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01/01/44
USSAFE
USSAFE is established for operational control of Eighth and Fifteenth
AFs. (See 22 Feb 44.)
01/01/44
Eighth AF
The Operational Research Section, organized at Hq VIII BC in Oct 43,
is made a special staff section, accountable directly to the CoS. It
is composed mostly of civilian specialists trained in statistical
analysis and other disciplines pertinent to studying operations of a
strat bombing force. The section subsequently proves of great value
in improving effectiveness of strat bombing.
01/01/44
AAFMTO
Complete reorganization of USAAF units in MTO takes place: USAAFNATO
is redesignated MTO (AAFMTO); XII AFSC becomes AAFSCMTO; III Air Serv
Area Cmd (Sp) becomes XII AFSC; II Air Serv Area Cmd becomes XV AFSC;
XII AF Engineer Cmd (Prov) becomes AAF Engineer Cmd, MTO (Prov); and
XII AF Trg Cmd is changed to XII AF Trg and Repl Cmd. XII BC is
reorganized as an MB organization (3 B-25 gps and the 3 B-26 gps of
42d Bomb Wg) under Gen Knapp.
01/01/44
Fifteenth AF
The 3 remaining MB gps (B-26's) of Fifteenth AF are transferred to
Twelfth AF, leaving the Fifteenth with 6 HB (2d, 93d, 97th, 99th,
301st, 376th) and 4 ftr gps (1st, 14th, 82d, and 325th), or 4 B-17, 2
B-24, 1 P-47, and 3 P-38 gps."
01/01/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's, along with 16 P-38's, attack bridge on Mu R between
Ywataung and Monywa. Maj Robert A Erdin, piloting the lead MB, pulls
up during his bomb run to avoid a tree. He releases his bombs as he
noses up, and topples 2 spans of the bridge into the river.
Subsequent tests prove this is a good bridgebombing maneuver. The
tactic is refined and the sq (490th Sq) becomes so proficient as to
gain the sobriquet 'Burma Bridge Busters.' Further N, 11 A-36's and
15 P-51's pound A/F at Myitkyina."
01/01/44
Fourteenth AF
4 P-40's bomb and strafe T/Os in Indochina, including barracks and
rafts along the Yuan R in the Cam Duong-Lao Kay area.
01/01/44
Fifth AF
120-plus B-24's, B-25's, and A-20's pound Saidor area in preparation
for Allied invasion. Other B-25's bomb Madang and Alexishafen. A-20's
continue to hit troop concentration in Cape Gloucester area. B-25's
hit positions at Borgen Bay. P-39's strafe barges along New Britain's
N coast.
01/01/44
Thirteenth AF
868th Bomb Sq is activated to work directly under XIII BC. The unit,
equipped with SB-24's (radar equipped aircraft used for night
missions), becomes known as the 'Snooper Squadron.' 15 B-24's,
escorted by 70-plus P-38's and F6F's, bomb Lakunai A/F. Ftr and AA
opposition is heavy, with 80-90 ftrs attempting interception. US
airplanes claim 20 ftrs shot down. 1 B-24 is shot down and 2,
severely damaged, crashland at Torokina. Allied ftrs join Navy dive
bmrs in spt of ground forces in Torokina area. 6 B-25's and 2 B-24's
bomb Kahili. 4 B-24's hit Manob.
01/01/44
Seventh AF
16 P-39's strafe Mille harbor and attack shipping N of Mille. 2 small
vessels are heavily damaged."
01/02/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb Terni M/Y and iron works and nearby barracks. P-40's and
Spitfires from AAF, RCAF, RAAF, SAAF, and RAF blast snowbound
vehicles in Avezzano-Popoli area, warehouses at San Benedetto de
Marsi and gun positions and defended areas around Chieti. A-36's hit
Civitavecchia harbor and M/Y to the S of town, Anagni M/Y and nearby
gun positions, and other T/Os. B-26's bomb bridges at Riva Santo
Stefano and Ventimiglia, M/Y at Arma di Taggia, and bridge over Var
R.
01/02/44
Fifteenth AF
P-47's fly uneventful sweep over Rome area.
01/02/44
Tenth AF
27 B-25's and 16 P-39's hit fuel plant and work shops at Yenangyaung
and set oilfield aflame. 13 B-24's also hit the refinery, causing
large fire, and bomb a power station. 4 other B-24's bomb Akyab on W
coast. About 30 A-36's and P-51's score hits on Loilaw bridge
approaches and bomb towns in the vicinity.
01/02/44
Fourteenth AF
8 P-40's bomb and strafe Japanese HQ and barracks at Hopang.
01/02/44
Fifth AF
Elements of US 32d Div make amphibious landing at Saidor following
preparatory naval bombardment. Bad weather prevents preparatory air
strikes, but over 80 B-24's and A-20's pound positions in
coordination with the landings. Harbor and A/F are captured. Other
B-24's bomb Pombelaa and Amboina. B-25's and B-26's bomb Madang.
P-40's strafe A/F, AA positions, barges, and supply dump at Cape
Hoskins.
01/02/44
Thirteenth AF
24 B-25's bomb Buka supply area. 30-plus Allied ftrs sweep Rabaul
area, claiming 11 airplanes shot down. 1 Navy ftr is lost.
01/02/44
Seventh AF
B-24's, staging through Tarawa, bomb Maloelap. 9 B-25's hit tgts on
Jaluit. P-39's strafe shipping at Mille.
01/03/44
Twelfth AF
Gen Morris assumes cmd of XII FC. B-25's bomb troop concentration
area at Prijedor, and along with SAAF and RAF Baltimores, hit Split
and Sibenik. P-40's and A-36's bomb gun positions near Cassino,
Anagni railroad station, village near Vicenza, railway and trains
between Ceccano and Segni, and harbor at Civitavecchia. P-40's, with
SAAF and RCAF Spitfires, hit over 100 vehicles in Avezzano-Sulmona
area. Other P-40's, with AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF ftrs, hit tgts in
Filetto-Tollo areas in spt of ground troops.
01/03/44
Fifteenth AF
Gen Twining becomes CG. B-17's, escorted by P-38's bomb Villarperosa
ball bearing works and Lingotto M/Y and Fiat motor works in Turin
area. P-47's fly top cover for the HBs as far as Italian coast, then
turn and carry out uneventful sweep over Rome area.
01/03/44
Tenth AF
22 A-36's and P-51's hit warehouses and dump area at Sahmaw. 19
B-25's, along with 16 P-38's, bomb pumping station at Yenangyaung,
setting oil tanks afire. 10 B-24's follow with strike on a pumping
station at Yenangyaung, causing explosions and leaving tgt in flames.
01/03/44
Fourteenth AF
28 B-24's attack railroad yards at Lampang. 5 FB's attack town of
Pingkai.
01/03/44
Fifth AF
50-plus B-24's and B-25's bomb Alexishafen area. More than 20 A-20's
hit positions at Borgen Bay."
01/03/44
Thirteenth AF
30-plus Allied ftrs again sweep Rabaul area, claiming 6 Zeros shot
down. 6 B-24's bomb Kavieng, and several others abort due to bad
weather. 6 B-25's bomb Moisuru bivouac area near Kahili, and 15 more
hit supply areas near Buka Passage.
01/03/44
Seventh AF
24 A-24's from Makin dive-bomb AA positions and radar and radio
facilities on Mille. 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways and oil
storage.
01/04/44
Eighth AF
Over 500 HBs attack tgts in Germany with most of them bombing port
area, sub yards, and industrial area of Kiel. City of Munster i9 also
attacked. US airplanes begin flying supplies from UK to underground
resistance forces in W Europe, this operation being coded
CARPETBAGGER.
01/04/44
Ninth AF
XIX A Spt Cmd is activated in England, and stationed at Middle
Wallop. Gen Quesada assumes cmd. 253 B-26's bomb NOBALL tgts in
France. Weather makes bombing difficult, and results range from
unknown to good.
01/04/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Brodac town area and M/Y, and town of Travnik. P-40's hit
bridge and trains and fly patrols over battleline in Italy.
