 473, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484,

486, 488, 490, 493, 497, 499, 501,

503, 506, 507, 510–11, 513, 515, 517,

519–20, 522–23, 525, 527, 539–44,

546–50

Ninth: 263, 265, 267, 270–71, 273–74,

276, 278–79, 287–88, 292, 294, 298,

303, 305, 307–08, 312, 320–23 327–

44, 346–48 351–56, 358–61, 363,

370–71, 384–85, 387–95, 399, 402,

409, 411–13, 415–16, 418–19, 421,

423, 425, 427–30, 432–34 436, 450,

452, 454, 458: 460, 462, 464, 466,

468, 470–72, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482,

484, 486, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497,

499, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514,

515, 517, 519, 521–22, 524, 526, 528,

530, 532–33

Tenth: 467, 469, 471, 476, 478, 480,

482, 484, 486, 488, 491, 493, 495,

497, 499, 501, 504, 506, 508, 510,

92–13, 515, 517, 519–20, 522, 524–

25, 527, 529–31 533–49

Fifteenth: 366, 368, 376, 433–34, 458,

462, 464, 466, 471, 473, 485, 492

496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506–07, 512,

514–16

Armor, German, superior in Libya: 10

Armored Corps

I: 82, 97

II: 82
[ INDEX ] [ 567 ]

Armored Divisions

1st: 64–66, 70–75, 81, 83, 86–95, 98–

104, 106–09, 147, 158, 160–62,

167–68, 170, 173, 196–201, 204,

206–07, 215–17, 220, 222–24, 226,

234, 240, 244, 248, 252, 255, 261,

263, 264, 266–67, 271, 275, 277,

279, 282–83, 286–88, 290–91, 298,

300–301 303, 305–06, 318–19,

334, 362, 410, 428, 431, 439, 457,

475, 495, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505,

507, 509, 511, 513, 515–16, 518,

520–21, 523, 527

2d: 65–66, 117–19, 121–22, 206–09,

222, 230, 237–38, 240–41, 244–48,

250, 252–54, 258–60, 263–65, 268–

71, 273, 275–78, 290–91, 293–98,

302–03 312, 320, 327, 329–34

338–39, 356, 358–63, 365–70, 372–

75, 378, 391, 414–16, 418, 420,

422–25, 454, 460, 466, 468, 470,

472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 484, 486,

489, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 502,

504 506, 508, 510

3d: 217, 221–22, 226–28, 230–31,

237–42, 244, 247–50, 256–58, 260–

71, 273, 275–76, 278, 280–82, 284,

305–06, 327–29, 335–36 349–50,

355–64, 366–70, 372–76, 378–80,

412, 414–16, 418, 420, 422, 424–25,

427, 429–30, 433, 440–41, 445, 447–

49, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464,

466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478,

481, 483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 494,

496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506, 508,

510, 512, 514–15, 517

4th: 229–30, 232, 237–49, 251–61, 263,

268–70, 272–73, 275, 277–78, 280–

81, 283–91, 301, 321–26, 328, 330–

31, 333–47, 356–57 359–66, 370–71,

390, 396, 405, 408–11, 413–14

416–17, 419, 421, 423–24, 426, 428–

29, 431–32, 434–35, 437, 439–44,

446–51, 453, 455, 457, 459, 461, 463,

465, 467–68, 470, 472–73, 475, 477,

479, 481–82, 485, 487, 489–90, 492,

494, 496, 498, 502, 504, 510, 512,

520, 526, 529, 531–33

5th: 240, 245, 247–55, 258–60, 263–65,

267–68, 270, 272–73. 275, 277, 280,

301, 303, 312, 322, 327, 330, 335–36,

340–41, 343–46, 353, 356–60, 387–

89, 394, 411–12, 414–16, 418, 420,

422–23, 425, 427–29, 435, 464, 466,

468, 470, 472, 474, 480, 482, 484,

486, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499,

502, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514–15

6th: 232, 236–48, 251, 258, 261,

267, 270, 272, 274, 277–78, 280,

283–85, 287–92, 298–99, 321–28,

330–31, 333–38, 342, 344–46 356,

362–76, 379–84, 386, 389, 392, 394,

396–401, 407–14, 416–17, 419–22,

424, 431, 445–48, 450–55 457, 459,

461–63, 465, 467–68, 470, 472, 474–

75, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487,

489–90, 492, 496, 498, 502, 514–15

Armored Divisions—Continued

7th: 246–48, 250–57, 259–62, 264–

70, 272–73, 275, 277–78, 280–81,

283–87, 289–91, 293–95, 297,

301, 304–05, 313–21, 340, 354–

63, 376, 378–85, 391, 393–95,

399, 429, 431–33 438, 444, 448–

49, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462,

464, 468 470, 472, 474, 476, 478,

480, 483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 493,

496, 498, 500, 502, 508, 524, 526,

528–29

8th: 378, 382–84, 394, 415–16 418,

420–21, 423, 425, 428, 430, 432–

33, 435, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462–

64, 466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476,

478, 480, 482, 485, 487, 489, 491,

493, 497, 499, 502, 504, 506, 508,

510

9th: 303, 353–59 361–65, 417–18,

420, 422, 424–27 429, 431–32

436–37 440, 447–49, 451–52, 454,

456–60, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470,

474, 481, 483, 485, 487, 489, 4

91–92 494, 496, 498, 500, 508, 510,

521–22, 524, 530, 533

10th: 317, 320, 325–32, 334–38,

341–42, 353–62, 365–66, 370,

380, 383, 398–400, 406–11, 413–

14, 416–17, 419, 421, 423–24,

426, 428–32, 434–37, 440, 442–44,

446–48 450, 459, 461, 463, 465–

66, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 479,

481, 483, 485–86, 488, 490, 492,

494, 498, 500, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513–14, 516, 518, 520–21,

523, 525, 527

11th: 360, 363–65, 373–77, 379–81,

392–94, 396–401, 405–08, 410–12,

414, 419, 422, 424, 426–27, 429, 431–

32, 434–38, 440–44, 446–48, 450–51,

453, 455, 459, 461, 463, 465, 467–68,

470, 473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 485, 487,

490, 492, 494, 496, 500, 502, 504,

506, 508, 510, 512, 514–15 517, 519,

521–22, 524, 526, 528–30, 532–34

12th: 345–49 351, 362, 369–72, 376–

78, 391–93, 395, 400, 07, 423, 442–

44, 446–48, 450–51, 455, 457, 459,

461, 463, 465–66, 469, 471, 473, 475,

477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487–88, 490,

492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502–05, 507,

509, 511–14, 516, 518–21, 523–26,

528–29, 531

13th: 480, 483, 485, 487, 489 491, 493,

495–97 500, 502, 504, 507–08, 511,

518–19, 521–22, 524, 528–29

14th: 331, 333–34 336, 338–42 345,

351–52, 354, 365–66, 369, 372–76,

378, 383, 389–93, 397, 406, 439, 443,

445–48 450, 465–66, 469, 471, 473,

475, 477, 479, 481, 485, 494, 500,

504, 508, 512, 514, 518–19, 521–24,

526, 528

16th: 521, 526, 530, 533

20th: 407, 471, 500, 504, 509, 512, 519,

521, 523

Armored Groups 2d: 237, 295

13th: 301, 388

17th: 422, 473

Provisional, Seventh Army. See Task

Forces, Butler.

Arms, Col. Thomas S.: 145

Army Air Forces. See also Air Corps.

Abadan base: 102

absorbs AVG: 35

absorbs Eagle Squadrons: 57

constituted: 28

first troops reach CBI: 29

plane losses in Hawaii: 3

Provisional Regt on Bataan: 19

withdrawal of units from SEAC: 542

Army Air Forces Engineer Command,

MTO: 159

Army Air Forces, India–Burma Sector:

147

Army Air Forces, MTO: 159

Army Air Forces, POA: 241

Army Air Forces Service Command:

159

Army Air Services: 33

Army Ground Forces constituted under

McNair: 28

Stilwell succeeds Lear as head: 384

Army Group, Washington, D.C.: 42

Army Groups

1st: 236

6th: 240, 260, 273, 275, 277–78, 280–

81, 283–87, 291–300, 302–26, 328–

29, 331, 333–52, 354–57, 360–94,

396–410, 412–14, 417, 419, 423–

24, 426, 428, 430–31, 433–34,

436–39, 441–43, 445–48, 450–51,

453, 455, 457, 459, 463, 465–66,

469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 483,

485, 487, 490, 492, 494, 496, 498,

500, 502, 504, 507, 509, 511–12, 514,

516, 518–19, 521, 523, 524, 526,

528–33

12th: 236, 240–74, 276, 278–79, 281–

487, 489–500, 502, 504, 506–12,

514–19, 521–24, 526, 528–34

15th: 113, 117–47, 149–63, 354–531.

See also Allied Armies in Italy;

Allied Central Mediterranean

Force.

Central Group of Armies: 260

Northern Group of Armies: 260

Southern Group of Armies: 260

Army Service Forces: 28

Armyansk: 143

Arnaville: 264–65, 267–70, 272–73, 275,

277, 316

Arnhem: 276, 278–79, 281–82, 284–85,

287–289, 292, 342, 468, 488, 491,

493, 495

Arnim, Col. Gen. Jurgen von: 86, 91, 95,

97, 110

Arno River: 214, 229, 232–36, 238, 241,

243, 246, 253, 255–57, 260–61,

266–67

Arno–Rome Campaign: 164–267

Arno Valley drive: 233–44, 246–70

Arnold, Maj. Gen. Archibald V.: 344
[ 568 ] [ INDEX ]

Arnold, General Henry H.: 153, 165. See

also Army Air Forces.

CG of AAF: 28

completes Normandy air plan: 33

at London air conference: 39, 41

orders Stratemeyer to head China air

forces: 547

plans for occupying Japan: 546

plans for recovery of Burma: go recommends division of Twelfth Air Force:

139, 141

Arnoldsweiler: 411–12

Arnsbach: 465

Arnsberg: 485, 487, 489

Arnshagen: 494

Arnstadt: 467, 485, 492

Arnstorf: 526

Arnswalde: 410

Arolsen: 462

Around–the–clock bombing of Germany:

95

Arpajon: 253–54

Arracourt: 272, 280–81, 289–90, 308

Arraincourt: 324

Arras: 260

Arraye–et–Han: 298

Arrenrath: 429

Arry: 267–68, 270, 273

Arsoli: 206

Ars–Laquenexy: 329

Arsbeck: 416, 08

Arsdorf: 360–61

Artena: 197–98, 200

Arthur, Col. John M. (USMC): 75

Artificial moonlight, use of Germany: 329

Italy: 276, 304

Normandy: 131

Philippines: 503

Artzenheim: 389–90

Aru Island: 47

Aruba Island: 24

Arundel Island: 126, 129–36

Arzberg: 506, 510, 512

Arzew: 65

Arzfeld: 408, 424

Arzilla River: 258 As: 506, 510, 512

Asa: 534–36

Asa River and Estuary: 525, 527, 529, 534–

36

Asan: 234

Asato River: 540–41

Asbach: 452, 463

Ascension Island: 31, 51

Asch: 518

Aschaffenburg: 453, 457, 459, 461, 463,

465–66, 469, 471

Aschau: 528

Aschbach: 369, 443

Aschersleben: 175, 500, 512

Ashbourne, Capt. Lord (RN): 327

Asheville: 26

Asia Islands: 327, 331–32

Asias: 281

Asiga: 237

Asin: 488, 490, 497, 501, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513

Asingan: 379, 381, 385, 403

Aslito airfield: 212–13

Aslom: 311

Aso River: 214

Asperberg: 402–04

Asperden: 403–04

Aspisheim: 444

Assam airlift of supply to China from:

55, 57, 60–61, 110, 116, 147, 150,

155, 180–81, 187, 190, 200, 202, 205,

235, 271, 293, 297, 329, 342, 344,

355, 540

operations in: 38, 109–10, 112, 153

Assam–Bengal railway: 145, 147

Assam–Burma–China Ferry Command,

AAF: 29

Assam–Calcutta Line of Communications:

166–67, 171

Asselborn: 380

Asseln: 487

Assenois: 361

Assinghausen: 474

Asslar: 456, 458

Asten: 313–14

Astheim: 449

Astorga: 523

Astoria: 49

Astrakhan: 45

Atanniya: 472

Athens: 261–62, 302, 304–05

Atina: 149–50, 155, 157, 198

Atipuluan: 464

Atlanta: 66

Atlantic, Battle of, Allied losses: 55, 79

Atlay: 441

Atoman: 522

Atomic bomb, first test and use: 550

Atsugi airfield: 551

Atsutabaru: 476

Attack Force Reserve (USN): 164

Attendorn: 485, 487

Atter Kammer See: 532–33

Atton: 272–73, 275

Attu Island

air–naval actions: 93, 106, 109–10

enemy garrison strength: 112

enemy seizure of: 40–41, 55, 62

recovery of: 96, 100, 102, 104–06, 108–13,

127

Aubagne: 253

Aube: 323

Aubel: 268, 407, 410

Aubenton: 260

Auche: 183

Auchinleck, Gen. Sir Claude J. E. (Br.): 9,

24–25, 28, 35, 38, 4142, 47

CG of Br Eighth Army: 43

CG of MEF: 49–50

commands in India: 114, 146

commands in Iraq and Iran: 12

defines Tripoli as objective: 16

inspects Br Eighth Army: 18, 42

sets Tobruk as supply base: 21

Audigast: 489,

Aue: 474

Auel: 387–88

Auenheim: 420

Auerbach: 506

Auersmacher: 404–06

Augny: 326

Augsburg: 138, 176, 513, 518–21, 523

Augusta: 118

Augustdorf: 466

Augustow: 233

Auland: 528

Auletta: 135–36

Aulla: 515–16

Aulnois–sur–Seille: 320

Aumale: 259

Aumenau: 456, 460

Aumetz: 265, 267

Aunay River: 249–50

Aunay–sur–Odon: 240–43

Aurand, Maj. Gen. Henry S.: 541

Aure River: 205–06, 252

Auringen: 459,

Ausa River: 279–80

Ausente Creek: 193

Ausonia: 192–93

Ausonia Defile: 193

Ausonia Valley: 171

Austerlitz: 523

Australia

accepts MacArthur as commander of

SWPA: 33

aircraft transferred from P.I. to: 6

as Allied supply base: 6

base facilities headed by Barnes: 19

classes of troops for build–up: 13

control by SWPA: 30–31

defense directive: 11

effect of loss of NEI on: 28

enemy air attacks: 27

MacArthur arrives: 29

U.S. troops arrive: 8, 32

Australian Army units

Corps

I: 129, 139

II: 139

Divisions

3d: 106, 114–15, 117–18, 120,

129

5th: 129, 131–34, 172, 189

6th: 54, 56, 60, 536

7th: 50, 54–56, 60, 67–68, 74,

84, 88, 131, 132–36, 139, 164,

182, 549, 550

8th: 8, 12, 14

9th: 24, 61–62, 131–32, 134–38,

141–42, 147, 149, 153, 162, 527,

545–47

11th: 186

Brigades

4th: 147

7th: 44–45, 51–52

14th: 38, 42

15th: 115, 186

16th: 54, 60, 63–65, 67–69, 72–73

17th: 85, 89, 114–15

18th: 51, 52, 54, 58, 60, 74, 82, 84–

87, 164

20th: 131, 136–37, 147

21st: 50, 52, 54–55, 71–73, 77, 136

22d: 14, 136, 138

24th: 131, 134–35, 147

25th: 54–56, 60, 63–64, 66–72,

133–36

26th: 131, 134, 141, 147, 149, 527

27th: 8, 14–16
[ INDEX ] [ 569 ]

Australian Army units–Continued

Brigades–Continued

30th: 52, 72–73, 75, 77

36th: 77

Regiments

2/4 Field: 131

2/6 Armored: 74–75, 82

2/7 Cavalry: 75, 77, 84

Battalions

2/1 Pioneer: 54

2/2 Pioneer: 131

2/4 Pioneer: 24

2/6: 117

2/9: 74, 76–77 82, 87

2/10: 52, 74, 76–77, 79, 81, 87

2/12: 60, 78–79, 81, 87

2/13:131

2/14: 54, 75

2/16: 54, 69, 75

2/17: 131

2/20: 22

2/27: 54, 75

2/31: 55

2/33: 55

2/40: 25

3/14: 54

39th: 43–48, 52, 72–73, 75, 77, 84

49th: 73, 76–77, 84

53d: 52

55/53: 73, 77

61st Militia: 51–52

Papuan: 43, 115, 131

Companies

2/6 Field: 131

2/6 Independent: 59, 64, 67–70, 74,

135–36

5th Independent: 39

Miscellaneous Forces

X Tank Squadron: 75

Bailey: 200–202

East: 14–15, 17, 19–20

Kanga. See Wau.

Maroubra: 43, 46–50

Milne: 51–52

New Guinea: 46–50, 56–57, 67, 84,

115, 129, 135

West: 14–17, 19–20

Australian-British-Dutch-American

Command

absorbs Darwin area: 18

activated: 10, 15

Burma transferred to India from: 25, 29

directive for defense of Far East: 11

Helfrich CO of Striking Force: 24

inactivated: 26

Lembang command conference: 13

Australian Imperial Force, Malaya: 8, 14,

23

Austria

advance on, from east: 295, 441, 453,

455, 457, 461, 463, 465, 467, 471, 473,

477, 479, 481, 483, 492, 498, 505,

535–36

advance on, from south: 527

advance on, from west: 500, 502, 504,

512, 517, 520–21, 524–29, 531–33

Combined Bomber Offensive against: 138,

143–44, 176

Austria–Continued

meetings of Allied forces: 535–36

meetings of Fifth Army and 6th Army

Group: 530–31

Autun: 266

Auville–sur–le Vey: 206–07

Auw: 389, 424

Auxerre: 261

Ava: 35

AVALANCHE: 122, 127–32. See also Salerno.

Avanne: 265–66

Avancy: 329

Avellino: 134, 136–38

Avezzano: 142, 207

Avignon: 253, 256–58

Avola: 118

Avord: 191

Avranches: 239–41, 244–45, 247

Avricourt: 325–26, 328

Awacha: 533–36

Awala: 46

Axel: 281

AXIOM Mission: 170. See also South East

Asia Command.

Ay River: 229–31

Ayer Hitam: 15, 17–18

Aywaille: 393

Azemmour: 66

Azeville: 204–07

Azov: 91

Azov Sea: 91, 130, 133

B–29 aircraft, China as station for:

146, 147, 149, 150, 187, 189, 202,

204–05, 344

Baal 410–11

Baanga Island: 126–29

Baarland: 312

Babatngon: 310–11, 314

Babay Ridge: 488, 490, 493, 501

Babelthuap Island: 274

Babenhausen: 457

Babeshausen: 518

Babiang: 191

Baccarat: 282, 292, 315–16, 324, 328

Bachem :425

Bachnang: 507

BACKHANDER: 155–56. See also Cape

Gloucester.

Baclain: 373

Bacnotan: 7

Bacolod: 461, 464–65

Bacon: 477

Bacon, Col. Robert L.: 326–30

Bad Aibling: 528

Bad Berka: 490

Bad Blankenburg: 487, 490

Bad Ems: 456

Bad Godesberg: 418, 439, 431

Bad Kreuznach: 439–41, 443–44

Bad Lauchstaedt: 489

Bad Lauterberg: 489

Bad Mergentheim: 477, 479, 483

Bad Muenster: 440

Bad Nauheim: 461, 463, 467

Bad Neuenahr: 427, 429, 432, 449

Bad Oeynhausen: 470, 472

Bad Orb: 467, 469

Bad Reichenhall: 531

Bad Schalbach: 459, 461

Bad Sooden: 468, 470, 477, 479

Bad Sulza: 487

Bad Toelz: 525, 527–28

Bad Wildungen: 462

Badem: 422, 424

Baden Baden: 490

Baden Plain: 492, 496, 507, 511

Badia: 225, 518

Badiang: 529, 533

Badoglio, Marshal Pietro (It.)

heads Italian Government: 122, 131–32,

137–38

role in armistice agreement: 132, 137–

38

Badonviller: 328, 331

Badorf: 427

Baerendorf: 335–36

Baerenthal: 439, 441–42

Baerl: 423

Baesweiler: 296–97, 327, 411

Baetcke, Maj. Bernd G.: 72

Bagabag: 544–45

Bagac: 17–19, 405, 407–08

Bagley, Vice Adm. David W.: 186

Bagnacavallo: 351, 358

Bagnara: 131

Bagni di Casciana: 231

Bagno: 305

Bagnoregio: 204, 207, 209

Bago River: 461

Bagonbon River: 347

Baguio: 3, 5, 7, 384, 404, 409, 419, 426,

435, 450, 455, 469, 481–82, 484,

486, 488, 490, 501, 505, 509, 511,

513, 515, 517, 520, 522, 527, 529

Bailer Pier (Kwajalein): 169

Bailleu: 251

Bains–les–Bains: 277

Bainville–auv–Miroirs: 268

Bairiki Island: 148–49

Bairoko Harbor: 116–17, 121, 124–26, 129

Baja: 308–09

Bakenhoven: 374

Baker Island: 126, 130, 132

Bakhmach: 133

Baku: 88–89

Balabac: 511

Balabac Island: 432, 503

Balaho: 401

Balaklava: 187

Balanga: 25, 32

Balantay River: 14–16

Balayan Bay: 379, 417, 425–26

Balberger Forest: 415–16, 418, 423

Bald Hill (Djebel Ajred): 106

Baldersheim: 395, 488

Baldringen: 416

Baldwin, Air Marshal Sir John: 190

Balera: 407

Balesfeld: 424

Balete Pass: 403–04, 409, 419, 428, 442,

449, 460, 511, 522, 527, 529–32,

535, 537, 541

Balete Ridge: 437, 442, 488, 511, 533

Balgau: 396

Balgerhoek: 272, 274

Bali Island: 24–25

Balicuatro Island: 415

Balikpapan: 17–18, 22, 549
[ 570 ] [ INDEX ]

Balikpapan Bay: 549

Balinao Peninsula: 375

Baling: 6

Balingueo: 372

Balite: 545

Baliti River: 437

Baliuag: 10, 390

Balkans. See country by name.

Ballale Island: 123

Ballenstedt: 502, 504

Balogo: 344–46

Balow: 528

Balsic: 396

Baltic Sea sector. See also country by name.

air attacks on: 128

drive on, from east: 275, 295, 300, 302,

424, 435, 443, 446, 520, 523, 527

drive on, from west: 501, 515, 522, 524,

527, 529

Balut Island: 550

Balve: 489

Bamban: 10–11, 381–85

Bamban River: 382–83, 386, 388

Bambang: 544

Bamberg: 488, 490, 492, 494, 500, 502

Bambusch Woods: 380, 382

Bammenthal: 465

Ban–de–Laveline: 336

Banana Ridge (Negros): 501, 527

Bancal: 532, 537, 539

Bandekow: 524

Bandjermasin: 23

Bandoeng: 27

Bandoeng Strait: 25

Bandol: 253

Baneux: 367

Bangka Strait, naval–air action in: 24

Bangkok: 3–4, 202

Bani: 373

Banika Island: 9–3–94, 104

Bankline Oil Refinery: 25

Banmauk: 354

Bannholtz Woods: 342, 398–99

Bannstein: 442

Banska Bystrica: 455

Bantog: 469

Bantzenheim: 397

Baod River: 348

Bar–le–Duc: 259–60

Barakoma: 121, 123, 126–27, 130, 139

Baranovichi: 222, 226

Baranow: 242

Baraques de Troine: 380

Baraulu Island: 115

Barbach: 424

BARBAROSSA: 3

Barbas: 328

Barberino: 269

Barbery: 247

Barbey, Rear Adm. Daniel E.: 154, 190,

274

Barby: 489, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499

Barce: 8, 18, 55

Barcellona: 127–28

Barcs: 347

Bardejov: 379

Bardenberg: 298–301

Bardia: 10–11, 42, 66

Barenton: 246–47

Barga: 299–300, 315

Bari: 134, 136–37, 151

Barike River: 116–17

Barjols: 251–52

Barmen: 339

Barnes, Maj. Gen. Julian F.: 5, 19, 251

Barneveld: 499

Barneville–sur–Mer: 212

Baron: 219–20

Baronville: 325

Barr: 338–40

Barrafranca: 120

Barré, Gen. Louis Jacques (Fr.): 68

Barrett, Maj. Gen. Charles D. (USMC) 135

Barrett, Col. David D.: 343

Barrigada: 241–42

Barrowclough, Maj. Gen. H. E. (NZ): 135,

172

Bartenstein: 485

Barterode: 483

Bartley, 2d Lt. Martin E.: 122–24

Bartley Ridge: 122–24

Bartolfelde: 487

Barton: 66

Barugo: 314, 327

Barvenkova: 18

Basabua: 49–51, 53, 68, 72

Basak: 455

Basbellain: 380–81

Basch: 406

Basey: 311

Basilan Island: 441, 444–46

Basel: 332–33, 514, 518

Basse–Bodeux: 361

Basse Ham: 321

Bassenheim: 431

Bassin à Flot: 207

Bastendorf: 378

Bastia, Corsica: 139, 240

Bastia, Italy: 212, 486, 490, 492, 495, 497,

499

Bastogne: 267, 354–67, 369–71, 373, 376,

380

Bataan Defense Force: 8, 12–13

Bataan Peninsula

consolidation of positions: 12

enemy assault: 13, 22, 31–32

enemy bombardment: 30–32

final defense position: 17–19

MacArthur inspects defenses: 13

recovery of: 387–88, 391, 401, 403,

405–08

siege of: 12–13

supply situation: 121, 30–31

surrender demand: 13

withdrawal to: 8–11

Batalan River: 15

Batan Island: 3–4

Batang Berjuntai: 12

Batangas: 5, 434–35, 442, 461

Batangas Bay: 417, 425–26

Batavia

ABDA Command opens in: 15

British Eastern Fleet moves to: 12

enemy seizure of: 26–27

Batchelor: 450

Batetskaya: 172

Batjan Island: 274

Battalions. See Airborne Engineer Battalion, 871st; Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, FMF; Amphibious

Tank Battalions; Antiaircraft Artillery Battalions; Chemical Weapons

Battalions; Engineer Aviation Battalions; Engineer Combat Battalions;

Field Artillery Battalions; Infantry

Battalions; Marine Corps Airdrome

Battalion, 2d; Marine Corps Defense

Battalions; Marine Corps Engineer

Battalions; Marine Corps Field

Artillery Battalions; Marine Corps

Raider Battalions; Quartermaster

Port Battalion, 393d; Ranger Battalions.

Batterie Graf Spee: 256

Battice: 267

Battipaglia: 133–36

Batu Pahat: 15–19

Bauang: 7, 443–46, 455

Bauchem: 13 29

Baudrecourt: 323–24

Bauler: 411

Baumbach: 454

Baume–les–Dames: 264–66

Baumholder: 443–44, 453

Baupte: 208–09, 211

Bauschheim: 451

Bausendorf: 435–36

Bautista: 374

Bavai: 262

Bavaria

operations in: 502, 504, 527

surrender of German forces in: 532–33

Bavarian Alps: 5, 16, 521

Bavigne: 370

Bawlake: 31, 33–34

Bay of Biscay: 328

Bayambang: 372, 376 378

Baybay: 314–17, 333–34

Bayeux: 203–04, 207, 228, 231

Bayo: 527

Bayombong: 545–46

Bayon: 268

Bayreuth: 477, 479, 492, 494, 496, 498,

500, 502

BAYTOWN: 128–30. See also Calabria.

Bayug: 339

Bazeilles: 263

Bazoncourt: 324

Beach, Capt. Charles E.: 82–84

Bear Point: 179

Beaudienville: 216

Beaufort, Borneo: 12

Beaufort, France: 362

Beaufort Bay: 82–83, 89

Beaulieu: 259

Beaumont: 374

Beaumont-Hague: 221

Beaumont-le-Roger: 191

Beaune: 258, 266

Beauvais: 259

Bebitz: 496

Bech: 374

Bedburg: 401, 420

Beddelhausen: 462

Bédja: 67–70, 74, 95–96, 102–05

Beebe, Brig. Gen. Lewis C.: 28–29
[ INDEX ] [ 571 ]

Beeck: 332–34, 340, 342, 415

Beehive Hill (Okinawa): 542

Beek: 298

Beeringen: 265–66, 268

Beffe: 367

Beggendorf: 295–96, 327

Begroth: 443

Beho: 379–81

Behren: 404

Bei Auel: 388

Beightler, Maj. Gen. Robert S.: 545

Beikelort: 260

Beilingen: 429

Beilngries: 514, 518

Beilstein: 500, 503, 505

Bekond: 432

Belaya Tserkov: 160

Belen: 323

Belev: 12

Belfort Gap: 258, 262, 264, 268, 271, 305,

310, 313, 317, 320, 323, 325, 329,

330–32

Belgard: 428

Belgian Brigade, 1st: 253, 287, 289–90,

293, 297, 315–16, 321

Belgorod: 43–44, 92, 99, 116–17, 122, 125

Belgrade.: 261, 291, 300–301, 303–04, 307

Bell, Col. Robert P.: 341–42

Bella Vista: 410

Bellange: 324

Belle–Fontaine: 229

Belle Haie: 360, 366

Belle–Lande: 228

Belleau Wood: 136

Bellevue Farm: 403

Bellinghoven: 414

Bellnhausen: 458

Bellscheid: 411

Belluno: 525

Beltenzenheim: 388

Beltershain: 459

Beltershausen: 458

Beltheim: 439

Belvedere: 133–34, 221, 230, 292

Belvedere Hill: 165–66

Bemmel: 286

Ben Gardane: 92–93

Benamenil: 284

Bench Mark Hills (Luzon): 384, 406, 409,

431, 433–35 437–38, 440–43, 448

Bendorf: 452, 454

Bénestroff: 329–30

Benevento: 135, 137–38

Bengal and Assam Railroad: 145, 147

Bengal Bay: 78, 152

Bengal Command (RAF): 153

Bengendorf: 468

Benghazi: 9, 13, 17–20, 29, 55, 68, 82

Beni Ulid: 85

Bennerscheid: 445

Bennert: 444

Bennett, Maj. Gen. Gordon (Br.): 8, 21

Bennett (Bigej) Island: 170

Bennewitz: 498

Bennwihr: 360

Benonchamps: 374–75

Bénouville: 203

Bensburg: 491, 493

Benson, Col. Clarence C.: 98, 101–03

Benson Island: 170

Benut: 19–20

Berange Farm: 324

Berchtesgaden: 529, 531

Berdichev: 160

Berdorf: 355, 362

Berescheid: 391

Berg: 339, 375, 382–83, 394, 415, 417–18,

426, 500, 517

Berg Gladbach: 487, 493

Berg Neukirchen: 495

Berg Neustadt: 487

Berg, sur–Moselle: 318–19

Berga: 498

Berge: 485

Bergen: 438–39, 459, 500

Bergen–op–Zoom: 307, 309, 312, 314

Bergerhausen: 415

Bergeval: 367

Berghausen: 445, 468

Bergheid: 437

Bergheim: 414, 418, 420, 462

Bergkirchen: 470

Bergmatting: 514

Bergnassau: 457

Bergoldsheim: 518

Bergrheinfeld: 485

Bergstadt: 496

Bergstein: 340, 344–46, 392, 394–95,

397–99

Bergweiler: 432, 434

Bergzabern: 448, 450

Bergzabern Landkreis: 516

Bérigny: 229

Bering Sea, Komandorski Islands naval

battle: 100

Berislav: 179

Berka: 465, 468, 470, 472, 485

Berkey, Rear Adm. R. S.: 452

Berkoth: 410

Berlar: 483

Berle: 370–71

Berlebeck: 4719, 472

Berleberg: 468

Berlichingen: 477

Berlin

air attacks on: 85, 89, 173, 178, 215

drive on, from east: 379, 387, 389, 394,

436, 498, 505, 509, 511, 513, 516, 518,

520, 523, 527–28

drive on, from west: 458

first U.S. air attack on: 178

Berlin (North Gugegwe) Island: 170

Berlize: 324

Bermering: 324

Bernam River: 11

Bernay: 254–55

Bernburg: 175, 498, 500

Berne Canal: 480, 482

Berneck: 502

Bernkastel: 444.

Berrendorf: 414–15

Berrenrath: 425

Berscheid: 411

Bertholdsdorf: 505

Bertinoro: 310

Bertogne: 373–74

Bertrange: 321, 323–26

Bertrichamps: 316

Bertring: 330

Berus: 341

Berzdorf: 429

Besançon: 262–66, 325

Bessarabia sector: 181, 184

Bessenich: 420

Besslich: 421

Best: 278–79, 281

Besten: 456

Bestwig: 478

BETA: 362, 508. See also Canton; Hong

Kong; Kweilin; Liuchow.

Betelgeuse: 53

Béthouart, Gen. Emile (Fr.): 264

Bethune: 262

Betio Atoll: 148–49

Betlange: 369, 371

Bettborn: 335

Bettelhoven: 427

Bettendorf: 327–29, 377–78

Bettenfeld: 432

Bettenhausen: 479

Bettingen: 273, 413

Bettviller: 351

Beulbar: 490

Beulich: 439

Beulwitz: 490

Beurig: 411, 414

Beutelsdorf: 492

Beuthen: 386, 402

Beuzeville-au-Plain: 203

Beuzeville-la-Bastille: 208

Bevagna: 211

Bevano River: 311, 313

Beveland Canal: 312

Beveland Isthmus: 292, 309–12, 314–16

Beverly (South Gugegwe) Island: 170

Bevern: 480

Beverungen: 480

Bewingen: 429

Bezange–la–Petite: 280, 289, 320

Bezaumont: 269–70

Beziers: 246

Bhamo: 35–36, 61, 197, 174, 304, 314, 322,

326–27, 333, 339, 342, 345, 348,

349, 351–54

Biak Island

in air support of Marianas: 211

first tank battle in SWPA: 198–99

operations on: 189–91, 196–202, 204–

23, 225–31, 234–35, 238, 241, 244,

247, 249, 251, 253

Bialystok: 237, 246

Biancavilla: 125

Bibbiena: 204, 232–33, 259

Biberach: 505, 521

Bibersfeld: 500, 503

Biblis: 455

Bibo, Lt. Col. Harold S.: 257–58, 260–61

Bibolo Hill: 124

Bicol Peninsula: 435, 437, 450, 452, 467,

469, 471, 477, 479–81, 484, 486, 490,

499, 505, 511, 522, 527, 529–30,

535, 538, 546

Bidor: 10

Biebelsheim: 441

Bieberbach River: 442–43

Biebrich: 459

Bielefeld: 468

Bielstein: 487
[ 572 ] [ INDEX ]

Bien Wald: 354, 446–48

Biersdorf: 458

Bierstadt: 459

Biesdorf: 273, 399

Biesheim: 390–91

Biéville: 203

Bièvre: 264

Biewels: 405–06

Biferno River: 138–39

Biffontaine: 309

Big Escarpment. See Maeda Escarpment.

Bigallo: 299

Bigej Island: 170

Bigonville: 359–61

Bigti: 539

Bihain: 370–72

Biliau: 175

Bilin: 14, 18

Bilin River: 24–25

Biliran Strait: 362

Billig: 426

Bilsdorf: 444

Bilstein: 353

Binahaan River: 314–15

Binalonan: 8, 376–78

Binday: 370

Bingen: 441, 444–45, 447, 452

Bingerbruch: 443

Bingerbruck: 457

Bining: 345–46

Binscheid: 46–48

Binsfeld: 381–82, 412, 429

Binswangen: 514

Binuangan River: 19, 32

Bir el Gubi: 3

Bir Hacheim: 21–22, 26, 39–41

Bir Soltane: 100–101

Birgden: 293

Birgel: 427

Birgelen: 416

Birgen: 416, 418

Biri Island: 406–07, 411

Birk: 299, 301, 504

Birkenfeld: 442

Birkengang: 327–28

Birkenwald: 333–34

Birkesdorf: 410

Birnberg Hill: 424

Birks, Col. Hammond D.: 476, 478, 480,

483

Birresborn: 426, 428

Birtlingen: 414

Biscari: 119

Bischent Woods: 381

Bischofsburg: 386

Bischofsheim: 457, 459

Bischofsreuth: 519

Bischoltz: 383

Bischwihr: 386–87

Bischwiller: 346–48, 380, 390

Bishenpur: 186

Bishi River: 467

Biske: 360

Bislich: 452

Bismarck Archipelago: 30–31, 40

Bismarck Archipelago Campaign: 140,

154–338 See also Admiralty Islands; New Britain; New Guinea;

New Ireland.

Bismarck Sea: 408

Bismarck Sea naval-air battle: 96

Bismark: 486

Bissell, Maj. Gen. Clayton L.: 50, 55,

60, 121

Bissingen: 481

Bisten: 342

Bistroff: 329

Bitburg: 413–14, 416–17, 423

Bitches 343, 351–52, 356, 362, 365–78,

439, 441, 443, 448

Bitoi River: 115, 117

Bitschhoffen: 439

Bitterfeld: 496, 504, 506, 508

Bitzfeld: 494

Biwisch: 381

Bizerte, drive on: 65, 67, 99–110

Bizery: 365

Black Forest: 471, 475, 492, 496, 498, 500,

503, 505, 507, 514, 516, 518

Black Mountains: 483

Black Sea sector: 186, 259

BLACKCOCK: 325. See also Meuse River;

Boer River; Roermond; Wurm River.

BLACKPOOL: 197

Blainville: 189

Blarney, Gen. Sir Thomas (Aus.): 42

CG of Allied Land Forces, SWPA: 34

CG of New Guinea forces: 56, 74,

115,129

New Guinea offensive, plan for: 54, 63

Blâmont: 328–29, 331

Blandy, Rear Adm. William H. B.: 274 403

Blankenberg: 494, 504

Blankenburg: 506

Blankenheim: 429, 489

Blankenheimerdorf: 429

Blankenship (Loi) Island: 169–70

Blatzheim: 414

Blaufelden: 485, 492

Bleckede: 519–20, 524

Bleckhausen: 432

Bleialf: 270, 275, 389–91

Blémerey: 313

Blenod: 263

Blens: 402, 418

Blerick: 340, 343,472, 474

Blessem: 422

Blette River: 316–17

Blida: 64

Blies River: 349–52, 404, 439

Bliesbruck: 350–51

Bliesheim: 424

Blieskastel: 445

Bliesransbach: 412

BLOCKBUSTER: 433 See also Calcar;

Udem; Xanten.

Blodelsheim: 397

Bloody Ridge (Guadalcanal): 54–55

Bloody Ridge (Ie Shima): 501, 503, 506,

508, 510

Bloody Ridge (Leyte): 318–20, 323

Bloody Triangle (New Guinea). See

Triangle, The (New Guinea).

Blue Ridge (Luzon): 378, 380

Blumenthal: 393, 427

Boac: 367, 372

Boatner, Brig. Gen. Haydon L.: 150,

160, 168, 199, 204, 210, 219

Bobbau: 500

Bobbau-Steinfurth: 504, 506

Bobdubi Ridge: 106, 115

Bobenthal: 354, 443

Bobonan: 378, 382

Bobruisk: 216, 219, 221

Bobstadt: 455

Bocaue: 290

Bocholt: 458, 460

Bochum: 485

Bock and Teich: 490

Bockelnhagen: 485

Bocket: 378

Bockholz-sur-Sure: 371, 384–85

Bockingen: 469, 473, 475

Boden: 528

Bodenheim: 424

Bodenwerder: 476

Boedefeld: 480

Boehl: 448

Boehlen: 192

Boeingsen: 491

Boerem, Maj. Richard D.: 65, 69

Boero: 68

Boeur: 379

Boevange-les-Clervaux: 380

Bofu: 61–62, 66

Bogadjim: 186

Bogel: 457

Bogon Island: 173

Bogtong: 378

Boguchar: 45

Bohol Island: 34, 430, 486, 488, 490–91,

497. 501, 506–07, 510, 512, 513, 515,

523, 547

Boice, Capt. William F.: 55–57, 60

Boich: 414

Bois aux Chênes: 379

Bois d’Amélécourt: 320–22

Bois de Belhez: 372

Bois de Benamont: 289

Bois de Bénestroff: 329

Bois de Blies Brucken: 368, 403

Bois de Bonnefontaine: 335–36

Bois de Born: 379

Bois de Cedrogne: 372–73

Bois de Chenicourt: 298

Bois de Conthil: 324

Bois de Drusenheim: 393, 396–97

Bois de Faulx: 277, 284–85

Bois de Freybouse: 331

Bois de Gaumont: 267

Bois de Groumont: 367

Bois de Kerfent: 337–38

Bois de Kerpeche: 325

Bois de Koenigsmacker Ridge: 323

Bois de la Brique: 213

Bois de la Rumont: 277, 281, 283–84

Bois de l’Hôpital: 324–26

Bois d’Elzange Ridge: 322–24

Bois de Meudon: 254

Bois d’Emmels: 378–79

Bois de Ohlungen: 383

Bois de Ronce: 375

Bois de Roudou: 214

Bois de Rouvroy: 380–81

Bois de St. Jean: 372

Bois de St. Vith: 385

Bois de Sessenheim: 377

Bois de Tave: 366

Bois de Woippy: 326
[ INDEX ] [ 573 ]

Bois du Coudray: 215

Bois du Mont du Roc: 214–15

Bois Houby: 368

Bois Jacques: 366, 371, 373

Bois St. Martin: 322

Boise: 58

Boisheim: 418

Boissau, Gen. Robert (Fr.): 97

Boizenburg: 526

Bokpyin: 7, 10

BOLERO: 30, 33, 42. See also Normandy

Campaign, planning phase.

Bolkhov: 122

Bollendorf: 400–402

Bollingen: 427

Bolo Ridge: 467, 469, 471

Bologna, drive on: 232, 243, 250, 276,

291–363, 497–509

Bolong Plateau: 538

Bolongtohan: 309

Bolsdorf: 429

Bombardment and Fire Support Group

(TG 77.2): 367

Bombardment Groups

5th: 187

11th: 46, 136

17th: 34

308th: 98

313th: 458

Bombardment Squadrons

26th: 46 42d: 46

98th: 46

431st: 46

Bombardment Wing,

19th: 66

Bombeck: 508

Bomber Command, AAF: 33

Bomber Commands

VIII: 25, 72, 87, 150

IX: 69, 115

XII: 138, 141

XIII: 186

XX: 166, 173, 202, 211, 226, 355, 370

XXI: 370, 383,

Bombiana: 302

Bomboe Peninsula: 131, 133–35

Bombogen: 434

Bompietro: 122

Bomporto: 509

Bondeno: 511, 513

Bône: 66, 67, 81

Bonegi River: 89–90

Bonerath: 437

Bonga: 150

Bongabon :403

Bongabong: 365

Bongao Island: 469, 478

Bonin Islands air–naval actions: 211

seizure plans: 204

Bonis: 143

Bonlieu: 255–57

Bonn: 267, 293, 427, 429–32, 445, 452,

462

Bonnerue: 367–69, 371

Bontoc: 549

Booth, Brig. Gen. Donald P.: 156

Bopfingen: 509, 511

Boppard: 440–41, 443–44, 447, 449, 452,

454, 457

Bor: 532–33

Bora Bora: 24, 30

Boram: 128

Bordeaux: 251

Borello River: 304, 307

Borg: 338, 406

Borgen Bay: 159, 163

Borghi: 291

Borgo Grappa: 197

Borgo S. Lorenzo: 260, 263, 267

Borgoforte: 505

Borgolzhausen: 468

Borisov: 222

Borken: 458, 463

Born: 375–80

Borna: 494, 496, 508

Borneo

Allied retirement to: 9

attacks on enemy shipping: 6

British North Borneo surrendered: 16

enemy air attacks on: 19

enemy seizure of: 5–6, 8–10, 13, 15

installations destroyed by Allies: 5

RAF retirement from: 13

recovery of: 527, 545–50

Bornheim: 429

Bornich: 454

Borokoe: 214, 241

Borr: 420

Borscheid: 451

Borschemich: 415

Borth: 432

Boschleiden: 362

Boslar: 410

Bosnek: 198–99

Bosoboso River and Valley: 446, 449,

451, 453, 457, 499, 501, 510,

540. See also New Bosoboso;

New Bosoboso River

Bosserode: 465

Bottenbroich: 422

Bottenhorn: 458

Bottenweiler: 505

Bottrop: 462

Botzdorf: 429

Bou Arada Valley: 83, 86, 88, 95, 106

Bou Chebka: 89–90, 94, 97–98, 103

Bou Ficha: 109–10

Bou Hamran: 99

Bou Sfer: 65

Bougainville Island

air–naval actions: 116, 140–41, 143–45,

153–55, 161, 179

armor actions: 146, 180–81

casualties: 146

Empress Augusta Bay naval battle 143

enemy landings and reinforcements:

17, 145

Rabaul, enemy threat from: 144–45

recovery of: 122–23, 132, 135–36,

138–63, 179–84

supply situation: 147

U.S. reinforcements: 145–47, 149,

152, 156

Bougainville Strait: 123

Bougie: 66

Bougy: 231

Boulaide: 362

Boulay: 336

Boulay-Moselle: 330

Boulogne: 263, 268, 271, 276, 284, 287

Bourcy: 366, 371, 373, 374, 376–77, 379

Bourdon: 361

Bourg-en-Bresse: 260, 262–63

Bourgaltroff: 329

Bourges: 191

Bourgoin: 257

Bourguebus: 233

Bourheim: 332–34, 336–37

Bourscheid: 380

Bouxières-sous-Froidmont: 278

Bouxwiller: 333–34, 366

Bouzonville: 326, 329

Bova Marina: 130

Bovenberger Wald: 330

Bovenden: 483

Bovert: 4 18

Bovigny: 370, 373–74, 378

Bowerman, Brig. John F. (Br.): 168

Boxberg: 429

Boxhorn: 380

Boxmeer: 291

Boyer, Lt. Col. Howard E.: 343–45

Bra: 361–62

Brachbach: 476

Brachelen: 384

Bracht: 460, 483

Bradford, Brig. Gen. William B.: 512,

515

Bradley, Lt. Gen. Omar N.: 97, 117.

See also Armies, First; Army Groups,

12th; Corps, II.

CG of First Army: 166

CG of II Corps: 104

CG of 12th Army Group: 203, 236,

240, 247, 255, 257, 267, 298, 307, 317

Brambauer: 472, 474, 484, 495, 499

Brandenberg: 340–44, 379

Brandenberger Wald: 341, 343

Brandenburg: 388, 403, 530

Brangbram Stream: 163

Brandscheid: 273, 275, 277, 392–94, 397

Bras: 370–73

BRASSARD: 212–13

Bratislava: 463, 465, 467, 471, 473

Braubach: 452, 454

Brauchitsch, Field Marshal Walther von

(Ger.): 1, 7

Braunau: 526, 528–29, 531–32

Braunlage: 500

Braunlauf: 381

Braunsberg: 446

Braunschweig. See Brunswick.

Braunsrath: 379

Brauweiler: 424

Brazil, declares war on Germany and

Italy: 51

Brazilian Expeditionary Force: 225, 273,

275, 277, 279, 282–83, 290–92, 296,

299–300, 313, 315, 319, 408–12, 417,

423, 425–26, 428, 483, 495, 499,

501, 503, 513, 518, 521, 523, 527

Breakneck Ridge (Leyte): 318–26, 328,

334

Breberen: 294, 378–79

Brécey: 239–40

Brechten: 487

Brécy: 203
[ 574 ] [ INDEX ]

Breda: 309, 313–14

Bree: 283

Bregenz: 525, 527

Bréhal: 239

Breidfeld: 382

Breidt: 485, 487

Breistroff–la–Petit: 323

Breitenbach: 492

Breitenhagen: 495, 502, 504, 506

Breiterwald: 352

Breitfeld: 386

Breitingen: 494

Breitscheid: 449, 456, 458

Bremen: 113, 139, 150, 478, 480, 484, 486,

491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501, 504,

514–15 517, 533

Bremen Enclave Military District: 526

Bremen–Hamburg Autobahn: 503

Bréménil: 328

Brémoncourt: 268

Brenig: 429

Brenner Pass: 130, 527, 530–51

Brennero: 531

Brenta River: 523, 527

Brenta Valley: 523, 527

Brereton, Maj. Gen. Lewis H.: 6

as CG of ABDA tactical forces: 15

as CG of Desert Air TF: 60

as CG of Middle East Air Force: 43

as CG of Ninth Air Force: 141

as CG of IX Air Service Command: 66

as CG of Tenth Air Force: 27, 43

as CG of USAFIME: 42–43, 90, 133

as CG of USAAFUK: 141

directs assault on Rumania: 124

transfers from Java to India: 25

Brescia: 224, 521, 525

Breskens Pocket: 284, 296–98, 302, 304,

306, 308, 310, 312, 314–17

Breslau: 382–83, 394–95 400–402, 404,

406, 410, 417, 457, 463, 481, 518, 534

Brest: 242–49, 251, 254, 256–61, 265, 267,

270–71, 273–75, 277–79, 284, 287

Brest Litovsk: 234, 236, 238

Brett, Maj. Gen. George H:

as CG of Allied Air Force, SWPA: 29,

34, 45, 48

as CG of Australia supply base: 6

as CG of USAFIA and USFIA: 10, 12

transfers from Java to Australia: 25

Brettach River: 492,

Bretteville-le-Rabet: 245–46

Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse: 203, 218

Bretteville-sur-Odon: 227

Brettevillette: 220

Breteuil: 253–54

Bretzenheim: 444–45

Breungeshain: 463

Brévands: 205–06

BREWER: 176–78. See also Admiralty Islands

campaign.

Brey: 442

Brezolle: 252

Briançon: 257–58, 260–61, 263, 265

Bricqueville: 206

Bridget, Comdr. Francis J. (USN): 17

Brieg: 384, 394–95

Briey: 265

Brignoles: 250–52

Brilon: 460, 464

Briloner Stadt Forst: 472

Brimingen: 411, 413

BRIMSTONE: 115, 121. See also Sardinia.

Brindisi: 131, 133

Brink, Col. Francis G.: 146, 160

Brinkum: 497

Briouze: 250–51

Brisach: 351, 384, 386

Brisbane: 8, 177

Brisy: 374–75, 378

Britain, Battle of: 3

British Air Force. See Royal Air Force.

British Army units

Army Groups

11: 145–46, 148, 161, 170–72,

175–89, 191, 193, 202, 206,

212, 216, 223, 228, 230, 238,

240, 243–44, 263, 274, 277,

290, 295, 306, 316–18, 321,

324

18: 93–110, 112

21: 203–72, 274, 276, 278–79,

281–92, 294–98 301–21, 323–

34, 338, 340 342–43, 351,

353, 355–56, 358–85, 387–96,

398–409, 411–13, 415–161

418, 420–21, 423, 425, 427–

28, 430, 432–34, 436, 438,

449–50, 452, 453, 456, 458,

460, 462, 464, 466, 468, 469,

472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482,

484, 486, 488, 491, 493, 495,

497, 499, 501, 504, 506, 512,

514–15, 517, 519–20, 522,

524–27 529–30, 532

Northern Group of Armies: 260

Armies

First: 65–75, 77, 81–83, 86–110

Second: 203–10, 213, 216, 218–

22, 224–29, 231–34, 236, 239,

241–71, 274, 276, 278–79, 281–

82, 284–92, 297–98, 301–02,

304–05, 308, 312–21, 323, 325,

327–34, 340, 343, 351, 353,

355, 356, 360–61, 363, 365,

367–68, 370–71, 373–84, 394,

404, 08, 430, 449, 450, 452–

53, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464,

466, 468–69, 472, 474, 476,

478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488,

491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501,

504, 508, 512, 514–15, 517,

519–20, 522, 524–27, 529

Eighth: 3–6, 8–22, 28–29, 38–

50, 52–54, 60–70, 74–79, 82–

89, 91–105, 107, 110, 117–29,

131–47, 149–53, 155–57, 159,

162, 165, 174, 183, 187, 189,

191–202, 204–07, 209–15,

217–28, 230–39, 241–43, 246–

68, 270–72, 274, 276–77 279–

80, 282–83, 285–326, 328–30,

332–54, 356–58, 364, 366,

368–69, 377, 399, 401–02,

404, 413, 419, 421, 423, 425,

430, 434–35 437, 451, 453,

467, 469, 473, 475, 477, 479,

483–84 486, 488, 490, 492,

495, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505,

507, 509, 511, 513, 515, 517–

18, 522–23, 525, 527–28

Ninth: 12, 25, 35

Tenth: 12, 25, 35, 38

Twelfth: 541, 545

Fourteenth: 146–48, 161, 170, 172,

175–87, 189, 191, 193–95, 202,

212, 214, 216, 223, 228, 230, 238,

240, 243–44, 263, 274, 277, 290,

295, 306, 316–18, 321, 325, 327,

331, 333, 343, 344, 347, 350,

353–54, 356–57, 360, 362–67,

369, 371–72, 374–75, 381, 385,

399, 401–04, 408–09, 412–14,

416–17, 421, 425–26, 430, 433,

435–36, 438–39, 442, 445–47

449–50, 459, 461, 463, 467, 475,

486, 488, 490, 492, 499, 503,

505, 507, 509, 511, 517–18, 522–

23, 525, 528, 533, 537, 541.

Army of the Rhine: 532

Burma: 5, 9, 27–28, 33, 36

Eastern Army in Burma: 75, 111

Corps

1 Airborne: 276, 278–79, 281–

82,284–88, 298

1 Burma: 29–34, 36, 38

1: 203–04, 206–07, 216, 224,

226–28, 232–33, 235, 240,

246, 249, 252–53 255, 257,

259–62, 267–69, 276, 281,

286–87, 290–92, 294–95, 297,

303, 307–08, 311–21, 466, 468

3: 262, 304

5: 72, 74, 77, 81–83, 86, 93,

95–109, 113, 131, 136–37,

140, 142–45, 147, 149–53,

155–57, 183, 191, 204–05,

207, 210, 212, 255–57 259–

64, 266–68, 270–72, 274,

276–77, 279–80, 282–83,

285–304, 306, 308–22, 324–

26, 328, 330, 332–42, 344–45,

347–48, 352–54, 356–58, 364,

366, 368–69, 372, 404, 413,

421, 423, 425, 430, 435, 453,

467, 469, 473, 475, 477, 479,

483–84, 486, 490, 492, 495,

497, 499, 501 503, 505, 507,

509, 511, 513, 515–16, 518,

522–23

8: 219–22, 224, 228–29, 232–33,

239–43 246–49 251, 276,

278–79, 281, 284–87, 291,

297, 302, 304–05, 313–21,

330,333, 340, 355, 402, 418,

430, 433, 458, 460, 462, 464,

466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 480,

482, 484, 486, 489, 491, 493,

495, 497, 499, 501, 504, 514,

520, 522, 524, 525, 527, 529

British Army Units—Continued

Armies—Continued

Eighth—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 575 ]

British Army Units—Continued

Corps—Continued

9: 98, 102–110

10: 43, 50, 53, 61–64, 66–69,

82, 99–105, 113, 132–34,

136–47, 151–53, 157, 160–67,

169, 171, 173, 183–84, 187,

191, 198–200, 203–04, 206–

07, 209–14, 217, 219–222,

225–26, 232–35, 243, 247,

259, 263, 272, 279–80, 289,

298–99, 303, 338, 343, 346,

435, 453, 484, 488, 495, 501,

507, 509, 528

12: 229, 231–32, 234, 241–49,

251, 255–60, 262–64, 268–

70, 274, 276, 278–79, 281,

284, 290, 308, 312–16, 319–

21, 325, 327–28, 330–33,

340, 343, 351, 361, 375–79,

381–84, 394, 449–50 452–53,

456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 468–

70, 472, 474, 476, 480, 482,

484, 486, 489, 491, 495, 497,

499, 501, 504, 512, 517, 527,

529

13: 3–10, 12–14, 16–22, 26,

39–45, 47, 52–54, 60–62,

117–21, 123, 125–26, 128,

131–44, 149, 151, 153, 156,

165, 183, 189, 191–95, 197–

99, 201–02, 204–07, 209–11,

213–15, 217–28, 230–38, 240,

243, 246–48 251, 253, 255–

64, 266–67, 269, 271–72,

274, 276–77, 279, 282–83,

285–92, 294–313, 317–19

321–23, 325, 327–28, 334,

338–42 344, 346–48, 350–52,

354, 358–59, 370, 372, 377,

401, 404, 413, 419, 434–35

437, 453, 484, 495, 497, 501,

503, 505, 507, 511, 513, 515,

518, 522–23, 525, 527–28

30: 3–5, 10, 14–16, 26, 39–47,

52–53, 60–64, 82, 84, 96–97,

99–104, 118–27, 203, 205–

10, 218–20, 222, 228, 231–32,

235, 239–49, 251, 253–54,

256–65, 267, 269–70, 274,

276, 278–80, 282, 284–87,

320–21, 323, 329, 331–34,

351, 353, 356, 360–61, 363,

365, 367–68, 370–71, 373,

396, 398–408, 411–12, 415,

418, 420–21, 423, 425, 427–

28, 449, 452–53 456, 458,

462, 464, 466, 468, 472, 474,

476, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488,

491, 495, 497, 499, 501, 504,

514–15, 517, 522, 526

34: 536, 541–42

Divisions

1st Airborne: 117–18, 131–33,

135, 137, 276, 281, 284–55,

287–88

1st Armoured: 12, 18, 3 9–40,

61–64, 66, 99–101, 105–06,

271, 274, 279, 282–83, 285,

287, 290, 298–99, 305

British Army Units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

1st Burma Infantry: 5, 26–30,

33–34

1st Infantry: 98, 100, 105–06,

108–09, 113, 164–67, 170–73,

175–76, 184, 197, 199–200,

202, 247, 255, 256, 260–61,

264, 266–67, 269, 271–72,

274, 277, 282–53, 285–92,

294–98, 300–301, 305–06,

309, 317–18, 321, 334 341,

346, 370, 377

2d Infantry: 185–87, 202, 243,

356, 360, 364, 367, 369, 371,

412, 421, 442, 447, 463, 507,

541

3d Infantry: 203, 224, 226–27,

241, 243, 246, 249, 275, 279,

301–02, 304–05, 415, 420,

427, 430, 456, 491, 495, 497,

504, 520

4th Infantry: 103–07, 109–10,

183, 191–94, 206–07, 215,

217–22, 225, 233–35, 238,

265, 274 276–77, 279–80,

283, 285, 305–12, 314–16,

318, 320–26, 333–34, 336–38

5th Infantry: 118–21, 123,

125–26, 128, 131–32, 134–37,

140, 143, 153, 156, 162–63,

165, 167, 179, 184, 202, 501,

519, 522, 526

6th Airborne: 203, 249, 253,

361, 367, 371, 450, 452–54,

456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466,

472, 478, 489 499, 508, 524,

526–27

6th Armoured: 74–75, 81, 83,

86, 93–95, 98, 103–04,

106–07, 109–10, 203–08, 214,

219–24, 231, 233–34, 247,

256, 258–59, 266, 268–71,

274, 277, 279–80, 283,

286–89, 293–94, 298–99, 305,

310–13, 317–18, 334 342–44

348 350–52, 358, 377, 402,

419, 503, 509, 511, 513, 515,

522, 525

6th Infantry: 202, 233

7th Armoured. 7–9, 12, 39, 41–

43, 61–62, 64, 66, 69, 74–75,

84, 88–89, 93, 95, 99–100,

104–05, 107, 109, 134, 136,

138, 140, 142–43, 147,

207–10, 232–33, 240–41, 243,

249, 252–53, 259–63, 268–69,

274, 308, 325, 374–78, 380–

83, 394, 453, 456, 458, 460,

462, 464, 468, 470 480, 482,

497, 504, 529

10th Armoured: 50, 61

11th Armoured: 219, 229, 232,

239–41, 243, 249, 251, 253,

258–62, 265–66, 279, 286,

297, 305, 313 413, 415–16,

423, 430 460, 462, 464, 466,

478–79, 501, 504, 525, 527

11th East African: 263, 295,

325, 343–44, 356

British Army Units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

15th Infantry: 219, 229, 231–32,

235, 239, 243, 255–58, 270,

308, 313, 315, 319, 327, 330,

333, 396–403, 405, 407, 412,

450, 452–53, 489, 493, 497,

499, 501, 522, 524, 526

18th Infantry: 5, 14–16, 20–22

36th Infantry: 184, 191, 226,

244, 257, 286, 304, 311, 314,

316, 322–23, 328, 337–38, 341,

349, 352, 354, 356, 363, 382,

388–91, 397, 399, 402, 405, 434,

446, 463, 467

43d Infantry: 219, 224, 228–29,

234, 239, 241–44, 256, 258, 274,

284–86, 321, 329 361, 378–83

398–405, 407, 423, 425, 427, 430,

415–16, 432, 452–53, 456, 462,

474, 482, 488, 495, 504

44th Infantry: 50, 61–62

46th Infantry: 75, 92, 95–106,

133, 137, 140, 142–43, 147,

151, 161, 165–67, 171, 255,

261–63, 268, 274, 276–77,

279–80, 282, 285–91, 297–

303, 305–06, 317, 320–21,

324–26, 332–34, 336–37 340

344–45, 347

49th Infantry: 218–19, 240,

246, 249, 253, 259–62, 267,

276, 286, 290, 292, 307, 309,

317–18, 331–33, 468, 488,

495

50th Infantr y: 39–41, 61–62,

99–100, 103–05, 118–21, 125–

26, 128, 203–05, 208–09, 226,

225, 231, 239, 242, 246–47,

254, 259–60, 265–66, 265,

270, 274, 278, 257, 321

51st Infantry: 61, 63, 74, 85–87,

93, 95–96, 101, 103–04, 118–21,

126, 128, 216, 225, 244–46,

249, 259–62, 267, 276, 308,

319, 321, 325, 330–33, 358,

361, 370, 373, 396, 398–405,

408, 415, 430, 449–50, 452–53,

456, 489, 495

52d Infantry: 306, 312, 314,

316–18, 377–83, 392, 394,

404, 415, 421, 428, 430, 432–

33, 470, 504

53d Infantry: 228, 321–32, 242,

246, 251, 259–60, 262, 270,

274, 279, 308, 312, 315–17, 321,

325, 332–33, 365, 367–68, 370,

396, 398, 400, 404, 411–12,

420, 423, 427–28, 453, 458,

460, 462, 464, 484, 486, 489,

495, 527, 529

56th Infantry: 110, 133–34,

139–41, 143–46, 151–52, 163,

165–66, 171, 173–77, 179,

264, 266, 276–77, 279 283,

285, 287–91, 297, 300–301,

325–26, 328, 340 356–57,

366, 423, 430, 435, 473
[ 576 ] [ INDEX ]

British Army Units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

56th Infantry—Continued

475, 477, 479, 486, 488,

490, 492, 495, 497, 516, 518,

522

59th Infantry: 226, 231, 243, 246,

248

70th Infantry: 3, 24, 170, 178

78th Infantry: 64, 66–72, 74, 81–82,

86, 89, 91, 98, 101, 103–07, 121,

123–28, 134, 137–40, 142, 145,

147, 151, 153, 174, 183, 193–94,

198, 204, 210, 215, 217–21, 223,

295, 299, 302–09, 334, 348, 351,

358, 377, 401, 435, 486, 490, 492,

495, 497, 501, 511

79th Armoured: 203, 524

81st West African: 176–77, 351

82d West African: 351, 353, 384,

387, 404, 522, 535, 537, 541

Guards Armoured: 232–33, 23941,

243, 259–62, 264–68, 274, 276,

278–80, 282, 284, 321, 402, 404,

412, 430, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462,

464, 469, 476, 480, 482, 488, 495,

499, 522: 95, 98

Brigades

1st Air Landing: 117, 119

1st Armoured: 39

1st Army Tank: 10–11, 39

1st Burma: 5

1st Commando: 421, 449–50, 452,

454, 458

1st Guards: 74, 77–78

1st Malaya: 21

1st Parachute: 67, 71, 95, 97–99, 101

2d Burma: 5

2d Commando: 467, 469, 473, 486,

492, 497

2d Malaya: 21

2d Parachute: 254., 262

2d Special Service: 138, 164, 169

3d Commando: 367, 372, 381

3d West African: 186

4th Armoured: 79, 150–51, 229,

259, 316, 331, 453

4th Special Service: 276, 316–17

7th Armoured: 25, 33–34 340, 366,

430

8th Armoured: 203, 218–19, 258,

321

9th Armoured: 63, 221–22

9th Infantry: 50

14th Infantry: 170, 185

16th Infantry: 170, 194

22d Armoured: 9–10, 40, 85–86

22d East African: 54–56, 542

22d Infantry: 40

23d Armoured: 46, 151, 262

23d Infantry: 170, 186, 194

23d LRP: 223

25th Tank: 265

28th East African: 371–72, 381, 399,

402

British Army Units—Continued

Brigades—Continued

British Army Units—Continued

Brigades—Continued

29th Armoured: 360

31st Tank: 229

32d Army Tank: 40

38th Infantry: 95, 98

53d Infantry: 14–16, 18

69th Infantry: 40

72d Infantry: 322, 338

132d Infantry: 50

50th Infantry: 39

201st Guards: 39, 41, 163

255th Tank: 409, 463, 467, 486

Lushai: 371–72

Regiments

17/21 Lancers: 67

74th Light AA: 290, 296

Coldstream Guards: 113

Duke of Wellington’s: 202

King’s Dragoon Guards: 217

Battalions

1st Commando: 64

1st Parachute: 67–68

2d Commando: 133

3d Parachute: 66

4th Parachute: 301–02

6th Commando: 64, 66

9th Commando: 138, 157, 164–

65, 169, 177, 275, 292, 298,

302

40th Commando: 13 8, 164, 169,

177

41st Commando: 133, 316

47th Royal Marines Commando:

203–05, 316

48th Commando: 316

Groups

16th LRPG: 172, 177, 189

39th Light AA: 296

47th Light AA: 296

Forces

Advance Coastal: 275, 292

Blade: 67–68, 70–71, 74

140: 262, 275, 304

W: 536

Delta: 43

Drewforce: 329

Hart: 66, 68–69

Krohcol: 5–6

Lind Task: 280

Special (Wingate): 91, 111, 170,

177–78,181–83

British Commonwealth. See United

Kingdom; commonwealths by name.

British Chiefs of Staff. See also Combined

Chiefs of Staff.

ARCADIA Conference: 6

plans for recovery of Mandalay: 260, 293

plans for recovery of Myitkyina: 186

plans for Southern France: 182, 246

proposed assault on Rangoon: 260,

293

warned of enemy offensive in Burma

172

British Joint Staff Mission: 354

British Navy. See Royal Navy.

British Troops in Egypt: 16

British War Cabinet: 293

Brittany Peninsula: 240–43, 250, 263,

279, 290

Britten, 437 439

BROADWAY (Burma): 178, 120, 312.

See also Indian Army units, Divisions,

3d and Brigades, 77th LRP

(Chindits).

Brockau: 498

Brockensen: 474

Brodenbach: 432

Brodnica: 382

Brody: 230, 232–33

Brohl: 432

Broich: 410, 420

Broichhoven: 378

Broichweiden: 328–28

Bromberg: 381–82, 387, 403

Bronn River: 469

Bronsfeld: 391

Bronte: 126

Brooke, Gen. Sir Alan: 146

Brooke–Popham, Air Chief Marshal Sir

Robert: 5, 9

Brookings (Oregon), bombed by Japanese

plane: 54

Brooks, Maj. Gen. Edward H.: 278, 311

Broome: 27

Brotdorf: 442

Brouvelieures: 300, 303, 307–08

Brown, Maj. Gen. Albert E.: 102,

110–11

Bru: 314

Bruch: 432

Bruchhausen: 432, 474

Bruchsal: 466–67, 469

Bruck: 413, 429, 431–32

Bruckberg: 522

Bruenn: 498, 505, 516, 518, 523

Bruenst: 500

Bruex: 192

Bruges: 265–66, 269–70

Bruges–Ghent Canal: 264, 266, 268

Bruhl: 380, 429

Brulange: 325

Brunei: 5–6, 546

Brunei Bay: 545

Bruneval: 26

Brungsberg: 442

Brunskappel: 474

Brunswick: 161, 175, 484, 486, 489, 506

Bruscoli: 288

Brussels: 256, 262–63, 267, 353

Brussels, conference on drive on Germany: 305

Bruyères: 287, 300, 303–09

Bryansk: 14, 95–96 125, 128, 130,

133, 135

Bryant Hill (Luzon): 409, 413

Bu Ngem: 79

Buariki Island: 150

Buaya: 361

Bubach: 443

Bubesheim: 512

BUCCANEER: 152. See also Andaman

Islands.

Bucconi: 288

Bucharest: 237, 244, 260

Buchau: 500

Buchel: 440
[ INDEX ] [ 577 ]

Buchenwald: 487

Buchet: 391

Buchholz: 420, 445, 447

Buchholz Forest: 388–90

Buchhorn: 496

Buching: 523

Buchy: 259, 322

Buckner, Lt. Gen. Simon B.: 28, 535,

538, 547

Budalin: 371

Budapest: 295, 300–301, 308, 316, 318,

326, 337, 340–44, 346–49, 351

353–54, 358–66, 369, 372, 374,

377, 379, 388–89, 384–95, 401–

02, 451, 458

Budenthal: 355

Buderrich: 450

Buding: 326

Budingen: 469

Budinger Wald: 463, 469–70

Budling: 326

Budrio: 492, 497, 499, 505

Buebingen: 412

Buechenbeuren: 442

Bued River: 370

Buederich: 433

Buedesheim: 424

Buedingen: 463

Buehl: 492

Buellingen: 353, 355, 375, 382–83, 386

Buer: 462

Buer Hassel: 462

Buerat: 79, 82–85

Bueren: 341, 464

Buergel: 455

Buergeln: 460

Buervenich: 420, 422, 424, 426

Buesbach: 275

Buescheich: 427

Bueschergrund: 482

Buettelborn: 451

Buettgen: 418

BUFFALO: 196. See also Anzio Campaign.

Bug River: 180, 233–34

Bugsanga River: 360

Buigap Creek: 117

Buin: 91

Buir: 414

Buisdorf: 447

Buissoncourt: 275

Buissonville: 359–60, 363

Buka Island: 28–29, 149, 156

Bukel Hill: 460, 465, 467, 471

Bulacan: 390

Bulalacao: 364, 368, 376, 379, 385

Bulan: 481, 484, 490

Buldern: 460, 462

Bulgaria

armistice with Allies: 257, 313–14

joins Allies: 265

operations in: 257, 264–65, 275

U.S. declares war on: 40

USSR accepts request for armistice:

266

USSR declares war on: 264

Bulgaria, Italy: 303

Bulgarian forces: 463, 467, 471, 473

Bulgarno: 304

Bulge, Battle of: 353–83

Bullay: 435–36, 440–41

Bulolo Valley: 38, 43, 53

Bulu Plantation: 131

Bumi River: 137

Buna: 43, 45–46, 48–49, 56–57, 61, 63,

67–79, 81–82, 131, 154

Buna Creek: 71

Buna–Gona beachhead: 439 45–46,

48–49, 56–57, 61, 63, 67–79, 81

Buna Mission: 69, 73, 75, 77–79, 81

Buna Village: 69, 71–75, 77–79

Bunawan: 540

Bunga River: 131

Bunina Point: 91

Buonriposo Ridge: 171

Burauen: 308–11, 314, 337, 339, 349

Burbach: 339, 425

Burden: 371, 379

Bures: 283

Buret: 380

Burg: 431, 456

Burg-Berg: 345–47

Burg Grafenrode: 461

Burg Reuland: 386

Burgau: 514

Burgen: 438

Burgbernheim: 492

Burgess, Lt. Col. Henry A.: 548

Burglengenfeld: 510, 512, 514

Burgos: 457, 459–60, 473

Burgstemmen: 476

Burgtreswitz: 514

Buri: 311–13, 339, 346–49

Burias Island: 421, 423, 428, 436

Burma. See also China; China-BurmaIndia Theater; Chiang Kai-shek,

Generalissimo; India; India-Burma

Theater; Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph

W.; Wedemeyer, Gen. Albert C.

ABDA directive on defense of: 11

Air–Ground Supply Committee: 459

air–naval actions: 31, 89, 94–95, 116,

149, 179–80, 183, 185, 187, 189–90,

192, 229–30 317, 333, 371–72, 404,

438, 445, 528

air supply of withdrawal: 29

airborne operations and reinforcements:

178–80, 182, 184–87, 200, 2359 367,

438, 441, 449, 469, 501, 528

Alexander CG of Burma Army: 27

Alexander moves headquarters to

India: 38

Allied reinforcements: 15–17, 21, 25,

27–28, 157, 183–85, 194, 236, 304,

313, 439

Allied withdrawal: 29, 34–38

armor actions: 163, 177–78, 180–82,

190

AVG, air reinforcement by: 5

British forces, strength: 5

Burma Corps formed: 29

Canton-Hong Kong, recovery in support

of: 547

casualties: 165, 186, 212, 231, 242

CCS directive on recovery: 391

Central Burma Campaign: 387–550

Chiang inspects defenses: 32

Chinese forces in defense of: 8–9

See also Yunnan Force.

Burma—Continued

construction of Ledo and Imphal

roads recommended: 14

defense of, secondary to that of India:

35

enemy air offensive: 8, 16, 18

enemy conquest completed: 38

enemy offensives: 5–10, 171–72, 178–

79, 182, 187, 198, 406, 430

enemy secures central Burma: 35

fall of: 3–38

guerrilla activities: 91, 93, 96–97, 111,

183, 193

lend–lease matériel, impounding of:

7, 9

LRPG activities: 146, 186, 200, 209,

214, 221, 223, 226, 237. See also British Army units, Forces, Special

(Wingate); Merrill’s Marauders;

Wingate, Brig. Orde C.

Maymyo becomes hq: 28 .

movement of forces to China: 435, 438,

441, 537, 539

NCAC and Fourteenth Army link–up:

3, 63

recovery of.: 60–61, 63, 70, 73, 83,

87–88, 90–91, 93–99, 103, 108–11,

118, 125, 128–29, 138, 143–52,

154–63, 165–66, 168–202, 204–14,

216, 219–21, 223, 226, 228–31,

234–42 244, 257, 260, 263, 266,

270–72, 274, 276–77, 280, 286,

290, 293, 295, 297 304, 306–07,

311–12, 313–14, 316–23, 325–28,

331, 333, 337–39, 341–54 356–60,

362–69, 371–92, 395, 397, 399,

401–06, 408–10, 412–14, 416–17,

421, 425–26, 430, 433–39 441–42

445–47, 449–50 455, 459, 461

463, 467, 469, 475, 486, 488, 490,

492, 499, 501, 503, 505, 507,

509, 511, 515, 517–18, 522–23,

525, 528–33, 535–37, 539–41,

545–46

Slim commands Imperial forces in: 29

Stevenson commands Allied air in: 11

SOS reorganization: 539

Stilwell commands Chinese in: 297

Stilwell commands combined forces:

155

Stilwell withdraws into India: 36

supply situation: 27, 172, 184, 186; 190,

197, 199–200, 207, 214, 405, 439,

449, 459

transferred from ABDA Command

to CinC, India: 25, 29

Wavell charged with defense of: 5,

22, 26, 31

Burma, 1942, Campaign: 1–38

Burma Defense Army: 459

Burma-India Campaign: 31–385

Burma National Army: 459, 542

Burma railway corridor: 304, 314, 322,

3283 337

Burma Road: 34–35, 49, 62, 200, 202,

205–06, 211, 265, 349, 358, 376–

81, 383–85, 387. See also Ledo Road.

Burnet Island: 169

Burnhaupt: 336–37, 339

Burnon: 359
[ 578 ] [ INDEX ]

Burscheid: 493, 495

Bursfelde: 479

Burstadt: 455

Burton (Ebeye) Island: 167–69

Burtonville: 377–78

Busay: 473, 477

Busch: 444

Busch, Field Marshal Ernst: 228

Buschbell: 424

Buschenbusch Woods: 403

Buschoven: 427

Buschrodt: 359

Busdorf: 424

Buster Island: 169

Bustling Point: 130–31

Busu River: 132, 134

Busuanga Island: 432, 484

But: 128

Butaritari Atoll: 50, 147–49

Butera: 119

Butgenbach: 355, 357–60, 375–77, 382

Buthidaung: 75, 98, 108–09, 170, 178–79,

184, 351, 353

Butjo Luo Island: 179

Butler, Brig. Gen. Frederick B.: 251–59

Butler, Brig. Gen. William O. 28, 133

Butterworth: 4, 6

BUTTRESS: 115. See also Italy, Allied operations on mainland.

Buttstaedt: 487

Butzbach: 463

Butzdorf: 335–36, 374–75, 377, 384

Butzweiler: 421

Buzz bombs. See V weapons.

