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8/1/44
Eighth AF
191 B-17's drop supplies to French interior forces; 3 P-51 gps
furnish escort. 75 B-17's bomb A/F at Tours; escort is flown by 1
P-51 gp. 387 B-17's escorted by 1 P-51 gp attack 5 A/Fs and a railway
bridge in area S and SW of Paris. A fourth force of B-17's (320) is
dispatched to bomb tgts in Paris environs. Bad weather causes over
100 aborts but 219 planes bomb 4 A/Fs, 5 bridges, railway facilities
and a rail and highway junction, mostly T/Os. 3 ftr gps provide spt.
The fifth force of 100 B-24's, sent against 8 V-weapon sites in NW
France, runs afoul of bad weather which causes multiple aborts. 34 of
the planes manage to bomb 3 sites. Another force of 156 B-24's is
dispatched against 7 V-weapon sites in same area plus oil storage
depot at Rouen. Bad weather prevents attacks on the sites but 85 HBs
bomb the oil depot and railroad junction nearby. 4 ftr gps strafe
rail and ground vehicles during course of day's actions. 5 bmrs and 3
ftrs are lost during the day.
8/1/44
Ninth AF
XIX TAC becomes operational in conjunction with the US Third Army on
the Continent. The Ninth's ftr and FB gps (Ninth AF refers to them
collectively as FB gps) are divided between IX and XIX TACs. About
250 MBs and LBs bomb rail bridges at Mezieres-sur-Seine, Maintenon,
Les Ponts-de-Ce, Chartres, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Bouchmaine,
Nogent-sur-Loir, and Bourth. XIX TAC ftrs carry out armd rcn and rail
bombing missions in Alencon, Dreux, Chartres, Nogent-sur-Loir, Le
Mans, Sablesur-Sarthe, Laval and Sille-le-Philippe areas, while IX
TAC ftrs fly armd column and assault area cover, and armed rcn in
battle areas.
8/1/44
Twelfth AF
MBs hit bridges in Po Valley, N of Genoa, at Canneto sull'Oglio,
Balossa, Vigone, Ronco Scrivia, and Ovada, and M/Y at Imperia. FBs
concentrate on A/F in Po Valley (at Villanova d'Albenga, Airasca, and
Venaria Reale) hit small landing grounds throughout the area, and
attack several comm tgts including roads, rail lines, bridges, and
railroad cars.
8/1/44
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather limits operations to rcn missions.
8/1/44
Tenth AF
8 B-26's bomb several points along railway from Naba to Hopin. FBs
attack Shwegu, hit bridges in Mohnyin area, and spt ground forces in
Myitkyina and Taungni sectors.
8/1/44
Fourteenth AF
8 B-25's bomb Wuchang A/F. 2 others hit town of Siangyin. More than
90 P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn hit trucks, troops, supplies, and
river shipping in and around Hengyang, Leiyang, Sinshih, Hengshan,
Liling, Changsha, and Siangyin. AF and railroad yards at Hengyang are
also bombed.
8/1/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Utagal. Weather cancels scheduled strikes against
Vogelkop Peninsula area, but a few MBs hit shipping in islands to the
W, sinking luggers off Kaboe and Salawat Is and strafing troops on
shores of MacCluer Gulf. The weather also restricts operations
against Wewak area; a few P-39's strafe coastal trails. B-24's bomb
Namlea A/F.
8/1/44
AAFPOA
Army Air Forces Pacific Ocean Areas is activated at Hickam Field with
Gen Millard Harmon as CG. Harmon is to be responsible to Gen Robert C
Richardson, Jr, CG, USAFPOA, for logistics and administration, and to
Adm Nimitz, CINCPOA, for operations of AAF air units except those of
Twentieth AF. Harmon also is Dep Cmdr of Twentieth AF and is
responsible directly to Gen Arnold in all matters affecting the
Twentieth in POA.
8/1/44
Seventh AF
Seventh AF comes under control of AAFPOA. Makinbased B-25's hit
Ponape. Organized resistance ends on Tinian. P-47's and P-61's on
Saipan will continue steady daylight and night combat patrols and
strikes almost around the clock to the fall of Guam on 10 Aug. Most
of the P-47 flying is devoted to neutralizing A/Fs on Pagan and Rota
and to direct spt of Marine and Army forces fighting on Saipan, Guam,
and Tinian.
8/2/44
Eighth AF
2d and 3d Bomb Divs fly 2 late afternoon operations against tgts in
France. 289 B-17's and B-24's attack 12 tgts including oil dumps and
depots, supply depots, railway bridges, junctions, canal lock, A/Fs,
and M/Ys. 3 P-51 gps provide escort, 2 of them later strafing rail
and highway traffic NE of Paris. In the second mission, over 390 HBs
attack 15 V-weapon sites, 5 bridges, an A/F, and a rail junction and
bridge. 5 P-51 gps provide escort and 3 of these gps later strafe
rail transportation tgts. Overall losses for the day's operations
total 6 HBs and 6 ftrs, most to AA fire. No enemy aircraft are
encountered.