01/04/44
Fifteenth AF
Over 100 B-17's are dispatched to bomb Dupnica area in Bulgaria. 29
bomb the tgt area, but heavy cloud cover causes 77 HBs to return
bombs to base. P-38's escort the HBs the total distance to and from
tgts. P-47's provide escort part way."
01/04/44
Fifth AF
Over 100 HBs and MBs bomb Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadj im areas
and hit troops and supplies between Finschhafen and Saidor. B-25's
attack arty positions in Cape Gloucester area. B-24's and B-25's hit
shipping at Koepang and in nearby waters.
01/04/44
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb Sohano I, concentrating on seaplane base and supply area.
B-25's pound gun positions at Tonolai and bomb Chabai. P-39's,
B-34's, and night ftrs, operating individually or in small flights,
hit tgts on Bougainville, including barges at Mutupina Pt and along
Jaba R, and areas around Buka, Bonis, Poporang I, Papas, and Banin.
40-plus Allied ftrs attack Rabaul area and claim at least 10
airplanes shot down.
01/04/44
Seventh AF
18 B-24's, staging through Tarawa, bomb Emidj.
01/05/44
Eighth AF
Eighth AF report concludes that US daylight strategic bombing program
against Germany will be threatened unless steps are taken to reduce
the enemy's ftr force, which has increased in strength in the W as a
result of step-up in production, strengthening of firepower, and
transfer of larger percentage of ftrs to Western Front. 426 HBs
attack tgts in Germany and France. 216 of these hit Kiel while the
others bomb Tours and Bordeaux A/Fs, and metals plant and M/Y at
Neuss. About 25 losses are suffered in these raids.
01/05/44
Twelfth AF
A-36's hit gun positions N of Mignano and on S slope of Monte
Porchia. Weather cancels other operations.
01/05/44
Tenth AF
3 B-25's, supported by 8 P-38's, attack Mu R bridge between Monywa
and Ywataung which is being rebuilt. Hits are scored on E bank near
the bridge and several sheds are set afire. The escorting ftrs damage
several nearby railway cars, strafe nearby town, set a barge afire,
blow up 4 tin buildings, and claim a river steamer sunk.
01/05/44
Fifth AF
HBs and MBs bomb Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadjim areas and attack
barges from Finschhafen to Saidor. P-39's hit barges and gun
positions during sweep from Sio to Bogadjim.
01/05/44
Thirteenth AF
B-25's bomb concentrations in Choiseul Bay area and Hahela Mission on
S Buka I, while B-24's attack Tonolai, Kahili supply area, Fauro I,
and Poporang building area."
01/06/44
USSAFE
Gen Spaatz assumes cmd and names Gen Frederick Anderson and Gen Knerr
as Dep CGs for operations and administration.
01/06/44
Eighth AF
Gen Doolittle assumes cmd, replacing Gen Eaker who will go to Italy
as CG MAAF.
01/06/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb Pontedera hitting M/Y and Piaggio aircraft factory there,
Lucca M/Y, and railway N of Follonica. P-40 and A-36 FBs attack gun
positions in Cervaro-Monte Trocchio area and near Aquino, town of
Cervaro, railway at Civitavecchia, trains N and E of Rome, Velletri
train station, and town of Fondi.
01/06/44
Fifteenth AF
Control of Fifteenth AF operations against tgts of CBO is placed
under USSAFE.
01/06/44
Tenth AF
P-51's and A-36's carry out ground spt missions at Sumprabum and
Taihpa Ga and hit cav bivouac and dumps at Kamaing. 12 P-40's attack
supply dump S of Sahmaw Junction and strafe Pahok.
01/06/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-25's bomb a troop ship on the Yangtze, NE of Tungting Lake. The
vessel is reported as sunk."
01/06/44
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-25's bomb Alexishafen and Bogadjim areas. A-20's attack
tgts along road from Bogadjim to Yaula. B-25's attack T/Os on Huon
Peninsula and others hit Borgen Bay area. P-39's strafe barges at
Borgen and Rein Bays.
01/06/44
Thirteenth AF
P-38's sweep Rabaul area, claiming 9 Zeros shot down during running
battle over Cape Gazelle area. B-25's and B-34's bomb and strafe tgts
in Choiseul Bay area, including jetty areas and buildings at
Tarekekori, tgts on Morgusaia I, and gun positions on Kondakanimboko
I.
01/07/44
Eighth AF
420 HBs hit I G Farben Industrie plant at Ludwigshafen. 12 aircraft
are lost on mission.
01/07/44
Ninth AF
35 B-36's bomb Cherbourg/Maupertus A/F. Bad weather restricts further
operations.
01/07/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's strike Perugia A/F. A-20's hit defenses in close spt of US
Fifth Army. B-26's hit M/Ys at Foligno and Arezzo and attack bridge
at Roccasecca. A-36's hit gun positions, trucks, and trains in
Cervaro-Aquino-Cassino area, bomb Aquino station, and hit Velletri
railway yards. P-40's give close spt in Monte Maio, Monte La Chiaia,
Monte Porchia, and Cedro Hill areas as Fifth Army drives toward
Rapido R.
01/07/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb an aircraft factory at Maribor and a
torpedo factory at Fiume. The P-38's battle a superior number of
enemy ftrs over Maribor area. 3 P-38's are lost and several others
are missing. 4 ftrs are claimed destroyed, with 1 probably downed and
4 damaged, during the fierce half-hr fight.
01/07/44
Tenth AF
7 B-25's and 15 P-38's pound Lanywa area, hitting oil plant and
storage tanks, causing several fires, and strafe several AA
positions. 19 A-36's and P-51's bomb supply and troop concentrations
at Nanyaseik.
01/07/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's and 6 P-40's sink 2 large boats on the Yangtze S of Hukow
and sink a large powerboat, a barge, and a small ore craft at
Shihhweiyao. 11 P-38's claim between 30 and 40 sampans destroyed
along the river from Hankow to Chiuchiang. 2 B-25's on sea sweep
claim a 300-ft passenger vessel sunk S of Hong Kong.
01/07/44
Fifth AF
B-24's, B-25's, P-39's, and P-47's bomb Alexishafen-Madang area, hit
Erima, Bogadjim, and tgts along Bogadjim Road, attack positions from
Weber Pt to Vincke Pt, and strafe huts and barges near Saidor. B-24's
bomb Cape Gloucester area. A-20's hit forces near Arawe. B-24's also
hit Lorengau and Boela."
01/07/44
Thirteenth AF
Gen Hubert Harmon becomes CG. 8 sqs of Allied ftrs spt Navy dive bmrs
in attack on Cape Saint George area. B-24's bomb Vunakanau A/F.
01/08/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb harbor, warehouses, and railway at Metkovic. A-20's hit
railway stations at Frosinone and in the Colleferro-Segni area.
B-26's bomb M/Ys at Grosseto and Lucca. P-40's spt US Fifth Army in
mts E and SE of Cassino, and, with A-36's, hit railway tgts S or Rome
at Aquino, Frosinone, Palestrina, and Castelforte. Other P-40's hit
Avezzano, and A-36's blast trains and vessels in vicinity of
Tarquinia.
01/08/44
Fifteenth AF
The 449th and and 450th Bomb Gps (B-24's) become operational, giving
the Fifteenth a total of 8 HB gps. B-24's bomb Mostar A/F. B-17's hit
Reggio Emilia aircraft factory. P-38's and P-47's fly escort.
01/08/44
Tenth AF
20 P-51's and A-36's knock out bridge N of Hopin, destroy warehouse
and railroad tracks in the area, and destroy a locomotive and damage
numerous railroad cars at Tigyaingza.
01/08/44
Fifth AF
HBs, MBs, and a few ftrs, attack Madang area, bomb Uligan Harbor, and
hit Bogadjim and Bogadjim Road. Ftrs strafe Sag Sag sawmill in Cape
Gloucester area. B-25's and A-20's hit positions near Arawe. HBs bomb
Kendari and other tgts on Celebes.
01/08/44
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb Kahili. B-25's hit concentrations on Siposai and
Kondakanimboko Is.
01/08/44
Seventh AF
15 B-24's, staging through Tarawa, bomb shipping and shore
installations at several locations on Wotje, Maloelap, and Jaluit
Atolls. 2 B-25's from Tarawa hit shipping and gun positions on
Jaluit.