Byelyi: 97

Byers, Brig. Gen. Clovis: 73, 75

Byron Island: 169

Cabagan: 548

Cabalisian River: 419

Cabalitan Bay: 373, 428

Caballo Island: 22, 25, 29, 443, 445, 450,

457, 471, 475, 493

Cabanatuan: 5, 9–10, 385, 387–90

Cabanbanan: 375

Cabaruan Hills: 375–78

Cabasse: 251

Cabatuan: 546

Cabcaben: 32

Cabiranan: 324

Cabourg: 249

Cabras Island: 235, 241

Cabulihan: 355

Cadzand: 315

Cactus Ridge (Okinawa): 476–78, 480

Caen, drive on: 164, 191, 203–04, 206–

07, 212–14, 216, 221–22, 224–28,

232, 240, 242–43, 245–46, 248

Caen Canal: 203

Caffey, Brig. Gen. Benjamin F.: 145

Cagayan: 536

Cagayan River and Valley: 36, 390, 393,

419, 426–27, 486, 537, 542, 544–49

Cagli: 254

Cagny: 232–33

Cahagnes: 239

Cahier: 231

Caibaan: 308

Caibobo Point: 17

Cairo, Egypt

British conference on SEAC strategy:

299, 304, 307, 316

SEXTANT Conference: 148, 150–52

Cairo, Italy: 166–67

Calabria: 128, 130–31, 133

Calabritto: 145, 149, 151

Calaguiman River: 13–14

Calais: 263–64, 268, 271, 287, 289–92

Calalin Island: 166

Calamba: 461

Calamian Island; 484

Calapan: 368, 373, 375, 383, 389

Calasiao: 370

Calaug: 493

Calauan: 464–65, 467, 476

Calcar: 401–03, 408, 413, 415

Calcutta Allied command conferences:

358, 410

enemy air attack: 152

SOS base section at: 39, 42, 53, 56

Calcutta–Assam Line of Communications:

166–67, 171

Caldera Point: 436

Calingatngan: 3 45

Calinan: 547

Callian: 251–52, 255

Calmbach: 488

Calomini: 394

Calore River: 134, 138, 140

Caltagirone: 118–20

Caltanissetta: 120

Calumbian: 362

Calumpan Peninsula: 434, 436, 440–41,

443

Calumpit: 10–11, 384, 388, 391

Calw: 498

Camaiore: 279

Camalaniugan: 45, 48

Camalig: 488, 523

Cambrai: 260–61

Camburg: 487

CAMEL: 249

Camellia (Aitsu) Island: 173

Camerano: 286

Camiling: 374–75, 378

Camina Drome: 385

Caminata: 315

Caminawit: 353

Camino Hills: 151–53

Camotes Islands: 374–75, 378–79, 382,

389, 391, 412

Camp: 425

Camp d’Elsenborn: 270–71, 312

Camp d’Oberhoffen: 380

Camp Downes: 348–50

Camp Landis: 327

Camp One: 3 83

Campania: 405

Campbeltown: 30

Camperbruch: 423, 425

Campholz Woods: 335, 389–90, 396–

97, 403

Campiano: 294

Campobasso: 140

Campobello: 118–19

Campodimele: 195

Campofelice: 120, 122

Campoleone: 164, 166–67, 170

Campoleone Creek: 199

Campoleone Station: 197, 199

Campomorto: 165

Campopo Bay: 363

Camposanto: 505, 511, 513

Camprond: 237

Canadian Army units

Army, First: 235, 239–42, 244–70,

272, 274, 276, 279, 281, 284, 286–

87, 289–92, 294–98, 302–04, 306–

21, 324, 342, 396, 398–408, 411–

13, 415–16, 418, 420–21, 423, 425,

427–28, 430, 432–33 438, 449,

466, 468, 474, 480, 484, 486, 488,

491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501, 517,

520

Corps

1: 191, 193– 202, 227, 255–57,

259, 265, 267–68, 270–74,

276–77, 279–80, 282–83, 285,

287–90, 292, 300–304, 306–

13, 337–39, 342–45, 349–53,

356–58 366, 368, 399, 402,

413, 438–39, 468, 474, 488,

491, 493 495, 499, 501

2: 229, 232–33, 236, 239–40,

244–66, 268–70, 272, 274,

276, 2799 284, 287, 289–92,

296–98, 302, 304, 307–12,

314–19, 3219 324, 338, 342,

403, 407, 413, 415–16, 418,

423, 425, 428, 430, 432–

33, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466,

468, 474, 484, 486, 491, 493,

495, 497, 501, 517

Divisions

1st Infantry: 118–21, 124–25, 128,

131, 135–41, 151–53, 155–56,

196, 255, 261, 267, 272, 274,

276–77, 279–80, 282–83, 285,

300–10, 313, 344–45, 350–52,

357, 366, 399, 404, 413, 486, 491,

495, 499

2d Infantry: 229, 232–33, 236, 244–

46 248 250, 255, 260, 264–65,

268, 276, 286, 292, 294, 297–98,

304, 309–12, 314–16, 396, 399,

403, 408, 413, 415–16, 423, 425,

427, 430, 432–33 460, 462, 484,

486

3d Infantry: 203–04, 226–27,

229, 232–33, 236, 253, 257, 259–

60, 262, 263–64, 276, 284, 287,

289, 291, 296–98, 302, 304, 306,

308, 312, 315, 317, 324, 397–403

407, 412–13, 415–16, 418, 423,

425, 427, 458, 460, 462, 471,

480, 483–84

4th Armored: 245, 248, 250–51,

256–57, 259–62, 264–66, 269–

70, 272, 274, 279, 284, 298, 307–

09, 312–13, 317, 413, 415–16, 423,

427–28, 430, 432–33, 480, 484,

501

5th Armored: 165, 196, 261–62,

271, 285, 287–88, 290, 309–10,

313, 344, 350–52, 357, 366, 495,

501
[ INDEX ] [ 579 ]

Canadian Army units—Continued

Brigades

1st Armored: 215

2d Armored: 413

13th Infantry: 127

Regiment, Animal Transport: 187

Canal de Colmar: 382–83, 386

Canal de Derivation: 270, 272

Canal de Deurne: 313

Canal de Hulst: 279

Canal des Houillères de la Sarre: 339

Canal du Nord: 313, 316–18, 3 25, 418

Canale di Bonifica Destra del Reno: 366

Canale di Valetta: 473

Canberra, HMAS: 49

Canberra, USS: 302

Cancello: 140

Candelaria: 9, 480

Candijay: 488, 506

Canicatti: 118–19

Canisy: 237

Canmangui: 309

Canna (Rujoru) Island: 173

Cannavinelle: 144

Cannavinelle Hill: 144–45, 152

Cannes: 249, 253–55

Canonica: 287–88

Cannon, Brig. Gen. Robert M.: 383

Canosa: 137

Canrobert: 326

Cantabaco: 32–33

Cantalupo: 143, 207

Cantalupo Hill: 193

Canton: 266, 362, 371, 381, 403, 508,

517, 544–45, 547, 549, 551

Canton Island: 23, 130, 136

Cap Bénat: 250

Cap Bon: 104, 109–10

Cap de la Hague: 219–22

Cap de l’Esterel: 255

Cap Lévy: 219

Cap Matifou: 64

Cap Nègre: 100, 249–50

Cap Serrat: 102, 105

Capaccio: 132

Capannoli: 231–32

Capas: 3 81

Cape Cretin: 156, 169, 179

Cape Dinga: 115

Cape Endaiadere: 67, 69, 71–72, 75–76

Cape Esperance: 59, 64, 66, 84, 89–91

naval–air battle: 58–59

Cape Gloucester: 131, 136, 151, 154–57,

159–60, 162, 166, 172, 175

Cape Hoskins: 190

Cape Iris: 160, 175

Cape Killerton: 68, 70, 83–85, 96

Cape King William: 160

Cape Nelson: 57–58

Cape Ngariois: 278

Cape Opmarai: 230

Cape Pie: 188

Cape Raoult: 175

Cape Soeadja: 189

Cape St. George, naval battle: 149

Cape Sansapor: 240

Cape Sudest: 155–56

Cape Tjeweri: 18 8

Cape Torokina: 143–44, 149, 153–54, 179

CAPITAL: 235, 238, 271, 293, 304, 316,

327, 349. See also Chindwin River;

Mandalay.

Capiz: 33

Capizzi: 123–24

Capo Calava: 127

Capo d’Acqua Creek: 163

Capo d’Orlando: 126

Capo Scaramia: 117

Capoocan: 318, 323, 327

Capraro Hill: 161

Capri Island: 134

Capriati al Volturno: 141, 143

Capua: 131, 139–40

Capul Island: 406, 415

Caraballo Mountains: 401

Carabao Island: 22, 24–25, 29, 450, 499

CARBONADO: 508, 544. See also Canton;

Hong Kong.

Carbonara: 513

Carces: 251

Carden: 432

Carentan: 203–10, 226, 229

Carhaix: 242–43

Caribbean Air Force: 22

Caridad: 326, 339

Carigara: 314–18, 327

Carigara Bay: 311, 323

Carl Road: 168

Carlos (Ennylabegan) Island: 167, 170

Carlson, Lt. Col. Evans F. (USMC,: 50, 66,

72

Carlson (Enubuj) Island: 167–68

Carlson’s Raiders. See Marine Corps

Raider Battalions, 2d.

Carmen: 378

Carney airfield: 71

Caroline Islands: 162, 164, 167, 169,

172–74, 179, 190, 211, 226, 230,

240–41, 249, 259, 263–64, 268,

270, 274, 276–79, 281–83, 285–86,

288–97, 299–303, 305–12, 317,

338–39, 342, 350, 365, 367

in support of Hollandia operation:

184, 187, 189

Carpathian Mountains: 258, 306, 313,

375, 379, 386–87

Carpenter bridge: 445

CARPET: 139.

CARPETBAGGER: 160. See also French Forces

of the Interior; Guerrilla forces.

Carpineta: 302–03

Carpineto: 200

Carpiquet: 224, 227

Carranglan: 413–14, 428

Carrara: 488, 490

Carrier, Lt. Col. Edmund J.: 65, 68–69

Carrione Creek: 490, 492

Carroceto: 165, 170, 172

Carrouges: 245, 247–48

Carsdorf: 494

Carter, Capt. Jesse H. (USN): 129

Carter (Gea) Island: 167

Carthage conference on Italy invasion: 120,

128

CARTWHEEL: 106, 108, 115, 182. See also

Rabaul.

Carviano: 431

Casa Bettini: 337–39 341–42

Casa Nuovo: 341

Casablanca

Allied landings: 63, 65–66

Conference: 84, 87

Casacalenda: 140

Casaglia Pass: 282

Casale: 227–28, 301

Casalecchio: 507

Casalino: 302, 304

Casamaggiore: 220

CASANOVA: 320. See also Metz.

Cascina: 244

Casco Bay: 61

Caserta: 176, 190, 288, 523

Casey, Brig. Gen. Hugh J.: 56

Casole d’Elsa: 222–24

Casole Valsenio: 339

Cassibile: 131

Cassino: 159, 162–65, 167, 169–75,

180–82, 191–94

Castel Alfedena: 149

Castel d’Aiano: 426

Castel del Rio: 288–89

Castel di Mezzo: 262

Castel San Pietro: 309, 501

Castelbuono: 122

Castelfiorentino: 234

Castelforte,: 163, 165, 171, 191–92

Castelfrentano: 151

Castell: 485

Castellaccio: 310

Castellammare (di Stabia): 138

Castellano, Gen. G. (It.): 128, 131

Castellina: 224–25, 233

Castellina in Chianti: 230–31

Castellone: 168, 171, 193

Castellone Hill: 193

Castellonorato: 193

Castelnuovo: 150–51, 193, 296, 394,

426, 433

Castelnuovo di Bisano: 296–97

Castelvecchio: 279, 289–91, 392

Castelverde: 87

Castelvetrano: 121

Castermini: 121

Castiglion Fiorentino: 224

Castiglioncello: 229

Castiglione, Algeria: 64

Castiglione, Italy: 307, 332–33

Castiglione del Lago: 221

Castilla: 311–12, 314

Castle Hill, Germany: 345–47

Castle Hill, Italy: 170–71

Castro dei Volsci: 197–98

Castrocaro: 321, 324

Castrop Rauxel: 478, 480

Castropignano: 138

Castrovillari: 133

Casualties, U.S., total in war: 551

Catablan: 373

Cataguintingan: 377, 383–85

Cataisan Peninsula: 307

Catania: 119–21, 125

Catanzaro: 132–33

Catbalogan: 374, 388

CATCHPOLE: 162, 173. See also Marshall

Islands.

Catenanuova: 123–24

Catmon: 32

Catmon Hill: 308, 312, 314, 316
[ 580 ] [ INDEX ]

Cattenom: 321, 323–24

Cattenstedt: 508

Cauayan: 546

Caumont: 207–09, 239 S

Cauvicourt: 245

Cavaillon: 256

Cavalaire: 249

Cavalaire Bay: 249

Cavallina: 269

Cavalry Brigade, 316th Provisional: 433,

435, 438, 442

Cavalry Division, 1st (5th, 7th, 8th,

12th): 176, 180, 307–10, 312, 314,

317, 319, 322–23, 327, 349–50,

352, 355–57, 360–65, 374, 385,

387–92, 394–402, 407, 409–10,

412–13, 419, 428, 430–31, 433–

36, 440, 450–51 453, 455, 457,

460–61, 464–65, 467, 469, 471,

473, 476–78, 484, 486, 488, 493,

499, 505, 511, 522, 527, 529–30,

544, 546

Cavalry Groups

2d: 261, 264–65, 272, 275, 278, 320,

326, 330, 345–46, 359–60, 371,

376–77, 406–09, 414, 421, 424,

426, 428–29, 431–32, 434–36,

438–41, 443–45, 447–50, 452, 455,

457, 459, 461, 463, 465, 467, 470,

473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 490, 492,

494, 496, 502, 504, 506, 510, 512,

514, 516–17, 519, 521–22, 526,

532–33

3d: 260–61, 264–65, 280, 287, 289,

296, 300, 318–19, 325, 330–32,

338, 382, 396, 410–11, 06, 419,

423, 433–38, 442–43, 446–47,

455, 459, 461, 463, 465, 467–68,

470, 472, 477, 483, 485, 487, 508,

510, 512, 514, 516, 521–22, 529,

531–33

4th: 203, 213, 221, 257, 268, 271,

359–60, 369, 371, 373, 378, 380,

412, 414–15 418, 420, 422, 424–

25, 430, 433, 440, 444–47, 452,

456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466, 476,

479, 483, 489, 491, 500, 502, 510,

512

6th: 342–43, 347–48, 353, 360, 364,

366, 368, 371, 380–83, 387, 392, 399–

401, 405–07, 409–11, 413–14, 417,

419–22, 424, 426–27, 431–32 434,

437, 442, 444, 449, 454, 456, 468,

473, 475, 479, 481, 487, 492, 494,

496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 508, 524

11th: 384, 415, 418, 429, 466, 478, 480,

489, 493, 504, 506, 508

14th: 350, 353–55, 394, 397, 402, 415,

417, 420, 422, 424, 425, 427, 429, 431,

435, 436, 442, 448–49, 456, 458, 462,

464, 470, 474, 491, 502, 507–08, 512,

514, 516, 518, 521, 524, 526, 528

15th: 415–16, 418, 420–21, 423, 430,

435, 452, 454, 462, 466, 470, 472,

487, 491, 493, 504, 515

16th: 433, 435, 437–39, 442–44, 452,

457, 461, 465

Cavalry Groups—Continued

101st: 395, 398, 400, 417, 438–39, 461,

463, 466, 481, 485, 488, 490, 492,

494, 496, 503–05, 507, 511, 514–15,

521, 523, 525, 527–28, 531

102d: 245, 253–55, 263, 269, 355, 358,

389, 392, 408, 418, 420, 422, 424,

426–27, 429, 431, 433, 437, 439, 452

106th: 238, 267–70, 275, 293, 325,

335–36, 362, 365, 373, 383, 395, 398,

400, 417, 463, 466, 479, 487, 504,

523, 531

113th: 226–27, 232–33, 263–69, 289–

90, 293–94 340, 393, 395, 414, 418,

433, 454, 466, 472, 504, 506, 510,

521–22, 524, 533

115th: 516

Cavalry Regiments

5th: 176–78, 180–83, 307–09, 363,

388–90, 396, 401, 419, 431, 465–67,

469, 473, 476, 477, 493, 527, 529, 544

7th: 177–81, 184, 187, 307–11, 314,

349–50 352, 407, 431, 451, 457, 461,

465, 467, 469, 476, 478, 499, 511, 530

8th: 180–81, 190, 309–11, 314, 374,

388–89, 396, 401, 431, 457, 461, 490,

493, 499, 511, 522, 530

12th: 178, 181–86, 188, 307–08, 310,

314, 339–50, 352–53, 355–58 360,

363, 400–401, 431, 433, 460, 464–65

467, 476

26th (Philippine Scouts): 7, 8, 11, 12,

15, 17, 19, 32

38th: 256

112th: 114, 151, 154, 172, 213, 220–21,

228–29, 232–36, 238–41, 247, 326–

27, 335, 341–49, 385, 388, 399–400

440, 471

124th: 304, 313, 354, 362, 371, 390

Provisional, 1st Cavalry Division:

388–89

Cavalry Squadrons

17th: 331

24th: 213

Cave: 200–201

Cave d’Argilla: 192

Cavigny: 226

Cavit Island: 457

Cavite: 4, 314, 400

Cebu: 402

Cebu Attack Group (USN): 453

Cebu Covering Group (USN): 452–53

Cebu City: 455, 457, 465, 484, 493, 497,

499, 507, 512

Cebu Harbor: 457

Cebu Island: 31–34, 430, 445, 449, 452–

53, 455, 457, 460–62, 464–65, 467,

469, 471, 474, 476, 480, 482, 484,

486, 488, 490, 493, 497, 499, 501,

506–07, 512–13, 517, 523, 535, 547–

48

Ceccano: 198–99

Cecil (Ninni) Island: 167–68

Cecina: 221–22

Cecina Marine: 222

Cecina River: 220–22

Cedrecchia: 292–93

Cefalu: 122–23

Cegled: 318

Cekhira: 103

Celbingen: 503

Celebes Island: 14, 274

Celebes Sea: 17

Celincordia: 305–06

Celle: 482, 484, 486, 489, 508

Celles: 361

Center Assault Force (NW Africa): 64–66

Center Attack Group (NW Africa): 65

Centocelle: 202

Central America, waters controlled by

Pacific Theater: 30–31

Central Burma Campaign: 387–550

Central Defense Command (United

States): 162

Central Europe Campaign: 448–536

Central Pacific: 4. See also Central Pacific

Campaign; Eastern Mandates

Campaign.

controlled by POA: 30–31

Central Pacific Campaign: 3–152

Central Pacific Task Forces (Iwo Jima): 385

Central Plain (Luzon): 405

Centuripe: 124–25

Ceprano: 196–99

Ceracoli Hill: 194

Cerami: 123–24

Cerasola Hill: 191

Cerasolo: 276–77

Cerasuolo: 150, 155

Cerea: 516

Cerences: 238

Ceriano: 274, 279–80, 282–83

Cernauti: 184–85

Cernay: 331–32, 346, 351, 379, 389,

391–92

Certaldo: 230–31, 233–34, 251

Cervantes: 542, 546

Cervaro: 161–62

Cervia: 309

Cesano: 306–07

Cesano River: 247, 251

Cesaro: 121, 125–26

Cesena: 263, 301, 304, 306, 308

Cesenatico: 307

Chabrehez: 372

Chacha: 218

Chalampé: 397–99

Chaling: 375

Châlon-sur-Saône: 264

Châlons-sur-Marne: 189, 257–58, 400

Châlonvillers: 331

Cham: 502, 508, 512, 514–15, 517

Chamberlain, Lt. Col. Thomas C.: 327,

332, 334

Chamberlin, Brig. Gen. Stephen J.: 34

Chambois: 250–52

Chambrey: 289, 292

Champagney: 33 2

Champenoux: 290

CHAMPION: 145, 150–51 . See also Burma,

recovery of.

Chan: 541, 543

Chaney, Maj. Gen. James E.

CG of ETO: 41

CG of Iwo garrison: 455–56

CG of USAFBI: 25
[ INDEX ] [ 581 ]

Changsha: 8, 12, 207, 210–11, 213

Chang-te: 152

Changting: 405

Channel Islands: 23, 57

Chantilly: 259–60

Chaouach: 104

Chaporowan Point: 181–82

Charan Kanoa: 211–12

Charleroi: 261

Charlie Hill (Okinawa): 537

Charmes: 268–70, 273

Charov: 190, 192

Charpate: 195–96, 198

Chartres: 247–52, 254

Chase, Maj. Gen. William C.: 176, 403

Chatan: 468–69

Château Brieux: 321

Château de Fontenay: 206

Château Lambert: 294, 335

Château-Salins: 270, 272, 278, 280, 283,

286–87, 321, 385

Château-Thierry: 256–57

Châteaudun: 249–50

Châtel: 273, 275, 278, 283

Châtenois: 272, 341

CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO: 195. See

also Normandy Campaign, air attack

phase.

Chauk: 490

Chaumont: 271, 277, 359–61

Chauncey (Gehh) Island: 167–68

Chaungmagyi River: 426

Chauny: 260

Cheb: 516–17, 519, 521, 524, 532–33

Cheduba Island: 384

Che-fang: 342, 349

Chef-du-Pont: 206

Chekiang Province: 37, 39–41, 47

Chelm: 23 4

Chemical companies, in defense of

Bataan: 17

Chemical Weapons Battalions

2d: 257

3d: 123, 257

83d: 164, 257

88th: 348

Cheminot: 280, 284, 321

Chemnitz: 268, 496, 502, 536

Chemnitz River: 496

Chen Cheng, Gen.: 89, 93, 111, 125,

189, 333

Chenango: 66

Cheneux: 358

Cheng-hsien: 189

Cheng-to: 163, 165, I 71, 187, 189

Chenicourt: 298–99

Chennault, Maj. Gen. Claire L.: 7, 147,

251, 255, 310, 324, 342, 350, 409,

537

asks increased authority: 58

CG of Fourteenth Air Force: 97, 114–

15, 550

commands CATF: 45

commands China air forces: 547

commands China SAF: 547

on efficacy of air offensive: 187, 199,

204–05, 235, 248

plan for CATF operations: 55, 60

proposes air assault on Japan: 165

replacement forecast: 538

Chennault, Maj. Gen. Claire L.—Continued

retirement: 549

Wallace-Chiang conference: 214, 217

Chenogne: 364–65

Cherain: 373–77

Cherbourg, drive on: 203, 205–06, 209,

212–22, 227

Cherkassy: 147, 153–54, 174

Cherkessk: 86

Chermor: 9

Chernigov: 136

Chernyakhov: 157

Cheveoumont: 373

Chianciano: 220

Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo: 36, 38,

46, 116, 187, 202, 205, 218, 270, 272,

274, 279, 282, 354, 381, 384, 386,

390, 463. See also Burma; China;

China-Burma-India Theater; China

Theater; India; South East Asia Command.

approves Chinese force in India: 33

and CATF: 55

denounces Allied strategy in SEAC: 299

demands for maintaining China

Theater: 43, 48

demands for military and financial

aid: 112, 114, 118, 144, 146, 153, 155,

163, 165, 169

demands naval forces for Bay of

Bengal: 78

demands seizure of Andamans and

other areas: 155

demands Stilwell recall: 301–02, 306

directive to Stilwell: 271, 276

on division of CBI: 224–27, 230, 235,

266, 310

first conference with Stilwell: 27

gives Stilwell command of troops: 44,

155

halts offensive in Burma: 178

heads China Theater: 10

inspects Burma defenses: 32

and Kunming planning conference:

357, 362

leadership, internal threats to: 246

moves forces from Burma: 341, 344

and negotiations for use of Communist Chinese: 132, 171, 214, 217,

343, 385

offers forces for defense of Burma: 8,

21–22, 32

and plan for Chungking and Kunming:

333, 348, 350

and plans for Kweilin-Liuchow-Canton:

403

and proposal for U.S. officer to command Chinese forces: 222–27, 230,

235, 255, 265–66, 271, 276, 287, 296,

302, 306

proposes SOS for China: 265

protests Salween withdrawal: 276

receives OCTAGON decisions: 280, 285

rejects proposal to supply communists:

338

relation to Stilwell defined: 129

requests U.S. officer as chief of staff: 12–

14, 17

Roosevelt’s replies to demands: 59, 280,

285

Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo—Continued

at SEXTANT Conference: 148, 150–52

and Stilwell’s request for thirty divisions: 59

and support of Burma operations: 60–

61, 63, 70, 78, 83, 90, 111, 118, 125,

128, 129, 138, 144, 146, 150–53, 155,

162–63, 169, 181, 184, 186, 189, 195,

276, 281, 322, 341, 349

U.S. political representatives to: 220,

226–27, 230, 235, 246–47, 263–66

Wallace-Chennault conference: 214, 217

and Wedemeyer: 306, 405

Chiangtso: 213, 216

Chianni: 225, 229–30

Chianti Hills: 233–34

Chiaotou: 200, 211

Chiasco River: 212

Chichagof Harbor and Pass: 106, 111–12

Chichi Jima: 211, 224, 368

Chief of Naval Operations, King

appointed: 28

Chief of Staff to Supreme Allied Commander (designate)

Leigh–Mallory selected to make, air

plans for OVERLORD: 114

Morgan appointed: 106

redesignated SHAEF: 163

Chieti: 207

Chifontaine: 379

Chihchiang: 405, 481, 492, 495, 507, 509,

517, 523, 536, 544

Chienti River: 215–16

Chiesa del Bando: 492

Chile, breaks with Axis nations: 86

Chin Hills: 145

China. See also Chiang Kai-shek,

Generalissimo; Burma; ChinaBurma-India Theater; China Theater;

India; India–Burma Theater; South

East Asia Command; Stilwell, Lt.

Gen. Joseph W.; Wedemeyer, Lt.

Gen. Albert C.

air build–up: 98, 146–47, 149–50, 161,

165–66, 171, 173

aircraft diverted to Middle East: 42

airlift of supply to: 45, 55, 57, 60, 71,

110, 116, 147, 150, 155, 180–81,

187, 190, 200, 204–05, 235, 271,

293, 297, 329, 342, 344, 355, 540

Allied offensives in: 303, 314, 495,

509

American Mission becomes CBI: 27

base for B–29 aircraft: 146–47, 149–50,

187, 189, 202, 204–05, 304

base for bombardment of Japan: 189,

202, 204–05, 211, 349, 351, 355

casualty summaries: 238, 265

CATF established: 44–45

Chennault heads CATF: 45

China Defensive Campaign: 44–531

China Offensive Campaign: 532–51

Chinese-American Composite Wing:

123, 189

control of AVG: 7

Currie mission to: 46, 48

declares war on Axis powers: 4
[ 582 ] [ INDEX ]

China—Continued

Drum proposed for field command:

11, 13–14, 17

enemy blockade broken: 385

enemy offensives: 4–10, 35, 37, 39–

41, 47, 371, 375, 381, 384, 387,

391, 396, 447, 481, 492, 495, 507,

509

enemy reinforcements: 255, 266

enemy threats to air bases in: 187,

198–99 202, 204–05, 248–49,

259, 266, 276, 282, 313, 324, 329,

375, 387, 396, 405, 409, 4479 453,

495, 507, 509, 5179 520, 523

government reorganized: 344

high tide of Japanese invasion: 349

Joint Military Council formed: 10

land supply route to: 161, 168, 195,

255, 271, 291, 293, 304, 372, 375,

379, 382, 385–86, 392. See also

Burma Road; Ledo Road.

lend–lease to: 6, 123, 162, 235

and Moscow Foreign Ministers Conference: 143

movement of forces to and from

Burma: 9, 21–22, 32, 163, 435, 438,

441, 537, 539

National Military Advisory Council conference: 146, 246

negotiations for use of Chinese Communists. See Chinese Communist

forces.

operations in: 97, 105, 111, 113, 152,

155–56, 187, 189, 198, 200, 202,

204, 207–08, 210–14, 216, 218–

20, 223, 225–29, 235–38, 241–43,

245–47, 251, 253–559 259, 264–66,

272, 279, 286, 302–03, 306, 313–

14, 318–19, 322–24, 329, 332, 336,

339, 342–44, 348–50, 369, 371,

375–76, 379, 381, 383–85, 387,

391–92, 396, 399, 403, 405, 409,

447, 453, 481, 484, 488, 492, 495,

507, 509, 517, 520, 523, 525, 527,

529, 532, 536–39, 541, 544–45,

547–51

pipeline supply through Burma: 95,

220, 293

plans for recovery of ports: 204, 403,

517, 536, 544

recovery of Burma necessary to: 46–

48

request for U.S. officer as chief of

staff: 11–14, 17

Stilwell’s role in. See also Stilwell, Lt.

Gen. Joseph W.

attempts to have recalled: 134–35,

220, 296, 301–02, 306

blamed for losses: 299

named chief of staff: 21

proposal for Chinese force in India:

33

as supply base for Pacific: 190, 200, 204–

05, 242, 517, 536, 540

supply situation: 488, 517, 520

threats to Chiang’s leadership: 246

and Tulsa incident: 9

U.S. forces in: 20–21, 27, 163, 435, 438,

441, 537

China—Continued

U.S. officer proposed as commander of

Chinese forces in: 11, 13–14, 222–27,

230, 235, 255, 265–66, 271, 276, 287,

296, 302, 306

U.S. political representatives in: 220,

226–27, 230, 235, 246–47, 263–66

U.S. Task Force in: 20–21, 27

Wallace-Chiang-Chennault conference:

214, 217

War Department, mission to: 160, 171

war theater, demands for maintaining:

43, 48, 59. See also Chiang Kai-shek,

Generalissimo.

Y-Force. See Yunnan Force.

China-Burma-India Theater. See also

Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo;

China; China Theater; Chinese

Army; India-Burma Theater; South

East Asia Command; Stilwell,

Lt. Gen. Joseph W.; Sultan, Lt.

Gen. Daniel I.; Wedemeyer, Lt.

Gen. Albert C.; Wheeler, Lt. Gen.

Raymond A.

activated: 20–21, 27

air actions in: 44, 55, 147, 155, 216,

219–20, 223, 228, 238, 241

air build–up: 98, 146–47, 149–50, 161,

165–66, 171, 173

air organization: 30, 44–45, 55, 71, 165

aircraft diverted to Middle East: 42

airlift supply to China. See China, airlift of supply to.

Allied planning conferences: 8, 26, 143,

146, 177, 185, 214, 217, 246

Assam–Burma–China Ferry Command

activated: 29

assignments to, directive on: 42

Burma

defense made secondary to India: 35

operations in. See Burma, fall of;

Burma, recovery of.

plans for recovery: 60–61, 63, 70,

73, 87–88, 90–91

Stilwell heads Allied forces in: 155,

297

Calcutta base section: 53, 56

casualty summaries: 165, 186, 212, 231,

242, 238, 242

CCS accepts TRIDENT plans: 111

and Chennault: 45, 58

Chiang inspects Burma defenses: 32

China Defensive Campaign: 44–310

Chinese forces in support of: 209, 235,

241, 251, 255, 279, 362

Chungking command conference: 8

command structure defined: 44

control of Calcutta–Assam LOC: 166–

67, 171

division into two theaters: 222–27, 230,

235, 266, 310

enemy air and naval actions: 152–53,

156

enemy air offensive: 8, 16, 18

enemy ground offensives. See Burma;

China; India.

excluded from SEAC: 129

first U.S. troops arrive: 29

China-Burma-India Theater—Continued

guerrilla operations: 91, 93, 96–97, 111,

183, 193

hq established at Chungking: 27

India

Allied withdrawal into: 36

Chinese forces in: 33, 163

enemy drive on: 156

headquarters moved to: 38

Stilwell heads Chinese in: 155

India Air Task Force: 57, 60, 71

India-Burma Campaign: 31–310

India-China Ferry Command: 45

India-China Wing, ATC: 71

land supply route to China: 161, 168,

195, 255, 291, 293, 304 See also Burma

Road; Ledo Road; Stilwell Road.

Ledo and Imphal roads to connect with

Burma: 11, 14

Long Range Penetration Groups: 146,

186, 200, 209, 214, 221, 223, 226,

237

mission to War Department: 160, 171

offensive against enemy shipping:

115–16, 132, 165

operations in China. See China,

operations in.

pipeline supply of China through: 95,

220, 293

planning conferences: 8, 143, 146,

177, 185, 214, 217, 246

plans for recovery of Myitkyina: 185–86

preparation for reception of B–29’s:

146–47, 149

Slim heads Imperial forces in: 29

SOS: 265

advance sections: 41

and Assam airfield: 109, 112

base sections: 39, 42, 53, 56

Covell commands: 146

directive on: 26

first troops arrive: 38

and Ledo Road: 93

Wheeler commands: 26, 64, 70

Y-FOS: 190

Stevenson heads Allied air: 11

Stilwell

attempts to have recalled: 134–35,

220, 296, 301–02, 306

conference by: 26

as head of CBI: 25, 27, 44. See also

Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph W.

proposed as head of Chinese in India: 33

Stilwell-Mountbatten conferences: 177,

185

supply situation: 27, 172, 184, 186,

190, 197, 199–200, 207, 214

TRIDENT plans accepted by CCS: 111

U.S. forces redesignated CBI: 20–21,

27

U.S. troops for Bengal-Assam RR:

145

Wallace-Chiang-Chennault conferences: 214, 217

Y-Force in defense of. See Yunnan

Force.
[ INDEX ] [ 583 ]

China Defensive Campaign: 44–531

China Expeditionary Forces: 384, 495

China Offensive Campaign: 532–51

China Theater. See also Chiang Kai-shek,

Generalissimo; China; China-BurmaIndia Theater; Chinese Army; IndiaBurma Theater; South East Asia

Command; Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph

W.; Wedemeyer, Lt. Gen. Albert.

AAF, China Theater, activated: 549

activation: 10, 310

air actions in: 314, 316, 323, 342, 542,

549

air organization: 375, 484, 527, 532,

536–38, 542, 547, 549

airborne operations: 345, 349, 354, 438,

441, 449, 507, 509, 520

airlift supply from India: 329, 342, 344,

355, 540

Allied offensives. See China, operations

in.

Allied planning conferences: 357, 362

Aurand heads SOS: 541

Chennault heads SAF: 547

China Defensive Campaign: 44–531

China Offensive Campaign: 532–51

Chinese forces in, support of: 209,

235, 241, 251, 255, 279, 362

Davidson heads TAF: 547

enemy offensives. See China, enemy

offensives.

enemy shipping, offensive against: 374,

376

enemy threats to air bases. See China,

enemy threats to air bases.

Hump Tonnage Allocation and Control

Office: 355

Indochina inclusion undefined: 390

negotiations for use of Chinese Communist forces. See Chinese Communist forces.

operations in. See China, operations

in.

pursuit of enemy: 532–33, 539, 541,

544—46, 548

SAF in: 547

separation from CBI: 235, 266, 310

SOS in: 265, 399, 541

Stratemeyer heads air forces in: 527,

544, 547, 549

supply situation: 488, 517, 520

support of Canton–Hong Kong recovery: 547

TAF in: 547

U.S. forces in: 435, 438, 441, 537.

Wedemeyer as commander: 310, 316,

352, 357. See also Wedemeyer, Lt.

Gen. Albert C.

Y-Force in. See Yunnan Force.

Chinapelli: 239

Chindits. See Indian Army units, Divisions, 3d and Brigades, 77th LRP

(Chindits).

Chindwin River: 39, 93, 145, 177, 180, 186,

206, 235, 238, 240, 244, 263, 271,

304, 316, 327, 331, 343–44, 349, 356,

381, 430

Chinen Peninsula: 542–44

Chinese–American Composite Wing: 123,

189, 301

Chinese Army. See also Burma; China;

Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo;

Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph W.

in Burma offensive: 59, 61, 63, 70

Chinese Combat Command: 369, 384

Chinese Expeditionary Force: 60–61,

63, 70, 78, 83, 90, 93, 110, 125,

314, 381, 383

Chinese Training and Combat Command: 369

Chinese Training Center: 369

Ramgarh training center: 52, 60

Stilwell appointed CinC: 21, 44, 63

30-division program: 89, 144

60-division program: 138

training by U.S. See Yunnan Force;

Zebra Force.

Chinese Army units

Armies

New First: 304, 383, 387, 406, 430,

544

2d: 197, 200, 206, 322, 367

4th: 211

5th: 22, 26, 28–29, 34–36, 383,

348

6th: 8, 16–17, 22, 28–29, 33–34

New Sixth: 304, 368, 523

8th: 218, 220, 225–26, 228–29, 235,

242, 246, 265, 544

13th: 550

18th: 536

53d: 192, 199, 213, 223, 322,

348

54th: 200, 213, 544

57th: 354

66th: 33–35

71st: 197–98, 202, 205–06, 218, 322

94th: 529, 536

100th: 536

Chinese Army in India: 353, 357,

368, 379, 381, 383, 441, 449,

539

Group Armies

9th: 210

11th: 212, 332

12th: 322

20th: 216

Divisions

Honorable 1st: 220, 225, 318

2d Reserve: 200, 211, 213

5th: 529

9th: 200, 206, 367, 379

14th: 184, 187, 220–21, 341,

345, 509, 523

22d: 29–31, 33–35, 38, 60, 157,

165–66, 169, 173–75 177–84,

187–90, 195, 200, 211, 297, 304,

312, 318–20, 326–27, 341, 344–

46, 348–49, 368, 509

28th: 34–35, 197 202, 228

29th: 35–36

30th: 177, 187, 189–90, 194, 236

342, 345, 348–49 368, 375, 384–

85 387–90, 406, 441, 539

Chinese Army Units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

36th: 192, 200, 211, 213–14,

242

38th: 33–35 38–39 60, 143–44,

146, 149–50, 154, 156–63,

165–66, 168, 170, 178–80,

182, 184–92, 195, 197, 200,

211, 216, 219, 304, 314, 322,

326, 333, 339, 341, 344, 348,

351, 353, 358, 371, 376–80,

384–85, 387, 430, 441, 539

49th: 8, 17, 33–34

50th: 184, 187, 194, 211, 236,

242, 304, 364, 366, 441, 539

55th: 29–31, 33–35, 37

58th: 517, 525, 550

76th: 193, 197, 200

82d: 225–26

87th: 197, 202, 205, 207, 211–

12, 218

88th: 193, 197–98, 202, 205, 207,

212

93d: 16, 33–34

96th: 29, 31–32, 34, 38

103d: 225, 228, 242

116th: 191, 213, 223, 242

130th: 213

190th: 193

198th: 191, 200

200th: 26, 28–32, 34–35, 37,314

Regiment, 1st Separate: 463

Tank Group, 1st Provisional (Chinese–

American): 177–82

Chinese Communist forces

Chiang demands control of: 235

delegation to Stilwell: 271

negotiations for use of: 132, 171, 214,

217, 338, 343, 354, 383, 385, 387

proposals for use and supply of: 132,

171, 214, 217, 235, 338, 341, 343,

385

U.S. observer group with: 171, 214,

217, 343

Chittagong: 156, 290

Chiusi: 214–15, 217–19

Chiyunna: 472

Chocolate Drop Hill (Okinawa): 536–39

Chodova Plana: 532

Choiseul Bay: 132

Choiseul Island: 142, 144

Cholm: 18, 29, 32

Choltitz, Lt. Gen. Dietrich von: 256

Chonito cliff: 238

Chott Djerid: 101

Chotts, The: 88

Chou En–lai: 3 54

Chouïgui: 71, 108

Chouïgui Pass: 108–09

Chowringhee: 179

Christie, Col. Albert F.: 33

Christmas Island: 23

Chuda: 478

Chudovo: 166

Chuguev: 92, 127

Chungking

Allied leaders’ conference: 8

hq of CBI: 27
[ 584 ] [ INDEX ]

Chungking—Continued

loss and recovery: 329, 333, 348, 350,

357, 365, 369, 381, 409, 488,

536–37, 544, 549

National Military Council conference: 146

U.S. officer as commander, conference on: 265, 276

Wallace-Chiang-Chennault conference: 214, 217

Churchill, Winston S.: 181, 325. See also

British Chiefs of Staff; Combined

Chiefs of Staff; United Kingdom.

appoints Auchinleck to command in

India: 114

at ARCADIA Conference: 8

asks for air support for Rangoon:

462, 472

Burma recovery, assurances on: 176

Calcutta–Assam LOC, on control of:

166–67, 171

agrees on Eisenhower to command

TORCH: 48

at EUREKA Conference: 150–51

inspects Eighth Army: 48

Italians, appeal to: 120, 124

appoints Montgomery to head: 21

Army Group: 156

at Moscow conference: 49

Mountbatten conference in Cairo:

299, 304, 307, 316

outlines mission of SAC, SEAC: 142

plans for Rangoon and Mandalay: 293

at QUADRANT Conference: 127–29

at SEXTANT Conference: 148, 150–52

Stalin conferences: 49

transmits decisions of OCTAGON to

Chiang: 280

at TRIDENT Conference: 110–12

at Washington Conference, June

1942: 42

Churgia: 85

Chuhsien: 40–41

Chynoweth, Brig. Gen. Bradford G.:

27, 32–33

Ciampino: 121

Cicerelli Hill: 161

Ciechanow: 377

Cielle: 369

Cima del Monte: 195

Ciney: 359–60

Cinquale Canal: 397, 401

Ciorlano: 143

Cirey: 328, 331

Cisterna di Littoria: 141, 164–68, 170,

173, 184, 196–97

Citta della Pieve: 210, 213

Citta di Castello: 213, 233–35

Cituinan Hill: 488, 490, 492, 497, 503,

505, 511, 517, 520, 522

City o f Dalhart: 31

Civita Castellana: 204

Civitavecchia: 13 8, 162–63, 202, 204,

208, 210

Civitella di Romagna: 306

Claggett, Brig. Gen. Henry B.: 9

Clairefontaine: 332

Clark Field: 3, 5, 377–78, 380, 384–86,

388, 425, 488

Clark, Lt. Gen. Mark W.: 82, 132, 149,

168–69, 202, 250, 260, 266. See

also Armies, Fifth; Army Groups,

15th.

arrival in Algeria: 60

CG, 15th Army Group: 354

CG, Fifth and Seventh Armies: 159

plans for Southern France: 176

Clausen: 434

Clausthal: 489

CLEANSLATE: 93. See also Russell Islands.

Clefcy: 332–33

Clefmont: 272

Clerf: 382–84

Clerf River and Valley: 353 381–84,

386 389

Clermont: 407

Cleurie: 295

Cleve: 279, 398–401, 403, 407

Cleve Forest: 402–03

Cleve–Rhine Canal: 399–400

Clevesy, Lt. Samuel H.: 111

Clevesy Pass: 111–12

Clifton (Eller) Island: 170

Climbach: 352

CLIPPER: 329. See also Geilenkirchen.

Cloppenburg: 491

Close Covering Group (TG 74.2): 415

Clowes, Maj. Gen. Cyril A. (Aus.): 51

Cluj: 300

Clyde, Firth of: 59

Coane, Brig. Gen. Ralph W.: 113, 116,

120

Coast Artillery Brigade (Provisional): 32

Coastal Attack Force (New Guinea): 230

COBRA: 227, 229, 232, 235–39

Cobru: 374

Coburg: 485, 487, 490

Cochem: 434, 436–37, 440

Cochran, Col. Philip G.: 170, 178

Coconut Grove: 71, 73, 75

Coconut Hill: 488

Cocos (Keeling) Islands: 329

Coesfeld: 460, 466

Cognac: 328

Cogolin: 249

Cogon: 352, 354

Cohen (Ennugenliggelap) Island: 170

Coin-lès-Cuvry: 324

Coin-sur-Seine: 278, 280–81

Coincourt: 283, 288

Colasian: 318–19

Colbitz Forest: 495

Cold Harbor: 106, 108

Colditz: 496, 498

Colgan, Capt. A. T.: 532

Colgan Woods: 532–36

Colhoun: 52

Colle 152, 352–53

Colle di Val d’Elsa: 226

Colle Ferro: 201

Colle San Angelo: 194

Collechio: 518

Collesano: 122

Colleville: 203, 219

Colli: 146, 149–50

Colli Laziali: 162, 166–67, 199

Collina: 289, 316

Collins, Maj. Gen. J. Lawton: 82, 86,

203, 210, 215, 269, 341

Collobrières: 250, 252

Colmar Pocket: 336, 343, 345–46, 351,

353, 360, 375, 377, 379, 381, 386–

93, 395, 398

Cologne: 39, 267, 292, 305, 327, 393, 415,

418, 422, 424–25, 427, 429, 435,

440, 454, 456, 458–59, 514, 516–17

Cologne–Frankfurt Autobahn. See

Frankfurt Autobahn.

Cologne Plain: 415, 418, 422, 424

Colombelles: 228, 232

Colombier-Fontaine: 326

Colombières: 229

Colombo: 31–32

Colonna: 201

Comacchio Spit: 421, 423, 425, 467,

469, 473

Combined Bomber Offensive against

Europe

around–the–clock operations commence: 95

Austria: 138, 143, 144, 176

CCS directive: 113, 172

daylight raids postponed: 140

Eisenhower directive: 187

fighter escort for: 113, 137–38, 152,

154, 161, 192

Germany: 85, 89, 95, 111, 113–14,

128, 130, 132, 137–40, 143–44,

150, 152, 154, 156, 161, 166, 172–

73, 175–76, 178, 181, 184, 187,

192, 201, 203, 207, 215, 219, 234,

236, 268

H2S-equipped aircraft in: 137, 144

Hungary: 201, 271

losses: 128, 132, 140, 161, 176, 184,

192, 215

Poland: 219, 236, 244

radar, use of: 154, 166

radio countermeasures, use of: 139

Rumania: 112, 124, 185, 203, 207,

234, 237, 242, 244–45

shuttle system: 114, 138–39, 143, 175,

201, 203, 207, 215, 219, 234, 236–

37, 242, 244, 245, 268, 271

USSTAF in: 175

V-weapons sites, attacks on: 128, 130,

152, 156

Combined Chiefs of Staff. See also

British Chiefs of Staff; Joint Chiefs

of Staff.

agreement to establish: 14

ANZAC area established: 20

Burma and Malaya, directives on

recovery of: 271, 274, 391, 543

Burma pipeline approved: 95

China, directive on airlift supply of:

200, 271, 517

Combined Bomber Offensive, directive on:

113, 172

order Darwin merged into ABDA: 18

relieve VIII BC of support of North Africa: 87

Eisenhower, directive to: 172

Fifteenth Air Force, agreement to

establish: 141–43
[ INDEX ] [ 585 ]

Combined Chiefs of Staff—Continued

Italy, in support of OVERLORD, directive on: 187

Italy, plans for invading: 110–12,

115, 120, 122

Japan, plan for defeat of: 152, 274.

See also Japan, strategic plans for defeat of.

landing craft allocation: 145, 152

Mediterranean, unified command

established for: 152–53, 155

Myitkyina recovery, plans for: 200

Normandy Campaign, plans for: 33,42,

164

Normandy Campaign, staff established for: 106

Pacific theater established: 30

Persian Corridor, approve movement

of supplies through: 56

at QUADRANT Conference: 127–29

SEAC strategy, Mountbatten’s proposals for: 316, 329

Southern France, plans for: 176, 247

strategic air forces, relinquish control

of: 186

TORCH command structure agreement: 46

TRIDENT Conference plans: 110–12

Tunisia attack plan approved: 73

Combined Fleet (Japanese): 310–12

Comintern, dissolution of: 112

Comiso: 118

Commander, Central Pacific. See Spruance,

Adm. Raymond A.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet. See

Nimitz, Adm. Chester W.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean

Areas. See Nimitz, Adm. Chester W.

Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific

Area. See MacArthur, General Douglas; Southwest Pacific Area

.Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet. See King,

Adm. Ernest J.; Navy, United States;

United States Fleet.

Commander in Chief, West

Kluge succeeds Rundstedt: 223

Model succeeds Kluge: 250

Rundstedt reinstated: 262

Commander, South Pacific. See Ghormley,

Vice Adm. Robert L.; Halsey, Adm.

William F.

Commando forces, British. See also British

Army units, Brigades and Battalions.

Norway islands raid: 9

in Italy: 131–33

in Sicily: 119, 128

Commando forces, Dutch: 316

Commando forces, French: 249–50,

53–54

Commando Supremo: 128

Commanster: 380

Commercy: 260–61

Compiègne: 259–60

Compogne: 374–75

Comté: 369

Conca: 165

Conca River: 262–63, 274

Concepcion, Luzon: 382–83

Concepcion, Negros: 469, 471, 473

Conches: 254

Condé Northen: 329

Condé-sur-Noireau: 245–50

Condillac Pass: 254

Conical Hill: 535–40

Coningham, Air Vice Marshal Sir

Arthur: 93

Connolly, Brig. Gen. Donald H.: 57, 60,

153, 156

Connolly, Maj. Robert V.: 542, 547–58

Conolly, Rear Adm. Richard L.: 167

Conroy, Col. Gardiner J.: 213

Conroy Field: 213

Consuegra: 324, 326, 333 ,339

Consuma: 259

Consy: 367–70

Conthil: 323, 331, 339

Convoys: 55, 79

Cook., Maj. Gen. Gilbert R.: 247, 252

Cop (Csap): 335

Copeland, Brig. Gen. John E.: 112

Coral Sea naval and air actions: 36–37

Corcieux: 318, 324, 328

Cordon: 546

Coreno: 192

Corfu Island: 137, 301

Cori: 196–97,199

Coriano: 263–64, 266–67, 270–72

Corinth: 298

CORKSCREW: 109–14

Corkscrew Ridge: 329–33

Corleone: 121

Corlett, Maj. Gen. Charles H.: 127,

168–69, 209, 278, 289, 296, 305

Cornacchiara: 287–88

Cormelles: 233

Corn Strong Point (Kwajalein): 168

Cornimont: 303

Cornwall: 31

Corny: 268, 287

Coronon: 523

Corps: See also Armored Corps.

I: 42, 53, 73, 93, 182, 210, 301, 370–

391, 393–96, 398–407, 409–10, 412–

14, 416–17, 419, 421, 423, 426,

428, 430–31, 433–37, 439, 441–43,

445–46, 448–50 453, 455, 457,

459, 463, 465, 467, 469, 473, 477,

479, 481, 484, 486, 488, 490, 493,

495, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505, 507,

509, 511, 513, 515, 517, 519–20,

522, 527, 529–33, 535–45, 547–49

II: 64–65, 70, 81, 85–86, 88–109,

117–28, 147, 149, 151–73, 176,

184, 191–202, 205–07, 234–36,

240, 244, 250–53, 261, 263–67,

269, 271–72, 276–77, 279, 282–84,

286–313, 318, 321, 334 368–70,

373, 375, 377, 383, 402, 410, 428,

431, 437, 439, 443, 457, 475, 483,

497, 499, 501, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513, 515–16, 518, 521, 523,

525, 527

Corps—Continued

III: 300, 316, 336, 347–49, 351, 353,

356–57, 359–77, 379–82, 384–87,

389, 391–92, 394, 396–402 404–

05, 408, 412, 414–15, 417–18, 420,

422, 424–25, 427, 429, 431–33,

435–42, 444–45, 447–49, 451–52,

454, 456, 458, 460, 462–64, 466,

468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478–80,

483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 493, 495,

498, 500, 504, 507–08, 511–12,

514, 516, 518–19, 521–22, 524,

526, 528–29

IV: 184, 198–200, 207–08, 210, 212,

214–37, 240, 244, 248, 252–53,

255, 257, 260–62, 264–65, 267,

269, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279–80,

282–84, 286–301, 305, 309, 313,

315, 318–19, 336, 361–64, 368–71,

386, 392, 394, 397, 401, 404–10,

412–13, 417, 419, 423 425–26,

428, 433, 471, 475, 483, 494–95,

497, 499, 501, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513, 515–16, 518, 520–21,

523, 525, 527

V: 14, 203–11, 222, 228–31, 235, 237–

65, 267–70, 272–73, 275 277–78,

280–82, 284, 287–88, 292–99, 301,

303, 305, 311–12, 315, 317–20, 322,

325, 328, 330, 332 334–36, 338–40,

342–47, 350–61, 363, 374–78, 380,

382–83, 387–95, 397, 402, 404–08,

411, 415, 417–18, 420, 422 424–27,

429, 431–37, 439–40, 444, 447–49,

451–52, 454, 456, 458–60, 462 464,

466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476–77, 479,

481, 483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 494,

496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 508, 510,

512, 514–15, 517, 521–22, 524, 526,

528–33

VI: 132–47, 150–55, 157–59, 162–79,

196–202, 204–10, 249–69, 271–72,

275 277–79, 282–87, 291–98, 300,

303–19, 321–22, 324–29, 331–52,

354–55, 362, 364–85, 388–93, 395–

402, 404, 406, 408–10, 413–14, 419,

434, 437, 439, 441–43, 445–48, 450–

51, 453, 459, 461, 465–66, 469, 471,

473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 488,

490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503–

05, 507, 509, 511, 513–14, 516, 518,

520–21, 523, 525, 527–28, 530–32

VII: 203–22, 224–33, 236–51, 253,

256–71, 273, 275–76, 279, 280–82,

284, 287–90, 293, 295–308, 311, 319–

20, 322–23, 326–47, 349–51, 353–59,

361–82, 393 397 407 410–12, 414–16,

418, 420, 422, 424–27, 429–33 435

438–42, 444–45, 448–49, 451–52,

454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466,

468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 483,

485, 487, 489, 491, 494–96, 498, 500,

502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514–15,

517, 519, 521–22, 524, 528, 530, 533

VIII: 210, 212–14, 219–30, 233–34,

236–51, 254, 256–61, 263, 265,

267, 270, 273–74, 276, 278–79,
[ 586 ] [ INDEX ]

288, 292, 294, 298, 300, 303, 308,

320, 323, 325, 343, 350, 353–77,

379–82, 384–95 397–402 405–08,

410–12, 414, 416–17, 419–22, 424,

429, 431–32 434–42 444, 447,

449, 451–52, 454, 457, 459–60,

463, 465, 467–68, 470, 472, 475,

477, 481, 483, 485, 487, 490, 492,

494, 496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506,

508, 510, 514–15, 519, 522, 524, 533

X: 255, 307, 310–53, 355–65, 367,

387–88, 403, 406–07, 412, 446,

453, 501, 503, 506, 507, 510–11,

513, 520, 522, 523, 525, 527, 529–

44 547, 549, 550

XI: 220, 249, 274, 287, 372, 387–88,

390–91, 393–96, 398–99 401–08,

411–14, 417, 421, 425, 434, 436, 439,

441–43, 445–46, 448–51, 453, 455,

457, 460–61, 463, 465, 467, 469, 471,

473, 475–77, 479, 482, 484, 486, 488,

490, 493, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505,

507, 510–11, 513, 517, 520, 522, 525,

527, 529–42, 546, 548

XII: 225, 240, 247–49 251–61, 263–

70, 272–73, 275, 278, 280–81, 283–

95, 298–301, 307–08, 316–32, 334–

63, 368, 371, 376–80, 382–86, 390,

392, 396–411, 413–14, 416–17,

419, 421–22, 424, 426, 428–29,

431–32, 434–42, 444–45, 447–49,

451–52, 454, 457, 459, 461, 463,

465, 467–68, 470, 472–73, 475,

477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 490, 492,

494, 496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506,

508, 510, 512, 514–15, 517, 519,

521–22, 524, 526, 528–34

XIII: 320–21, 323, 334–35, 340–44,

353, 355–56, 358, 384, 389, 391–

92, 394–95 409, 411–12, 414–16,

418, 420–21, 423, 425, 427–28,

430, 433, 464, 466, 468, 470–72,

474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484, 486,

491, 493, 495–97 499, 502,489,

504, 506, 512, 514–15, 517, 526,

528, 530

XIV: 81–85, 87–89, 116–17, 119–20,

122–25, 154, 178–79, 183, 212,

214, 301, 370–92, 394–407, 409–

10, 412–14, 416–17, 419, 421, 423,

425–26, 428, 430–31 433–43,

445–46, 448, 450–51, 453, 455,

457, 460–61, 463–64, 467, 469,

471, 473, 476–77, 479–80, 482,

484, 486, 488, 490, 493, 497, 499,

501, 503, 505, 510–11, 513, 517,

520, 522–23, 525, 527, 529–30,

535, 538, 544, 546, 549–50

XV: 225, 240–59, 263, 266–70, 272–

73, 275, 277–78, 281, 283–85,

290, 292–95 299, 302–05, 308–11,

313, 316–17 319–20, 325–29, 331,

333–38, 340, 342–43, 345–52, 354,

356–57, 362–70, 380–81, 383, 389,

391, 394, 397–401, 403–10, 412–

13, 417, 419, 431, 433, 436, 439,

441–43, 445–48, 450–51, 453, 457,

459, 461, 463, 465–67, 469, 471, 473,

475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487,

490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502,

504, 506–09, 511–12, 514, 516, 519–

19, 521, 523–24, 526, 528–29, 531

XVI: 348, 358, 387, 391–92, 394, 404

409, 412–13, 415–16, 418, 420–21,

423, 425, 427–30, 432–33, 450, 452,

454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466

468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482,

484, 486, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497,

499, 502, 504, 506, 510, 512, 515, 524,

526, 530, 533

XVIII: 356–63, 366–78, 380–94, 397,

399, 401–02, 450, 452–53, 456, 458

460, 462, 466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476,

478, 480, 482–83, 485, 487, 489, 491,

493, 495, 497, 500, 502, 504, 506–

08, 510, 512, 514–17, 519–21, 524,

526–27, 529

XIX: 209–14, 217, 221–22, 226–33,

237–48, 250, 252–56, 258–71, 273,

275–79, 281–82, 284–85, 287, 289–

305, 308, 312, 317, 320, 323, 327–39,

341–43, 346, 348, 351–52, 354, 356,

358, 360–61, 363, 371, 387–89, 391,

393, 395, 409–12, 414–16, 418, 420,

422–23, 425, 427, 454, 460, 462, 466,

468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478–80, 482,

484, 486, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497,

499, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 521–22,

524, 526, 532

XX: 225, 240, 242–43, 245–48 250–54

2, 272–73, 275 277–78, 280–82, 284–

90, 292–302, 307 312–31, 333–57,

359–60, 362, 369 374–75, 56–62,

26470377–86, 389–90, 396–411, 413–

14, 416–17, 419 421, 423–24 426 428–

29 431–32 434–44 446–48 450–53

455457 459 461–63, 465 467–68, 470

472 474–75 477 479 481, 483 485 487

489 492 494 496 498 500 502, 504

506, 508 510 512 514 516–17, 519,

521–22, 524 526 528–30, 532–34

XXI: 361, 373–74, 376 383, 386–93,

395–400, 402–03, 405, 417, 419, 423–

24, 426, 428, 430, 437–39, 441–43,

445–48, 450–51, 453, 455, 459, 461,

463, 465, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 479,

483, 485, 487 490, 492, 494, 496,

498, 500, 502, 504, 507, 509, 511–12,

514, 516, 51821, 523–24, 526, 528–29,

531

XXII: 458, 461–62, 464, 466, 471,

473, 485, 492, 496, 500, 502, 512,

514, 516

XXIII: 458, 485, 504, 507, 512, 514

XXIV: 307–23, 326, 333–42, 344–65,

374 387–88, 391, 400, 467–69, 471,

476–78, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488,

491, 493, 497, 499 504 506, 508,

510, 512–13, 515, 517, 519–20, 522,

524–25, 527, 529–48

Provisional (Third Army): 248, 250,

356–58

Corps—Continued

Provisional (Seventh Army): 119–24

Corradini: 87

Corregidor Island

enemy air attacks on: 9–12, 30, 32–

33, 35–36

enemy artillery bombardment of: 32–

33, 35–36

enemy assault on: 36–37

evacuation of personnel by submarine:

36

garrison capitulates: 37

harbor defense forces organized: 27

Luzon Force escapes to: 32

marines dispatched to: 8

naval forces shifted to: 9

Philippine government moved to: 8

recovery of: 381, 391, 394, 402, 404–

06, 411–13, 415, 421, 445, 457

U.S. bombardment of: 381, 394, 402

USAFFE hq opens on: 9

USFIP hq opens on: 29

Corsica: 114, 133, 139, 248

Cortona: 223

Cosina River: 328, 332–35

Cotabato: 35–36, 446, 448, 503

Cote de Suisse Ridge: 325–26, 328

Cote St. Jean: 320–23

Cotentin Peninsula: 164, 209–10, 212–13, 223

Cotignola: 358, 366, 368, 486

COTTAGE: 127. See also Kiska.

Cottbus: 505, 513

Coulee: 373–74

Counterintelligence Corps Detachment,

41st: 220

Courcelles-sur-Nied: 329

Courier Bay: 36

Courmeilles-en-Vexin: 191

Courseulles: 203

Courtelevant: 330, 333

Courtenay: 255

Courtil: 376–78

Coutances: 227–28, 237–38

Couterne: 248

Couvains: 209

Couville: 213

Covell, Maj. Gen. William E. R.: 146

Coventelle: 366

Covigliano: 286

Cox, Lt. Col. William C.: 294–96

Cox’s Bazaar: 290

Cracow: 374–76, 378

Crailsheim: 477, 479, 481, 483, 486, 492,

505, 507, 509

Crawinkel: 485

Creil: 259–60

Cremona: 5 20

Crendal: 380

Crerar, Gen. Henry D. G. (Br.): 235, 289

Crescent Hill: 538–40

Crespellano: 507

Crespino: 283

Crest: 253, 256–57

Crete: 116

Crettenbach: 524

Creuilly: 203

Creussen: 500

Creutzwald: 343

Creuzburg: 468, 472

Corps—Continued

VIII—Continued

Corps—Continued

XV—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 587 ]

Crevechamps: 268

Crevic: 273

CRICKET Conference: 387, 390

Crimea sector: 44, 186–87

Crisbecq: 204–05, 208

Crittenberger, Maj. Gen. Willis D.: 184,

207

Croce: 264

Croce Hill: 151

Croeffelbach: 503

Croismare: 292

Crombach: 381

Cross–Channel attack. See Normandy

Campaign

CROSSBOW: 128, 130, 152, 156

Crossroads 655 (Germany): 273

Crotone: 131, 13 3, 13 6

Crozon: 277

Crozon Peninsula: 273, 277–79

Cruchten: 401, 405

Crumbach: 492

Crump Hill: 447, 482, 488, 513

Csepel Island: 337, 346, 348

Cuchenheim: 426

CUDGEL: 161. SEE ALSO Arakan Coast.

Cuenca: 445–46, 448, 467

Cuernos de Negros Ridge: 527

Cuffiana: 484

Cuijk: 291

Cuizel: 279

Culayo: 385–86

Culoville: 204

CULVERIN: 161, 176, 188. See also Sumatra.

Cumberland Force (Can.): 309

Cunningham, Adm. Sir Andrew (RN): 64,

109, 133

Cunningham, Brig. Gen. Julian W.: 151,

154, 157, 160

Currie, Lauchlin: 46, 48

Cushing: 66

Cut-Cut Creek: 396

Cuxhaven: 522

CYCLONE: 215. See also Noemfoor Island.

Cyclops airdrome: 189

Cyrenaica: 3, 16–17

Czarnkow: 386

Czechoslovakia

meetings of Allied forces in: 536

operations in, from east: 306, 342–43,

353, 355, 379, 382, 385–86, 455, 463,

465, 471, 473, 481, 498, 505, 511, 516,

518, 523, 525, 534–37

operations in, from west: 502, 504, 508,

510, 512, 516–17 519, 521–22, 524,

526, 528–33

Czestochowa: 376–77, 380

Daaden: 458

Dachau: 523

Dachsenhausen: 454

Dackscheid: 417

Dadap Island: 166

Dadjangas: 549–50

Daehre: 508

Daet: 7

Dagami: 311–15, 317–18

Dagoe (Hiiumaa) Island: 294

Dagua: 128

Daguitan River: 307

Dagupan: 370

Daha: 362

Dahl: 368, 468

Dahl, Col. Arne (Nor.): 326

Dahlem: 417, 429

Dahlhunden: 376

Dahn: 448

Dahnen: 394, 396–97, 407–08

Daiku: 418

Dain-en-Saulnois: 323

Dakar: 69

Dakeshi: 537

Dakeshi Ridge: 534–37

Dakiton: 544

Dalberg: 443

Daleiden: 408

Dalem: 338

Daliao airfield: 525, 527

Dalirig: 36–37

Dalldorf: 508

Dalupiri Island: 406

Dambach: 365, 442

Damortis: 373, 375, 377, 385, 390, 402,

428

Dampier Strait: 120

Damulaan: 326, 333, 339

Danao: 507, 513

Dandriwad River: 189–91, 250

Dangueville: 208

Danmarsheim: 465

Dannemarie: 331

Dannenberg: 510, 512

Dannstadt: 447

Dansweiler: 422

Danube River: 257, 264, 291, 308–09, 337,

340, 343–49, 358, 360, 362, 377,

379, 382, 449, 459, 463, 467, 471,

477, 481, 506–07, 509–19, 521–22,

526, 528, 532

Danzig: 384, 406, 424, 428, 435–36, 446,

449–50, 453, 455, 457, 459, 461, 463

Dao: 307, 312

Daoulas Peninsula: 259

Daraga: 467, 469, 471, 473, 477, 484

Darby, Col. William O.: 516, 518

Darby’s Rangers: 121–22, 133–34, 164,

167, 516, 518. See also Ranger

Battalions.

Dardennes Ravine: 254

Darlan, Adm. François (Fr.): 66, 67, 77

Darmstadt: 277, 318, 453

Darong: 523

Darschied: 428–29, 432, 434

Darwin: 6, 18, 24–25, 53

Dasburg: 394, 396–97, 400, 407–09

Daseburg: 464

Dasol Bay: 375

Datteln: 468

Dattenberg: 433

Dattenfeld: 476

Datterode: 472

Datzeroth: 448

Dau: 385

Daubenrath: 410

Daubringen: 458

Daun: 428–29

Dausfeld: 417

Dautersdorf: 512

Davao: 7, 35, 244, 520, 522, 525, 527, 530,

531, 535–39

Davao Gulf: 511, 513, 515, 517, 520, 549

Davao Plain: 542

Davao River 529

Davidson, Brig. Gen. Garrison H.: 162, 176

Davidson, Brig Gen. Howard C.: 40, 121,

547

Davis, Lt. Col. Everett S.: 15

Dawley, Maj. Gen. Ernest J.: 132

Daylight air raids postponed: 140. See also

Combined Bomber Offensive against

Europe.

Deane, Maj. Gen. John R.: 143

Death March in Philippines: 32

Death Valley (Saipan): 217–22

Deuville: 253

Debrecen: 201, 300–301, 307

DeCarre, Brig. Gen. Alphonse: 89–90

Dedenbach: 433

Dedenborn: 355, 391–92

Degelberg: 517

Degerndorf, 528

Degenershausen: 500

Deggendorf: 517, 519

DeGeul River: 270–71, 273, 275

Dei Mori Hill: 501, 503

Deidenberg: 379–80

Deiffelt: 380

Deir el Shein: 44

Del Carmen field: 4–5

Del Monte airfield: 6–7, 536

Delhi conference on Malaya-Singapore:

542

Delhofen: 457

Delhoven: 424

Delitz: 489

Delitzsch: 504, 506, 508

Delkenheim: 459

Delle: 330, 333

Dellen: 359

Delme: 321

Delme Ridge: 321

Delrath: 425

DELTA Force 249. See also Southern France

Campaign.

Dempsey, Lt. Gen. Myles C. (Br.): 203, 285

Demyansk: 96

Dengling: 521

Dengolsheim: 376–77

Deniki: 47, 49

Denklingen: 482

Denmark: 527, 530

Densborn: 428

Densieders: 447

Dépapré Bay: 188

Depienne: 71

Deposito: 346–47

Derenbach: 379–80

Derenburg: 489, 502

Derenthal: 481

Derichsweiler: 350–51

Derikum: 424

Dernaïa Pass: 93, 95

Derna: 7, 12, 18, 20–21, 29

Dernau: 429

Dernborg: 451

Dersdorf: 427

Desna River: 133
[ 588 ] [ INDEX ]

Dessau: 494, 496, 498, 500, 506, 508,

510, 151, 215, 26

Destry: 325

Detachment d’Armee de l’Atlantique:

419, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503 ,505,

507, 525, 527, 531

Detachment d’Armee des Alpes: 419,

447, 457, 461, 471, 473, 486, 490, 500

Detmold: 468, 472

Deuerling: 519

Deurne: 283, 286, 291, 301, 304, 313

Deutsch-Eylau: 381

Deutsch Krone: 401

Deutzen: 494

Deuz: 464

Devantave: 367

Deventer: 480, 484

Devecser: 455

Devers, Lt. Gen. Jacob L.: 313, 343

CG ETO: 108

CG NATOUSA: 161, 309

CG 6th Army Group: 240

names Eaker commander of USAAF in

UK: 134

DeWitt, Lt. Gen. John L.: 28, 236

DEXTERITY: 136. See also Cape Gloucester.

Diamond Narrows: 129

Dick Hill (Okinawa): 536–39, 541

Dickerscheid: 415

Dickweiler: 354–55

Dicomano: 230, 263, 268

Die: 253

Dieblich: 440

Dieblicherberg: 440

Dieburg: 453 457

Dieffenbach: 443

Diego Suarez: 37, 57, 83

Diekirch: 356, 377–78

Dielheim: 466

Diemel River: 464, 466, 468

Dierdorf: 454

Dierscheid: 431

Dieler: 439

Dieppe: 50, 259–60

Diesfordt: 450

Dieskau: 504

Diessen: 523

Diest: 264, 269, 274

Dietenhausen: 481

Dietenheim: 516

Dieteren: 375–76

Dietersheim: 494 496

Dietfurt: 516

Dietlingen: 481

Dieulouard: 269–70, 272–73, 275, 278,

280

Dieuze: 281, 320, 326, 329–30, 333–34

Diez: 454, 456–57, 461

Digdig: 419, 421, 423 427–28, 434

Digne: 252

Digos: 35–36, 515, 517, 519–20, 522–23,

536

Digosville: 216–17

Diit River: 310–11

Dijon: 258, 262, 266–67

Dilap: 510

Dill, Field Marshal Sir John: 90, 354

Dill River: 454, 456, 458, 464

Dillenburg: 458, 462, 466, 500, 502

Dillingen: 342, 345–52 355 359 396–

400, 442–43, 511–14, 516, 518

Dilmar: 407

Dilsburg: 446

Dimapur: 183, 185, 187, 206, 216

Dinagat Island: 305

Dinalupihan: 12–13, 387, 391, 394, 401

Dinan: 241–42, 247

Dinant: 263, 265, 360–61

Dinard: 243, 245–48

Dinez: 373

Dingbuchhof: 411

Dingdorf: 421

Dingolfing: 524, 526

Dinkelsbuehl: 507, 509

Dinkelscherben: 518

Dinker: 472

Dinslaken: 451, 454

Diosgyoer: 271

Dipolog: 431, 434

DIRECTOR: 151, 154. See also Arawe.

Dirmerzheim: 422

Dirmingen: 443

Dirmstein: 446

Disney, Col. Paul A.: 294

Disternich: 418

Distroff: 325–26

Dita: 461, 467

Dittaino River: 121

Dittlingen: 407

Dives River: 248–50

Divieto: 128

Divisions. See Airborne Divisions;

Armored Divisions; Cavalry Division, 1st; Composite Army-Marine

Division; Infantry Divisions; Marine

Corps Divisions.

Divnoe: 86

DIXIE: 217. See also Chinese Communist

forces, U.S. observer group with.

Dixmude: 265

Djebel Abiod: 67–70, 99–100, 106

Djebel Achkel: 108

Djebel Aïnchouna: 106–07

Djebel Aired: 81–82, 106–07

Djebel Azag: 81–82, 106–07

Djebel Bargou: 88

Djebel Ben Kheir: 102

Djebel Berda: 100–103

Djebel Bou Aoukaz: 107

Djebel Bou Dabouss: 88

Djebel Bou Jerra: 100

Djebel Chemsi: 102

Djebel Cheniti: 108–09

Djebel Dardyss: 106–07

Djebel Djebs: 102

Djebel Douaou: 99

Djebel Douimiss: 108

Djebel Dribica: 99

Djebel Edjehaf: 105

Djebel el Ahmera: 77–78, 105–07

Djebel el Ang: 104–05, 107

Djebel el Ank: 99

Djebel el Anz: 107

Djebel el Hamra: 94

Djebel el Haouareb: 103

Djebel el Hara: 107

Djebel el Kreroua: 100–102

Djebel el Mcheltat: 99, 101–02

Djebel el Messeftine: 108

Djebel Fkirine: 107

Djebel Garci: 105

Djebel Grembil: 107

Djebel Guermach: 107

Djebel Hazemat: 107

Djebel Ksaïra: 92–93

Djebel Lessouda: 92

Djebel Lettouchi: 101

Djebel Maïzila: 103

Djebel Mansour: 105

Djebel Melab: 99–100

Djebel Meloussi: 90

Djebel Mergueb: 106

Djebel Msid: 106

Djebel Naemia: 99–100, 103

Djebel Ousselat: 103

Djebel Rihana: 92

Djebel Rhorab: 103

Djebel Sidi Mansour: 109

Djebel Sidi Meftah: 106–07

Djebel Tahent: 107–08

Djebel Tanngouche: 104–06

Djebel Tebaga: 99–100

Djebel Touila: 102

Djebel Touta: 106

Djebel Trozza: 88, 90

Djebel Djedeïda: 70–71, 108–09

Djeloula Pass: 104

Djibouti: 70, 78

Djidjelli: 67

Dmitriev Lgovsky: 96

Dnieper River and Basin: 25, 130, 136–38,

140–42, 144, 146–47, 151, 161, 165–

66, 169, 171, 176, 178–80, 244

Dnieprodzerzhinsk: 142

Dniepropetrovsk: 137–38, 142

Dniester River and Basin: 181–82

Dno: 170, 175

Doan, Col. Leander L.: 464

Dobbie, Lt. Gen. Sir William (Br.): 28

Dobel Plateau: 486, 488

Dobodura: 67, 69, 72, 74–76, 78–79, 97

Dobra Voda: 532

Dobsina: 385

Dochamps: 367–69

Dockendorf: 414

Dockweiler: 429

Dodigny: 206

Doe, Maj. Gen. Jens A.: 182, 197, 213, 220,

417, 434

Doellstaedt: 483

Doemitz: 527–28

Doenitz, Adm. Karl: 524

Doernigheim: 459

Doesburg: 468

Dog Line (Bougainville): 146

Dohm: 429

Dolan Hill (Negros): 476, 484, 486, 493,

503, 506, 508, 510, 519, 522, 527,

536, 538 ,540

Dole: 264

Dollendorf: 431

Dollinger: 531

Dolores, Leyte: 355

Dolores, Luzon: 388

Dolus: 525

Doma Cove: 91

Domazlice: 526

Dombasle: 272–73

Domfaing: 308
[ INDEX ] [ 589 ]

Domfessel: 343–45

Domfront: 242, 245, 248

Dominican Hill: 517, 519

Domjevin: 285

Dommershausen: 439

Dompaire: 270

Don River and Basin: 43–51, 68, 75–76,

82, 85, 132, 471

Dona airstrip: 102

Donaueschingen: 507

Donaustauf: 516, 518

Donauwoerth: 516

Donbaik: 82, 86, 90, 93, 99

Doncols: 371–73

Donets River and Basin: 39, 45, 87, 90–

91, 96

Donnange: 380

Donnerberg. See Hill 287.

Donnstetten: 509

Doolittle, Maj. Gen. James H.: 156

CG AFHQ U.S. air forces: 64

leads first air attack on Japan: 34

Doorman, Rear Adm. Karel W. (Dutch):

22, 25–26

Dorbach: 432

Dorf Pingsdorf: 425, 427, 434

Dorf Point: 159

Dorfweil: 463, 465

Dormagen: 425

Dorn, Brig. Gen. Frank: 114, 125, 189, 354

Dornbock: 502

Dornheim: 449 451

Dornot: 265–67

Dorothy Hill (Okinawa): 542

Dorrenbach: 446, 448

Dorscheid: 385, 454

Dorsetshire: 31

Dorsten: 456, 458, 460

Dorstfeld: 482

Dortelweil: 459

Dortmund: 476, 482, 487, 489, 491

Dortmund–Ems Canal: 466, 468–70, 472

474 480

Dorweiler: 418, 439

Dot Inlet: 121, 127, 129, 132

Doubs River: 263–66, 325

Douglas Aircraft Company: 102

Douve River: 203–06, 208–13

Douz: 101

Dovadola: 319, 321

Doveren: 411, 413

Dovsk: 151

Doyen, Gen. (Fr.): 419

Draa Saada el Hamra: 101

Drabenderhohe: 487

DRACULA: 235, 260, 271, 293, 426, 455,

501, 517, 525, 528. See also Rangoon.

Dragoni: 40–41

Dragons Peninsula: 116

DRAGOON: 240, 246–49, 258, 267. See also

ANVIL; Southern France Campaign.

Draguignan: 250–51

Draisdorf: 496

Drammont: 249

Dransfeld: 479

Drauffelt: 382, 384

Drava River: 340, 343, 345, 347, 463

Dreiborn: 390–91

Dreineiherof: 440

Dreis: 429, 432, 434

Dreisbach: 342

Drensteinfurt: 466

Dresden: 401, 505, 509, 511, 513, 534

Dreux: 248–49, 251–52

Drexler: 542

Driel: 282, 284–85

Drindarai River: 199

Driniumor River: 199, 202, 205, 207, 221,

223, 227–36, 239–41, 243–48, 250

Drohobycz: 219

Drôme River: 204, 254, 256–59

Dromersheim: 444

Drove: 412, 415, 418

Drulingen: 339 381

Drum, Lt. Gen. Hugh A.: 11, 13–14, 17

Drupt: 432

Drusenheim: 368–70, 379, 388, 391–92,

399

Dubno: 181–82

Dubrovnik: 307

Dudeldorf: 424

Duderstadt: 474

Duelken: 108

Duelmen: 460

Dueppenweiler: 442

Duerboslar: 330

Dueren: 327, 329, 341, 347, 349–50, 352,

354, 392, 410–12, 484

Duerscheven: 424

Duerwiss: 331–33

Duesseldorf: 497, 500, 502, 514

first two–ton incendiary bomb

dropped: 54

Duff, Brig. Gen. Robinson E.: 509, 511

Dugo: 548

Duisburg: 423, 474, 487, 489, 500, 502,

506

Duisdorf: 429–31

Dukhovschchina: 136

Dulag: 307–09, 361

Dulig: 372

Dumaguete: 519–20

Duman River: 548

Dummling: 487

Dumpay: 371

Dumpu: 131, 135–36, 139, 164

Duncan: 58

Duncan, Brig. Gen. Asa N.: 19, 36

Dunckel, Brig. Gen. William C.: 302, 353

Dungenheim: 429

Dunkerque: 265, 268, 276

Dunnwald: 487, 489, 491

Dunstekoven: 427,

Duppach: 426

Durance River and Valley: 252–53

Durbuy: 359

Durlach: 477

Duropa Plantation: 71, 76

Durovo: 99

Durrentzen: 388

Durstel: 337–38, 340

Dutagan Point: 368

Dutch East Indies. See Netherlands East

Indies.

Dutch Harbor: 40, 104

Dutra, Maj. Gen. Enrice Gaspar (Braz.)

292

Duttling: 424

Duzerville: 66

Dvina River: 228, 237

Dvinsk: 236–37

Dyke Ackland Bay: 63

Eagle: 37, 49

Eaker, Maj. Gen. Ira C.

CG of Eighth Air Force: 72

CG of MAAF: 156

CG of U.S. air units in U.K.: 38, 134

establishes Bomber Command: 25, 33

warns of Chennault relief: 538

EAM (Greek National Liberation Front):

321

East Africa Command (Br.): 44, 53–57,

59–60, 63–64, 83

East Caves (Biak): 198, 205–06, 208–

09, 220–21, 223, 225, 234

East China Sea naval battle: 480

East Indies. See Netherlands East Indies.

East Indies Campaign: 11–46

East Indies Fleet (RN): 384

East Pinnacle (Okinawa): 508, 510

East Prussia, operations in: 374, 378–89,

394–95, 399–400, 439, 446, 448,

450, 453, 455, 461, 481, 483, 498,

505, 516, 518

East Tank Barrier (Makin): 148

East Wala: 191

East–West Trail (Bougainville): 144, 146

Eastern Air Command (Allied): 153–54,

342, 542

Eastern Air Command (RAF): 82, 93, 96

Eastern Assault Force (Algiers): 64

Eastern Defense Area (and Sector)

(New Guinea): 221, 227, 229

Eastern Defense Command (New Guinea):

221, 227

Eastern Defense Command (U.S.): 162,

365

Eastern Dorsal: 89, 103–04

Eastern Europe, operations in. See under

country.