8/2/44
Ninth AF
IX BC halts bombing of bridges, fuel dumps, and similar tgts in
Brittany except on request of 12th Army Gp, as US Third Army wants
use of bridges access to all fuel they may find in their adv across
France. Around 300 A-20's and B-26's attack bridges at
Mezieres-sur-Seine, Mainvillers, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Nantes, and
Lisle, and ammo dumps at Caudebec-les-Elbeuf and Le Lude. Ftrs fly
armed rcn in wide areas surrounding Paris and SW as far as Laval,
escort IX BC, and provide cover for armd columns and close spt for
ground forces.
8/2/44
Twelfth AF
MBs strike at bridges near border between Italy and France, doing
some damage at Gilette, Taggia, Alessandria, and at 2 points along
the Var R. FBs pound bridges and A/Fs in NW Italy and S France and
attack T/Os in the area.
8/2/44
Fifteenth AF
330-plus B-17's and B-24's attack Genoa harbor and hit tgts in S
France, including Le Pouzin oil storage, Portes-les-Valences torpedo
factory and M/Y, Le Pontet oil storage, and Avignon railroad bridges.
P-38's and P-51's provide escort.
8/2/44
Tenth AF
P-51's, P-47's, and A-36's spt ground forces in Taungni area. P-51's
and P-47's on patrols and armed rcn hit various T/Os around Katha,
Mainghka, Meza, Helon, Mohnyin, Bilumyo, and Namma. P-40's attack gun
positions and strongpoints at Myitkyina.
8/2/44
Fourteenth AF
11 B-25's and 32 P-40's and P-38's bomb and strafe town of Tengchung.
9 P-40's and P-38's damage bridge at Tingka. Yangtze R shipping and
supplies are attacked at Shihlipu by 8 P-40's.
8/2/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb A/F at Yap I. A-20's bomb Nabire A/F while in Wewak area
bmrs and ftrs hit bridge and A/F at Boram and bridges, comm lines,
troop concentrations, and other tgts along coastline, especially
between But and Cape Karawop. MBs and HBs carry out wide sweeps over
the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Is, hitting A/Fs at Maumere, Amahai,
and Liang, and shipping off Ceram and Amboina. HBs hit Cape Chater
and Lautem while MBs bomb camp near Poeloeti. FBs hit Mapia I and
coastal vessels and shore tgts at Talaud.
8/3/44
Eighth AF
In early afternoon nearly 400 B-17's and B-24's bomb M/Ys in France
and 1 in Germany, an oil refinery in Germany, and an A/F, road and
rail junctions, bridges, and a few individual tgts in France. 3 of
the 6 P-51 gps providing escort later strafe transportation tgts and
A/Fs. 12 aircraft are claimed destroyed. 6 HBs and 6 P-51's are lost.
Later in the afternoon 515 bmrs attack 20 V-weapon sites in France. 2
A/Fs and a railroad bridge and a junction in France, 2 oil refineries
and a storage depot in Belgium, 4 oil facilities in France, a road
and rail bridge in the Netherlands, and M/Ys in Belgium. 6 ftr gps
provide uneventful escort. One HB is lost.
8/3/44
Ninth AF
180-plus A-20's and B-26's bomb rail bridges, overpasses, and
junctions at Mantes-la-Jolie, Chartres, La Chenaie and Merey, fuel
dump at Maintenon, and alternate rail tgts in N France. Ftrs escort
IX BC bmrs and a few C-47's, provide cover for ground forces, and fly
armed rcn over wide areas of N and W France.
8/3/44
Twelfth AF
MBs achieve fair results in attacks on bridges at Gilette, Levens,
Lesegno, Albenga, and Asti, and at 2 locations along Var R. FBs have
successful day against comm tgts (mainly road and railroad bridges)
and A/Fs in N Italy. At least 15 bridges are damaged or demolished
and several parked aircraft are destroyed.
8/3/44
Fifteenth AF
More than 600 B-17's and B-24's hit industry in Friedrichshafen area,
including chemical works, fabric works, and 2 aircraft factories, and
bomb comm tgts in Brenner Pass area, attacking Avisio viaduct and
bridges at Ora and San Michele all'Adige. Ftrs fly about 300 sorties
in spt. HBs and ftrs claim 18 enemy aircraft shot down. 11 US
airplanes are destroyed.
8/3/44
Tenth AF
B-25's bomb Wanling, knock out bridge at Panghkam, and attack bridges
along the railroad from Naba to Myitkyina. P-51's and P-47's spt
ground forces N of Taungni and near Sahmaw, hit towns of Shwegu and
Mosit, attack factory area at Mohnyin, and pound boats, troop
concentrations, and gun positions at Myitkyina and Maingna.
8/3/44
Fourteenth AF
23 B-24's bomb town of Yoyang. 6 B-25's hit Mangshih. Nearly 150
P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's on armed rcn attack T/Os, including A/Fs,
troops, town areas, supply areas, and rail, road, and river traffic
at numerous locations, including areas of Tengchung, Tingka,
Mangshih, Loyang, Changsha, Hengyang, Tangyang, Chingmen, Chaling,
Siangyin, Nanchang, Siangtan, Hengshan, Chuchou, Ikiawan, and
Leiyang.