01/09/44
International
Churchill and De Gaulle meet at Marrakesh. They discuss cooperation
of a French expeditionary force in invasion of Europe and the degree
of authority of the French inside France after the invasion.
01/09/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack M/Y and docks at Ancona. P-40's hit tanks and trucks at
Palena and S of Sulmona, and positions and vehicles near Cervaro.
A-36's hit positions in same area.
01/09/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's bomb Mostar A/F. B-17's hit aircraft factory and M/Y at Reggio
Emilia. P-38's and P-47's provide escort.
01/09/44
Tenth AF
21 P-51's and A-36's attack Loilaw area, severely damaging a bridge,
hitting ammo storage building, and scoring direct hits on large
barracks.
01/09/44
Fourteenth AF
9 ftrs strafe 6 steamboats and many smaller craft on the Yangtze at
Puchi. 2 B-25's on sea sweep bomb 200-ft vessel S of Swatow,
reporting the ship destroyed. 8 FBs hit Sadon, and 4 bomb Atson
railroad yards and Lao Kay railroad station.
01/09/44
Fifth AF
Ftrs and bmrs attack Alexishafen, Madang, Bogadjim, Uligan Harbor,
and area E of Saidor. Cape Beechey is strafed by P-40's.
01/09/44
Thirteenth AF
B-25's hit Buka seaplane base and Kahili supply area. Ftrs strafe
Cape Dunganon area and along Ramusian R W of Teop. 7 sqs of Allied
ftrs cover Navy dive bmr strike on Tobera. 2 sqs of B-24's pound
Vunakanau A/F. 6 B-25's bomb Taharai A/F and afterwards some hit T/Os
on New Ireland.
01/10/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's hit San Benedetto de Marsi. P-40's, with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF
airplanes, hit comm, gun positions, trucks, and tanks at numerous
points in and NW of battle area. Other P-40's give close spt to
ground forces in Chieti area. A-36's hit trucks, tanks, trains, and
other T/Os N of Rome.
01/10/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb Sofia, causing considerable damage in M/Ys. B-24's hit
M/Y at Skoplje. P-38's and P-47's provide escort. Around 60 ftrs
attack the Sofia force and fierce air battle ensues. 2 HBs are lost.
The B-17's and ftr escorts claim 28 aircraft shot down.
01/10/44
Tenth AF
12 A-36's and P-51's hit bivouac area at Nanyaseik. 15 P-40's attack
bridge at Namti, damaging railroad tracks and the S approach to the
bridge. During 9/10 Jan 7 B-24's lay mines in Menam R estuary near
Bangkok and in Rangoon estuary. The HBs during the day bomb M/Y and
A/F in Bangkok area and hit main jetty at Akyab. 9 B-25's mine
Mokpalin ferry crossing over Sittang R.
01/10/44
Fourteenth AF
8 P-31's bomb approach to Kienchang bridge and attack troop train N
of Teian damaging the train and killing an estimated 100 soldiers. 3
B-25's and 8 P-40's sweep area from Anking to Chiuchiang, sinking a
large motor launch, 2 100-ft barges, and a tug on the Yangtze, and
attacking a bridge at Teian and tracks S of Chiuchiang. 2 B-25's and
4 P-40's attack shipping on the Yangtze near Wusueh, sinking a launch
and leaving 3 tankers burning.
01/10/44
Fifth AF
Over 100 HBs, MBs, LBs, and ftrs attack Madang, Alexishafen, and
Bogadjim areas and coastline from Madang to Sio. P-39's strafe
scattered villages and barges in New Britain. B-25's bomb Koepang.
01/10/44
Thirteenth AF
Gen Hubert Harmon, CG, begins HB campaign of night strikes. The 5th
Bomb Gp opens the night raids sending 20 HBs on a strike against
Lakunai A/F after a morning raid by 10 B-24's against nearby
Vunakanau A/F. 5 B-24's hit Kahili supply area while 4 hit Chinatown
area of Buka. AAF and Navy ftrs cover Navy dive bmr strike against
Cape Saint George.
01/10/44
Seventh AF
4 P-39's from Makin strafe Mille. 1 of the ftrs drops 2 500-lb bombs
on fuel storage area. During 10/11 Jan, 16 B-24's, staging through
Tarawa from Ellice Is, bomb Maloelap; 4 others, staging through Baker
from Canton I, hit Mille.
01/11/44
Eighth AF
Over 570 B-17's and B-24's bomb industrial tgts and T/Os in
Oschersleben, Halberstadt, and near Brunswick. Fierce opposition,
estimated at 500 ftrs, is encountered, and 60 bmrs are lost. Among
the Pathfinder aircraft are 4 B-24's, this being the first time
B-24's are used in this capacity.
01/11/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's attack iron and steel works at Piombino during 10/11 Jan.
During the day, B-25's bomb Falconara (hitting railroad junction) and
railroad yards at Fabriano. P-40's and A-36's blast defenses and gun
positions in CervaroMonte Trocchio, gun position N of Minturno, towns
of Sora and Isola del Liri, road traffic in MacerataAquila-Popoli
area, and railroad facilities at San Giorgio del Sannio.
01/11/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb harbor at Piraeus. The HBs and ftrs
destroy 8 attacking ftrs. 6 HBs are lost in midair collisions in
heavy overcast.
01/11/44
Tenth AF
36 A-36's, P-51's, and P-40's pound encampment containing about 4,900
troops and a large quantity of supplies, causing considerable damage
by accurate bombing and strafing.
01/11/44
Fourteenth AF
Before daylight 14 Japanese bmrs hit Suichwan A/F. During the morning
3 MBs and 15 ftrs follow up with second strike. 7 P-51's and 5 P-40's
intercept the second attack, claiming 3 MBs shot down. 8 B-24's bomb
harbor, aluminum plant, and A/F at Takao. 1 bombs oil storage at
Swatow. 4 B-24's mine harbors at Takao and Hong Kong. 1 HB is lost.
01/11/44
Fifth AF
B-25's, P-39's, and P40's hit Uligan Harbor, barges and road near
Bogadjim, Hansa Bay area, and town of Alexishafen.
01/11/44
Thirteenth AF
About 90 Allied ftrs cover 60-plus Navy dive bmrs attacking Cape
Saint George area. 2 flights of P-39's strafe T/Os from Numa Numa to
Koromira.
01/11/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Tarawa hit 5 vessels and land installations at
Maloelap. A 5000-ton cargo ship and a small vessel are P-39's from
Makin dive-bomb and strafe runways on Mille."
01/12/44
Twelfth AF
Col Archibald Y Smith assumes cmd of XII AF Trg and Repl Cmd. B-25's
and B-26's bomb Giulianova railway bridge and attack a dam and road
bridge. A-20's hit San Donato. P-40's attack vessel in Krka R, hit
enemy defensive positions at San Biagio Saracinesa, Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido, Monte Trocchio, and Atina, and bomb Vallerotonda. A-36's
attack Avezzano railroad yards, village near Atina, railroad
facilities at Cisterna di Latina, and numerous trucks and train cars
in Rome area.
01/12/44
Fifteenth AF
P-47's fly ftr sweep in Rome area, strafing M/Y at Teramo and
buildings between Tronto and Tesino Rivers.
01/12/44
Tenth AF
20-plus B-25's and P-38's hit M/Y at Letpadan, damaging warehouses,
engine sheds, and other buildings. The ftrs also strafe Myohaung,
setting 3 buildings afire.
01/12/44
Fourteenth AF
14 B-24's bomb Bangsue M/Y at Bangkok.
01/12/44
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-25's attack Alexishafen area. A-20's hit Warai. B-24's
attack Balikpapan, Makassar, and Dili.
01/12/44
Thirteenth AF
13 B-25's of 42d Bomb Gp, on their first mission against Rabaul area,
bomb Vunakanau A/F in early morning, and 16 B-24's hit Lakunai A/F
during 12/13 Jan. 19 B-24's, with escort of about 50 ftrs, pound
airstrip and other tgts at Tobera. 3 flights of P-39's bomb and
strafe Teop, Inus Pt, Numa Numa, and Piano Mission. Other aircraft on
armed rcn and sweeps hit several T/Os throughout Bougainville area.