Eastern Fleet (RN): 4, 12

Eastern Force (TG 31 .2): 115

Eastern Front, operations on. See under

country.

Eastern Island: 476, 480

Eastern Islands Attack and Fire Support

Group (TG 51 .11): 486

Eastern Mandates Campaign: 152–210

Ebbinghausen: 464, 472

Ebeleben: 485

Eberbach: 441

Ebersdorf: 490

Ebersheim: 445

Eberstadt: 453

Ebeye Island: 167–69

E-boats (Ger.): 189

Eboli: 136

Ebsdorf: 458

Ecausseville: 206

Echague: 456

Echt: 376

Echterbosch: 378

Echternach: 297, 353, 355, 357–59, 362,

376, 396, 398–99
[ 590 ] [ INDEX ]

Echternacherbruck: 400

Echtz: 349

Eckdorf: 427

Eckelsheim: 444

Eckenhage: 485

Ecot: 326

Ecouché: 249–51

Ecurcey: 326

Eddekhila: 108–09

Eddy, Maj. Gen. Manton S.: 252, 325

Eder Dam: 111

Eder River: 460, 462–65, 468, 470

Ederen: 328, 330–32

Edersee Dam: 460, 462

Ederstau: 462, 464

Edinburgh: 36

Edingen: 456

Edmondeville: 205–06

Edsall: 26

Edson’s Ridge (Guadalcanal): 54–55

Edward Rutledge: 66

Edward’s Plantation: 135

Eekeren: 294

Eem River: 501

Efate: 145

Eferding: 531

Effeld: 416

Efferden: 427

Efogi Spur: 54

Eger: 341

Eggersheim: 108

Egglfing: 528–29

Egypt, operations in. See also Libya.

Alexander arrives in: 49

Allied withdrawal to: 41

communications with Cyrenaica reopened: 16

Egypt-Libya Campaign: 41–92

enemy drive on: 43–66

enemy supply situation: 53

first U.S. air attack in: 50

Egypt-Libya Campaign: 41–92

Ehingen: 511, 513–14

Ehlscheid: 449

Ehnen: 406

Ehr: 440

Ehrang: 421, 424, 426, 428–29, 431

Ehrenbreitstein: 456

Ehrenstein: 490

Eibelhausen: 462

Eibertingen: 378, 3 80

Eichel Creek: 344

Eichelberger, Lt. Gen. Robert L.: 182,

210–11, 220, 379, 388, 401, 434,

471, 520

commands Advance New Guinea

Force: 84

commands Allied forces on New

Guinea: 84

commands at Buna: 71–73, 75

commands I Corps: 42, 53, 93

commands 32d Division: 75

commands U.S. Eighth Army: 265

Eichelhardt: 484

Eichen: 427

Eichendorf: 526

Eichlinghofen: 487

Eichstatt: 514, 516, 518

Eicks: 426

Eierscheid: 387–88

Eigen: 462

Eighth Army Area Command (S Philippines): 412. See also Infantry Divisions, Americal.

Eilenburg: 508, 510, 512, 515, 517, 524

Eilendorf, 271 273, 298, 303–04

Eilsbrunn: 514

Eilscheid: 417

Eimerscheid: 386–87

Einbeck: 483

Eindhoven: 276, 278–79, 284, 287, 288

Einersheim: 477

Eining: 519

Einruhr: 391–92

Einvaux: 278

Eisbach: 447

Eisenach: 417, 465, 475 477 479

Eisendorf: 521

Eisenfelden: 526

Eisenhower, Gen. Dwight D.: 81–82, 86–

87, 137, 142, 183, 204. See also Allied Force Headquarters; European

Theater of Operations; Supreme

Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary

Force; campaigns by name .

approval of MTO air redesignations:

159

assumes command of ETO: 43

CCS directive to Supreme Commander: 172

CG of MTO: 152–53, 155, 161

commands forces in NW Africa: 48, 55

conference with Darlan: 67

conference with Giraud: 64

and control of strategic air forces: 186

decides to abandon Tunis drive: 77

directive on Combined Bomber Offensive: 187

directives on drive on Germany: 262,

267, 270, 273, 283, 286, 282, 305,

309, 313, 335–36, 338, 363, 442, 458

directives on Normandy breakout: 213,

236, 241, 257–58

directive on NW Africa: 50

divides Twelfth Air Force in two: 141

inspects II Corps: 92, 98

on landing craft allocation: 145

as Supreme Commander: 152, 156, 163

plans for invasion of Italy: 113, 115, 120,

122, 124

plans for Normandy Campaign: 106,

112, 129, 150, 152, 156, 164, 167, 191,

202

plans for seizure of Corsica: I 14

reorganizes SOS headquarters: 163

role in Italian surrender: 128, 131–32,

137–38

Tunisia campaign plan approved: 73

Eisenschmitt: 429

Eisenstein: 526

Eisfeld: 487

Eita: 149

Eitelsbach: 423–24, 426

Eitorf: 454

Eitting: 524

El Adem Ridge: 3, 39

El Agheila: 14, 16, 69–70, 74–76

El Ala: 102

El Alamein: 43–45, 50, 53–55, 58, 60, 66

El Aouana: 102

El Aouïna: 65

El Aroussa: 95

El Fraile Island: 450, 493, 503

El Guessa: 72–73

El Guettar: 99–101

El Hamma: 99–101

El Haseiat: 9, 17

El Ma el Abiod, 93, 95, 98

El Sollum. See Sollum

ELAS (Communist Hellenic People’s

Army): 288

Elba Island: 212–13

Elbe River, drive to: 458, 466, 484–86,

489, 491, 493–95, 497–500, 502,

504, 506, 508, 510, 512–22, 524,

526, 528–30, 532–34

Elbenau: 491

Elberfeld: 498

Elbeuf: 252, 254–57

Elbing: 382, 384, 386–87, 399

Elbingrode: 504

Elbrus: 51

Elcherath: 386, 388

Elchingen: 509

Eldena: 528

Electra: 26

Elephant Point (Burma): 528, 530

Elgert: 454

Elista: 50, 81

Elkhotovo: 57

ELKTON: 92, 96, 98, 106, 155. See also New

Britain Island; New Guinea Campaign; New Ireland campaign.

Ella Hill (Okinawa): 542

Elle River: 207–10, 411

Ellen: 411–12

Eller Island: 170

Elleringhausen: 474

Ellern: 441

Ellice Islands: 128–32, 139

Ellmendingen: 481

Ellmore Field: 360, 363

Ellrich: 489

Ellwangen: 509, 511, 513

Ellzee: 518

Elmen: 527

Eloaue Island: 182

Eloyes: 282–84

Elpe: 478

Elsdorf: 414–15

Elsen: 470

Elsenborn: 355–58, 363 387–88

Elsenbuchel Woods: 387

Elsenheim: 383, 385

Elsig: 426

Elst: 285–87, 342

Elten: 462

Eltershofen: 503

Eltville: 461, 463

Elzange: 323

Elze: 476

Emberménil: 302

Embi: 67

Embken: 418, 420

Embogu: 67
[ INDEX ] [ 591 ]

Emden: 137, 520

Emirau: 180–82, 186

Emmendingen: 509

Emmerich: 402–03, 430, 449, 458 460,

462, 466

Emmern: 474

Emmersweiler: 419

Emmons, Lt. Gen. Delos C.: 6

Empoli: 238, 261

Empress Augusta Bay: 136, 138, 143, 178,

183

Empress Augusta Bay naval battle: 143

Empress o f Asia: 22

Ems River: 462, 464, 466, 480, 517

Ems–Dortmund Canal: 466, 468–70, 472

474, 480

Emser Canal: 456, 460, 462, 478

Enchenberg: 346–48

Encounter: 26

END RUN: 187–90. See also Myitkyina,

recovery of.

Endau: 14–15, 19

Endenich: 430

Enfidaville: 104–05, 110

Engebi Island: 173–74

Engelsberg: 511

Engelsdorf: 332

Engelskirchen: 489

Engineer Aviation Battalions

803d: 32

804th: 126

808th: 160

863d: 166

864th: 162, 187

1913th: 159, 187

Engineer Battalion, 14th (Philippine

Scouts): 32

Engineer Boat and Shore Regiments

533d: 503, 506

542d: 223

Engineer Combat Battalions

32d (Philippine Scouts): 32

109th: 102

209th: 198, 237

236th: 200, 223, 237

1106: 306

Engineer Combat Group, 1104th: 302

Engineer Combat Regiments

19th: 94

36th: 170, 173, 196

39th: 170, 218

43d: 52

46th: 43

540th: 171

Engineer General Service Regiments

224th: 459

226th: 459

Engineer Special Brigade, 2d: 93, 131, 157

England. See United Kingdom. English

Channel escape of German battleships: 23

raid on Sark Island: 57

Engranville: 204–05

Engwiller: 343

Eniwetok Atoll: 162, 166, 169, 172–75

Eniwetok Expeditionary Group (TG

51.11): 172–73

Enkenbach: 446

Enkheim: 459

Enkirch: 440

Enna: 119–21

Ennal: 374

Ennery: 426

Enns: 532

Enns River: 531–33

Ennubirr Island: 167

Ennugarrett Island: 167

Ennugenliggelap Island: 170

Ennumennet Island: 167

Ennylabegan Island: 167, 170

Enogai Inlet: 116–18, 121, 126

Ensch: 434

Enschede 464

Enscherange: 382

Ensdetten: 462

Ensdorf: 341, 345–47, 350, 354–57, 445

Ensheim: 439, 443

Enshih: 125

Ensisheim: 379, 389, 391–93, 395–96

Enterprise: 25, 27, 34, 38, 40, 44, 51, 61,

67, 488

Entrance Creek: 70, 73, 75–78

Enubuj Island: 167–68

Enying: 346, 451

Enz River: 405, 407, 477, 481, 483, 486,

488, 490, 498

Enzen: 407, 424

Eora Creek: 59–60

Epernay: 402

Epfig: 341

Epgert: 452

Epinal: 262, 268–69, 272, 277, 280, 282

87

Eply: 320

Eppenich: 420

Equeurdreville: 217–18

Era River: 232

Erbach: 513

Erbendorf: 506

Erberich: 333–34

Erding: 526

Erdingen: 482

Erdorf: 414, 421–22, 424, 429

Erfelden: 449 451

Erft Canal: 414–16, 418, 422, 424

Erft River: 418, 420, 422, 424–25, 427, 430

Erfurt: 481, 483, 485, 487 490

Ering: 528–29

Eritrea: 21

Erkelenz: 412, 414–15

Erlach: 473

Erle: 456, 458

Erlen River: 443 451

Erlenbach: 431

Ermsdorf: 357

Erndetebrueck: 476

Ernst: 440

Ernsthofen Dam: 533

Ernzen: 402

Erp: 284, 420

Erpel: 431

Erpeldange: 377

Erpensen: 508

Erstein: 338–40, 389

Ervenheim: 459

Erwitte: 470, 472

Escaut River. See Schelde Estuary and

River.

Esch: 414–15, 426, 429 434

Eschdorf: 361

Eschenau: 507, 511, 518

Eschenbach: 476

Eschenlohe: 525

Eschfeld: 408

Eschringen: 439

Eschwege: 470, 475, 477, 479

Eschweiler: 273, 284, 330, 333, 380, 414

Eschweiler Woods: 327–29

Eselborn: 382

Eselshalden: 507

Eslarn: 514, 516

Espeler: 384

Espenfeld: 485

Esperde: 476

Esperia: 193–94

Espiritu Santo, as staging area: 39, 49–50,

53–57 59, 61, 66, 130

Esquay: 231, 242

Esschen: 308–09

Essen: 478, 485, 487

Essenburg: 425

Essey-lès-Nancy: 275

Esshoff: 478

Esslingen: 416

Esterholz: 506

Estero de Paco: 400

Estero de Tonque: 400

Estonia, operations in: 168–69, 171, 237,

275, 280, 284–85, 294, 296, 330, 335

Estrella, Luzon: 381

Estrella, Mindoro: 381

Estry: 240–43

Esztergom: 362, 369, 453

Etain: 260, 264

Etampes: 253

Etang de Lindre: 307

Eterville: 228.

Ethiopia, recognized by U.K.: 21

Etival: 322 :

Etreaupont: 260

Ettelbach: 494

Ettelbruck: 356–57, 359, 361–62, 377

Etteldorf: 428

Etteln: 462

Ettelscheid: 391–92

Ettenheim: 507

Ettleben: 481

Ettlingen: 483

Ettringen: 519

Etzelbach: 492

Etzling: 405

Euchen: 298, 301, 327

Eudenbach: 444–45, 449, 451

Euenheim: 426

Eupatoria: 12, 33

Eupen: 268–69, 271, 355–58 360

Eure River: 249, 254

EUREKA Conference: 150–51

European Advisory Commission instituted: 143

European Theater of Operations. See

also Eisenhower, Gen. Dwight D.;

Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.

activated under Chaney: 41

Andrews as CG: 90–91

boundaries altered: 91

COSSAC established: 106

Devers succeeds Andrews: 108
[ 592 ] [ INDEX ]

European Theater of Operations—Con.

Eisenhower assumes command: 43

 hostilities cease: 534–35

redeployment of units to Pacific: 528,

530, 550

SAF headed by Spaatz: 156

supersedes USAFBI: 41

Euscheid: 408

Euskirchen: 385, 392, 422, 424, 426

Evertsen: 26

Eveshausen: 438

Evrecy: 228, 231–32, 242

Evreux: 252, 254

Executions of prisoners of war: 34

Exeter: 34

Exmes: 253

Expeditionary Troops, Iwo Jima: 299, 363,

411, 427

Eynattener Wald: 269

Eythra: 502

Eywiller: 337–38

Factory, The (Anzio): 165–66, 170–72, 197

Faenza: 162, 263, 291, 295, 330, 333, 337–

38, 340, 351–57

Faetano: 279

Faha: 406

Faibus St. Hilo Point: 237

Faïd Pass: 72, 88–90, 92, 104

Faimes: 265

Fais Island: 365, 367

Falaise: 233, 236, 242, 244–53

Falaise Hill: 272

Falam: 145

Falcino: 306

Falck: 338–39

Falize Woods: 374

Falkenberg: 508

Falknov: 533

Falvaterra: 197

Fammera: 193

Famy: 473

Fanning Island: 35

Far East, unified command for: 9

Far East Command (RAF): 4, 5, 9, 24

Far East Air Force: 3–4, 6, 21, 315, 368

Far East Council: 4, 23

Farchant: 525

Farebersviller: 339–40 344

Farenholt: 58

Farneto: 307

Farniers: 369

Fasari: 59

Fastov: 145–46

Faubourg de Vaucelles: 233

Fauconnerie: 104

Fauglia: 231–32

Faulquemont: 318, 321, 324–25, 328–29,

331

Faurndau: 505

Faverois: 330

Favignana Island: 123

Faxe: 324

Fayence: 251–52, 255

Faymonville: 357, 375–76

Fays: 303

Fechingen: 439

Fecht River: 381, 392–93

Fechteler, Rear Adm. William M.: 176,

222–23, 385, 415

Fedala: 65–66

Fecamp: 197

Felbecke: 450

Feldhausen: 460

Feldkassel: 427

Feldkirch: 530–31

Felisio: 366, 484

Fell: 438

Fellerich: 408

Felonica: 513, 515, 517

Felsberg: 341

Felsoegall: 453

Femmina Morta: 279

Fenétrange: 335, 380

Feodosia: 10, 16

Ferentino: 200

Fériana: 69, 91–93, 95–96

Fermo: 214

Fern Pass: 525, 527–28, 530–31

Fernsdorf: 496

Fernstein: 525, 528

Ferrara: 276, 503, 509, 511, 513

Ferris, Brig. Gen. Benjamin G.: 160

Ferryville: 108–09

Ferschweiler: 402

Fervaches: 237

Fessenheim: 396–97

Feuchtwangen: 492, 502–04, 507, 509

Feugerolles-sur-Orne: 242

Feusdorf: 429

Fey: 275, 324

Fialla Hill: 154

Fianarantsoa: 57

Fichtenbach: 521

Fichtenberg: 503

Fickett, Lt. Col. E. M.: 342, 353, 356, 360,

366, 368–69, 371, 373, 382, 386–87,

454, 457, 459, 461, 463, 465

Ficulle: 210

Field Artillery Battalions

82d: 177

97th: 89

167th: 32

205th: 113

218th: 113

246th: 63, 71

Field Artillery Groups

14th: 516

420th: 465

Field Artillery Regiments

88th (Philippine Scouts): 19–20

148th: 24

Fiersbach: 452

Fiesole: 260

Fighter aircraft. See also Fighter Groups;

Fighter Squadrons.

in Combined Bomber Offensive: 113,

137–38, 152, 154, 161, 192

first to operate from Sicily: 119

Fighter Groups

31st: 65

33d: 114

347th: 67

Fighter Squadrons

67th: 51–52, 58, 122

80th: 175

339th: 69

Fighter Strips Nos. 1 and 2 (Guadalcanal):

59, 74

Fiji Islands

native forces: 124, 157

Solomons, staging area for: 46–47

U.S. troops arrive: 20, 38

Filignano: 145, 150

Filly: 373

Filottrano: 227

Fils River: 505, 507, 509

Filstroff: 329

Filzen: 443

Filzen Peninsula: 421

Finale: 511, 513

Finance Building (Manila): 412, 417, 419

Finegayan: 242, 245

Finland

agreement with USSR on territorial

boundaries: 280

armistices with Allies: 181, 263, 280,

334

operations in: 206–07, 213–15, 234,

263, 280, 303, 308, 311, 334

U.S. breaks relations with: 45

Finschhafen: 28, 129, 135–38, 141–42,

159, 187, 215

Finsterbergen: 483

Finsternathal: 463, 465

Firenzuola: 232, 263, 269, 282–83, 291

Firmenich: 426

Firminy: 261

FIREBRAND: 114. See also Corsica.

First Allied Airborne Army: 276, 278, 324,

354, 450, 462, 464, 466

First Support Group (TG 77.2): 367–68

first two–ton bomb dropped: 32–33

Fisch: 407

Fischbach: 384, 443–441

Fischeln: 420

Fischenich: 429

Fish Hook Ridge (Attu): 111–12

Fishhook Ridge (Luzon): 469, 490, 513,

520

Fisk: 83–86

Fisk, 1st Lt. Harold R.: 83

Flume delle Canno: 120

Fiumicino River: 289–92, 295–97, 300–

301

Flamersheim: 427

Flamierge: 369, 371–73

Flamizoulle: 369, 371–72

Flammersfeld: 452

Flattop Hill (Okinawa): 536–39

Flavigny: 267–68

FLAX: 105

Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific: 299, 303

Fleets. See also Navy, United States; Task

Forces, Navy; United States Fleet.

Third: 264, 268, 274, 299–301, 306,

310–11, 315, 323, 350, 352, 354, 356,

367, 550

Fifth: 98, 145, 167, 195–96, 299, 337,

364, 385, 405, 456, 467, 541

Seventh: 44, 96, 175, 181, 183, 205, 222,

274, 306–11, 315, 339, 351–52, 354–

55, 370, 484, 545, 549

Asiatic: 3

Central Pacific: 98

Pacific: 6

Fleringen: 422
[ INDEX ] [ 593 ]

Flers: 249–50

Flerzheim: 427

Fletcher, Rear Adm. Frank J.: 36, 37, 39–

40 45, 47, 186

Fleurus: 65

Fleury: 233

Fliessem: 06

Flin: 284

FLINTLOCK: 167. See also Marshall Islands

campaign.

Floisdorf: 426

Florange: 268

Florence: 136, 162, 204, 213, 230, 232,

234 236–37, 241, 243, 246, 248,

250, 253, 255, 260–61, 264–65, 267

Florennes: 190

Flores Point: 224

Floresta: 126–27

Floret: 366

Florida, German agents landed by submarine in.: 42–43

Florida Island: 48, 140

Florina: 316

Floss: 510, 514

Flossdorf: 342–43

Flossenburg: 512, 514

Flottemanville: 215–16

Floverich: 3 27

Flushing: 316–17

Flussbach: 434

Flying Tigers. See American Volunteer

Group.

Focsani: 207, 257

Foggia: 130, 136–38

Foggia-Naples Campaign: 128–63

Foglia River: 259, 261

Fojano: 222

Foligno: 211

Follonica: 217

Fondi: 195

Fondouk: 81, 88, 101–05

Fondouk Gap: 90, 100–103

Fontaine: 331–32

Fontainebleau: 254

Fontanelice: 340

Fontegreca: 143

Fontenay: 218

Fontenay-le-Marmion: 245

Fontenay-sur-Mer: 208

Fonteny: 321–23

Fontoy: 265–66

Foochow: 539

FORAGER: 162. See also Mariana Islands.

Forbach: 405–10, 423–24

Forbach Forest: 424, 426, 428

Force 141 (15th Army Group): 113

Force 163 (Southern France): 162, 176

Force U (Normandy): 189

Forces Françaises de l’Interieur. French

Forces of the Interior.

Forces Française de l’Ouest: 328, 464

Forchach: 525

Foreign Ministers Conference, Moscow

141, 143

Foren: 432

Forêt de Cattenom: 320

Forêt de Cerisy: 206–07

Forêt de Champenoux: 280–81, 283–84

Forêt de Château-Salins: 286, 288, 32124

Forêt de Gehan: 303

Forêt de Grémecey: 283–84, 287–92

Forêt de la House: 342

Forêt de l’Avant Garde: 264

Forêt de Longegoutte: 285

Forêt de Mondon: 283–85, 315

Forêt de Mormal: 262

Forêt de Mortagne: 318

Forêt de Mortain: 248

Forêt de Gouffern: 251

Forêt de Parroy: 281, 284, 290–95, 299

302–03, 308–09, 311

Forêt de Puttelange: 337

Forêt de St. Sever: 242–43

Forêt de Vitrimont: 272, 281

Forêt d’Housseras: 312

Forêt Domaniale de Champ: 309, 314,

318–19, 322 391

Forges: 25 9

Forlì: 263, 303, 305, 308, 316, 319–24

Forlimpopoli: 311

Forma Quesa Creek: 194

Formia: 192, 194

Formigny: 204–05

Formosa air and naval attacks on: 149, 165,

276, 302–03, 367, 370, 372, 375,

380–81

plans for seizure of: 179, 204, 209, 224,

235, 237, 283, 301

Fornelli: 146, 290

Fornoli: 290–91

Forrestal, James V.: 191

Forst Berlebeck: 470

Forst Carrenzien: 526

Forst Haldeburg: 498, 500

Forst Hardehausen: 472

Forst Heimburg: 502

Forst Kloetze: 504, 506, 508

Forst Knesebeck: 499 502

Forst Konigslutter: 508, 510

Forst Reinhausen: 481

Forst Rumbeck: 487

Fort, Rear Adm. George H.: 142, 271, 291,

303

Fort Aisne: 324

Fort Amanvillers: 273

Fort Ava: 442, 447

Fort Bayard: 544 547 549–51

Fort Bellacroix: 329

Fort Blaise: 266

Fort Blucher: 434

Fort Bois la Dame: 325

Fort Constantine: 442

Fort de Gondreville: 263

Fort de Fèves: 326

Fort de Villey–le–Sec: 263–65, 267

Fort d’Illange: 325–26

Fort Driant: 270, 280, 288–90, 293–99,

301, 317, 334, 347

Fort Drum: 450, 493 503

Fort du Roule: 217–19

Fort Dufferin: 438, 442, 445–46

Fort Eben Emael: 267

Fort Fontain: 264

Fort Frank. See Carabao Island.

Fort Grand Bois: 347–48

Fort Hertz: 38, 96, 168, 181

Fort Hughes. See Caballo Island.

Fort Jeanne d’Arc: 273, 325, 334, 347, 351

Fort Keranroux: 270

Fort Koenigsmacker: 321–23

Fort Mears: 40

Fort Mills. See Corregidor Island.

Fort Montbarey: 274

Fort Ord: 112

Fort Pikit: 503, 506–07, 510–11, 513, 519

Fort Plappeville: 329, 334 346

Fort Queuleu: 328–29

Fort St. Julien: 328–29

Fort St. Marcouf: 209

Fort St. Nicholas: 257

Fort St. Privat: 328–29, 334 340

Fort St. Quentin: 334 345

Fort Schiesseck: 352, 354 356–57

Fort Simershof: 351, 354 356

Fort Stevens: 42

Fort Stotsenburg: 8, 386, 388, 390, 451,

488

Fort Verdun: 325, 327 334 337

Fort White: 147, 321

Fort Wint: 14, 388

Fort Wittring: 347–48

Fort Yser: 324

Fort Yutz: 323–24

Forte del Marmi: 283

Fortschendorf: 482

Fortschwihr: 387

Fortuna: 420

Forward Area, Central Pacific (TF 57) 303

Fossa di Navigazione: 479

Fossacesia: 151

Fosse Soucy: 205

Fosset: 372

Fossieux: 288–300

Fosso Marina: 492

Fosso Vecchio: 351

Fosso Vecchio Canal: 350

Foucarville: 203

Fougères: 241–42

Fougerolles: 300

Foul Point: 78, 362, 367

Foum Tatahouine: 94, 99

Foy: 373–74

Foy Notre Dame: 361

Fraiture: 368

Fraize: 333 335

Francaltroff: 331

France. See also Free French forces;

French Forces of the Interior;

Western Europe, operations in.

Allied air attacks on: 50, 58

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign: 353–83

Committee of National Liberation:

131– 130

Normandy Campaign: 203–34

Northern France Campaign: 236–72

occupied France. See Vichy France.

provisional government formed: 113,

130

Southern France Campaign: 249–72

treaty with USSR: 349

Francheville: 374

Francisco River: 129, 132–33

Frandeux: 361
[ 594 ] [ INDEX ]

Frangenheim: 415

Frankenbach: 462, 473

Frankenheim: 467

Frankfurt-am-Main: 166, 181, 452–55, 457

459, 461, 463, 465, 467, 472, 487,

493

Frankfurt-am-Oder: 394 513, 518

Frankfurt Autobahn: 435, 440, 454, 456–

58, 463

Franklin: 445

FRANTIC: 176, 201, 203, 215, 219, 234, 236–

37, 242, 244–45, 268, 271. See also

Combined Bomber Offensive against

Europe.

Frascati: 199, 201–02, 210

Frattevecchia Ridge: 220

Frauenberg: 350, 367, 424

Fraulautern: 341, 344–46, 349–50, 396–

97, 445

Frauwullesheim: 414

Frechen: 422, 424

Fredeburg: 480

Fredendall, Maj. Gen. Lloyd R.: 64, 81, 92,

97

Frederick, Col. Robert T.: 149

Free French forces: 40–41. See also French

Army units.

Freeman, Col. Paul L.: 352

Frei Weinheim: 447

Freialdemhoven: 330–32

Freidlingerhohe: 406

Freienbessingen: 485

Freimersdorf: 424

Freineux: 366

Freinsheim: 446

Freisenheim: 343

Freising: 524

Fréjus: 249–50

Frelenberg: 295

Fremersdorf: 341

Fremestroff: 333

Fremifontaine: 307–09

Fremonville: 329, 331

French Air Force unit, 1st Air Corps: 398

French Army units

Armies

1st: 280, 282–83, 285, 287, 294–96,

298–300, 303–05, 310, 313, 317–

20, 323, 325–28, 330–37, 339,

343, 345–49, 351, 353–55, 360,

367, 369, 375–77, 379, 381–93,

395–98, 400, 402–09, 419, 434,

443, 447, 457, 461, 465, 467, 469,

471, 473, 475, 477, 481, 483, 486,

488, 490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500,

503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 514, 516,

518, 520–21, 523, 525, 527–28,

530–31

Army B: 250–59, 261–65, 273,

280

Corps

1st: 264–66, 272, 282, 287, 305,

310, 320, 323, 325–37, 339, 346–

49, 351, 379, 381, 386, 389, 391–

93, 395–98, 500, 503, 505, 507,

509, 511, 514, 516, 518, 521, 523,

525, 527, 529–31

French Army units—Continued

Corps—Continued

2d: 250–59, 261–62, 264, 266–

69, 271–72, 277–78, 282–83,

294–96, 298–300, 303–05, 318–

20, 326, 332, 334–37, 339, 346–

48, 351, 353–55, 360, 377, 379,

381–83, 385, 89, 403, 409, 434,

465, 467, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477,

481, 483, 486, 488, 490, 492,

496, 498, 500, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 514, 516

19th: 67–69, 72, 74, 81, 86, 88,

94, 97, 102–10

Camel: 97, 101–02

Franc d’Afrique: 99, 101–02,

105–06, 108–09

French Expeditionary: 149–50,

153–55, 157, 159, 161–62,

164–67, 172, 176, 183–84,

191–202, 206–08, 210, 213–

19, 222–24, 226–27, 229–31,

233–35

Mountain: 192–97

Pursuit: 207

Divisions

1st Armored: 251–55, 261, 266,

268, 271–72, 285, 287, 294,

304–05, 330–32, 379, 395–97,

483, 492, 500, 507, 509, 511,

514, 518, 521, 523

1st Moroccan: 252–55, 261, 266,

272, 278, 280, 285, 287, 332,

334 381–82, 384, 387

1st Motorized: 187, 192–97, 202,

207, 211–14, 217

2d Armored: 245–48 250–51,

253–59, 261, 266, 268–73,

275, 277–78, 280–81, 284,

291–92, 311, 315, 317, 320,

328, 331, 333–35 338–43,

345, 366, 381, 392, 395–97,

401, 521, 525–26, 528–31

2d Moroccan: 153–54, 157, 162,

183, 191–93, 197–201, 214,

227, 229, 231, 233, 261, 264,

325–26, 330–32, 336, 339,

346, 348–49, 379, 395, 465,

469, 475, 477, 481, 498, 503,

505, 521, 531

3d Algerian: 159, 161–62, 165–66,

183, 192–97, 201–02, 207, 223–

24, 251–55, 259, 264, 295, 298–

99, 303–05, 318–19, 326, 332,

369, 408–09, 434, 437, 439, 441–

43, 445–46, 461, 465, 469, 475,

477, 481, 498, 503, 505, 516

3d Moroccan: 199

4th Moroccan Mountain: 139, 191–

92, 348, 379, 392–93, 395, 446,

453, 500, 521, 531

4th Mountain: 192–93, 199–200,

224, 226, 229, 233–34

5th Armored: 247, 325–26, 330–33,

339, 381, 384, 386–91, 395, 439,

445–46, 475, 477, 503, 505, 509,

516, 521, 523, 525, 531

French Army units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

9th Colonial: 212–13, 252, 254–55,

258 264 325–26, 330, 349, 393,

395–96, 469, 500, 511, 514

10th Infantry: 392

27th Alpine: 419

Algerian: 108

Lorraine: 423

Moroccan: 108

Oran: 108

Brigade, 1st: 16, 39, 41, 61

Groupements

Bonjour: 252–53

Chapuis: 252–55

Landouzy: 511, 514

Le Bel: 507, 509, 511, 518

Linares: 252–54

Monsabert: 445–48, 450, 498, 500

Navarre: 481

Schlesser: 481

Valluy: 469, 471, 473, 475, 477, 481,

483, 486, 488, 490, 492, 496, 509,

514–15, 518

L Force: 94, 97, 99, 105

French Forces of the Interior: 240, 242,

249 253–54, 256 258–60, 266

French Morocco: 64–66

French Naval Assault Group: 249

French Navy, scuttles units: 70

Frengkofen: 516, 518

Frenke: 474

Frenouville: 232–33

Frenz: 337–38

Frenzerburg Castle: 335–39

Frescaty: 3 26–28

Fresnes-en-Saulnois: 270, 278, 286, 290,

292, 320–21

Fretter: 487

Freudenbach: 492

Freudenberg: 407, 480

Freudenstadt: 492, 500, 503

Freyberg, Lt. Gen. Sir Bernard C. (NZ):

169, 175

Freyung: 517, 524, 532

Freyung Pass: 532–33

Frieburg: 509

Friedberg: 459 461

Friedeburg: 491

Friedenfelds: 506

Friedewald: 473

Friedland: 388

Friedrichroda: 479

Friedrichsbrunn: 502

Friedrichsfeld: 451

Friedrichshafen: 114, 523

Friekhofen: 456

Friesbach: 450

Friesenheim: 448

Friesheim: 420

Friesing: 523

Frillendorf: 482

Frimmersdorf: 420

Frische Nehrung: 518

Fritzlar: 462–64, 470

Frohlinde: 478

Froitzheim: 418

Fromental: 249–50

Fronhoven: 332
[ INDEX ] [ 595 ]

Frontigny: 327–28

Frosinone: 159, 198–200

FRY: 421, 467, 475. See also Lake Comacchio

and its islands.

Fubuki: 58

Fucecchio: 251, 253

Fuchsmuehl: 506

Fuehlingen: 427

Fuerstenau: 482

Fuerstenberg: 481

Fuerstenfeld: 498

Fuerth: 176, 492, 498, 500, 502, 504,

508–09

Fuessen: 520–21, 523

Fuessenich: 420

Fuhren: 380–82

Fuhse Canal: 484, 486

Fuka: 43, 64

Fukien Province: 539

Fulda: 461, 463, 465 467–68, 475, 477

Fulda River: 463, 465, 467–68, 473–74,

477

Fuller, Maj. Gen. Horace H.: 88, 198, 204,

207, 209–10, 213

Funafuti Island: 57, 130, 136, 145–46

Furcoli: 499 503

Furiano River: 125

Furth: 517, 519, 521, 523

Furutaka: 58

Futa Pass: 263, 271, 274, 276, 279, 282–84

Futema: 469, 472

Gabès: 88, 95, 99–103

Gabès Gulf: 104

Gacé: 253

Gaddau: 50 8

Gadebusch: 527

Gadolzburg: 500

Gaeta: 195

Gaffey, Maj. Gen. Hugh J.: 248

Gafsa: 68–69, 71, 88–93, 97–101, 103, 105

Gaggenau: 488

Gahlen: 454 456

Gahmen: 487

Gaiaba: 5 15

Gaiana River: 501, 503, 505

Gaildorf: 507, 509

Gailroth: 505

Gailsbach: 500

Gaja Ridge: 527, 529, 534

GALAHAD: 146, 160, 163, 168, 178–79, 187,

200, 214, 304. See also Long Range

Penetration Groups; Merrill’s Marauders; Wingate, Brig. Orde

Charles.

Galanta: 465

Galantina River: 207

Galapagos Islands: 37

Galati: 203, 207

Galeata: 305–06

Galiano: 435, 482, 484, 488, 505

Galla di Monte Orso: 195

Gallicano: 313, 392

Gallneukirchen: 530, 532

Gallo: 143

Galloping Horse (Guadalcanal): 83–84,

86

Galotan: 314

GALVANIC: 142–47, 164. See also Gilbert

 Islands.

Gama River: 52

Gambellate Creek: 288, 290

Gambettola: 304

Gambsheim: 346–47, 349, 365, 368–

72, 376–77 389–90

Gambut: 42, 69

Ganano River: 546

Gandersheim: 480

Gangaw: 371–72

Gangaw Valley: 347

Gangelt: 280, 291

Gangi: 122

Gap: 254

Gap, The (New Guinea): 54

Gapan: 10, 389

Garaet Achkel: 108

Garangaoi Cove: 281

Garapan: 214, 216, 218, 223

Garbeck: 494

Garcelles-Secqueville: 245

Gardanne: 255

Gardelegen: 493

Gardella Hill: 201

Garekoru: 286

Garet Hadid: 92–93

Gargano Peninsula: 138

Gargnano: 525

Gari River: 162, 191

Garigliano River: 143, 151–52, 157,

162–66, 168, 171, 184

Garmisch: 525

Garrod, Air Marshal Sir Guy: 326

Garsdorf: 420

Gartow: 508

Garzweiler: 415–16

Garua Island: 179

Gasmata: 23, 136, 139, 145, 155

Gathemo: 245–47

Gattaran: 548

Gatteo: 301

Gau Bickelheim: 443

Gau Odernheim: 446

Gaulle, Gen. Charles de: 257, 325

Gauss, Clarence E.: 165

Gavaga Creek: 64–66

Gavin, Col. James M.: 117

Gavray: 239

Gavrus: 226, 231

Gavutu Island: 48–49

Gay River: 408

Gazala Line: 4–6, 21–22, 26, 39

Gdynia: 244, 435–36, 446, 449–50, 455,

457, 459

Gea Island: 167

Geckenheim: 485

Gee: 428

Geertruidenberg: 318

Geesthacht: 526

Gefrees: 496, 500, 502

Gehan Forest: 294–95

Gehh Island: 167–68

Gehlberg: 481

Gehn: 426

Gehren: 487

Geibenstetten: 521

Geich: 350, 420

Geichlingen: 409

Geiger, Maj. Gen. Roy S. (USMC):

145–46, 154, 235–36, 239, 241,

243, 274, 301, 547–48

Geilenkirchen: 280, 292–96, 323, 329–30

Geinsheim: 449–50

Geisberg Hill: 273

Geislar: 445

Geislingen: 514,519

Geisnach: 451

Geizenberg: 414

Gel: 457

Gela: 117–19

Geldern: 420–21, 423

Gelnhausen: 463

Gelsdorf: 427

Gelsenkirchen: 476, 478, 482, 484

Gemas: 14–15

Gembloux: 263

Gemert: 287

Gemmano: 264, 266, 268

Gemmerich: 454

Gemuenden: 443, 464, 466, 473, 475

Gemund: 385, 392–93, 405–06, 422,

424, 426–27

Genaro: 201

Genazzano: 201

General Headquarters, U.S. Army, abolished: 28

General Staff, War Department. See

War Department General Staff.

Gengenbach: 503

Gennep: 398–401, 407

Genoa: 515, 520

Gensingen: 440

Genzano: 201

George F. Elliott: 48

Georgenborn: 461

Georgenthal: 483

Georgievsk: 50, 84

Ger: 245, 248

Gera: 494, 496

Gera River: 485

Geraberg: 485

Gerardmer: 282, 294, 300, 318–20, 330,

332

Gerbécourt: 322

Gerberville: 280

Gerbini: 121

Gerderath: 414–15

Gerderhahn: 415

Gereonsweiler: 327, 331–32

Gerimont: 365

Gerlingen: 478

German Army units

Army Groups

A: 45–54, 56–58, 61–62, 74, 81,

89, 91–92

Africa: 95, 97, 110

B: 45, 47–51, 53–57, 62, 92,

232, 466

Center: 4, 18, 44, 92, 96, 228

Don: 89

F: 261, 532–33

H: 466

North: 4, 18, 29, 31, 44, 228, 239,

295

South: 6, 10, 37, 40–45, 92, 96

Southwest: 523
[ 596 ] [ INDEX ]

German Army units—Continued

Armies

First: 287, 532

First Panzer: 45, 48, 81, 96

Second: 43, 45, 92

Second Panzer: 14, 125

Fourth: 14, 137, 228

Fourth Panzer: 43–45, 62, 116, 118

Fifth Panzer: 95, 97, 25 I, 287, 353

Sixth: 43–45, 47, 62, 69, 74–75 81,

83, 85, 87, 90, 169

Sixth Panzer: 353

Seventh: 251

Eighth: 166, 169

Ninth: 116, 125, 228

Eleventh: 37, 40, 45

Fourteenth: 200

Sixteenth: 25, 27–28, 534

Seventeenth: 45

Eighteenth: 534

Nineteenth: 258, 398, 500, 531–32

Twenty-first: 528

Army Kempf: 116, 118

German-Italian Panzer: 88, 94

Corps

Africa: 96

II: 25, 27, 29, 31, 94

Brigade, 106th Panzer: 265

Group Elster: 274

Germany. See also Hitler, Adolf.

Allied air attacks on V-weapons

sites: 128, 130, 152, 156

Allied air losses in: 128, 161, 176, 184,

192

Argentina breaks with: 165

around-the-clock bombing: 95

Brazil declares war on: 51

Bulgaria declares war on: 265

Central Europe Campaign: 448–536

Chile breaks with: 86

China declares war on: 4

Combined Bomber Offensive against:

39, 54, 85, 89, 95, 111, 113–14,

128, 130, 132, 137–40, 143–44,

150, 152, 154, 156, 161, 166, 172–

73, 175–76, 178, 181, 184, 187, 192,

201, 203, 207, 215, 219, 234, 236,

268

daylight raids on, postponed: 140

declaration of war on U.S.: 4

Eisenhower directive on bombing of:

187

Hitler takes control of army: 7

Iraq declares war on: 85

Italy declares war on: 140

meetings of Allied forces: 496, 498,

512–17, 519, 521–23, 526–30,

532–34,536

operations in east: 250, 295, 300, 304,

309, 374, 378–89, 394–95, 399–

401, 404, 406, 410, 417, 424–26,

428, 435–36, 439, 443, 446, 448–

50, 453, 455, 457, 459, 461, 463,

465, 467, 481, 483, 498, 505, 509,

511, 513, 515–16, 518, 520, 523,

527–28, 530 534, 535

operations in west: 268–534

Germany—Continued

as primary enemy: 14, 29, 160, 398

radio countermeasures in bombing: 139

Rhineland Campaign: 271–447

Rumania declares war on: 256

surrender in northwest: 530

surrender negotiations: 512, 529–30,

532–34

two–ton bomb dropped: 32–33

unconditional surrender policy toward:

143

use of fighter escort against: 113, 137–

38, 152,154, 161, 192

use of H2S-equipped aircraft against:

137, 144

use of radar in bombing: 154, 166

Germersheim: 448, 450–51, 457 465

Germersheim Landkreis: 516

Germeter: 281–82, 300–301, 303, 320,

335

Germscheid: 447

Gernsbach: 488

Gernsdorf: 462

Gernsheim: 455

Gerolstein: 426–28

Gerow, Lt. Gen. Leonard T.: 203, 258, 275

278, 296, 376

Gerstetten: 514

Gersthofen: 521

Gerstungen: 479

Gertza: 185

Geruma Island: 456

Gesso: 299–304, 307, 507

Gevelinghausen: 478

Gevelsdorf: 414

Gevenich: 410

Gey: 340–42, 349

Geyen: 424

Ghazal: 63

Gheel: 265–66, 269–70, 278

Ghent: 262–63, 268–69

Ghent–Bruges Canal: 264, 266, 268

Ghent–Terneuzen Canal: 274, 279

Ghormley, Vice Adm. Robert L.: 33, 42,

43, 44–45, 50, 54–55, 57–58, 59

Gialo: 55

Giarabub: 26

Giberville: 232

Gibraltar, site of AFHQ: 64, 69

Gielau: 508

Giengen: 514

Glens Peninsula: 254–55

Gierstadt: 483

Giescheid: 415

Giesdorf: 422

Gieselwerder: 479, 481

Giesendorf: 415

Giessen: 457–58 460–61, 463

Giessen River: 337

Giffard, Gen. Sir George: 11, 178, 206,

238, 324

Giffen, Rear Adm. Robert C.: 116

Gifu River strongpoint: 77–79, 81, 88

Gigantangan Island: 263

Gila Peninsula: 274, 276, 279

Gilbert Islands: 164

air and naval actions: 21, 136, 139–41,

146–48, 152

casualty summaries: 149–50

Gilbert Islands—Continued

enemy seizure: 4

JCS directive on recovery of: 121, 129

recovery of: 50, 136–52

Gili Gili: 52

Gill, Maj. Gen. William H.: 174, 192,

221, 229, 246

Gillem, Maj. Gen. Alvan C., Jr.: 320

Gillenfeld: 434

Gilsdorf: 360

Gilzem: 416

Gindorf: 426

Ginnick: 418

Ginopolan: 497, 501, 507, 510

Ginowan: 476,.478 480

Giogo di Villore: 285

Gioia: 132

Gioiella: 220

Giraud, Gen. Henri: 88, 114

arrival at North African front: 65

conferences with Allied leaders: 60, 64,

116

restores civil government in Africa: 98

Girbelsrath: 412, 414

Giromagny: 334

Girkhausen: 468

Girmont: 285–86

Gironde River and Estuary: 494, 496, 498,

500, 525, 527

Giropa Point: 78–79, 81

Girst: 409

Girua River: 67–69, 72, 82

Giruwa: 46–47, 71, 73–74 76, 78, 81,

85–87

Gishushi: 543

Giulanova: 212

Giulianello: 197, 199

Givet: 361, 366

Givroulle: 374

Giza Giza River: 116

Glaadt: 427

Gladbach: 417, 431, 436, 451

Gladbeck: 460, 462

Glan: 549

Glan River: 444

Gland River: 329

Glassford, Rear Adm. William A.: 3

Glauchau: 496

Gleen River: 460

Gleichen: 498

Gleidorf: 476, 478

Gleima: 492

Gleiwitz: 383–84

Glesch: 415–16, 418, 420

Glessen: 422

Gleul: 425

Glider Infantry Regiments

187th: 347 389 401, 430–31, 433–

35, 450–53, 455, 460–61, 464–

65, 467 471, 476, 478, 480, 482,

490, 503, 505, 510

188th: 389–90, 392, 395–96, 398,

401, 417, 442, 451, 453, 455, 457,

465, 471, 473, 476, 480, 522–23

Glimbach: 410

Glogau: 402, 463, 467

Gluchov: 130

Gneisenau: 23

Gniezo: 381
[ INDEX ] [ 597 ]

Gnoetzheim: 473

Go Chan Hill: 460–62, 474

GOBLET: 115, 131, 133, 136

Goch: 398, 401, 403–08, 410

Godo: 344

Godorf: 429

Goedenroth: 439

Goehrde: 510

Goennersdorf: 427

Goeppingen: 505

Goerlitz: 505, 534

Goes: 314

Goeschwitz: 487

Goesdorf: 368

Goetzenbruck: 367

Goetzis: 528

Goggenbach: 496

Golbach: 427

GOLD Beach: 203. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Goldenstedt: 491

GOLDFLAKE: 399 See also Canadian Army

units, Corps, I.

Golkrath: 414

Golleville: 212–13

Gollnerberg: 517

Golzheim: 412, 414

Gomel: 136, 140–41, 147, 150–51

Gona: 43, 45–46, 48–49, 56–57, 61, 63,

67–79, 81, 88, 96

Gona Mission: 71

Gondelsheim: 421–22, 424

Gondenbrett: 396–98

Gondorf: 422

Gonfaron: 250

Gong Kedah: 3–5

Gonnersdorf: 433

Gonzaga: 4

Goodenough Island: 51, 57, 60–61, 141,

154, 156, 158

Gora: 66

Gorari: 64, 66

Gorgognano Ridge: 499, 501

Gorleben: 508

Gorlice: 378

Gornhausen: 444

Gorodok: 156

Goroni: 53

Goronne: 369

Gorze: 264

Gosbach: 509

Gosselming: 335

Gotalalamo: 279, 281

Gotha: 176, 470, 472, 477, 479, 481, 485

Gothic Line: 214–516

Gott, Lt. Gen. W. H. E. (Br.): 49

Gottingen: 481, 483, 498 502

Gottmannsgruen: 508

Goubellat Plain: 81, 99 105–07, 109

Goucherie: 226

Goumier troops: 99, 101, 109, 119, 123–

25, 139, 192, 210, 226–27, 255

Gourbesville: 209–10

Gournay: 259

Gouvy: 379–80

Government Gardens (New Guinea)

76–79

Government House Hill ( Shima) 501

Gozo Island: 116

Graach: 444

Grab: 503

Graefentonna: 479

Grafenau: 515

Grafenhain: 483

Grafenhohn: 441

Grafenwohr: 504, 508, 510

Grafschaft: 474

Grainville-sur-Odon: 219

Gralingen: 381

Grammastetten: 529–30, 532

Grammichele: 118–19

Gran: 523

Granada: 467

Granarolo: 364, 366

Grand Bois: 378–80

Grand Halleux: 358, 370

Grand Sart: 369

Grandcamp: 205

Grande Huanville: 212

Grande Island: 14, 388

Grande Mormont: 373

Grandfontaine: 337

Grandménil: 361

Grandvillers: 293

Grandy, Group Capt.: 528

GRANITE: 162. See also Admiralty Islands

campaign; Caroline Islands; Mariana

Islands; Marshall Islands campaign;

Palau Islands; Truk Atoll.

Gransdorf: 429, 431

Granville: 239

Grant Island: 131

Granterath: 412

Grasses 254–55

Grasslfing: 517

Gratzfeld: 444

Grave: 276, 278–79, 285, 403

Gravelotte: 288–89

Graz: 481, 498, 535

Grazzanise: 140

Great Britain. See United Kingdom.

Grebbe River: 501

Greece

agreement with Bulgaria on territory:

313–14

Allied Military Liaison Headquarters

in: 262, 305, 325, 331

armed forces under British: 325

government restored: 262, 288, 306

guerrilla activities: 288, 321

Land Forces and Military Liaison

Headquarters: 331

Naval Port Parties: 292

operations in: 261, 275, 285–86, 288,

292, 298, 301–02, 305, 316, 321,

325–26, 331

role of EAM and ELAS: 288, 321

Greek Army units

3d Mountain Brigade: 265, 267, 276,

283, 255, 258, 301, 306

Greek Brigade: 62

Mountain Brigade: 262

Sacred Regiment: 262, 292, 302

Greely, Maj. Gen. John N.: 21

Green Hill (Tunisia): 81–82, 106

Green Islands: 155, 172–74, 177

Greene: 480

Greffen: 446

Grefrath: 418, 420, 422

Gregory: 53

Greimerath: 437

Greiz: 498 500

Grémecey: 289

Gremelsheid: 419

GRENADE: 389–99, 409, 427 See also

Rhine River; Roer River.

Grenderich: 440

Grening: 333–34

Grenoble: 251–54, 257–59

Grenzhausen: 452

Greppin: 502, 506

Gresaubach: 443

Gressenich: 277, 327–28

Gressenwohr: 508

Greve: 234–35

Grevel: 487

Greven: 462

Grevenbroich: 422

Grevenmacher: 280, 292, 295, 409

Grevenstein: 485, 487

Greverath: 431

Gréville: 221

Grich el Oued: 105

Grieben: 493, 495

Griesenbach: 452

Griesheim: 451, 471, 473

Grieth: 415

Griffenwang: 512

Grik: 6–7

Grimaud: 249

Grimbiermont: 368

Grimbosq: 243

Grimlinghausen: 425

Grimma: 496, 498, 510

Grimmenthal: 468

Grimmitscha: 496

Grindhausen: 383

Griner, Maj. Gen. George W.: 220

Grisignano: 316, 320

Grissenbach: 464

Griswold, Maj. Gen. Oscar W.: 117–19,

121, 123, 154

Grizzana: 302–03

Grodno: 231

Groenlo: 462

Groeningen: 486

Groesbeek: 276, 278–79, 281, 403

Grohnde: 474, 476

Gronebach: 472

Groningen: 484, 495 497

Gros Hausen: 455

Gros Langenfeld: 388–89

Gros Réderching: 348–49, 366–68, 403–04

Gros-Tenquin: 330

Grosbliederstroff: 345, 404–05

Grosbous: 359

Grose, Col. John E.: 72–73, 76

Grosmagny: 336

Gross Altdorf: 503

Gross Berkel: 4’72

Gross Breitenbach: 487

Gross Buellesheim: 424

Gross Burschla: 470

Gross Dohren: 484

Gross Gerau: 451, 453

Gross Kuehnau: 508

Gross Maischeid: 454

Gross Muehl River: 528

Gross Rosenburg: 495
[ 598 ] [ INDEX ]

Gross Strehlitz: 381

Gross Vernich: 425

Gross Werther: 485

Grossalmerode: 475, 477

Grossauheim: 453, 455, 459

Grosse Forst: 41

Grossen Buseck: 458, 463

Grossen Linden: 461

Grosseto: 210

Grossfahner: 483

Grosshau: 329–30, 334, 336, 340–41,

349

Grosskampenberg: 269–70, 394, 396,

405

Grosskrotzenberg: 457

Grosslittgen: 432

Grossenlueder: 461, 465

Grossenmoor: 465

Grottkau: 395

Groumont Creek: 366–67

Groups. See Antiaircraft Artillery

Groups; Army Groups; Cavalry

Groups; Field Artillery Groups.

Grouven: 415–16

Grozny: 52–53, 57, 62

Gruchy: 221

Grudziadz: 406, 428

Gruenberg: 403, 455 459

Gruenstadt: 446

Gruenwalde: 491

Gruiten: 497

Grunert, Lt. Gen. George: 166

Guadagasel: 98

Guadalcanal Campaign: 48–94

Guadalcanal Island

air and naval actions: 47, 50–53 55,

58–59, 61, 66–67, 70–71, 74, 103

casualty summary: 82

control assumed by Army: 73

enemy air attacks: 51, 59, 113–14

enemy reinforcements: 51, 54, 63–64, 67

enemy resistance ends: 91

enemy withdrawals: 82, 84, 91

first Army troops arrive: 58–59

landing operations: 48

line of communications shifted: 50

naval battle: 66–67

Nimitz orders seizure: 45

staging area for Emirau: 181

staging area for Palaus: 259

staging area for Russells: 93–94

supply situation: 50–51, 53, 56, 59, 66

U.S. air reinforcement: 50–53, 55, 57–

59, 61, 67, 69, 78

U.S. reinforcements: 50, 55–63, 71 ,73–

75, 91 ,134

U.S. strength figures: 57, 59, 82

Guadalupe: 460, 467, 490, 493

Guagua: 11–12

Guam

enemy air attack: 3–4

fall of: 4

Garrison Force: 241

Japan air offensive, base for: 550

recovery of: 211–12, 222, 225, 227,

234–46

Guastalla: 513

Gudersleben: 487

Guebling: 325–26, 329

Guebwiller: 392

Guelden: 508

Guelma: 89

Guels: 441

Guemar: 346, 381, 386

Guemmer: 480

Guenhoven: 415

Guenz River: 518

Guenzburg: 516, 518

Guerrilla forces

air supply of: 160

in Burma: 91, 93, 96–97, 111, 183,

187, 193

in France. See French Forces of the

Interior

in Greece: 288,321

in Philippines: 356–58, 366–68, 372–

73, 375, 399–400, 419, 426, 433–

34, 436, 441, 443, 445–48, 453,

455, 457, 462, 469, 471, 476 480,

482, 486, 497, 501, 503, 510, 513,

519, 522–23, 531, 535–36, 538,

540–43, 546–50

in Yugoslavia: 307, 314, 317–18, 340

Guerzenich: 353

Guesten: 02, 414, 500

Guhrau: 386

Guillaume, Gen. Augustin (Fr.): 210,

217

Guimaras Island: 448

Guimba: 9, 380, 388

Guimbalon: 471, 473

Guinarona: 312, 314

Guinarona Hill: 315

Guinarona River: 310, 312, 315

Guinhalaron River: 469, 471

Guintiguian: 310–11

Guising: 370

Guitol: 16

Gulf of Danzig: 384, 436, 450, 535

Gulf of Finland: 163, 170, 206, 214

Gulf of Gaeta: 191

Gulf of Nauplia: 298

Gulf of Riga sector: 239–40, 285, 294, 302,

330, 335

Gulpen: 271

Gum Ga: 163

Guma: 523, 532–37

Gumbinnen: 380

Gumbsheim: 444

Gummersbach: 487

Gumtree Road (Tunisia): 99, 101–02

Gundershoffen: 349

Gunfire and Covering Force (TF 54):

403, 430

Gungolding: 514, 516, 518

Gungwiller: 338

Gunstett: 442

Gurguan Point airfield: 238

Gurkhaywa: 211

Gurun: 5–6

Gusay Creek: 375, 378

Gusenburg. 439

Guishichan: 544

Gusika: 150

Gustav Line: 144–47, 149–58, 162,

190–92, 194–201

Gustavburg: 455

Gusteig: 528

Gusukuma: 508, 510

Gut Schwarzenbroich: 334

Gutendorf: 487

Gwa: 537

Gwegyo: 34

Gwin: 118

GYMNAST: 14, 46. See also Northwest

Africa Campaign.

Gymnich: 420

Gyoer: 459

Gzhatsk: 97

H2S-equipped aircraft: 137, 144

Haag: 506, 528

Haaksbergen: 464

Haan: 497

Haar: 532

Haaren: 301, 382

Habbelrath: 420

Habiemont: 355

Habkirchen: 350–52

Habscheid: 393–97

Hachen: 489

Hachenburg: 454

Hachiville: 380

Hackenberg: 326–28

Hackenbroich: 424

Hackenburg: 462

Hackenheim: 444

Hackhausen: 424

Hadamar: 456, 458

Hadjeb el Aïoun: 90, 96, 100

Hafen Canal: 329

Haffen: 450

Hafsloch: 448

Hagen: 491, 493

Hagenbach: 488

Hagenow: 528

Hagonoy: 385, 389

Haguenau: 335, 340, 348–50, 378, 380,

383

Haguenau Forest: 441–42

Hagushi: 462, 467, 469

Haha Jima: 211, 224, 368

Hahn: 451

Hahnbach: 508

Hahnbusch: 423–24, 426

Hahnlein: 451, 453

Hales-de-Tillet Woods: 370–72

Hain: 485

Hainan Island: 165, 376

Hainchen: 462

Hairpin Hill (Luzon): 495 497

Haislip, Maj. Gen. Wade H.: 240

Hajen: 474

Haka: 146

Halavo: 48

Halberbracht: 485

Halberstadt: 161, 175, 486, 491

Halbeswig: 480

Haldensee: 525

Haldern: 458

Hale, Col. J. Tracy, Jr.: 69, 72

Hale, Maj. Gen. Willis H.: 42

Halenbach: 408

Halenfeld: 391

Haleta: 48

Halfaya (Hellfire) Pass: 16, 66
[ INDEX ] [ 599 ]

Hall, Maj. Gen. Charles P.: 220–21, 227,

234, 239, 246, 249, 274, 276, 287,

388

Hall, Rear Adm. J. L., Jr.: 132, 467

Halle: 476, 491, 494, 498, 500, 502, 504

Hallenberg: 464

Hallendorf: 484

Hailer: 360–61

Hallering: 336

Hallouf Pass: 100

Halloville: 326

Hallschlag: 414, 06, 424

Halmahera Island: 191, 274, 295

HALPRO (Halverson Detachment).

See Middle East Air Force; Ploesti

Halsdorf: 407

Halsenbach: 439

Halsey, Adm. William F.: 60, 116, 118, 367

commands Fifth Fleet forces: 541

commands SOPAC: 59

commands Wake task force: 25

ELKTON naval forces controlled by

SWPA: 101

objection to stress on Marshalls: 113

plan for Carolines: 241

plans for Solomons: 113–14, 122, 123,

126, 132, 136, 138, 140, 146

Haltern: 458, 460, 466

Halverson, Col. Harry A.: 41

Hambach: 410–11, 485

Hambach Forest (Staats Forst Hambach):

411, 414

Hamberg, Lt. Col. William A.: 340, 342–

43

Hamborn: 458

Hamburg: 466, 512, 517, 526–27, 529

Hamburg Autobahn: 503

Hambye: 238

Hameau de Tot: 2 18

Hameau Gringer: 217

Hamel-de-Cruttes: 203

Hameln: 474 480 482, 484

Hamich: 327, 329–30

Hamich Ridge: 327–33

Hamiville: 380

Hamm: 414, 455, 466, 468, 470, 472,

476, 478, 480

Hammamet: 109

Hamman Lif: 109

Hammann: 40

Hammer: 390

Hammerstein: 444

Hamminkeln: 450

Hampont: 281, 321–22

Hampton Roads: 60–61

Han: 290

Hanau: 453, 455, 457, 459, 461, 463, 467,

469–70, 473, 522

Hancock: 480

Haney, Brig. Gen. Harold: 405

Hangeler: 446

Hangoe: 280

Hankow: 355, 371, 381

Hankow–Peiping railway: 187

Hann Muenden: 474, 477, 479, 481

Hannocourt: 321–22

Hannover: 480, 482, 484, 486, 517

Hansa Bay: 176, 178, 180, 185

Han-sur-Nied: 323–24

Haraden: 351

Harakiri Gulch (Saipan): 225–27

Haraucourt: 325

Harburg: 499, 501, 512

Harcourt-Smith, Air Commodore G.

(RAF): 262

Hardehausen: 470

Hardehauser Wald: 475, 479, 483

Harderode: 476

Hardheim: 463

Hardigny: 376–77, 379

Harding, Maj. Gen. Edwin F.: 67–68, 70,

72

Harding, Lt. Gen. Sir John: 453

Hardinvast: 215–17

Hardisleben: 487

Hardt: 416, 418, 512

Harech River: 200

Hargarten: 419, 435–37

Hargimont: 359

Hariko: 70, 74–75, 77

Harlange: 365–67, 369, 371

Harmon, Maj. Gen. Ernest N.: 65, 103, 174

Harmon, Maj. Gen. Hubert R.: 160

Harmon, Maj. Gen. Millard F.: 116, 118

activates XIV Corps: 81, 84

activates Thirteenth Air Force: 84

arrival at New Caledonia: 47

commands AAFPOA: 241

commands SOPAC tactical forges: 47

commands USAFISPA: 45

plan for Solomons: 57–58

Harper, Brig. Gen. Arthur M.: 212

Harperscheid: 389–90

Harris, Brig. Gen. Field (USMC): 130

Harscheid: 394–95, 397–98

Hart, Adm. Thomas C.: 6, 8, 24

Hartestein: 282, 285–86

Harth Woods: 395, 397

Hartley, Gen. Sir Alan (Br.): 15

Hartland: 65

Harz Mountains: 484, 487, 489 491,

494–96, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506,

508, 510, 512

Harze: 370

Hasborn: 435

Hasbrouck, Maj. Gen. Robert W.: 315

Hase River: 482

Hasenfeld Gut: 341, 347, 391

Hasenfelde: 398–99

Hassel: 446

Hasselbach: 452

Hasselfelde: 500

Hasselt: 265, 268, 283, 356, 363, 402

Hasselsweiler: 414

Hasslach River: 487, 490

Hassloch: 453

Hassum: 404

Hastenrath: 327–29

Hatab River: 94

Hatten: 370–78

Hatterath: 293–94

Hattingen: 496

Hattstatt: 392–93

Hatvan: 337

Hatzenport: 438–40

Hau: 400–401

Hauconcourt: 265, 322

Hauf River: 449

Hausen: 418, 420, 441, 455, 461, 465, 503

Haustadt: 44–43

Hauseweiler: 424

Haut Biville: 214

Haute-Littée: 207

Haute-Yutz: 325

Hauthausen: 414

Hautonnerie Farm: 321

Hauts-Vents: 227–28

Hauwei Island: 179–80, 187, 190

Hauzenburg: 524

Havelange: 362

Havrenne: 361

Hawaiian Islands casualty summary: 3

enemy air attacks: 3, 27

Pearl Harbor attack: 3

Seventh Air Force alerted: 38

Short replaced by Emmons: 6

Spruance TF arrives: 38

staging area for TWO: 299, 373, 385

Tinker heads air force: 6

Haxtergrund: 464

Hayange: 267

Haynau: 401

Haynes, Brig: Gen. Caleb V.: 57

Headquarters Land Forces and Military

Liaison, Greece: 331

Hearn, Maj. Gen. Thomas G.: 150, 235,

251, 255

Heath, Lt. Gen. Sir Lewis M. (Br.): 21

Heaths Plantation: 134

Heaveadorp Ferry: 281–82

Hébécrevon: 236

Hebles: 463

Hebronval: 357–58 369

Hechelscheid: 393–’94

Hechenberg: 526

Hecken: 429

Heckeshausen: 408

Heckhalenfeld: 388

Heckholzhausen: 454

Heckhuscheid: 272, 389

Heddert: 437–38

Hedgerows, Battle of the: 223–32

Hedo: 493

Hédomont: 373–74

Heengen: 328

Heerlen: 277

Heeze: 279

Hegenlohe: 509

Hehlrath: 331–32

Hehn: 416

Heide: 377

Heidelberg: 459 465

Heiden: 458

Heiderscheid: 359

Heiderscheidergrund: 368

Heïdous: 105–06

Heien: 401

Heidweiler: 431

Heilbach: 410

Heilbronn: 469, 471, 473, 475, 477,

479, 481, 483, 485, 488, 490, 492,

494, 500

Heilenbach: 421

Heilenstadt: 465

Heilhausen: 416

Heiligenbeil: 453

Heilsberg: 388
[ 600 ] [ INDEX ]

Heimbach: 418, 420, 422

Heimburg: 502, 506

Heimersheim: 429

Heimerzheim: 427

Heinerscheid: 383

Heinrichsdorf: 478

Heinsberg: 381–83

Heinsen: 480

Heintzenhofen: 510

Heirlot: 367

Heisdorf: 421

Heisterbacherrott: 444

Heisterberg: 456

Heistern: 331–32

Heiteren: 396

Heito: 381

Heitrak: 313

Hekkens: 398–400

Helden: 330

Heldra: 470

Heldrungen: 487

Helena: 116

Helenenberg: 417

Helfant: 407

Helfrich, Vice Adm. Conrad E. L.

(Dutch): 24

Helgersdorf: 464

Hellefeld: 487

Hellenthal: 392–94, 415

Helleville: 213

Hellfire Pass: 16, 66

Hellimer: 331, 333

Hell’s Pocket ( Saipan): 219–21

Helm: 52

Helmond: 281, 284–85, 287

Hemau: 514, 516

Hemer: 491, 493

Hemfurth: 462

Hemmerde: 482

Hemmeres: 386–87

Hemmerich: 427

Hemmersdorf: 340

Hen Hill (Okinawa): 542

Henahambuti: 73

Henderson, Maj. Lofton (USMC)

Henderson Field: 49–59, 61, 66–67

Hengelo: 474

Hengersberg: 521

Hengyang: 209, 219–20, 223, 228, 236,

241, 245, 251, 255, 295, 323, 371,

495

Hennecke, Rear Adm. Walther (Ger.) 219

Hennecourt: 272

Hennef: 448–49, 452

Henningsleben: 475

Henri Chapelle: 268

Henrichenburg: 472

Hentern: 419

Henumont: 37

Heppenbach: 385

Heppendorf: 415

Hepscheid: 385

Herbach: 295

Herbéviller: 316

Herbolzheim: 473

Herborn: 456

Herbstein: 461, 465

Herbstmuhle: 411

Herchehain: 463

HERCULES: 38 See also Malta.

Herdecke: 491, 493

Herdringen: 491

Herford: 468, 470, 472, 480

Herforst: 428

Hergarten: 424

Herhahn: 391–92

Héricourt: 326, 329

Hérimoncourt: 326, 329

Heringhausen: 462, 478

Hermannstein: 456, 458

Hermes: 32

Hermesdorf: 413

Hermeskeil: 440, 442

Hermespand: 398

Hermilly: 242

Hermosa: 13, 387

Hermulheim: 427

Herny: 324

Herrnberchtheim: 471, 473

Heropont: 371

Heroya: 122

Herrenberg: 503

Herresbach: 385

Herrick Force (New Guinea): 200–202

Herring, Lt. Gen. Edmund F. (Aus.):

56, 81–82, 84, 115, 129

Herrlisheim: 368–72, 377, 390–91,

395–96

Herrlisheim-près-Colmar: 393

Herschbach: 454

Herscheid: 394, 491

Herschwiesen: 438

Hersfeld: 463, 465, 470

Hertogenwald: 271

Herxheim: 450

Herzberg: 487

Herzfeld: 406

Herzogenrath: 298

Hescheld: 419

Hessen: 507, 512, 516

Hesseling: 407

Hester: 113, 115–16, 119

Hester, Maj. Gen. John H.: 93

Hettenschlag: 393

Hetzerath: 412

Heuchel: 451

Heuem: 354, 387–88

Heuholz: 498

Heumen: 276

Hewitt, Vice Adm. Henry K.: 60, 65, 117,

132

Heyen: 474, 476

Heyerode: 470

Hickam Field: 3

Hickeshausen: 408

Hickey, Brig. Gen. Doyle O.: 464

Hiddesen: 468, 470, 472

Hiei: 67

Hierheck: 360

Higashi: 434

High Commissioner of Philippines,

moves to Corregidor: 8

Highway 1 (Italy): 202, 205, 212, 214–15,

221, 229, 475, 479, 481

Highway 1 (Leyte): 307, 309, 311–12, 314

Highway 1 (Luzon): 393–94, 396, 434,

469, 484, 490, 495, 523, 527

Highway 1 (Mindanao): 503, 506–07, 510–

11, 513

Highway 2 (Italy): 202, 207, 227, 234–35,

239

Highway 2 (Leyte): 310, 312, 319–20,

324–25, 333–35, 341–343–45, 348,

351–53, 356–58, 360.

Highway 3 (Italy): 202–03, 232

Highway 3 (Luzon): 374, 376, 385,

388–89, 543

Highway 4 (Italy): 203

Highway 4 (Luzon): 544–46

Highway 5 (Luzon): 389–91, 393, 401,

404, 412–13, 421– 423, 427–

28, 430–31, 433–35, 437, 439, 443,

446, 455, 463, 469, 477, 479, 482,

501, 505, 509, 529, 536, 539, 542,

544–48

Highway 5 (Okinawa): 533, 536, 539–

40

Highway 6 (Italy): 144, 152, 155, 161,

169, 171–72, 194, 197–98, 200–202

Highway 7 (France): 251–52, 254,

256–58

Highway 7 (Italy): 136–37, 167, 193–

97, 201–02

Highway 7 (Luzon): 387–88, 390, 394,

396

Highway 9 (Italy): 276, 287–88, 295,

301, 309–11, 316, 324–26, 333,

335–37 344, 430, 484, 495, 501,

507, 511, 513, 515–16, 518, 520

Highway 9 (Luzon): 455, 469, 477,

482, 488, 490, 493, 495, 497, 499,

503, 505, 515

Highway 10 (Italy): 516, 521

Highway 11 (Italy): 518

Highway 11 (Luzon): 374, 376, 384,

550

Highway 12 (Italy): 290–91, 513

Highway 13 (Luzon): 371, 374, 378

Highway 14 (Italy): 523

Highway 16 (Italy): 261, 274, 276, 344,

517

Highway 17 (Luzon): 393

Highway 19 (Luzon): 455, 457, 461

Highway 23 (Luzon): 9

Highway 27 (Luzon): 497, 523, 527, 529

Highway 49 (Italy): 527

Highway 53 (Italy): 523

Highway 55 (Luzon): 378

Highway 62 (Italy): 515–16

Highway 63 (Italy): 515

Highway 64 (Italy): 286, 288–90, 299,

302, 314, 404–05, 413, 417, 495, 497

Highway 65 (Italy): 267, 269, 274, 290,

298, 304, 428, 475, 499, 501, 505,

507

Highway 66 (Italy): 286, 288, 291

Highway 67 (Italy): 234, 258, 268, 270,

286, 288, 293, 298, 305, 308, 313,

317, 319

Highway 68 (Italy): 219–20, 226–27

Highway 69 (Italy): 225, 233, 256

Highway 70 (Italy): 256, 259

Highway 71 (Italy): 213, 222, 224, 259,

263, 299

Highway 73 (Italy): 214

Highway 75 (Italy): 222

Highway 82 (Italy): 195

Highway 83 (Italy): 198

Highway 85 (France): 254–55
[ INDEX ] [ 601 ]

Highway 87 (Italy): 140

Highway 91 (Italy): 136–37

Highway 98 (France): 251

Highway 113 (Sicily): 121–24, 126–27

Highway 120 (Sicily): 121–24, 126–27

Highway 160 (Luzon): 477, 484

Highway 251 (Luzon): 372

Highway 261 (Luzon): 372

Highway 416 (Luzon): 467

Highway 417 (Luzon): 461, 510

Highway 937 (Italy): 289

Highway 6424 (Italy): 303

Highway 6521 (Italy): 260, 266–67, 271

Highway 6524 (Italy): 269

Highway 6620 (Italy): 286, 288–90, 297

Hiiumaa Island: 294

Hilburghausen: 477

Hilchenbach: 491

Hilden: 497

Hildesheim: 475, 480

Hildfeld: 472

Hilfarth: 414–16

Hilgert: 454

Hill Drome: 357

Hill, Col. Francis: 160

Hill, Rear Adm. Harry W.: 166, 169,

172–73, 210, 433 538

Hill B (Leyte): 310–11

Hill C (Leyte): 310–11

Hill X (Attu): 110

Hill X (Guadalcanal): 86–87

Hill Y (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 3 (Luzon): 398–99

Hill 4 (Luzon): 398–99

Hill 5 (Luzon): 385, 388, 398

Hill 6 (Luzon): 398, 401

Hill 7 (Luzon): 402, 404

Hill 11 (Guadalcanal): 79, 81

Hill 12 (Luzon): 415

Hill 20 (Cebu): 482, 486

Hill 21 (Cebu): 490, 493

Hill 22 (Cebu): 501

Hill 25 (Cebu): 493 501

Hill 26 (Cebu): 480, 486

Hill 27 (Cebu): 480, 482

Hill 27 (Guadalcanal): 77–79, 81–82,

92

Hill 27 (Okinawa): 542

Hill 30 (Cebu): 460

Hill 31 (Cebu): 460, 464

Hill 31 (Guadalcanal): 77–78, 82

Hill 35 (Guadalcanal): 75–76

Hill 42 (Guadalcanal): 85

Hill 43 (Guadalcanal): 83

Hill 44 (Guadalcanal): 83

Hill 46 (Okinawa): 543

Hill 52 (Guadalcanal): 83

Hill 53 (Guadalcanal): 83–85

Hill 55 (Guadalcanal): 83–84

Hill 55 (Okinawa): 537–39

Hill 56 (Italy): 165–66, 168

Hill 57 (Guadalcanal): 83–84, 87

Hill 57 (Okinawa): 544

Hill 60 (Italy): 192

Hill 60 (Okinawa): 533–35

Hill 65 (Guadalcanal): 58

Hill 66 (Guadalcanal): 68–69, 82–85

Hill 67 (Guadalcanal): 61

Hill 69 (Okinawa): 542, 545

Hill 72 (Italy): 154

Hill 80 (France): 261

Hill 80 (Guadalcanal): 68–69, 84–85

Hill 81 (Guadalcanal): 68–69, 84–85

Hill 81 (Okinawa): 547–48

Hill 85 (Leyte): 310–11

Hill 87 (Guadalcanal): 86–87

Hill 88 (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 89 (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 89 (Okinawa): 547–48

Hill 90 (France): 211

Hill 90 (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 91 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 92 (France): 229

Hill 92 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 94 (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 95 (France): 224, 246

Hill 95 (Guadalcanal): 87

Hill 95 (Okinawa): 544–45

Hill 97 (France): 211

Hill 98 (Guadalcanal): 87–88

Hill 99 (Guadalcanal): 87–88

Hill 100 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 102 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 103 (France): 259, 261

Hill 103 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 105 (France): 246, 261

Hill 105 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 106 (Guadalcanal): 88

Hill 108 (France): 212–13

Hill 108 (Italy): 193

Hill 111 (Tunisia): 109

Hill 112 (France): 228

Hill 115 (Okinawa): 546–47

Hill 120 (Leyte): 307

Hill 122 (France): 231

Hill 126 (Italy): 192–93

Hill 130 (Okinawa): 536–39

Hill 131 (Italy): 192

Hill 138 (Okinawa): 524

Hill 141 (Italy): 154

Hill 143 (Okinawa): 515

Hill 146 (Italy): 191

Hill 147 (France): 211

Hill 150 (France): 211

Hill 150 (Italy): 191

Hill 150 (New Britain): 160–61

Hill 153 (Okinawa): 546–47

Hill 158 (France): 215

Hill 170 (France): 214

Hill 171 (France): 215–16

Hill 175 (Italy): 170

Hill 178 (France): 215

Hill 178 (Okinawa): 508, 515

Hill 187 (Germany): 330–32

Hill 187 (Okinawa): 534

Hill 192 (France): 208, 211, 228–29

Hill 200 (Luzon): 371–73, 375–76

Hill 201 (Noemfoor): 224–25

Hill 203 (Germany): 332–33, 335–36, 338

Hill 207 (Germany): 332–34

Hill 213 (Italy): 165–66, 168

Hill 215 (Iwo Jima): 430

Hill 221 (Saipan): 220

Hill 223 (France): 278

Hill 224 (Italy): 161

Hill 225 (New Guinea): 224, 227

Hill 232 (Germany): 329–30

Hill 242 (Tunisia): 109

Hill 244 (Germany): 433

Hill 245 (France): 277

Hill 247 (Luzon): 370

Hill 253 (Italy): 145, 153–54

Hill 254 (France): 323

Hill 260 (Bougainville): 179–81, 183

Hill 260 (Los Negros): 150–83

Hill 265 (New Guinea): 227

Hill 287 (Germany): 281–82, 284, 327–92

Hill 290 (Tunisia): 101

Hill 293 (France): 289

Hill 299 (Tunisia): 107–08

Hill 310 (France): 320–23

Hill 312 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 315 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 316 (Italy): 191

Hill 318 (France): 289, 342

Hill 318 (Luzon): 371–73

Hill 320 (Biak): 213–15

Hill 321 (France): 351

Hill 324 (Italy): 168

Hill 326 (France): 263–65

Hill 334 (France): 330

Hill 336 (Tunisia): 99

Hill 337 (France): 324

Hill 339 (Italy): 300, 303

Hill 342 (Italy): 145, 154, 157, 164, 192

Hill 343 (Italy): 154

Hill 350 (Tunisia): 106

Hill 351 (Luzon): 371, 374

Hill 355 (Luzon): 374–75, 381–83

Hill 356 (France): 265

Hill 357 (Iwo Jima): 423

Hill 362 (Iwo Jima): 418, 420–21, 423, 430,

432

Hill 363 (Germany): 441–42

Hill 363 (Luzon): 373–74

Hill 369 (Italy): 303

Hill 369 (Tunisia): 101–02

Hill 370 (France): 267, 370

Hill 373 (Italy): 303

Hill 378 (Germany): 331

Hill 380 (Italy): 226–27

Hill 380 (Leyte): 344–47

Hill 380 (Noemfoor): 246, 249

Hill 382 (Iwo Jima): 415–16, 418, 420–21,

423

Hill 382 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 383 (Germany): 331

Hill 385 (Luzon): 370–71

Hill 386 (France): 267

Hill 386 (Italy): 132

Hill 388 (Germany): 336

Hill 388 (Tunisia): 106

Hill 396 (France): 273

Hill 400 (Tunisia): 106

Hill 407 (Tunisia): 106

Hill 409 (Germany): 440

Hill 411 (Germany): 433

Hill 413 (Italy). See M. Maggiore.

Hill 424 (Italy): 133–34

Hill 425 (Italy): 160

Hill 445 (Italy): 169

Hill 448 (Germany): 435

Hill 449 (Italy). See M. Maggiore.

Hill 459 (Italy): 309

Hill 460 (Italy): 150

Hill 470 (Italy): 154

Hill 470 (Luzon): 370–71
[ 602 ] [ INDEX ]

Hill 480 (France): 380

Hill 490 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 500 (Saipan): 214

Hill 501 (Italy): 311–12

Hill 504 (Luzon): 482

Hill 505 (Luzon): 482

Hill 510 (France): 379

Hill 511 (Germany): 397

Hill 513 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 518 (Luzon): 479

Hill 519 (Germany): 397–98

Hill 519 (Luzon): 477

Hill 520 (France): 380

Hill 522 (Leyte): 307–08, 310

Hill 523 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 529 (Italy): 228–29

Hill 530 (Belgium): 373

Hill 531 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 550 (Mindanao): 527, 534–40

Hill 553 (Germany): 272–73

Hill 554 (Germany): 278, 280, 290

Hill 560 (Luzon): 372–73

Hill 565 (Luzon): 374

Hill 566 (Italy): 295–98

Hill 568 (Germany): 394, 396–97, 399

Hill 568 (Italy): 309

Hill 575 (Tunisia): 106–07

Hill 578 (Italy): 299–303

Hill 580 (Luzon): 373–74

Hill 585 (Luzon): 374

Hill 587 (Italy): 295–98

Hill 593 (Italy): 169–71, 173–74

Hill 598 (Tunisia): 107

Hill 600 (Luzon): 378–80, 382

Hill 600 (Saipan): 217

Hill 603 (Italy): 302

Hill 606 (Leyte): 344

Hill 609 (Tunisia): 107–08

Hill 615 (Italy): 152

Hill 620 (Luzon): 386

Hill 622 (Italy): 304

Hill 628 (Germany): 392

Hill 628 (Italy): 294

Hill 634 (Italy): 225, 227

Hill 636 (Luzon): 385–86

Hill 640 (Italy): 146, 154

Hill 660 (Luzon): 431, 433–35

Hill 660 (New Britain): 161–63

Hill 661 (Italy): 296

Hill 665 (Luzon): 374–75

Hill 667 (Tunisia): 105

Hill 670 (Noemfoor): 230, 232

Hill 675 (Italy): 224

Hill 683 (Italy): 152

Hill 687 (Italy): 154

Hill 698 (Germany): 272

Hill 700 (Bougainville): 178–81

Hill 700 (Italy): 165

Hill 700 (Luzon): 384

Hill 706 (Italy): 168–70

Hill 708 (Germany): 439

Hill 721 (Saipan): 223–24

Hill 730 (Italy): 154–57

Hill 747 (Italy): 294, 296

Hill 751 (Italy): 293–94

Hill 767 (Saipan): 224

Hill 769 (Italy): 146, 151–53

Hill 770 (Italy): 154

Hill 772 (Tunisia): 102

Hill 775 (Italy): 160

Hill 783 (France): 283

Hill 789 (Italy): 292–93

Hill 800 (Luzon): 384

Hill 815 (Luzon): 536

Hill 819 (Italy): 144–46, 149–53

Hill 854 (Poro Island): 382

Hill 855 (Italy): 150

Hill 900 (Luzon): 384

Hill 907 (Italy): 151–53

Hill 915 (Leyte): 344–46

Hill 950 (Italy): 152–53

Hill 963 (Italy). See Monastery Hill.

Hill 1109 (Italy): 161

Hill 1125 (Palawan): 421, 423, 425

Hill 1134 (Italy): 284

Hill 1180 (Italy): 151

Hill 1190 (Italy): 157

Hill 1200 (Luzon): 453, 461, 467

Hill 1205 (Italy): 149, 152–55, 157

Hill 1445 (Palawan): 427–28, 430, 432

Hill 1500 (Luzon): 384, 403

Hill 1525 (Leyte): 320–22, 344

Hill 1700 (Luzon): 413

Hill 1725 ( Burma): 187

Hill 2348 (Leyte): 339

Hill 2480 (Luzon): 523

Hill 2610 (Luzon): 523

Hill 3155 (Negros). See Dolan Hill (Negros).

Hill 4055 (Negros): 536, 540, 543

Hillesheim: 429

Hillmicke: 485

Hilsprich: 335

Hiltenfingen: 518, 521

Hiltrup: 470

Himberg: 441

Himeimat: 61

Himmerich: 384, 395

Himmler, Heinrich: 512

Hindang: 311

Hindenburg: 384

Hinderhausen: 380

Hinds, Col. Sidney R.: 294

Hinter Wald: 459

Hinterhausen: 426

Hinterweiler: 429

Hiraiwa Bay: 409

Hirohito, Emperor: 550

Hiroshima: 550

Hirschberg: 480

Hirson: 261

Hirtzfelden: 395

Hirzenach: 440

Hitler, Adolf: 219, 228, 275, 520, 524–

25. See also Germany.

appeal to Italians: 120

Ardennes plans: 274

assassination attempted: 233

death reported: 525

decision to abandon SEA LION: 3

decision to postpone HERCULES: 38

heads German Army: 7

replaces Kluge with Model: 250

Mortain-Avranches plan: 241

reinstates Rundstedt: 262

Stalingrad, determination to secure: 65

tenth anniversary of power: 89

Hitler Line: 194–200

Hizaonna: 471

Hkawnglaw Stream: 182

Hlagyi: 191

Hlegu: 533

Ho, Gen. Ying-chin: 333, 350, 369, 387,

495, 536

Hoch Elten: 464

Hochfelden: 378, 384

Hochheim: 459

Ho-chih: 539

Hochspeyer: 446

Hochstadt: 459

Hochstatten: 440

Hochstetten: 469

Hochwald Forest: 415–16, 418, 423

Hodge, Lt., Gen. John R.: 123, 308, 534

Hodges, Lt. Gen. Courtney H.: 240,

330, 339

Hoechstadt: 511

Hoefen: 271, 273, 275, 278

Hoenningen: 436

Hoerselgau: 470

Hoevel: 489

Hof: 494, 496, 498, 502

Hofen: 353, 389

Hoffelt: 380

Hoffenheim: 466

Hoffman, Col. Hugh T.: 177

Hofgeismar: 474, 476

Hofweiler: 417

Hogan, Lt. Col. Samuel: 275, 277, 280–

81, 284, 305–06, 372, 415, 420, 427,

454, 462

Hoge, Brig. Gen. William M.: 448

Hohe Rhon Hills: 481, 483

Hohenfels: 510

Hohengandern: 481

Hohenlimburg: 491, 493

Hohenmoelsen: 492

Hohenstein: 457

Hokaji Island: 456

Holdenstedt: 489

Holdingen: 380

Holland. See Netherlands.

Holland, Col. Temple G.: 118

Hollandia

Carolines in support of: 184, 157, 189

enemy landing: 31

plans for recovery: 177, 179

recovery of: 152, 176, 178–89, 193, 199,

200–202, 205–07, 213, 223, 229,263

staging area for P.I.: 302

Hollange: 361

Hollekang: 188

Hollen: 412

Holler: 382

Hollerath: 392, 415

Hollnich: 393 396

Hollsteitz: 490

Holpoltstein: 512

Holsthum: 413–14

Holthausen: 478

Holtheim: 472

Holtum: 482

Holtz Bay Pass and Valley: 106, 109–12

Holtzerath: 437

Holtzheim: 386

Holtzthum: 385

Holtzwihr: 382, 385

Holz River: 454

Holzen: 491

Holzchen: 408

Holzfeld: 440

Holzhausen: 458
[ INDEX ] [ 603 ]

Holzheim: 418, 420

Holzkirchen: 526

Holzminden: 476

Holzweiler: 415

Homberg: 422–23, 425, 463–64, 470,

 472, 480

Hombourg: 397

Homburg: 446, 469

Homma, Lt. Gen. Masaharu: 22, 28

Hommerdingen: 405–06

Hommersum: 402

Hommingen: 448

Homonhon Island: 305–06

Hompesch: 411

Homs: 86–87

Honan Province: 187, 189, 200

Honau: 513

Honerath: 431–32

Hong Kong

air attacks on: 375–76

fall of: 3, 7, 9

recovery of: 375–76, 508, 544–45,

547, 551

Hongmoshu: 194, 198, 208

Honinghutie: 278

Honne River: 491, 493

Honnef: 432–33, 436–37

Honningen: 417, 440–41

Honningen Wald: 440

Honsfeld: 355, 386–87

Honshu Island, plans for seizure of:

204, 274

Honskirch: 335 337–38

Hontem: 379

Hontheim: 272–73, 394

Honvelez: 373

Honzrath: 442

Hoover, Rear Adm. John H.: 303

Hopkins, Harry: 32, 46

Hopoi: 131

Hopong: 34

Hor Vltavice: 532

Horanda: 67

Horaniu: 128–29, 134

Horb: 500

Horbourg: 3 88

Horgau: 518

Horhausen: 454

Horii, Ma). Gen. Tomitaro: 51, 53–54, 56,

67, 74

Horik: 317

Hornet: 38, 40, 61

projects first attack on Japan: 34

Horrem: 418, 422, 425

Horrocks, Lt. Gen. B G. (Br.): 286

Horseshoe Hill (New Georgia): 123–24

Horseshoe Ridge (Cebu): 474

Horseshoe Ridge (Okinawa): 517, 539–40

Horst: 333, 383

Hoscheid: 382

Hoscheiderdickt: 3 8 4

Hosdorf: 377, 390

Hosi: 358, 384, 395

Hosingen: 385

Hosten: 424, 429

Hôtel de Ville (Mazières-lès-Metz) 312–14

Hotolpe: 482

Hotton: 356–61, 365, 367

Hottorf: 411–12

Hottot: 228, 231

Hottviller: 351, 356

Hotzerath: 43 2

Houdebouville: 255

Houf: 406–07

Houffalize: 355–58, 363, 366, 368–70,

372–77, 379

Housenstamm: 465

Houssen: 3 83–84

Houston: 22, 26, 303

Houvegnez: 373–74

Houverath: 412

Houyire Woods: 373

Hovel: 440

Hoven: 350

Hoverhof: 294

Howe, Lt. Col. Merle H.: 84, 195

Howze, Col. Hamilton H.: 197–98, 200–

201, 205, 216

Hoya: 482, 484

Hpa-pen: 3 87–8 8, 390

Hron River: 463

Hsamshingyang: 183–85, 188

Hsenwi: 35, 376, 406

Hsian: 405

Hsiang River: 198

Hsiangta: 197

Hsinning: 509, 550

Hsipaw: 34, 441, 463

Hsueh, Gen. Yueh: 409

Hubermont: 365, 367, 372

Hubert-Folie: 232

Huchem: 4 I o

Huck: 43 0

Huecheln: 334–35

Hueckelhoven: 03

Hueckeswagen: 489, 491

Hueffenhardt: 466

Huei-jen: 194, 198, 202, 208

Huelgoat: 243

Huels: 114

Huertgen: 281–82, 284, 288, 317, 322–23,

326–27, 330, 332, 334–40, 394,

398, 404

Huertgen Forest: 284, 288, 296–303,

327–31, 334, 336–41

Huerth: 425, 427

Huetten: 500

Huettengessas: 463

Huettenrode: 504

Huettersdorf: 442

Huettingen: 422

Huggins: 71, 81

Huggins, Capt. Meredith M.: 71

Hugh L. Scott: 66

Huinghausen: 491

Huisberden: 403

Hukawng River and Valley: 61, 63, 70, 96,

98, 155–58, 161–63, 165, 168, 175,

179–80

Huldange: 383

Hulst: 274, 281

Humain: 362

Humboldt Bay: 183, 188–89, 197

Humenne: 342

Hump, The. See China-Burma-India

Theater, airlift supply to China.

Hump Tonnage Allocation and Control

Office: 355

Hunan Province: 495 544

Hundheim: 440

Hungary

armistice with Allies: 378

Combined Bomber Offensive against:

201, 271

operations in: 182, 295, 300–301,

307–09, 312–13, 316, 318, 326,

335 337 340–41, 343–49, 351,

353–55, 358–66, 369, 372, 374,

377, 379, 382, 388–89, 394 401–

02, 441, 449 451, 453, 455, 457,

459, 461, 463, 465, 467, 471, 473

U.S. declares war on: 40

Hungeroth: 440

Hungersdorf: 431

Hunningen: 380, 387

Hunter, Col. Charles N.: 146, 221

Hunting: 321

Hunts Gap: 104

Hunxe: 452

Huon Gulf and Peninsula sector: 27–

28, 96, 120, 150, 159, 162, 164,

172, 188

Hupeh Province: 105, 111, 113

Huppain: 204

Huppenbroich: 387

Hupperdange: 381, 383

Hurbache: 332

Hurdis, Brig. Gen. Charles E.: 255

Hurley, Mal. Gen. Patrick J.

Kunming planning conference: 357, 362

recommends Stilwell recall: 302

reports on China situation: 285

representative to China: 220, 226–27,

230, 235, 246–47, 263–66

U.S. officer to command Chinese,

proposal for: 271, 276, 296, 302, 306

HURRICANE: 196. See also Biak Island.

Huscheid: 424, 441

HUSKY: 87, 108–10, 112–14, 116. See also

Sicily Campaign.

Hutthurm: 522, 524

Hutton, Lt. Gen. T. J. (Br.): 9

Huy: 264–65

Hvar: 165

Hwangtsoapa: 212

Hwei-tung Bridge: 198

Hwelon Stream: 190

Hyakuna: 543

Hyères: 252–53

I. G. Farben: 425, 495

Iasi: 252, 254

Iba airfield: 3, 5

Ibdi: 199–202, 205, 220, 226–29, 231,

234–35, 238

Ibigny: 331

Iboki Plantation: 175–76

Ibu: 157

ICEBERG: 456. See also Ryukyu Islands

campaign.

Ichang: 97, 111

Ichendorf: 418

ICHIGO: 198. See also China, air bases,

enemy, threats to.

Ickern: 472

Idice River and Valley: 293–94, 303–05,

437, 475, 505, 507

Idenheim: 417

Idesheim: 416–17
[ 604 ] [ INDEX ]

Idritsa: 229

Idstein: 458–59, 461

Ie: 501, 503–04, 506

Ie Shima: 478, 488, 491, 493, 497, 499,

501, 503–04, 506, 508, 510, 515,

517, 519, 540

Iegusugu Mountain: 501, 504, 506, 508,

510

Ifs: 233

Iggelheim: 448

Igney: 283–84

Igstadt: 459

Ihlren: 389

Ijssel River. See Issel River.

Il Falchetto Hill: 297–98, 300

Il Giogo Pass: 263, 269, 271–72, 276–77,

279

Ilagan airfield: 547

Ilagan River: 547

Ilangana: 118, 123

Ilberstedt: 500

Ile de Cézembre: 260–61

Ile de Ré: 328

Iles St. Marcouf: 203

Iller River: 382–83, 386, 391–93, 395–96

Iller River and Canal: 514, 516, 518,

523 530

Illerrieden: 516

Illhaeusern: 382, 384, 387

Illumination, battlefield. See Artificial

moonlight, use of.

Illwald: 352

Ilmenau: 485

Ilmenau River: 499

Ilmsdorf: 490

Iloilo: 33, 443 445–46, 460

Iloilo River: 445

Ilsfeld: 505

Ilu River: 48, 50–51, 55

Ilz River: 515, 522, 524

Imamura, Lt. Gen. Hitoshi: 67

Imbang River: 471

Imbsen: 481

Imeldange: 324–26

Imgenbroich: 388–89

Imita Ridge: 55

Immendorf: 327–29, 486

Immenstadt: 523, 525, 527

Immerath: 415, 434

Imoc Hill: 467, 476

Imola: 282–84, 286–87, 289, 291, 305, 309

495

Impalutao: 540

Imphal: 35, 145, 161, 179–80, 183–87,

189, 202, 206, 216, 230, 316, 347,

365

Imphal Plain: 206, 212

Imphal Road: 14

Imst: 525, 527, 530–31

Imugan: 428, 439, 450, 529, 539, 542

Inampulugan Island: 499–50

Inasi: 235, 246

Incendiary bomb, first two–ton: 54

Indaw: 178, 293, 349–50 354

Inde River: 330, 333, 336, 339, 342–44,

347–48, 351–52

Inden: 334, 339–42, 360

INDEPENDENCE: 310, 317. See also Belfort

Gap.

India Air Task Force: 57, 60, 71

India-Burma Campaign: 31–385

India-China Ferry Command: 45

India-China Wing, ATC: 71

India Command (Br.): 15, 114, 146, 147

India. See also China-Burma-India Theater;

India-Burma Theater.

aircraft withdrawn from Burma: 30

B–29’s, preparation to receive: 146, 147,

149

Chinese forces in: 33, 163

enemy air and naval actions: 152–53,

156

Hartley succeeds Wavell as CinC,

India: 15, 26

Stilwell heads Chinese troops in: 155

Stilwell conference: 26

U.S. control of Calcutta–Assam LOC:

166–67, 171

U.S. troops for Bengal–Assam railway:

145

War Transport Department: 171

Wavell appointed Viceroy: 114

India-Burma Theater. See also Chiang Kaishek, Generalissimo; China; ChinaBurma-India Theater; China Theater;

Chinese Army; South East Asia Command; Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph W.;

Sultan, Lt. Gen. Daniel I.; Wheeler,

Lt. Gen. Raymond A. activation: 310

air actions: 314, 342, 542

Air–Ground Supply Committee: 459

air support of China: 542

airborne operations: 345, 349, 354, 438,

441, 449, 507, 509, 520

airlift supply of China: 329, 342, 344,

355, 540

Allied planning conferences: 357, 362

base sections inactivated: 537

Central Burma Campaign: 387–550

enemy offensives. See Burma, fall of;

Burma, recovery of.

India–Burma Campaign: 310–85

land supply route to China from: 372,

375, 379, 382, 385–86, 392. See also

Burma Road; Ledo Road.

movement of forces to China: 435, 438,

441, 537, 539

NCAC and 14th Army link–up: 363

operations in Burma. See Burma, fall of;

Burma, recovery of.

separation from CBI: 222–27, 230, 235,

266, 310

SOS reorganization: 537, 539

Sultan as commander: 310, 548

supply situation: 439, 449, 459

support of recovery of Canton-Hong

Kong: 547 549

Wheeler succeeds Sultan: 548

Indian Army units

Corps

3: 3–8, 11, 13–18, 21

4: 38, 91, 110, 145–46, 172,

179–80, 182–87, 189, 191,

202, 216, 230, 240, 263, 316,

331, 347, 350, 354, 356–57,

371–72, 374, 381, 385, 399,

402–03, 408–09, 412–14,

416–17, 425, 430, 439, 450,

459 461, 463 467 475 486,

488, 499, 503, 509, 511, 517–18,

523, 525, 529, 533, 541

15: 148, 161, 170–72, 175–80, 184,

240, 263, 290, 316, 327, 351, 353

358 362–63, 367 372–73, 378

380–81, 384, 387 399 404–06,

426, 437, 522, 525, 528, 530,

532–339, 536, 541–42

33: 183, 185–87, 202, 216, 223, 228,

230, 240, 243–449, 263, 274, 277,

295, 306, 317–18, 321, 325, 327,

343–44, 356, 360, 364, 367, 369,

371, 374–75, 381, 401–04, 412,

414, 416, 421, 426, 433, 435–36,

438, 442, 445–47, 450, 461, 463,

467, 490, 492, 505, 507, 509, 511,

522, 528, 537 541

Divisions

2d: 99, 183

3d: 178–79, 183, 185–86, 189,

194, 197, 210–11, 216, 219,

226, 230, 234

4th: 6–8, 17–18, 20–21, 63, 100–

101, 105, 107, 109, 169, 172–

74, 180, 183, 207–10, 226,

230 232–33, 255 264 274,

279, 282, 285, 287–94, 301,

306, 321

5th: 39–41, 43, 171–72, 175,

180–81, 183–85, 189, 230,

274, 277, 295, 306 317–18,

321, 325, 439, 450, 461, 467,

488, 499, 503, 509, 511, 517,

541

7th: 148, 170–72, 175, 179 185,

223, 381, 385, 402–03, 439,

450 461, 467, 490, 509, 511, 541

8th: 137, 140, 145, 147, 150–53,

156, 191–93, 197–98, 202, 204,

206–07, 211–12, 219–20, 233–

35, 238 247–48, 255–56, 258,

264, 266–67, 269–72, 274, 279

282, 285–89, 291–92, 297, 299–

301, 305–09, 312, 317–18, 321–

23, 325, 327, 334, 338, 346, 351,

354, 359, 361–63, 371–72, 402,

413, 430, 484, 486, 490, 509,

511, 513, 515–16

9th: 3–5, 7, 11–14, 16–18, 20

10th: 219–20, 222, 225, 230, 235,

247, 255, 259, 280, 292–302, 304,

306–17, 333, 335–39 341–42,

347, 352–54, 401, 404, 434, 437

495, 497, 513

11th: 3–13, 15–21

14th: 75, 78, 82, 103

17th: 5, 12–13, 15–16, 18, 22–

28, 31, 33–34 185–86, 189, 230,

408–09, 412–14, 416–17, 425,

430, 439, 450, 463, 467, 486,

488, 509, 517–18, 523, 525,

529, 533, 541

19th: 21, 316, 331, 354, 356–

57, 360, 363, 369, 371, 374–

75, 414, 426, 433, 435, 438,

Indian Army units—Continued

Corps—Continued

4—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 605 ]

445–46, 467, 475, 541

20th: 186, 189, 191, 344, 360,

371, 381, 401–04, 416, 421, 436,

445, 447, 450, 463, 467, 492,

505, 522, 528, 537, 541

23rd: 186, 189, 191, 263

24th: 358

25th: 351, 362, 367, 373, 378, 380,

387, 404–06, 426

26th: 98–99, 103, 109–10, 172, 307,

380, 436, 528, 530, 532–33 ,537

Brigades

1st: 36

3d Motorized: 39

6th: 7, 99, 103

6/15: 7, 10, 12

7th: 20

8th: 14, 17

9th: 40

10th: 40

12th: 5–7, 9–11

13th: 5, 28, 36

15th: 7

16th: 5, 12, 16–18, 23, 25, 28

18th: 44

22d: 20

28th: 9–10

29th: 39, 41, 43, 54, 56, 304, 307,

311, 322, 338, 359

43d: 430, 435, 499, 501

44th: 17

45th: 11, 14–17

46th: 15, 18, 23–25

47th: 78, 86, 90

48th: 21–22, 25

50th Parachute: 184, 528

55th: 90, 93, 98

63d: 26–28, 31, 36

71st: 98–99

77th LRP (Chindits): 91, 93, 97, 99,

111, 170, 178–79, 181, 216, 219,

226

111th: 170, 178–79

123d: 75, 78, 86, 98

161st: 46, 184–85

268th: 350, 467, 507, 541

Regiment, 44th Infantry: 21

Cavalry Squadron, 3d: 11

Battalions

23d Parachute: 530

Pioneer: 11

Company, 1st Independent: 11

Indian Navy. See Royal Indian Navy.

Indian Ocean, enemy naval operations

in: 30–31

Indin: 78, 103

Indochina: 218, 336, 349

air and naval attacks on coast: 372

enemy cuts land route to: 541

enemy seizure: 390, 434

enemy withdrawal reported: 5

theater control definition: 10, 390

Infantry Battalions (Separate)

99th: 279

100th: 151, 171, 201. See also Infantry

Regiments, 442d.

Provisional (AAA troops); 549

Infantry Brigade, 53, 32d Provisional: 304

358, 364, 376–81, 390–92, 435, 438,

537 See also Task Forces, MARS.

Infantry Divisions

1st (16th, 18th, 26th): 64–66, 71–

72, 75, 77–79, 81, 88–89, 91–109,

117–25, 127–28, 203–09, 222,

229–30, 237–44, 247–50, 256–57,

260–71, 273, 276, 280, 298–307,

320, 322, 327–36, 338–40, 342–43,

345–46, 353–60, 363, 375–80, 382–

83, 385–94, 397, 402, 412, 414–15,

417–18, 420, 422, 424–25, 427,

429–33, 438–42, 444–45, 447–49

451–52, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462,

464, 466, 468, 470, 472, 476,

478–81, 483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 494–

96, 498, 500, 502, 504, 506, 508,

510, 519, 521, 522, 524–528, 530,

532–33

2d (9th, 23d, 38th): 204, 206–09,

211, 222, 228–29, 231, 237–38, 242–

51, 256, 261, 265, 270, 273, 275,

276, 288, 292, 350–51, 353 355–57,

375–76, 387–95,397 401, 404, 407–

08, 411, 419, 422 424–27, 429, 431–

33, 435, 437, 444, 447–49, 451–52,

454, 456, 458 460, 463, 466, 468,

474, 476–77, 479 481, 483, 485, 487,

489, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502,

504, 506, 508, 510, 514–15, 521,

528–29, 531

3d (7th, 15th, 30th): 65–66, 108–09,

117, 119–22, 124–28, 136–41, 143–45,

147, 155, 158, 164–65, 167–68, 170,

173, 175–77, 194, 196–202, 210, 249–

58, 260, 262, 264–65, 267–69, 272,

275, 277, 282–83, 285–87, 294–95,

297–98, 303, 306–10, 312–19, 321–

22, 324, 332–38, 345, 360, 377,

379, 381–93, 395, 398, 403, 436,

439, 441–43, 445–46, 448, 453, 455,

457, 459 461, 463, 465–66, 475, 481,

483, 487, 490, 492,498, 500, 502,

507–09, 513–14, 516, 518–21, 523,

528–29, 531

4th (8th, 12th, 22d): 203–09, 213–19,

221–22, 225, 227–28, 230, 233,

236–37, 239–46, 248 253–60, 263–

65, 267, 269–70, 272–73, 275, 277,

280, 294, 297, 312, 319–20, 322–23,

326–32, 334–42, 346, 353–60, 362,

376–80, 382, 384, 386–401, 405,

417, 419–22, 424, 426–27, 429, 431–

32, 434, 463, 465–66, 469, 471, 473,

475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 488,

490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503–

05, 507, 509, 511, 513–14, 516, 518,

521, 523, 525–28, 530

5th (2d, 10th, 11th): 227, 229–31,

235, 237–40 242 244–47 250–

58, 260, 265–69, 272–73, 275,

277–78, 280–87, 289, 293–97,

301, 316, 321–32, 334–38, 341–48,

351, 353–62, 376–86, 392 396–

407 409–11, 413–14, 416–17, 419,

421–24, 426, 428–29, 431–32, 434–

41, 443–49, 451–53, 455, 457, 459,

461, 472, 480, 483, 485, 487, 489,

491, 493, 496, 500, 510, 512, 515,

522, 524 526, 528–29, 531–33

6th (1st, 20th, 63d): 198, 200, 202,

206, 208, 210, 214, 230, 233, 238–

40, 255, 301, 370–78, 380, 383–84,

388–91, 393–94, 396, 401–10,

412–14, 416–17, 419, 430–31,

433–40, 442–43, 445–46, 448–51,

453, 457, 460–61, 463–65, 469,

471, 473, 475, 477, 482, 486,

499, 501, 503, 505, 510–11, 513,

517, 520, 525, 530, 545–46, 548–

50. See also Infantry Regiments, 1st,

2th, and 63d.

7th (7th, 32d, 184th): 102, 104,

109–12, 127, 160, 167–70, 307–17,

326, 333–37, 339–41, 344–47,

349–50, 352–54, 357, 374–75,

378–79, 382, 389, 391, 467–69,

471, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484, 486,

488, 506, 508, 510, 512–13, 515,

517, 519–20, 522, 524–25, 527,

529–30, 532–35, 540–48 See

also Infantry Regiments, 17th, 32d,

and 184th.

8th ( 13th, 28th, 121st): 222, 226, 229–

30, 237, 240–43, 245–49, 251, 256,

261, 265, 270, 273, 276, 279, 288,

292, 328, 330, 332, 334–39, 343–44,

346–47, 355, 358, 360–61, 363, 392–

94, 397, 410–12, 414–16, 418, 420,

422, 424–25, 427, 429–30, 433, 438,

444–45, 447, 458, 460, 462, 464,

466, 468, 470 472, 474, 476, 478,

480, 482–83, 485 487, 489, 491, 493,

495–98, 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510,

512, 514–15, 520, 522, 524, 526,

528

9th (39th 47th 60th): 64–65, 93–95,

98–109, 119–28, 207–22, 227–32,

236–37, 240–50, 253, 256–57, 260–

61, 263–66, 268, 270–73, 275, 277–

79, 281–82, 284, 287–90, 295–303,

311–12, 327–33, 335, 338, 341, 345–

46, 349–51, 353–59, 387–93, 395,

397–99, 401, 404–05, 408, 411, 414–

15, 417–18, 420, 422, 424–25, 427

429 431–33, 435–42, 444, 448–49,

451–52, 454, 456, 458, 460, 464,

466, 468, 470, 472 474, 478, 480, 483,

485, 487, 491, 494, 496, 498, 500,

502, 504, 506, 509, 510, 512, 514, 515

10th Mountain (85th, 86th, 87th): 362,

368, 370, 386 405–10, 412, 417, 423,

425–26, 428, 433, 483, 495, 497, 499,

501, 503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513,

515–16, 518, 521, 525

24th (19th, 21st, 34th): 182, 186,

188, 209, 213, 302, 307–09, 311–

28, 336–40, 342–44, 353, 359, 362–

63, 365, 375–76, 378–79, 381, 383,

386, 388–89, 391, 393–95, 404,

Indian Army units—Continued

Divisions—Continued

19th—Continued

Infantry Divisions—Continued

5th (2d, 10th, 11th)—Continued
[ 606 ] [ INDEX ]

406, 411–13, 416, 419, 421, 427–28,

431–34, 440, 446, 453, 497, 501, 503,

505–07, 510–11, 513, 515, 517, 519–

20, 522–23, 525, 527, 529–44, 549–

50, See also Infantry Regiments, 19th,

21st, and 34th.

25th: (27th, 35th, 161st): 59, 75, 81– 88,

91, 119, 121–30, 133–35, 139, 183,

301, 376–79, 381, 383, 385–86, 388–

91, 393–94, 396, 398, 401–04, 406–

07, 409–14, 416–17, 419, 421, 423,

426–28, 430–31 433–35, 437–39,

441–43, 446–47, 449, 453, 455, 457,

460, 463, 465, 467, 469, 477, 479,

482, 484, 486, 488, 490, 493, 497,

501, 503, 505, 509–11, 513, 515, 517,

519–20, 522, 525, 527, 529–33, 535–

42, 548 See also Infantry Regiments,

27th, 35th, and 161st.

26th: (101st, 104th, 328th): 295, 301,

308, 320–26, 329–31, 333–39, 342–

50, 353, 357, 359–64, 366–67, 369–

71, 373–74, 376, 379–80, 382–86,

396–400, 402–06, 410–11, 414, 416–

17, 419, 426, 428, 430–31, 433, 437–

40, 442–44, 446–53, 455, 457, 459,

461, 463, 467–68, 470, 473, 475, 477,

479, 481, 485, 487, 497, 522, 524,

526, 528–31, 533

27th (105th, 106th, 165th): 138, 142,

147–49, 162, 166, 174, 211–27, 484,

486, 488, 495, 497, 50,4 506, 508,

510, 512, 515, 517, 519–20, 522, 525,

527, 531 See also Infantry Regiments,

105th, 106th, and 165th.

28th ( 109th, 110th, 112th): 235, 237,

240 245–48 252–54,258–59, 263,

265, 267, 269–70, 272–73, 275, 277,

280, 294, 297–98, 305 307 311–12,

315, 317–20, 322, 325, 328, 330, 353–

57, 359, 362–63, 366, 368–70, 376–

77, 379, 381, 383, 386–87, 389–93,

395, 402, 407, 411, 422, 424–27, 429,

431–32, 440–42, 444, 448, 456, 460,

464, 478, 480, 485, 492, 514, 516

29th ( 115th, 116th, 175th): 203–14,

221–22, 228–33, 238, 243–50, 254,

256, 258–59, 261, 263, 265, 270,

273–76, 284, 290–91, 293–98, 302–

04, 311, 327–34, 336–39, 341–43,

346–47, 354, 356, 358, 360, 392–

93, 395, 410–12, 414–16, 418, 420,

422 460 466, 476, 478, 480, 489,

493, 497, 499, 502, 506, 508,

510, 512, 514–15, 517, 528, 530,

533

30th (117th, 119th, 120th): 210–11,

213, 222, 226–32, 236–39, 242–48,

252–54, 256–59, 265–71, 275–76,

278, 292–301, 304, 312, 323, 327–

34, 338–39, 351–52, 354–62, 366,

368, 370–71, 373–82, 390–91,395,

410–12, 414–16, 418, 420, 427,

450–52, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462,

 466, 468, 470, 472, 476, 480, 484,

489, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 502,

506, 510, 532–33

31st (154th, 155th, 167th): 188, 212–

13, 223, 225, 230, 233, 249, 253,

261, 274, 276, 327, 331, 446, 453,

491, 511, 513, 515, 519–20, 522–

23, 525, 527, 529–41, 548. See

also Infantry Regiments, 155th and

167th.

32d (126th, 127th, 128th): 38, 45,

53–60, 88, 155, 159, 174, 178,

182, 188, 190, 195, 229, 249, 276,

326—32, 334–35, 340–43, 345, 347,

349–52, 356–57, 359–65, 385, 387–

89, 394–96, 398–401, 403, 409,

411–12, 419, 421, 426, 428, 430,

433, 435–36, 439, 449–50, 453,

457, 465, 467, 477, 479, 482, 484,

486, 488, 501, 505, 511, 525, 529,

539, 542, 549–50. See also Infantry

Regiments, 126th, 127th, and 128th.

33d (123d, 130th, 136th): 261, 400–

403, 406, 409, 419, 426, 430–31, 433,

435, 443, 445–47, 450, 455, 457, 469,

473, 479, 482, 484, 488, 490, 497,

501, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513, 515, 517,

519–20, 522, 527, 529 542–43, 547–

48. See also Infantry Regiments, 123d,

130th, and 136th.

34th (133d, 135th, 168th): 64, 89–

92, 94–95, 97–98, 100–109, 136,

138–47, 149–53, 155, 157, 160–

73, 182, 184, 196–202, 204–06,

219–35, 237, 244 264, 266–67,

269, 271, 274, 276–77, 290, 283–90,

292–94, 296–306, 309, 334, 368,

373, 402, 410, 428, 475, 499, 501,

503, 505, 507, 509, 513, 515–16,

518, 521, 527

35th (134th, 137th, 320th): 224,

226, 228–33, 237–39, 241, 243–49,

251, 253–57, 259–61, 267–70,

272–73, 275, 277, 280–81, 283–85,

287–92, 298–300, 320–26, 329–31,

333–35, 342–52, 354–56, 358–59,

361–71, 373, 375, 381, 386–87,

389, 391–92, 394, 409, 412–16,

418, 420—21, 423, 425, 427–28,

430 432–36, 452, 454, 456, 458,

460, 462–64, 466, 468, 472, 476,

482, 484, 487, 489, 491, 493, 495,

497, 508, 515, 517

36th (141st, 142d, 143d): 132–34,

136, 147, 151–55, 157, 160, 162–

67, 169–72, 176, 191, 194, 196–

202, 206–08, 210, 212, 215, 218–

19, 249–62, 264–69, 272, 275, 277,

282–87, 303–15, 318–19, 322, 324,

328, 330, 332–47, 362, 365–67,

369, 374, 378, 389–93, 395–402,

408–10, 413, 439, 441–43, 445–48,

450–51, 459, 461, 514, 520–21,

523, 525, 527–28, 530–31

37th (129th, 145th, 148th): 116–17,

119–26, 130, 132, 145–48, 179,

180–83, 301, 370, 371–75, 378–

81, 383–402, 410, 412, 416, 419,

423, 426, 450, 455, 457, 459–60,

477, 479, 481–82, 484, 486, 488,

490, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501,

503, 505, 507, 509–11, 513, 515,

517, 519–20, 522, 525, 527, 529–

35, 538–39, 541–49. See also

Infantry Regiments, 129th, 145th

and 148th.

38th (149th, 151st, 152d): 347,

349, 388, 390–91, 393–96, 398–

99, 401–03, 405–06, 408, 413,

425, 434, 440, 443, 445, 449,

457, 475–76, 484, 488, 497, 499,

503, 505, 510, 517, 525, 527, 529–

35, 538–42, 549. See also Infantry

Regiments, 149th, 151st, and 152d.

40th (108th, 160th, 185th): 183,

188, 190, 301, 370–75, 378–79,

381, 384–85, 388, 390, 395–96,

398–406, 408, 411–15, 417, 421,

441, 443–44, 448–50, 452–53, 460–

61, 464–65, 467, 469, 471, 473,

476, 480, 484, 488, 493, 497,

501, 503, 506–08, 510, 519–20,

522, 527, 529, 533–36, 538–40.

See also Infantry Regiments, 108th,

160th, and 185th.

41st (162d, 163d, 186th): 30, 32,

38, 45, 53, 78, 79, 91–92, 96,

98, 101–02, 113, 115–16, 120, 127–

28, 131–32, 137, 179, 182, 186, 188,

197–98, 208–09, 213, 253, 405,

417, 420–21, 423, 425 427–28,

430–32, 434, 436, 438, 440–42,

444–46, 452, 457, 462, 469, 478,

484, 499, 503, 512, 520, 531, 536,

547. See also Infantry Regiments, 162d,

163d, and 186th.

42d (222d, 232d, 242d): 349, 362,

366–68, 370–71, 376–77, 383, 385,

404, 439, 441–43, 445–46, 448,

453, 465–66, 469, 471, 473, 475,

477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487, 492,

494, 496, 498, 500, 502, 504, 507–

09, 512, 514, 516, 518–19, 521, 523

43d (103d, 169th, 172d): 61, 93,

94, 113, 115–33, 135, 183, 234–

35, 247, 249–50, 301, 370–86,

390, 401, 403, 405, 417, 421, 425,

428, 434–43, 446, 448–51, 453,

461, 463, 465, 467, 471, 473,

475–77, 482, 527, 530, 532–39,

543. See also Infantry Regiments,

103d, 169th and 172d.

44th (71st, 114th, 324th): 305, 309–

11, 320, 325, 328, 331, 333, 335–

36, 338, 340, 342–43, 345–51,

356, 362, 365–68, 370, 394 403–

04, 417, 439, 457, 459, 461, 463,

479, 481, 483, 485, 488, 500,

503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513–14,

516, 518, 520–21, 523, 525 527–

28, 530–32

Infantry Divisions—Continued

24th (9th, 21st, 34th)—Continued

Infantry Divisions—Continued

30th (117th, 119th, 120th)—Continued

Infantry Divisions—Continued

37th (129th, 145th, 148th)—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 607 ]

45th (157th, 179th, 180th): 117–24,

128, 133–41, 143–47, 150–55,

157–59, 161, 168, 170–75, 196–

202, 248–54, 256–61, 263–69,

271–72, 277–78, 280–87, 291–93,

303–10, 312, 315–17, 319, 321,

334–36, 340, 342–43, 345–49,

352, 354–55, 362, 365–69, 371–74,

376–79, 383, 404–05, 436, 439,

441–43, 445–48, 455, 457, 459,

461, 463, 465–66, 468, 471, 481,

483, 487, 490, 492, 498, 500,

502, 504, 507, 512, 514, 516, 518–

19, 521, 523

63d (253d, 254th 255th): 349, 362,

364–65, 389, 394, 398, 403–06,

412, 417, 423–24, 426, 439, 441–

43, 445–47, 455, 459, 461, 463,

465–66, 469, 471, 473, 475, 477,

479, 481, 483, 485–86, 488, 490,

492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503–05,

507, 509, 511, 513–14, 516, 518,

520–21

65th (259th, 260th, 261st): 419,

426, 428, 430, 433, 437–38, 442–

47, 461, 463, 465, 467–68, 470,

472–73, 475, 477, 479, 481, 485,

487, 492, 496, 500, 504, 506–08,

510, 512, 514, 516–17, 519, 521,

526, 528–30, 532–34

66th (262d, 263d, 264th): 365, 464,

498

68th (271st, 272d, 273d): 394–95,

400, 402, 415, 417, 419, 422, 424,

426–27, 429, 431, 447, 449, 454,

456, 458, 460, 463, 466, 470, 474–

75, 477, 479 481, 485, 487, 489,

492, 494, 496, 498, 502, 504, 506,

508, 510, 512, 514–15, 517, 521, 524

70th (274th, 275th, 276th): 357,

362, 365–67, 369–70, 373–74, 376,

383–88, 391, 397–98, 404–10,

417, 423–24, 426, 428, 437–39,

445–47, 504, 507

71st (5th, 14th, 66th): 433, 443,

448, 453, 459, 461, 463, 465, 467–

70, 473, 475, 477, 479, 481, 485,

487, 490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500,

504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516–

19, 521–22, 524, 526, 528–30,

532–34

75th (288th, 280th, 291st): 348,

358–60, 363–64, 366–67, 371,

374–82, 386, 388–93, 395–96,

400, 404, 418, 428, 433, 435–36,

451, 454, 456, 462–64, 466, 468,

470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482,

484, 486–87, 489, 491, 493, 495,

499, 510, 512, 515

76th (304th, 385th, 417th): 384, 392,

396–411, 413–14, 416–17, 419, 421–

22, 424, 426, 428–29, 431–32, 434–

40, 443–45, 447, 454, 457, 459,

461, 463, 465, 467, 470, 472, 475,

477, 479 481, 483, 485, 487, 490,

492, 494, 496, 498, 502, 514–15

77th (305th, 306th, 307th): 222,

225, 234–36, 238–46, 314, 322,

329, 331, 335, 338, 344–65, 391,

456–58, 460, 462, 465, 469, 488,

499, 501, 503–04, 506, 508, 510,

519–20, 524–25, 527, 529–30,

532–40, 542–43. See also Infantry

Regiments, 305th, 306th, and 307th.

78th (308th, 310th, 311th): 351–53,

355, 358, 370–71, 385, 387–95,

397–402, 417–18, 420, 422, 424,

426–27, 429, 431–33, 435–42,

444–49, 451–52, 454, 456–58,

460, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470, 472,

476, 478, 480, 482–83, 487, 489,

491, 493 ,495–97, 500, 502, 504

79th (313th, 314th, 315th): 210,

213–20, 222–24, 226, 230, 237–

38, 240–43, 245, 248, 250–54,

257–59, 262, 266–70, 272–73,

277–78, 280–81, 283–84, 290–95,

299, 302–03, 305, 309–10, 320,

325–26, 328–29, 331, 336, 340,

342, 345–54, 362, 365–66, 368–

73, 376–81, 383–84, 393, 396,

404, 409, 418, 428, 450–52, 454,

456, 458, 460, 462, 466, 476, 478

480, 482, 484–85, 487, 489, 491,

493, 497, 504, 515

80th (317th, 318th, 318th): 245,

247–48, 250–53, 256–61, 263–

70, 272–73, 275, 277–78, 281,

283–86, 288, 292–94, 298–99,

316, 320–29, 331–32, 336–40

342–44, 346, 356–57, 359–63,

368, 371, 377, 379–86, 392, 396–

411, 413–14, 416–17, 419, 421–22,

424, 426, 428, 434–35, 437–40,

442–44, 446–48, 453, 455, 457,

459, 461, 463, 465, 467–68, 470,

472, 474–75, 477, 479, 481, 483,

485, 487, 490, 492, 494, 496,

498, 502, 504, 508, 521–22, 524,

526, 528–33

81st (321st, 322d, 323d): 240, 259,

278–79, 285–88, 303, 305, 307,

317, 338–39, 342, 365, 367. See

also Infantry Regiments, 321st,

322d, and 323d.

83d (329th, 330th, 331st): 219, 222,

224–25, 227–28, 230, 237, 240–50,

257, 260–61, 267, 274, 282, 287,

292, 294–95, 297, 300, 320, 323,

343, 346, 349, 353–55, 358–64,

366, 370–76, 378–79, 390, 410,

412, 415, 418, 420, 422, 466, 468,

470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 484,

486–87, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497,

499, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 521,

533

84th (3334, 334th 335th): 320, 323,

329–34, 340, 342, 353, 355–56,

358–62, 365–66, 368–71, 373–74,

379–82, 390–91, 395, 409–12, 414–

16, 418, 420–23, 425, 429–30, 433,

466, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480,

483–84, 486, 489, 491, 493, 495,

497, 499, 502, 508, 510, 514–15,

517, 528

85th (337th 338th 339th): 180, 186,

191–202, 205, 240, 250–52, 257,

271–74, 276–77, 280, 282–90, 292–

307, 309–10, 312, 318, 321, 334,

359, 369, 370, 377, 434, 437, 443,

501, 503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513,

515–16, 518, 525, 527

86th (341st, 342d, 343d): 449, 456,

458, 460, 462, 464, 474, 478, 480,

482–83, 485, 487, 489, 491, 493,

496–98, 500, 502, 507, 509, 512,

514, 516, 518–19, 521 523–24,

526, 528

87th (345th 346th, 347th): 347–50,

352, 354–55, 363–65, 367–73, 376–

77, 382, 384–91, 393–95, 397–

400, 01–12, 414, 416–17, 419–22,

424, 426–27, 429, 431–32, 438–42,

444, 449, 452 454, 457, 459–60,

463, 473, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485,

487, 489–90, 492, 494, 496, 498,

500

88th (349th, 350th, 351st): 171, 176,

191–202, 205, 226–36, 240, 252–

53, 261, 264, 282–307, 309–12,

318, 321, 334, 373, 383, 428, 497,

499 501, 503, 505, 509, 511, 513,

515–16, 518, 521, 527, 531

89th: (353d, 354th 355th): 423, 432,

435–41, 443–44, 446–49, 451, 454,

457, 459, 461, 463, 470, 472–73,

475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 487,

490, 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502

90th (357th, 358th, 359th): 203,

206–13, 222–24, 226, 228, 230,

234, 237, 240, 243–44, 248, 250–

53, 256–57, 264–70, 272–73, 275,

277, 288–89, 293–94, 296–97, 299,

301, 307, 312–15, 320—30, 332,

334–38, 340–42, 345–52, 355, 359,

362, 369–77, 379–90, 392–94, 396–

400, 405–09, 411–12, 414, 421–

22, 424, 426–29, 431–32, 434–45,

447–51, 453, 455, 457, 459, 461,

463, 465, 467–68, 470, 472–73,

475, 477, 481, 485, 487, 490, 492,

494, 496, 498, 502, 504, 506,

508, 510, 512, 514–19, 522, 524,

526, 528–29, 531–33

91st (361st, 362d, 363d): 201, 206, 208,

215, 223–26, 228–36, 240, 251, 267,

268, 271–72, 274–77, 278–80, 282–

90, 292–306, 309, 311–12, 334 3.83

402, 443, 475, 499, 501, 503, 505,

507, 509, 513, 515–16, 518, 523, 525

92d (365th 370th, 371st): 225, 244,

255, 282, 287–91, 295–301, 305, 309

315 359, 361–62, 368, 371, 392 394

397, 401, 412, 471, 475, 477, 479, 481,

483, 486, 488, 490, 492, 494, 501,

505, 515–16, 520–21, 525, 527 See also

Infantry Regiments, 370th and 371st.

93d (25th, 368th, 369th): 183–84,

491, 549

94th (301st, 302d, 376th): 267, 270,

274, 298, 365, 369, 374–75 377–

86, 388–90, 396–400, 403–11, 413–

14, 417, 419, 421, 423–24, 426,

Infantry Divisions—Continued Infantry Divisions—Continued Infantry Divisions—Continued
[ 608 ] [ INDEX ]

428, 430–35, 437–40, 442–44, 446–

49, 450–51, 453, 461, 471, 502

95th (377th 378th, 379th): 316,

320–26, 328–32, 334–57, 362, 374,

379, 382, 384, 386, 391, 402, 418,

422–25, 454, 462, 466, 468, 470,

472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484–

85, 487, 489, 491, 493, 504, 512,

515, 526, 533

96th (381st, 382d, 383d): 307–23,

374, 388, 467–69, 471–72, 476,

478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488,

491, 495, 506, 508, 510, 512–13,

515, 517, 519–20, 522, 524–25,

535–48 See also Infantry Regiments,

381st, 382d and 383d.

97th (303d, 386th, 387th): 466,

470, 472–74, 476, 478, 480, 482–

83, 485, 487, 489, 491, 493, 495,

497, 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510,

512, 514, 516–17, 519, 521–22,

524, 526, 528–29, 532–33

99th (393d, 394th 395th): 351,

353–58, 387–94, 397, 400, 402,

406–07, 415–16, 418, 420, 422,

424–25, 427, 430, 432–33, 435–

42, 444–45, 447–49, 451–52, 454,

456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466, 470,

472, 474, 478, 480, 483, 485, 487,

489, 491, 493–94, 496, 498, 500–

501, 508–09, 512, 514, 516, 518–

19, 521–22, 524, 526, 528

100th (397th 398th, 399th): 307,

316–17, 319, 321, 324–26, 328–33,

335, 337–38, 343, 345–46, 352,

357, 362, 365–66, 369–70, 398,

403–04, 417, 439, 441, 443, 448,

453, 465–669, 469, 471, 473, 475,

477, 479, 481, 483, 485, 488, 490,

492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503, 505,

507, 509, 511, 513–14, 516

102d (405th, 406th, 407th): 312,

320, 323 330 332–33, 340–43,

356, 384, 394–95, 409–12, 414–

16, 418, 420, 422–23, 464, 470–

72, 474, 478, 480, 482, 484, 486,

489, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 502,

515, 517

103d (409th, 410th, 411th): 307,

321–22, 324, 326, 328, 332–38,

340–46, 349, 351–52, 354, 362,

373–74, 376, 378, 381–85, 393,

406, 439, 441–43, 445–48, 450,

459, 461, 505, 509, 511, 513–14,

516, 518, 520–21, 523, 525, 527–

28, 530–31

104th (413th, 414th, 415th): 303,

309, 311–13, 315, 317–20, 322,

327–45, 349–51, 355, 358, 360,

393, 410–12, 414–16, 418, 420,

422, 424–25, 427, 429–31, 433,

438, 440, 444, 447–49, 451–52,

454, 456, 458 460, 462, 464, 466,

468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 479, 481,

483, 485, 487, 489, 491, 494, 498,

500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 517,

522, 524

106th (422d, 423d, 424th): 350,

353–57, 359, 361, 363, 370–76,

383–84, 393–94, 397–98, 426–27,

429, 433–34, 499

Americal (132d, 164th, 182d): 29,

39, 58–59, 63, 66, 68, 71, 74, 81–

83, 85, 89–91, 156–57, 159, 161–

62, 179–80, 183–84, 388, 391,

399–400, 403, 406–07, 412, 415,

417, 421, 423, 428, 430, 433, 436,

449–50, 455, 457, 460–62, 464–65,

467, 469, 471, 474, 476, 480, 482,

484, 486, 488, 490–91, 493, 497,

499, 501, 506–07, 510, 512–13

515, 517, 519–20, 522–23, 525,

527, 529–34 542 548. See also

Infantry Regiments, 132d, 164th,

and 182d.

Composite Army-Marine: 85–89

Philippine (31st, 45th, 57th): 12–13,

15–19, 22, 31–32. See also Infantry

Regiments, 31st (Philippine Scouts),

45th (Philippine Scouts), and 57th

(Philippine Scouts).

Infantry Regiments

1st: 213, 217–18, 222, 239–40, 377–

78, 388, 391–94, 401, 403, 405–

08, 413–14, 416–17, 431, 434–35,

438, 442–43, 445, 448–51, 453,

455, 457, 460–61, 463, 465, 469,

471, 499, 501, 503, 510, 517. See

also Infantry Divisions, 6th.

4th: 111–12

17th: 109–12, 127, 167, 169–70, 307,

309–15, 317, 334, 339, 345, 468–

69, 510 513, 517, 519–20, 522,

524–25, 527, 529–30, 533–35,

543–45, 547. See also Infantry

Divisions, 7th.

19th: 188, 302, 308–16, 320–25, 327–

29, 353, 364, 368, 376, 379, 386,

411, 416, 427, 433, 436, 440, 503,

506–07, 510–11, 513, 523, 525,

527, 529–31, 534–44 See also

Infantry Divisions, 24th.

20th: 208, 210, 213–19, 233, 238,

253, 377–78, 388–90, 393–94, 396,

410, 412–14, 436, 438, 442–43,

445, 449–51, 453, 455, 457, 460–

61, 463–64, 469, 473, 477, 503,

546, 548. See also Infantry Divisions,

6th.

21st: 188–89, 302, 307, 315–16, 319–

25, 327–28, 364–65, 367–68, 373,

375, 378, 381, 383, 388–89, 419,

428, 431–32, 434, 497, 501, 503,

506, 525, 527, 529, 531, 534–

41. See also Infantry Divisions, 24th.

24th: 183

25th: 183. See also Infantry Divisions,

93d.

27th: 81, 83–88, 124, 126, 128–29,

133–36, 139, 377, 379, 381, 385–

86, 390–91, 401, 410–13, 416, 428,

430, 434, 435, 439, 441–42, 447–

48, 453, 460, 463, 465, 467, 484,

486, 490, 493, 497, 503, 505, 509–

11, 515, 517, 520, 522, 531–32,

535–38, 540–41. See also Infantry

Divisions, 25th.

31st: 12, 15–16, 19, 31–32. See also

Infantry Divisions, Philippine.

32d: 104, 109–12, 167–69, 307–17,

326, 333, 335–37, 339, 345, 352–

55, 357, 468–69, 471, 478, 482,

484, 486, 488, 506, 510, 512–13,

522, 524–25, 527, 540–45, 547.

See also Infantry Divisions, 7th.

34th: 188, 209, 213–14, 219–21, 307–

16, 318–19, 322–32, 334, 336–40,

342–44, 359, 362–63, 388, 391,

393–95, 404–06, 411–13, 415, 421,

506–07, 510–11, 513, 515, 517,

519–20, 522–23, 529, 532–41, 550.

See also Infantry Divisions, 24th.

35th: 75, 82–88, 124, 126–27, 130, 134,

386, 390–91, 393–94, 396, 398, 401,

406, 409–10, 412–14, 416–17, 421,

423, 428, 430–31, 433–36, 439, 441,

449, 453, 460, 463, 469, 482, 488,

490, 497, 505, 509, 513, 52,0 522,

536. See also Infantry Divisions, 25th.

45th (Philippine Scouts): 15, 16, 19–

21, 31–32. See also Infantry Divisions,

Philippine.

53d: 127

57th (Philippine Scouts): 14–15, 18–

23, 32. See also Infantry Divisions,

Philippine.

63d: 218–20, 224–25, 227, 239, 373–

75, 377–78, 380, 383–84, 391, 393,

412–14, 416–17, 431–42, 469, 471,

473, 475, 477, 482, 486, 501, 510,

548. See also Infantry Divisions, 6th.

87th: 127

103d: 93–94, 114, 116, 119, 122–24,

135, 247, 250, 371–72, 374–80,

382–84, 436–38, 440–43, 445–46,

448–51, 453, 463, 465, 467, 471,

473, 475, 477, 533. See also Infantry

Divisions, 43d.

105th: 148, 212–21, 223–26, 486,

506, 508, 519. See also Infantry

Divisions, 27th.

106th: 166, 174–75, 211, 213–14,

217–21, 223–24, 226, 504, 506,

508. See also Infantry Divisions,

27th.

108th: 371, 379, 382, 384–85, 388,

390, 398–99, 401–04, 411, 415,

450, 471, 480, 520, 529, 535–37,

539–40. See also Infantry Divisions,

40th.

111th: 167

123d: 262, 433, 482, 484, 505, 513,

517, 519, 527, 542–43, 547–48. See

also Infantry Divisions, 33d.

124th: 223, 225, 229–35, 239–40,

242, 249 274 276 515, 519–20,

522–23, 525, 527, 529–31, 533–38

125th: 276

Infantry Divisions—Continued

94th , (301st, 302d, 376th)—Continued

Infantry Divisions—Continued Infantry Divisions—Continued

27th—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 609 ]

126th: 54–58, 60–62, 65–77, 83, 87,

155, 159, 174, 178, 190, 199, 200,

202, 205, 249, 277, 344, 347, 352,

355–57, 388, 403, 477, 479, 505, 539,

542. See also Infantry Divisions, 32d.

127th: 56, 70, 72–792 81–83, 85–87,

188–90, 192, 195, 199, 202, 216,

221, 229–30, 232–36, 238–41, 248,

352 355–57, 359–61, 363 394,

396, 398–401, 403, 409, 411–12,

419, 421, 428, 430, 433, 435–36,

439, 449–50, 453, 505. See also

Infantry Divisions, 32d.

128th: 56, 59, 63–64, 67–70, 72, 75–

78, 81, 161, 163, 205, 214, 221,

228–30, 240, 244, 250, 327–35,

339–40, 342–43, 350 356 360,

363, 436, 438, 449–50, 453, 457,

465, 467, 477, 479, 486, 505, 542.

See also Infantry Divisions, 32d.

129th: 146, 179–82, 371, 374–75,

378, 386, 388, 390–91, 397–98,

400, 410, 416, 450, 455, 457, 459–

60, 469, 473, 477, 479, 482, 484,

486, 488, 490, 493, 495, 511, 513,

515, 517, 519, 542–46, 548–49.

See also Infantry Divisions, 37th.

130th: 428, 430–31, 433, 443, 447,

455, 457, 484, 490, 497, 501, 505,

507, 509, 511, 513 ,515 517, 519.

See also Infantry Divisions, 33d.

132d: 73, 75–79 81–83, 89–91, 161,

180, 421, 423, 428, 436, 455, 457,

460–61, 469, 471, 480, 482, 486,

490, 493, 506–07, 513. See also

Infantry Divisions, Americal.

136th: 433, 482, 527. See also Infantry

Divisions, 33d.

138th: 388

145th: 116–17, 119, 121–24, 130,

147, 179–80, 372, 383–86, 389–90,

410, 416, 419, 503, 505, 507, 510,

511, 513, 517, 520, 525, 527, 529–

35, 538–39, 541, 543–46. See also

Infantry Divisions, 37th.

147th: 58, 60, 63, 71, 81–87, 89–91,

186, 446, 456, 474

148th: 116–17, 120–24, 126, 145–46,

179–80, 371, 378, 385–86, 388,

390, 392–93, 396, 400, 416, 484,

495, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505, 507,

509, 511, 527, 545–48. See also

Infantry Divisions, 37th.

149th: 347, 349, 388, 390–91, 394–

96, 398, 402–03, 405–06, 497, 533–

34, 538–42. See also Infantry

Divisions, 38th.

151st: 388, 394–96, 401, 403, 405–

06, 408, 413, 445, 457, 475–76,

493, 499, 541. See also Infantry

Divisions, 38th.

152d: 388, 390–91, 395–96, 402, 449,

497, 510, 517, 525, 529–32, 534–35,

538–40. See also Infantry Divisions,

38th.

155th: 274, 533, 535–37, 539–40.

See also Infantry Divisions, 31st.

158th: 114, 157, 162–63, 195–99,

202, 205–06, 209–10, 216, 223–25,

229, 257, 264, 301, 372–75, 377–

78, 380, 383–85, 390, 401–03, 425–

26, 428, 430–31, 434–37, 440–43,

445–46, 448, 452, 467, 469, 471,

473, 477, 479, 481, 484, 486, 488,

490, 492, 495, 497, 499, 503, 505,

511, 520, 523, 527, 529–30, 535,

546

159th: 127

160th: 371, 374–75, 378–80, 382–86,

388, 395, 398–400, 403, 406, 412–

13, 443, 448, 464–65, 467, 469,

471, 473, 476, 484, 486, 493, 501,

503, 506, 508, 510, 519, 522, 527,

536, 538, 540. See also Infantry

Divisions, 40th.

161st: 82, 85–88, 91, 121–24, 126, 377–

79, 381, 383, 385–86, 391, 393, 401,

404, 406–07, 409, 413, 428, 430,

433–35, 437–38 446–47, 455, 457,

482, 488, 513, 517, 519, 527, 529–31,

533, 535–36. See also Infantry Divisions, 25th.

162d: 30, 91, 95–96, 98, 101, 113, 115–

16, 120, 127–28, 131–32, 137, 188–

89, 198–202, 204–18, 220–21, 244,

249, 436, 438, 441–42, 444–46, 452,

520, 531, 536. See also Infantry Divisions, 41st.

163d: 32, 78–79, 81–87, 90, 92, 96,

188–90, 193–200, 205, 208, 214–15,

217, 223, 226, 228–29, 235, 241, 244,

249, 436, 438, 440, 442, 462, 469,

484, 499, 512, 547. See also Infantry

Divisions, 41st.

164th: 58–59, 61, 63–66, 68–69, 156,

450, 471, 476, 484, 486, 488, 490–91,

493, 497, 501, 506–07, 510, 513, 515,

517, 519, 520, 522–23, 525, 527, 529–

34, 542, 548. See also Infantry Divisions, Americal.

165th: 147–49, 212–21, 223–27, 508,

519, 525. See also Infantry Divisions,

27th.

167th: 274, 511, 535, 537–38, 541, 548.

See also Infantry Divisions, 31st.

169th: 93, 115–21, 123–24, 126–28,

132, 134–35, 234–35, 239–40, 242,

250, 371–75, 377–79, 381–84, 405,

434, 449, 471, 530. See also Infantry

Divisions, 43d.

172d: 61, 94, 115–19, 122–24, 128–36,

250, 371–75, 380, 382–85, 438, 440–

42, 445–46, 448, 463, 467, 533.

See also Infantry Divisions, 43d

182d: 29, 63, 66, 68–69, 74, 83, 85–89,

159, 179–80, 388, 403 406 417, 421,

455 457 460–62, 464, 467 469 474,

482 486, 490, 493 512–13. See also Infantry Divisions, Americal.

184th: 127, 167–70, 307–10, 312, 336,

339–41, 344–45, 347, 352, 374, 378,

469, 471, 478, 480, 482, 484, 486,

510, 527, 529 534–35, 540–44, 547.

See also Infantry Divisions, 7th.

185th: 371–73, 390, 396, 398–99,

401, 403, 411, 413, 443, 445–46,

449–50, 453, 461, 464–65, 467,

469, 471, 473, 484, 493, 501, 503,

508, 519, 522, 527, 529, 533–

34, 536, 540. See also Infantry

Divisions, 40th.

186th: 188–89, 198–202, 200–05,

207–18, 221, 251, 405, 417, 420–

21, 423, 425, 427–28, 430, 432,

442, 445, 452, 457, 484, 503, 512.

See also Infantry Divisions, 41st.

305th: 234–36, 238, 241, 243–45,

347, 349–50, 352, 354–56, 359–64,

456–57, 460, 46, 499, 501, 503–

06, 508, 535–40, 543. See also

Infantry Divisions, 7th.

306th: 235–36, 243–45, 338, 348–50,

352, 354–59, 456–58, 460, 462,

499, 501, 504, 508, 532–33, 536–

38, 540. See also Infantry Divisions,

77th.

307th: 238, 241, 244–45, 347–50,

352, 354–58, 456, 458, 501, 503,

506, 508, 524, 527, 529–30, 532–

34, 538–40. See also Infantry

Divisions, 7th.

321st: 278–279, 281–82, 286, 288–

91, 293, 301–03, 305–06, 311–12,

365, 367. See also Infantry Divisions,

81st.

322d: 278–79, 281–83, 285–86, 288–

91, 293, 297, 302. See also Infantry Divisions, 81st.

323d: 278, 283, 285, 287, 305, 311–

12, 317. See also Infantry Divisions,

81st.

366th: 318, 459

368th: 549. See also Infantry–Divisions,

93d.

370th: 481. See also Infantry Divisions,

92d.

371st: 483, 518. See also Infantry Divisions, 92d.

381st: 312–14, 388, 471–72, 486, 506

519, 522 524 538–40, 54447. See also

Infantry Divisions, 96th.

382d: 307–14, 317–23, 349, 471–72,

476, 478, 480, 482, 506, 512, 535–

41, 546. See also Infantry Divisions,

96th.

383d: 307–15, 472, 476, 478, 480, 482,

484, 486, 495, 512, 519, 524, 535–41,

545–46. See also Infantry Divisions,

96th.

442d: 219, 221, 223–24, 227–34, 244,

252, 261, 303, 314–15, 339, 451,

471, 475, 477, 479, 488. See also

Infantry Battalions (Separate), 100th.

473d: 374, 412, 471, 479, 481, 488,

501, 525

475th: 304, 327, 346, 348–49

351–53, 364, 366, 369, 391–92,

509. See also Merrill’s Marauders;

Provisional Unit, 5307th

Ingeldorf: 377

Infantry Regiments—Continued Infantry Regiments—Continued

158th—Continued

Infantry Regiments—Continued
[ 610 ] [ INDEX ]

Ingelfelden: 483

Ingelfingen: 488

Ingendorf: 413

Inglange: 323–25, 327

Ingolstadt: 518–19

Ingulets River: 151

Inkangahtawng: 181–83, 186, 190

Inn River: 526, 528–29, 531

Innsbruck: 523–25, 527–31

Inonda: 67

Inowroclaw: 381

Inrath: 420

Insoemanai Island: 194

Insoemoar Island: 194–95

Insterburg: 309, 381–82

Inter–American Defense Board meeting:

30–31

INTERLUDE: 263. See also Morotai Island.

International Settlement (Shanghai): 4

Intramuros (Manila): 402, 405–07,

409–10, 412, 419

Intrepid: 499

Ionian islands: 137, 261, 292, 301

Ioribaiwa Ridge: 54–57

Ipel River: 353

Iphofen: 477

Ipil, Leyte: 347–48, 350

Ipil, Luzon: 546

Ipo: 450, 471, 490, 527, 530, 532–36,

539, 543

Ipo Dam: 479, 522, 537–38

Ipoh: 4–5, 7, 9

Ippenscheid: 443

Ippesheim: 441, 475

Ipsheim :494

Iran. See also Persian Gulf Command;

Persian Gulf Service Command.

AAF takes over Abadan base: 102

construction projects: 24

contract activities militarized: 29

included in USAFIME: 41

lend-lease agreements: 28

MEF alerted for defense of: 38

military aid to USSR through: 141.

See also Union of Socialist Soviet

Republics.

military mission to: 8, 32, 74

mission relieved of responsibility for

India: 31

part of PGSC: 52

Shingler heads mission to: 31

Tehran Conference: 150–51

transfer to MEC: 12, 15

treaty with U.K. and USSR: 20

Wheeler heads mission to: 26

Iran-Iraq Service Command: 42, 49

Iraq

Axis powers, declares war on: 85

British forces become

Tenth Army: 12

dock construction: 31, 495

Khorramshahr, U.S. takes over: 82

and Middle East commands: 12, 15,

41, 52

military mission to: 74

Iratag: 421, 427

Iriga: 495

Irisan River: 501, 503, 505, 507, 509,

513

Irmgarteichen: 462

Irnich: 426

Iron Gate (Gorge): 264, 291

Irrawaddy River and Valley: 28–31, 33–

35, 97, 99, 194, 210, 230, 304, 318,

348–49, 359, 372, 374–75, 381–82,

401–04, 412, 06, 421, 442, 467,

505

Irrel: 414, 416

Irresheim: 415

Irrhausen: 408

Irsen Creek: 270

Irsch: 411, 413–14, 06–17

Irsen River: 410

Irving, Maj. Gen. Frederick A.: 412

Irwin, Lt. Gen. N. M. S. (Br.): 75, 111

Isa: 472

Isabella: 302

Isar River: 519, 521–28

Isely Field: 213

Isely, Comdr. Robert H. (USN): 213

Isenbruch: 378

Iserlohn: 496, 498

Isernia: 138, 140, 142–44

I-shan: 545–46

Ishikawa Isthmus: 471, 474, 476, 478

Ishimmi: 469, 536

Ishimmi Ridge: 538–39

Isigny: 204–06, 109

Ising: 540

Island Command, Ie Shima: 519

Islands Area (Br.): 53, 59

Isley Field. See Isely Field.

Iso: 508

Issel Canal: 452

Issel River: 450, 453, 456, 474, 486, 488

Isselburg: 453 456 458

Issum: 423, 425

Isurava: 49–50, 52

Italian Army units

Armies

First: 94

Eighth: 75

German-Italian Panzer: 88, 94

Corps, Liberation: 198, 251, 254–55

Division, Utili: 251

Brigade, 28th

Garibaldi: 421, 473

Groups

1st Motorized: 143, 152–54, 172,

227

Cremona: 338, 402, 421, 423, 425,

516

Folgore: 404, 413, 419, 495

Friuli: 402, 435, 484

Legnano: 443, 497, 505, 507, 509,

525

Italian Navy, surrender of: 133

Italy

Allied air and naval actions in: 115–16,

119–21, 127–32, 134, 140–41, 143,

151, 153–54, 163–64, 166–67, 171–74,

177, 180, 192, 197

Allied airborne operations in: 131–32,

134, 195–96

Allied armored actions in: 132–33, 160,

165–66, 169, 173, 192–94

Allied operations on mainland: 112,

129, 131–534

Italy—Continued

as Allied shuttle base for bombing

Germany: 139, 175, 201, 207, 219,

237, 244–45, 271

Anzio Campaign: 164–96

Apennines, operations in: 243–507,

523

Brazil declares war on: 51

CCS plans for invasion of: 120, 122,

127–29

Chile breaks with: 86

China declares war on: 4

declares war on Germany: 140

declares war on U.S.: 4

effect of southern France operations

on: 171, 176, 182, 222

employment of artificial moonlight

in: 276, 304

fall of Mussolini: 122

first daylight raid from Britain on:

61

first attack by IX Bomber Command

on: 72

included in NATO: 91

Iraq declares war on: 85

meetings of Allied forces in: 525, 527,

530–31

Naples-Foggia Campaign: 128–63

North Apennines Campaign: 267, 473

plans for invasion of: 84, 87, 109–20,

113, 115, 120–22, 124, 126–30

Valley Campaign: 475–534

Rome-Arno Campaign: 164–267

Rome declared open city: 127

Sicily Campaign: 110–28

surrender negotiations: 120, 124, 128,

131–32, 137–38

surrender of German forces in: 523, 528

Vietinghoff replaces Kesselring: 450

winter lull: 370–91

Item Pocket: 508, 510, 512, 515, 517,

519–20

Itni River: 163, 173

Itoman: 544–45

Itomi: 486, 495, 504

Itri: 193–95

Ittelkyll: 417

Ivan (Mellu) Island: 167

Iveldingen: 376, 378

Iversheim: 427

Iwa: 543

Iwahig River: 417

Iwo Jima Campaign: 211, 224, 297,

299, 303, 323, 337, 348, 363–456,

474

air and naval actions in: 211, 224,

268, 294, 323, 348, 360, 363, 368,

370, 383, 404–08, 411–12, 415,

428, 432, 437–38, 440

airfields seized: 407–09, 411–18, 420–

21, 423, 428, 437, 441, 456

armor support in: 407–08, 421, 437,

449

casualty summary: 456

departure of naval elements: 430,

432–33, 440

first B–29 lands: 425

garrison force assumes control: 430,

446, 455–56
[ INDEX ] [ 611 ]

Iwo Jima Campaign—Continued

supported by raids on Japan, 370,

405–06, 413

underwater demolition teams: 405

Jackerath: 415

Jacob (Ennuebing) Island: 167

Jacob Pass: 167

Jaegerhaus: 300

Jaegersburger Wald: 455

Jagst River: 466, 471, 473, 475, 477,

479, 481

Jagstberg: 485

Jagstfeld: 477, 481, 483, 488

Jagstzell: 509

Jakobwuellesheim: 414

Jallaucourt: 290, 292, 320

Jaluit Atoll: 21, 166, 174

Jalup: 190

Jamandilai Peninsula: 176

Jambu Bum: 180–82

Jane Hill (Okinawa): 540, 542

Jangkena: 188

Janpan: 181–82, 184

Janville: 251

Japan

air offensive against: 146–47, 149–50,

165, 187, 189, 202, 204–05, 211,

226, 336, 349, 351, 355, 370, 405–

06, 413, 425, 433, 444–45, 458,

462, 497, 499, 547–50

atomic bomb used in: 550

B–29 assaults begin: 211, 226

China as base for: 189, 202, 204–

05, 211, 349, 351, 355

first attack on Japan: 34

Marianas as base for: 227, 336, 376,

458, 550

Allied naval attacks in home areas: 462,

549–50

Argentina breaks with: 165

British declare war on: 3

Chile breaks with: 86

China declares war on: 4

high tide of Asia invasion: 349

preparations for invasion of: 188, 204,

209, 274, 398, 541, 549–50

Iraq declares war on: 85

JCS decision on defensive: 29

Koiso succeeds Tojo: 233

MacArthur recommends offensive

against: 37

occupation of: 546, 550–51

Soviet forces against: 151, 398, 550

strategic plans for defeat of: 112,

126, 129–30, 132, 135, 139, 147,

152, 204, 224, 230, 235–237, 274,

294, 299, 398, 541

surrender negotiations: 550–51

Suzuki succeeds Koiso: 476

Tojo succeeds Togo: 53, 233

U.S. declares war on: 3

USSR declares war on: 475, 550

Japanese Army units

Armies

8th: 67

11th: 105, 152, 259, 339, 344

14th: 7, 26

Japanese Army units—Continued

Armies—Continued

15th: 38

16th: 26

17th: 50, 59, 63, 67, 91

18th: 67, 223, 256

23d: 266

25th: 3–4

28th: 533

32d: 547–48

35th: 356

Burma Area: 532–33

French Indochina Garrison: 349

Southern: 160–61

Divisions

15th: 180

18th: 38, 180

31st: 180

33d: 38

55th: 38

56th: 38

Japanese Navy

Carrier Striking Forces leaves for

Midway: 39

Combined Fleet: 36

Fourth Fleet: 17, 28

Hawaii losses: 3

Special Naval Landing Force: 8

Japanese–American troops. See Infantry

Battalions (Separate), 100th; Infantry Regiments, 442d.

Japtan Island: 174

Jarman, Maj. Gen. Sanderford: 218

Jarmin Pass: 109–11

Jarny: 285

Jaro, Leyte: 314–16, 328

Jaro, Panay: 445–46

Jaroslaw: 238

Jarvis: 48

Jaszbereny: 326

Jaufeta Bay: 188

Jaure: 56–58, 60–62

Java

ABDA conference at Lembang: 13

Allied attacks on: 193,

Allied naval losses :26–27

fall of: 18, 21, 24–28

Wavell leaves for India: 26

Java (Dutch): 26

Java Sea, Battle of: 26

Javron: 248

Jeandelincourt: 298

Jeanménil: 314

Jebsheim: 384–87

Jefna: 95–96, 106–07

Jelgava: 239

Jemaluang: 15, 17

Jemelle: 265

Jena: 487, 489–90, 492, 494, 522

Jenneville: 365

Jerantut: 12

Jesselton: 13

Jessnitz: 500, 501, 506

Jestrow: 388

Jet aircraft, introduction of: 438

Jevigne: 367

Jewish Brigade: 430, 453, 484, 495

Jitra: 5

Joganville: 206

Jogjakarta: 26

Johnson, Maj. Gen. Davenport: 133

Johore, fall of: 8, 12–15, 17–18

Johore Bahru: 19

Joint Chiefs of Staff. See also Arnold, Gen.

Henry H.; British Chiefs of Staff;

Combined Chiefs of Star; King,

Adm. Ernest J.; Marshall, Gen.