01/12/44
Seventh AF
21 A-24's from Makin dive-bomb AA positions and storage area on
Mille. 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways.
01/13/44
Ninth AF
193 B-26's bomb NOBALL tgts in France. Ftr pilots report being
tracked by AA rockets.
01/13/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's and B-26's bomb Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino A/Fs.
A-20's strike town of Atina. AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF FBs hit
shipping along Dalmatian coast at Sibenik and in Krka R. A-36's hit
town and railway yards at Isola del Liri, factory at Colleferro,
docks at Formia, railroad yards at Valmontone, and railway station SE
of Frosinone. P-40's hit Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, San Biagio,
Saracinesa, and rail and road junction near Villa Latina.
01/13/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb Centocelle and Guidonia A/Fs and B-24's hit Perugia A/F.
P-38's provide escort, and P-47's fly top cover for the B-17
missions. The HBs destroy several ftrs in aerial combat.
01/13/44
Tenth AF
Gen Wolfe, CG, arrives at New Delhi with ADVON of XX BC staff. This
is the first important movement of personnel for Operation
MATTERHORN. 6 P-51's hit troop concentrations at Lalawng Ga and bomb
Maran Ga and Shaduzup. 27 P40's attack comm center and dumps along
Kamaing-Mogaung road. 4 P51's and a B-25 pound A/F and supply area at
Myitkyina.
01/13/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-25's on sweep from Hong Kong to Hainan attack 4 large boats,
several warehouses, radio station, and a car at Ft Bayard. 1 of the
vessels explodes. 6 P-40's on armed rcn strafe 4 pack trains of about
15 animals each between Lungling and Tengchung.
01/13/44
Fifth AF
Gen Wurtsmith becomes CG V FC. 130-plus B-24's, B-25's, and P-40's
attack Alexishafen. B-24's bomb Gasmata. B-24's and B-25's strike
Kaukenau and Timoeka and score hit on freighter off Tanimbar Is.
01/13/44
Thirteenth AF
HQ moves from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal. During predawn hrs 11
B-25's bomb Tobera, Rapopo, Wide Bay area, and coast S of Rapopo.
P-39's strafe Tinputs area.
01/13/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Tarawa attack harbor shipping at Wotje. 21 A-24's from
Makin dive-bomb dock, barracks, and storage area on Mille. Some of 16
escorting P-39's strafe ground tgts, and 10 other P-39's carry out
strafing mission over Mille."
01/14/44
Eighth AF
527 B-17's and B-24's bomb 20 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais
area.
01/14/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's strike Pontecorvo bridge. A-20's offer close spt to US Fifth
Army forces in Monte Trocchio area. P-40's blast Loreto tank repair
shops. P-40's and A-36's hit defenses in San Giuseppe, Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido, and Monte Trocchio areas. A-36's also attack road and
buildings E of Minturno, town of Isola del Liri, and harbor at Anzio.
01/14/44
Fifteenth AF
Around 200 B-24's and B-17's attack town area and A/F at Mostar.
P-38's provide escort throughout the missions, and P-47's join the
B-17's at the tgt and cover the flight back to base.
01/14/44
Tenth AF
Bad weather limits operations to ftr patrols in Sumprabum area.
01/14/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's on coastal sweep from Pakhoi to Haiphong bomb group of
buildings on Weichow I. 2 B-24's damage 2 vessels near Saint John I.
01/14/44
Fifth AF
50-plus B-24's, B-25's, and P-40's hit Alexishafen and Erima area.
B-24's bomb Cape Busching. B-25's attack T/Os along N coast of New
Britain, and A-20's strike villages along S coast.
01/14/44
Thirteenth AF
During 13/14 Jan, 15 B-24's bomb Vunakanau and Lakunai A/Fs, Rabaul,
Rapopo, and Malaguna. Just before dawn, 12 B-25's hit Au, Cape
Gazelle, and Buka. P39's join Navy SBD's in bombing Wakunai. 70-plus
Allied ftrs spt strike by more than 50 Navy dive bmrs against
shipping in Simpson Harbor. Ftrs claim 27 aircraft shot down.
01/14/44
Seventh AF
12 B-24's, staging through Tarawa, bomb 3 islands in Kwajalein Atoll.
3 B-25's from Makin fly mission against shipping at Wotje. 2 of the
MBs attack 2 small vessels, sinking 1 and damaging the other. The
other B-25 bombs a runway and building on S part of Wotje.
01/15/44
MAAF
Gen Eaker assumes cmd of MAAF and AAFMTO, replacing ACM Tedder and
Gen Spaatz, who along with AVM Coningham and numerous other American
and British offlcers have departed for UK."
01/15/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack Foligno railway junction. B-26's bomb bridges at
Orvieto, P-40's of 79th Ftr Gp and RAF 239 Wg hit San Valentino
station in joint attack. A-36's and other P-40's, in spt of US Fifth
Army forces, hit gun positions and strongpoints, especially at
Picinisco and Atina. P-40's on armed rcn hit railroad W of Frosinone
station and strafe Ceccano station and railway cars.
01/15/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's bomb Prato M/Y and industrial area, and also hit roads in area
and drop several bombs in town of Pistoia. B-17's concentrate on
railroad yards and bridges in Florence area at Certaldo, Poggibonsi,
Montalto di Castro, Arezzo, Civitavecchia, and near Porto Civitanova
and Orvieto, and hit scattered T/Os. Ftrs escort all the missions.
01/15/44
Tenth AF
4 P-40's and a B-25 over N Burma hit train at Pinwe.
01/15/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-25's on sea sweep along Indochina coast bomb Hongay power plant
and sink gunboat in nearby cove to the SW. Coal grading building at
Campha Port is also bombed. 2 B-25's on sweep off SE China coast sink
wooden vessel off Swatow and damage lighthouse on Nampang I. 2 others
shoot down Japanese bmr N of Chikhom.
01/15/44
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-25's pound Uligan Harbor. P 10's, P 17's, and B-25's hit
Madang, Alexishafen, Erima, and Bogadj im area. Enemy positions along
S coast of New Britain are attacked by B-25's and P-39's.
01/15/44
Thirteenth AF
24 B-25's, with 60 ftrs escorting, pound East Cape. P-39's attack
barges and trucks at Chabai.
01/15/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Tarawa flying at deck-level bomb and strafe shipping
and shore installations at Maloelap. 2 vessels are hit and oil dump,
hangars, other buildings, and runways are damaged. 1 B-25 crashes at
sea after being hit by AA fire.
01/16/44
ETO
Gen Eisenhower assumes duties of Supreme Cmdr, AEF.
01/16/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb M/Y and choke points at Terni. B-26's attack M/Y and
bridge at Orte. A-20's bomb town of Atina. P-40's attack bridges in
San Giorgio del Sannio area and gun emplacements near Cassino, Sant'
Angelo in Theodice, and Picinisco. A-36's hit railway junction at
Cecina, road and railway S of Siena, and town areas of Avezzano and
Formia.
01/16/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's attack Osoppo landing ground and town of Zara. The HBs claim 9
ftrs shot down. 1 B-24 is destroyed in aerial combat. B-17's bomb
Messerschmitt factory at Klagenfurt and landing ground at Villaorba.
Escorting ftrs claim 3 aircraft destroyed. 3 P-38's are shot down.
01/16/44
Fourteenth AF
8 P-40's attack town of Pingkai and strafe T/Os in surrounding valley
area.
01/16/44
Fifth AF
Madang, Erima, and Bogadjim areas are hit by B-25's, A-20's, and
P-40's. P-39's strafe area from Sio to Bogadjim. B-25's bomb area N
from Cape Croisilles. B-24's and B-25's attack positions near Arawe.
B-24's carry out light raid on Amboina harbor.
01/16/44
Seventh AF
25 A-24's, 16 P-39's,and 8 P-40's from Makin strike Mille. The A-24's
bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas, the P-40's bomb and
strafe barracks and AA emplacements, and the P-39's strafe runways. 2
P-39's are lost. P-39's sent up on interceptor missions claim 3
airplanes destroyed over Mille and Makin.