George C.

approve liquidation of SOPAC: 183

approve plan for invasion of Japan:

541

approve plans for Aleutians: 76, 100,

112, 139

ARCADIA Conference: 8

and Canton-Hong Kong: 508

China as supply base for Pacific: 190

directive on Gilberts: 121, 129

directive on Hollandia: 178, 180

directive on SWPA offensive: 44, 101

on division of CBI: 224–27, 230, 235,

266, 310

division of Twelfth Air Force: 139,

141

Germany set as primary enemy: 29

Ghormley proposed as Solomons commander: 43

MacArthur as commander of SWPA

offensive: 43

Normandy air plan approval: 42

plans for Japanese surrender: 550

plans for Myitkyina: 185–86

plans for occupation of Japan: 546

plans for Pacific offensive: 179–80,

209

plans for seizure of Paramushiro: 132

plans for Philippines: 266, 274, 283,

294

plans for Southern France: 171

proposal for recovery of Burma: 73

and reinforcement of China by air:

441

ruling on SOPAC offensive: 45

Stilwell report on air bases: 276

strengthen air forces in SOPAC: 60

Joint Expeditionary Force (Marshalls):

159, 167

Joint Expeditionary Force (Palaus): 291

Joint Expeditionary Force (Volcanos):

299, 363–64, 385, 401, 404, 433,

 467

Joint Mexican-U.S. Defense Commission:

26

Joint Military Council (Chungking): 10

Joint Staff Planners: 112

Joint War Plans Committee: 112–13, 135,

204

Joinville: 266–67

Jolo Island: 8–9, 484, 499, 501, 512,

549

Joncherey: 330

Jones, Brig. Gen. Albert M.: 8, 10–11, 28

Jorhat: 185–86, 439

Jouvieval: 369

Juchsen: 481

Jucken: 410

Juelich: 327, 329, 331–329, 338–39, 341–

43, 346–47, 392, 410–11, 418, 485,

492

Juengersdorf: 327, 330, 339, 346
[ 612 ] [ INDEX ]

Juenkerath: 427

Juin, Gen. Alphonse (Fr.): 86, 88, 114,

150, 159

Julita: 310

June Hill (Okinawa): 542

Juneau: 66

Jungholz: 523, 525

Junkersdorf: 425

JUNO Beach: 203. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Juntersdorf: 420

Jupiter: 26

Jurong: 23

Jurques: 239

Juvelize: 284, 288

Juvigny: 244

Juvincourt: 191

K. B. Mission: 51–52

Kavacan: 35–36, 503, 511–13, 515

Kabaw Valley: 263, 295

Kabo: 364

Kachin guerrillas: 96, 187, 193

Kachin Trail: 168

Kadena airfield: 468–69

Kaduja Ga: 162, 170

Kaduma: 364

Kaerlich: 431

Kaga: 40

Kagman Peninsula: 216, 218, 222

Kaiapit: 135–36

Kaichen: 461

Kaifeng: 189

Kaimling: 512

Kairouan: 86, 90, 103–05

Kairouan Pass: 88–89

Kaisersesch: 429

Kaiserslautern: 443–44, 446–47, 455

Kaiserstuhl: 507

Kaitou: 200

Kakazu Ridge pocket: 482, 484, 486,

488, 491, 506, 508, 510, 512

Kako: 49

Kang Dagit: 346

Kalach: 47, 49, 69

Kaladan Valley: 8, 176, 351

Kalaklan River: 388

Kalamata: 301–02

Kalang: 21, 23

Kalapanzin River and Valley: 351, 353, 358

Kalasungay: 539–40

Kalborn: 386, 394, 396–97

Kaldenhausen: 422, 424

Kalemyo: 263, 325, 327, 365

Kalenborn: 436–38, 440

Kalewa: 35, 71, 146, 244, 343–44, 356

Kalinin: 6, 81

Kalikodobu: 58

Kalinkovichi: 162

Kalisz: 382, 384

Kalkar: 427

Kall: 427

Kall River: 317, 319–20, 370–71

Kalmesweiler: 443

Kalmyk sector: 81

Kalrath: 414

Kalscheuren: 427

Kaltenbrunn: 508

Kaltenhouse: 349, 383

Kaltensundheim: 467, 479

Kalterherberg: 271–73

Kalthof: 496

Kaluga: 10, 14, 20, 26–27

Kama Rock: 415, 438

Kamaing: 71, 163, 166, 168, 177–78,

180–83, 185, 187, 190, 195, 197,

200, 207, 210–11, 297, 304

Kamberg: 459, 461

Kamen: 482, 485

Kamenets-Podolsk: 183

Kamensk: 45, 86

Kamikaze attacks

Okinawa: 456, 458, 468–69, 478,

480, 488, 491, 499, 525, 532, 542

Philippines: 347, 351, 366–67

Kamilianlul Mountain: 289

Kamimbo Bay: 90–91

Kamiri: 223–24, 232, 267

Kamiri River: 233–24, 255

Kampar: 8–11

Kamti: 189–90

Kananga: 339, 355, 358

Kanawha: 103

Kanchow: 396

Kandel: 451

Kandy: 187, 469

Kanga Force (Aus.): 38–39, 43, 539 83,

85, 89–91, 98, 106

Kangaw: 381, 384, 387

Kangoku Rock: 415, 438

Kaniku: 506

Kanmonhag: 311

Kano: 76, 81–83

Kantau: 156

Kantemirovka: 76

Kanth: 401

Kantha: 378

Kantome: 188

Kanzem: 408

Kanyutkwin: 28

Kaosha: 536

Kapa Kapa: 56–57, 60

Kapern: 506

Kapintalan: 437, 443, 447, 463, 469,

477, 479, 482, 488, 501, 505, 509

Kapintalan Ridge: 509, 511, 517, 520,

522, 536

Kappel: 442

Kappelen: 420

Kapuva: 461

Karaberra Pass: 227

Karachev: 128

Karachi SOS bases: 31, 39, 53, 56, 123,

492, 537

Karachoum :105

Karadera: 542

Karai-ai: 175

Karbach: 440

Karben: 461

Karelian Isthmus: 206, 213, 215

Karl: 434

Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary): 530, 532–33

Karlshausen: 410–11

Karlsruhe: 467, 471, 473, 475, 477, 486

Karmes: 434

Karsdorf: 469

Kasagi Ridge: 536

Kasan Ga: 178

Kasberg: 526

Kasel: 434

Kassel: 463, 465, 467–68, 470, 472,

474–75, 477

Kasserine Pass: 92–95, 98

Kastel: 459

Kasternoe: 89

Kastl: 511

Katchin Peninsula: 471, 476

Katernburg: 478

Katha: 35, 304, 349, 352

Katowice: 386

Kattenes: 438

Katzem: 412

Katzenelnbogen: 459

Katzenfurt: 456

Kaub: 454

Kaufbeuren: 525

Kaunas (Kovno): 239–40

Kaundorf: 362, 366

Kautenbach: 382

Kavieng: 16–17, 129, 155–56, 159–60,

162, 172, 174–75, 179, 180, 182

Kawkareik: 16–17

Kawlin: 357

Kayangel Island: 339, 342

Kayserberg: 347

Kazatin: 157

Kebili: 101–02

Keblingen: 406

Kecskemet: 316

Kedah River: 5

Keeken: 398

Keeling Islands: 329

Kef el Goraa: 106

Kef en Nsour: 106–08

Kef Sahan: 107

Kehl: 335, 496

Kehmen: 359, 361, 380

Kehrig: 429

Kei (Kai) Island: 47

Keintzheim: 354

Keise Islands: 456, 465

Kelanoa: 160

Kelantan: 3–6

Kelberg: 429, 432

Kelbra: 489

Kelheim: 514, 516, 519

Kell: 439

Kellen: 401

Kellermann works: 273

Kelley Hill: 119

Kelley, 1st Lt. John R.: 119

Kellmunz: 516

Kelly, Capt. Colin P., Jr.: 4

Kelsen: 407

Kelsterbach: 455

Kelz: 415

Kema: 14

Kembs: 349

Kembs Dam: 515

Kembu Plateau: 517, 519, 527, 529–30,

533

Kempen: 423, 435

Kempten: 520, 523, 525

Kendari: 17–18, 30

Kendenich: 427, 429

Kengtung: 34, 37, 39

Kenn: 428

Kennedy Peak: 318

Kenney, Lt. Gen. George C.: 45, 47,48, 53,

186, 315

Kennon Road (Luzon): 433, 482, 527
[ INDEX ] [ 613 ]

Kenten: 08

Keosha: 509

Keppeln: 413

Kerama Retto: 456–58, 460, 462 464–

65, 469

Kerbach: 404

Kerch: 10, 32, 37–38, 186

Kerch Peninsula: 143, 186

Kerch Strait: 53

Kerkrade: 294, 296–98, 302

Kerling: 321–24, 326

Kerpen: 415–16

Kerpich: 340

Kerschenbach: 424

Kervenheim: 415, 418

Kesbern: 496

Kescheid: 452

Kesfeld: 269, 272, 405

Kessel: 402

Kesselring, Field Marshal Albert: 91, 97,

450

Kesten: 436, 443

Kesternich: 351–53, 387–89, 392–93

Kestert: 454

Ketting: 431

Kettwig: 487, 489

Keyenberg: 415

Keyes, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey: 119, 147

Kharkov: 26–27, 37–41, 90–98, 125–31

Kherson: 144, 180

Khorol: 136

Khorramshahr: 82

Kia: 123

Kiangan: 548–50

Kibawe: 515, 520, 527, 530–31, 533

Kickenbach: 485

Kidney Ridge (Egypt): 61–62

Kiel: 113, 154, 482

Kiel Canal: 529

Kielce: 374–75, 377

Kierspe: 487

Kieta: 17

Kiev sector: 133, 135–36, 138, 144–47,

156, 159–60, 162, 172

Kilay, Henry: 325

Kilay Ridge: 325–27, 330–40, 342–44

Kiling: 314

Killerton Trail. See Cape Killerton.

Killstett: 368–69

Kilu: 181

Kimmel, Adm. Husband E.: 6

Kimura, Gen. (Jap.): 511, 515

Kin: 476

Kinding: 516

Kindwiller: 383

King, Maj. Gen. Edward P., Jr.: 29, 32

King, Adm. Ernest J.

appointed CNO: 28

CINC, U.S. Fleet: 7, 28

and command in Pacific: 43

urges SLEDGEHAMMER implementation:

46

views on Pacific offensive: 43, 224

King Hill (Okinawa): 537, 539

Kingisepp: 168

King’s Wharf (Butaritari): 148

Kinhwa: 39

Kinkaid, Vice Adm. Thomas C.: 61, 67,

81, 96, 102, 105, 120, 127, 176,

339 370

Kinugasa: 58

Kinzweiler: 330

Kippenhof: 379

Kirberg: 459

Kirch: 414

Kirchberg: 334, 338, 395, 442–43

Kirchboitzen: 495

Kirchdorf: 515, 533

Kircheib: 452

Kirchen: 464

Kirchenlamitz: 502

Kirchhain: 460

Kirchhausen: 471

Kirchheim: 507, 509

Kirchhellen: 456, 458

Kirchhoven: 383

Kirchline: 478

Kirchsiebnach: 519

Kirchweiler: 429

Kirf: 407

Kirishima: 67

Kiriwina Island: 114–15, 120

Kirkenes: 311

Kirn: 443

Kirnssulzbach: 443

Kirov: 14

Kirovo: 153

Kirovograd: 161, 165

Kirrberg: 335

Kirsch: 434

Kirschhof: 446

Kirschnaumen: 327

Kirspenich: 427

Kirtorf: 460

Kirzscher: 496

Kishinev: 252, 255

Kiska Island: 40–41, 48, 51, 54, 55, 75,

96, 112–13, 116, 120–29

Kitano Point: 441

Kithira Island: 275, 292

Kittensee: 512

Kittyhawk: 388

Kitzingen: 465, 475, 477

Kiyamu: 547

Klais: 525

Klang: 328

Klatovy: 532

Klein Auheim: 453

Klein Buellesheim: 426

Klein Krostitz: 506

Klein Kuehnau: 506, 508

Klein Kyll River: 431, 434

Klein Langheim: 485

Klein Maischeid: 454

Klein Muehl River: 526, 528

Klein Weil: 525

Klein Werther: 485

Klein Winternheim: 445

Kleinblittersdorf: 406

Kleinenberg: 472

Kleinenbroich: 418

Kleinfahner: 483

Kleinhau: 322, 330, 339, 340–43

Kleinheringen: 487

Kleinhoscheid: 380

Klienlangenfeld: 417

Kleinseelheim: 460

Kleinwelschendorf: 496

Klepzig: 498

Kletskaya: 50–51, 68

Klettstedt: 479

Klin: 6

Klingenmuenster: 448

Klopper, Maj. Gen. (Br.): 41–42

Klostermansfeld: 512

Kluang: 17–18

Klueppelberg: 489

Kluetz: 529

Kluge, Field Marshal Guenther von

CG of Army Group B: 232

becomes CinC West: 223

succeeded by Model: 250

suicide: 251

Knaphoscheid: 380, 401

Knapsack: 425

Knerr, Brig. Gen. Hugh J.: 160

Knightsbridge: 40–41

Knocks: 315

Knottengrund: 498

Knowles, Capt. H. B. (USN): 111

Knox, Frank: 189

Kobbenrode: 483

Kobe: 34, 445

Kobern: 441

Koblentz: 265, 267, 431–32, 434, 437–

42, 444, 449, 456, 504, 512, 516

Kobscheid: 410

Kochbauer: 524

Kocher River: 481, 483, 485, 488, 490,

492, 503, 505

Koch: 517, 533–34

Kochi Ridge: 517, 519–20, 522, 524–

25, 527, 529–30, 534–35

Koecking Forest: 325–26

Koecking Ridge: 323–25

Koefering: 522

Koeltz, Gen. Louis-Marie (Fr.): 86

Koengen: 513

Koenig, Gen. Pierre Joseph (Fr.): 258

Koenigsbach: 477

Koenigsberg: 241, 382, 384–87, 406,

439, 461, 481, 483

Koenigsbourg Chateau: 339

Koenigsdorf: 422, 424

Koenigshofen: 466, 469, 473, 475, 477

Koenigshoven: 415

Koenigsmacker: 320–22, 378

Koenigstaedten: 453

Koenigstein: 461

Koepang: 24

Koermend: 465

Koerner: 472

Koernitz: 496

Koerrenzig: 410

Koesen: 487

Koeslin: 425, 428

Koeszeg: 461, 463

Koethen: 496, 498, 500, 504

Koetschette: 360

Koevering: 286–87

Kofferen: 411

Kogenheim: 343

Kohima: 183–87, 202, 206, 216, 356

Koiso, Gen. Kuniaki: 233, 476

Kokengolo Hill: 125

Kokoda: 43–47, 49, 58, 63–64

Kokoda Trail: 43, 46, 54, 56–60, 63, 67

Kokoggon: 360

Kokolope Bay: 128, 130, 134

Kokomtambu Island: 49

Kokuba River and Estuary: 540, 542–43
[ 614 ] [ INDEX ]

Kokumbona: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58–59, 62–

66, 68, 82–83, 85, 87–88

Kolberg: 425, 440, 443

Koli Point: 56, 62–65, 71–72, 86

Kollesleuken: 407

Kollig: 438, 440

Kolombangara: 97, 110, 115–18, 121,

125–26, 129, 132, 134, 138–39

Kolombangara (Second Kula Gulf)

naval battle: 118

Komandorski Islands naval battle: 100

Kommern: 426

Komiatum: 46

Komiatum Ridge: 106, 129

Kommerscheidt: 317–20, 342, 394–95, 397

Kommlingen: 421

Kongauru Island: 290–91

Konigsee: 487

Konigsfeld: 432

Konigswinter: 438, 440, 442

Koningsbosch: 378

Konombi Creek: 83, 85

Konotop: 130, 132–33

Konstadt: 381

Konz Karthaus: 421, 434

Konzen: 355 387

Kopp: 424

Kopscheid: 393–94

Kordel: 419, 421

Korea: 551

Korim Bay: 241, 244, 249

Kornelimuenster: 270

Koromokina Lagoon: 145

Koromokina River: 145

Koronal Creek: 207, 229, 233–34

Kornasoren: 223–24, 230, 236, 262

Korosten: 147, 149–51, 157

Korostyshev: 157

Korosun: 169

Korperich: 408

Korrig: 407

Kortenaer: 26

Koruniat Island: 184

Kos Island: 134, 138–39

Kosice (Kassa): 379

Koslar: 332–33, 336–39

Kossol Roads: 351

Kostheim: 459

Kota Bharu: 3–4

Kotabu Island: 147

Kotelnikov: 48, 74, 79

Kottenich: 327

Kotzenaurach: 496

Kowel: 225, 232–34

Kowloon: 4–5

Koxhausen: 411

Koza: 469

Kra Isthmus: 3, 316, 329, 531

Kraim Lerhmed: 107

Kramatorsk: 91, 93, 96

Kranburg: 396

Kranichfeld: 467, 487, 490

Kranji: 23

Krasnoarmeisk: 92

Krasnodar: 49, 91–92

Krasnograd: 94, 136

Krasnogvardeisk: 165

Kratzenburg: 439

Kraufbeuren: 520

Krauthausen: 410–11

Krautscheid: 410

Kray: 482

Krefeld: 273, 353, 420, 422, 471

Krefeld Oppum: 420, 422

Kremenchug: 137–38, 141, 153

Kremenets: 182

Kremnica: 471

Krettnich: 442

Kretzschau: 489

Kreuzau: 397, 412

Kreuzberg: 429, 489, 515, 517

Kreuzenstein: 472

Kreuzrath: 293

Kreuzweiler: 407

Krewinkel: 390, 393

Krian River: 6–7

Kriegsfeld: 455

Krimm: 427

Krinkelt: 387

Krivoi Rog: 141–42, 153, 171, 175

Krofdorf-Gleiberg: 462

Kroftel: 461

Kroh: 5

Kronach: 487, 490, 492

Krondf: 526, 528

Kronenburgerheutte: 424

Kropotkin: 48, 89

Krudenberg: 454

Krueger, Gen. Walter: 93, 114, 151

155,157, 160–61, 177, 190, 195,

199, 202, 207, 209–10, 212–14,

227, 229, 253, 256, 260, 262, 308,

314–15, 319, 326, 337, 344, 370,

373, 377, 379, 384, 387, 417, 428,

450, 479

Krulak, Lt. Col. Victor H. (USMC) 142

Krunkel: 452

Kruspis: 465

Krutweiler: 410

Krymskaya: 51

Ksar Rhilane: 94, 97

Ksar Tyr: 107

Kuala Kangsar: 6

Kuala Krai: 7

Kuala Lumpur: 7, 13

Kuala Pilah: 13

Kuala Selangor: 11

Kuantan airfield: 3–4, 7–11

Kuantan River: 10

Kuba: 471, 474

Kuba Island: 458

Kuban Peninsula: 135, 137

Kuban River: 48–50, 86, 92, 96, 120, 137

Kuching airdrome: 8–10, 13

Kuckum: 415

Kudaung Island: 363

Kueckhoven: 414

Kuehnhausen: 485

Kuestelberg: 468, 470, 472

Kuestrin: 394, 435–36, 505

Kufra: 55

Kufstein: 531

Kuhazu: 522, 525

Kuhlendorf: 372

Kukum: 49, 52, 56–58, 63, 82, 89

Kula Gulf naval battles: 116, 118

Kulmbach: 492

Kultzschau: 515

Kuma Island: 148

Kumanovo: 324

Kume: 450

Kume Island: 548–49

Kumnyen Ford: 179

Kumon Range: 189, 195

Kumusi River: 46–47, 57, 60, 62, 65–

67, 71–72, 90, 92, 96

Kunchaung: 293

Kung Lung–po: 242

Kunishi Ridge: 544–47

Kunitz: 489

Kunming

defense of: 7, 155–56, 291, 319, 329,

333, 341, 344, 348, 350, 354, 357,

365, 369, 379, 384, 386, 387, 392,

488, 536, 544

planning conferences: 356, 362

transfer of AVG to: 36

Kunzelsau: 485, 488, 492

Kunzvart: 532

Kupferzell: 492

Kupyansk: 90

Kure: 445

Kuribayashi, Lt. Gen. Tadamichi: 442,

452

Kurile Islands, raids on: 117, 133

Kurisch Sound: 380

Kursk: 16, 43, 89–92, 94, 116–18, 120, 130

Kurtscheid: 447, 449

Kusel: 444

Kushchevskaya: 90

Kuter, Maj. Gen. Laurence S.: 87

Kutoku: 469

Ku–tung: 213

Kwajalein Atoll: 21, 160, 164, 166–73

Kwangsi Command (Chinese): 544

Kwangsi Province: 339, 495, 539

Kweichow Province: 339, 344, 349

Kweilin: 114, 209, 246, 259, 266, 272,

274, 282, 313, 322, 329, 362, 403,

495, 517, 545, 550

Kweilin Training Center: 145, 154

Kweiyang: 322, 329, 343–44, 350, 539

Kyaukme: 349 441, 446, 463

Kyaukmyaung: 375

Kyaukpadaung: 33–35, 490

Kyaukpyu: 380, 384, 469

Kyaukse: 463

Kyauktaw: 86, 176–77, 351

Kyll River: 414, 417, 419, 421–22, 424,

426–29, 431

Kyllburg: 428

Kyllburgweiler: 426

Kynsperk: 533

Kyungon: 30

Kyushu Island

air raids on: 444–45, 462, 497, 499

plans for seizure of: 204, 275

La Bandita: 150–51, 153–54

La Barquette: 203–04

La Bastia Hill: 193

La Bernardrie: 226

La Bourgonce: 316

La Bresse: 300

La Butte: 236

La Calvaire: 228–29

La Cambe: 204

La Capelle: 260
[ INDEX ] [ 615 ]

La Chapelle-en-Juger: 236

La Chapelle Moche: 248

La Conviniere: 237

La Cosa Creek: 132, 134

La Côte Pelée: 269

La Coucourde: 256–57

La Croce Hill: 143

La Crocetta: 300

La Croix: 249

La Croix-aux-Mines: 336

La Falise: 368

La Ferté-Macé: 248

La Fière: 204, 206

La Folie: 206

La Fortuna: 298

La Fotelaie: 206

La Fouquerie: 239

La Françaisere: 248

La Glacerie: 216–17

La Gleize: 357–60

La Guarde Freinet: 250

La Haye-du-Puits: 223–28

La Hencha: 104

La Hogue: 232, 240

La Houcharderie: 232

La Houssière: 309, 3 11, 322

La Lima: 291

La Londe: 250

La Luzerne: 228–29, 231

La Macta: 65

La Madeleine: 231

La Mare à Canards: 216–17

La Martina: 292

La Maxe: 326

La Méauffe: 228

La Môle: 249

La Napoule: 250, 252–53

La Neuville: 373

La Paz, Luzon: 380–81

La Paz, Samar: 310

La Petite Pierre: 332–33

La Rava Creek: 154

La Rivière: 203

La Roche: 286

La Rochelle: 328, 525, 527, 531

La Salle: 317–18

La Senia: 65

La Serra: 412–13

La Spezia: 295, 471, 505

La Tombs Ridge: 276

La Rorraccia: 279

La Torre: 289

La Trinité: 263

La Turbia: 261

La Vallette: 254

La Vezouse River: 284–85

La Vie River: 252

La Villa: 296–97, 299

La Voivre: 332

Laasan: 489

Laasphe: 464

Lababia Ridge: 114, 118

Labangan River: 389

Labico: 201

Labir Hill: 314

Labiranan Head: 308–09, 314

Labiranan River: 307–08

Labis: 15, 17

Laborde, Adm. Jean de (Fr.): 70

Labow: 527

Labrador, Luzon: 371–72

Labrador Peninsula: 32

Labuan Island: 12, 545–46

Lac de Bizerte: 109

Lackenhausen: 517

Lae: 17–18, 82–83, 96, 125, 128–36, 138,

154, 186

Allied assault on: 43–46

Allied evacuation of: 18

enemy air attacks: 17

enemy landing: 27–28

U.S. attack on shipping: 28

Laffeld: 380

Laffey: 66

Lagang Ga: 177–78

Lage: 470, 472

Lagnieu: 259

Lagone: 153–54

Laguna de Bay: 434, 437, 450, 475–77

Lahn River: 454, 456–58, 460, 464

Lahr: 408, 458, 496, 503

Lahug airfield: 460

Laiana: 117–19, 121

Laiatico: 226, 228–29

Lai-feng Mountain: 237–38

Laigle: 253

Laize River: 246, 248

Lake Albano: 201

Lake Aztec: 278

Lake Balaton: 340, 345–48, 358, 449,

463, 467, 471

Lake Bizerte: 109

Lake Buluan: 549–50

Lake Chiusi: 217

Lake Comacchio and its islands: 421,

467, 473 ,475

Lake Como: 518, 521

Lake Constance: 509, 511, 518, 523

Lake Garda: 516, 518, 521, 525

Lake Ilmen: 175

Lake Kathleen: 150

Lake Ladoga: 3, 86, 122, 206

Lake Lanao: 35–36

Lake Onega: 215

Lake Peipus: 172, 232, 247

Lake Pinalay: 532

Lake Salome: 282–83, 285–86, 289–91

Lake Sentani: 188–89

Lake Susupe: 212–13

Lake Taal: 430, 451

Lake Trasimeno: 214–15, 220

Lake Velencei: 3.48, 360

Lama: 394

Lama di Sotto Ridge: 394

Lama Hills: 315

Lambach: 531

Lambertsberg: 419

Lambeti Plantation: 115, 118

Lameng: 202

Lammersdorf: 271–73, 275, 278, 280–

81, 288, 290, 317, 339–40

Lamon Bay: 480, 482, 486, 488

Lamone River: 335–38, 343–45 349–

50, 357, 364

Lamopog: 506

Lamorménil: 367

Lampaden: 4 ,119

Lampedusa Island: 113–14

Lampertheim: 455

Lampione Island: 114

Lampoldhausen: 479

Lamut River: 545

Lanaye: 268

Lanciano: 147, 151

Land Forces, Adriatic (Br.): 286, 301

Land Forces, Greece (Br.): 262, 331

Landau: 447–48, 522, 524 526

Landau Landkreis: 516

Landeck: 531–32

Landgraben Canal: 368

Landing craft allocations

Mediterranean: 145, 155, 160, 172

Normandy: 164, 172

SEAC: 160

Landing Force, VAC (USMC): 303, 360,

366, 369, 406

Landrecies: 261

Landremont: 272

Landres: 265

Landroff: 325–26

Landrum, Maj. Gen. Eugene M.: 111

Landsberg: 518–21, 523

Landsberg Meseritz: 388

Landscheid: 380, 382, 385, 431

Landshut: 522–24, 526

Laneuveville-en-Saulnois: 322

Langanan: 426

Langel: 425

Langemak Bay: 136

Langen: 452–53, 455

Langenbach: 496

Langenbeutingen: 492

Langenbochum: 464

Langendiebach: 461

Langendorf: 420, 424

Langener: 483

Langenfeld: 497

Langenhain: 470

Langenpreising: 524

Langensalza: 470, 472, 475, 477, 479,

481, 483

Langenstein: 502

Langenwiesen: 487

Langerringen: 519

Langerwehe: 327, 330–32, 335–36 339,

346

Langfroich: 379

Langley: 26

Langlir: 371–73

Langlir River: 372

Langres: 268–69, 271

Lansival: 367

Lantap: 545

Lantawan: 484, 506–08, 510, 519

Lantershofen: 427

Lanuvio: 197–201

Lanzerath: 387

Laoag airfield: 4–5

Laohokon: 405, 447, 453

Laokai: 193

Laon: 191, 258–60

Lapiay Point: 18

Larche Pass: 254

Lariano: 199

Larkin, Brig. Gen. Thomas B.: 22

Larminat, Lt. Gen. Edgar de (Fr.): 207, 328

Laroche: 368–73, 380

Laruma River: 145

Laruni: 60

Lascheid: 408, 419

Lasel: 422, 424
[ 616 ] [ INDEX ]

Lashio: 33–35 99, 155, 293, 387, 430,

463

Lastau: 496

Laterina: 233

Lathen: 480

Latin America. See American republics.

Latrop: 474

Lattre de Tassigny, Gen. Jean de (Fr.)

187, 250, 272, 285, 305, 310, 313,

317, 325, 343, 351

Latvia, operations in: 229, 236, 239–40,

253, 275, 280, 302, 383, 534

Laubach: 439, 477, 479

Lauchheim: 502, 511

Lauchroeden: 472

Laudenbach: 485, 488

Laudesfeld: 388

Lauenburg: 504, 514, 520, 522, 524

Lauenfoerde: 481

Laufenburg Castle: 329–31

Lauffen: 475, 477

Lauingen: 511, 514, 516, 518

Laulau: :216–18

Laumesfeld: 327

Launstroff: 329

Lauperath: 410

Laupheim: 516

Laurensberg: 306

Lauscha: 490

Lausdorn: 383–84

Lauter River: 352, 355, 439, 443, 445

Lauterbach: 343, 345, 461, 463

Lauterbourg: 352, 439, 445 ,450

Lauterecken: 444

Lauterhofen: 507–08

L’ Aution: 486, 490

Lauzenhausen: 441

Lavacherie: 372

Laval: 243, 304 369

Laval, Pierre: 33

Lavaux: 367

Lavezares: 407

Lavino Creek: 503

Lavoro: 89

Lay: 440

Layac junction: 12

Layton, Vice Adm. Sir Geoffrey (RN): 4

Lazu: 191

Le Bardo: 109

Le Batty: 366

Le Bény-Bocage: 239–40

Le Bingard: 237

Le Bonhomme: 340

Le Bourg-St. Léonard: 250

Le Bourget airfield: 257

Le Busq: 243

Le Camp: 252

Le Carrefour: 206

Le Carillon: 213, 231–32

Le Cateau: 261

Le Conquet Peninsula: 256–58, 267

Le Désert: 226, 228, 230

Le Grand Hameau: 203

Le Grand Pré: 356

Le Ham: 206–07

Le Hamel: 203

Le Havre: 260–62, 267–69, 276, 366

Le Hohwald: 338

Le Kef: 69, 95

Le Locheur: 242

Le Luc: 249

Le Mans: 243–45 247

Le Mesnil-Durand: 231, 236

Le Mesnil-Tôve: 244

Le Mesnil-Veneron: 226

Le Muy: 249–51

Le Neubourg: 254–55

Le Paire: 332

Le Pastinelle: 162

Le Plessis: 258

Le Port: 204

Le Propaia: 165–66

Le Puy: 253

Le Rocher: 228

Le Saunier: 262

Le Scalette: 274

Le Seudre River: 498

Le Teilleul: 246

Le Thiel: 214

Le Thillot: 285, 294

Le Tholy: 296, 300, 306, 326

Le Tourneur: 239

Le Trèport: 260

Le Valtin: 379.386

Le Verdon: 505

Leahy, Adm. William D.: 33, 49, 237

Lear, Lt. Gen. Ben: 384

Leary, Vice Adm. Herbert F. (Aus.): 22, 34

Lebach: 443

Lech River: 519–21, 523, 525, 527–28

Lechbruck: 521, 523

Lechenich: 420

LeClerc, Brig. Gen. Jacques-Philippe: 94,

97, 99, 105, 256

Ledo: 170, 177, 194

Ledo Road: 11, 14, 38, 61–62, 64, 93, 95–

96, 99, 110, 118, 128, 155, 255,

349, 372, 375, 377, 379, 382, 386–

87, 392. See also Stilwell Road.

Leedstown: 65

Leeheim: 449

Leende: 279

Leese, Gen. Sir Oliver (Br.)

commands Allied land forces in Asia:

292, 324, 384

commands Eighth Army: 156–292

directive on Rangoon recovery: 455

Leeuwarden: 484, 495 497

Legaspi: 5, 8, 435, 437, 451–52, 467,

469, 471, 477, 479, 484, 486

Legaspi Attack Group (TG 78.4): 467

Legentilhomme, Gen. P. (Fr.): 83

Leghorn (Livorno): 136, 202, 223, 226,

228–33, 235, 253, 318

Legislative Building (Manila): 412,

416–17

Legnago: 518, 521

Lehmen: 437–38

Leidenborn: 405–06

Leiffarth: 342, 353

Leigh-Mallory, Air Chief Marshal Sir

Trafford

commands AEAF: 150

commands Normandy air forces: 114,

116, 203

commands SE Asia Air Command 326

Leimbach: 411

Leimen: 465

Leimersheim: 451, 469

Leimok Hill: 188

Leine River: 476, 478, 480–83, 486, 489

Leintrey: 313, 325

Leipheim :516, 518

Leipzig: 175, 458, 465, 491, 496, 498,

500, 502, 504, 509

Leisenwald: 463

Lellingen: 384

Lembach: 352, 526, 528

Lembang: 13

Lembeck: 458

Lemberg: 347–48, 365, 367

Lemery: 428, 452

Lemestroff: 326

Lemgo: 472

Lemnos Island: 292

Lemoncourt: 292

Lend-lease

to China: 6, 9, 11, 123, 162, 235

Iran-U.S. agreements: 28

Tulsa Incident: 7, 9

United Kingdom: 7, 9, 25

USSR: 41, 56–57, 141, 499

Lendersdorf: 354

Lengenfeld: 500

Lengfeld: 517

Lenggries: 530

Lengsdorf: 430

Leningrad sector: 3, 11, 21, 84, 86, 162–

66, 170, 206, 214

Lenkersheim: 494

Lenne River: 468, 470, 483, 487, 493,

496, 498

Lennep: 493, 495

Lenola: 195–96

Lentaigne, Maj. Gen. W. D. A. (Br.)

183, 230

Lentini: 119

Leonforte: 120–22

Leopold Canal: 269–70, 279, 284, 296–

98, 306

Lepini Mountains: 198, 200–201

Lepuix: 333

Lermoos: 525

Leros Island: 134, 139, 146–47

Les Andalouses: 65

Les Andelys: 258

Les Champs-de-Losque: 229–31

Les Etangs: 330

Les Fieffes Dancel: 208

Les Forges: 203

Les Landes: 206

Les Loges: 239

Les Maures: 250

Les Mayon: 250

Les Moulins: 203

Les Rouges Eaux: 309, 312, 322

Les Tailles: 372

Lesbos Island: 292

Lesménils: 275

Lesneven: 243

Lessay: 230, 237

Lesse River: 359

Lessenich: 430

Leszno: 386

Letpadan: 437

Létricourt: 299, 316

Lettin: 494

Leubsdorf: 435 449

Leuna: 494 496

Leutkirch: 521, 523
[ INDEX ] [ 617 ]

Leutzkendorf: 192

Levango Island: 123

Levant Island: 249

LEVER: 475. See also Lake Comacchio and

its islands; Reno.

Leverkusen: 425, 495

Leversbach: 414

Levershausen: 483

Levita Island: 292

Lewe: 33

Lexington: 25, 28, 36–37, 136

Ley: 281

Leyr: 288

Leyte Campaign: 305–549

Leyte Island

fall of: 34

recovery of: 270, 274, 283, 301–03, 305,

365, 367, 374, 385, 388–89, 391,

400, 403, 406, 421, 431, 436, 450,

471, 493, 531, 535

Leyte Gulf: 305, 351, 366–67, 449

Leyte Gulf naval battle: 310–12

Leyte Peninsula: 362

Leyte River: 333–34 347

Leyte Valley: 307, 310–12, 317, 339

Leyviller: 334

Lézey: 280

Lgov: 96

Li, Marshal Chi-shen: 246

Lian: 389

Libbesdorf: 498

Libby airfield: 529

Liberi: 141

Liberia, U.S. forces in: 37

Liblar: 422, 425

Libog: 467

Libongao: 356–58

Libya. See also Egypt, operations in.

Allied operations: 3–16, 18, 26, 28–29,

38, 67–70, 74–79, 82–89

Allied thrust to Egyptian frontier: 5

Axis drive on Egypt: 39–43

Axis withdrawal toward Gazala Line: 4

Cyrenaica offensive by Axis, 1942:

17–22

directive to Alexander: 49

diversion in favor of Malta convoy:

28–29

first phase of Allied campaign ended: 16

lull in operations: 22

Tripoli as objective: 16

Licata: 117–19

Lich: 412

Lichkova: 96

Lichtel: 492

Lichtenau: 471

Lichtenberg: 372, 451, 480, 482, 494

Lichtenborn: 407–08

Licodia: 119

Lida: 227

Lidrezing: 324

Lieblos: 461

Lieg: 439

Liége: 263, 265–67, 361, 393

Liegnitz: 401–02

Lieler: 384

Lienhwa: 375

Liepvre: 339–40

Lierfeld: 417

Lierneux: 366–68

Lierscheid: 454

Liesel: 314–15

Liesenfeld: 439

Lieser: 443

Lieser River: 434

Liesse: 394

Liessem: 417

Ligneuville: 374

Liguria coast sector: 269, 471, 475, 494,

501, 505, 515–16, 520

Likhaya: 92

Liki Island: 194

Lille: 58, 261–62

Lille St. Hubert: 278

Lillers: 262

Lima Creek: 290–91

Limay: 406

Limbach: 452, 494, 516

Limbourg: 266

Limburg: 454, 456, 458, 461

Limerle: 380

Limon: 316, 320, 322–24, 327, 329–30

333–35, 341–52, 355–57

Linao: 351–53

Lincoln, Maj. Gen. Rush B.: 33

Lindau: 525

Linden: 496

Lindenberger Wald: 411

Lindenholzhausen: 459

Lindern: 340–42

Lingayen Gulf: 6–7, 367–70, 373, 376, 385

Lingen: 462, 468–69, 472, 474, 476,

480, 482

Ling-ling: 266

Linguaglossa: 128

Linkenheim: 467

Linne: 383

Linnepe: 487

Linnich: 340–41, 395, 409, 411–12

Linosa Island: 113

Lintfort: 423, 425

Linz: 431–32, 481, 529–33, 536

Linzenich: 422

Lipa: 451, 455, 457, 460–61, 471

Lipa Hill: 457, 471

Lipno: 382

Lippborn: 472

Lippe: 526

Lippe Canal: 452, 454, 472

Lippe River: 452, 454, 466, 468, 470, 472,

474, 478

Lipperscheid: 380

Lippoldshausen: 479

Lippstadt: 466, 470, 472, 478

Liri River and Valley: 149, 161, 171, 191,

193–99

Lisaine River: 329

Lisbon: 128, 131

Liscome Bay: 149

Lisdorf: 344–45

Lisichensk: 45, 91, 96

Lisieux: 249, 253

l’Isle-sur-Doubs: 272

Lissendorf: 427

Lissingen: 424, 426–27, 429, 431

Lithuania, operations in: 239–40, 250–51,

295, 300–302, 386

Litteau Ridge: 208

Little: 53

Little St. Bernard Pass: 266

Littoria: 120, 165, 196

Liuchow: 259, 266, 313, 322, 329, 362,

403, 495, 517, 545–46, 548–49

Liu-yang: 210

Liu-yang River: 207–08

Livarot: 252

Livergnano: 298–303, 305

Liversedge, Lt. Col. Harry B. (USMC) 116–

18, 121, 124–26

Livron: 253, 257–58

Livry: 208

Lixières: 298

Lixing: 404–05

Ljubljana Gap: 217, 222

Lobberich: 420

Lobenstein: 494

Lobstadt: 494

Loch: 427

Lodz: 378

Laehndorf: 431

Loehnfeld: 456

Loerrach: 514

Loetzbeuren: 442

Loevenich: 412, 422, 424

Loewenstein: 494, 496, 498, 500

Logbiermé: 373–74

Logistic Support Group (Ryukyus): 449

Lohmar: 487

Lohn: 333–34

Lohne: 474

Lohnen: 451

Lohr: 471

Loi Island: 169–70

Loiano: 292, 294–96

Loi-kang Ridge: 377, 391–92

Loikaw: 33–34

Loilem: 34–35, 545

Loire River: 242, 250, 257, 274

Loisach: 525, 527

Loisach River: 525

Loisy: 269–70, 272

Loiwing: 30, 36, 368

Lokeren: 269

Lollar: 458

Lombrum Plantation: 179, 182

Lommel: 276, 278–79

Lommersum: 422, 424

Lommersweiler: 386–87

Lomopog: 503, 507

Lomre: 371, 373

Lomza: 271

Londinières: 259

London

AFHQ activated: 55

conference on SEAC plans: 241, 254

LONDON: 452. See also Wesel.

Lone Tree Hill (Luzon): 511, 515, 517,

522, 531

Lone Tree Hill (New Guinea): 197–98,

214–20, 221

Long Island (New Britain): 157

Long Island, German agents landed on:

41, 43

Long Range Penetration Groups: 146,

186, 200, 209, 214, 221, 223, 226,

237. See also Infantry Regiments,

475th; Merrill’s Marauders; Wingate,

Brig. Orde Charles; Units, independent, 5307th Provisional.

Longastrino: 488, 490
[ 618 ] [ INDEX ]

Longchamps: 373–74

Longegoutte: 294–95, 298

Longiano: 297–98, 300

Longkamp: 444

Longoskawayan Point: 17–20

Longsdorf: 377, 379–80

Longstop Hill (Tunisia): 77–78, 105–

07

Longueville: 204–05

Longueville-lès-Cheminot: 278, 280,

282

Longuich: 434

Longvilly: 267, 375–76

Loniu Village: 183

Lonlay l’Abbaye: 248

Lonoy: 351, 353 355–57, 359

Lons: 262

Looc: 519

Look: 361

Lopdak: 315

Lorch: 457, 459, 505

Lorcher Wald: 455

Lorengau: 32, 164, 170, 176–77, 180–

81

Lorengau River: 181

Lorenzana: 231

Lorenzo: 120

Lorey: 268–70

Lorich: 421

Lorient: 243–48, 258, 270, 365 458,

464

Loriol: 258

Lorry: 273, 275

Lorsch: 434

Lorscheid: 438–39

Los Alamos atomic test: 550

Los Banos: 410, 451, 453

Los Negros Island: 164, 186–87

Losenseifen Hill: 275

Losheim: 295, 387–88, 390, 393–95,

439

Lothra: 492

Loudeac: 242

Loudrefing: 333–34

Loudspeakers, used in New Guinea: 225

Louisiade Archipelago naval actions: 37

Lourmel: 65

Lousberg Heights: 302, 306

Louvain: 264, 356 430

Louviéres: 204

Louviers: 252–57

Louvigny: 232–33

Love Hill (Okinawa): 538, 540 542

Lovelady, Lt. Col. William B.: 271, 273,

282, 284, 327, 414, 42, 424, 452,

458, 462, 464, 474

Lowen: 395

Lower Rhine. See Neder Rijn.

Loyev: 141

Lozovaya: 19, 92, 96, 135

Lubang Islands: 416–17, 419, 428, 433

Lubao: 12

Lubine: 336

Lublin: 234–35

Lubni: 136

Lucas, Maj. Gen. John P.: 136, 162, 169

Lucban: 484

Lucca: 204, 234, 263–64, 304–05, 359,

361–62

Lucchio: 290

Lucena: 464

Luchem: 342–43, 346

Lucherberg: 343, 345

Luchtenberg: 415

Luciana: 232

Lucka: 492

Ludendorff: 426

Ludendorff Bridge: 429, 432–33, 441

Ludwigs Kanal: 514, 516, 521

Ludwigsberg: 471

Ludwigshafen: 447–48, 450–51

Ludwigslust: 527–28

Luebeck: 512, 526–27

Lueben: 401

Luechow: 508, 510

Luedenscheid: 489, 491

Lueneburg: 499, 501, 508, 510, 520

Luenern: 485

Luetgendortmund: 480, 482

Luetzkewitz: 494

Luetzow: 497

Luftwaffe: 3, 34, 365

Lugo: 484

Lugo Canal: 486

Lugos Mission: 180

Luichow Peninsula: 376

Luisiana: 9

Lullange: 380

Lumban: 475–76

Lumboy: 406–07, 413

Lunebach: 408, 417, 419

Lunéville: 272, 275, 277–78, 283–84, 305,

366, 442, 447

Lunga Point: 50–66, 72, 82, 88

Lunga Point naval battle: 71

Lunga River: 48–49, 59, 62–63

Lung-ling: 197–98, 200, 202, 205–07,

210–12, 218, 255, 166, 272, 314,

318, 322

Lunzenau: 496

Lupao: 391, 393–96, 398

Luppy: 322

Lure: 272, 275

Lutirano: 312

Lutong: 547

Lutrebois: 363–69, 371

Lutremange: 369, 371

Lutsk: 170

Luttange: 329

Lutterbach: 348

Lutz: 438

Lutzel: 476

Lutzen: 502

Lutzerath: 440

Lutzkampen: 394, 396

Luxembourg, operations in: 267, 297,

308, 343 354 357–59, 362 365–

66, 380, 383, 385, 389. See also

Western Europe.

Luxeuil: 272, 275

Luxheim: 417

Luzon. See also Luzon Force; Philippine

Islands.

capitulation: 37

enemy air attacks: 3–5

enemy casualties: 26

enemy landings: 3–5, 7–8, 17

FEAF withdrawal: 4, 6

pursuit of U.S. forces: 9

Luzon—Continued

recovery of: 211, 294, 283, 301, 302,

304–06, 340–41, 344, 352–550

U.S. air attacks: 4–5, 21

Luzon Attack Force (TF 77): 366–67,

370, 373

Luzon Campaign: 353–540

Luzon Force: 28–29, 31, 32

Luzuriaga: 522

Luzzaro: 513

Lwow: 230, 235–37

Lykershausen: 452, 454

Lyon: 254, 257–62, 280, 337

Lyuban: 165–66

M. Abelle: 499

M. Acero: 140

M. Acidola: 425

M. Acuto: 271, 286

M. Adone: 499, 503

M. Albano: 234, 261, 264

M. Alcino: 306–08

M. Altuzzo: 269, 271–73, 276–77

M. Arcalone: 160

M. Arnato: 233

M. Arnigo: 499, 501, 503, 505

M. Arrestino: 196–97

M. Artemisio: 199–200

M. Bagnolo: 220

M. Bassana: 322

M. Bastia: 296

M. Bastione: 286–87, 290

M. Belmonte: 304–06, 309, 437

M. Battaglia: 289–94, 299, 301, 305

M. Belvedere: 36, 405–07, 433 477, 479,

483

M. Beni: 287

M. Bibele: 292, 295–96

M. Budriatto: 321

M. Burratini: 303

M. Calvana: 251, 261, 263, 265–67

M. Calvi: 269, 272, 277, 279

M. Calvo: 195–96

M. Camino: 144–46, 149–53

M. Camolato: 126

M. Campania: 405–06

M. Campese: 193–94

M. Canda: 284, 286–87, 290

M. Capadarso: 120

M. Cappello: 291, 299, 305–06

M. Caprara: 499

M. Carchio: 475

M. Carmucino: 230

M. Caruso: 140

M. Casalino: 299–300, 306, 309

M. Casciaio: 287

M. Cassino and its abbey: 173, 182, 187,

194

M. Castellari: 296–98

M. Castellaro: 309, 340

M. Castello: 299, 405, 408–09, 423

M. Castellone: 169, 176

M. Castelazzo: 309

M. Castelnuovo: 154

M. Castiglione Maggiore: 230

M. Catarelto: 291–94

M. Cauala: 296–301, 305, 309

M. Cavallara: 292, 297

M. Cavallo: 198, 200, 308–10

M. Cavo: 201
[ INDEX ] [ 619 ]

M. Ceco: 294–98, 301, 305–06, 309

M. Cedro: 160–61

M. Ceraso: 201

M. Cerere: 306, 351

M. Cerreta: 477

M. Ceschito: 192

M. Cesima: 144

M. Chiavino: 196–97

M. Chioda: 319

M. Chiunzi: 133

M. Cifalco: 165

M. Citerna: 269, 284

M. Colomobo: 309, 312

M. Coloreta: 283, 285

M. Conca: 194

M. Cornazzano: 309

M. Corno: 145

M. Coroncina: 271, 286–87

M. Cuccoli: 304–05, 307

M. dei Bracchi: 193

M. dei Pensieri: 191–92

M. dei Pini: 303

M. dei Torri: 201

M. del Galletto: 292–94

M. delta Birra: 321

M. delta Casselina: 410

M. dell’Acqua Saluta: 306, 348, 358

M. della Croce: 285, 425

M. del Lago: 194

M. della Spe: 426

M. della Torraccia: 407–10, 412–13, 423

M. della Vedetta: 423

M. della Vigna: 304–05

M. della Volpe: 359

M. dell’Erta: 301

M. delle Formiche: 298–304

M. delle Tombe: 299–301, 304

M. delle Vacche: 302–03

M. delle Valle: 306, 317

M. del Puntale: 288

M. del Verro: 348, 358

M. di Castelnuovo: 287–89, 291

M. di Mola: 194

M. Domini: 235

M. Faeto: 394

M. Faito 169, 171, 191

M. Fano: 304, 306

M. Farneto: 296–98

M. Ferra: 501

M. Feuci: 191

M. Fili: 235

M. Fiore: 201

M. Fortino: 329–30, 333

M. Fragolita: 475

M. Frassino: 269, 271, 274, 276–77, 279

M. Freddi: 288

M. Frena: 283

M. Gamberaldi: 286–90

M. Gatta: 288

M. Gazzaro: 2 83

M. Giovi: 251, 261, 263, 265–67

M. Giro: 309

M. Girofano: 192

M. Giuvigiana: 277

M. Gorgolesco: 405–07

M. Grande: 194–95, 304–07, 309–11, 370

M. Grande d’Aiano: 425, 434, 437

M. Gridolfo: 261

M. Grosso: 308

M. Guivigiana: 271

M. il Castello: 243

M. il Pratone: 260

M. Jugo: 165–66

M. l’Abate: 274, 276–77

M. la Chiaia: 160–61

M. la Civita: 193

M. la Difensa: 144–45, 149, 151–53

M. la Fine: 284–87

M. la Pieve: 302–03, 306

M. la Posta: 155

M. la Remetanea: 151–53

M. la Rocca: 151

M. Lenano: 196

M. Leucio: 195

M. Lignano: 224, 226, 231

M. Liguana: 277, 279

M. Lungo: 145, 152–55, 158

M. Maggiore: 144, 149, 151–54, 163–64,

166, 191, 205, 231, 267

M. Majo: 159–61, 192–93

M. Majulo: 140

M. Mantino: 497

M. Mario: 503, 505

M. Marrone: 151

M. Massico: 142–44

M. Mesola: 193

M. Mirabello: 312

M. Monna Casale: 157

M. Monsicardi: 196

M. Monsignano: 319

M. Monterumici: 296–305, 499, 501

M. Monticelli: 269, 271–72, 274, 276–

75,279

M. Monzuno: 499

M. Morello: 251, 261, 263, 265–66

M. Morrone: 195

M. Mosco: 499

M. Moscoso: 273, 282, 501

M. Muscoli: 260

M. Natale: 164–65, 167

M. Oggioli: 285–90

M. Oliva: 277

M. Oro: 194

M. Pacciano: 220

M. Pantano: 150–52, 154–55

M. Passignano: 195

M. Pelato: 126

M. Penzola: 342, 344, 347

M. Pero: 499

M. Peschiena: 274, 277, 279, 283

M. Pianoreno: 305–06

M. Pigna: 497

M. Pilonica: 219

M. Pisano: 261

M. Pizzaculo: 492

M. Pizzuto: 196

M. Poggiolo: 325

M. Ponpegno: 322

M. Porchia: 160–62

M. Posigliano: 499, 503

M. Pozzo del Bagno: 276

M. Prano: 282–83

M. Pratello: 319

M. Pratolungo: 288

M. Pratone: 276–77

M. Purgatorio: 167

M. Querciabella: 234

M. Reale: 303–04

M. Reggiano: 291

M. Revole: 193–94

M. Ricci: 333–35

M. Rinaldo: 345

M. Romano: 195, 303–04, 307–09

M. Rotondo: 145, 154, 157, 164, 192

M. Ruazzo: 193

M. Sabbiuno: 509

M. Salvaro: 306–09

M. Sammucro: 149, 152–55, 157

M. Sarasiccia: 405–06

M. Scalari: 238

M. Scauri: 163, 193

M. Senario: 251, 261, 263, 265–66

M. Siserno: 198

M. Sole: 311–12, 497

M. Soprano: 132

M. Spadura: 302, 304, 306–10

M. Stanco: 296–97, 299–300, 302

M. Stelleto: 274

M. Taverna: 310–12, 339

M. Terminale: 423

M. Termine: 309–10

M. Testa: 319

M. Toncone: 288–89, 291

M. Tondo: 359

M. Trocchio: 161–62

M. Valbura: 433

M. Vase: 225–26

M. Vele: 195

M. Venere: 294, 296

M. Veruca: 271 –72, 274, 277

M. Vigese: 294, 296

M. Villanova: 285

M. Vitalba: 224

M. L. Abele: 491

M. S. Bartalo: 323, 325

M. S. Biagio: 195

M. S. Michele: 234, 505

M. S. Barbara: 501, 503

M. S. Croce: 142–44, 146, 164, 196, 217

Maas River: 270–71, 276, 283–84, 291,

293, 297, 308, 316–19, 321, 325,

328, 331, 333, 340, 343, 351. See

also Meuse River.

Maas–Waal Canal: 276, 278

Maashees: 283

Maastricht: 265–66, 270–71, 273, 275,

284, 353, 391

Mabalacat: 384

Mabalacat East Airfield: 384

Mabatang: 13

Mabatobato: 529

Mabini: 436, 440–41

Mabitac: 473

Mabompré: 376

Mabuni: 547–48

Macajalar Bay: 36, 520, 529, 535

Macalpe: 314

Macarite Island: 407

MacArthur, Gen. Douglas: 42, 135,

212–13, 314, 370, 377 379 381,

391, 394, 421, 505. See also

Southwest Pacific Area; United

States Army Forces, Far East.

appointed SCAP: 551

cancels Gasmata offensive: 145

cancels Hansa Bay assault: 178, 180

commands AFPAC: 472, 478

commands New Guinea offensive: 43,

54, 63

commands SWPA: 30, 33–34, 101

control of naval forces in P.I.: 20
[ 620 ] [ INDEX ]

MacArthur, Gen. Douglas—Continued

decision to evacuate Manila: 8

departure from Philippines: 25, 27, 29

directives for Solomons: 122–23, 132,

135, 138

inspects Bataan defenses: 13

objection to stress on Marshalls: 113

occupation plans for Japan: 546

opens GHQ at Port Moresby: 6, 400

plans for Admiralties and New Ireland: 172, 175–78

plans for Arawe: 149

plans for Formosa-Mindanao: 180, 209,

224, 230, 235, 237

plans for recovery of Philippines: 266,

283, 294 301 ,341 ,367

plans for Saidor assault: 155

plans for TULSA: 43–45

proposal on Bismarcks offensive: 40

recommends offensive against Japan:

37, 44–45

restores Philippine Government: 310

retains control of P.I. operations after

departure: 28

role in Japanese surrender: 550–51

transfers from Corregidor: 28–29

warns of bombing of Manila: 248

Macatunao: 473

McAuliffe, Brig. Gen. Anthony C.: 208,

359

McBride, Brig. Gen. A. C.: 13, 17

McCabe, Col. Frederick: 52

McCain, Vice Adm. John S.: 49, 541

commands COMAIRSOPAC: 38

commands SOPAC land-based aircraft:

45

and TF 63: 46–47

McCammon, Col. John E.: 199

McCawley: 59, 115

McClure, Brig. Gen. Robert B.: 126–27,

135, 339, 343, 354, 384, 544

McCreary, Lt. Col. Melvin: 72

McCreery, Lt. Gen. Sir Richard L. (Br.):

132–33, 292

Macedonia sector: 348

Macerata: 346

MacFarland: 59

Machang airfield: 4–5

Machinato: 504

Machinato airfield: 532

Machinato Inlet: 504

Machishi: 541

Machtum: 71

McKean: 147

MacKechnie, Col. Archibald R.: 101–

02, 114–15, 117

Macken: 438

Mackenbruch: 470

Mackwiller: 341–42

McLain, Maj. Gen. Raymond S.: 305, 337

MacLeod, Lt. Gen. D. K. (Br.): 5, 9

McMorris, Rear Adm. Charles H.: 82, 93,

100

McNair, Lt. Gen. Lesley J.: 28, 236

McNarney, Lt. Gen. Joseph T.: 309

MacNider, Brig. Gen. Hanford: 59, 69,

264, 383, 467, 538

Macon: 262

McSevney Point: 395, 398–400

Mactan Island: 460

Madagascar, operations in: 36–37, 40, 44,

53–57, 59–60, 63–64, 83

Madang: 74, 164, 178, 188

Madauk: 28

Madaya: 426

Madeleine River: 207

Maderbach Creek: 334, 336–38, 344

Madionen: 21

Madoera Strait: 22

Madon River: 264–65

Madonna di Brasa: 425

Madonna di Cerbiano: 310

Madrid: 128, 131

Maeda: 519–20

Maeda Escarpment: 519–20, 522, 524–25

527, 529–30, 532–34

Maegdesprung: 500, 502

Maeseyck: 317, 323

Maffin Airstrip No. 1: 196–97, 205

Maffin Bay: 222, 227, 230, 236, 261, 263–

64, 269

Magalang: 382, 386

Magat River: 544

Magdeburg: 486, 489, 491, 493, 495, 497,

499, 502, 506, 534

Mageret: 365, 367, 373–74

Mageri Point: 114

Magicienne Bay: 213–14, 217

Maginot Line: 320, 336–37, 345–47, 350,

366, 369, 372, 439

Magione: 217

Magliano: 210

MAGNET: 14,19

MAGNETO Conference: 392, 398, 400

Magneville: 205–06

Magny: 327

Magny en Vexin: 258

Magoster: 366

Magruder, Brig. Gen. John: 6

Magwe: 29–30, 33, 505

Mahan: 347

Maharès (Gumtree) Road: 99, 101–02

Mahlaing: 4 13

Mahlberg: 505

Mahogany Hill: 329–30, 333

Mahonag: 337 349

Maiana Island: 151

Maîche: 264

Maikop: 48, 49, 89

Mailar: 483

MAILFIST: 542. See also Singapore.

Main River: 451–55, 457, 459, 461, 463,

465, 469, 471, 475, 477, 479, 481,

485, 490

Mainaga: 436–37

Mainarde Ridge: 157

Mainbernheim: 477

Maingkwan: 168, 177–78, 187

Mainhardt: 503

Mainit River: 3 14

Mainneville: 258

Mainz: 44,24,44–45, 447–49, 452, 455,

457, 459, 461

Mainzlar: 458

Maiori: 133, 137

Mairy: 265

Maison Blanche: 64

Maison des Eaux: 92

Maison Rouge: 382–83

Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan: 246

Maixe: 273

Maizières-lès-Metz: 293–94, 296–99, 301–

02, 307, 312–15, 320–21, 326

Maizila Pass: 90

Majola Hill: 168

Majunga: 54–55, 57

Majuro Atoll: 164, I 66–67, 169, 172

Majuro Attack Group (TG 51.2): 164, 166

Makambo Island: 49

Makassar: 23

Makassar Strait: 17–18

Makin Atoll: 21, 50, 137–40, 147–49

Maknassy: 75, 89–90, 99–100, 102–04

Mako Ko: 375

Maktar: 86, 90, 93, 105

Makunsha: 225

Makuy Bum: 180

Malabang: 35, 446, 453, 488, 497, 501

Malabo: 525

Malabog: 488, 503

Malacca: 13–14

Malagang: 11

Malahang: 135

Malakawng: 187

Malamaui Island: 444–45

Malang: 21

Malarya Hill: 478, 480

Malaucourt: 320

Malay Barrier: 11

Malaya

fall of

AIF Malaya organized: 14

air defense of: 4–5, 20

airfields, British withdrawal from: 4

Allied reinforcement of: 15

armor reinforcement: 20

capitulation: 24

East Force organized: 14

enemy air attacks: 3–4, 8, 17

enemy control of waters and air: 4

enemy landings: 3, 5, 7, 15–16, 19

Indian forces regrouped: 7

Singapore, withdrawal of force to:

18, 20–21

Wavell visits front: 13–14

West Force organized: 14

recovery of: 3 116, 536, 541–43

air support for: 531

directive on: 391, 531

Malaya Command (Br.): 3–4

Malaybalay: 539–40

Malberg: 426

Malbergweich: 417, 419

Maldegem: 296, 298

Maldingen: 381

Malempré: 366

Maletto: 127

Malgobek: 58, 81

Malines: 269

Malinta Tunnel: 37

Malisiqui: 373

Mailing: 321–23, 325

MALLORY MAJOR: 228–29, 231

Malmédy: 354–58, 366, 373 375–78

Maloelap Atoll: 165–66

Malolos: 385, 387 390

Malsbenden: 422
[ INDEX ] [ 621 ]

Malsfeld: 465, 467–68

Malta

air reinforcement of: 37

air support from: 116

Axis invasion postponed: 38

command controls designated: 28

convoys, attacks on: 23, 29, 49, 67

CRICKET Conference: 387, 390

awarded George Cross: 33

Italian surrender: 133, 138

RAF forces absorbed by MAAF: 155

supply situation: 28

Malta Air Command (RAF): 93

Maltot: 228, 234

Malvar: 455

Mamala River: 3 2

Mambare River: 74, 98

Mamburao: 358, 366

Mamien Pass: 192–93, 199–200

Mamming: 524, 526

Mananga River: 455, 488

Manauangan: 507

Manchuria, Soviet occupation of: 398, 550

Mandalay

fall of: 25–26, 29–29, 33–35

recovery of: 91, 93, 99, 150, 155, 257,

271, 293, 316, 327, 349, 374, 401,

412, 414, 421, 426, 430, 433, 435–

36, 438, 442, 445–47, 467, 486

Mande St. Etienne: 365, 371

Manderfeld: 388–89, 412

Manderscheid: 410, 416, 432

Mandeville: 204

Mandog: 541–44

Mandom: 199

Mandray: 335

Mandurriao: 445

Mangaldan: 381

Mangatarem: 374

Mangima Canyon: 537, 539

Man-shih: 197, 206, 255, 322, 332

Manhay: 357–62, 368–70, 372

Manheim: 414

Manhton: 185

Maniagassa Island: 230

Manio Bridge: 205, 210

Manila

conference on Japanese surrender: 551

enemy advance on: 7, 11

evacuation of: 8, 10

declared open city: 9

Pacific forces hq: 478, 490

preservation of reservoirs: 505. See

also Ipo Dam; Wawa Dam.

recovery: 377, 379, 384–85, 387–97,

399–407 409–10, 412–14, 416–17,

419, 421, 423 426 439 484 542

warning on U.S. bombing: 248

Manila Bay: 5, 10, 12, 391, 394, 401,

403, 406, 417, 423, 450, 499

Manipur: 47–48

Manipur River: 274

Manna: 504

MANNA: 285. See also Greece.

Manna Farm: 167–69, 171

Mannebach: 431

Mannerheim Line: 206–07, 213

Mannheim: 263, 267, 277, 318, 444, 446–

47, 455, 459, 461, 463

Manning, Group Capt. E. R. (RAF): 11

Manoag: 371–72, 375

Manokwari Island: 201, 249

Manoncourt: 298

Manpin: 183, 188, 191

Mansfield, Rear Adm. J. M. (RN): 262

Manshausen: 385

Mansi: 304

Mantes-Gassicourt: 250–54, 256–58

Man-tha: 320, 326

Mantitang: 385

Manus Island: 129, 152, 164, 170, 172,

176–77, 179–81, 183–84, 186–87,

190, 303, 329

Manych River: 47, 86–87

Manzanares: 484, 493

Mapait Hills: 476, 478

Mapandan: 371

Mapia Islands: 327, 332

Maquis: 254. See also French Forces of

the Interior.

Mar airfield: 227, 233, 236–39, 255, 262

Marxist, Col. Robert V.: 90

Marakei Island: 151

Maramag airfields: 53 4

Maran: 192

Marano: 513

Marano River: 264, 272, 274, 276–77

Maranola: 194

Marbache: 263–66

Marblehead: 22

Marburg: 385, 458, 460

Marches: 356, 358–59, 363, 365, 367

Marcoiano: 277, 279

Marcouray: 361, 369

Marcourt: 369

Marcus Island: 27, 130, 195, 299

Mardigny: 270, 273

Mardt Bibart: 488

Marecchia River: 282–83, 285–86

Mareth Line: 91–101

Marettimo Island: 123

Marghana: 111

Margut: 265

Mariadorf: 29 8, 3 27, 3 29

Mariana Islands

air and naval actions: 175, 209–12,

214, 219, 222–23, 227, 234–37,

240, 242, 245

armor support: 215, 217, 238, 244–45

base for Japan air offensive: 336, 376,

458

casualty summaries: 220, 227, 246

enemy strength estimated: 209

recovery of: 152, 162, 179, 208–27,

230, 234–46, 249

staging area for Iwo Jima: 299, 373

385, 401–04

underwater demolition teams: 210

Mariaweiler: 350, 352–53

Marienau: 424, 426, 428

Marienberg (eastern Germany): 384

Marienberg (western Germany): 292–93

Marienburg: 469, 471

Marienhausen: 454

Marienthal: 349

Marienwerder: 387

Marieulles: 275, 277

Marigny: 236–37

Marikina River. See Mariquina River.

Marilao: 390

Marimont: 330

Marimont Hill. See Hill 334 (France).

Marina di Pisa: 235

Marina di Ragusa: 118

Marinduque Island: 367, 372, 387, 389

Marine Corps Airdrome Battalion, 2d:

129–30

Marine Amphibious Corps

I: 118, 135, 137, 140, 142–43, 145,

150, 154, 183

III: 222, 225, 234, 241, 244–45, 249

263, 274, 278, 283, 301, 303, 307,

467–69, 471, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484,

486, 488, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501,

504, 508, 519,,531, 534–48

V: 131, 135–36, 148, 150, 166–67,

173, 211, 217–18, 222–25, 303,

360, 366, 369, 406–09, 411–13,

415–17, 420–23, 425, 427–28, 430,

432–34 436–38, 440–41, 444–46,

449, 452–53, 455, 519

Marine Corps Aviation

MAG 22: 26

MAG 23: 50, 52

MAG 25: 50

1st MAW: 50, 59, 78

2d MAW: 78

VMF 211: 4, 7, 9, 26

VMF 223: 50

VMSB 17: 6

VMSB 232: 50

Marine Corps Aviation personnel

in defense of Bataan: 13, 17–18

reinforce Midway: 4, 7, 9, 26

in Philippines: 347, 544

in defense of Wake: 4

Marine Corps Brigade, 1st Provisional

234–39, 243, 245

Marine Corps Defense Battalions

1st: 4–5

3d: 46–47

4th: 8–9

5th: 53–54, 57, 63

6th: 3

7th: 130

9th: 71–72

11th: 94

Marine Corps Divisions

1st (1st, 5th, 7th): 35–73 93, 155–57,

159, 172, 178, 183, 188, 274, 283,

285–86, 301, 306, 338, 467–69, 471,

476, 525, 527, 529–30, 532–48

2d (2d, 6th, 8th): 44, 74, 81–85, 89,

135, 148, 210–14, 216–24, 227, 230,

236–37, 239, 411, 427, 468, 546–47

3d (4th, 22d, 29th): 137, 141, 143–50,

153–57, 161–63, 183, 234–46. 360,

408–09, 411–13, 415–17, 420–23,

427–28, 430, 432–34, 436–38,

440–42, 444, 456

4th (3d, 9th, 21st): 167–68, 171, 173,

210–14, 216–27, 236–37, 239, 360,

407, 409, 411, 413, 415–16, 418,

420–21, 423, 428, 430, 432–34,

436–38, 440–42, 444–45

5th ( 23d, 24th, 25th): 360, 407–09,

411–13, 415–16, 418, 420–21, 423,

428, 430, 432–34, 436–38, 440–42,

444–46, 449, 452–53, 456
[ 622 ] [ INDEX ]

Marine Corps Divisions—Continued

6th (26th, 27th, 28th): 467–69, 471, 476,

478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488, 493,

495, 497, 499, 501, 508, 531, 534–48,

551

Composite Army-Marine: 85–89

Marine Corps Engineer Battalions

1st: 62

2d: 74

Marine Corps Field Artillery Battalions

10th: 89, 149, 226

11th: 58

Marine Corps Parachute Infantry Battalions

1st: 48–49, 54–56, 149

2d: 142, 144

Marine Corps Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st: 142, 152

Marine Corps Raider Battalions

1st: 44, 48–49 53–59, 116–17

2d: 50, 63, 66, 72

3d :94, 144

4th: 113, 115–16

Marine Corps Raider Regiments

1st: 116

2d Provisional: 143

Marine Corps Regiments

1st: 35–73, 157, 172, 174, 274, 276–79,

281–83, 286, 468–69, 525, 527, 529

533–37, 539, 542–43, 545–46

2d: 44, 49, 51, 55, 58, 62–63, 65, 84,

89, 148–49, 212, 216, 218, 223–24,

227

3d: 143–45,427

4th: 8, 10, 182, 234, 237–38, 468, 478,

495, 499, 539–44, 547, 551

5th: 41, 49, 157, 159, 175–76, 178–79,

274, 276, 278, 281–82, 288–91, 296–

97, 299–300, 468, 529, 53,3 535–39,

541–43, 546–47

6th: 82, 84–89, 148–50, 212, 216, 218–

21, 224, 227, 230

7th: 45, 53–56, 156, 159, 162, 274, 276,

278–79, 281–82, 286, 288–89, 291–

95, 297, 468, 533–39, 543–47

8th: 63, 65, 71, 84–85, 89, 148–49,

212–13, 216–21, 224, 227, 236–37,

546–47

9th: 143–44, 413, 415–17, 420–21,

423, 430, 432, 434, 436, 441, 444,

456, 474

21st: 145–47, 154, 159, 408–09, 411,

413, 417, 420, 423, 428, 430, 432,

434, 436 441, 444, 451

22d: 174–75, 234, 237–38, 468, 476,

478, 49,3 499, 534–3,8 541–42,

544, 547

23d: 168, 211–13, 216–18, 224–25,

227, 407, 409, 413, 415–16, 418,

420, 423, 428, 430, 432–34, 441

24th: 168, 212–13, 216–18, 220,

225–27, 407, 411, 413, 415, 420–

21, 423, 428, 430, 433–34, 441–

42, 444

25th: 167–68, 211–14, 216, 220, 225,

227, 407, 409, .411, 415–16, 418,

420–21, 423, 428, 430, 434, 441,

442

26th: 211, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415–

16, 420–21, 423, 428, 436, 438,

441–42, 444–46, 449, 453,

27th: 407, 409 416, 418, 420, 423, 428,

436, 438, 441, 449

28th: 407–09, 411–13, 418, 420–21,

423, 428, 434, 436, 438, 440–42,

444–46, 449, 452–53

29th: 212, 218, 478, 482, 484, 486,

495, 499, 537–39, 542–43, 547

Marine Corps Tank Battalions

1st: 162 2d: 148, 149, 151

4th: 173

Marisfeld: 481

Mariquina (Marikina) River: 407, 409–

10, 457, 499, 501, 503, 510, 534, 540

Maritime Alps: 486

Mariupol: 133

Mariveles: 19, 403–05

Mark River: 314–17

Markbreit: 477

MARKET-GARDEN: 267, 276, 288. See

also Rhine River.

Markham River and Valley: 120, 131, 136,

188

Markhausen: 462

Markolsheim: 386

Marksuhl: 473

Markt Nordheim: 490

Markt Oberdorf: 520

Markt Wald: 5, 119

Marktheidenfeld: 469

Marktl: 526

Marktredwitz: 506

Marktzeuln: 487, 490

Marl: 460, 462

Marly: 326–27

Marnach: 3 84

Marne River: 256–58, 266

Marne–Rhine Canal: 272–73, 275, 320

Maroth: 454

Marovovo: 91

Marpi Point: 224, 227

Marradi: 283, 285–87, 291–92

Marrakech: 66

MARS: 304, 441, 537

Marsal: 287

Marsala: 122

Marsanne: 254

Marsberg: 460

Marseilles 250–58, 307

Marshall, Gen. George C.: 40, 181,

205, 274, 517, 536, 545, 547.

See also Combined Chiefs of

Staff; Joint Chiefs of Staff; War

Department.

asks for air support for Rangoon: 462,

472

authorizes mobile air force for SWPA

and POA: 44

at BOLERO conferences: 32–33

on Calcutta-Assam LOC: 166–67,

171

on division of CBI: 222–27, 230, 235,

266, 310

establishes USAFIME: 41

fosters Stilwell-Mountbatten meeting:

177

Marshall, Gen. George C.—Continued

and King: 43

and negotiations for use of Chinese

Communists: 385

orders Stratemeyer to command China

air forces: 544

proposes Stilwell as Chiang’s chief of

staff: 14

proposes unified command for Far East:

9

role in Japanese surrender: 550

urges SLEDGEHAMMER: 46

Marshall, Brig. Gen. Richard J.: 12, 34, 46

Marshall Islands campaign: 112–13,

128–29, 139, 152, 159–60, 162,

164–75

air and naval support: 21, 147, 164–69,

173–75

armor support: 168—70

casualty summaries: 170–71

objection to stress on: 113

staging area for Marianas: 204, 208

Martaban: 21, 23

Martelange: 359

Marthille: 325

Martigues: 255

Martin, Brig. Gen. Clarence A.: 72, 155,

157, 161, 195, 221, 229

Martin, Maj. Gen. Frederick L.: 6

Martinstein: 444

Martinville Ridge: 2 11, 228, 231–32

Martuba: 67

Marubian: 191–93

Maruyama Trail: 76

Marvie: 357, 363, 365, 370

Marzeno: 337

Marzeno River: 336–37

Masbate: 462, 471

Masbate Island: 462, 471, 480, 531

Maschio d’Ariano: 199–201

Mashiki: 476

Masholder: 416

Masilay: 436, 438, 442

Maspelt: 386

Massa: 296, 471, 475, 477, 483, 486, 490

Massa Lombardo: 490

Massaciuccioli: 275

Massacre Bay: 109–11

Massacre Valley: 109, 112

Massarosa: 275

Masseler: 377

Massenheim: 459

Massicault: 109

Mast, Brig. Gen. Charles E. (Fr.): 60

Masthorn: 400, 406

Masurian Lakes: 385

Mataba: 412

Matagob: 3 59–60

Mataling Rive: 3 5

Matanikau: 50, 57

Matanikau River: 49, 56–58, 60–63, 66,

68, 71, 74, 83, 85

Materborn: 398–400

Matese Mountains: 142

Mateur: 67, 70, 81, 95–96, 99, 106–09

Mati: 309

Matruh (Mersa Matruh): 42–43, 64

Matting: 517

Matzen: 416
[ INDEX ] [ 623 ]

Matzerath: 414–15, 419

Mauban: 8, 13, 16–18, 480, 486, 488

Maubeuge: 261

Mauel: 414

Maungdaw: 75, 108, 110, 161, 178, 184

Mauo: 417, 421, 425

Maupertus: 217–19

Mauritius Island: 53

Mausbach: 273

Mawchi: 31, 33–34

Mawlaik: 344

Mawlu: 181, 316, 322

Mawpin: 311, 314

Maximiliansau: 453

Maxonchamp: 286

Maxwell, Maj. Gen. Russell L.: 42, 52, 63

Maybancal: 437, 467

Mayen: 431–32

Mayenne: 243–44, 247

Mayenne River: 242–44

Maymyo: 28, 32

Mayondon Point: 460

Mayotte Island: 44

Mayu Peninsula and River: 75, 78, 89, 98,

103, 152, 160, 351, 362

Mayu Range: 148

Mazagan: 66

Mazzarino: 118–19

Mbangai Island: 49

Meauffe: 213

Mechelen: 456

Mechelgruen: 498

Mecher: 382

Mecher-Dunkrodt: 362, 366

Mechili: 18–19, 22

Meckel: 416

Meckinghoven: 468

Mecklenburg: 523, 530

Mécleuges: 326

Medard: 444

Medebach: 464, 466, 468

Medeera: 547–48

Medel: 383

Medendorf: 386

Medendorp, Capt. Alfred: 58, 60, 70

Médenine: 93, 96–97, 100–101

Medicina: 492, 499, 501

Mediterranean Air Command (Allied):

93, 110

Mediterranean Allied Air Forces: 153, 155,

177, 246

Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force:

182, 228–29, 231

Mediterranean, Supreme Allied Commander. See Mediterranean Theater; Wilson, Gen. Sir Henry

Maitland.

Mediterranean Theater. See also Wilson,

Gen. Sir Henry Maitland.

air reorganization: 156, 159

CCS directive on unified command:

152–53, 155:

landing craft allocation: 145, 155, 160,

172

redesignated from NATOUSA: 316

relinquishes North Africa to AMET:

419

strategic planning: 150

Wilson as SACMED: 156, 161

Medjerda River: 105, 108

Medjez el Bab: 68–72, 74, 78–79, 95,

101–08

Medyn: 15

Meerssen: 275, 277

Meeuwen: 355

Megara: 301–02

Meggen: 485

Mehdia: 65

Mehr: 398, 450

Mehr River: 452

Mehrum: 451

Meijel: 291, 313–14, 319–20, 327

Meiktila: 34–35, 348, 372, 408–09, 412,

414, 416–17, 425, 430, 439, 450,

459, 461, 463, 490

Meinbrexen: 481

Meindorf: 446

Meine: 484

Meiningen: 467–68, 475, 479 481

Meisburg: 426

Meisdorf: 502

Meisenheim: 444

Meisenthal: 346, 366

Meisert: 275

Meitesheim: 342–43

Meldola: 311, 313–15

Melfa River: 196–98

Melfi: 136

Mélisey: 285

Melitopol: 140, 142

Mellingen: 490

Mellu Island: 167

Melsbach: 449

Melun: 252, 254–56

Memel: 300, 302, 386

Memmingen: 518, 520

Mempakul: 12

Menado: 14

Menarmont: 315

Menate: 486, 488

Menaurupt: 319

Mendaropu: 63

Menden: 446, 451, 496

Menfi: 121

Mengeringhausen: 460

Mengerschied: 443

Mengmao: 212

Mengta Ferry: 191

Ménil: 361

Menne: 464

Mennekrath: 414

Menton: 266

Menzel Djemil: 109

Méounes: 252

Meppel: 493

Meppen: 480

Merauke: 42

Merbeck: 416

Mercato Saraceno: 299

Merchingen: 475

Merderet River: 203–08

Merduma: 75

Merefa: 131

Merenberg: 458

Mereveldhoven: 279

Mergui: 16, 18

Merheim: 427

Merken: 350, 395

Merkenich: 427

Merkers: 473

Merkols: 382

Merkstein: 295, 297

Merlscheid: 07

Mermuth: 439

Merode: 330–32, 340, 346, 349–50

Merrill, Rear Adm. A. Stanton: 143

Merrill, Brig. Gen. Frank D.: 160, 175,

178–79, 184, 189

Merrill’s Marauders: 160, 163, 168, 175,

188–89, 191, 194–98

Mersa Bou Zedjar: 65

Mersa Matruh: 42–43, 64

Mersch: 357, 410, 412

Merscheid: 383

Merseburg: 492, 494, 496

Merseburg-Leuna: 192

Mersing: 15, 17

Merten: 340, 425, 427

Mertesdorf: 434–36

Mertloch: 437

Mertzdorf: 428

Mertzwiller: 340, 345–46. 349, 441

Merville: 203

Merviller: 315

Merxem: 294

Merxheim: 444, 518

Merxplas: 291

Merzbach: 427

Merzenhausen: 333–34, 338

Merzenich: 412, 422, 424

Merzien: 498

Merzig: 330–32, 341, 357, 359, 396, 410,

440, 442

Meschede: 480, 483

Meschenich: 427

Messdorf: 430

Messe, Marshal Giovanni (It.): 88, 94, 110

Messerich: 414

Messervy, Lt. Gen. Frank W.: 347

Messina: 114, 119–20, 124, 126, 128

Messina Strait: 128, 131–32

Messnerschlag: 526

Metapona River: 62–64

Metauro River: 253–54, 256—57

Metlaoui: 93, 97

Métrich: 321–23

Metropolitan Road (Luzon): 539

Mettendorf: 407–09, 413

Metterich: 422

Metternich: 425

Mettlach: 440

Mettmann: 497, 500

Metz: 260, 265–68, 270, 272–73, 275,

277, 288–89, 293, 315–18, 320–21,

324–32, 334, 340, 342, 345–47, 349,

351, 353, 357, 359, 399–400, 423

Metzeresche: 328

Metzervisse: 327

Metzingen: 510, 513–14

Meurich: 407

Meurthe River: 270, 272–73, 275, 280–81,

283–84, 300, 315, 319, 321–22,

324, 328, 330–33

Meuse River: 258–64, 266–67, 271, 277,

305, 320–21, 353, 356, 360–62,

366, 374, 396–407, 415. See also

Maas River.

Meuse–Escaut Canal: 264, 267–68, 270,

276, 278
[ 624 ] [ INDEX ]

Mexican-U.S. Joint Defense Commission:

26

Meximieux: 259–62

Meycauayan: 391

Meyenheim: 395

Meyerode: 384

Meyrargues: 252

Mézidon: 246, 429

Mézières: 263

Mga: 164

Michael, King of Rumania: 255

MICHAELMAS: 155, 157–59, 172. See also

Saidor.