01/17/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack M/Ys at Terni, Chiaravalle, and Montemarciano. B-26's
strike Orte railway bridge and Viterbo M/Y. P-40's hit Sibenik
harbor, bridge at San Giorgio del Sannio, gun positions at San
Giuseppe and Formia, and docks at Anzio. A-36's bomb Anzio, Avezzano
town area and road junction, and Tarquinia town and factory
buildings.
01/17/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's attack M/Y at Prato and M/Y and bridge at Pontassieve. B-24's
bomb M/Y at Arezzo. P-38's and P-47's provide escort.
01/17/44
Tenth AF
A-36's and P-51's spt ground forces in Shaduzup-Ngamaw Ga area and
near Taro. Others bomb supply dumps, warehouses, and rolling stock at
Sahmaw. P-40's hit Myitkyina A/F."
01/17/44
Fifth AF
47 B-24's and B-25's bomb Hansa Bay area. B-25's bomb Nubia. P-39's
strafe Rai Coast. B-24's bomb Bandanaira.
01/17/44
Thirteenth AF
AAF and Navy ftrs spt Navy dive-bmr strike on shipping at Rabaul. 18
airplanes are claimed shot down. 10 Allied ftrs fail to return from
mission. During 17/18 Jan, a few B-24's, in 2 flights, bomb Rabaul
area, while 2 B-34's bomb Kalakapisi coast watcher station at
Choiseul I.
01/17/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Abemama bomb and strafe Mille, hitting runway, AA
positions, radio tower, warehouse area, lagoon dredges, and possible
oil dumps. 4 P-40's from Makin bomb and strafe Mille landing ground.
01/18/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's hit harbor, tin mills, steel works, power house, and blast
furnaces at Piombino, and bomb Montalto di Castro railroad and
bridge. B-25's hit town and railway viaduct at Terni, and A-20's
blast gun positions in Minturno area. P-40's hit trains, wharves and
vessels in Ploca and Metkovic areas. A-36's and P-40's pound troops,
trucks, and gun positions in Minturno area and near Pontecorvo and
Atina, hit petrol dump at Pignataro Interamna, warehouse at Fontana
Liri, factory at Ceprano, rail and road junction at Avezzano, and
railway at Santa Marinella.
01/18/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's attack M/Ys, a bridge and an A/F in Florence area. P-38's and
P-47's provide close escort."
01/18/44
Tenth AF
12 P-38's hit A/F and satellite field at Meiktila. 18 B-24's and 9
B-25's bomb encampment area at Kyaukchaw. 17 A-36's and P-51's hit
troops, dumps, and workshops at Sawnghka. 11 P-40's attack troops and
stores at Shaduzup. 3 transport airplanes are lost to Japanese ftrs
during supply dropping mission SE of Sumprabum.
01/18/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-25's bomb railroad yard and wharf at Campha Port and oil storage
facilities at Mon Cay.
01/18/44
Fifth AF
Hansa Bay area is bombed by 40 B-24's. Other B-24's positions around
Shaggy Ridge. 55 P-38's and P-40's engage a like number of ftrs over
Wewak, losing 3 P-38's and claiming 12 shot down.
01/18/44
Thirteenth AF
34 B-25's supported by 70-plus ftrs, pound Tobera. Single B-24's on
armed rcn bomb Maliai, Vunakanau, and Lakunai areas.
01/18/44
Seventh AF
12 B-25's from Abemama attack barracks area, runway, and gun
positions on N part of Mille. 25 A-24's and 8 P-40's from Makin pound
oil storage area S of Jabor on Jaluit. The P-40's also strafe a radio
station in tgt area.
01/19/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Rieti A/F. B-26's hit A/F at Viterbo. A-20's attack M/Y
at Colleferro. P-40's bomb and strafe 2 schooners at Makarska. A-36's
hit guns, trucks, and trains N of Rome and fly over 70 sorties
against rail, comm and troop positions in US Fifth Army battle area
as Garigliano bridgehead expands. P-40's also hit defended positions
in battle area and near Scauri, Tremensuoli, and Alvito.
01/19/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's and B-17's hit A/Fs at Perugia, Iesi, Centocelle, and
Ciampino. P-38's fly close escort for all the missions while P-47's
fly top cover over Ciampino and Centocelle and carry out sweep over
Rome area.
01/19/44
Tenth AF
16 B-24's bomb M/Y and Don Maung railroad station at Bangkok. 4
P-40's hit town of Wakshang. 26 A-36's and P-51's hit tgts along
roads from Ngamaw Ga to Maingkwan to Mashi Daru.
01/19/44
Fourteenth AF
14 P-40's and 2 B-25's attack barracks area at Mon Cay.
01/19/44
Fifth AF
57 B-24's bomb Boram, 17 more bomb Amboina and Halong, and 2 others
score hits on freighter near Aitape. 65 B-25's, along with RAAF
airplanes, pound positions in Shaggy Ridge area. 2 P-39's bomb barges
in Cape Raoult area.
01/19/44
Thirteenth AF
Attacks during the day are limited to isolated strikes on shipping
and other T/Os by aircraft on armed rcn over Bougainville, New
Ireland, and Saint George Channel. During 19/20 Jan, 11 B-24's, in 2
waves, fly strikes against Rabaul and Vunakanau tgts.
01/19/44
Seventh AF
17 B-25's from Tarawa hit Mille. Flying at low altitude, the MBs
score hits on gun positions, fuel dumps, and the A/F area in general.
AA fire claims 2 B-25's.
01/20/44
USSAFE
Gen Spaatz, as CG US SAFE, formally assumes administrative
responsibility for all US AAFs in UK. His HQ is located at Bushy
Park, formerly Eighth AF HQ.
01/20/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb Viterbo M/Y and attack bridge at Pontecorvo. B-25's
attack railroads in Carsoli area. A-20's give close spt to US 5th Div
in Minturno area. British and US P-40's follow RAF LBs in raid on
Popoli station. A-36's pound rail and road crossing at Viterbo, and
P-40's hit comm at Frosinone, Palestrina, and Carsoli, where a
traffic block is created. A-36's and P-40's fly nearly 200 sorties in
spt of US Fifth Army ground forces as 36th Div begins assault across
the Rapido R in Sant' Angelo in Theodice area. P-40's also hit tgts
along British Eighth Army front.
01/20/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's and B-17's bomb A/Fs at Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino.
P-38's provide escort, and P-47's carry out sweeps over the tgts.
Other P-47's escort transport airplanes on mission to Yugoslavia.
01/20/44
Tenth AF
In N Burma, 40-plus A-36's and P-51's hit storage dumps along railway
in Mogaung area and billets and warehouse area at Mohnyin. In S
Burma, 16 P-38's and 5 B-25's knock out railroad bridge, pipeline,
and railroad tracks in Nattalin area."
01/20/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-24's on sweep from Hong Kong to Swatow attack a freighter and a
tanker, which are reported sinking.
01/20/44
Fifth AF
37 B-25's and a B-24 bomb and strafe Hansa Bay area. Over 60 B-25's
hit positions on Shaggy Ridge. P-39's strafe troops at Weber Pt. 25
A-20's hit positions between Borgen Bay and Rein Bay and hit barge
hideouts and enemy held areas in Gasmata area.
01/20/44
Thirteenth AF
Several tgts on Bougainville are bombed by 2 sqs of B-24's. 18
B-25's, with about 70 escorting ftrs, pound A/F, fuel dump, gun
positions, at Vunakanau and Rabaul.
01/20/44
Seventh AF
13 B-24's, staging through Tarawa, hit Wotje Atoll during 19/20 Jan.
8 B-25's from Abemama bomb Rakaaru. Other B-25's sent from Tarawa
against shipping at Ailinglapalap Atoll abort because of bad weather.
9 P-40's from Gilbert Is strafe a corvette and a schooner at Jaluit,
mortally damaging both vessels. 4 other P-40's bomb Mille.
01/21/44
Eighth AF
390 HBs attack 24 V-weapon sites and T/Os in France, concentrating on
Pas de Calais area. Of the nearly 800 HBs dispatched, 401 are forced
to abort because of clouds which prevent 12 objectives from being
attacked.
01/21/44
Ninth AF
119 B-25's bomb Vweapon sites in France.
01/21/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's hit railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto. B-25's bomb
chokepoints around Rome and unsuccessfully attack Pontecorvo bridge.
A-20's attack comm at Atina. P-40's hit shipping at Povlje. Other
P-40's and A-36's attack strongpoints, trucks, a cmd post, HQ
building, and radar station in battle area. P-40's also give close
spt to US Fifth Army troops which are hardpressed at both Garigliano
and Rapido R bridgeheads. A-36's bomb Velletri, concentration at
Minturno, and area S of Viterbo.
01/21/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb A/Fs at Istres-Le-Tube and Salon-de-Provence, railroad
bridges at Porto Civitanova, and bridge and M/Y at Rimini. B-24's
attack M/Ys at Ponte-dera and Prato. P-38's fly escort. P-47's sweep
over wide areas around Rome and Florence.
01/21/44
Tenth AF
11 P-40's score near misses on Loilaw bridge and strafe Budagon
nearby, starting several fires. 16 A-36's and P-51's spt ground
forces near Sumprabum, and 11 more bomb forces SW of Kamaing.
01/21/44
Fifth AF
B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's bomb Madang area, and strafe villages near
Saidor and troops from Reiss Pt to Erima. B-25's and P-39's strafe
barges from Cape Raoult to Rein Bay and hit T/Os along N coast of New
Britain. Single B-24's on armed rcn blast control tower at Hoskins
A/F, and hit ships near Kavieng and at Lorengau. 2 B-24's bomb
Waingapoe.
01/21/44
Thirteenth AF
38 B-24's pound runway and revetment area at Borpop A/F. P-39's
strafe Kara and Kahili. B-34's and B-24's on armed rcn bomb
Kalakapisi, Nukiki, and Buka A/F.
01/21/44
Seventh AF
16 B-24's staging through Tarawa during 20/21 Jan, bomb tgts on
Kwajalein. 6 Tarawabased B-25's hit Arno Atoll and 12 bomb Aur Atoll.
9 B-26's from Abemama hit gun positions, barracks, and runways on
Mille. 23 A-24's and 11 P-40's from Gilbert Is base attack gun
positions, ammo and oil storage, barracks, and 2 small vessels at
Jaluit.
01/22/44
Twelfth AF
Maximum spt is given to Allied landings at Anzio, which are begun by
US Fifth Army's VI Corps at 0200. FBs, LBs, and MBs direct efforts
toward isolating landing area by cutting roads, bridges, and
railroads and obstructing towns in the surrounding region, at
Velletri, Valmontone, Colleferro, Ceprano, and Fondi, and hitting
traffic and comm throughout the area. Ftrs maintain patrol over
shipping and beachhead and successfully intercept several enemy FB
missions directed against the landings."
01/22/44
Fifteenth AF
Unescorted B-17's and B-24's bomb Terni and Arezzo M/Ys, Pontedera
M/Y and A/F, road and rail junction NW of Frascati, Terracina road
defile, and Pontecorvo bridge and town area. P-38's strafe tgts in
Arce-Frosinone area, including several vehicles and train cars.
P-47's on sweep over Rome area encounter several ftrs, and claim 5
shot down; 2 P-47's fail to return.
01/22/44
Tenth AF
16 B-24's bomb encampment at Prome. 16 A-36's and P-51's and a single
B-25 attack comm and supply dumps between Kumnyen and Ngamaw Ga. 12
A-36's and P-51's spt ground forces in Sumprabum area. 11 P-40's
severely damage Namkwin railroad bridge.
01/22/44
Fourteenth AF
11 P-40's and 5 P-51's strafe newly opened Nanchang A/F, killing
about 20 troops and destroying an airplane and a truck. 12 P-38's
knock out bridges at Shektan and Sheklung.
01/22/44
Fifth AF
B-25's strafe villages, bridges, and barges from Cape Gourdon to Cape
Croisilles, and hit shipping at Papitalai, sinking small vessel and a
barge and severely damaging jetty. A-20's, P-40's and RAAF aircraft
hit numerous scattered T/Os on New Britain.
01/22/44
Thirteenth AF
27 B-25's, with 90-plus supporting ftrs, attack Lakunai A/F, doing
considerable damage to runway and revetment areas. 1 B-25 and 4 ftrs
are shot down. US airplanes claim 18 Japanese downed. 6 B-25's and
30-plus B-24's pound town of Rabaul.
01/22/44
Seventh AF
18 B-24's, flying from Tarawa, hit tgts on Kwajalein, Jaluit, and
Mille. 10 B-25's from Abemama hit Maloelap; 9 others, flying out of
Tarawa, bomb shipping and shore installations at Wotje. 3 B-25's are
lost during the day's missions. 10 aircraft are claimed shot down.
01/23/44
Eighth AF
23 P-47's attack Gilze-Rijen A/F."
01/23/44
Ninth AF
Nearly 200 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in French coastal area.
01/23/44
Twelfth AF
Col William S Gravely takes cmd of XII AF Trg and Repl Cmd. B-26's
bomb area S of Avezzano while B-25's hit town of Avezzano and road
junction at Monte Cornacchia. A-20's bomb Vallecorsa with good
results. A-36's attack Vallecorsa, road junctions at Fondi and in
Priverno area, town of Ceccano, and railroad at Sezze. P-47's bomb
bridge at Skradin. DAF ftrs strafe tanks and trucks on British Eighth
Army front, and XII A Spt Cmd ftrs cover US Fifth Army's Anzio
beachhead during the day.
01/23/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb road bridges at Pontecorvo and Ceprano, railroad line and
bridge at Falconara Marittima, and M/Ys at Poggibonsi and Siena.
P-47's escort HBs to latter 2 tgts. B-24's bomb Rieti A/F, Porto
Civitanova M/Y, and T/Os, including bridge near Cagli, M/Y N of
Perugia, and landing strip S of Iesi. P-47's and P-38's carry out
sweeps in wide areas around Rome and Florence, reaching out to
Viterbo, Rieti, Orte, and Terni.
01/23/44
Tenth AF
19 B-24's, in 2 waves, attack shipping at Mergui, claiming a 350-ft
vessel and 2 small boats destroyed. 6 B-25's and 16 P-38's knock out
bridge at Myittha, damage bridge at Samon, and damage several trucks
and railroad cars. 28 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 pound
supply dumps at Kamaing and Mogaung, achieving excellent results. 16
P-40's hit Myitkyina A/F, railroad cars at Pidaung, and railroad
bridge at Loilaw.
01/23/44
Fourteenth AF
28 P-40's and 9 B-25's from Kweilin pound Kai Tek A/F in Hong
Kong-Kowloon area. 2 B-25's heavily damage 3 merchant vessels S of
Wenchow.
01/23/44
Fifth AF
35 B-24's, with ftr escort, bomb Wewak. 50 Japanese ftrs intercept.
In the ensuing air battle US aircraft claim 12 of the ftrs shot down.
5 US ftrs are lost. P-39's strafe barges and AA positions at Uligan
Harbor and on Rai Coast. A-20's hit forces and AA positions near Cape
Raoult and Gasmata. B-24's hit Flores I.
01/23/44
Thirteenth AF
80 AAF, Navy, and Marine ftrs spt 60-plus Navy dive bmrs in strike on
Lakunai A/F and Matupi Harbor area. 3 Allied ftrs are lost. US
airplanes claim more than 30 aircraft shot down. Later, 40-plus ftrs
sweep Rabaul area. 20 P-39's strafe T/Os in Shortland I area. During
23/24 Jan, 7 B-25's hit Tobera and Lakunai.
01/23/44
Seventh AF
21 B-25's from Tarawa and Abemama hit Taroa I. The MBs claim 3 ftrs
shot down. 23 B-24's, flying out of Makin and Abemama, bomb Wotje at
dusk. 1 HB bombs Mille during return flight after developing engine
trouble.
01/24/44
Eighth AF
857 HBs are put into the air with intentions of bombing
transportation and industrial tgts at Frankfurt-Heddernheim, Frankf
urt/Main, and Russelsheim. Unpredicted multi-layer clouds and haze
impede assemblies, and only 452 planes are dispatched to the tgts.
Cloud formations and dense contrails over English Channel make
holding formation impossible, and the bmrs are recalled, with
exception of a combat wg which is approaching German border. 56
planes of this wg attack power station near Eschweiler before
returning to base. British and US in UK agree to place most of the
available P-51's in the Eighth AF for longrange escort of HBs.