Michaelstein: 508

Michamps: 365–66, 376

Michelan: 463

Michelbach: 427, 495, 505

Michelfeld: 500, 503

Michldorf: 512

Middelburg: 319

Middle East: 5, 9

aircraft reinforcements for: 42

U.S. mission to: 42

Middle East Air Command (RAF): 93

Middle East Air Force: 43

Middle East Command (Br.): 16, 25

assumes control of Eritrea: 21

control of Iran and Iraq: 12, 15

diversion of aircraft from: 9, 155

diversion of ground units from: 5, 24

Middle East Force (Br.): 55

alerted for defense of Iran: 38

Alexander succeeds Auchinleck: 49–

50

control of Malta: 28

operations in Libya: 3

preparation for defense of Anatolia:

35

Middle East Theater (U.S.), established: 41

Middleburg Island: 239, 241, 248, 251

Midway

Battle of: 39–40

enemy air losses: 28

enemy bombardment: 3, 18, 22–23,

36

garrison reinforced: 6, 8–9, 38

MAG 22 formed: 26

Nimitz inspects defenses: 36

Seventh Air Force in defense of: 38

Miehelau: 490

Miel, 427

Mielec: 236

Miesbach: 527–28

Mieux: 257

Mignano: 141, 144

Mignano Gap: 144, 147, 155

Mignéville: 316

Migyaungye: 33

Mike Hill (Leyte): 311

Milan: 61, 523, 525, 527

Milburn, Maj. Gen. Frank W.: 361, 373

Milchenbach: 480

Military highway to Alaska: 23, 62

Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece

(Allied): 262, 305, 325, 331

Military missions. See countries by name.

Mille Atoll: 166

Millerovo: 45, 85

Millich: 415

Milligen: 398

Milliken, Maj. Gen. John: 300, 441

Millingen: 430, 453

Millomont: 369

Mills, Maj. Herbert N.: 273, 281–82, 284,

327–29

Milne Bay: 40–45, 47, 50–54, 57–58 95,

97, 104, 114, 129, 141

Mils: 531

Milspe: 491

Miltonberger, Brig. Gen. Butler B.: 381,

386

Minami: 416, 418, 420–21, 423, 428

Minami-Uebaru: 480

Minatoga: 543–44.

Minatoga River: 543

Mindanao City: 434

Mindanao Island aircraft evacuated to

Australia: 6

capitulation: 37

enemy assault on: 7–8, 33, 35–37

FEAF transferred from Luzon to: 6

MacArthur arrives: 28–29

recovery of: 179, 211, 224, 235, 244,

275, 417, 419, 431, 433–34, 436–38,

440–42, 444–46, 452–53, 457, 462,

486, 488, 493, 497, 501, 503, 505–

07, 510–13, 515, 517, 519–20, 522–23,

525, 527, 529–41, 543–44, 547–50

Sharp commands garrison: 27

Mindanao River: 503, 506

Mindanao Sea: 351

Mindelheim: 518, 520

Minden: 403, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480

Mindoro Attack Group: 339

Mindoro Island fall of: 22, 26

recovery of: 302, 315, 331, 338–41, 350–

58, 360, 362–69, 373, 375–76, 378–

79, 381, 383, 385–87, 389, 405, 411,

415, 417, 419, 434, 488

Mineralnye Vody: 84

Minesweeping and Hydrographic Group

(TG 77.6): 366–68

Mingaladon: 5, 528

Mingolsheim: 467

Minhla: 32–33

Minna Island: 491, 497

Minsk: 216, 218–20, 222–23

Mint Building (Manila): 410

Mintal: 529, 534, 536–37, 539–40

Minturno: 163–64, 186, 191

Mios Woendi: 200, 205

Miquelon Island: 8

Mirabeau: 252

Mirbach: 429

Mirecourt: 268, 272

Mirfeld: 383

Mirgorod: 216

Miri: 6

Miri Detachment: 5

Misano: 262

Misima Island: 37

Misinsman: 527

Miskolc: 341–44, 349, 355, 382

Mission Trail (Bougainville): 144, 146

Missouri: 551

Missy: 242, 256

Misterbianco: 120, 125

Mistretta: 123–24

Misurata: 85

Mitchell, Maj. Gen. Ralph J. (USMC) 148

Miteiriya Ridge: 61

Mitlesheim: 439

Mitrovica: 344

Mitry Mory: 258

Mitscher, Vice Adm. Marc A.: 122, 166,

175, 541

Mitsensk: 121

Mittel Gruendau: 463

Mittel Sorpe: 478

Mittelwihr: 346, 348

Mittenwald: 527, 530

Mitterfels: 515

Mittersheim: 331, 334–35

Mitterteich: 508

Mittl Isar Kanal: 524, 526

Mittweida: 496

Mius River: 96, 124, 129–30

Miyako Island: 519

Mnichov: 533

Moa: 103

Model, Field Marshal Walter: 228, 250,

502

Modena: 250, 511

Modenheim: 395

Moder River: 340, 379, 381, 383, 385,

389–91, 393, 402, 419, 439

Moderscheid: 382–83

Modica: 118

Modigliana: 321, 327

Moeckern: 494

Moeckmuehl: 475, 477

Moedrath: 416, 418, 420, 422, 425

Moehne Dam: 111

Moehra: 473

Moellen: 451

Moerdijk: 319–2 0

Moers: 422–23

Moetsch: 416

Mogaung Valley: 180, 185, 187, 195, 197,

200, 207, 210–11, 216, 219, 257

Mogilev: 150, 182, 219–20

Mogok: 446, 463

Mohacs: 340

Mo-hlaing: 346, 348–49, 353

Mohn: 419

Mohne River: 472, 478, 480, 482, 487

Mohnyin: 307

Mohon: 263

Moinet: 376, 379

Moircy: 364–65

Moivron: 288, 298

Mokerang Plantation: 181, 184, 187

Mokerang Point: 184

Mokmer: 198, 202, 204–09, 211, 213,

216, 219–20, 241

Mokpalin: 25

Moletta River: 164, 170–71, 173

Molo: 445–46

Molucca Passage: 17–18

Momauk: 326, 362

Mombaru: 469

Momerstroff: 336

Mommenheim: 445

Momote: 164, 170, 176–79, 181, 187

Monastery Hill: 151–52, 171–72, 174,

180–81, 192
[ INDEX ] [ 625 ]

Moncada: 378, 381

Monceau: 358

Moncel: 283–84

Moncourt: 272, 281, 287, 308, 320

Mondelange: 265

Monfalcone: 527

Mong Pawn: 34

Mong Wi: 364, 368–69

Monghidoro: 292–93

Mongiorgio: 505

Monglo: 484, 490, 493, 495

Mongmit: 293, 359, 388 391, 434

Mono Island: 142, 146

Monoebaboe: 208

Monrovia: 118

Montrone: 280

Mons: 261–65

Monsabert, Lt. Gen. Aimè de Goislard

de (Fr.): 261

Monschau: 271, 273, 278, 295, 353, 355

358, 388

Monschau Forest: 351, 353 358–59, 387–

90

Monselice: 522

Monssen: 66

Monsummano: 264

Mont: 369, 374

Mont Castre Forest: 226, 225

Mont de Cadenbronn: 344

Mont de Fosse: 367

Mont le Ban: 372–73

Mont Pincon: 240–41, 243–44, 246

Montabaur: 454

Montaione: 232

Montalban: 409, 412, 440, 442, 450

Montalbano, Italy: 291

Montalbano, Sicily: 127

Montaquila: 145

Montarello: 287–88

Montargis: 254, 266

Montbéliard: 328–29

Montbronn: 346, 366

Montcornet: 260

Montdidier: 259, 333

Montebello: 285–86

Montebourg: 204–09, 213

Montebourg Station: 206

Montecarelli: 274

Montecchio: 292, 344

Montecodruzzo: 298

Montecorvino: 133

Montefiascone: 207

Montefredente: 290

Montélimar: 254, 256–59

Montelupo: 234, 250

Montemarano: 138

Montenau: 378, 394

Montenegro area: 347

Montenero: 233

Montenovo: 301

Montepiano: 284–85

Montepulciano: 221

Montereau: 252, 254–56

Monterenzio hills: 299–305

Monterosso: 119

Monterotondo: 204

Montescudo: 274, 276–77

Montese: 495

Montevarchi: 233

Montfort: 380–82

Montgomery, Rear Adm. Alfred L.:

145–46

Montgomery, Field Marshal Sir Bernard L.: 50, 54, 58, 60–63, 70, 74,

82–84, 86–87, 94–95, 100, 102,

104–05, 107, 118, 121, 126, 133–34,

137, 140, 142, 147

CG of Eighth Army: 49–50

CG of 21

Army Group: 156

commands Allied land forces in

Normandy: 203

directives on drive to Germany: 262,

271, 289, 292, 304, 317, 356, 363

directives on Normandy breakout: 212–

14, 221, 227, 240–41, 243, 245–46,

248, 252, 256

directives on Rhine River crossing: 432

relinquishes control of 12th Army

Group: 260

role in German surrender: 529

Montiano: 301

Monticello: 194

Montigny: 204, 315, 325

Montilgallo: 297

Montmartin-en-Graignes: 208–10

Montone River: 321, 323–26, 328, 333,

335–37, 342–43, 430

Montpellier: 259

Montrevel: 262

Monywa: 35–36, 381, 449

Monzelfeld: 444

Monzuno: 296

Mook: 396

Moore, Maj. Gen. George F.: 27

Moore, Maj. Gen. James (USMC): 186

Moore, Lt. Col. Malcolm A.: 125

Moosbrugger, Comdr. Frederick (USN)

125

Moosburg: 521–22, 524, 526

Moosham: 519

Mor: 451

Moranao: 547

Morava River: 477, 481

Moravian Gap: 465, 473, 481, 525

Moravska Ostrava: 505, 511, 523, 525

Morciano: 262

Morello Hill: 155, 157

Morenhoven: 427

Morgan, Lt. Gen. Sir Frederick E., named

COSSAC: 106. See also Chief of Staff

to Supreme Allied Commander (designate).

Morgorod: 201

Morhange: 325–26, 405

Morhange Plateau: 320

Moriviller: 278

Morlaix: 243–44, 251

Moro River: 151–53

Morobe Harbor: 101–02, 114, 116

Morocco, Allied landings in: 64–65.

See also Algiers; Northwest Africa

Campaign. Moron: 14–15, 17

Morondava: 54

Morong: 437

Morong River and Valley: 438, 441–42

Morotai Covering Force: 271

Morotai Island

air and naval actions: 274, 276

Morotai Island—Continued

assault on: 211, 233, 235, 249, 253–54,

261–64, 269–71, 274, 276–77, 279,

281–83, 286–87, 291, 295, 297, 302

390, 449, 491

enemy air raids: 390, 449

staging area for Philippines: 297, 400

Morris, Gen. Basil M. (Aus.): 43, 46, 50

Morris Force: 210, 230, 234

Morris, Brig. G. R. (Indian Army): 210

Morrona: 231

Morsbach: 392, 394

Morscheid: 437

Morschenich: 412, 414

Morshausen: 438–39

Morshead, Lt. Gen. Sir Leslie (Br.): 139

Morsott: 88, 104

Mortagne: 252–53, 310

Mortagne River: 275, 278, 280, 307–10

Mortain: 241–47

Mortars, first use in Pacific: 133

Morteaux: 250

Mortlock Atoll: 162

Morvillars: 330

Morville-lès-Vic: 321

Moscou Farm: 327

Moscow: 97, 166, 269

Churchill arrival: 49

Foreign Ministers Conference: 141, 143

German assault on: 3–4, 10

USSR-France treaty: 349

Moselkern: 438

Moselle River crossings: 260–61, 263–70,

273, 275, 277–78, 280–85, 287, 292,

295–97, 300 318, 320–23, 325–30,

360, 371, 374, 382, 406–09, 414, 419,

421–24, 432, 434–45

Moselotte River: 299–300, 304

Moselweiss: 441

Mosles: 204

Mossoux: 285

Mostroff: 360, 362

Moten, Brig. M. J. (Aus.): 85

Motobu Peninsula: 480, 482, 484, 486, 488

493 495 497 501, 508

Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron, 3d: 59

Motor torpedo boats: 17, 59

Motoyama: 409, 417, 420, 423, 430

Mott, Col. John W.: 70, 72

Mouen: 219

Moulins-lés-Metz: 329

Moulmein: 12, 17–18, 20–22, 155, 511, 515

Mountbatten, Adm. Lord Louis: 152, 155,

160, 170, 172, 178, 180–81, 187, 195,

206, 435, 463. See also Burma; China;

India–Burma Theater; South East

Asia Command.

Cairo conference with Churchill: 299,

304, 316

Calcutta commanders’ conference:

358

commands SEAC: 129, 141–42, 147

directives on Burma and Malaya: 271,

274, 391, 531

directives on recovery of Rangoon

and Singapore: 395, 455, 469,

501

establishes Air-Ground Supply Committee: 459
[ 626 ] [ INDEX ]

Mountbatten, Adm. Lord Louis—Continued

offers British troops for training of

Chinese: 163

organizes Eastern Air Command: 153

plan for Arakan offensive: 161, 321

Plans for recovery of Malaya and

Singapore: 542–43, 546

plans for reinforcement of China by air:

449

plans for SEAC strategy: 235, 241, 254,

293, 299, 304, 307, 316, 329

and Stilwell conferences: 177, 185

on transfer of Chinese from Burma:

341, 344

Mourmelon: 337

Mousson Hill: 272–73, 275

Mouterhouse: 346, 365, 439, 442

Moyland: 402–03, 408

Moyen: 238

Moyenmoutier: 333

Moyenvic: 284, 287, 320

Mozambique Channel: 54, 57

Mozdok: 53, 81

Mozhaisk: 16

Mozyr: 161–62

Mozzagrogna: 150

Msus: 19–20

Mt. Alava: 379

Mt. Alifan: 235

Mt. Alutom: 238

Mt. Austen: 48–49, 56, 61, 66, 75–78, 82,

88

Mt. Badian: 339

Mt. Balidbiran: 449

Mt. Banahao: 517

Mt. Barrigada: 241–44

Mt. Batulao: 390

Mt. Baytangan: 443, 445, 460

Mt. Bermodo: 421

Mt. Bijang: 435–36, 443, 445

Mt. Binicayan: 532–35

Mt. Cabungaan: 349–50, 352

Mt. Calugong: 482

Mt. Capisan: 438, 452

Mt. Cariliao: 390

Mt. Caumes: 253

Mt. Caymayuman: 445–46, 448

Mt. Cenis: 471, 473

Mt. Chachao: 235, 238

Mt. Coudon: 253

Mt. Daho: 501, 512

Mt. Dalaga: 499

Mt. Etna: 120–21, 126, 128

Mt. Faron: 254

Mt. Haruna: 530–31

Mt. Isarog: 529–30

Mt. Lasso: 237

Mt. Macolod: 445–46, 448, 450–53, 455,

460–61, 464–65, 471, 490, 493, 503,

505, 507, 510

Mt. Magabaag: 430–31, 433

Mt. Malepunyo: 469, 473, 476, 478, 480,

482, 484, 488, 490, 493, 497, 499,

511, 517, 523, 525

Mt. Mataasna Bundoc: 482, 488, 493, 499,

501, 505, 507, 511, 513, 517, 520, 522

Mt. Mataba: 413–14, 416, 431, 438, 450,

457, 460–61, 463–64, 475, 477, 482,

484, 486, 501, 503, 510

Mt. Minoro: 335

Mt. Mirador: 511, 513, 515, 517, 519

Mt. Montalban: 471

Mt. Myoko: 439, 442, 448–49, 453, 460,

463, 465, 467, 484, 486, 490, 493,

503, 505, 509–10, 515, 520, 522

Mt. Nafutan: 217–18

Mt. Natib: 15, 408

Mt. Oro: 419, 477 505

Mt. Pacawagan: 413–14, 416–17, 431, 477

503, 505, 507, 510–11, 513, 517, 520,

525, 527, 529, 533–34, 538

Mt. Petosukara: 225

Mt. Pinatubo: 440, 484, 497

Mt. Popa: 34, 507

Mt. Pulungbatu: 462

Mt. Saksin: 214, 225

Mt. St. Jean: 288, 298

Mt. Samat: 19, 31–32

Mt. Santa Rosa: 242–43, 245

Mt. Sapia: 59

Mt. Sembrano: 471

Mt. Silanganan: 16

Mt. Suribachi: 407–09, 411–13, 418

Mt. Tambu: 121, 129

Mt. Tanauan: 443, 445–46, 448–50

Mt. Tapotchau: 216–20, 222

Mt. Tenjo: 238

Mt. Thabor: 419

Mt. Tipo Pale: 216, 218–20, 222

Mt. Toulon: 272–73, 298

Mt. Vesuvius: 138

Mt. Yabang: 448

Muar: 14–17

Muar River: 15

Muara Island: 545–46

Mubo: 46, 53, 83, 90–91, 98, 106, 114–15,

117–18

Muchhausen: 422

Muda River: 6

Mudburch River: 313

Mueddersheim: 418

Mueggenhausen: 425

Muehl River: 528

Muehlacker: 477

Muehlberg: 472

Muehldorf: 528

Muehlen: 517

Muehlhausen: 481, 485, 521

Muehlheim: 455

Mueldorf: 465

Muelhausen: 421

Muelheim: 420, 431, 443–44

Muelldorf: 446

Muellendorf: 332–33, 344 355

Mueller, Maj. Gen. Paul J.: 279, 282, 307

Muenchberg: 494

Muendersbach: 454

Muensingen: 513–14

Muenster: 466, 468, 470, 472, 476, 497

Muenster Plain: 466

Muensterbusch: 278, 280–82, 284

Muentz: 412

Muenzenberg: 459

Muenzingen: 335

Muerlenbach: 428

Muerringen: 386–87

Muesse: 474

Muetzenich: 389

Mugford: 48

Muhlhausen: 383, 465, 470, 472, 474–75,

477, 479

Muhlheim: 511

Muids: 257

Mukacevo: 312

Mulazzano: 276

Mulcahy, Brig. Gen. Francis P. (USMC):

127

Mulde River: 492, 494, 496, 498, 500, 502,

508, 510, 514–15, 522, 524, 526

Muldenau: 418

Mulheim: 487

Mulhouse: 332–34, 336, 395

Munassib: 61

Munchen-Gladbach: 416, 418, 420, 422

Munda Point: 82, 97, 110, 113–29, 139,

156

Munda Trail: 116–18, 121

Munda-Bairoko Occupation Force: 116

Mundenheim: 448

Munich: 509, 512, 519, 521, 523–24, 526

Munoz: 388, 390–91, 393–96

Munster: 331, 334

Munstereiffel: 429

Muntzenheim: 386–87

Munzingen: 406

Murakumo: 58–59

Murg River: 488

Murnau: 525

Murphy, Robert: 60

Murr River: 503, 505

Murrhardt: 505

Musa River: 59–60

Musashino aircraft plant: 370, 425

Mu-se: 379, 386

Musita Island: 75, 77–79

MUSKET: 115. See also Taranto.

Musket block (New Guinea): 81–85

Mussau Island: 182

Mussolini, Benito: 88

appeal to Italians: 120

execution of: 521

fall of: 122

Mussolini Canal: 164–65, 167, 177, 196

Mussomeli: 121

Mustert: 443

Musweiler: 432

Mutcho Point: 224

Mutterstadt: 447–48

Muxerath: 411

Myawadi: 16

Myebon: 372

Myebon Peninsula: 372–73, 378, 380

Myers, Brig. Gen. Donald J.: 262

Myhl: 415

Myingan: 450

Myingun: 505

Myinmu: 381, 401

Myitkyina conference on air organization:

375

fall of: 36–38

recovery of: 61–62, 64, 71, 91, 93,

145, 170, 175, 185–90, 193–201,

204, 207, 209–11, 213–14, 219–21,

223, 226, 229–31, 234, 236–39, 242

255, 266, 270, 274, 291, 293, 297,

304, 354, 375, 379, 382
[ INDEX ] [ 627 ]

Myitson: 388–89, 397, 399

Myitta: 15

Myohaung: 384, 387

Myola: 58

Myotha: 436

Myothit: 314, 326

Mytilene (Lesbos) Island: 292

Naa Island: 150

Naab River: 510, 512, 514

Naaf River: 178, 290, 367

Nabburg: 510

Nachtmanderscheid: 381–82

Nackenheim: 449

Nadrin: 373

Nadzab: 131–33, 135–36, 154

Nafutan Point: 213–20

Naga: 6–7

Naga Trail: 168

Nagasaki: 550

Nago: 480

Nagold: 500

Nagold River: 496, 498

Nagoya :34

Naguilian: 443, 447, 455, 457, 482, 484,

546–47

Nagumo, Vice Adm. Chuichi: 39

Naha: 536, 540–44

Naha Inlet: 543

Nahe River: 439–46, 481

Naiden, Brig. Gen. Earl L.: 43

Nakagusuku Bay: 469

Nakama: 519

Nalbach: 444

Nalchik: 61, 77, 82

Nalimbiu River: 63–64

Nalut: 94

Nam Kawng Chaung: 183

Nambalan: 378

Namber: 225, 229–30

Nambyu Stream: 178–79

Namely: 444

Namhkam: 293, 342, 345, 353, 368, 371,

375–78

Namhpakka: 371, 376–79, 384–85

Namkwi: 193, 195

Namkwi River: 193, 195

Namkwin: 197

Namma: 286, 304, 311

Namur: 263–64, 363

Namur (Camouflage) Island. See Roi-Namur Islands.

Namyung: 391

Nan Hill (Leyte): 311

Nan Hill (Okinawa): 533–35

Nancy: 263, 267–70, 272–73, 275, 277–78,

280, 289

Nangis: 259

Nanning: 336, 541, 545

Nanod: 512–13

Nanomea Island: 128, 130, 132

Nanpo Shoto. See Volcano Islands.

Nantes: 245–47

Nanyaseik: 200

Napapo: 73, 75–76, 78

Napier: 11

Napilas: 484

Naples: 72, 115, 119, 121–23, 127, 129–

40, 147, 163, 171, 187, 210, 224, 226,

248, 528

Naples-Foggia Campaign: 128–63

Narbefontaine: 336

Naranjo Island: 415

Narew River: 246, 272, 374

Narni: 209

Naro: 118

Narva: 168, 171, 237

Narva River: 170–71

Nashville: 351

Nasingen: 411

Naso: 126

Nassandres: 255

Nassau: 456

Nassau Bay: 114–17, 120

Nassereith: 530

Nassig: 463

Nastatten: 459

Nasugbu: 372, 379, 381, 385, 389

Natamo: 175

Nate Road (Kwajalein): 169

Nathan Road (Kwajalein): 169

National Military Advisory Council,

China: 146, 246

National Redoubt (Germany): 520

Natmauk: 33

Natsugumo: 58–59

Nattenheim: 416–17

Natunga: 61–62, 65–67

Naubum: 188

Nauheim: 451

Naumberg: 487, 489 491

Naumburg: 466, 470

Nauplia: 298

Naurath: 431

Nauro: 54

Nauro Peninsula: 130–31

Nauru Island: 3, 121, 136–39, 147

Nautilus: 40, 148

Naval Coastal Frontiers, U.S.: 10, 22

Naval Construction Battalions: 63, 71

in Admiralties: 187

authorized: 9

on Ellice Islands: 130

in Solomons: 156

6th: 53, 57

18th: 74

19th: 72

Naval District, 17th: 186

Naval forces, Allied. 22. See also Royal

Navy; Navy, United States.

Naviglio Canal: 351–53, 356–58, 364,

366

Navy, United States. See also Fleets; Task

Forces, Navy; United States Fleet.

air units withdrawn from P.I.: 3, 6

controls ANZAC area: 20

coastal frontiers redesignated: 22

Construction Battalions authorized:

9

death of Knox: 189

Europe forces headed by Stark: 28

Forrestal appointed Secretary: 191

in ground defense of Bataan: 13, 17–19

King appointed CinC of Fleet and

CNO: 7, 28

Pacific forces headed by Nimitz: 472

Pacific forces redesignated: 541

Pearl Harbor warship losses: 3

WAVES established: 47

Nawngmi Stream: 190

Ndeni: 57–58, 60

Ndrilo Island: 184

Nebra: 48

Neckar River: 459, 461, 463 ,66, 471, 473,

475, 477, 481, 500, 503, 505, 509,

513–14

Neckargemund: 465

Neckargartach: 473, 475

Neder Rijn (Lower Rhine) River: 276, 281,

284, 286–88, 342, 474

Nederweert: 313–16

Nederweert–Wessem Canal: 287, 315–16,

325

Needle Rock: 519

Neesen: 476

Nefaar: 189

Neffe: 365, 369

Neffel River: 4 115, 417–18

Negritos: 464, 497, 506, 510

Negros Island: 34, 05, 419, 430 452–53,

460–61, 464–65, 467, 469, 471, 473,

476, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488, 493,

497, 499, 501, 503, 506–08, 510, 517,

519–20, 522–23, 525, 527, 529–34,

536, 538, 540, 542–43, 547–48

Negros Occidental Province: 452, 460–61,

519, 522, 527, 529, 533–34, 536,

538, 540, 543

Negros Oriental Province: 430, 517, 519,

522, 527, 529–34, 542, 548

Neheim: 485, 487

Néhou: 211, 225

Neidenbach: 426

Neidhausen: 385

Neidingen: 386

Neilson Field: 4, 401

Neisse River: 498, 505

Nelben: 491

Nelson: 138

Nelson, Donald M.: 246–47, 263–65

Nelson, Maj. Gen. Frederick L.: 160

Nemi: 199, 201

Nemmenich: 422

Nennig: 334, 338, 375, 380–82

Neosho: 37

NEPTUNE: 168, 187. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Nero Point: 169

Neschen: 449

Nesselbach: 496

Netherlands operations in: 265–517. See

also Western Europe.

surrender of German forces in: 530

U.S. air operations begin: 44

Netherlands Air Force, in Borneo: 6

Netherlands Army

in Borneo: 549

Royal Netherlands Brigade: 259, 266

Netherlands District (Br.): 468, 493

Netherlands East Indies

ABDA directive for defense of: 11

Allied air reinforcement: 6, 18

casualty summaries: 295

enemy landings: 14, 17–18

fall of: 11–46

government moves to Bandoeng: 27

Malaya air force moved to: 20

recovery of: 193, 233, 235–36, 249,

253–54, 261–64, 269–71, 274,
[ 628 ] [ INDEX ]

276–77, 279, 281–83, 286–87, 291,

295, 297, 302, 327, 331–32, 527,

545–47, 549–50

SWPA control of: 30

Netphen: 468, 470, 472, 474

Netterden: 460

Nettuno: 164, 170–71. See also Anzio

Campaign.

Neu Astenberg: 468, 470

Neu Ulm: 516, 518

Neuberg: 496

Neubourg: 383

Neudorf: 461

Neuenburg: 486, 511–12

Neuendorf: 398

Neuenkirchen: 464, 468

Neuenrade: 489, 494

Neuenstadt: 492

Neuenstein: 417, 490, 492

Neuerburg, 411, 413

Neuf-Brisach: 343, 389–93, 395

Neufchâteau, Belgium: 357–60, 365, 380

Neufchâteau, France: 268–70, 272

Neufchef: 266

Neufelden: 528–29

Neuffen: 513

Neuhaus: 468, 470, 506, 528–29, 531

Neuheilenbach: 424

Neuhof: 388, 390, 463, 487

Neuhoffen: 365

Neukirchen: 425, 446, 515, 522

Neumarkt, eastern Germany: 401

Neumarkt, western Germany: 507–08,

511–12, 531

Neumuhl: 458

Neundorf: 381–82

Neunhoffen: 442

Neunkirchen: 447

Neuoetting: 528–29

Neupfotz: 451

Neurath: 408, 420, 422

Neuss: 411, 416, 418, 420, 462, 466

Neustadt: 447 ,469, 477, 479, 485, 487,

490, 492, 496, 498, 518–19

Neustettin: 417

Neustrassburg: 424

Neuviller-sur-Moselle: 268

Neuwied: 448, 452

Neville: 375

Nevinnomyssk: 48

New Bosoboso: 448, 450–51, 453, 461.

See also Bosoboso River and Valley

New Bosoboso River: 448

New Britain Island

air offensive against: 140, 143–47, 155–

56, 174

Allied assault on: 139, 141, 143–47, 149,

151–56, 159–63, 166, 172–73, 175–

76, 179–79, 181, 183, 198, 190

armor actions on: 159–60, 163

enemy air attacks on: 12, 16–17

enemy landings on: 17

JCS directive on: 44

MacArthur proposed offensive: 43

naval actions: 144, 146

New Britain Island—Continued

plans for: 43–45, 92, 96–98, 101,

106, 108, 118, 136, 139, 10, 143,

151, 154

New Caledonia, as staging area: 26–28,

155, 322

New Delhi

conference on Burma recovery: 90

SEAC removed from: 187

NEW GALAHAD: 209, 221, 237. See also

Long Range Penetration Groups.

New Georgia campaign: 113–36, 179

air and naval actions: 72, 78, 97,

110, 115–18, 122, 125, 127–29, 138–

39

armor support: 119, 123, 135

enemy move from Guadalcanal to: 82,

84

Kolombangara naval battle: 118

Kula Gulf naval battles: 116, 118

supply situation: 117–18

Vella Gulf naval battles: 125, 139,

363,

New Georgia Air Command: 127

New Georgia Attack Force: 119

New Georgia Occupation Force: 113, 116,

119, 126

New Guinea Campaign: 88–364, 536

advance base established: 49

air and naval actions: 51–52, 67–68, 70–

74 77–78, 82–83, 90–91, 96, 104, 110,

117, 125–31, 135, 37, 147, 159, 161,

164, 173, 176–77, 180–81, 184–85,

187–91, 193, 197–98, 202, 205–06,

209, 211–12, 215–16, 220, 222–23,

225, 227, 230, 232, 235–36, 241, 247,

251, 256, 262, 267

air supply: 74

airborne operations: 131, 223–24

Allied air attacks on shipping: 46–47

Allied armor support: 74–79, 82, 84,

147, 196, 198, 200, 205, 215, 221

Allied reinforcements: 39, 56, 58–59

63–66, 69–70, 72–76, 78–79, 85,

89, 91, 95–96 129, 131–32, 161,

163, 188, 198, 200, 202, 206, 208–

10, 212–13, 220, 223, 229, 234,

247

Australians take control: 342

Blarney commands Allied forces: 56

casualty summaries: 81, 87, 190, 195,

202, 216, 223, 238, 240, 253, 256,

260

Eichelberger takes command: 71–72

enemy air attacks: 17, 21, 27–28 .

enemy armor support: 2 11

enemy ground offensives: 17, 25, 31, 47

enemy landings: 17, 25, 31

enemy reinforcements: 49–53, 68, 71,

74, 77, 82, 96, 141, 178, 151

first Army troops arrive: 55

flame throwers: 73

JCS directive on: 44

MacArthur proposed to head offensive:

43

naval attacks on enemy shipping: 46

New Guinea Force controls all units:

48

Papua Campaign: 46–87

New Guinea Campaign—Continued

plans for offensive: 54, 57, 63, 92, 96–

98, 101, 106, 108, 152–53, 155, 176,

178–80, 189–91, 201, 211, 214–15,

227, 230

staging area for Morotai: 261–64, 269

staging area for P.I.: 302

supply situations: 72–74, 188–89, 201,

204–05, 217

SWPA control of: 30

New Guinea Volunteer Reserve (Aus.): 12,

38

New Hebrides, as staging area: 29, 50, 53–

55, 57, 61, 141, 145–46

New Ireland campaign air and naval actions: 149, 159–60, 162, 174–75

Allied assault: 129, 155–56, 159–60,

162, 172, 174–75, 178, 180, 182

Cape St. George naval battle: 149

enemy air attacks on: 16–17

enemy landings: 17

JCS directive on: 44

offensive plan for: 43–45 92, 96–98 101,

106, 108, 155

New Strip (New Guinea): 69–72, 76

NEW YORK: 453–54

New Zealand, U.S. troops arrive: 39, 41

New Zealand Army units

Corps, New Zealand: 99–101, 169, 171–

75, 180–83

Divisions

2d: 50, 53, 61, 63–66, 74–76, 84, 96,

99, 102–03, 105, 140, 150–51,

153, 156, 169, 174, 180, 183, 197–

98, 207, 227–28, 230–31, 234–38,

240, 247, 250, 252, 268, 285, 288,

301–04, 306, 309, 338, 352–54,

357, 430, 484, 486, 492, 495, 497,

501, 503, 507, 513, 515, 518, 522–

23, 525, 527–28

3d: 134–35, 140, 142–43, 146, 172–

74

Brigades

6th: 46

8th: 134, 140, 142, 146

14th: 135

Newel: 139, 154, 229, 419

Ney: 439

Nezhin: 135

Ngahgahtawng: 183

Ngajatzup: 144

Ngakyedauk Pass: 172, 175, 177

Ngam Ga: 177–78

Ngao Ga: 191

Ngarekeukl: 286

Ngazun: 412

Ngesebus Island: 226, 290–91

Ngulu Island: 184, 305

Nhpum Ga: 183–85, 196

Nicastro: 132–33

Nice: 249, 259

Nichols Field: 4–5, 395–96, 398–402

Nicholson, Brig. C. G. G. (Br.): 94–95

Nicosia: 121–25

Nida River: 374

Nidda: 461

Nideggen: 394, 398, 215

Nied Allemande Rive: 331

Nied Française River: 23–24, 327–29

Netherlands East Indies—Continued

recover of—Continued
[ INDEX ] [ 629 ]

Nied River: 324, 329–30, 332, 336, 341

Niedaltdorf: 341

Nieder Bettingen: 427

Nieder Breisig: 433 435

Nieder Breitbach: 449

Nieder Dollendorf: 442

Nieder Emmel: 443

Nieder Emmels: 380

Nieder Erlenbach: 459

Nieder Eschbach: 459

Nieder Fell: 438, 440

Nieder Gailbach: 355

Nieder Gandern: 481

Nieder Gebraching: 517

Nieder Geckler: 409–10

Nieder Gladbach: 459, 461

Nieder Gondershausen: 439

Nieder Heimbach: 443

Nieder Hersdorf: 424

Nieder Jossa: 465

Nieder Kastenholz: 427

Nieder Lauch: 421

Nieder Losheim: 440

Nieder Mehlen: 398

Nieder Mendig: 441–42

Nieder Pierscheid: 411

Nieder Pruem: 399–400, 421–22

Nieder Schlettenbach: 445–46

Nieder Seemen: 463, 465

Nieder Stedem: 414

Nieder Uttfeld: 406–07

Nieder Viebach: 526

Nieder Vorschutz: 465

Nieder Winkel: 434

Nieder Zissen: 433

Niederau: 411–12

Niederaual: 463

Niederaussem: 420

Niederbach: 427

Niederberg: 420, 422

Niederbronn: 347–48, 442

Niederbruch: 422

Niedergegen: 406

Niederhone: 475, 477

Niederkail: 429

Niederkyll: 427

Niedermerz: 331

Niedermodern: 380

Niedernhausen: 456

Niederpleis: 446

Niederrad: 454–55

Niederroeblingen: 489

Niederroedern: 351

Niederschaeffolsheim :340

Niederschlettenbach: 443

Niederselters: 461

Niedersfeld: 472

Niederspay: 442

Niedersteinbach: 442

Niederstetten: 485

Niederwalgern: 458

Niederwampach: 374–75

Niederweiler: 417

Niederweis: 416

Niederzeuzheim: 456.

Niederzier: 410–11

Nieffern: 383

Niehl: 408, 427

Niel: 398

Niemen River: 300

Nienburg: 480, 489

Nierfeld: 426

Niers Canal: 418, 420

Niers River: 399 421

Niersbach: 431

Nierstein: 447

Nieukerk: 420

Nieuport: 266

Nievenheim: 425

Nigia River: 188–89, 207, 250

Nijmegen: 276, 278–79, 281–82, 289–90,

292, 321, 353, 356, 396, 398, 468,

474

Nikolaev: 153, 184

Nikopol: 142, 171

Nile River Delta: 43, 50

Nimes: 259

Nimitz, Adm. Chester W.: 60, 81, 102,

314

CINCPOA: 30

commands all Navy forces in Pacific:

472

directives on recovery of Gilberts and

Nauru: 121, 137

inspects Midway defenses: 36

JCS directives on Formosa and

Mindanao: 180, 209, 224, 230, 235,

237

orders offensive in Solomons: 45

plans for New Guinea: 181

plans for occupying Japan: 546

plans for Pacific offensive: 139, 162, 211,

224, 230, 235, 237

plans for recovery of Palaus: 226, 230

plans for recovery of P.I.: 266, 294, 340

plans for seizure of Volcanos: 297, 299

337, 385

role in Japanese surrender: 550

succeeds Kimmel: 6

Nims River: 413–14, 416–17, 419, 421–122,

424

Ningbyen: 175

Ningru Ga: 163

Ninni Island: 167–68

Ninth War Area, China: 208–09, 341

Niroemoar Island: 194

Nis: 300, 304, 324

Niscemi: 118– 19

Nisei troops. See Infantry Battalions

(Separate), 100th; Infantry Regiments, 442d.

Nishi: 08, 421, 423

Nishibaru: 510, 512–13

Nishibaru Ridge: 506, 508, 510, 512,

515

Nissan Island: 173

Nister River: 454

Nittel: 408, 414

Nitra: 465

Nitra River: 463

Niumen Creek: 207, 240–43

Nob Pier: 169

Noble, Brig. Gen. Alfred H. (USMC):

182

Noble, Rear Adm. Albert G.: 501

Nocera: 133, 137–38

Nocher: 377

Nochern: 454

Nodake: 474

Noemfoor Island: 201–02, 206, 211, 214–

17, 220–25, 228–30, 232, 235–36

246, 249 251, 255 257,260, 262, 264,

267

Noerde: 464

Noerdershausen: 438

Noertrange: 380

Noethen: 427

Nofilia: 76

Nogent-sur-Seine: 256

Nomeny: 277, 292, 320–21

Nompatelize: 315, 317

Nonancourt: 252–53

Nonhigny: 328

Nonnenweier: 498

Nonnweiler: 440

Nora Road (Kwajalein): 168–69

Nordborchen: 462, 464

Norddorf: 472

Nordenau: 474

Nordhausen: 483, 485, 487, 489, 491

Nordheim: 481

NORDWIND: 365. See also Armies,

Seventh. Norfolk House (London):

116, 164

Normandy Campaign: 203–35

air attack phase: 33, 39, 42, 49, 114, 161,

179, 183, 186–87, 199, 191, 195, 197,

203, 225–26, 232

airborne operations: 164, 203–04

amphibious plan issued: 168

artificial moonlight employed: 231

Battle of the Hedgerows: 223–32

CCS approves BOLERO: 33

CCS establishes staff structure: 106

code names defined: 168

conferences on air support: 39, 42, 46,

49

contact with Seventh Army: 267

D-Day determination: 129, 164, 167,

172, 183, 191, 202

Eisenhower commands Allied forces

152, 156, 163, 203

Italy offensive in support of: 187

landing craft allocation: 164, 172

landing phase: 199–201, 203–04, 216–

27

Marshall-Hopkins-King conferences: 32,

46

naval attack phase: 189, 203, 218

planning phase: 30, 32–33, 39, 42, 49,

106, 112, 129, 150, 164, 167–68, 172,

179, 183, 187, 189, 191, 202

stabilization phase: 227–35

U.K. accepts BOLERO plan: 33

North Africa, military mission to: 8, 21,

42

North African Air Force: 109, 113–15, 119,

124, 130, 140–41

North African Theater of Operations.

See also Northwest Africa campaign.

activated under Eisenhower: 91

air organization: 155–56

AMET, merger with: 419

Devers heads: 161

Germany-to-England, first shuttle raid:

114

McNarney succeeds Devers: 309
[ 630 ] [ INDEX ]

North Africa Theater of Operations —Continued

designated MTOUSA: 316

SOS established: 92

Southern France, plans for: 159

North Apennines Campaign: 267–473

North Carolina: 55

North Force, New Guinea: 229–32, 235–

36, 239–40

North Gugegwe Island: 170

North Luzon Force: 8–10, 12

North Pacific, control by POA: 30

North Pacific Force: 48, 81, 102, 111, 135

North Sea: 449

Northampton: 71

Northeim: 483

Northern Assault Force, Salerno: 132

Northern Attack Force, Gilberts: 143–44,

147

Northern Attack Force, Marshalls: 167

Northern Attack Force (TF 53): 467

Northern Attack Group, French Morocco:

65

Northern Combat Area Command: 168,

170, 173–98, 200–201, 204, 207,

210–11, 213–14, 216, 219–21, 223,

226, 229–31, 234, 236–37, 239, 242,

244, 257, 274, 286, 293, 297, 304,

307, 311, 313–14, 318–19, 322–23,

326–28, 333, 337–39, 341–42, 345–

48, 351–54, 358–59, 362–64, 366–

69, 371–72, 375–78, 380–92, 397,

399, 402, 405–06, 430, 434, 438,

441, 446, 463, 467

Northern France Campaign: 235–71

air support of: 236, 240, 244–45, 260

breakout phase: 247–55

pursuit phase: 259–65

supply situation: 256–58, 260–62,

265

Northern Ireland, U.S. troops arrive in: 14,

19

Northern Landing Force, Attu: 109–12

Northern Landing Force, Marshalls: 167–

68, 170–71

Northern Landing Force, New Georgia:

115, 126–29, 131, 140, 143, 146

Northern Landing Group, New Georgia

116

Northern Solomons Campaign: 95–332

Northern Troops and Landing Force,

Marianas: 212, 227

Northwest Africa campaign. See also

Algiers; Tunisia.

air support of. See Air Forces, Twelfth;

North African Air Force; Northwest

African Allied Air Force. AlgeriaFrench Morocco Campaign: 64–66

AFHQ activated: 55

attacks on shipping: 64–66, 73, 75

civil government restored: 98

CCS agrees upon command structure:

46

convoy departures for: 59–61, 64

Darlan orders cease fire: 66

D-Day determination: 56

decision on landing sites: 53

Northwest Africa Campaign—Continued

decision to seize: 14, 42

directive to Eisenhower: 50

Egypt-Libya Campaign: 41–92

Eighth Air Force diverted from: 33

Eisenhower as commander: 48, 55

outline plan issued: 56

Stilwell proposed as commander: 14

Tunisia Campaign: 66–110

U.S.-French conference on: 60

warship departures for: 61, 64

Northwest African Air Forces, activated:

93, 96

Northwest Sea Frontier: 186

Northwestern France. See Normandy Campaign; Northern France Campaign.

Nortons Knob: 437, 439, 446, 455, 457

Norway

first U.S. assault on: 122

German island bases raided: g

operations in: g, 122, 308, 311, 326, 334

Quisling establishes government: 21

Norzagaray: 390

Nossoncourt: 315

Nostorf: 526

Noswendel: 440

Nosy Bé Island: 54

Nothberg: 333

Nothweiler: 354

Notre Dame de Cenilly: 237

Notre Dame de la Garde: 257

Notre Dame d’Elle: 237, 242

Notscheid: 437–39

Nouméa: 50

Novaliches: 407, 503

Noveant: 264–65, 267

Novgorod: 163, 170

Novgorod Severski: 133, 135

Noville: 370–71, 374

Novo Belitsa: 140

Novocherkassk: 47, 92

Novograd Volyinsk: 159

Novorossisk: 48, 52–54, 57, 83, 86–87, 89,

91–92, 135

Novosokolniki: 176

Nowy Sacz: 379

Nowy Targ: 387, 473

Noyers: 231–32, 242

Noyes, Rear Adm. Leigh: 45, 47

Noyon: 261

Nueha River: 88–89

Nuembrecht: 482, 485

Nuetterden: 398

Nugent, Brig. Gen Richard E.: 271

Nugu Point: 89

Nukufetau: 129–30, 139

Numa Numa Trail: 144, 146, 157

Number 3 airstrip, New Guinea: 52

Numundo Plantation: 181

Nunkirchen: 442

Nure River: 518

Nuremberg: 184, 483, 487, 492, 494, 496,

498, 500, 502, 504, 507, 508–09,

513, 521, 530

Nusbaum: 405–07

Nutheim: 270

Nuttlar: 478

Nyaparake: 189–90, 192–93, 195

Nyaparake Force: 190

Nyaunglebin: 26

Nyaungu: 402, 408–09

Nyebon: 94

Nyrsko: 521–22

Oahu, Japanese attack on: 27

Oak Hill (Okinawa): 542

OB WEST. See Commander in Chief, West.

Ober Beisheim: 463

Ober Bettingen: 427

Ober Bieber: 451

Ober Breisig: 435

Ober Buchfeld: 511

Ober Dollendorf: 442

Ober Drees: 427

Ober Ehe: 429

Ober Eisenbach: 409–10

Ober Elspe: 485

Ober Elvenich: 422

Ober Emmels: 380

Ober Felden: 500

Ober Fleckenberg: 476

Ober Forstbach: 270

Ober Gartzem: 426

Ober Geckler: 410–11

Ober Gladbach: 459, 461

Ober Gondershausen: 439

Ober Henneborn: 483

Ober Hersdorf: 424

Ober Kappel: 524

Ober Kessach: 475

Ober Lahnstein: 452, 454

Ober Landenbeck: 483

Ober Lauch: 421

Ober Liblar: 424

Ober Mehlen: 396–97

Ober Meiser: 472

Ober Morscholz: 440

Ober Olmer Wald: 445

Ober Otterbach: 445

Ober Pierscheid: 411

Ober Ramstadt: 451

Ober Rot: 503

Ober Sorpe: 478

Ober Spiesheim: 485

Ober Stadtfeld: 428

Ober Stedem: 414

Ober Steinbach: 452

Ober Uttfeld: 406–07

Ober Wichterich: 422

Ober Windhagen: 442

Ober Winkel: 434 492

Ober Wolfert: 427

Ober Wurzbach: 446

Oberaasheim: 395

Oberau: 523

Oberbronn: 441

Oberbruegge: 489

Obercassel: 444

Oberembt: 414

Oberentzen: 393, 395

Oberesch: 336

Oberfeulen: 357

Obergailbach: 352

Obergartzem: 426

Obergeich: 349

Oberhausen: 386, 427, 440

Oberhof: 470, 477, 479, 483

Oberhoffen: 388–93, 395–402, 419, 439
[ INDEX ] [ 631 ]

Oberhundem: 478

Oberkail: 426, 428

Oberkassel: 420, 422

Oberkirch: 500

Oberkirchen: 470, 472, 474, 476, 478

Oberkossa: 494

Oberleuken: 335–36, 338, 406

Oberlind: 490

Obermaubach: 358, 360–61, 363

Obermuhlthal: 370, 372, 376

Obernai: 338

Obernau: 459

Obernbreit: 473, 477

Oberndorf: 517

Obernkirchen: 482

Oberode: 479

Oberpleis: 445

Oberroeblingen: 489

Obersachswerfen: 487

Obersdorf: 489, 528

Obersehr: 417, 419

Obersgegen: 409

Oberspay: 44

Obersteinbach: 365

Obertal: 503

Obertiefenbach: 454

Obervellmar: 472

Oberwampach: 376–77, 379

Oberweiler: 419

Oberweis: 413

Oberwesel: 441, 443, 454

Oberwiehl: 482

Oberzenn: 509

Oberzier: 411–12

Object Hill (Luzon): 400, 406

Oboe Hill (Okinawa): 540–42

Obojan sector: 117

Obringhausen: 480

Observation Hill (New Guinea): 117

Observatory Hill (Germany): 302–03, 305

Obspringen: 380

Ocean Islands: 3

Ochakov: 184

Ochsenfurt: 465, 469, 471, 473, 477

Ochtendung: 429

Ockfen: 409–11, 413–14, 416–17

Ocoy River: 519, 529

OCTAGON Conference: 269, 271, 274, 280,

285, 290

Octeville: 217–19

Oda, Maj. Gen. Kensaku: 74, 76, 86

O’Daniel, Maj. Gen. John W.: 173

Odeigne: 367–68

Odekoven: 430

Odenbach: 444

Odendorf: 426

Odenhausen: 458

Odenwald: 459

Oder River: 382–84, 389, 394–95, 400,

425, 435, 438, 446, 467, 498, 505,

518

Odessa: 184, 186

Odheim: 481, 488

Odingen: 485

Odlumon: 529, 533–34

Odon River: 219–21, 224, 228, 231–32

Odrimont: 367

Oedt: 418, 420

Oehringen: 492, 494

Oels: 384

Oelsnitz: 498, 502

Oepping: 526, 528

Oerlinghausen: 466, 468, 470

Oermingen: 343

Oesel (Saarema) Island: 296, 330, 335

Oesthaven: 24

Oestringen: 469

Oeting: 404–05

Ofanto River: 137

Offenau: 475, 477, 479, 481, 483, 485

Offenbach: 455, 457

Offenburg: 496

Offendorf: 368, 376, 390, 393, 395–96

Offenthal: 455

Office of Strategic Services units: 139,

545–46

Offingen: 516

Offwiller: 381

Ognon River: 266

Ohe River: 515

Ohlau: 395

Ohr: 474 476

Ohrdorf: 486

Ohrdruf: 473, 477

Oidtweiler: 298, 327

Oirschot: 281

Oise River: 259

Oituz Pass: 258

Oivi: 47, 62–65

Oker River: 482, 484, 486

Okinawa campaign: 462–549

Ryukyus Campaign.

airborne operations: 540–41

armor actions: 488, 506, 510, 519–20,

522, 538–40, 543–46

East China Sea naval battle: 480

effect of seizure: 548

enemy air and naval attacks: 456, 458,

468, 478, 480, 488, 491, 499, 512,

520, 525, 532, 540–42, 548

psychological warfare employed: 547

spigot mortar, first use of: 482

underwater demolition teams: 453, 462,

493

U.S. air and naval actions: 300, 380–81,

449, 453, 456, 462, 464, 467, 471, 480,

482, 486, 493, 495, 497, 499, 506, 517,

525, 538, 540–41, 544–46, 548,

Okino Daito: 420

Oktwin: 511

Old Rossum: 181

Old Spanish Trail: 428, 434, 436, 441, 453,

548

Old Strip (New Guinea): 77–78, 81

Oldenburg: 480, 484, 495, 501

Oldendorf, Rear Adm. Jesse B.: 210

Oleana: 115

Olef River: 393–94, 424

Oleron Island: 525, 527

Olevsk: 159

Oliva: 453

OLIVE: 242. See also Gothic Line.

Oliver, Commodore G. N. (RN): 132

Oliveto: 136–37

Olk: 419

Olkenbach: 436

Ollheim: 427

Ollmuth: 426

Olmuetz: 523, 534

Olmscheid: 408, 410

Olongapo: 13, 22, 388, 403

Olpe: 482

Olsberg: 483

Olsdorf: 413

OLYMPIC: 541. See also Japan, preparations

for invasion of.

Olzheim: 397, 400

Omaha: 254

OMAHA Beach: 203. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Ombrone River: 210, 214, 217

Ommersheim: 443

On Chong’s Wharf (Butaritari): 148

Onaga: 517, 524 527

One-hundred-meter Hill (Okinawa): 542–43

Onaiavisi Entrance: 115

Onaiavisi Occupation Unit, New Georgia:

115

Ona-Yama Island: 542–43

Ondava River: 342–43

Ondenval: 376, 379

Ondonga: 139

Onipa River: 478

Oos: 426–27

Oosterbeek: 281–82

Oosterhout: 315

Opherten: 415

Ophoven: 416

Opladen: 495, 497

Oploo: 291

Opochka: 231

Opon airfield: 460

Oppau: 459

Oppeln: 383, 395, 449

Oppenau: 503

Oppenhausen: 438

Oppenheim: 318, 445, 447–48, 450, 452,

457, 465

Opperode: 502

Oran: 53, 64–65

Oradea: 301

Oraison: 252

Orange: 257

Orani: 403

Orani River: 14

Oranienbaum: 163

Oranienburg: 513

Orbec: 254

Orbetello: 208

Orbey: 353

Orcia River: 214–16, 218–19

Ordorf: 424

Ordzhonikidze: 64

Oregon: 42, 54

Orel: 90–91, 95–96, 99, 116–18, 120–21,

125, 128

Orenhofen: 424, 429, 431

Orete Cove: 130

Orglandes: 210

Orgon: 256

Orion: 15, 18

Orioung: 545–46

Orioung Pass: 545–46

Ork: 451

Orléans: 191, 247–51, 257, 261

Orlo River: 234

Ormoc: 316, 318–22, 326–29, 337, 341–

42, 344–53, 358, 360, 363

Ormoc Bay: 334, 346–47, 349–50, 352

Ormoc Valley: 317–18, 355, 358
[ 632 ] [ INDEX ]

Ormont: 414, 416, 419, 421–22

Orne River: 203, 216, 228, 231–33, 242–46

Oro Bay: 67, 74, 76–79, 88, 97, 104, 159,

176, 188, 225

Oroku Peninsula: 543–46

Oron: 324

Orote Peninsula: 235–39, 241

Orreux: 372

Orsara: 310, 312

Orsbeck: 415, 418

Orsberg: 429

Orscheid: 442

Orscholz: 379–80, 407–08, 410

Orscholz Switch Line: 330, 332, 334–36

Orsfeld: 426

Orsha: 219

Orsogna: 153, 156

Orsova: 291

Orsoy: 422, 425, 427–28, 456

Ortelsburg: 382

Ortona: 147, 152–53, 155–57

Orvieto: 204–06, 209–10

Osboy Ridge: 538–39

Osburger Hoch Wald: 438

Oscariz: 546

Oschersleben: 161

Osima: 225

Oskol: 45

Osmena, Sergio: 310

Osnabrueck: 460, 466, 468, 470, 472, 474,

501

Ospel: 317

Oss River: 290

Ossenberg: 428, 430, 432

Ossendorf: 464

Ost Buederich: 480

Ost Oennen: 476

Ostend: 266, 315–16

Osterath: 418

Osterburken: 475

Osterhagen: 487

Osterheide: 470

Osterhofen: 526

Osteria Finocchio: 201

Osterode: 487

Ostheim: 346, 381–82, 459, 469

Ostiglia: 505

Osterpai: 441

Ostroleka: 264

Ostrov: 229, 233–34

Ostrow: 384

Osweiler: 354–55, 358

Ostwig: 478

Ottbergen: 474

Otterskirchen: 522

Ottmarsheim: 397

Ottre: 369

Ottweiler: 444, 446–47

Otzenrath: 415–16

Oubourcy: 365, 375

Oudelande: 312

Oudna: 71

Oudref: 101

Oudrenne: 323–25

Oued ben Hassine: 109

Oued Zarga: 67–68, 103

Ouffet: 358

Ouistreham: 203

Oujda: 82

Ouki: 474, 482 486, 488

Ouki Hill: 508

Our River: 268–69, 353, 377–79, 381–

83, 385–90, 392, 394, 396–402,

404–10

Ourthe: 380–81

Ourthe River: 359, 367, 371, 373–78

Ousseltia: 86, 88, 104

Ousseltia River and Valley: 8.6–89

Outscheid: 411

Overbruch: 451

Overhagen: 472

Overloon: 291, 293–95, 301–02

OVERLORD: 112, 114, 129, 150, 152,

156,161, 164, 168, 172, 183, 187, 199,

203, 258, 267. See also Normandy

Campaign.

Overpelt: 267

Overton: 168

Ovruch: 147

Owen, Lt. Col. William T. (Aus.): 46

Owen Stanley Range: 43–44, 52–54, 58,

71, 131

Owl Island: 200–201, 206, 212, 215

Ozato: 545

Ozeville: 206, 208

Paan: 181 23

Pachino town and Peninsula: 118–19

Pachten: 334–46

Pacific Air Command, AAF: 22

Pacific Fleet (RN): 531

Pacific Fleet (U.S.), Nimitz Kimmel: 6

Pacific Military Conference, Washington:

97–98

Pacific Ocean Areas. See also Nimitz, Adm.

Chester W.; Pacific theater; South

Pacific theater; Southwest Pacific

Area.

absorbs part of SOPAC: 183

control of Army units: 314

directive on seizure of Gilberts-Nauru:

121, 137

directive on missions: 30

JCS directive on advance to LuzonFormosa: 180

Nimitz commands Navy forces: 6, 30,

472

orders for recovery of Solomons: 45

plans for occupation of Japan: 546

plans for operations in New Guinea: 181

plans for Pacific offensive: 139, 162, 221,

224, 230, 235, 237

plans for recovery of Philippines: 266,

294 340

plans for seizure of Formosa: 180, 209,

224, 230, 235, 237

plans for seizure of Palaus: 226, 230

plans for seizure of Volcanos: 297, 299

337 385

reorganized: 183

support for Guadalcanal: 60

Pacific theater

air build–up: 126, 128–30, 132, 211,

224, 227, 235 282, 294

Central Pacific Campaign: 3–152

China as supply base for: 190, 200, 204–

05, 242, 517, 536 540

CCS establishes: 30

controls SE Pacific area: 30–31

Pacific theater—Continued

Eastern Mandates Campaign: 152–210

hostilities cease: 551

mobile air force authorized: 44

plans for drive through to Japan: 112,

126, 129–30, 132, 135, 139, 147, 152,

162, 204, 209, 224, 230, 235, 237,

274, 294, 299

redeployment of forces to: 528, 530, 550

SWPA command problems: 43–44

VJ–Day proclaimed: 551

Western Pacific Campaign: 187–551

Pacific War Council, Allied: 23, 31

Pacijan Island: 379, 391

Pack Howitzer Battalion, 2d Separate: 174

Paderborn: 458, 460, 462, 464, 466, 468,

470

Padignon: 30

Padua: 224, 522–23

Paclasan: 368

Paco station: 400

Paernu: 285

Paestum: 132, 134, 136

Paffendorf: 415–16, 418

Pagan: 403

Pagani Valley: 133, 137

Pagbilao: 8–9

Paget, Gen. Sir Bernard (Br.): 156

Paglieta: 145

Pagny-lès-Goin: 322

Pagny-sur-Moselle: 263, 268

Pago Bay: 241

Pagsangahan River: 359

Pagsanjan: 464

Pagsanjan River: 475

Pahang: 9

Paidado Islands: 200

Paidu Pulangi: 506

Paima Shan: 509, 536

Pain de Sucre: 278, 280

Painten: 514

Pak Island: 186

Pakokku: 348, 372, 403

Pakriki: 249

Palacpalac: 378

Palaia: 232–34

Palanas River: 335, 345–46

Palatinate sector: 439,53

Palau Islands

Allied seizure of: 264, 270, 274, 276–

79, 281–83, 285–86, 288–97, 299–

303, 305–08, 310–12, 317, 338–39,

342, 350

air and naval actions: 264, 268, 270,

274, 278, 283, 286

casualty summaries: 306, 308, 312,

338

plans for seizure of: 179, 184, 211, 226,

230, 240, 249, 259, 263

underwater demolition teams: 270

Palauan: 358, 366, 368

Palauig: 405

Palauru: 205–06, 233–34, 236, 238–39,

242

Palawan Island: 37, 395, 405, 415, 417,

419–21, 423, 425, 427–28, 430,

432, 442, 457, 484, 503, 512, 547,

549
[ INDEX ] [ 633 ]

Palazzo: 314–15

Palazzolo: 118

Palazzuolo: 285, 286–87, 291–92

Palel: 189, 191, 416

Palembang: 8, 18, 24

Palena: 183

Palenberg: 292, 295

Palermo: 120–24

Palestrina: 201

Paliano: 201

Palimpinon: 520, 522–23, 525

Palma: 110

Palma di Montechiaro: 118

Palmersheim: 427

Palo: 307–11

Palombara Pass: 199

Palompon: 348, 356–64

Palzem: 407

Pamati: 194–95

Pampanga River: 110–11, 384, 388–89,

403, 409

Pampelonne Bay: 249

Panacan: 539

Panaon strait: 307, 315–16

Panaro River: 505, 509, 511, 513

Panay Island: 22, 33–34, 415, 419,

440–41, 443, 445–46, 448–50,

460, 547

Pandan: 4

Pandanan Island: 432, 512

Panheel: 325

Paniqui: 378

Pansfeld: 500

Panningen: 330

Pansipit River: 428

Pantabangan: 413

Pantalan River: 370

Pantangan: 401

Pantalbangan: 406, 409–10

Pantay: 442

Pantelleria Island: 109–14

Pantenburg: 432

PANTHER: 163. See also Garigliano River.

Pantingan River: 19

Paoching: 211, 481, 492, 509, 536, 544

Papa: 455

Papitalai Mission: 178, 181–82

Papua: 60

Papua Campaign: 46–87

Parachute Infantry battalions

509th: 255

551st: 255

Parachute Infantry Regiments

503d: 65, 93, 131, 133, 135, 223–24,

229–30, 232, 235–36, 246, 251, 255

257, 302, 353, 357–58, 366, 368, 375,

404–06, 411–12, 415, 421, 480, 484,

493 501, 527, 533–34, 536

504th: 164–65, 167, 184

505th: 446

508th: 380, 386–87, 397–99

509th: 65–70, 72, 75, 134, 146, 164,

177, 185, 195–96

511th: 337, 349, 352–54, 357, 389–

90, 392–96, 398 434–35, 437,

445, 450–52 471, 478, 490, 497,

501, 522–23, 548

517th: 212, 219, 254–55, 373, 389, 392,

394–95, 397–99

Paradise Valley (Saipan): 225, 227

Parai: 198–99, 201, 205

Parai Defile: 198–99, 201–02, 205, 207–

08

Parakovio: 195, 199

Paramushiro Island: 117, 132

Parang: 35, 44, 453, 488, 497, 501, 503,

506, 531

Paranaque: 393–94

Pardo: 455

Parfouru-l’Eclin: 210

Parian Gate (Manila): 00

Paris: 251–58, 261, 328

PARIS: 456, 458

Parker, Maj. Gen. George M., Jr.: 5, 8

Parkstein: 508

Parma: 515–16, 518

Parocchia di M. Maggiore: 351

Parmignola Canal: 492, 501

Parroy: 278

Parry Island: 174–75

Parsberg: 518

Partenkirchen: 523, 525

Partisan forces. See French Forces of the

Interior; Guerrilla forces.

Pasananca: 436–38, 440, 442

Pasananca Reservoir: 440

Pasay: 401

Paschel: 417, 419

Pas-de-Calais: 256, 262, 268

Pasig River: 392, 394–97, 399–400, 410

Passau: 521–22, 526, 528–29

Passo Corese: 205

Pastena: 196–97

Pastina: 228–29

Pastrana: 311–13

Pasugi-Pianag: 357–58

Patani: 3

Patch, Lt. Gen. Alexander M.

activates Americal Division: 39, 81

CG of XI V Corps: 81

CG of Seventh Army: 177

commands on Guadalcanal: 73–74, 78,

82

commands New Caledonia TF: 27–28

Paterno: 120–21, 125

Patersberg: 454

Pathfinders, use in bomber aircraft: 137,

144

Patik: 461

Patog: 464, 476, 497, 533–34

Patok: 318, 320–22

Patras: 285–86

Patrick, Brig. Gen. Edwin D.: 197–200,

215, 223

Pattensen: 486

Pattern: 334, 338, 410, 412

Patti: 126–27

Patton, Lt. Gen. George S., Jr.

commands II Corps: 97, 100, 102,

104–05

commands Third Army: 240, 247, 263,

286–87, 290–91, 316, 319–20, 343,

357, 442

commands Seventh Army: 117, 119, 124,

501, 522–23, 548

commands Western Assault Force: 65

Paustenbach: 355, 392, 394–95, 397–99

Pauili River: 523

Pauk: 385

Paulus, Field Marshal: 83

Paungde: 30–31

Paup villages: 228

Pausa: 496

Pavia: 527

Pavlograd: 94, 136

Pavuvu: 94

Pawing: 308–09

Payagyi: 26

Peabody, Capt. Maurice E., Jr.: 272,

Peabody Peak: 272

Pearl Harbor. See also Hawaiian Islands.

attack on: 3

conference on Pacific offensive: 230,

237

Fletcher TF arrives: 39

Spruance TF arrives: 38

Peary: 25

Peccia River: 160

Pecs: 340, 342

Pedaso: 214

Peel Marshes: 284, 287, 289–90, 292, 294,

296–97 301, 315

Peenemuende: 128

Peffingen: 405, 413

Pegau: 489, 491–92

Pegu: 24–27, 511, 523, 525, 529

Pegu Yomas: 26

Peilstein: 526, 528

Peine: 482

Peiping–Hankow railway: 187

Peirse, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard 153

Peising: 519

Peleliu Island: 226, 268, 274, 276–79,

281–83, 285–86, 288–97, 299–303,

305–06, 311–12, 317, 338

Peleliu Island Garrison Force: 301

Peljesac Peninsula: 272

Pellingen: 416–17, 428

Peloponnesus sector: 275, 285, 298

Penablanca: 548

Penfoie: 24–25

Penadjim Point: 549

Penang Island: 4, 6

Penfeld River: 277

Penig: 494

Pensacola: 5, 8

Perak Flotilla (RN): 6

Perak River: 6–8

Percival, Lt. Gen. Sir Arthur E. (Br.) 6–7,

13–14, 23–24

in Johore operations: 13, 18

orders withdrawal to Singapore: 19

surrenders Malaya forces: 24

Percy: 238–41

Perekop Isthmus: 143

Pergola: 352–54

Périers: 208–09, 224–27, 229, 231–32,

236–38

Perl: 406

Perlesreut: 515

Persano: 133–34, 136

PERSECUTION: 182. See also Aitape

operation.

PERSECUTION Covering Force (New

Guinea): 227–33, 236, 238, 241,

246–47, 249. See also Task Forces,

Army, PERSECUTION, Aitape.
[ 634 ] [ INDEX ]

Persia. See Iran.

Persian Corridor. See Persian Gulf Infantry Divisions Command; Persian

Gulf Service 41st: 5, 13–16, 18–19,

21, 31

Persian Gulf Command: 141, 153, 156

Persian Gulf Service Command

approval of plan for use: 56–57

Connolly commands: 57, 60

mission directive: 52

redesignated PGC: 153

personnel structure: 60

operates under USAFIME: 49, 57

Shingler commands: 50

as supply route to USSR: 20

Persons, Maj. Gen. John C.: 233, 262, 274

Perth: 26

Pertuis: 252

Perugia: 210–14, 346

Pervomaisk: 182

Pesaro: 259–60, 262

Pescadores Islands: 367, 370, 375, 380

Pescara: 142, 207

Pescia: 277, 282, 288

Pescia River: 217–18, 221

Pesch: 415, 427

Pest: 349

Pétain, Marshal Henri-Philippe: 33

Petersau: 447

Petersroda: 504

Petit Landau: 397

Petit-Magny: 336

Petit Réderching: 349–50

Petit St. Bernard Pass: 457, 461

Petit Thier: 355, 376–77

Petite-Hettange: 321–23

Petite Langlir: 370–72

Petite Mormont: 373

Petite Tailles: 372

Petralia: 120–22

Petrignano: 221

Petsamo: 280, 303, 308

Pettoncourt: 289–90, 292

Pettstaedt: 489

Peuschen: 494

Peyrolles: 252

Pfaffenheck: 438, 440

Pfalz: 504, 512, 516

Pfatter: 519

Pfedelbach: 496

Pfeffer River: 442, 452

Pferdsfeld: 443

Pfettrach: 522

Pforzheim: 471, 475, 477, 481, 498, 503

Pfullendorf: 521

Pfullingen: 513

Pfungstadt: 451

Phalsbourg: 332–33, 335

Phantom Ridge (Italy): 192, 194

Philippine Army units

Corps

I: 12–25, 28, 30, 32

II: 12–22, 24–25, 30–32

Infantry Divisions

1st: 12–13, 16–23, 35

2d Philippine Constabulary: 13

11th: 4, 7, 10–13, 19–22

21st: 7, 9–13, 16, 18–19, 31–32

31st: 12–13, 15–16, 18–20

Philippine Army units—Continued

Infantry Divisions—Continued

51st: 5, 10–11, 13–1 5, 18–20, 22,

28

71st: 7, 9–12

91st: 9–12, 17, 19, 22

92d: 400

101st: 35

102d: 35–36

106th: 549–50

108th: 549–50

Field Artillery Regiments

51st: 10

61st: 36

81st: 36

101st: 35

102d: 35

Infantry Regiments

1st: 9, 13, 15, 403, 411, 417, 433

1st Philippine Constabulary: 19

2d: 35

2d Philippine Constabulary: 10

3d: 13

11th: 20

12th: 20

21st: 14

23d: 15

32d: 15

33d: 19, 31–32

41st: 19, 32

42d: 32

43d: 32, 36

52d: 9

53d: 9

61st: 35–36

62d: 36–37

71st: 7, 12

72d: 12

73d: 36

82d: 32

83d: 33

92d: 16, 22

93d: 36

94th: 391

102d: 35

103d: 36

104th: 35

116th: 549–50

118th: 549

121st: 380, 446–47

Engineer Battalion, 31st: 21

Field Artillery Battalion, 31st: 13

Philippine Constabulary Battalion,

1st: 20

Philippine Constabulary, and defense of

Bataan: 17, 20, 22, 32

Philippine Constabulary units. See Philippine Army units.

Philippine Guerrilla Forces, North Luzon:

419, 426, 447, 546

Philippine Islands

fall of: 3–37, 41

ABDA directive for defense of

islands: 11

aircraft moved to Australia: 6

all elements assigned to USAFFE:

95

Philippine Islands—Continued

fall of—Continued

attacks on enemy shipping: 4

Bataan Defense Force: 8, 12–13

Corregidor as hq for USFIP: 29

Death March: 32

enemy air attack: 3–4

enemy landings: 3–4

final capitulation: 37

first action by Australia-based

planes: 7

government moved to Corregidor:

8

Luzon Force: 28–29, 31–32

MacArthur controls islands after

departure: 28, 30

MacArthur controls naval forces 20

MacArthur departs: 25, 27, 29

MacArthur transfers to Mindanao:

28–29

Mindanao seized by enemy: 7

naval forces moved to Corregidor:

9

naval forces withdrawn: 3, 6

naval operations under Rockwell: 9

Philippine Islands Campaign:

1–37

PT boat operations: 17

rations reduced: 12

reorganization of forces: 27–28

Service Area Command: 13, 17–

18

SWPA controls: 30

TF South Pacific dispatched to P.I.:

5

Visayan-Mindanao Force: 33

Wainwright commands all forces:

29–30

Yamashita succeeds Homma: 28

naval battles

Leyte Gulf: 310–12

Philippine Sea: 212, 214–15

recovery of: 302–549

air actions: 244, 270, 297, 301,

304, 307–11, 315, 318–19,

322, 340, 344, 347, 350, 352–

54, 356, 358, 360–61, 364,

366–70, 373, 375 379, 381,

395, 406, 408–09, 415, 417,

419, 428, 430, 434, 436–38,

441, 445–46, 448, 450, 455,

467, 469, 471, 479, 482, 484,

495, 497, 499, 501, 503, 505,

510, 513, 520, 527, 533–38, 540,

542, 544, 548

airborne operations: 372, 379, 381,

385, 389, 390–92, 404, 410, 548

armor actions: 310–11, 319, 376,

381, 471, 517, 540, 545–47

artificial moonlight employed 503

casualty summaries: 364, 389, 408,

411, 421, 423, 433, 448, 476, 503,

523, 531

civil administration restored: 310

enemy reinforcements: 316, 318,

321–22, 347–48, 350, 358, 368
[ INDEX ] [ 635 ]

Philippine Islands—Continued

fall of—Continued

guerrilla activities: 356–58, 366–68,

372–73, 375, 399–400, 419, 426,

433–34, 436, 441, 443, 445–48,

453, 455, 457, 462, 469, 471, 476,

480, 482, 486, 497, 501, 503, 510,

513,519, 522–23, 531, 535–36,

538, 540–43, 546–50

kamikaze attacks: 347, 351, 366–68

Leyte Campaign: 305–549

Luzon Campaign: 353–549

naval actions: 212, 214–15, 305–07,

310–12, 339, 351, 355, 362, 366–

70, 372–73, 375, 380, 385, 403,

415, 417, 433–34, 436, 441, 443,

455, 462, 467, 469, 484, 499, 501,

535

plans for: 95, 179, 209, 211, 224,

235, 237, 266, 274, 276, 283, 287,

291, 294, 301, 304, 315, 350

Southern Philippines Campaign

415–549

supply situation: 310–11, 323, 326,

332–33, 339, 342

underwater demolition teams: 306–

07 369

Philippine Islands Campaign: 1–37

Philippine Scouts: 21–22. See also Cavalry

Regiments, 26th Philippine Scouts;

Engineer Battalion, 14th Philippine

Scouts; Field Artillery Regiments,

88th Philippine Scouts; Infantry

Regiments, 45th and 57th Philippine

Scouts.

Philippine Sea naval battle: 212, 214–15

Philippines, U.S. Forces in: 542

Philippsbourg: 365–68, 442

Philippsheim: 421, 426

Phillips, Adm. Sir Tom (RN): 4

Phillipsweiler: 414

Phyket Island: 531

Piacenza: 231, 518, 521

Pian dei Cerri: 239

Pian di Castello: 264

Piana di Caiazzo: 140

Pianoro: 499 501, 503

Piave River and Valley: 523, 525, 527

Piazza Armerina: 119–209

Pick, Brig. Gen. Lewis A.: 157, 392, 426

PICCADILLY: 178. See also Indian Army units,

Divisions, 3d, and Brigades, 77th

LRP (Chindits).

Picauville: 206

Pichon: 92, 97, 102–04

Pico: 194–96

Piedimonte: 164, 170, 195, 197

Piedimonte d’Alife: 140–41

Piedura: 344–45 347

Pier: 349–50 360

Pierrefontaine: 264

Piesbach: 444

Piesport: 435–36

Piet Hein: 25

Pietra Colora: 423, 425

Pietraperzia: 120

Pietrasanta: 279–80

PIGSTICK: 152, 160. See also Mayu Peninsula

and River

Pikard: 342

Pikas: 310

Piket: 35

Pilar: 403, 405

Pilar River: 17–21

Pilelo Island: 154

Pili: 529

Pillau: 516, 518

Pillsbury: 26

Pilsen (Plzen): 530, 532–33, 536

Pim: 188

Pimple Hill (Luzon): 490

Pin Chaung: 33–34

Pinamalayan: 365, 367–68, 373, 389

Pinamola: 548

Pinamopoan: 318–19, 322, 344, 358

Pinbaw: 257.

Pindale: 445

Pingka: 193, 196–97, 202, 286

Pingkian: 548

Pingsheim: 418

Pinlebu: 354

Pinnacle, The (Ie Shima): 501, 504, 506,

508, 510

Pinnacles, The, East and West (Okinawa):

508, 510

Pinsamont: 364, 367

Pinsk: 147, 230

Pintsch: 383

Pinwe: 322–23, 328, 337–38, 341

Pio: 11

Piombino: 218, 220

Piraeus: 301–02, 304

Pirmasens: 447

Pironpré: 367, 371

Piru Plantation: 129

Piryatin: 136, 201

Pisa: 162, 190, 202, 204, 210, 231, 234–

35, 253, 261

Pisciatello: 304, 306

Pisek: 533

Pisignano: 309

Pistoia: 162, 204, 230, 234, 269, 279, 284,

288, 370

Pithiviers: 253

Piti Navy Yard: 235

Pitoe airfield: 274, 276, 279, 281, 286, 291

Pityilu Island: 184

Piva River: 148–49

Piva Uncle, and Piva Yoke, airstrips

(Bougainville): 150, 157, 161, 179–80

Pivitsheide: 470, 472

Pizzo: 132

Plaine River: 329–31

Plana: 532

Plancher-lès-Mines: 332

Planice: 533

Planois: 300

Plaridel: 10–11, 385, 387, 389–90

Platt, Lt. Gen. Sir William (Br.): 44, 55,

57, 59, 83

Platting: 521–22, 524, 526

Plauen: 496, 498

Pleinting: 526

Pleiserhohn: 447

Plettenberg: 491

Pliesse River: 498, 502

Ploessberg: 510

Ploesti: 259

air raids on: 41, 112, 124, 185, 234, 237

244

Plouvien: 245

Pluetscheid: 419, 421

PLUNDER: 449 See also Rhine River, Allied

river crossing; Ruhr sector.

Po di Volano: 511

Po River and Valley air offensive against

bridges: 228–29, 231

drive to: 167, 224–520

Po Valley Campaign: 475–534

Pock, Lt. Hugh A.: 379

Podolski: 182

Pofi: 199

Poggibonsi: 226, 230–31

Poggio all’Olmo: 225

Poggio Berni: 285–86

Poggio Cavalmagra: 285

Poggio Prefetto: 271–72, 274

Poggio Renatico: 509

Poha River: 58, 62, 84–85, 87–88

Poikam: 514

Point Cruz: 57–58, 62–63, 68–69, 82, 84–

86

POINTBLANK: 113, 129, 161. See also Combined Bomber Offensive against Europe.

Pointe d’Arceau: 525

Pointe de Corsen: 258

Pointe de Grave: 328, 496, 498, 503, 505,

507

Pointe du Hoe: 203–05

Poix: 259

Poland Combined Bomber Offensive

against: 219, 236, 244

operations in: 159, 176, 228–29, 237–

39, 246, 248, 251, 264, 271–72,

279, 293, 306, 372, 374–87, 389,

403, 406, 410, 428, 435, 443, 473

revolt against Germans: 240, 248, 271–

72, 279, 293

Polch: 429

Polesella: 517

Polich: 434

Polish Army units

Army, Second: 505

Corps, 2: 183, 187, 189, 191–95, 197–

99, 204, 212, 214–16, 221, 225, 227,

232, 233, 247, 251–63, 289, 303,

305–06, 308, 312–13, 315, 317, 319,

321, 324, 327, 329–30, 333–38,

344–45, 352–54, 358, 369, 402, 430,

435, 483, 486, 488, 490, 492, 495,

497, 499, 501, 505, 507, 509

Divisions

1st Armored: 245, 248, 250–53,

260–65, 268–69, 274, 279, 284,

287, 290–92, 307, 309, 314–15,

317–19, 480, 486

3d Carpathian: 194, 210, 225, 251–

52, 261, 319, 321, 330, 333, 354,

358, 402, 483, 486, 490, 509

5th Kresowa: 251, 305–06, 308,

312–13, 319, 321, 330, 354, 358,

369, 430
[ 636 ] [ INDEX ]

Polish Army Units—Continued

Brigade, 1st Parachute: 276, 279, 281–

82, 284–86

Poll: 420

Polle: 478

Polloc Harbor: 501

Polong: 371

Polotsk: 156–57, 224

Polsfeld: 489

Polsum: 460, 462

Poltava: 93, 126, 137, 201, 215

Pomerania: 387–88, 410, 417, 425–26, 428,

435–36, 439, 443, 446, 520

Pongani: 59, 63, 65–66

Ponggor River: 19

Ponsacco: 232

Ponson Island: 375, 378

Pont: 374

Pont à Mousson: 263, 268, 292

Pont d’Aspach: 346

Pont de l’Arche: 257

Pont de la Roche: 23 8

Pont-du-Fahs: 106–07, 109

Pont Evêque: 253

Pont Hébert: 228–31

Pont l’Abbé: 206–10, 212–13

Pont Remy: 262

Pont St. Vincent: 268

Pont Sainte Maxence: 260

Pont-sur-Meuse: 260

Pont-sur-Saône: 268

Pontassieve: 250, 256, 258

Pontaubault: 239–40

Ponte Cavour: 202

Ponte a Moriano: 279

Ponte del Duca d’Aosta: 202

Ponte dells Pietra: 306

Ponte Grande: 117–18

Ponte Margherita: 202

Ponte Milvio: 202

Ponte Olivo: 117–18

Ponte Rotto: 165, 177

Ponte Samoggia: 507

Ponte Sele: 133, 136

Ponte Vecchio: 243, 248

Ponte Vedra Beach, German agents landed

at: 42–43

Pontecorvo: 194–96

Pontedera: 232–33, 244

Pontelagoscuro: 513, 515

Pontianak: 20

Pontine Marshes: 196

Pontorson: 240.