Eventually the Eighth is to be equipped almost exclusively with
P-51's, with the P-38's and P-47's to be transferred to the Ninth AF.
01/24/44
Ninth AF
More than 175 MBs attack V-weapon sites in coastal area of France.
01/24/44
Twelfth AF
Weather cancels all MB and LB operations. Ftrs maintain cover over
Anzio beachhead (Anzio and Nettuno are captured during the day) and
encounter increased air attacks. 3 ftrs are claimed destroyed in
aerial combat, while 1 Allied ftr is lost. P-40 FBs hit road at
Penne, while A-36's bomb Velletri and road junction E of town, and
hit other comm tgts.
01/24/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's bomb A/F and town area at Skoplje. B-17's hit M/Y at Vrattsa
and Dolno Tserovene area, both T/Os. P-38's escort the B-24's while
P-47's accompany the B-17's."
01/24/44
Fourteenth AF
B-25's on sea sweeps claim sinking of merchant ship W of Nampang I, 2
freighters, a cargo-passenger vessel, and a coastal cargo boat
anchored in LiShan Bay, and a cargo-passenger vessel at Paichuan I.
01/24/44
Fifth AF
40-plus B-24's bomb A/Fs at Wewak and Boram. More than 50 B-25's and
P-47's hit Madang and troops in vicinity and bomb Hansa Bay area. 38
other B-25's attack shipping and harbor installations on Manus I.
01/24/44
Thirteenth AF
A large concentration of AAF, Navy, Marine, and RN ZAF ftrs spt Navy
and Marine TBFs dive-bombing shipping in Simpson Harbor and Keravia
Bay. Several 300500-ft vessels are damaged or sunk. US airplanes
claim more than 20 ftrs shot down."
01/24/44
Seventh AF
24 A-24's from Makin, supported by 12 P-39's and 7 P-40's, hit gun
positions, storage areas, and barracks on Mille. In late afternoon, 8
B-25's, staging through Makin, bomb A/F on Wotje. During 24/25 Jan, 9
B-25's from Tarawa and 12 B-24's from Taroa bomb several tgts in
Maloelap. 1 other B-24 bombs Mille.
01/25/44
Eighth AF
62 P-47's attack Leeuwarden and Gilze-Rijen A/Fs.
01/25/44
Ninth AF
Nearly 150 B-26's, airborne to bomb V-weapon sites in France, are
forced to abandon missions because of heavy clouds.
01/25/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Valmontone. B-26's hit Sezze M/Y, SezzeBassiano road,
Amelia, and Rieti M/Y. A-20's attack Terelle. A-36's hit Civita
Castellana, Itri, Velletri, and railroad rolling stock in the area.
P-40's hit Velletri and Belmonte in Sabina and strafe trucks E of
Fondi. P-40's and P-47's hit shipping in Dubrovnik, and nearby road
and rail trafflc. British and AAF ftrs of DAF hit bridge approaches
at Popoli, near British Eighth Army front."
01/25/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb T/Os highways and railroad bridges) at Pedaso, SE of
Pedaso, at Stazione di Monte Silvano, and on Vomano R NW of Pescara.
Other B-17's return bombs to base after finding tgts obscured by bad
weather.
01/25/44
Fourteenth AF
B-25's on sweeps of E China coast claim a patrol boat, a tanker and 2
freighters sunk S of Wenchow.
01/25/44
Fifth AF
50-plus B-24's pound Hansa Bay area. 37 B-25's bomb Alexishafen and
Madang. P-39's strafe barges on Rai Coast. P-40's and A-20's hit
Gasmata. More than 50 B-25's bomb Lorengau and Momote.
01/25/44
Thirteenth AF
19 B-24's, following 3 which drop flares, attack Lakunai A/F during
late evening.
01/25/44
Seventh AF
24 A-24's from Makin, supported by 12 P-39's, attack gun positions on
Mille. 8 B-25's from Tarawa bomb a vessel and shore tgts at Taroa.
Later, in a dusk attack, 18 B-24's flying out of Gilbert Is bomb
Kwajalein, hitting runways and AA positions.
01/26/44
Ninth AF
144 B-26's scheduled to bomb V-weapon sites in France are recalled
because of bad weather.
01/26/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's attack Cisterna di Latina, toward which US Fifth Army's VI
Corps is moving. A-36's and P-40's fly harassing attacks against
roads and railroads, bombing at Belmonte in Sabina, Cisterna, Itri,
Ceccano, Frosinone, Poggio Mirteto, and at points around these towns.
A-36's destroy fuel dump and several trucks and arty caissons in
Ceprano-Priverno area.
01/26/44
Tenth AF
15 B-24's bomb Maungdaw. 7 B-25's and 3 ftrs hit camp at Razabil and
attack T/Os between Maungdaw and Buthidslung.
01/26/44
Fourteenth AF
18 P-40's from Kunming bomb and strafe A/F and barracks at Kengtung.
01/26/44
Fifth AF
42 B-24's bomb Momote and I,orengau. 140-plus B-24's, A-20's, P-39's,
and P-40's hit Alexishafen-Madang area. 18 B-25's bomb Bogia village.
A-20's hit Cape Raoult area and P-40's strafe barges along N coast of
New Britain.
01/26/44
Thirteenth AF
80-plus Allied ftrs cover strike by more than 50 Navy dive bmrs on
Lakunai area AA positions and revetments. 3 Allied ftrs are lost.
More than 20 airplanes are claimed shot down.
01/26/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Makin hit several tgts in Maloelap Atoll. About 20 ftrs
attack the formation. 12 P-40's, meeting the returning MBs over Aur
Atoll, join battle against the ftrs, claiming more than 10 destroyed.
The MBs claim 5 shot down. Several more are destroyed on ground or
while taking off during the bombing raid. 9 B-25's from Tarawa hit
Aineman I, Jaluit Atoll, and nearby shipping.
01/27/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack roads at Velletri, railway at Colleferro, and M/Y at
Orte. B-26's bomb bridges at Ceprano and M/Y at Terni. A-20's give
close spt to US Fifth Army attack near Terelle. A-26's bomb railways
and buildings at Poggio Mirteto, Ceccano, and Ciampino, hit rail and
road traffic S of Rome, and, with P-40's, hit town of Piedimonte.
More than 70 P-40's provide close spt to Fifth Army forces in
Cisterna di Latina and Atina, bombing gun positions. Allied ftrs over
Anzio beachhead successfully meet increased enemy air effort,
claiming 28 airplanes downed in aerial combat.
01/27/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb A/Fs at Salon-de-Provence and MontpellierFrejorgues.
B-24's hit Istres-Le-Tube A/F. P-38's fly escort. Other P-38's sweep
Rome area, and P-47's sweep Florence area. HBs and ftr escorts claim
over 20 aircraft shot down.
01/27/44
Fifth AF
41 B-24's bomb Lorengau. Almost 70 B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's, along
with several RAAF airplanes attack Madang and Bogia areas. B-24's hit
freighter and town area at Dili and shipping at Sorong and MacCluer
Gulf.
01/27/44
Thirteenth AF
19 B-25's, with escort of 60-plus AAF and Navy ftrs, pound Lakunai
A/F. 6 US ftrs are lost. US airplanes claim more than 20 ftrs shot
down. P-39's ranging over wide areas strafe T/Os at Motupena, Gazelle
Harbor, and Buka I. 2 sqs of B-24's blast concentrations at Sulphur
Creek in Rabaul area.
01/27/44
Seventh AF
6 B-2B's from rarawa hit Nauru, and 9 staging through Makin hit
Wotje. 23 A-24's, supported by 10 P-39's, pound Mille. 7 B-24's,
staging through Makin, bomb Taroa in a dusk attack.
01/28/44
Eighth AF
43 B-24 is bomb V-weapon site at Bonnieres, using GeeH blind-bombing
device for first time. (Gee-H is more accurate than H2X but is of use
only against tgts within the 200-mi beacon range. Later, aircraft are
equipped with both devices).