Pope: 26

Popondetta: 68–69, 74–75, 79

Poppenweiler: 492

Poprad: 386

Porac: 11–12

Poritz: 486

Porkhov: 176

Porkkala Peninsula: 280

Porlaka: 178

Porlock Harbor: 74, 97

Poro Island: 378, 382, 389, 391

Poros Bay: 292

Porquerolles Island: 254

Port Cros Island: 249–50

Port Dickson: 13

Port-en-Bessin: 204–05

Port-Joie: 257

Port-Lyautey: 65–66

Port Moresby: 40, 42–43, 46–47, 50–56,

59, 72, 89, 97, 104, 131

advance GHQ opens: 64

advanced base established: 49

Allied reinforcement: 38

enemy air attack: 21, 28

enemy invasion suspended: 37

enemy landing attempt: 35, 37

strategic conferences: 155

Port Sual: 370, 372

Port Swettenham: 13

Portal, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles:

39,42

Porter: 61

Porter, Maj. Gen. Ray E.: 90, 368

Portico: 298

Porto di Pantelleria: 111

Porto Empedocle: 120

Porto Gruaro: 525

Posen: 381, 384–85, 387, 389, 394–95,

401, 410

Postroff: 335

Poteau: 355, 358, 377–78

Potenza: 135–36

Potsdam: 516, 520

TERMINAL Conference: 550

Pouppeville: 203

Pournoy-la-Chévite: 278, 281, 283–85,

287, 324

Poussay: 269–70, 272

Pownall, Rear Adm. Charles A.: 136

Pownall, Lt. Gen. Sir Henry (Br.): 9

Pozorrubio: 374, 376–78, 382–83, 390, 402

Pozzallo: 119

Pozzilli: 145

Pozzo Alto: 261

Pra del Bianco Basin: 495

Prada: 297

Pradura: 505

Praga: 272

Prague: 531–35

Prairies Marcagéuses: 224

Prasily: 532

Prata: 143

Pratella: 142

Prates Reef: 375

Prato: 271, 273

Prayelle Farm: 325

Pré-Alps: 255

Prechlau: 417

Predappio Nuovo: 312–13

Prefetto Hill: 271–72, 274

Preischeid: 409

Preist: 424

Prenzlau: 520

Presenzano: 144

President Coolidge: 61

Presov: 379

Pressath: 506

Prether River: 393, 415, 417, 419, 422

Pretzetze: 508

Pretzsch: 517

Preussisch Eylau: 399

Prex: 502

Priluki: 136

Primasole: 119

Prims River: 352, 440, 442

Prince of Wales: 4

Princeton: 136, 312

Pringle: 499

Prinz Eugen: 23

Priola Gargallo: 118

Prisoners of war: 34. See also Death March.

Priverno: 197

Pro Mission: 188

Prochorovka: 118

Profen: 492

Prokhladny: 52

Proletarskaya: 47, 86

Prombach: 515

Prome: 29–31, 384, 404, 467, 522, 528,

537

Pronsfeld: 388, 392, 405–06, 417

Propoisk: 150

Proskurov: 183

Protville: 109

Provedroux: 369

PROVIDENCE: 46. See also Buna.

Providero Defile: 197

Provisional Groupment, New Guinea:

193–94

Provisional Mountain Force, Leyte: 363–

64

Provisional Service Command, Bougainville: 160

Pruem: 275, 393–95, 397 399–401

Pruem River: 275, 277, 391, 398–400, 402–

03, 405–11, 413–14, 416–17, 419,

421–22, 424

Prummern: 329–31, 333

Prut River: 183, 185, 257

Przemysl: 238

Pskov: 176, 233, 235

Psychological warfare, effect of: 547

PT boats: 17, 59

Pucot Hill: 17–19

Puderbach: 454

Puerto Princesa: 415, 417, 420

Puetzborn: 428–29, 432, 434

Puetzlohn: 333–35

Puffendorf: 327–28, 330

Puget: 250

PUGILIST: 95, too. See also Mareth Line;

Tunisia Campaign.

Pugo Valley: 382, 482, 490, 505, 513

Pulangi River: 537, 541

Pulheim: 422

Pulie River: 155

Pulkovo: 163

Pullenried: 514

Pulo Anna Island: 307

Pulsnitz: 513

Pulupandan: 461, 464, 450

Pulversheim: 391

Puncan: 401, 409, 413, 417, 419, 421, 423,

426

Puntian: 36–37

Purple Heart Ridge (Saipan): 217–22

Pursuit Squadrons

17th: 19–20

1st: 22

Puruata Island: 143

Pussade: 510

Putanges: 251

Putbroek: 383

Putlan: 428, 430–31, 433–34, 437, 443

Putlan River and Valley: 449, 460, 463

Putscheid: 386

Puttelange: 336, 343–44, 359

Pyatigorsk: 49, 84
[ INDEX ] [ 637 ]

Pyawbwe: 29, 35, 463, 486, 488

Pyinbon: 27

Pyinmana: 30–34, 503, 509

Pyingaing: 360

Pyinzi: 445

Pyle, Ernest T. (Ernie): 503

Pyritz: 425

Pyu: 517

Qattara Depression: 44

Quadrath: 4 118

QUADRANT Conference: 127–29

Quartermaster Port Battalion, 393d: 38

Quebec Conferences. See OCTAGON Conference;

QUADRANT Conference.

Queckenberg: 427

QUEEN: 327, 336

Quedlinburg: 502, 512

Queichambach: 447

Quellendorf: 496

Querceta: 303

Question Mark Hill (Luzon): 406, 409

Quezon, Manuel: 8, 10

Quezon Bridge: 392

Quezon Gate: 410

Quezon Hill: 517

Quinan, Lt. Gen. E. P. ( Br. ): 12

Quinauan Point: 27–22

Quincy: 49

Quinéville: 204, 206–09

Quingentole: 513, 515

Quint: 430

Quinzano: 294–95

Quioeng: 497

Quisling, Vidkun: 21

Raamsdonk: 315

Raba River and Valley: 465

Rabaul

Allied air attacks: 25, 45

coastal battery destroyed: 17

enemy air–naval reinforcement: 141,

144, 146

enemy air attacks on: 12, 16–17

enemy landings: 17

enemy staging area for Bougainville:

144–46

garrison and defenses of: 12

Guadalcanal, enemy escape from 91

JCS directive on offensive: 44

neutralization of: 92, 96–98, 101, 106,

108, 115, 129, 140, 143–46, 153–55,

172, 174–75, 180

operations plan drawn: 51

17th Army in control: 50

U.S. naval attack: 25

Rabbi River and Valley: 308, 312, 315–

16,321

Rabi: 51

Rabon: 372–73

Rachamps: 374, 376

Rackwitz: 506

Radar, use of in air bombardment: 154, 166

Radda in Chianti: 233

Radewell: 504

Ramdhapur: 195, 198

Radicofani: 213

Radicosa Pass: 284–85, 290

Radio countermeasures, use of in air bombardment: 139

Radom: 237, 376

Radomyshl: 154

Radscheid: 270, 390

Raenkam: 517

Raesfeld: 456

Raffadali: 120

Ragay: 6

Ragusa: 118

Rahm: 449

Rahman: 61, 63

Rahrbach: 482

Raids (French town): 229

Raihu River: 188

RAINCOAT: 151–53

Ralshoven: 412

Rambervillers: 282, 291–92, 315

Rambouillet: 253

Rambrouch: 359–60

Rambutyo Island: 185, 188

Ramcke, Maj. Gen. Hermann Bernhard

(Ger.): 279

Ramecourt: 272

Ramey, Brig. Gen. Rufus S.: 208, 215, 227,

232, 234, 236 ,240, 248

Ramgarh training center: 52, 60, 151

Rampan: 232

Ramrath: 422

Ramree Island: 380, 384, 399

Ramree River: 95

Ramsay, Adm. Sir Bertram H. (RN) 117,

203

Ramsbeck: 480

Ramscheid: 290–92

Ramu Valley: 164, 178, 188

Randau: 489

Randazzo: 125–28

Randerath: 383–84

Ranes: 248–49

Ranger Battalions

1st: 64, 91–92, 98–99, 117, 119, 121,

133–34, 137–38, 145–46, 167

2d: 203–05, 250, 256, 258, 325, 343,

345–47, 353, 355, 408, 418

3d: 117, 119–20, 127, 133–34, 137–38,

151–53, 167

4th: 117, 119, 121, 133–34, 137–38,

144, 167

5th: 203–05, 250, 342, 362, 398, 406,

408–11, 413–14, 419, 494

6th: 301, 305–06, 547–48

Ranger Force, 6615th Provisional: 164

Ranger units: 50, 119. See also Commandos; Ranger Battalions; Ranger

Force, 6615th Provisional.

Rangoon

British request for air support: 462, 472

enemy air attacks: 8, 18

enemy reinforcements: 32

enemy seizure: 7–9, 18, 26–28, 32

recovery of: 149, 155, 235, 260, 271,

293, 316, 395, 410, 426, 455, 467,

469, 486, 501, 511 , 517–18, 525, 528,

530, 532–33, 536–37, 541, 546

Tulsa Incident: 7, 9

Rangoon River: 5, 28, 530

Rankin: 83–84

Rankin, Capt. Pinkney R.: 83

Ransbach: 454

Raoe Island: 283

Raon-l’Etape: 309, 312, 314–15, 319, 321,

324, 326, 328–29, 331–32

Rapido Plain: 162

Rapido River: 162–67, 173, 191–93

Rappelsdorf: 481

RASHNESS: 508. See also Canton; Hong

Kong.

Rastadt: 375

Rastatt: 488, 490

Rastenburg: 2,3

Rath: 414–15, 418, 420, 422, 489

Rathedaung: 78, 82, 86, 90, 98, 363

Ratheim: 415

Rathenow: 520

Ratibor: 457, 465

Ratingen: 500, 502

Ratzebuhr: 389

Ratzwiller: 343, 345

Rau de Vaux: 375

Raub: 12

Raubach: 454

Raunheim: 453, 455

Rauray: 218–19

Rauth: 527

Ravels Hill: 304

Ravenna: 162, 276, 344

RAVENOUS: 64, 73. See also British Army

units, Corps, 4.

Ravensburg: 521

Ravolzhausen: 461

Rawang: 12

Rawlings, Vice Adm. Sir Bernard (RN): 450

Rawicz: 383

Razabil: 180

Rebaa Oulad Yahia: 86, 89

Rebaa Valley: 86, 89

Rebaou Pass: 104

Recanati: 340

Rechitsa: 146–47

Rechrival: 364–65, 367, 369

Recht: 355 375–78

RECKLESS: 182. See also Hollandia; Task

Forces, Army, RECKLESS, Hollandia.

Recklinghausen: 466, 489

Recodo: 436

Recogne: 370, 374

Reconnaissance Squadrons, Army

25th: 335

41st: 396, 401, 442–44, 447–489, 463,

465, 526, 530, 532, 534

42d: 336

86th: 256, 401, 455

91st: 123, 125, 197, 200, 202, 205,208,

261, 266–67, 284, 296

94th 346–47, 349

117th: 202, 208, 217, 220, 257, 262, 316,

331, 349, 389, 393

Provisional, 1st Cavalry Division: 388–

89

Reconnaissance Squadron, 110th Army

Air: 206

Recouvrance: 257–58, 270, 274

Red Army. See Soviet Army; Soviet

Army units.

Redeployment of units to Pacific: 528, 530,

550

Redeyef: 97
[ 638 ] [ INDEX ]

Redoute des Fourches: 217–18

Rees: 449–50, 452–53

Regalbuto: 124

Regen: 514–15, 519, 522, 529

Regen Pass: 532–33

Regen River: 514

Regensburg: 128, 175–76, 506, 512, 516–

19, 521, 526

Regenstauf: 511

Reggio: 515

Reggio di Calabria: 131

Regimental combat teams. See Regiments

Regimental Objective Hill (Luzon):

539

Regiments. See Cavalry Regiments; Engineer Boat and Shore Regiments; Engineer Combat Regiments; Engineer

General Service Regiments; Field

Artillery Regiments; Glider Infantry

Regiments; Infantry Regiments;

Marine Corps Infantry Regiments;

Marine Corps Parachute Infantry

Regiment, 1st; Marine Corps Raider

Regiments; Parachute Infantry Regiments.

Regne, Belgium: 267

Regne, France: 358, 369, 372

Reguisheim: 395

Rehau: 504, 506

Rehlingen: 345 408

Rehsiepen: 478

Reichenbach: 500, 514

Reichenhausen: 467

Reichensachen: 468, 470

Reichlos: 465

Reichshoffen: 349, 441–42

Reichswald: 278, 396, 398, 400–402

Reidenhausen: 440

Reiff: 408

Reifferscheid: 427, 432

Reifsnider, Rear Adm. Lawrence F.: 181,

467

Reigneville: 210

Reims: 257–58, 260, 405, 407, 534

Reinhausen: 481

Reinsfeld: 439

Reinsport: 443

Reipeldingen: 408

Reipertsweiler: 366–67, 371, 377

Reisach: 529

Reisbach: 526

Reisdorf: 377–78, 445 447

Reitano: 124

Reith: 528

Remagen: 364, 429, 431–33, 435–36,

440, 449

Remering: 336

Remich: 287, 292

Remilly: 323

Remiremont: 277, 282–86, 300

Remonval: 375

Rems River: 505, 507, 509, 511, 513

Remscheid: 495

Remsfeld: 463

Rendova Island: 115–18, 122, 126–27

Rengershausen: 475

Renglez: 378

Rengsdorf: 449

Renkum: 286

Rennell Island: 58

Rennes: 240–42, 247

Reno: 475

RENO: 95, 211.

Reno River: 304, 368, 469, 475, 477, 479,

486, 495, 503, 505, 507, 511, 513

Renuamont: 372

Repelen: 423, 435

Repulse: 4

Requancourt: 245

Rescheid: 417

Resia Pass: 531

Rethel: 260

Rethem: 486, 489, 491

Rethicourt-la-Petite: 280, 287

Retonfey: 330

Rettel: 323

Rettenbach: 516

Rettigny: 375, 378

Reuden: 496, 502

Reuland: 421–22

Reuler: 383

Reuth: 422, 424, 426

Reutlingen: 513, 516

Reutte: 523, 525

Reyersviller: 439

Rezonville: 264

Rheder: 426, 474

Rheinbach: 425–27

Rheinbay: 440

Rheinbeck: 433, 435

Rheinberg: 423, 425, 427, 433, 450, 452

Rheinbreitbach: 432

Rheinbrohl: 444, 447

Rheindahlen: 415

Rhein–Durkheim: 447 455

Rheine: 453, 460, 464, 466, 468, 470,

472, 476

Rheingonheim: 448

Rheinhausen: 423, 425

Rheinkamp: 425

Rheinprovinz: 512

Rheinzabern: 451

Rhens: 441–42

Rheurdt: 423

Rheydt: 415

Rhidma: 101

Rhine–Clove Canal: 399–400

Rhine–Herne Canal: 460, 466, 468, 472,

476, 478, 480, 482

Rhine–Main airport: 455

Rhine–Marne Canal: 272–73, 275, 320

Rhine Plain: 381, 389

Rhine–Rhône Canal. See Rhône–Rhine

Canal. Rhine River: 258, 262–63,

277, 282, 330–31,362 366–68, 390,

392–93, 395–96, 468, 470–71, 476,

480, 485, 492, 496, 502, 504, 509,

512, 514–16, 530

Allied airborne crossing: 402, 450–52

Allied river crossing: 267, 271, 305,

307–09 313, 318–19, 333 335–38,

342–43, 345, 347, 349, 351, 353, 356,

386, 388–89, 393–94, 396–99, 402,

409, 415–16, 418–70

Rhineland Campaign: 271–447

Rhône–Rhine Canal: 330, 332, 386–90,

392–93, 395–97

Rhône River and Valley: 246, 253–55,

257–61

Rians: 252

Ribano Hill: 309

Ribeauville: 337, 386

Ribera: 121

Rice Anchorage: 116

Richardson, Lt. Gen. Robert C., Jr.: 126,

127, 130, 241

Richardson, Lt. Col. Walter B.: 335–38,

415, 420, 447, 454, 462

Richelsbusch: 382, 385

Richelskaul: 297, 299–300, 317

Rickelrath: 115

Ridge 300 (Saipan): 218

Ried: 529

Riedheim: 516

Riedseltz: 352

Riedwihr: 383–84

Riegling: 514

Riesa: 515

Riesi: 118

Riesweiler: 441

Rieti: 202–04

Rievenich: 432

Riez: 251–52

Riga: 229, 236, 253, 256, 275, 280, 295,

302

Riggs, Rear Adm. R. S.: 415

Rigo Track: 57

Rigossa River: 301–02

Rijsbergen: 313

Rilland: 311

Rimbach: 468

Rimbeck: 464, 466

Rimburg: 293–94, 296

Rimini: 190, 202, 210, 262, 266, 274,

276, 283

Rimini Line: 274, 276, 279–80, 282

Rimling: 352, 365, 369–70, 403, 439

Rimlingen: 440

Ringel: 362–63

Ringenberg: 453–54

Ringhuscheid: 411

Ringleben: 487

Rinnen: 427

Rinnthal: 447

Rinsecke: 480

Rinteln: 472

Rio de Janeiro, conference of American

republics at: 15, 19

Riol: 434

Ripsdorf: 429, 431

Risle River: 255

Ritchie, Gen. Sir Neil M. (Br.): 18, 21, 28,

39, 41–42

Ritpong: 189–91

Rittersdorf: 413–14

Rittershoffen: 369–78

Riva: 525

Rizal, Leyte: 315

Rizal, Luzon: 391, 394 401–02, 409

RO: 141. See also Rabaul, enemy air-naval

reinforcement.

Road Junction 471 (Huertgen Forest):

302–03

Roads Nos. 1, 2 and 3 (Manus Island): 180–

81, 183

ROAST: 467. See also Comacchio Spit.

Roberts, Lt. Gen. O. L. (Br.): 536

Rocca d’Evandro: 153

Rocca di Roffeno: 495

Rocca Massima: 199
[ INDEX ] [ 639 ]

Rocca Pipirozzi: 144

Rocca San Casciano: 313

Roccadaspide: 133, 135

Roccagorga: 198

Roccamonfina: 143

Roccaravindola: 144

Roccaromana: 141

Roccasecca: 196–97

Rochefort: 359, 363, 367

Rochelinval: 369

Rocherath: 353, 387–89

Roches-lès-Blâmont: 328

Rochesson: 319

Rocheville: 213

Rochlitz: 494, 496

Rockenhausen: 444, 453, 463

Rockwell, Rear Adm. R. W.: 9, 102, 111,

127

Rocky Crags (Okinawa): 506, 508, 510,

512–13

Rocky Point (Angaur): 278–79

Rodalbe: 323–24, 331

Rodder: 432

Rodenkirchen: 429

Rodershausen: 411

Rodgen: 387, 462

Rodgers, Rear Adm. B J.: 403

Rodheim: 458

Roding: 514

Rodingen: 412

Rodriguez Island: 53

Roedenweiler: 505

Roehl: 417

Roelsdorf: 354

Roenkhausen: 489

Roer Dam: 351

Roer Plain: 327, 336

Roer River and Valley: 295–96, 323, 327,

330, 332–33, 337–41, 343–44, 346–

52, 354–56, 374, 384, 387, 389, 391–

93, 395, 398–400, 402, 409–12, 414–

20, 422–27

Roerdorf: 342, 409

Roermond: 290, 293, 325, 328, 332–33,

374–84, 415, 418

Roesberg: 425, 427

Roeschwoog: 377

Roetgen: 269–70, 272

Roetgen Forest: 271

Roettingen: 488

Roetz: 515

Roevenich: 420

Rogachev: 176

Rogden: 416

ROGER: 531

Rogery: 380

Roggendorf: 422, 424

Roggersing: 521

Rognac: 253, 255

Rognes: 254

Rohe: 331–32

Rohn Point: 188

Rohr River: 489

Rohrbach: 444, 528

Rohrbach-lès-Bitches: 345, 349

Rohrbusch: 376–77

Rohrdorf: 486

Rohren: 387, 389

Rohrenspring: 489

Rohrsen: 474

Rohrweiler: 368–70, 376–78, 390

Roi-Namur (Burlesque-Camouflage) Islands: 21, 166–68

Roisdorf: 429–30

Roitzheim: 426

Roitzsch: 500, 504

Rokossovski, Gen. Konstantin (USSR): 83

Rollesbroich: 278, 280, 353, 393

Roma: 133

Romblon: 436

Romblon Island: 427, 434, 436, 440, 448,

471, 476

Rome: 115, 121, 131–32, 136–37, 142, 159,

161–62, 213

air attacks on: 120–21, 127

declared open city: 127

drive on: 176, 190–205

Rome-Arno Campaign: 164–267

Romelfing: 335

ROMEO: 249–50

Romlinghoven: 444

Rommel, Field Marshal Erwin: 39, 43, 91–

92, 94–95. See also Egypt, operations

in; Libya.

commands Army Group, Africa: 95

commands Axis forces in Libya: 3

departure from Africa: 97

relieved at Army Group B: 232

relieved at German-Italian Panzer Army:

88

Rommelfangen: 407

Rommelsheim: 412, 414

Rommersheim: 422, 444

Rommerskirchen: 422

Romni: 135

Romrod: 463

ROMULUS: 316, 321, 351. See also Arakan

coast.

Roncalla: 226

Ronce River: 370, 372

Ronco River: 310–13, 315–16, 318

Roncobilaccio: 286

Roncofreddo: 297–99

Roncourt: 268

Roney: 238

Ronsdorf: 495

Ronsperk: 526

Rooke Island: 172, 174

Rosendaal: 313

Roosevelt, Franklin D.: 42, 181

agrees to cancellation of BUCCANEER:

152–53

appeal to Italians: 120, 124

asks commitment of Yunnan Force: 162

attends ARCADIA Conference: 8

Chiang’s demands on: 59, 153, 155,

163, 165, 169, 171, 280, 285

at conference on Pacific strategy: 230,

237

on control of Calcutta–Assam LOC:

166–67, 171

criticized for failure in China: 299

death of: 491

on division of CBI: 224–27, 230, 235,

90

on Eisenhower as commander for

OVERLORD: 152, 156

on Eisenhower as commander for

TORCH: 48

at EUREKA Conference: 150–51

Roosevelt, Franklin D.—Continued

and Giraud conference: 116

JCS proposal to, for recovery of Burma:

73

on observer mission to Chinese

Communists: 171, 214, 217, 343

and political representatives in China:

220, 226–27, 230, 235, 246–47

protests Salween withdrawal: 276

at QUADRANT Conference: 127–29

and recovery of Burma: 176

at SEXTANT Conference: 148, 150–52

transmits OCTAGON decisions to Chiang:

280, 285

signs SPARS bill: 69

on Stilwell as commander of Chinese:

222–27, 230, 235, 255, 276, 296, 302,

on Stilwell recall: 220, 296, 301–02, 306

on Stratemeyer as commander of IndiaBurma air affairs: 116

at TRIDENT Conference: 110–12

Roosevelt Ridge (New Guinea): 121,

127

ROOSTER: 509. See also Chihchiang.

Rosario: 7, 373, 374–77, 380, 385, 390,

402, 407, 482

Rosario Heights: 400

Roscheid: 270, 272–73, 408

Rose: 466. See also Ruhr sector

Rose, Maj. Gen. Maurice: 462

Roselle River: 344–45

Rosenau: 331

Rosenberg: 510

Rosenkranz: 384

Rosenthal: 416

ROSIE: 466. See also Cannes; French Naval

Assault Group.

Rosignano: 223–27, 237

Roslavl: 137

Rossbach: 449, 508, 510

Rossbuerg: 505

Rossendorf: 489, 492, 494

Rosslershof Castle: 334

Rossosh: 45, 85

Rossum: 181, 183

Rosteig: 366

Rostov: 45–46, 48, 81, 83, 85, 87–92

Rot am See: 505

Rota Island: 212

Roth: 391, 394, 408 ,427, 456, 458, 460,

475, 477, 507

Roth River: 418, 420

Rotha: 510

Rothau: 336

Rothbach: 340, 380, 382

Rothbach Rau: 379

Rothbach River: 419, 439

Rothenberga: 487

Rothenbergen: 461

Rothenburg: 488, 490, 494, 496, 498,

500, 505

Rothenstein: 490, 492

Rott: 270, 397, 447 ,521

Rottbitz: 438

Rotte Creek: 324

Rottenbach: 487

Rottenburg: 503

Rottenegg: 529–30

Rotterdam: 270
[ 640 ] [ INDEX ]

Rottersdorf: 492

Rottgen: 429

Rottweil: 509

Roubion River: 255–57

Rouen: 50, 253, 256, 258–59, 262

Rouffach: 351, 391–93

Rougemont: 268

Rougemont Ridge: 325

Rougemont-le-Château: 336

ROUNDUP: 30, 33. See also Normandy

Campaign, planning phase.

Route Napoléon. See Highways, 85

Routes. See Highways by number.

Rouxeville: 237

Roversano: 306

Rovigo: 518

Rovno: 170, 181

Row, Brig. R. A. (NZ): 142

Rowell, Maj. Gen. Sydney F. (Aus.):

49–50

Roya River: 490, 500

Royal Air Force

around-the-clock assault on Germany:

95

attacks on Continent: 3, 54, 58, 61.

See also Combined Bomber Offensive

against Europe.

attacks on V-weapons sites: 128

Bomber Command: 191, 225, 239, 245,

248, 293

in defense of Malaya: 4

diversion of aircraft from ME to FE: 9

Eagle Squadrons transferred to AAF:

57

first shuttle raid on Germany: 114

Malta Command absorbed by MAAF:

155

Middle East Command absorbed by

MAAF: 155

Second Tactical Air Force: 150, 186

sinks Admiral Scheer: 482

sinks Luetzow: 497

withdrawal from Singapore: 15–16

224 Group: 536

Royal Australian Air Force

at New Britain: 146

responsibility assigned: 53

in support of P.I. operations: 315

Wing 71: 206

Royal Indian Navy: 89, 94–95

Royal Marines. See Commando forces,

British.

Royal Navy. See also ships by name.

Aircraft Carrier Squadron 11: 531

East Indies Fleet: 384

Eastern Fleet: 4, 12, 193, 236

Pacific Fleet: 531, 550

Special Boat Service: 473

TF 57: 450, 456

Royan: 328, 494, 496, 498, 500, 503

Royce, Maj. Gen. Ralph: 133

Rubenach: 431

Rubercy: 206

Rubicone River: 301

Rudersdorf: 462

Rudingshain: 463

Rudisleben: 485

Rudolec: 533

Rudolstadt: 490

Ruebhausen: 447

Rueblingen: 492

Rueckingen: 461

Ruesselsheim: 453

Ruethen: 464

Rufina: 258

RUGBY: 249–51

Ruhla: 479

Ruhland: 215

Ruhmansfelden: 517

Ruhr River: 468, 470, 476, 478, 480,

482, 484, 486–87, 489, 491, 493,

495–96, 510, 515

Ruhr sector: 111, 114, 262, 270–71, 283–

84, 287–88 , 292, 305, 432, 449,

456–66, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478–84,

487, 489, 493, 495–96, 498, 500,

502, 506, 510, 512, 517

Ruhrberg: 392–93

Rumania

agreement with USSR on division of

territory: 269

air assault on: 111–121, 124, 185, 203,

207, 234, 237, 242, 244–45

declares war on Germany: 256

joins Allies: 269, 471

King surrenders to USSR: 255

operations in: 252, 254–55, 257–60,

264, 269, 291, 295, 300–301

U.S. declares war on: 40

Rumbeck: 487

Rumersheim: 397

Rumlange: 380

Rumpenheim: 455

Rundstedt, Field Marshal Gerd von: 223,

262, 353, 527

Runzhausen: 458

Rupertus, Maj. Gen. William H. (USMC):

63, 155–57, 276

Ruppertshofen: 503

Rupt: 282, 285–86

Rurich: 410–11

Russell Islands: 93–94, 97, 102, 155

Russi: 344

Russian Army. See Soviet Army; Soviet

Army units.

Ruthenia: 313

Ruttershausen: 458

Ruviano: 141

Ruweisat Ridge: 45

Ruwer: 428

Ruwer River: 423–24, 426, 428, 430–32,

434 437

Ruyter, de: 26

Ru-ywa: 404–06, 437

Rybnik: 457

Ryder, Maj. Gen. Charles W.: 64

Ryuju: 51

Ryukyus Campaign: 264, 456–549

air and naval actions: 294, 300, 367,

370, 380–81, 420, 449–50, 452–53,

456, 462, 464, 467 486, 493, 495,

497, 499, 506, 517, 525, 538, 540–41,

544–46, 548–49

casualty summaries: 465, 478, 480,

488, 510, 515, 525, 530, 548

plan for invasion: 204, 294

supported by raids on Japan: 444, 462

Rzhev: 14, 18, 47–49, 70, 95–96

S. Agata: 125–26

S. Andrea: 192

S. Andriano: 291

S. Angelo: 163–64, 302–03

S. Angelo d’Alife: 14–42

S. Angelo Hill: 170

S. Apollinare: 192

S. Arcangelo: 285–88

S. Barnaba: 337

S. Benedetto: 286–87, 291

S. Benedetto del Tronto: 138

S. Benedetto in Alpe: 286

S. Benedetto Po: 511

S. Biagio: 198

S. Carlo: 307–08

S. Casciano: 236–37

S. Cataldo: 120

S. Caterina: 120–21

S. Cesareo: 201

S. Chierlo: 503

S. Clemente: 263, 304

S. Constanzo: 252

S. Domenico Ridge: 191

S. Donato: 233

S. Elia: 150, 155, 157, 162

S. Fortunato: 274, 277, 279–80, 282–83

S. Fratello Ridge: 125

S. Giacomo Hill: 154

S. Gimignano: 226, 229

S. Giorgio: 193

S. Giovanni: 235, 509

S. Giovanni Incarico: 197

S. Giuseppe: 121

S. Giusta: 160

S. Ippolito: 254, 286

S. Lorenzo: 297–98

S. Lucia, Italy: 276–77, 282–84, 324

S. Margherita: 121

S. Maria Infante: 191–93

S. Maria Oliveto: 144

S. Maria Ridge: 191–92

S. Martello: 290

S. Martino: 274, 276–77, 292–93, 295–96

S. Martino Hill: 191–92

S. Martino in Strada: 320–21

S. Mauro: 123

S. Mauro di Romagna: 289

S. Michele Pass: 154

S. Oliva: 194, 196

S. Paola: 298–99

S. Patrignano: 274

S. Pellegrino: 282

S. Piero: 305

S. Pietro: 151–55

S. Pieve di Luce: 230

S. Prospero: 501

S Ridge, Italy: 191–93

S. Salvo: 144

S. Savino: 263–64, 266–67, 270–72

S. Severino: 137

S. Severo: 366, 368, 423, 430, 484

S. Stefano, Italy: 131, 234

S. Stefano, Sicily: 119, 121–24

S. Tome: 324

S. Varano: 321, 325

S. Vito: 151

S. Vittore: 155, 157, 160–61

Saale River: 479 485 487, 489–92, 494–99

Saale Stau Lake: 494

Saales: 332, 334–35
[ INDEX ] [ 641 ]

Saales Pass: 282

Saalfeld: 492, 494

Saalhausen: 480, 483

Saar River. See Sarre River.

Saar sector: 262, 338, 340, 439–53

Saarbruecken: 278, 280, 346, 404,

408–10, 423, 426, 439, 445–46

Saarburg. See Sarrebourg.

Saarholzbach: 439–40

Saarland Province: 512, 514, 516

Saarlautern: 334, 340–44, 346–56, 374,

379, 384, 386, 389–400, 402–05,

410–11, 414, 417, 433, 435, 437–38,

442–44, 446

Saarlautern-Roden: 343, 345–46, 350, 396,

445

Saarlouis. See Saarlautern.

Saarlouis-Roden. See Saarlautern-Roden.

Saarwellingen: 444

Saase: 508

Sabalayan: 358

Sabang, Luzon: 390

Sabang, Sumatra: 236

Sabatai River: 282

Sablan: 486

Sabria: 101

Sabron: 188

Sachsa: 489

Sachsenburg: 487

Sachsenhausen: 454, 466

Sacignano: 290

Sacobia Ridge: 02

Sacobia River: 484

Sadler, Brig. Gen. Percy L.: 262

Sadzot: 362–63, 366

Saeffelen: 378

Saeffler Creek: 293–94

Saegmuhl: 367, 371, 383

Saffig: 431

Safi: 65–66

Sagekarasa Island: 134–36

Sagkanan: 316

Saguing: 515

Sahmaw: 244

Sahy: 353

Saidor: 131, 153, 155, 157–61, 163–64,

166, 172, 174–75

Saigon: 372

Saillancourt: 258

Sainscheid: 456

St. Amé: 286–87

St. André-de-l’Epine: 228

St. André-sur-Orne: 233

St. Anton: 531

St. Antonis: 287

St. Avold: 337–38, 342, 357, 362

St. Barbara: 340–42

St. Benoit: 315

St. Blaise: 334–35

St. Brieux: 243

St. Calais: 247

St. Christophe-du-Foc: 213

St. Clair-sur-Elle: 209

St. Clement: 283

St. Cloud: 65

St. Côme-du-Mont: 203–05

St. Cyprien: 109

St. Denis-le-Gast: 238

St. Dié: 282, 286, 300, 303, 306–10, 312–

19, 324–26, 328, 332–34

St. Dizier: 191, 259

St. Eny: 227–28

St. Florentin: 255

St. Floxel: 207

St. Fraimbault-de-Prières: 244

St. Georges: 331

St. Georges-d’Elle: 228

St. Georges-du-Vièrve: 255

St. Germain-de-Varreville: 203

St. Germain-sur-Sèves: 234

St. Gilles: 226, 228, 236–37

St. Goar: 440–41

St. Goarer Stradtwald: 441

St. Goarshausen: 454

St. Hilaire-du-Harcourt: 241

St. Hippolyte: 264

St. Hubert: 265, 357 366 371, 373

St. Hubert Farm: 288–89, 327

St. Ilgen: 465

St. Ingbert: 446

St. Jacques: 367

St. Jean-de-Baisants: 238

St. Jean-de-Day: 226

St. Jean d’Ormont: 333

St. Jean-du-Bois: 243, 248

St. Jean-Rohrbach: 334–35

St. Joeris: 330

St. Johann: 443–44

St. Joost: 378

St. Lambert-sur-Dives: 251

St. Laurent-sur-Mer: 203–04

St. Leonard, Belgium: 286, 292

St. Leonard, France: 333

St. Lô: 207–09, 211, 213, 221, 227–33,

236–37

St. Louis: 332

St. Malo: 241–43, 245–50, 260

St. Martin-de-Varreville: 203

St. Martin-le-Gréard: 213–14

St. Matthias Islands: 180–82, 186

St. Médard: 324–25

St. Michel: 332

St. Mihiel: 261

St. Nazaire: 30, 365, 458, 464

St. Nicolas: 269, 273, 345

St. Oedenrode: 279, 282, 286, 288

St. Omer: 262–64

St. Oskol: 91

St. Paul: 252

St. Peter: 534

St. Pierre: 341

St. Pierre d’ Oleron: 525

St. Pierre-du-Mont: 204

St. Pierre-Eglise: 215

St. Pierre Island: 8

St. Pierre-la-Vieille: 246

St. Pierre-sur-Dives: 249

St. Pois: 240–44

St. Pol: 260–61

St. Privat: 265

St. Quentin: 260–61

St. Raphaël: 249–50

St. Saens: 259

St. Sauveur-de-Chaulieu: 246–48

St. Sauveur-le-Vicomte: 210–11, 219, 221

St. Sever-Calvados: 242

St. Sulpice: 203

St. Sylvain: 245

St. Thomas: 426

St. Tonis: 420

St. Trond: 265, 356

St. Tropez: 249–51

St. Tropez Peninsula: 249

St. Valery-en-Caux: 197, 260–62

St. Vallier: 255

St. Vith: 269, 353–59, 370, 375–86

St. Wendel: 443–44

Ste. Anne: 205

Ste. Colombe: 209, 211

Ste. Croix en Plaine: 391

Ste. Geneviève: 269–70, 272–73, 275

Ste. Honorine: 216

Ste. Marguerite: 327

Ste. Marguerite-d’Elle: 208

Ste. Marie: 328, 335 337–39

Ste. Marie-aux-Chênes: 264–65

Ste. Maxime: 249

Ste. Mère–Eglise: 203–04

Ste. Pôle: 325

Ste. Suzanne-sur-Vire: 238

Saipan Island: 208–27, 230

base for raids on Japan: 227

staging area for Iwo: 403–04

Sakishima Islands: 380, 450, 456, 519

Sakket: 102

Sala: 138

Salacsac passes: 419, 426, 428, 435–36,

453, 457, 465, 477, 479, 482, 484,

486, 488, 501, 505, 527

Salamaua: 17, 18, 27–28, 43, 53, 117, 120,

129, 131–34

Salami Plantation: 178–79, 186

Salango River: 12

Salat: 473, 477, 479, 482, 486

Salazar: 428, 435–36, 441

Salchendorf: 464

Salerno: 122, 127–40, 163

Salival: 321

Salkau: 508

Salle: 373

Salm: 426, 428–29

Salm River: 358–59, 367 369–71 ,373–

75,382 431–34

Salm Wald: 429

Salmbach: 352

Salmchâteau: 368–70, 372, 374 393397

Salonika: 316, 321

Salsk: 48

Salso River: 120, 125

Salt Lake City: 58

Salvaro: 439 457

Salvatito Hill: 163

Salvator Hill: 302, 306

Salween River: 18, 21–23, 37, 170, 181, 186,

189, 191–93, 195–200, 202, 205–08,

210–14, 216, 218–20, 223, 226–29,

235 237 241–43, 246–47, 253–55,

264–66, 270, 274, 276, 286, 314, 332,

342, 349, 357, 367, 379, 383

Salzburg: 528–29, 531

Salzwedel: 493 499 508

Samal: 13

Samal Island: 531, 534–39

Samar Island: 34, 310, 326, 361, 374, 388–

400, 403, 406–07, 411–12, 415, 417,

421, 425, 433

Samarinda: 22

Sambro Valley: 292

Sambuco: 288–89
[ 642 ] [ INDEX ]

Sambodja: 550

Samland Peninsula: 406, 483, 498, 516

Samoa, as staging area: 53

Samoggia River: 326, 495, 503, 507

Samos Island: 135, 139

Sampoloc: 9

Samrée: 369–70

San Agustin, Luzon: 460, 465, 529

San Agustin, Mindoro: 353, 357

San Andres: 461

San Antonio: 519

San Bernardino Strait: 5, 306, 310–11,403

406–07, 412, 415, 469, 499

San Carlos: 371

San Clemente: 375

San Fabian: 8, 370

San Fernando: 7, 10–11, 32, 386, 426, 443

446–47, 460

San Francisco, California, U.N. organization: 517, 548

Francisco, Luzon: 484, 486, 490,492,

495, 497, 499

San Isidro, Leyte: 362–63

San Isidro, Luzon: 393, 401, 412, 442,

531

San Jacinto: 370–71

San Joaquin: 311

San Jose, Leyte: 307, 354, 358

San Jose, Luzon: 9, 11–12, 387, 389 392,

393, 401–02, 427

San Jose, Mindoro: 301, 353, 364–65,

369, 386–87

San Jose, Panay: 34

San Juan, Luzon: 390

San Juan, Negros: 493

San Juanico Strait: 310–11

San Luis: 546

San Mandrier Peninsula: 257–58

San Manuel: 378—79, 381, 383, 385–

86,403

San Marino, Republic of: 279, 282

San Mateo: 410, 413, 442

San Miguel, Leyte: 314, 364

San Miguel, Luzon: 380–81

San Nicolas: 390, 403

San Pablo, Leyte: 310–11

San Pablo, Luzon: 469, 473

San River: 235, 238

San Roque, Leyte: 309

San Roque, Mindanao: 434, 436–38, 440,

442

San Vicente: 313, 315

San Vicente Hill: 312–13

San Vicente River: 32

Sanananda Point and Village: 67–77, 81–

87, 96

Sandakan: 15–16

Sandbach: 526, 529

Sandersdorf: 496, 500

Sandhausen: 465

Sandhofen: 455, 457

Sandomierz: 251, 372

Sandoway: 535

Sanfatucchio: 215

Sanga Sanga Island: 469, 478, 549

Sangerberg: 533

Sangerhausen: 489, 517

Sanggau: 10

Sangro River: 145, 147, 149–51

Sanip River: 162–63

Sanipon: 537–38, 541

Sannerville: 240

Sanok: 375

Sanry-sur-Nied: 323–24, 326

Sansapor Plantation and village: 227, 233,

236, 238, 240, 255, 260

Sansepolcro: 226

Sansonnet: 3 28

Santa Ana: 530

Santa Anastasia: 434

Santa Barbara, California, shelled by

Japanese: 25

Santa Barbara, Luzon: 371–72

Santa Barbara, Panay: 443

Santa Cruz, Leyte: 310–11, 314

Santa Cruz, Luzon: 12, 477

Santa Cruz Island: 44–45, 52, 61

Santa Fe, Leyte: 312, 314

Santa Fe, Luzon: 390, 428, 453, 529, 536,

539–43

Santa Ignacia: 9

Santa Lucia, Luzon: 545

Santa Maria: 390, 394–95, 430

Santa Maria River, Mindanao: 440

Santa Maria River and Valley, Luzon 465

473

Santa Rita: 391

Santa Rosa: 388–89

Santerno River and Valley: 279–80, 282–

85, 299, 344, 486, 488, 490, 492, 495

Santiago: 10, 546

Santo Tomas: 451, 453

Sanzenbach: 503

Saône River: 262

Sapangbato: 388

Sapois: 298

Sapri: 135

Sarana Pass and Valley: 111–12

Sarande: 301

Sarangani Bay: 549–50

Saratoga: 9, 44, 51–52

Sarawak: 5–6, 13, 547

Sardinia: 115, 121, 133, 136

Sargenroth: 443

Sariaya: 9, 480

Sark Island: 57

Sarmi: 177, 180, 189–90, 195–99, 208, 210,

213–20, 221, 224–25, 227, 230, 238,

249, 253, 262

Sarno River: 138

Sarny: 157, 162

Sarraltroff: 381

Sarre River: 318, 320, 325, 328–32, 334–

42, 344–57, 374, 396, 406–110, 413–

14, 416, 419, 423, 428, 435, 437–39,

442, 445

Sarre-Union: 339 341–44

Sarrebourg: 318–19, 325–26, 331–33, 335–

36, 338, 408, 414, 419, 421 430–31,

434, 437

Sarreguemines: 278, 281, 345–50, 447, 455

Sarreinsberg: 366

Sarreinsming: 347

Sarstedt: 478

Sart: 369

Sarthe River: 243, 245

Sart-lez-St. Vith: 380

Sarzana: 501

Sasa airfield: 539

Sasavele Island: 115, 124

Sasebo: 226

Sassel: 380

Sassetta: 221

Sassoleone: 294–95

SATIN: 81, 85–86. See also Sfax.

Sattelberg: 138, 141–42, 147, 149

Sattler, Brig. Gen. Robert (Ger.): 219

Satzvey: 426

SAUCY: 118. See also India-Burma Theater,

land supply route to China from.

Saudi Arabia: 52

Sauer River: 272, 287, 297, 360–63, 376–

80, 382, 392, 396, 398, 400–401,

404, 409, 421

Saulcy: 334

Saulgrub: 523, 525

Saulxures: 299, 335

Saunnu: 18

Sava River: 344 346

Saverne: 282, 319, 331–32, 334–35, 366,

437

Savignano di Romagna: 288–89, 291, 297

300

Savio River: 301, 303–04, 306–10

Savo Island: 49, 53, 66–67

Savo Sound: 71

Savojaards Plaat: 284, 302, 306

Savoureuse River: 334

Sayre, Francis B.: 8

Sayre Highway: 35–36, 511, 513, 515, 519–

20, 522–23, 525, 527 529–30, 532–

37, 539–40

Sbeïtla: 86, 89–90, 92–93, 96, 98, 100–101,

104

Sbiba: 88, 93–94, 98

Sbiba Pass: 94

Scafati: 138

Scaldino: 337

Scattered Trees Ridge: 400

Scauri: 191, 193

Schaefstall: 518

Schaephuysen: 421

Schaerding: 528–29

Schaffhausen: 509, 511

Schaffhouse: 365

Schaidt: 450

Schainbach: 505

Schalbach: 336

Schalkau: 487

Schankweiler: 402–03, 405

Scharfbillig: 417

Scharnhorst: 23

Scharnhorst Line: 272–73

Schaueburg Lippe: 526

Schaufenberg: 298

Schauffenberg: 415

Schautzhofen: 523

Schaven: 426

Scheggia: 232

Scheibenhard: 445

Scheid: 424

Scheidel: 361

Scheiden: 439

Scheiditz: 490

Scheifendahl: 381

Schelde Estuary and River: 274, 276, 283–

84, 289, 297, 304, 317

Scheller: 496

Scherfede: 462, 464, 470

Schermbeck: 456
[ INDEX ] [ 643 ]

Scherpenseel: 327–29

Scheuren: 392–94, 413, 432, 457

Schevenhuette: 275, 278, 280, 284, 311,

327

Schiebenhardt: 352

Schiefbahn: 420

Schierwaldenrath: 293–94, 297, 379

Schijndel: 282

Schilberg: 377

Schill Line: 273

Schilla: 131

Schillersdorf: 383–84

Schillingen: 439

Schimsheim: 444

Schippach: 463

Schirmeck: 333, 336

Schirnding: 508

Schkauditz: 492

Schladen: 484

Schladitz: 506

Schlausen Bacher Wald: 393

Schlebach: 427

Schleid: 419

Schleiden: 330, 382, 388, 390–91, 410,

422, 424, 427

Schleidweiler: 429

Schleithal: 445

Schlem: 432

Schlerthal: 352

Schleswig-Holstein: 527

Schleusingen: 477, 479

Schlicht: 349–50

Schlieben, Maj. Gen. Karl-Wilhelm von

(Ger.): 215, 219

Schlier Lake: 531

Schlierbach: 356, 463

Schliersee: 531

Schlindermanderscheid: 384

Schlitz: 467

Schlossberg (Pillkalen): 374, 378

Schlotheim: 474, 485

Schlucht Pass: 252

Schluchtern: 471

Schmachtendorf: 456

Schmalkalden: 473, 475

Schmallenberg: 478

Schmidt: 295–98, 303, 311, 315, 317–19,

330, 342, 394–95, 397–98, 418

Schmidt, Maj. Gen. Harry (USMC) 168,

303, 406

Schmidtheim: 429

Schmidthof: 269

Schmiedefeld: 481

Schmitten: 463, 465

Schmittviller: 345

Schmorda: 494

Schnee Eifel: 270, 272–73, 275, 277, 280,

350, 354, 356, 389, 392–95

Schneidemuehl: 389, 401

Schneidhausen: 356, 358

Schneppenheim: 425

Schney: 490

Schnorrenberg: 419

Schoden: 411

Schoenbach: 428, 533

Schoenbronn: 505

Schoenebeck: 489, 495, 506

Schoenecken: 422

Schoenfeld: 424

Schoengras: 512

Schoenhofen: 514

Schoenlanke: 387

Schoensee: 516

Schoenthal: 335, 515

Schomerich: 419

Schonberg: 355 387–88

Schondorf: 437

Schoneberg: 452

Schoneseiffen: 390

Schongau: 520–21, 523

Schonnebeck: 480

Schonstedt: 477

Schophoven: 349–50, 360, 410

Schoppen: 378, 380

Schoppenstedt: 486

Schorbach: 439

Schorndorf: 509

Schostorf: 506

Schoven: 460

Schroeck: 458

Schrozberg: 492

Schueller: 427

Schulenberg: 476

Schuppach: 500

Schwabach: 505

Schwabenheim: 461

Schwabstadl: 520–21, 523

Schwadorf: 427

Schwaebisch Gmuend: 505, 507, 509,

511

Schwaebisch Hall: 498, 500, 503, 505,

507

Schwaiganger: 524

Schwall: 439

Schwammenauel Dam: 295, 391–93, 397–

99

Schwandorf: 512

Schwanenstadt: 531

Schwanheim: 455

Schwarbsdorf: 487

Schwarza: 492

Schwarzach: 515

Schwarzach River: 515

Schwarzbach: 470

Schwarzenau: 470

Schwarzenbach: 508

Schwarzenfeld: 510

Schwarzmaar: 425

Schwartzenborn: 428–29, 431

Schwarzwald. See Black Forest.

Schwebenried: 481

Schweifeld: 439

Schweighausen: 342, 383, 385

Schweiler: 389

Schweinberg: 460

Schweinfurt: 128, 140, 176, 465, 475, 477

479 481, 483, 485, 487–88, 490

Schweinheim: 427, 453, 459, 461, 463

Schwelm: 491, 493, 496

Schwerdorff: 329

Schwerfen: 426

Schwerin: 527–28

Schwiebus: 388

Schwirzheim: 424

Sciacca: 121

Scobie, Lt. Gen. R. M. (Br.): 262, 288, 304,

331

Scoglitti: 117

Scoones, Lt. Gen. Sir Geoffrey (Br.):

347

Scott, Rear Adm. Norman: 58

Scout Company, 7th: 104, 110

Scout Ridge (New Guinea): 121, 132

Scudder, Col. Irwin C.: 32

Sea Frontiers, redesignated: 22

Sea Horse (Guadalcanal): 83–84

SEA LION: 3

Sea of Azov: 3

Sea Witch: 26

Seabees. See Naval Construction Battalions.

Sealark Channel: 53, 59

Sebkra d’Oran: 65

Sebkret en Noual: 103

Sebkret et Kourzia: 106

Sebou River: 65

Sebree, Brig. Gen. Edmund B.: 63, 68, 81,

90, 273, 277–78, 280

Secchia River: 513

Sechtem: 429

Second Front, Churchill-Stalin discussions:

49

Secret weapons, German. See V weapons.

Sedan: 261–65, 364

Sedjenane: 96, 101

Sedjenane River: 107

See: 512

Sée River: 239–40

Seeadler Harbor: 177–79

Seebach: 481

Seebergen: 479

Seefeld: 527, 530

Seehausen: 499

Seelbach: 476, 478

Sées: 245–48, 253

Seesbach: 443

Seesen: 484

Séez: 266

Seffers River: 440

Sefferweich: 417, 419

Segamat: 14–17

Segamat River: 16

Segendorf Rodenbach: 448

Segi Point: 114–15, 118, 139

Sehlem: 431, 434

’s Hertogenbosch: 290, 308, 312

Seidfeld: 489

Seikpyu: 399

Seille River: 277–78, 280–82, 284–86,

288, 291–92, 298–99, 307, 316,

320–21, 324

Seine River: 243, 245, 248–49, 251–60

Seingbouse: 338

Seinsfeld: 426

Seinsheim: 475

Seiwerath: 424

Selange: 267

Selangor: 12

Selb: 504, 506

Selbagnone: 311, 316

Selbecke: 480

Selbitz: 494

Selbitz River: 492, 494

Sele River: 132–34

Selective Service System: 72

Seleo Island: 188

Sélestat: 337–39, 341–44, 381

Selgersdorf: 410

Selhausen: 410

Selkentrop: 480
[ 644 ] [ INDEX ]

Sellerich: 275, 393–94

Selsent: 379

Seltz: 351

Selune River: 239–40

Selzen: 445

Semécourt: 321

Sendenhorst: 476

Sened Station and Village: 88–90, 98–

99

Sengerich: 407

Sengkofen: 5 19

Senio River: 353–55, 357–58, 364, 366,

368, 423, 483–84, 486, 488

Sennern: 462

Senonchamps: 365

Senones: 333–34

Sens: 252–54

Sensburg: 386

Sentani airdrome: 189

Sepolno: 386

Seppois: 331, 335

Serafimovich: 68

Serbia sector: 347–48

Serchio River and Valley: 261, 266, 267,

271, 273, 277 288–91, 296, 299, 313,

318, 361–64, 371, 392, 394, 397, 401,

481

Seremban: 13

Seria: 6

Serkenrode: 487

Sermide: 505, 515

Serravalle: 279–80

Serrest: 412

Serre: 136

Serrières: 261, 285, 293

Serrig: 409–11, 413–14, 416–17

Servance: 294

Service Command Area, Bataan: 13, 17–

18

Services of Supply. See theater, area, or command.

Services of Supply, U.S. Army, constituted:

28

Sessa Aurunca: 138

Sessenheim: 368, 377–78, 452

Sesto: 261

Sesto Campano: 143

Sesupe River: 250

Seton: 195, 197, 200

Setta Creek: 290, 304, 311, 503

Setterich: 328–30

Setz: 386

Sevastopol: 3, 6, 10–12, 21, 40–44, 191

Sevelen: 420–21, 433

Seven Dwarfs forts (France): 325

Sevenig: 269, 411

Sevenum: 333

Sèves River: 229–30, 237

Sevizzano Ridge: 499, 501

Sevsk: 130

SEXTANT Conference: 148, 150–52

Seychelles Island: 53

Sezze: 198

Sfax: 75, 81, 85, 104

Sferro: 121

Shaberg: 424

Shaduzup: 183–85

Shaggy Ridge (New Guinea): 164

Shakhty: 92

Shan Hills: 545–46

Shan States: 28

Shanghai International Settlement: 4

Shanmen: 536

Sharaw Ga: 144

Sharp, Brig. Gen. William F.: 22, 27, 37

Shede: 458

Shemya Island: 112, 114

Shepetovka: 172

Shepherd, Brig. Gen. Lemuel C. (USMC):

159. See also ADC Group (USMC).

Sherman, Rear Adm. Frederick C.: 143,

156, 159–60

Shichina: 543

Shihtien: 198

Shimabuku: 469

Shimbu Line: 410, 419, 425, 430–31, 434,

436, 438–39, 441–42, 467, 471

Shimpach: 376

Shinchiku: 149

Shingbwiyang: 157, 168, 177

SHINGLE: 149, 159, 163. See also Anzio Campaign.

Shingler, Col. Don G.: 31, 42, 50, 52,

60

Shipping, Allied, attacks on: 55, 79

Shipping routes: 51

SHO: 306

Shoestring Ridge (Leyte): 335–36, 338–39

341

Shoho: 37

Shoaku: 37

Short, Lt. Gen. Walter C.: 6

Shortland Islands: 115–17, 123, 132,

143

Shuganu: 274

Shuri: 540–43

Shuri Castle: 540, 542

Shuri defense line: 484, 488, 506, 515,

519, 524 532 534–38 540–42

Shuttle bombing: 114, 138–39, 143. See also

Combined Bomber Offensive against

Europe; FRANTIC.

Italy as base for: 139, 175, 201, 207, 219,

237, 244–45, 271

U.K. as base for: 215, 219, 245

USSR as base for: 201, 203, 207, 215,

219, 234, 236–37, 242 244–45, 268,

271

Shwebo: 369, 371

Shwedaung: 30–31

Shwegu: 304, 318, 320, 349

Shwegugale: 319

Shwegyin: 28, 36–37

Shwekyina: 333

Shweli River and Valley: 193, 200, 213–14,

216, 346, 349, 366–68, 371, 375,

388–90, 397, 402, 405

Shwemyo: 499

Shwemyo Bluff: 499, 503

Siain: 8

Sialum: 159

Sian: 453 520

Siauliai: 250–51, 295

Sibenik: 118

Sibert, Maj. Gen. Franklin C.: 208, 213,

217, 233, 239, 255, 308, 326, 497,

503

Siboney: 8, 21, 24

Sicily Campaign: 84, 87, 97, 105, 109–28

air and naval actions: 110, 113–17, 119–

20, 125–26, 128

airborne operations: 117–19

armor actions: 118, 126, 128

enemy withdrawal: 126–28

Sicily Strait: 114

Sid: 346

Siddessen: 474

Sidi Amor el Kenani: 88

Sidi Barrani: 43, 65

Sidi Bou Zid: 89–93, 96, 104

Sidi Ferruch: 64

Sidi Muftah: 39–40

Sidi Nsir: 95, 104

Sidi Rezegh: 41–42

Sidi Said: 89

Siebenaler: 384

Siedlce: 239

Siedlinghausen: 476

Siefersheim: 444

Sieg River: 441, 445–47, 452, 454, 456,

458, 460, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470,

472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 485,

487

Siegburg: 446, 482, 485

Siegen: 462, 464, 466, 468, 470, 472,

474, 476

Siegfried Line: 260–61, 265, 267–73, 275,

278, 280–82, 284, 288, 290, 292–94,

296–99, 334, 338, 344–46, 348, 351,

354, 374, 384–92, 394–400, 402,

405–09, 412, 428, 431, 436–39, 441–

43, 445–48, 450

Siegmar: 496

Siena: 219, 222–23

Sienne River: 238–39

Sierck-les-Bains: 300

Sierra Bullones: 490

Sierra Madre Mountains: 549–50

Siersdorf: 327–29

Siersthal: 350

Sieve River: 267–69

Sievernich: 418

Sievsk: 96

Sigmaringen: 507, 509, 514, 516

Sigolsheim: 379, 382

Sikaw: 293

Sikorski, Gen. Wladislaw (Pol.): 116

Silaiim: 20

Silaiim Bay: 22

Silaiim Point: 23–24

Silaiim River: 20–23

Silay: 469, 471

Silbach: 474

Silchar: 186, 189

Silesia, operations in: 377, 379–84, 386,

394–95, 400–404, 406, 410, 417,

450, 457, 46,3 465, 467, 481, 518,

534

Silkerode: 485

Sillaro River: 292–94, 302, 305, 312, 490

495 497

Sillegny: 275, 278, 280–81

Silly-en-Saulnois: 322

Silvester, Maj. Gen. Lindsay McD.: 315

Silz: 448

Simara Island: 434, 436, 448

Simbach: 526

Simemi Creek: 76–77, 79, 81
[ INDEX ] [ 645 ]

Simemi Village: 68, 73

Simeto River: 119–21, 126

Simignano: 222

Simmer River: 429, 439

Simmern: 439–40

Simmern unter Dhaun: 443

Simmons, Maj. Gen. F. Keith (Br.): 21

Simonskall: 318

Simpelveld: 277

Sims: 37

Sinaloan: 473

Sinalunga: 213, 222

Sindelsdorf: 525

Sindorf: 415–16

Singapore: 3–6, 11–24, 395, 542

Singkaling Hkamti: 177

Singkawang: 8, 19

Singling: 346, 348

Singora: 3–5

Sinn: 456

Sinnersdorf: 422

Sinonog River: 452

Sinsheim: 471

Sinspelt: 409–10

Sinsteden: 422

Sinthern: 424

Sintria River: 353

Sinz: 335, 384–85, 396–98

Sinzenich: 422

Sinzig: 429, 432

Sinzweya: 171–72, 175

Sio: 153, 160, 162

Sipoco: 7

Sirte: 76–77

Sison: 378, 383, 406

Sisserno Hill: 199

Sisteron: 252

Sitapur: 220, 223

SITKA: 249. See also Port Cros Island; Special Service Force, 1st.

Sittang River: 25–26, 28–29, 31, 33–34

Sittard: 277–78, 377

Sittaung: 244, 263, 331

Si-u: 326–27

Sivry: 293–94, 298

Siwori Creek: 71

Siwori Village: 75–76, 82

Skoda Works: 533

Skoplje: 261, 324, 326

Skyline Drive (Luxembourg-St. Vith road):

383

Skyline Ridge (Okinawa): 506, 508, 510,

512–13

SLAPSTICK: 131–32. See also Taranto.

Slavyansk: 49, 93, 96

SLEDGEHAMMER: 30, 46. See also Normandy

Campaign, planning phase.

Slim, Lt. Gen. William J. Mr.): 29,238,

244 263

Slim River: 8, 11–13

Slocum, Brig. Gen. L. H.: 400

Slooe Channel: 317–18

Slot, The (Guadalcanal): 91

Slovenia sector: 347

Smallwood, Maj. Gen. G. R. (Br.): 53,59

Smela: 152, 166, 178

Smith, Maj. Gen. Holland M. (USMC):

131, 212, 215, 218, 225, 299

Smith, Maj. Gen. Julian C. (USMC): 148–

49, 152

Smith, Maj. Gen. Ralph C.: 147–48, 215,

218

Smith, Lt. Gen. Walter Bedell: 159

Smith, Rear Adm. W. W.: 48, 82

Smoke, first wide-scale use of: 267

Smolensk: 25, 44, 97, 127, 130, 135–37,

218

Snake Hill North (Luzon): 396, 398–99,

401

Snake Hill West (Luzon): 400

Snake Ridge (Guadalcanal): 85, 87

Snaky River: 198, 214–15

Sobe: 468

Soegel: 484

Soena Plantation: 74

Soerabaja: 21, 193

Soest: 470, 474 476 478 480

Soetenich: 427

Sofia: 275, 304

Sogliano al Rubicone: 295–96

Soissons: 257–58, 260, 337

Solacciano: 191–92

Solano: 544

Solarolo: 486

Solingen: 495 497–500

Soller: 414, 417

Sollum: 14, 43

Solomon Islands air and naval actions: 48,

119, 122, 142, 156, 161

Cape Esperance air-naval battle: 58–

59

casualty summaries: 129, 136, 139

Eastern Solomons air-naval battle: 51

Ghormley proposed as commander: 43

Guadalcanal Campaign: 45–94, 115

Guadalcanal naval battle: 66–67

Harmon’s offensive plans: 57

JCS directive on: 44

last enemy offensive in: 182–83

native forces in: 124

New Hebrides as staging area for: 53–

55, 57, 61

Northern Solomons Campaign: 95–

332

planning phase: 113–14, 126, 132, 138,

140

recovery ordered: 45

Samoa as staging area for: 53

Santa Cruz air-naval battle: 61

SOPAC control of: 44

staging area for Palaus: 263

SWPA control of: 30–31

tactical orders issued: 46–47

Tassafaronga naval battle: 71

U.S. air strength in: 122

Solomons Air Support Force: 45, 47, 49

Solomons Amphibious Force: 45

Solomons Expeditionary Force: 45

“Solomons-New Guinea Ladder.” See New

Britain Island; New Guinea Campaign; New Ireland campaign;

Solomon Islands.

Solscheid: 441, 444

Soltau: 484, 491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501

Somaliland forces join Allies: 70, 78

Sombernon: 267

Sombor: 309

Someren: 281

Somme River and Valley: 258–62

Sommerain: 373, 375

Sommerau: 437

Sommervell, Lt. Gen. Brehon B.: 28, 90

Sommerviller: 273

Son: 276, 278–79, 281

Sonderhofen: 471

Song River: 136

Sonlez: 371–72

Sonneberg: 490

Sonnino: 196

Sonsbeck: 418, 425, 427

Sonthofen: 527

Soong, T. V.

 on, Allied strategy: 299

approves selection of Wheeler: 64

at Kunming conference:. 357 362

named premier and foreign minister:

344

plans for Yunnan Force: 66, 89

proposal for U.S. commander of

Chinese: 276

on 30-division program: 89

urges recall of Stilwell: 134–35

Sopron: 465, 467

Soputa: 46, 68–75, 77, 82, 84–87

Sora: 198, 200

Sorbey: 325–26

Sorido: 214, 244, 247, 249

Sorinne: 360–61

Sorong: 31

Sorong Island: 191, 212, 249

Sorpe Staubecken Lake: 489, 491

Sorrento: 133

Sorrivoli: 301–02

Sorsogon Province: 477, 484, 490, 492, 503

Sortini: 118

Soryu: 40

Sosoral Islands: 307

Soufflenheim: 335, 351

Souk Ahras 93

Souk el Arba: 67–68

Soulac: 503

Soulevre River: 238, 24

Soultz: 441

Soultz-sous-Forêts: 351, 369

Sourdeval: 244, 246–48

Sousse: 104–05, 112

South African units Divisions

1st: 39, 41, 61

2d: 10–11, 14, 39, 41

6th: 202

6th Armored: 191, 197–98, 202,

204–10, 215, 217, 219–22, 224,

226, 233–36, 252, 257, 261, 264,

266, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, 277,

279, 282–84, 286–97, 299–300, 302–

04, 306–12, 314–15, 318–19, 361,

375, 377, 410, 497 499, 501, 503,

505, 507, 509, 511, 513, 515–16,

518, 521, 523

Regiment, Pretoria: 57

South America: 31 See also American

republics.

South China Sea naval actions: 370, 372,

375–76, 380
[ 646 ] [ INDEX ]

South East Asia Command activated: 129,

147

amphibious operations plans: 152

Calcutta commanders conference:

358

control of India Command: 147

control of LOC troops: 168

control of NCAC: 214

delegation to SEXTANT Conference:

150

directive on airlift supply of China: 200,

271, 293, 517

directives on operations: 176, 293, 299,

304, 316

Eastern Air Command activated: 153

final air reorganization: 542

hq transferred to Kandy: 187

landing craft allocation: 152, 160

Leigh-Mallory succeeded by Garrod:

326

mission of Supreme Commander

outlined: 142

mission to U.S. and U.K.: 170

plans for Burma: 145

plans for Malaya-Singapore: 542

plans for Rangoon: 410

plans for Sumatra: 160–61, 176, 188

strategy denounced by Chiang: 299

Troop Carrier Command activated:

154

Wheeler succeeds Stilwell: 146, 324

South Force, New Guinea: 42, 229–36,

238–44

South Gugegwe Island: 170

South Luzon Force: 5, 8–11

South Pacific Amphibious Force: 115, 119

South Pacific Scouts, U.S.: 124

South Pacific theater

absorbed by SWPA and POA: 183

air reinforcement: 60

boundary defined: 44

commanded by Ghormley: 33, 42

Ghormley-MacArthur conference: 44–

45

Halsey succeeds Ghormley: 59

Harmon commands USAF: 45

McCain commands AIRSOPAC: 38

plans for New Britain-New GuineaNew Ireland: 92, 96–98, 101, 106,

108, 155, 172, 175–76, 178, 180,

189

plans for P.I. operations: 95

POA control of: 30–31

South Seas Detachment: 52–74

Southeast Algerian Command (Br.): 97,

99–104

Southeast Area: 175

Southeast Asia Command. See South

East Asia Command.

Southern Assault Force, Salerno: 132

Southern Attack Force, Gilberts: 145–46,

148

Southern Attack Force, Marianas: 213,

227

Southern Attack Force, Marshalls: 167

Southern Attack Force, Okinawa: 467

Southern Attack Group, Northwest Africa:

65

Southern Defense Command: 365

Southern France Campaign: 248–73

air preparation: 246

airborne operations: 249–51

contact with OVERLORD forces: 267

D-Day date: 183

effect on operations in Italy: 171, 176,

182, 222

exploitation phase: 263–73

landing phase: 247–62

Lattre commands French forces: 187

planning phase: 150, 152, 155, 157, 162,

164, 171, 176–77, 182–83, 187, 189,

207, 212, 217, 220, 222, 240 246–47

tactical air support: 256–58

Southern Landing Force, Attu: 109, 111–

12

Southern Landing Force, Guam: 234

Southern Landing Force, Marshalls:

167–70

Southern Landing Group, New Georgia:

116, 142

Southern Philippines Campaign: 415–

549

Southern Troops and Landing Force,

Marianas: 222

Southwest Pacific Area: 135

absorbs part of SOPAC: 183

activated under MacArthur: 30–31

air directive: 44, 53

Army or Navy to control offensive in:

43–44

Bismarck Archipelago Campaign: 154–

338

Blarney heads land forces: 34

boundary defined: 44

Brett heads air forces: 34, 45

control of USF IL: 34

first tank battle in: 198–99

GHQ at Manila: 490

GHQ moves to P.I.: 307

GHQ at Port Moresby: 64

Kennedy succeeds Brett: 45, 48

Leary heads naval forces: 34

Marshall heads SOS: 46

naval elements become Seventh Fleet:

94

order of battle reorganized: 183

Philippine Army units assigned to

USAFFE: 95

plans for Cape Gloucester: 136

plans for Hollandia: 176

plans for Morotai: 233

plans for New Britain–New GuineaNew Ireland: 92, 96–98, 101, 106,

108, 118, 136, 139, 141, 143, 151–55:

172, 175–76, 178, 180, 191 201–02,

230

plans for P.I.: 95, 211, 230, 235, 137,

315, 395, 400

replaces USAFFE: 34

staff designated: 34

supply role under USAFIA: 34

Soven: 447

Soviet Army

meetings with Allied forces

Austria: 535–36

Czechoslovakia: 536

Germany: 496, 498, 512–19, 521–

23, 526–30, 532–34 536

occupies Korea: 551

Soviet Army—Continued

occupies Manchuria: 550

Soviet Army units

Fronts

First Baltic: 224, 239, 290, 295,

300, 386

First Ukrainian: 166, 170, 172, 181–

84, 187, 230, 232, 235–38, 242,

251, 372, 374–80, 382–86, 395,

400, 403, 448–50, 457, 465, 467,

509 511, 513, 516, 518, 534–35

First White Russian: 176, 221–23,

225–26, 230, 232, 234–35, 237–

39, 272, 374, 376– 82, 387, 425–

26, 428, 436, 443, 446, 509,

511, 513, 515–16, 518, 520,

530, 534

Second Baltic: 175, 229, 231, 236–

37, 295, 302

Second Ukrainian: 153–54, 166,

174, 182–83, 252, 254, 257–60,

295, 300–301, 308, 312–13, 316,

318, 340–44, 348–49, 351, 354,

362, 364, 377, 382, 453, 455,

457, 459, 463, 465, 467, 471,

473, 477, 481, 492, 498, 516,

518, 523, 535

Second White Russian: 220, 231,

237, 239, 246, 271, 374, 377,

379–84, 399, 40,3 424–25, 428,

436, 448–50, 453, 455, 457, 459,

463, 518, 520, 523, 527, 530,

535

Third Baltic: 232, 234–35, 247,

256, 280, 295, 302

Third Ukrainian: 171, 180, 184,

186, 252, 254, 257 259 275 291,

300–301, 307, 340, 342, 343,

345–49 351, 354 35862, 364,

451, 453, 455, 457, 461, 463,

465, 467, 473, 477, 479, 481, 492,

535

Third White Russian: 222–23, 227–

29, 231, 239–41, 250, 305, 378–

84, 399, 439, 446, 448–50, 453,

455 461, 471, 481, 483, 498, 516,

518, 535

Fourth Ukrainian: 171, 306, 312–

13, 343–44, 375, 378–79, 382,

385–87, 457, 47,3 511, 525, 534–

35

Bryansk: 125

Central: 125, 1 41, 146

Don: 68–69, 83

Kalinin: 81

Karelian: 215, 303, 308, 311, 326

Leningrad: 84, 86, 162–63, 175,

206, 214, 237, 275 294 296,

534

Northwest: 96

Southern: 86–87, 91, 120

Stalingrad: 68–70, 86

Steppes: 125

Volkhov: 84, 86

Voronezh: 87, 125

West: 125

Armies

5th Guard: 524

62d: 62
[ INDEX ] [ 647 ]

Soviet Army—Continued

Armies—Continued

64th: 62

Independent Maritime: 187

Corps

III: 68

III Cavalry: 530

III Tank: 527–28

VI: 65

Divisions

58th Guards: 517

121st: 524

Soy: 359–61

Spaatz, Lt. Gen. Carl: 82

commands Eighth Air Force: 36, 42, 72

commands Twelfth Air Force: 96

commands Western Desert Air Force:

94

CG of NAAF: 72, 93, 155–56

CG of USSAF: 156, 550

CG of USSAFE and USSTAF: 160

named deputy CinC, MAAF: 155–56,

Spaccato: 300

Spadafora: 128

Spandau: 520

Spang: 429

Spangenberg: 467

Spangdalem: 429

SPARS activated: 69

Spartan: 166

Spas Demensk: 127

Special Boat Squadron, RN: 285–86

Special Security Force, 37th Division:

396

Special Service Force,

1st: 127, 149, 151–53, 156, 157–62,

170), 196–98, 200–202, 249–50, 254–

55, 339

Spedaletto: 292

Speicher: 424, 426

Spell: 414

Spellen: 451

Sperlonga: 195

Spessart Mountains: 473

Speyer: 447–48 450–51, 459, 465

Speyer Landkreis: 516

Spezia: 114

Spicheren: 408

Spielberg: 465

Spielmannsholz Hill: 275

Spiesheim: 446

Spigno: 192–93

Spigot mortar, first use: 482

Spinazzola: 136

Spineux: 368–69

Spitzendorf: 522

Split: 314

Spora: 494

Sprague, Capt. Albert T. (USN): 453

Sprendlingen: 441, 443–44

Sprichra: 468

Sprimont: 372

Springlingen: 448, 455

Spruance, Adm. Raymond A.: 38–40, 137,

139, 142, 160, 162, 167, 212, 224,

230, 235 237,299

Staadt: 409

Stadtilm: 487

Stalltkyll: 427

Stadtlohn: 460

Stadt-Meckenheim: 425, 427, 432

Stadt-Schwarzach: 485

Staffeln: 427

Stahl: 414

Stainwald Woods: 389, 391

Stalbach: 408

STALEMATE: 230. See also Palau Islands.

Stalin, Joseph. See also Union of

Soviet Socialist Republics.

agreement on air bases: 169, 279

and Churchill conferences: 49

at EUREKA Conference: 150–51

Stalingrad, Battle of: 45, 47–55, 57, 61–

62, 64–65, 68–71, 74–75, 77, 81,

83, 85–88, 90

Stalino: 92, 95, 129–30, 132

Stalzenburg: 268

Stammeln: 410

Standdaarbuiten: 315, 317

Standish, Lt. Col. Miles L.: 327, 332, 334

Stanislawow: 237

Stapp: 451

Staraya Russa: 25, 27, 30–32, 97, 174

Stargard: 425–26

Stark, Brig. Gen. Alexander N., Jr.: 88,

221, 383

Stark, Adm. Harold R.: 28

Starnberg: 526

Starr, Col. Edward M.: 240

Station Hospital, 159th: 38

Stattmatten: 368, 377

Staufen: 525

Staufenberg: 458, 460

Stavelot: 355–58, 361, 372

Stazzema: 290

Stegenthumbach: 506

Steckenborn: 393–94, 397

Steele: 474, 482

Steenbergen: 317–18

Steffeshausen: 387

Steige: 337

Steige Pass: 335–36

Steimke: 502

Stein: 477

Stein Bockenheim: 447

Steinach: 490, 492, 515, 521

Steinbach: 375, 380, 461, 492, 521

Steinberg: 492

Steinborn: 426

Steinfeld: 446–48

Steinfurth: 500

Steingaden: 523

Steinhau: 384, 401

Steinheid: 487

Steinheim: 409,421

Steinkirchen: 416, 496

Stein-Kopf: 387

Steinmehlen: 396, 398–99

Steinstrass: 411–12, 414

Sterkrade Buschhausen: 462

Sterkrade Holten: 456, 460

Sterpigny: 374–76

Stetternich: 411

Stettfeld: 466

Stettin: 424, 426, 436, 446, 518

Stettin Bay: 443

Stevenson, Air Vice Marshal D. F. (RAF):

11, 29

Stevensweerd: 378

Steyr: 176, 532–33

Stieldorferhohn: 445

Stienta: 515

Stiepelse: 524

Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Joseph W.: 30–31, 33–

36 42, 98, 142, 145, 150, 159–60,

163, 170, 174, 179, 181, 184, 187–88,

190, 195, 197, 202, 204–05, 214, 219,

270, 272, 274, 279 280, 282, 303,

548. See also Burma; China; ChinaBurma-India Theater; China Theater;

India; India-Burma Theater; South

East Asia Command.

agrees on SOS base at Calcutta: 53

arrival in India: 25

blamed for loss of east China: 299

as China Theater chief of staff: 21

at command conferences: 26–27, 177,

185

commands Chinese in Burma: 28–29,

297

commands Chinese in India: 33, 44,

155

commands Yoke Force: 114

control of NCAC: 168

control of XX Bomber Command: 166

defines command structure of CBI: 44

deputy to Mountbatten: 129

directive on China task force: 20–21

on division of CBI: 222–27, 230, 235,

266

establishes Hq, CBI: 27

heads AGF: 384

and lend-lease: 297

ordered to halt offensive: 178

plans for recovery of Burma: 46–48,

60–61, 63, 70, 155

plans for CATF operations: 55, 60, 71

plans for Yunnan Force: 66, 89, 146

proposed as commander of Chinese in

China: 222–27, 230, 235, 255 265–

66, 271, 276, 287, 296, 302

proposed as commander of GYMNAST:

14

recall of: 134–35, 220, 296, 301–02,

306, 324

relation to Chiang: 14, 17, 129

reports on threat to air bases: 276

retreat from Burma: 36, 38

role in Chiang’s demands: 43, 48, 59

role in support of Communist forces:

132, 271

selects Wheeler to head SOS: 64, 70

division plan: 138

on support of Chinese: 235

temporarily commander of SEAC:

241, 254

division plan: 59, 89

warns on bombing of Manila: 248

on Yunnan offensive: 144, 297

Stilwell Road: 386. See also Ledo Road.

Stima Peninsula: 131, 135

Stimson, Henry L.: 36

Stiring Wendel: 405, 408, 423–24, 426
[ 648 ] [ INDEX ]

Stirling Island: 142, 155–56

Stirpe: 472

Stivers, Col. Charles P.: 34

Stockach: 509, 511

Stockem: 275, 380, 406

Stocken: 509

Stockhausen: 442

Stockheim: 410–12, 414, 496

Stockigt: 273, 405

Stockstadt: 451

Stockum: 451, 482, 484

Stokes, Lt. Col. William M.: 275, 279

Stolberg: 269–71, 273, 275, 278, 281–82,

284, 327, 415

Stolzenau: 478

Stolzenburg: 387

Stommeln: 422

Stone, Maj. Gen. Charles B.: 550

Stone Pier (Makin): 148

Stopford, Lt. Gen. Sir Montagu (Br.) 185,

541

Storm King Mountain: 395–96

Stotzheim: 425–26

Stoubach: 386

Stoumont: 355–59

Stracking: 521

Strada San Zeno: 308

Straelen: 420

Straeten: 381

Strait Settlements Volunteer Force (Br.): 21

Strakonice: 533

Stralsund: 523, 527

Strangle: 182, 201

Strasbourg: 313, 319, 331–33, 335–36,

338–39, 347, 366–67, 369

Strass: 349

Strassebersbach: 462

Strassfeld: 425

Strasskirchen: 524

Strategic Air Forces, Allied: 186, 550

Stratemeyer, Lt. Gen. George E.: 116, 125,

147, 166, 173, 333

and air organization conference: 375

CG Eastern Air Command: 154, 342

commands air forces in China: 527,

532, 537, 540, 544, 547

Straubing: 518–19

Strauch: 393 397

Strauscheid: 449

Straussfurt: 485

Streett, Maj. Gen. St. Clair: 186

Strehla: 518

Strehlen: 457

Streitau: 494

Strengberg: 534

Strettoia: 479

Stribro: 532

Strickscheid: 408

Strigara: 296

Strip Point (New Guinea): 76

Strodt: 440–42

Stroh, Maj. Gen. Donald A.: 339

Strohn: 434

Stromberg: 456

Stromberg Forest: 477

Strong: 116

Strotzbusch: 434

Struble, Rear Adm. Arthur D.: 339, 351,

353, 388, 403, 443

Strueth: 457

Struth: 479

Stundweiler: 369

Stupbach: 386

Stuppelburg: 398

Sturges, Maj. Gen. (Br.): 36

Stuttgart: 132, 176, 503, 505, 507, 509,

511, 513–14, 516

Stutzenbach: 481

Stutzhaus: 483, 485

Stuzelbronn: 442

Styr River: 176

Suarce: 330, 333

Subbawng: 333

Subiaco: 204

Subic: 388, 403

Subic Bay: 388, 403, 452

Submarines, German, land agents in U.S.:

41–43

Submarines, Japanese: 25

Subotica: 301, 309

Sudak: 12

Sudlingen: 417

Sudlohn: 460

Suechteln: 418, 420

Sueggerath: 329–30, 333

Suelm: 417

Suelz: 498, 500

Sugar Loaf Hill (Luzon): 438, 440–42,

445, 448, 532–35

Sugar Loaf Hill (Okinawa): 536–40

Suhl: 470, 473, 479

Suichwan: 324, 375, 387, 409

Suicide air attacks. See Kamikaze attacks.

Suicide Creek (New Britain): 159

Suikerbrood Hill: 188

Suippes: 366

Suisse: 325

Sukhinichi: 20

Sulac: 478, 482

Sully: 205

Sulmonte: 503

Sultan, Lt. Gen. Daniel I.: 159–60, 381

air organization conference: 375

commands in Burma: 222–27, 230, 235,

276

commands China airlift: 297

heads IBT: 310, 548

Sulu Archipelago: 8–9, 395, 419, 469,

478, 484, 499, 501, 512, 549

Suluan Island: 305

Sulzbach: 461, 503, 505, 507–08, 510,

518, 530

Sulzheim: 444

Sumatra: 15–16, 18, 24, 160–61, 176, 188,

236

Sumprabum: 96, 98, 181

Sumy: 95, 130

Sundhoffen: 391

Sung Shan: 198, 202, 211, 218, 220, 225–

26, 228–29, 235, 237 242, 246–47,

253–54, 264–65

Sungei Patani: 4

SUPERCHARGE: 63, 100. See also El’ Alamein;

Mareth Line.

Supino: 200

Support Carrier Group, TF 52: 403

Supreme Allied Commander, Chief of

Staff to. See Chief of Staff to

Supreme Allied Commander.

Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean: 189, 262, 288, 354. See

also Alexander, Gen. Sir Harold

R. L. G.; Wilson, Gen. Sir Henry

Maitland; Mediterranean Theater.

Supreme Allied Commander, South East

Asia Command. See Mountbatten,

Adm. Lord Louis; South East Asia

Command.

Supreme Commander, Allied Powers, Far

East. See MacArthur, Gen. Douglas.

Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force. See also Allied Force Headquarters; Eisenhower, Gen. Dwight

D.

army regroupment by: 236

CCS directive to: 172

control of 6th Army Group: 273

control of 12th Army Group: 260

COSSAC redesignated as: 163

Eisenhower takes command: 152, 156,

163

hq established: 172

hq at Reims: 407

planning for Normandy: 106, 112, 129,

150, 164, 167–68, 202

Surbourg: 443

Sure River: 368

Surigao Strait: 5, 306, 310, 351

Surovikino: 49

Surre: 362

Surth: 429

Susteren: 374, 376–77

Susuga Pass: 548

Sutherland, Lt. Gen. Richard K.: 34, 98

Suzuki, Gen. (Japanese): 486

Suzuki, Adm. Kantaro (Japanese): 476

Suzzano: 495 497

Svatovo: 90

Sverdrup, Col. Leif J.: 56, 60, 63

Swabian Jura Mountains: 511, 514, 516

Swatow: 376

Sweich: 421, 423–24, 429–32, 435–36

Swift, Maj. Gen. Innis P.: 176–78, 481

Swinemuende: 497

Switzerland, operations near: 332–33,

349, 419, 500, 509, 511, 514, 516,

518, 521

SWORD Beach: 203. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Sychevka: 97

Sydney: 39

Syffret, Rear Adm. (RN): 36

Syracuse: 110, 117–18

Syria, British forces in: 12

Syrian: 24, 530

Szeged: 295, 300, 308

Szekesfehervar: 346–47, 359–60, 379 382,

441, 451

Szentgotthard: 465

Szigetvar: 3 45

Szolnok: 318

Szombathely: 461

Taal: 428, 430

Tabali River: 115

Tabango Bay: 363

Tabarka: 67, 96

Tabawng Ga: 162
[ INDEX ] [ 649 ]

Taben: 409–11, 413

Tabgas: 345

Tabgas River: 347

Tabontabon: 311–14

Tabuclan: 512–13

Tachiiwi Point: 409, 434

Tacloban: 307–10, 361

Tactical Air Commands

IX: 240, 280–82, 292

XII: 332, 398

XIX: 240, 267–68, 270–71, 288, 307,

530

XXIX: 271, 292

Tadji Plantation: 188–89, 196, 206, 250

Tadji Defense Perimeter and Covering

Force: 249

Tafaraoui: 65, 70

Taganrog: 129–30

Tagaytay Ridge: 381, 389–92, 488

Tabgilaran: 486, 488

Taglawigan: 362

Tagoloan River: 36

Tagum River: 540

Taihpa Ga: 159, 161, 163, 168, 170

Taiping: 4, 7

Taira: 480

Taivu Point: 50, 54

Taiwan. See Formosa.

Ta-kawn: 376

Takrouna: 105

Talaga: 431

Talais: 498

Talaud Islands: 235, 274

Talamban: 469

Talange: 265

Talasea: 178–79, 183

Talavera: 388

Talheim: 494

Talisay, Cebu: 455

Talisay, Luzon: 476, 478

Talisay, Negros: 465, 467, 469

Talisayan River: 344, 347, 354

Tallinn: 256, 275, 280, 284

Talomo: 549

Talomo River and Valley: 534–38, 540–41,

549

Talomo Trail: 515, 520, 525, 530, 535,

537–38, 541, 548

TALON: 316, 367. See also Akyab operation.

Tamakau River: 116

Taman Peninsula: 137, 140

Tamandu: 426

Tamanthi: 206

Tamatave: 56

Tambalego River: 91

Tambongan: 540

Tambu Bay: 120

Tambuco: 355

Tamera: 96–98

Tamo: 191

Tamontaca: 503

Tampin: 13

Tamu: 179–80, 191, 243, 263, 347

Tanabaru: 513, 533–34

Tanabaru Ridge escarpment: 515, 533

Tanaga: 51

Tanahmerah Bay: 188

Tanai River and Valley: 96, 156, 159, 161,

163, 165–66, 177, 181

Tanambogo: 48–49

Tananarive: 54–57

Tanapag Harbor: 209, 211, 213, 219–20,

223, 230

Tanapag Plain: 224

Tanauan, Leyte: 311–12, 354, 361

Tanauan, Luzon: 455, 457

Tanbach: 479

Tanchuk: 550

Tandel: 379

Tangermuende: 489, 491, 493

Tanimbar (Tenimbar) Island: 47

Tanjong Malim: 13

Tank, Mark VI “Tiger,” first appearance

of: 86

Tank Battalions

70th: 204

191st: 133, 135, 172

192d: 21

193d: 147–48

194th: 9

702d: 422

707th: 319

743d: 332

746th: 203–04

751st: 109

756th: 165, 488

761st: 447

767th: 310

771st: 415

777th: 492

781st: 383, 513

813th: 102

Tank battle, first in SWPA: 198–99

Tank Destroyer Battalions

607th: 454

704th: 308

705th: 357

804th: 219, 233

827th: 369

894th: 109

Tank Destroyer Group, 8th: 449, 464,

470, 502

Tank Group, 1st Provisional (ChineseAmerican): 177–82

Tankulan: 37, 536, 41, 549

Tanne: 500

Tannenberg: 379–80

Tannroda: 490

Tano Hill: 201

Taormina: 128

Tapananja: 84

Taping River: 314, 322, 326

Tarahoha: 220

Tarakan Island: 14, 527, 548

Tarakena: 75–76, 82–83

Taranto: 115, 131–32, 134–37, 140

Tarawa Atoll: 136, 139, 141, 146–50, 152

Tarchamps: 371

Target Hill (New Britain) 159–60

Tarhuna: 86–87

Tarlac: 5, 9–10, 379–80, 403, 405

Tarnopol: 179, 182–83, 187

Tarnow: 378

Taro Plain: 157, 165–66, 177

Taro River: 515

Taroa airstrip: 166

Tarquinia: 205–06

Tarragona: 345

Tarrenz: 527–28, 530

Tartu: 256

Tarung River: 143, 157, 160, 162–63

TARZAN: 145, 152. See also Burma,

recovery of.

Tasimboko: 54

Task Forces, AAF

Second: 125–26

Third: 164

Thirteenth: 186, 251

China: 44 Desert: 60

East China: 324

Task Forces, Army

I, 92d Div: 397

1st Airborne: 249–50, 252–55, 258–

59, 261, 266, 333, 337

45, 45th Div: 237, 252, 261, 266–

67, 269, 273, 275, 277, 279–80, 283,

296, 319, 336, 370, 374, 386, 412

77, 77th Div: 253, 274

92, 92d Div: 287–91, 295–301, 305,

309

A, VI Corps: 368

A, 2d Armd Div: 328

A, 6th Armd Div: 241–45, 251

A, 82d A/B Div: 395 400

Aola, 147th Inf: 63–64, 72

Artman, 8th Armd Div: 470

B, VI Corps: 368

B, 29th Div: 256, 259

Bacon, 95th Div: 326–30

Baldy, XI Corps: 471, 479, 490, 530

Barber, 4th Div: 206–07

Beatty, 7th Armd Div: 460, 462

Bell, 5th Div: 341–42

Benson, 1st Armd Div: 98, 101–03

Bibo, 45th Div: 257–58, 260–61

Biddle, 834 Div: 472, 486

Birks, 9th Div: 472, 474, 476, 478,

480, 483

Boerem, 324 Div: 65, 69

Boles, 3d Armd Div: 464, 474

Boyer, 5th Armd Div: 343–45

Bradford, 27th Div: 512, 515

Breckenridge, 5th Div: 440–41,

443–44

Brett, Fifth Army: 197

BREWER, 1st Cav Div: 176–78

Brown, 7th Armd Div: 454, 458, 460,

462

Buna, 32d Div: 73

Butler, VI Corps: 251–54, 256–59

Byrne, 35th Div: 416, 418, 420–21,

423, 425, 430, 432–33

C, 29th Div: 232–33

Carrier, 28th Div: 65, 68–69

Chamberlain, 10th Armd Div: 327,

332, 334

Chappuis, 7th Armd Div: 458, 462

Cheadle, 94th Div: 448, 450

Church, 84th Div: 415, 418

Coane, 41st Div: 113, 116, 120

Connolly, 334 Div: 542, 547–48

Cox, 30th Div: 294–96

Crater, 89th Div: 487, 490, 492

CYCLONE, New Guinea: 215, 217, 222–

23, 225, 228–30, 260, 264

26th Div: 437, 440

Darby, Fifth Army: 516, 518

Davisson, 1st Div: 417
[ 650 ] [ INDEX ]

Task Forces, Army—Continued

DIRECTOR, New Britain: 114, 151,

154

Disney, 2d Armd Div: 294

Doan, 3d Armd Div: 414–15, 420,

427, 452, 454, 460, 462, 464

Dull, 10th Mtn Div: 509, 511

East, 6th Div: 403, 405–06, 408

Ellis, Fifth Army: 205

END RUN. See Myitkyina.

Engel, 89th Div: 454, 459

Erlenbusch, 7th Armd Div: 458

Faith, 95th Div: 478, 480, 482, 485,

487, 489, 491

Fickett, Third Army: 342, 353, 356, 360,

366, 368–69, 371, 373, 382, 386–87,

454, 457, 459, 461, 463, 465

Field, 12th Armd Div: 444, 446–47

Freeman, 7th Div: 352

Gassman, 90th Div: 406–08

Graham, 5th Div: 431, 434

Griffin, 7th Armd Div: 454, 458, 460

Guillaume, Fifth Army: 210, 217

Gypsy, Sixth Army: 548

H, Burma: 191 , 193–94

Hamberg, 5th Armd Div: 340, 342–43

Hankins, 10th Armd Div: 490

Harmon, Fifth Army: 174

Harris, 63d Div: 349, 362, 364–65, 389,

446–47

Herren, 10th Div: 357, 362, 365–67,

369–70, 373–74, 376, 383, 391

Higgins, 101st A/B Div: 366

Hinds, 2d Armd Div, 294

Hogan, 3d Armd Div: 275, 277, 280–

81, 284, 305–06, 372, 415, 420, 427,

454, 462

Howze, 1st Armd Div: 197–98, 200–

201, 205, 216

Hudelson, Seventh Army: 362, 365–66

HURRICANE, Biak: 196–202, 204–08,

210–13, 217, 220, 222, 234

Johnson, 89th Div: 454, 459, 461

K, Burma: 189–92, 194–95

Kane, 3d Armd Div: 415–16, 420, 427,

452, 454, 460, 466, 474

Kedrovsky, 90th Div: 427

Keller, 104th Div: 491, 494 500, 502,

504

King, 3d Armd Div: 273

King, 7th Armd Div: 454

Lagrew, 6th Armd Div: 376

Laundon, 104th Div: 464, 476

Linden, 42d Div: 349, 362, 366–68,

370, 377, 385, 404

Lohse, 7th Armd Div: 462

Lovelady, 3d Armd Div: 271, 273, 282,

284, 327, 414, 422, 424, 452, 458,

462, 464 474

M, Burma: 194–95

MacKechnie, 41st Div: 101–02, 114–15,

117

MacNider, Sixth Army: 383

MARS, Burma: 304, 441, 537

McClure, 25th Div: 126–27, 135

Medendorp, 32d Div: 58, 60, 70

MICHAELMAS, 32d Div: 155, 157–59,

172

Task Forces, Army—Continued

Mills, 3d Armd Div: 273, 281–82, 284,

327–29

Miltonberger, 35th Div: 381, 386

Muir, 87th Div: 426–27, 429

Murray, 8th Armd Div: 425, 428, 430,

432–33

Norton, 12th Armd Div: 444, 446

Nyaparake, New Guinea: 189–91, 195–

96, 199

Oboe, 4th Armd Div: 390

Onaway, XII Corps: 422, 426, 428–29,

431–32

Palawan, 41st Div: 405, 417, 432

Paratroop, Algeria: 66

PERSECUTION, Aitape: 182, 187–88,

190, 195, 290–202, 206–07, 220–21,

227–28

Polk, 3d Cav Gp: 280, 287, 289, 296,

300, 332, 396, 406, 408–11, 416, 419

Pope, 86th Div: 489, 526, 528

Porter, Fifth Army: 313, 337 350

Provisional, Americal Div: 403, 406–07,

415

Provisional, X Corps: 403

Ramey, Fifth Army: 208, 215, 227, 232,

234, 236, 240, 248

RECKLESS, Hollandia: 182–83, 186–88,

210

Reed, 2d Cav Gp: 360

Rhea, 7th Armd Div: 454

Rhine, 4th Div: 431–32

Richardson, 3d Armd Div: 335–38,

415, 420, 447, 454, 462

Ripple, First Army: 319

Rock, VI Corps: 404–06, 411–12, 415,

421

Rodwell, 4th Div: 509, 511, 513–14

Samar, Americal Div: 399–400

Sarangani, 24th Div: 549–50

SATIN, II Corps: 85–86

Schwartz, 32d Div: 75–76

Scott, 26th Div: 371

Sebree, 35th Div: 273, 277–78, 280

Smith, 80th Div: 531

South, 38th Div: 403, 405–06, 408

Spiess, 90th Div: 408, 410, 440–41,

443–45, 447–48, 453, 455, 465

Standish, 10th Armd Div: 327, 332, 334

Stark, 43d Div: 383

Stokes, 2d Armd Div: 275, 279

S, 2d Div: 09, 422, 424–26

Sugar, 29th Div: 256–58

Sundt, 87th Div: 454, 459, 461, 463,

485, 490, 494, 496, 498, 500

Taylor, 1st Div: 478–79, 481

TED, New Guinea: 240–45

TORNADO, New Guinea: 193, 195–97,

199, 202, 205–06, 208–09, 217, 221,

233, 262

TRADEWIND, Morotai: 249, 254, 263–

64, 269–71, 274, 277, 287

Twaddle, 95th Div: 478, 480, 482,

484–85, 487, 489, 491

TYPHOON, Sansapor: 233, 236, 239 249,

255–56

Urbana, 32d Div: 69–79, 81, 84

VICTOR IV, 41st Div: 417

VICTOR V, X Corps: 446

Task Forces, Army—Continued

Wahl, 79th Div: 369, 383–84

Walker, 8th Armd Div: 470

Warnock, 5th Div: 295–97

Warren, 32d Div: 56, 59, 63–64, 67–

79, 81

Welborn, 3d Armd Div: 414, 422, 452,

458, 462, 464, 474

Wemple, 7th Armd Div: 454

Western Visayan, Sixth Army: 302, 353,

356, 365, 387

Wheeler, Fifth Army: 280

Williamson, Fifth Army: 233

Wingard, 11th Armd Div: 532

Wolfe, 7th Armd Div: 462

X, Darby’s Rangers: 121–22

X, 9th Div: 502, 504

Yoke: 114

Yon, 6th Div: 383

Task Force, British, Lind, Fifth Army: 280

Task Forces, Marine Corps

BACKHANDER, New Britain: 155–56

Liversedge, New Georgia: 116–18, 121,

124–26

Task Forces, Navy

8: 3, 48, 81, 102

14: 6–8, 139

15: 136

16: 102, 111

31: 115–16, 119, 126–29, 131, 140,

142–43, 146, 291

32: 119, 270, 291

38

China coast: 375–76

Formosa: 149, 165, 276, 302–03,

367, 370, 375, 380

Indochina: 372

New Britain: 143–44, 146, 156,

159–60

Pescadores: 367, 370, 375, 380

Philippines: 270, 301, 304–05,

367–68, 370, 372, 380

Ryukyus: 294, 300, 367, 370,

380–81

Sakishima Gunto: 380

scouts South China Sea: 370, 372

375, 380

and TF 58: 541

39: 143

50: 167, 299

51: 159, 167, 299, 373, 404, 467, 538

52: 143–44, 147, 167, 403–04

53: 145–46, 148, 167, 467

54: 403–04, 430

55: 467

56: 299

57: 303

58: 224

Hollandia: 187

Japan air offensive: 404–06, 413,

444–45, 462, 497, 499

Marianas: 208–10, 212, 214–15

Marshalls and Carolines: 166, 172–

75, 184, 189, 204

Ryukyus: 420, 444, 449, 462, 488,

491, 499, 541

61: 45–50

62: 45–50

63: 45–47, 49–50

65: 55–55
[ INDEX ] [ 651 ]

Task Forces, Navy—Continued

76: 131, 154

77: 222, 339 366–67, 370, 373

88: 124

Center: 64–65

Eastern: 64, 117

South Pacific: 5, 8

Western: 60–61, 65, 117, 127, 132

Task Groups, Navy

31.24: 548

38.4: 268, 270

50.15: 166

51.2: 164, 166

51.11: 172–73

51.19: 486

56.1: 303, 406

58.4: 173

74.2: 415

77.2: 367–68

77.3: 351, 355

77.6: 366–68

77.12: 351, 355

78.2: 385, 415, 417, 501

78.3: 339, 351, 353, 355, 403, 443

78.4: 467

94.9: 383

Tassafaronga naval battle: 71

Tassafaronga Point: 59, 67, 71, 89–90

Tassigny, Gen. Jean de Lattre de. See Lattre

de Tassigny, Gen. Jean de.

Tata: 453

Tatangtzu Pass: 192, 197, 200

Tate, Capt. Jackson R. (USN): 152

Tategahtawng: 188

Tauali: 157

Tauber River: 479, 490

Taucha: 508

Taukkyan: 27–28

Taung Bazaar: 170, 172

Taungdwingyi: 29, 32–34, 492

Taunggyi: 33–37

Taungtha: 412, 430, 461

Taungup: 384, 437, 522, 535

Taup: 488

Taupota Bay: 186

Taute River: 210, 224, 227, 230, 237

Tavernaux: 374

Tavernelle: 231, 235

Tavigny: 379–80

Tavoy airdrome: 5, 15–16

Tawi Tawi Islands: 469

Tayabas Bay: 8, 372, 379

Taytay: 409–10, 437

Tayug: 8

Teano: 143

Teardrop (New Guinea): 215–19

Tebano: 355

Tébessa: 89, 94–95 98

Tebourba: 70–72, 108

Teboursouk: 78, 104

TED: 240–45. See also Aitape operation.

Tedder, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur

W. (RAF): 93, 155–56

Tegern See: 528, 530–31

Tegernsee: 531

Tehran

EUREKA Conference: 150–51

hq for mission to USSR: 21

movement of supplies to: 56–57

Tel el Aqqaqir: 63

Tel el Eisa: 45

Telfs: 530

Telgte: 466

Telok Anson: 11

Tementoe Creek: 193, 199, 210

Temmels: 408

Templeton’s Crossing (New Guinea): 58–

59

Temryuk: 137

Tenaro: 91

Tenaru River: 48–49

Tenasserim: 5, 13, 16

Tenavatu River: 48

Tendon: 287, 296

Tengah: 11, 22–23

Teng-chung: 71, 194, 205, 213, 216, 218–

19, 223, 227, 237, 241–43, 272, 291,

379

Tenholt: 414

Tenney, Col. Clesen H. (USMC): 149

Tenth Military Region, French: 515

Teora: 137–38

Tepla River: 532

Tera: 545

Teramo: 212

Terek: 56

Terek River: 52–53, 71, 75

Terelle: 164

Terere: 122

Teresa: 440–41

Terheeg: 414

TERMINAL Conference: 550

Termini Imerese: 122

Termoli: 138–39

Ternate: 391, 406, 417, 423

Terneuzen: 284, 312

Terni: 136, 138, 162, 202, 204, 206–07,

209–10

Terra del Sole: 321

Terracina: 195–96

Terrette River: 231

Terricciola: 230–31

Terukini Ridge: 536

Tessel: 218

Tessy-sur-Vire: 238–41

Tetelrath: 416

Tetere: 63–64

Teterev River: 146

Teton: 476

Tettenborn: 487

Tettingen: 334–36, 338, 374–75, 377, 380,

389, 396–97

Teugn: 519

Teunz: 514

Teutoburger Wald: 466, 468, 470

Teveren: 291, 323

Thabaikkyin: 293, 374

Thabutkon: 414, 416

Thailand Allied air attacks: 202

fall of: 3–4, 10, 33

declares war on U.S.: 18

Thakutpin: 530

Thal: 481

Thala: 88, 94–95

Thale: 504

Thalexweiler: 443

Thalheim: 496, 502

Thalichtenberg: 443

Thalmassing: 521

Thanet: 19

Thankirchen: 526

Thann: 346–49

Thaon: 283

Tharrawaddy: 28

Thaton: 23–24

Thazi: 34, 348

Theater designations Alaska Defense

Command redesignated Alaskan

Dept: 143

ABDA activated and inactivated: 15, 26

CBI divided into IBT and China

Theater: 222–27, 230, 235, 266, 310

CBI activated: 27, 44 China Theater

activated: 310

CINCPOA activated: 30–31

ETO supersedes USAFBI: 41

India-Burma Theater activated: 310

Islands Area (Br) activated: 59

MTO activated: 152–53, 155

NATO activated: 91, 316

Pacific Theater activated: 30

PGSC redesignated PGC: 153

SEAC activated: 129, 147

SOPAC absorbed by SWPA and POA:

183

SWPA replaces USAFFE: 30–31, 34

USAFFE inactivated and reactivated:

29, 95

USAFIME activated: 41

USAFIPOA supersedes USAFCPA: 241

USAFISPA activated: 43

USFIP inactivated: 41

Thélepte: 93

Themar: 477, 479

Theobald, Rear Adm. Robert A.: 38, 48,

81

Theoule-sur-Mer: 249–50

Theuerbronn: 505

Theuma: 500

Thicourt: 325

Thiéfosse: 299

Thielt: 265

Thier: 489

Thierbach: 496

Thionville: 191, 265–70, 272, 280, 287,

321–23, 325

Thirimont: 373–74

Thomas Stone: 64

Thommen: 380, 382

Thompson, Maj. Gen. Charles F.: 42

Thompsons Post: 62

Thonnbrunn: 510

Thorn, Germany: 407

Thorn, Poland: 384–85

Thrace Province: 321

Thrall Hill: 388

Three Peaks (Luzon): 484, 486, 488

Thuelen: 460

Thuir: 418

Thum: 415, 417

THUNDERBOLT: 277. See also Metz.

Thur River: 389, 391–92

Thuringer Wald: 467, 470, 475, 481, 485

Thurland: 496

Thurmansbang: 521

Thurnau: 492

Thury-Harcourt: 228, 243–48
[ 652 ] [ INDEX ]

Tiaong: 425, 471, 473

Tiawir River: 19

Tiber River and Valley: 202–07, 212, 214,

217, 220, 226, 229–30

Tibungko: 539

Tibur: 363

Ticala: 529

Ticala Valley: 529

Ticao Island: 421, 423, 436

Tichwin: 4

Ticino River: 523, 527

Ticonderoga: 380

TIDALWAVE: 124. See also Ploesti, air raids

on

Tiddim: 179, 186, 189, 230, 240, 274, 295,

306, 317, 321

Tiefen Creek: 341, 343

Tiefenbach: 340, 342, 441

Tigbao: 308–09

Tigbauan: 443

TIGER: 189

Tigliano: 258

Tikhoretsk: 48, 89

Tilburg: 295, 307–08, 313–14

Tilic: 419

Tilin: 381

Tillet: 369–70

Tilly: 256

Tilly-la-Campagne: 232, 240

Tilly-sur-Seulles: 206–09, 218, 222

Tilsit: 379–80

Timor Island: 24–25, 360

Timoshenko, Marshal Semyon K. (USSR):

96

Tinchebray: 243, 246–49

Tine River and Valley: 106–08

Tinghawk Sakan: 168

Tingib: 314

Tingkrukawng: 192

Tingring: 187

Tingyaing: 359

Tinian Island base for air offensive against

Japan: 458

recovery of: 209, 234–41

staging area for Iwo: 401–02

Tinian Town: 239

Tinker, Maj. Gen. Clarence L.: 6, 40

Tinsukia: 153

Tintage: 361

Tipolo: 364

Tippelskirch, Lt. Gen. von (Ger.): 528

Tirana: 329

Tirfoam River: 196–97, 199, 205–06,

210, 213–14

Tirlemont: 264

Tirschenreuth: 508, 512, 514

Tisza River: 300, 316

Titerno Creek: 141

Titi: 89–91

Tito, Marshal: 166, 307, 337, 527

Tittling: 5 115

Titz: 414

Tiyan airfield: 241

Tjilatjap: 26

Tmimi Line: 22

Toba: 483

Tobacco Factory (Salerno): 133–34

Tobruk: 3–4, 21, 40–42, 55, 67, 82

Todi: 210, 212

Toem: 195, 198–99, 202, 208, 210, 221,

236

Toenisberg: 421

Togbong River: 357–59

TOGO: 198. See also China, air bases,

threats to.

Togo, Shigenori: 53

Toguchi: 486

Tojo, Hideki: 53, 233

Tokashiki Island: 457–58, 460, 462

Tokashiki Town: 460

Tokyo, air assaults on: 34, 336, 370, 405,

413, 425

Tokyo Bay, site of Japanese surrender: 551

Tokyo Express: 64

Tokyo Plain, plans for seizure of: 274

Tole: 499

Toledo: 32–33, 512

Tollevast: 216

Tollhausen: 415

Tom Hill (Okinawa): 542

Tomb Hill (Okinawa): 482, 484

Tomba di Pesaro: 261

Tombstone Ridge (Okinawa): 506, 508

Tomigusuki: 544

Tomlinson, Col. Clarence M.: 73, 76

Tongatabu Island: 37, 52

Tongres: 266

Tonk-wa: 346–49, 351–53, 364

Tonndorf: 487

Tonny: 372

Tooc: 513

Top of the World (Luzon): 388, 398

Tor River: 193–96, 199, 205, 222

Tor Sapienza: 201

TORCH: 46, 48, 53, 55–56, 59–61, 64. See

also Northwest Africa campaign.

Torcheville: 331

TOREADOR: 150. See also Mandalay, recovery of.

Torgau: 513, 515–18

Torigny-sur-Vire: 238–39

TORNADO: 193, 195–97, 199, 202, 205, 206.

See also Sarmi; Task Forces, Army,

TORNADO; Wakde Island.

Tornitz: 495

Torraccia: 280, 282

Torre di Primaro: 425

Torre Iussi: 495

Torre Poggiolli: 287–89

Torrenuovo: 126

Torres: 373

Torricella Hill: 271, 274, 276–77, 279, 283

Torricelli Mountains: 242

Torten: 496, 498, 500, 502, 504

Torun: 389

Tosno: 165

Tossignano: 350–52

Tôtes: 259

Toul: 263, 273

Toulon: 70, 249–58

Toungoo: 22, 26, 28–31, 509, 511, 515

Touques River: 253

Tourane: 372

Tour-en-Bessin: 205

Tourlaville: 216–17, 257

Tournai: 261–62

Towers, Rear Adm. John H.: 39, 42

Tozeur: 93, 97

Trachenberg: 383

TRADEWIND: 249. See also Morotai Island.

TRADEWIND Assault Force, Morotai: 274

Traintrux: 315

Traps-en-Provence: 250

TRANSFIGURE: 257. See also Seine River.

Transylvanian Alps: 291

Trapani: 122–23

Traubling: 519

Traun Gmundner See: 533

Traun River: 531–32

Trautmannshofen: 507

Treasury Islands: 132, 134, 136, 140, 142,

145–46, 155–56

Trebisov: 342

Trebur: 449

Tredozio: 298, 312

Treis: 432, 438

Tremensuoli: 191

Trémery: 327

Trengganu: 9

Trentelhof: 371

Treuen: 500

Trévières: 206

Treviso: 523, 525

Treysa: 463

Triangle, The (New Guinea): 69–71, 75–

78

Triangulation Hill (Okinawa): 482

Tribola: 291

TRIDENT Conference: 110–12, 114, 118, 129

Trier: 414, 416–17, 419, 421, 435, 437, 442,

446

Trieste: 523, 525, 527–28

Trieux: 265

Triflisco Gap: 140

Trigno River: 139, 142–43

Trimport: 417, 422

Trinal: 366

Trincomalee: 32

Tripoli: 16, 69, 83–88, 96

Tripolitania: 391

Trippelsdorf: 427

Tripsrath: 329

Triri: 117

Trivio: 194

Troarn: 232–33, 240

Trobriand Islands: 101, 114–15, 119–20,

122

Troina: 124–26

Troine: 380

Trois Ponts: 358–59, 361, 369

Trois Vierges: 354, 381–82

Troisdorf: 414, 487

Troisgots: 239

Trondheim: 122

Troop Carrier Command, CBI: 190, 194,

441

Troop Carrier Command, SEAC: 154

Troop Carrier Group, 90th: 66

Troop Carrier Squadrons

21st: 38

27th: 197, 199

Troop Carrier Wing, 51st: 302

Troppau: 511

Trossenfurt: 500

Trostau: 504

Trougemont: 299
[ INDEX ] [ 653 ]

Troyes: 255–57, 259, 272

Trpanj: 272

Trustenice: 532

Trubenhausen: 477

Truk Atoll: 144, 162, 172–74, 189–90

Truman, Harry S.: 534, 551

Trun: 250–51

Truscott, Lt. Gen. Lucian K.: 65, 117–19,

173, 175, 249, 253, 282, 285, 311,

354

Truttemer-le-Grand: 247

Truttemer-le-Petit: 248

Trzebinia: 244

Tsamat Ga: 178

Tsimlyansk: 46, 82

Tsugen Shima: 486, 488

Tsutsuuran: 214

Tuapse: 56–57, 62

Tuba: 316

Tuebingen: 511

Tufillo: 145

Tufo: 164

Tugbok: 538–39, 547

Tuguegarao: 3, 5, 547–48

Tuitum: 274, 277

Tuktuk: 359

Tukums: 253

Tulagi Island: 36, 44–45 47–49 51–52, 55,

57, 59, 62

Tulear: 57

TULSA I, II, II-A: 43–45, 51. See also

Admiralty Islands; New Britain

Island; New Ireland campaign.

Tulsa Incident: 7, 9

Tumauini: 548

Tumleo Island: 188

Tumon Bay: 242

Tunga: 316

Tungkow: 509, 536

Tung-ting Lake: 152

Tunis

conference on Anzio: 156

drive on: 65–77, 86, 99–110

Tunisia Campaign: 66–110. See also Northwest Africa campaign.

air actions: 71, 75, 87, 90, 92, 95, 982

100, 103, 105,108

airborne operations: 65–71

Allied reinforcements: 74, 89, 92–95, 98

armor actions: 70–71, 74, 81, 86, 89,

92, 94, 97, 100, 103, 105–07

attack plan approved: 73

Axis air transport to: 105

Axis aircraft losses: 70

Axis strength: 71

British forces enter: 67

division of Allied control: 69

18 Army Group disbanded: 112

final offensive: 104–10

U.S. forces enter: 70

Tuori: 225

Turin: 525

Turkey, internment of U.S. aircraft in: 41,

124

Turkheim: 518

Turkismuhle: 442

Turnage, Maj. Gen. Allen H. (USMC):

143

Turner, Adm. Richmond K.: 94, 113, 115,

119, 143, 148, 159, 167, 169, 227,

299, 433 467 538

commands Fifth Amphibious Force: 129

commands Solomons Amphibious

Force: 45, 47

on strengthening Lunga defenses: 54

Turnhout: 279, 286, 291

Turnhout–Antwerp Canal: 286, 292

Turnu-Severin: 264, 291

Turqueville: 203

Tusa: 123

Tu-shan: 343

Tutlingen: 518

Tuttlingen: 507, 509

Twenthe Canal: 468, 474

TWILIGHT: 147, 150. See also China Theater,

air reinforcement

Twin Peaks, Luzon: 538

Twingon: 34

Twining, Maj. Gen. Nathan F.: 84, 122,

148

Twinnge: 382, 391

TYPHOON: 233. See also Mar airfield;

Sansapor Plantation and Village;

Vogelkop Peninsula.

Tyrrhenian Sea sector: 191

Ubstadt: 466, 469

Uchitomari: 474, 476

Uckange: 320–22, 324

Uckerath: 450–52

Udaic: 385

Udem: 407, 413–15

Uden: 284–85

Udenrath: 390

Udenhausen: 438

Udesheim: 427

Udine: 525

Udingen: 414

Udler: 434

Udo: 547

Uebach: 283–96

Uedorsdarf: 428, 431

Uekerath: 424

Uelpenich: 424

Uelzen: 491, 493, 495, 497, 499, 501, 508,

506, 509

Uerdingen: 418, 420, 422–25

Uetterath: 382

Uetze: 482

Uffenheim: 488, 490

Uffing: 526, 528

Ugong: 407

Ujelang Atoll: 164

Ukhrul: 154, 199, 191, 223, 228, 230

Ukiangong Point: 148

Ukraine sector: 166, 169, 171, 175, 178,

313. See also Dnieper Basin and River.

Ulandang: 506–07

Ulau Mission: 192–93

Ulithi Island: 184, 226, 268, 283, 285, 287,

305, 315, 350

base for Ryukyus offensive: 350, 450,

488

Ullekoven: 427

Ulm: 501, 503–14, 506, 508

Ulmen: 428–29

Ulrichshalben: 487

Ulrichstein: 461

Ulster River: 475

Uman: 160, 179

Umanday: 371

Umasani River: 90–91

Umbertide: 213, 225–26

Umboi Island. See Rooke Island.

Umingan: 388, 390–91

Umm Qasr: 24, 31

Umnak Island: 38

Umtingalu: 154

Umurbrogol Mountains Pocket: 286, 288–

97, 299–303, 305–06, 312, 317

Unconditional surrender policy: 143

Underground forces, air supply of: 160. See

also French forces of the Interior;

Guerrilla forces.

UNDERTONE: 439 See also Palatinate sector;

Saar sector; Siegfried Line.

Underwater demolition teams

first used in Pacific: 167, 173

at Iwo Jima: 405

in Marianas: 210

in Palaus: 270

in Philippines: 306–07, 369

in Ryukyus: 453, 462, 493

Ungvar: 313

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. See also

Stalin, Joseph; Soviet Army; Soviet

Army units.

agreement with Finland on territory:

280

agreement with Rumania on territory:

269

aircraft supply through Iran: 102

announces dissolution of Comintern:

112

armistice with Finland: 181, 263

armistice with Hungary: 378

Axis armor losses in: 118

Axis progress in, 1941: 3

convoys attacked on way to: 55, 79

and Foreign Ministers conference: 141,

143

hostilities with Bulgaria: 264, 266

hostilities with Japan: 151, 475, 550

issues Yalta declaration: 400

Manchuria as sphere of influence: 398

mutual aid agreement with U.S. and

U.K.: 39, 41

and Potsdam Conference: 550

as shuttle base in Combined Bomber

Offensive: 201, 203, 207, 215, 219,

234, 236–37, 242, 244–45, 268, 271

supply through Persian Corridor: 56,

57. See also Persia; Gulf Command;

Persian Gulf Service Command.

treaty with France: 349

treaty with Iran: 20

U.S. aid to: 25, 41, 56, 57, 141, 499

U.S. Air bases in: 143, 169, 176, 216,

279

U.S. military mission to: 8, 21, 36,

143

United Kingdom. See also Churchill,

Winston S.; British Chiefs of Staff.
[ 654 ] [ INDEX ]

United Kingdom—Continued

AAF in. See U.S. Army Air Forces in

United Kingdom.

accepts BOLERO plan: 33

air conference in London: 39, 42

amphibious training for Normandy

operation: 189

armistice with Hungary: 378

bombings of Luftwaffe: 3, 34

China lend-lease diverted to: 6, 9

Churchill-Roosevelt conferences: 42

declares war on Japan: 3

Eaker commands USAAF in: 134

and Foreign Ministers conference: 141,

143

Hitler abandons plans to invade: 3

issues Yalta declaration: 400

lend-lease agreements with U.S.: 6, 25

mutual aid agreements with U.S.: 39,

41

at Potsdam Conference: 550

recognizes Ethiopia: 21

refuses U.S. proposal on SLEDGEHAMMER:

46

as shuttle base for Combined Bomber

Offensive: 114, 215, 219, 245

treaty with Iran: 20

U.S.-U.K. agreement on food and

production: 41

United Nations: 11, 507, 548

United States Army Air Forces in United

Kingdom: 134, 141, 160, 163

United States Army Air Forces, NATO:

159

United States Army Forces, British Isles

commanded by Chaney: 25

Eighth Air Force controls air units:

38

superseded by ETO: 41

United States Army Forces, Far East: 13,

15, 18–19, 22

absorbs AFPAC: 478, 545

control of Panay and Mindoro: 22

Corregidor as hq: 89

in defense of Bataan: 12–13

last elements leave Manila: 10

Philippine Army assigned to: 95

Philippine Division as reserve: 18–19

staff nominations: 160

superseded by USFIP: 29

SWPA replaces: 34

United States Army Forces, Pacific. See

also MacArthur, Gen. Douglas.

activated: 472, 478

AFPAC and USAFPOA absorbed:

478

consolidated with USAFFE: 545

United States Army Forces in Australia

air services established for: 506

Brett commands: 10, 12

Claggett temporarily commands: 9

redesignated from TF South Pacific:

8

replaced by USASOS SWPA: 46

supply element of SWPA: 34

United States Army Forces in Central

Pacific Area

activated: 127

superseded by USAFPOA: 241

United States Army Forces in the Middle

East

activated: 41–42

Andrews succeeds Maxwell: 63

Brereton succeeds Andrews: 90

control of Iran-Iraq Service Command:

42

Iran and Iraq included: 41

Maxwell commands: 42

personnel arrive: 74

PGC detached from: 153

PGSC administers: 49, 57

redesignated AMET: 09

replaces North African mission: 42

Royce succeeds Brereton: 133

United States Army Forces in Pacific

Ocean Areas

absorbed by AFPAC: 478

Richardson commands: 241

supersedes USAFICPA: 241

United States Army Forces in the Philippines (Northern Luzon): 542–43

United States Army Forces in the South

Pacific Area

activated: 43

Harmon commands tactical units: 45,

 47

hq moves to New Caledonia: 47

United States Fleet. See also Navy, United

States; Fleets; Task Forces, Navy.

control of Naval Coastal Frontiers: 10

King appointed CinC.: 7, 28

United States Forces in the Philippines

ceases to exist: 41

controlled by SWPA: 34

supersedes USAFFE: 29

United States Strategic Air Forces

in Combined Bomber Offensive: 175

commanded by Spaatz: 153, 160

controls all air units in U.K.: 163

USSAFE redesignated: 160

United States Strategic Air Forces in

Europe

commanded by Spaatz: 153, 160

redesignated USSTAF: 160

United States Task Force in China: 20, 21

Units, independent

5303d: 166, 168

5307th Provisional: 146, 175–88. See

Infantry Regiments, 475th.

Unjo: 472

Unna: 480, 482, 485, 487, 489

Unstrut River: 489

Unter Boebingen: 501

Unter Grainet: 507

Unter Gruppenbach: 496

Unter Heinriet: 494

Unter Kochen: 503

Unter Schaeftlarn: 526, 528

Unter Spiesheim: 485

Unter Tuerken: 526

Unterammergau: 523

Unterferrieden: 507

Untermaubach: 356, 358

Upperhausen: 410

Urach: 503–14

Urasoe-Mura Escarpment: 474, 506, 508,

510, 512–13, 509

Urb: 389

Urbach: 487

Urbiztondo: 372, 378

Urdaneta: 375–78

Urfahr: 530, 532

Urft Lake: 392, 397–98

Urft River and Dams: 350, 389, 424

Urschenheim: 387

Urspelt: 382–83

Urville: 212–13

Usch: 426

Ushi Point airfield: 236–38

Ushijima, Lt. Gen. Mitsuru: 548

Usigliano: 230–31

Ursingen: 459, 463 465 467

Uslar: 483

Uso River: 285–88, 295

Usterling: 524

UTAH Beach: 203, 210. See also Normandy

Campaign, landing phase.

Utan Melentang: 11

Utap: 308

Uthweiler: 447

Uttenhofen: 503

Uttfeld: 269, 272, 275

Uyong: 370, 372

V weapons

against Antwerp: 302

attacks on launching sites of: 128, 130,

152, 156

Vaake: 476

Vac: 348

Vacha: 463, 470

Vachdorf: 468

Vachon, Brig. Gen. Joseph P.: 36

Vaerst, Gen. Gustav von (Ger.): 97

Vagney: 294–98

Vaiano: 215, 217–18

Valbert: 485

Valbonne: 255

Valdai Hills: 18

Valencia: 354–56, 359

Valender: 385

Valentano: 207

Valette: 336

Valga: 275, 280

Valguarnera: 121

Valiano: 221

Valkenburg: 271, 275, 277

Valkenswaard: 268, 276

Valle di Commachio: 295

Vallecchia: 277

Vallecorsa: 196–97

Valledolmo: 121

Vallelunga: 121

Vallendar: 452, 454

Vallerange: 329

Vallières: 330

Vallo: 135

Vallois: 280

Valmestroff: 323

Valmontone: 197–98, 200–201

Valognes: 210, 213, 216

Valuiki: 44, 86

Van Fleet, Maj. Gen. James A.: 441

Van River: 465

Vandegrift, Lt. Gen. Alexander A.: 46,

54, 56, 58–60, 73, 118, 135, 140,

143, 145
[ INDEX ] [ 655 ]

Vandières: 263

Vanemont: 322

Vangunu Island: 115–16

Vannes: 242–43, 247–48

Var River: 258

Varenne River: 248

VARSITY: 402. See also Rhine River, Allied

airborne crossing.

Vasey, Maj. Gen. George A. (Aus.): 68, 84

Vassy: 241, 248

Vasteville: 214

Vasto: 145

Vasvar: 465

Vathiménil: 280, 284

Vatimont: 359

Vaux: 374, 376

Vaux-les-Rosières: 359 361

Vaux-sur-Aure: 203

Vaux-sur-Seulles: 203

Vaxoncourt: 283

Vecchiano: 266–67

Vecciano: 274

Veckerhagen: 476–77, 479

Veckring: 435

VE-Day proclaimed: 534

Vedriano: 309–10

Veen: 427–28, 430, 432

Vegesack: 139

Veghel: 276, 279, 282, 284–86, 288

Vel Bor: 533

Vela Cela Island: 127

Velbert: 498

Velden: 507, 526

Veldhoven: 279

Velika Plana: 300

Velikie Luki: 18, 70, 77, 81

Velizh: 136

Vella Gulf naval battle: 125, 139

Vella Lavella Island: 121, 123, 125–30,

134–37, 139

Vellereux: 375–76

Velletri: 196–201

Velmede: 480

Venafro: 138, 140, 144–45

Vendersheim: 444

Venice: 224, 522–23, 525

Venlo: 313, 325, 331–33, 340, 343, 416,

418, 420

Vennebeck: 470

Venray: 283, 301–02, 304–05

Vensac: 496

Ventosa: 192

Ventotene Island: 132

Verahue: 90

Verberie: 260

Verde Island: 411–12, 416, 419, 423

Verdenne: 360–62

Verdun: 250–61, 356, 366

Vergato: 426, 431, 495, 497, 499

VERITABLE: 396, 403, 433. See also Canadian

Army units, Army, First; Meuse

River; Rhine River, Allied river

crossing.

Verlautenheide: 273, 298

Verleumont: 369

Verneuil: 252–54

Verneville: 265

Vernio: 284

Vernon: 256–57

Verona: 224, 515–16, 518

Versailles: 254, 256, 283

Verse River dam: 487

Vervezelle: 307

Verviers: 266–68

Vervins: 260

Vesoul: 267–69, 271–72

Vesqueville: 371

Veszprem: 451

Vettelschoss: 440–42, 454

Vettweiss: 415

Vezouse River: 326, 328, 331

Via Flaminia: 202–03, 232

Via Prenestina: 202

Via Reggio: 246

Via Salaria: 203

Vianden: 382, 396, 401, 406, 409

Viareggio: 269, 273

Vicchio: 268

Vicenza: 518, 521

Vicht: 271, 275

Vicht River: 271, 273, 278

Vichy France

Axis seizes unoccupied areas: 66

Laval restored as Premier: 33

Leahy recalled: 33–34

U.S. breaks with: 65

Vic-sur-Seille: 287, 320

Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy: 122

VICTOR I: 443 547 See also Negros Occidental Province; Panay Island.

VICTOR I Attack Group: 443

VICTOR II: 547. See also Bohol Island; Cebu;

Negros Oriental Province.

VICTOR III: 395 417, 547 See also Palawan

Island.

VICTOR III Attack Group: 415, 417

VICTOR IV: 395 07, 547 See also Sulu

Archipelago; Zamboanga Peninsula.

VICTOR V: 446, 501. See also Mindanao

Island.

VICTOR V Attack: Group: 501

Victoria: 479–80

Victoria Point: 6

Vidouville: 237

Vielsalm: 355 357–58 361, 376

Vienna: 295, 441, 467 471, 473, 477,

479, 481, 483, 492, 498, 505

Vier Linden: 451

Viersen: 418

Viertelsheide: 422, 424

Vierville-sur-Mer: 203

Vietinghoff, Gen. Heinrich von

succeeds Kesselring in Italy: 450

surrenders forces in Italy: 523, 528

Vietri sul Mare: 133

Vieux Brisach: 509

Vigan: 4, 7, 372, 426

Vignola: 513

Vigny: 322

Viipuri: 2 114

Vila: 97, 110, 115–16, 121, 126

Vilbel: 459

Villa Basilica: 267

Villa Crocetta: 201

Villa Grandi: 156

Villa San Giovanni: 131

Villa Verde Trail: 390, 394–96, 398–

401, 403, 409, 411–12, 419, 421,

 426, 428, 430, 433, 435–36, 439,

449–50, 453, 457, 465, 467, 479,

482, 484, 501, 505, 511, 529, 536,

541

Villaba: 363–64, 406, 412

Villafranca: 333, 515–16

Villamagna: 227, 230

Villapriola: 121

Ville: 337

Villebaudon: 238

Villedieu-lès-Poëles: 239, 241

Villefranche: 262

Villeneuve: 259

Villers-Bocage: 209, 221, 240–42

Villers-Cotterêts: 260

Villers-la-Bonne-Eau: 363–66, 368–71, 374

Villersexel: 266–69, 271–72

Ville-sur-Illon: 270

Villers-sur-Nied: 325

Villiers-Fossard: 212, 214, 221, 228

Villingen: 516

Vilno: 228–29

Vils: 523

Vils River: 526

Vilsbiburg: 526

Vilshofen: 526

Vilvenich: 350

Vimont: 246

Vincennes: 49

Vinchiaturo: 138–39, 141–42

Vinkovci: 349

Vinnitsa: 162, 182

Vipiteno: 531

Vire: 240–50

Vire River and Estuary: 203, 206, 208–10,

226, 228, 230–32, 238–39, 241

Vire–Taute Canal: 208, 211, 226

Virgne Ridge: 527, 529, 533

Virming: 330–31

Viru Harbor: 115–16

Viru Occupation Force: 115

Vis: 166

Visayan Islands: 27, 3334

Visayan-Mindanao Force: 33, 37

Visayan-Mindoro Force: 22, 27

Visayan Passage: 401, 435–36, 476

Vise: 268–69

Visso: 138

Vistula River: 237, 242, 244, 251, 272, 372,

374, 389, 428

Vital Corner (Burma): 317

Vitebsk: 139, 154, 156–58, 164, 176, 216,

218–19

Viterbo: 162, 202, 204–06

Vitiaz Strait: 71, 120

Vitry-le-François: 258

Vittel: 268–70, 313

Vittersbourg: 335–36

Vittonville: 273, 275

Vittoria: 117

Vivièrs: 322

Vizzini: 119

Vladivostok, U.S. air crews interned at: 34

Vlatava River: 533

Vlatten: 420, 424

Vlodrop: 384, 416, 418

Voecklabruck: 531–32

Voehringen: 516, 518

Voellerdingen: 343–44

Voellinghausen: 472

Villa Verde Trail—Continued
[ 656 ] [ INDEX ]

Vogelkop Peninsula: 211, 222, 227, 230,

233, 236, 238–41, 248–49, 251,

255–56, 260, 262

Vohenstrauss: 514

Vohrum: 482

Voiron: 258, 260

Voitsumra: 502

Volary: 532

Volcano Islands: 211, 224, 294, 297, 299,

303, 323, 337, 348, 360, 363, 456

Volchansk: 92

Volckmann, Lt. Col. Russell W.: 419

Volga River: 51

Volkach: 479, 481

Volkerode: 479, 481

Volkhov: 44, 84, 86, 92

Volkhov River: 12

Volkrange: 268

Volkrode: 481

Volmershoven: 429

Volonne: 253

Volterra: 226

Volturno River and Valley: 131, 135, 138–

44

Volupai: 178

Volxheim: 443–44

Vorarlberg: 521

Vorde: 491

Voremberg: 474

Voronezh: 43–44, 85–89, 92, 125

Voroshilovgrad: 46, 48, 92, 120

Voroshilovsk: 87

Vorst: 416

Vortum: 291, 293

Vosges sector: 282, 304, 319, 335, 337–

38, 340, 365–66, 375, 391, 395

Vossenack: 300–301, 315, 317, 319–20,

330, 343

Voyenne: 260

Voza: 142

Vseruby: 528–29

Vukovar: 345, 347

VULCAN: 104–05, 108. See also Tunisia,

final offensive.

Vurai: 83–84

Vyazma: 97–98

Vynen: 423

Waal River: 276, 281, 284, 342

Wachendorf: 427

Wachtendonk: 420–21

Wackernheim: 445

Wadern: 463

Wadern Forest: 437

Wadi Akarit: 101–103

Wadi el Chebir: 78

Wadi Tamet: 78

Wadi Zem Zem: 85

Wadi Zigzaou: 99–100

Waga Waga: 53

Wahl: 359

Wahlbach: 460

Wahlen.: 440

Wahlenau: 442

Wahlhausen: 385

Wahlrod: 454

Wahnerheide: 487

Wahrenberg: 508

Waidhaus: 514, 530

Waimes: 355, 378, 400

Wainwright, Lt. Gen. Jonathan M.: 8, 14,

19, 28–30

commands I Corps: 28

commands Luzon Force: 28–29

commands all forces in P.I.: 29–30

moves hq to Corregidor: 29

surrenders all of P.I.: 37

Wairopi: 46, 54, 57, 61, 67–68, 70

Wairopi Patrol, 32d Division: 60, 68

Waitanan Creek: 188, 190

Waizenkirchen: 529

Wakde Island: 177, 180, 189–91, 193–95,

197–99, 208, 210, 212–20, 221, 224–

25, 227, 230, 238, 249, 253, 262

Wake

fall of: 3–8

U.S. air attacks on: 25, 139, 196

Wala: 157, 189

Walawbum: 163, 177–79

Walberberg: 425, 427

Walcheren Island: 293–94, 315

Walbeck: 421

Waldbillig: 357–58, 360–62

Waldboeckelheim: 441

Waldbreitbach: 449

Waldbrol: 480

Waldenburg: 496

Waldenrath: 38

Waldensberg: 469

Walderbach: 514

Waldesch: 440–41

Waldfeucht: 378

Waldhambach: 343

Waldholzbach: 439

Waldkenigen: 429

Waldkirchen: 517

Waldmuenchen: 515, 517, 524, 526

Waldniel: 415–16, 418

Waldorf: 427, 431, 433, 514, 516

Waldrach: 438–39

Waldron, Brig. Gen. Albert W.: 72–73

Waldsassen: 508

Waldthurn: 512

Walhalla: 516

Walheim: 405

Walker, Maj. Gen. Walton H.: 243 265,

277, 288, 338

Wallace, Henry A.: 114, 217, 220

Wallace Road (Kwajalein): 167

Wallach: 432, 450

Walldorf: 452, 457

Wallenborn: 426, 428

Wallendorf: 270, 272, 275, 277, 280,

282, 396–401

Wallenrode: 463

Wallerfangen: 345

Wallerode: 383

Wallersheim: 424

Wallerstaedten: 449

Wallertheim: 444

Wallgau: 530

Wallhausen: 489

Wallmerath: 388

Walney: 65

Walroth: 465

Walsdorf: 381

Walsrode: 496–97

Walsum: 451

Waltershausen: 477, 487

Waltrop: 472

Wama Drome: 281, 286, 291, 295

Wana Ridge and Draw: 536–40, 542

Wana Wana Lagoon: 131

Wandesbourcy: 379

Wanfried: 470

Wangen: 523

Wanigela: 58–59, 63–64

Wankum: 420

Wanne: 368–70

Wanneranval: 369–70

Wanting: 349 357 367 376–77, 379

Wantrange: 371

Wapil: 188

War Department: 24, 29, 42, 59, 70, 73,

143, 144, 153, 160, 161, 162, 171,

188, 255. See also Marshall, Gen.

George C.; Roosevelt, Franklin D.

War Department General Staff: 28, 30,

144, 161, 188

War Manpower Commission: 72

Warang: 163

Warazup: 187

Warbeyen: 401

Warburg: 464, 466, 470

Ward: 347

Ward, Maj. Gen. Orlando: 100, 103

Warden: 329

Wardin: 364–67, 369–72, 374–75

Wardo Bay: 251

Warendorf: 466

Wareo: 138, 150, 153

Waria River: 101–02

Warndt: 342

Warnock: 360

Warnock, Brig. Gen. A. D.: 295–97

Warong: 190, 195

Warsaw: 239–40, 248, 271–72, 279, 293,

374, 377

Wart, The (Luzon): 493, 497, 503, 510–11

Warta River: 377

Warza: 475

Washang: 193

Wascheid: 395

Washington conferences

ARCADIA: 8–10, 14

Giraud-Roosevelt: 116

Pacific Military: 97–98

TRIDENT: 110–12

Wasp: 37, 44, 55

Wassenberg: 415

Wasserbillig: 374, 376, 382, 414

Wasserburg: 526, 528

Wasungen: 468, 473

Watien: 213–14

Watten: 130

Wattermal: 384

Watut River Valley: 125

Watzerath: 400

Wau: 38, 85, 89–91, 97

Waurichen: 296, 327

Wavell, Field Marshal Sir Archibald P.: 19

arrival in Java: 13

arrival at Singapore: 13, 23

CG of ABDA Command: 10, 15

commands India forces: 15, 26, 114

in defense of Burma: 5, 22, 26, 31, 60–

61, 63, 70, 90

named Viceroy of India: 114
[ INDEX ] [ 657 ]

Wavell, Field Marshal Sir Archibald P.

—Continued

orders Moulmein held: 18

visits Malayan front: 13–14

WAVES, activated: 47

Waw: 26–27

Wawa, Luzon: 373, 389, 413, 448, 503,

530–31, 534–35, 539, 541

Wawa, Mindoro: 373

Wawa Dam: 413, 539–42

Wawern: 408, 424

Wa-wu-tang: 525

Waxweiler: 410, 414, 417, 419

Weaver, Brig. Gen. William G.: 339,

345

Webenheim: 445

WEBFOOT: 163

Weckinghausen: 470

Wedemeyer, Gen. Albert C.: 322, 341–42,

348–49, 384, 405, 517

accepted as Chiang’s chief of staff:

306

air organization plans: 375, 454, 527,

532, 536–37, 547

announces loss of Indochina: 390

heads China Theater: 310, 316, 352,

357

negotiations for use of Chinese

Communists: 338, 343, 385, 387

plans for Canton–Hong Kong: 545

plans for Chinese offensive force: 387

plans for Kunming and Chungking:

333, 348, 350, 357, 362, 365

plans for Kweilin-Liuchow-Canton: 403

role in Japanese surrender: 550

on Stratemeyer as air commander: 527,

532, 544, 547

warned of Chennault relief: 538

Weerd: 382

Weert: 283–84, 291, 314

Weetzen: 480

Weeze: 411–12, 415, 420

Wega: 462

Wegberg: 415–16, 418, 420

Wegeringhausen: 485

Wegscheid: 524

Wehe Creek: 331–33

Wehlau: 382

Wehlen: 443

Wehofen: 456

Wehr: 407, 515

Wehrden: 481

Wehre River: 468, 470, 475, 477, 479

Wehrstapel: 480

Wei, Gen. Li-huang: 189, 198, 314, 383

Weicherdange: 380, 382

Weida: 494

Weida River: 496

Weiden:. 424, 508, 510, 530

Weidenau: 476

Weidenbach: 426

Weidesheim: 426

Weigenheim: 485

Weihenzell: 500

Weilburg: 456, 458, 460, 463, 466

Weiler: 380, 385, 420, 440, 494

Weilerswist: 422, 424

Weilheim: 521, 523, 525

Weimar: 465, 487, 490, 494

Weingarten: 450

Weinsfeld: 400

Weinsheim: 421–22, 447

Weisenau: 448

Weisenfels: 449

Weisel: 454

Weiskirchen: 438–39

Weirs: 429

Weirs River: 382, 384

Weissbach: 483, 488, 490

Weisse River: 494, 502

Weisse-Elster River: 489, 491–92, 494,

496, 498

Weissenbach: 525

Weissenberg Hill: 275, 277–78, 280–81

Weissenfels: 489, 491–92, 494

Weissenstadt: 502

Weisser Weh Creek: 281, 335

Weisten: 381

Weiswampach: 383–84, 396

Weisweiler: 330, 334–38

Weiszenburg: 507

Weiszenhorn: 518

Weiten: 407

Weiterbach: 396–99

Weitersborn: 433

Weitzetze: 510

Welborn, Lt. Col. John: 329

Welchenhausen: 386–87

Weldingsfeld: 483

Welferding: 412

Welgesheim: 444

Welldorf: 412

Wellesburg: 449

Wellmich: 454

Wels: 531

Welschbillig: 416

Welscheid: 380

Welsh, Air Marshal Sir William L. (RAF):

64

Welz: 340

Wenau: 330–31

Wendelsheim: 444

Weninghausen: 487

Wenne River: 485, 487

Wennigloh: 489

Wenns: 531

Weppeler: 388

Werben: 489

Werbomont: 356, 358

Werdau: 498, 500

Werdauer Wald: 498

Werden: 480, 500

Wereth: 385–86

Weringhausen: 487

Work Kanal: 518, 520

Werkel: 465

Werkleitz: 495

Werl: 478, 480

Werlau: 440

Wermelskirchen: 493

Wernberg: 510

Werneck: 381

Wernham Cove: 95

Werntrop: 480

Werpin: 361

Werra River: 467–68, 470, 473–75, 477,

479, 481

Wertach: 521, 523, 525

Wertach River: 518–19, 521

Werth: 327

Wertheim: 465, 469

Wertingen: 514, 516

Wesel: 423, 425, 427–28, 430, 432–33,

435, 449–52, 454, 464, 470

Wesel Forest: 456

Weser Gebirge: 476

Weser River: 466; 468, 470, 472, 474,

476–84, 504

Weslarn: 474

Wessels, Brig. Gen. Theodore F.: 219, 223

Wessem: 287, 290, 293, 328

Wessem–Nederweert Canal: 287, 31516,

325

West Caves (Biak): 208, 210–18, 220

West Tank Barrier (Makin): 148

West Onnen: 478

West Pinnacle. See Pinnacles, The, East and

West (Okinawa). West River (China):

116

West Wala: 192

Westen: 486

Westerburg: 456

Westerfeld: 487

Westerhausen: 447

Westerheusen: 495

Western Assault Force, Morocco: 65

Western Attack Force, Pilaus: 270, 291

Western Defense Area and Sector, New

Guinea: 221, 227

Western Defense Command: 28, 102, 143

Western Desert: 58. See also Egypt,

operations in; Libya.

Western Desert Air Force: 74, 94, 103, 105

Western Dorsal: 93–94

Western Europe, operations in: 261–534

airborne operations: 276, 278–79, 281–

82, 284–88, 353 450–52

Allied air offensive begins: 44. See also

Combined Bomber Offensive against

Europe.

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign: 353–83

critical supply situations: 270, 281–82,

284–86, 302, 305, 331, 337, 348,

358–59

Normandy Campaign: 203–36

Northern France Campaign: 236–71

Rhineland Campaign: 271–447

smoke, first wide-scale use of: 267

Southern France Campaign: 247–73

tactical air support: 267–68, 270, 273,

277, 279–82, 286, 288–90, 295, 300–

301, 307, 316, 321, 327, 332, 336,

339, 341–43, 347–48, 351, 359, 361,

365, 397–98, 406, 408, 419, 422,

433, 444, 447–50, 454–55, 463, 472,

478–80, 483, 485, 494, 496, 499,

502, 504, 516, 525, 530

Western Fire Support Group, Pilaus: 270,

274

Western Force, New Georgia: 115

Western Landing Group, Marianas: 210

Western Pacific Campaign: 187–551

Western Sea Frontier: 186

Westernach: 496

Westernboedefeld: 480

Westernheim: 509

Westervoort: 488
[ 658 ] [ INDEX ]

Westfeld: 470, 480, 484

Westhausen: 513

Westheim: 496

Westhemmerde: 482

Westhofen: 489, 491

Westkapelle: 316–17

Westkapelle Dike: 293–94, 316

Weston: 12

Westphalia: 510, 526

Westwall. See Siegfried Line.

Wesu Ga: 178–79

Wethen: 464

Wetter: 493

Wetteldorf: 422

Wettewitz: 498

Wettlingen: 275, 277, 413

Wetzlar: 454, 456, 458, 460 462, 466

Wevelinghoven: 422

Weversdorp: 189

Wewak: 125, 128–29, 135, 176, 181, 183,

189, 536

Wewe River: 239

Weweler: 386

Wewer: 462, 464

Weyer: 454

Weyersheim: 368, 370, 376, 378, 390

Whaling, Col. William J. (USMC): 58

Whaling Group: 58, 62–63

Wheeler Field: 3

Wheeler, Lt. Gen. Raymond A. and Assam

airfield: 109, 112

in charge of Ledo Road: 93

heads Iran mission: 31

heads SOS, CBI: 26, 146

heads SOS, China: 64, 70

recommended as deputy to Mountbatten: 224–27, 230, 235

SEAC administrative officer: 146

succeeds Stilwell at SEAC: 324

succeeds Sultan in IBT: 548

Whitlock, Col. Lester J.: 34

Wibrin: 373

Wicterich: 420

Wickau: 496

Wickede: 480

Wicker: 459

Wickerswihr: 385–86

Wickham Anchorage: 115–16

Wicourt: 376

Widdau: 388–89

Widdern: 475, 479

Widdersdorf: 424

Wieblingen: 463

Wied: 452

Wied River: 440–42, 448–49, 451–52

Widenfeld: 420, 422

Wiemeringhausen: 474

Wiener Neustadt: 138, 144, 465 467, 471,

481

Wiershausen: 479

Wies: 375, 382

Wiesbaden: 457, 459, 461

Wiesbaum: 429

Wieseck: 458

Wiesenacker: 511

Wiesenfeld: 485

Wiesloch: 466

Wihr-en-Plaine: 387

Wijk: 270

Wildenburg: 427

Wildenguth: 367, 371

Wildenholz: 505

Wilderdange: 382

Wildenranna: 526

Wildenrath: 416, 418

Wildenreuth: 508

Wilferding: 403

Wilhelmina Canal: 278

Wilhelmshaven: 89, 113, 144, 520

Wilhelmshaven–Emden Peninsula: 520

Wilhelmshoehe: 334–36

Wilkau: 494 502

Wilkinson, Rear Adm. Theodore S.: 126–

27, 131, 136, 140, 142–43, 146, 172,

180, 291

Will Road (Kwajalein): 167

Willaumez Peninsula: 175, 151

Willegassen: 474

Willems Vaart Canal: 275

Williamson, Brig. Gen. Raymond: 233

Willich: 418

Willingen: 464, 474

Willkie, Wendell L.: 58

Willoughby, Maj. Gen. Charles A.: 34

Willroth: 452

Willwerath: 398

Wilma Road (Kwajalein): 167

Wilogne: 373

Wilsecker: 428

Wilsenroth: 456

Wilson, Gen. Sir Henry Maitland: 12, 262,

273, 288. See also Mediterranean

Theater.

commands Ninth Army: 12

directive on support of OVERLORD 187

heads British Joint Staff Mission: 354

plans for Southern France: 171, 182, 246

succeeded by Alexander as SACMED

156, 161, 224, 354

Wiltingen: 419

Wiltrop: 474

Wiltz: 267, 354, 356, 363–64, 366, 371,

380–81

Wiltz River: 363, 374–75, 379–80, 382

Wilwerwiltz: 382–83

Wimmenau: 345, 366–67

Wincheringen: 406–08

Wincrange: 380

Windecken: 461

Winden: 356, 359–61

Windhagen: 441–42

Windischeschenbach: 508

Windsheim: 492, 502, 507

Wing, Maj. Gen. Leonard F.: 116, 249

Wingate, Brig. Orde Charles ( Br. ): 91, 111,

170, 183

Wingen: 345 366–69

Wingeshausen: 474, 476

Winhoering: 528

Winkhausen: 474

Winnekendonk: 420

Winnenden: 507, 509

Winningen: 440–41

Winnweiler: 444

Winringen: 421

Winseler: 370–71, 380

Winter Line: 144–47, 149–62, 368

Winterbach: 443

Winterberg: 464, 466, 468, 470, 472

Winterscheid: 389

Winterspelt: 388

Winterswijk: 460, 462

Wintrich: 443

Wipperfuerth: 489, 491, 493

Wirtheim: 470

Wirtzfeld: 357, 387

Wiskirchen: 426

Wismar: 527–28, 530

Wissembourg: 354, 369, 372, 445

Wissembourg Gap: 445–46

Wissersheim: 418

Wissmannsdorf: 416

Wissmar: 458, 460

Witlingen: 408

Wittelsheim: 391

Witten: 484, 486–87, 489, 491

Wittenberg: 466, 530

Wittenberge: 489, 510, 530

Witterschlick: 429

Wittingen: 486, 499, 506

Wittlich: 424, 429, 434–35, 443

Wittlingen: 514

Wittring: 345–46

Wittscheidt: 299–300, 303

Witzenhausen: 479

Witzerath: 393

Witzleben: 487

Wockerath: 414

Wodzislaw: 457

Woelfis: 479

Woensdrecht: 297–98, 304

Woerrstadt: 446

Woerth: 442, 461, 463

Woffelsbach: 393

Woffleben: 487

Woippy: 326–27

Woldenberg: 387

Woleai Island: 184, 187

Wolfe airfield: 434

Wolfen: 496, 502, 504, 506

Wolfenacker: 449

Wolfenbuettel: 486, 491

Wolfershausen: 465

Wolferstedt: 489

Wolfgantzen: 393

Wolfhound Ridge: 531–32

Wolfratshausen: 525, 527

Wolfsberg Pass: 332–33

Wolfsbusch: 376–77

Wolfsheim: 443–44

Wolfskirchen: 337–38

Wolfsoelden: 485

Wolken: 431

Wolkenberg: 492, 494

Wollaberg: 517, 524

Wollersheim: 418, 420

Wollseifen: 392

Wollstein: 443–44

Wolsfeld: 414, 06

Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps activated:

38

Women’s Reserve, USCG, activated: 69

Wonsheim: 444

Wood, Brig. Gen. John S.: 287

Woodlark Island: 114–15, 119, 122

Woodpecker Ridge (Luzon): 499 501, 517,

525 529–32 534–35, 537–39

Wootten, Brig. George F. (Aus.): 7375

Worde: 451

Worgl: 531
[ INDEX ] [ 659 ]

World War II, total Army strength and

casualties: 551

Wormbach: 480

Wormeldange: 297

Wormersdorf: 427

Worms: 441–44, 446–47 450 455

Worringen: 424–25

Woske River: 222

Wotje Atoll: 21, 166

Wrexen: 462

Wuelfrath: 496, 498, 500

Wuellenrath: 414–15

Wuerselen: 297–98, 300 327–28

Wuerzburg: 465–66, 469, 471, 473, 475,

494, 502

Wuescheim: 424

Wuestems: 461

Wukang: 509, 517

Wulfen: 458

Wullmeringhausen: 474

Wullscheid: 441–42

Wundwin: 447 450

Wunsiedel: 504

Wunthe: 356

Wupper River: 495, 497

Wuppertal: 496, 498, 500

Wurdinghausen: 480

Wurm: 330, 332, 334, 344, 354

Wurm River and Valley: 278, 292–93, 297–

98, 302, 304, 323, 327, 330, 374, 383

Wurzen: 514

Wustenbrand: 494

Wutha: 479

Wuyang Valley: 529

Wy-dit-Joli-Village: 258

Wye Point: 85

Wyler: 281, 396

Xanrey: 289, 291

Xanten: 403, 423, 425, 427–28, 430,

432–33, 450

Xermaménil: 280

X-ray River: 207, 229

Y Force. See Yunnan Force.

Y-FOS: 189–90

Yabuchi Shima: 476

Yaeju-Dake Escarpment: 543–46

Yae-Take hills: 486, 488, 493, 495, 497,

499, 501

Yafusu: 520, 522, 533

Yagyagan: 499

Yahagi: 480

Yakabi Island: 456

Yakamul: 196, 199–262, 14, 228

Yalta: 187

Yalta Conference and Declaration: 392,

398, 400

Yalau Plantation: 178, 182

Yamagata, Maj. Gen. Tsuyuo: 78; 86

Yamamoto, Col. Hiroshi: 81

Yamamoto, Adm. Isoroko: 39, 105

Yamashita, Gen. Tomoyuki: 24, 28

Yamato: 480

Yamethin: 488

Yampol: 181

Yangtze River: 97, 105, 113

Yap Island: 184, 226, 268, 274, 305

Yartsevo: 136

Yasuda, Capt. Yoshitatsu: 67

Yawata: 211

Yawngbang: 170, 173–75

Yazagyo: 295

Yazawa, Col. Kiyomi: 71, 86

Yedashe: 30

Yeisk: 91

Yellow Line (Sicily).: 118–19

Yellow River: 187, 189

Yelnya: 130

Yenan Province, U.S. observer group in:

171, 214, 217, 343. See also Chinese

Communist forces.

Yenangyaung: 33–34, 402 510, 511

Yeremenko, Gen. Andrei I. (USSR) 186

Ye-u: 36, 367

Yigo: 241, 245

YOKE: 114. See also China; Burma; India.

Yokohama: 34

Yokosuka naval base: 551

Yokoyama, Col. Yosuke: 67, 76

Yon, Brig. Gen. Everett M.: 383

Yona: 240

Yonabaru: 534 538 540–42

Yonawa: 542

Yong Peng: 15–17

Yonne River: 252, 256

Yontan airfield: 468–69, 471, 541

Yontan-Zan: 469, 471

Yorktown: 28, 36–37, 39–40

Youk-les-Bains: 67

Yoyang: 97

Ypad: 314

Yugoslavia

agreement with Bulgaria on territory:

313–14

air attacks on: 261

Allied reinforcements: 272

Allied bases in: 166, 337

commando raids on. See British Army

units, Battalions, 9th Commando.

guerrilla forces: 307, 314, 317–18,

340

meeting of Allied forces: 527

operations in: 165, 261, 264, 272, 275,

291, 300–301, 303–04, 307, 309, 314,

316–18, 324, 326, 337, 340, 344,

346–47, 349, 374, 463, 471, 473

Yugoslavian Partisan Army: 307, 314, 317–

18, 340

Yukhnov: 27

Yunagusuku: 544

Yung-ning: 495, 541

Yunnan Force: 59–61, 63, 70, 90, 102, 111,

118, 125, 144–46, 150, 155, 162,

169, 170, 186, 189, 191, 194, 197,

274, 276, 322, 349, 353, 357, 379,

384–85

Yunnan Province

Allied drive from: 60–61, 63, 66, 70, 73,

87–91, 110, 125, 144, 152, 170, 194

as base for Burma operations: 47–48

Stilwell commands Chinese in: 297

Yun-nan-i: 197, 219

Yupbang Ga: 144, 156, 158, 162, 168

Yuwa: 206

Yuza: 544–45

Yuza-Dake Escarpment: 544–47

Z Day, use of term: 151, 191

Zachopau River: 496

Zagarolo: 201.

Zaghouan: 69, 109–10

Zahrensdorf: 526

Zaluchie: 96

Zamami Island: 456–57, 460, 462, 465

Zambales Mountains: 376, 408, 411–12,

414–15, 425

Zamboanga City: 346

Zamboanga Peninsula: 405, 417, 431,

433–34, 441–42, 444–46, 462, 520,

531, 547, 549

Zanana: 116, 119–20

Zandpol: 397

Zannouch: 98–99

Zaporodzhe: 140

Zappulla River: 126

Zara: 317

Zautendorf: 500

Zavia: 88

ZEBRA: 144–45, 159

ZEBRA Force, U.S.-Sponsored: 144–45, 154,

159

Zebra Hill (Okinawa): 534–37

Zeebrugge: 268

Zeholfing: 522–524

Zeilin: 59

Zeitldorn: 515

Zeitz: 192, 489–92, 494 496

Zelezna Ruda: 532

Zell: 485

Zella Mehlis: 477, 481

Zellerfeld: 489

Zemmer: 429

Zena Creek: 304

Zenn River: 496

Zenner: 463

Zenobia da Costa, Brig. Gen. Euclydes:

(Braz.): 273

Zerbst: 521–22

Zerf: 411, 413–14, 416, 428, 437

Zeulenroda: 496, 498

Zevenbergen: 315, 317

Zhitomir: 146–47, 156, 158

Zhlobin: 155, 161, 176, 219

Zhmerinka: 181

Zieta: 125, 128

Zieverich: 415–16

Zig Canal: 327

Zigyun: 194

Zigzag Pass (Luzon): 388, 390–91, 393–95,

398–99, 401–03, 405

Zimovniki: 83

Zingsheid: 427

Zingsheim: 427

Zinkovy: 533

Zinnia (Bogon) Island: 173

Zinswiller: 342–43, 439, 441

Zintzel River: 349 ,441

Zinzing: 407

ZIPPER: 531, 536, 541–43, 546. See also

Malaya, recovery of.

Zirc: 451

Zirl: 530

Zliten: 86

Zmiev: 129

Znamenka: 151–53

Zon. See Son.
[ 660 ] [ INDEX ]

Zorge: 500

Zorn Canal: 393

Zorn River: 372

Zory: 457

Zotzenheim: 441

Zschernitz: 504

Zuara: 89

Zuellichau: 388

Zueschen: 468, 470

Zuid Beveland: 294, 297–98, 304

Zuider Zee: 276, 495, 499, 501

Zulling: 524

Zulpich: 422, 429

Zundert: 311–13

Zutphen: 468, 480

Zwackau: 494

Zweedorf :526

Zweibrucken: 346, 439, 442, 445–46

Zweibruggen: 294–95

Zweifall: 271, 281, 288, 319, 401–02

Zweig Canal: 466, 468

Zwenkau: 498, 502

Zwettl: 529–30, 532

Zwick Mulde River: 492, 494, 496–98,

500, 502

Zwickau: 192, 500, 502

Zwiesel: 515, 522, 532

Zwinge: 485

Zwolle: 493

Zyfflich: 397

PIN : 039010–000