01/28/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack Orte M/Y. B-26's hit bridges at Orvieto and Montalto di
Castro. A-20's bomb Cisterna di Latina with good results. P-40's and
P-47's bomb Popoli road junction, and A-36's hit railroad, road, and
gun positions in CassinoVicenza-Velletri areas, Colleferro M/Y, and
Atina town area. P-40's hit Terelle, Belmonte in Sabina, and
Cisterna. Allied ftrs over Anzio area claim 21 airplanes shot down.
01/28/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's, with ftr escorts, bomb Aviano A/F and Verona M/Y. B-24's hit
M/Y at Ferrara.
01/28/44
Fifth AF
B-25's attack T/Os from Bogia to Cape Croisilles. A-20's attack in
Cape Gloucester area. P-40's hit A/F at Hoskins. P-39's strafe barges
in Rein Bay.
01/28/44
Thirteenth AF
AAF and Navy ftrs spt Navy dive-bmr attack on tgts in Rabaul area. 5
P-38's are lost. Allied aircraft claim about 30 airplanes shot down.
At Lakunai A/F, one of the tgts, 20-30 parked airplanes are destroyed
and several AA positions are destroyed or damaged. 25 B-25's, covered
by 12 P-38's, pound Tobera A/F. 16 P-39's strafe Shortland I area.
01/28/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's, staging through Makin, bomb Taroa. B-24's, staging through
Tarawa and Makin and taking off at varying intervals, carry out
several hours of strikes against Wotje, Kwajalein, Maloelap, and
Jaluit.
01/29/44
Eighth AF
763 HBs led by Path finder aircraft hit war industries at
Frankfurt/Main. 46 HBs bomb Ludwigshafen (T/O) due to deviation from
planned bomb route. Ftr opposition is fierce and 29 aircraft are
lost. This is first Eighth AF mission in which more than 700 aircraft
attack tgts.
01/29/44
Ninth AF
More than 80 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in costal France.
01/29/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bon San Benedetto de Marsi M/Y. B-26's hit bridges N of Rome.
P-47's bomb munitions factory at Bussi sul Tirino. P-40's and A-36's,
in spt of US Fifth Army Forces, bomb positions in Anzio beachhead are
and hit enemy forward road and rail comm. Ftrs on patrol over Anzio
meet little air opposition."
01/29/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's bomb Siena M/Y through overcast. B-17's bomb M/Y's at Ancona,
Fabriano, Rimini, and Bologna. P-47's sweep over Rome and Florence
areas.
01/29/44
USSR
Soviet Army clears Germans from Moscow-Leningrad rail line. Russians
launch attack against German salient in Ukraine.
01/29/44
Tenth AF
13 B-24's, supported by 16 P-38's, bomb gasoline plants at
Yenangyaung, causing large fires. 1 HB later bombs Akyab. 6 B-25's
attack bridges at Meza and Pyintha, damaging the former and blasting
railroad approaches to the latter.
01/29/44
Fifth AAF
40-plus B-25's bomb Bogia and Nubia landing grounds. 45 A-20's hit
positions in Cape Gloucester area."
01/29/44
Thirteenth AF
About 60 Allied ftrs cover strike by 40 Navy dive bmrs on Tobera.
Lakunai A/F is pounded by 19 B-24's, escorted by P-38's and Navy
ftrs. At Tobera and Lakunai, Allied airplanes claim more than 20
Japanese shot down.
01/29/44
Seventh AF
As US invasion force approaches the Marshalls, B-24's, attacking from
bases in the Gilberts, maintain dat and night attacks (both
multiple-plane missions and single-plane attacks at intervals)
against Maloelap, Jaluit, Aur Atoll, Wotje, and Mille. 9 B-25's from
Tarawa also carry out strike against shipping and shore installations
at Wotje. 18 A-24's, supported by 12 P-40's hit Jaluit. 12 P-39's,
operating in flights of 4 aircraft, patrol and strafe Mille all day
to deny use of the A/F to the enemy.
01/30/44
Eighth AF
701 Hbs hit city of Brunswick, using blind-bombing equipment to bomb
through the overcast. 51 Hbs bomb T/Os, including city of Hannover.
20 aircraft are lost on mission."
01/30/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's hit road junctions at Valmonte and Genzano di Roma, and bomb
town of Monte Compatri. Weather cancels all B-26 operations and
several B-25 missions. A-20's hit town of and road junction near
Cori, and XII A Spt Cmd Fbs hit Sora. US and British ftrs hit Barges
and fishing boats of Zara and Trojica. Ftrs on patrol over Anzio meet
no air opposition.
01/30/44
Fifteenth AF
451st Bomb Gp (B-24) becomes operational, making a total of 9 HB gps
in Fifteenth AF. B-17's hit A/Fs and landing grounds at Villaorba,
Maniago, and Lavariano. B-24's bomb Udine A/F and Fier radar station.
P-38's escort B-17's on Villaorba and Maniago missions, and P-38's
and some British Spitfires escort B-24's on Udine mission. P-47's
carry out sweep over Villaorba area. The Hbs and ftrs claim over 60
airplanes shot down and a number destroyed on the ground.
01/30/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's attack bridges at Mexa, Zawchaung, and N of Kyungon. Meza
bridge is put out of commission, Kyungon bridge demolished, and
Zawchaung bridge damaged. A locomotive and tender are destroyed at
the latter tgt. A single B-25 attacks vehicles and other T/Os between
Taihpa Ga and Tsumhpawng Ga.
01/30/44
Fourteenth AF
20 P-40's fly armed rcn over E Burma. 8 of them strafe buildings at
Loiwing A/F.
01/30/44
Fifth AF
34 B-25's bomb Hansa Bay area and Nubia landing strip. A-20's fly
barge sweep along N coast of New Britain. P-39's strafe barges and
fuel dumps at Rein Bay.
01/30/44
Thirteenth AF
20 P-39's attack Kunrai. 26 B-25's, with large ftr cover, bomb
Lakunai A/F. 18 B-24's, supported by ftrs, hit Vunakanau A/F. 50
Allied ftrs spt Navy dive bmr strike on shipping in Rabaul area.
Altogether 20-plus ftrs are claimed shot down in the attacks in New
Britain area.
01/30/44
Seventh AF
P-40's and P-39's maintain patrols over Mille, bombing and strafing
the A/F to prevent its use by the enemy against invading forces.
B-24's maintain all-night strikes against Kwajalein in preparation
for the invasion the following morning. Invasion of Majuro Atoll
begins during 30/31 Jan.
01/31/44
Eighth AF
74 B-24's bomb V-weapons site construction at Saint-Pol/Siracourt. 70
P-47 Fbs, escorted by 87 P-47's and 47 P-38's, bomb Gilze-Rijen A/F;
84 ftrs are encountered and fighting is fierce; 6 P-38's are lost in
battle; US aircraft account for 13 ftrs destroyed.
01/31/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's bomb Artena and road junction to N of Town. P-40's and A-36's,
operating E of Anzio battle area, hit road junction at Sezze, town of
Fondi, and junction and town area at Priverno. P-47's bomb San
Benedetto de Marsi. XII A Spt Cmd flies over 250 sorties over Anzio
beachhead. Air Opposition is absent.
01/31/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's and B-24's bomb A/F at Aviano and Udine. P-38's and P-47's
provide escort, hit Klagenfurt A/F. Hbs and ftrs claim 16 airplanes
shot down.
01/31/44
Fifth AF
A-20's attack Uligan Harbor. P-39's strafe Bogadjim, Bostrem Bay, and
landing strip at Alexishafen. B-24's hit motor vessel off Ceram.
01/31/44
Thirteenth AF
40-plus Allied ftrs cover strike by Navy dive bmrs on Tobera. 8
airplanes are claimed shot down. The strike is immediately followed
by an attack by 17 B-24's, with ftr spt, on same tgt.
01/31/44
Seventh AF
As US Army and Marine troops land on Kwajalein, under overall cmd of
Adm Spurance, Seventh AF hits other atolls in the Marshalls. 19
A-24's bomb Mille A/F, over which P-39's and P-40's maintain all-day
cover and harassment. 9 P-40's carry out strafing mission against
Jaluit. During 31 Jan/1 Feb, 8 B-24's, attacking at intervals, bomb
Wotje.
01/31/44
Eleventh AF
5 bmrs fly a negative sea-search mission.
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