8/3/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Yap and islands in Woleai group. Bad weather cancels
scheduled strikes over Vogelkop Peninsula area, However, MBs hit
troop concentrations at Bira and other points on MacCluer Gulf, bomb
Urarom, and spt Allied ground forces on Biak by hitting troops in
Korim Bay area. An ammo dump and oil derrick at Boela are also
destroyed. Supply dumps, comm tgts, and bridges are hit as FBs and
A-20's continue to blast areas around But, Dagua, and Wewak.
8/3/44
Seventh AF
VII Air Serv Area Cmd is activated. B-24's from the Marshalls pound
Truk.
8/4/44
Eighth AF
In late morning and mid-afternoon raids, over 1,250 HBs attack 4 oil
refineries, 4 aircraft factories, 4 A/Fs, Peenemunde experimental
establishment, and torpedo plants in Germany, 2 coastal batteries in
Pas de Calais area, and 2 V-weapon sites, 2 A/Fs, a M/Y, a railroad
crossing, and a bridge in NW France. All of the Eighth's 15 ftr gps
spt the operations, flying 782 sorties. HBs claim 3 airplanes
destroyed and ftrs claim 39 destroyed in air and 15 on ground.
Strafing claims include numerous items of rolling stock. 14 HBs and
15 ftrs are lost during the day.
8/4/44
Ninth AF
62 A-20's and B-26's bomb rail bridges at Oissel, Epernon, and
Saint-Remy-sur-Avre and an ammo dump and bivouac area in Foret de
Sille. Ftrs furnish cover over battle area and for an armd column,
fly sweeps, dive-bomb enemy positions and also fuel dumps at Angers,
attack ammo dump at Tours, and fly armed rcn in Quimper-Nantes,
Amines, and Saint-Quentin areas.
8/4/44
Twelfth AF
Weather severely hampers the day's operations. MBs attacking bridges
at Levens, Ventimiglia, Fontan, and along Var R achieve poor results.
FBs in same general area hit bridges, tracks, guns, junction, and
A/F, and strike at Nice harbor.
8/4/44
Fifteenth AF
In an attempt to comply with the first direct Soviet request for AAF
air strikes, 70-plus P-38's and P-51's leave Italy, attack A/F and
town of Focsani and land at FRANTIC bases in USSR.
8/4/44
Tenth AF
B-25's bomb town of Sahmaw in spt of advancing Allied ground forces.
P-51's also spt ground forces in the Sahmaw-Taungni area. FBs hit
various tgts, including town areas, gun positions, troops, and comm
lines in or near Shwegu Pinbaw, Kazu, Bhamo, Myitkyina, Bilumyo,
Mawhe, Mainghka, and Onsansaing.
8/4/44
Fourteenth AF
20 B-25's bomb town of Mangshih and A/Fs at Lashio and Hsenwi. 32
P-40's hit town area and T/Os at Tengchung. 70 P-40's attack troops,
supplies, river shipping, and trucks at several points in Tungting
Lake-Yangtze R region. 4 P-38's knock out 2 bridges at Mongyu.
8/4/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb supply area on Utagal I and A/F at Yap. Other B-24's bomb
oil installations at Boela and attack Faan. B-25's and A-20's hit
oilfields at Klamono and at Kasim I and bomb Nabire A/F. P-39's
strafe Pegun I. A-20's and FBs in spt of Allied forces pound enemy
concentrations, supplies, and barges E of Driniumor R, at Abau, S of
Torricelli Range, at Boram, and just W of Wewak.
8/4/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-25's fly 2 strikes against Guam. B-25's staging from
the Marshalls, hit Ponape.
8/4/44
Eleventh AF
4 P-38's accompanied by 1 B-25 fly top cover for naval force near
Massacre Bay. 4 MBs fly an uneventful shipping sweep.
8/5/44
Eighth AF
In the morning 1,062 HBs strike Magdeburg-Brunswick-Hannover region,
bombing oil, aircraft, and engine works and A/F. 14 ftr gps provide
spt, 657 airplanes completing sorties. The HBs and ftrs encounter
about 100 ftrs and claim 30 destroyed. The ftrs of 6 gps fly strafing
missions against highway and rail trafflc and several A/Fs. 14 HBs
and 6 ftrs are lost. During afternoon 38 B-17's, escorted by P-51 gp
bomb 6 V-weapon sites and an A/F in France. No losses are
suffered.
8/5/44
Ninth AF
In order that operations controlled by Ninth AF be developed in close
association with HQ 12th Army Gp, the Ninth's HQ at Uxbridge and
Grandcamp-les-Bains are closed and a single HQ opened the following
day (6 Aug) at Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin near both Adv HQ 12th Army Gp
and Adv HQ AEAF. 50th and 53rd TC Wgs of IX TCC are attached to MAAF
for purpose of forming, with 51st TC Wg, a Prov TC AirDiv to handle
the airborne phase of the invasion of S France. 300-plus A-20's and
B-26's bomb Saint-Malo harbor and Foret de Sille fuel dump during 4/5
Aug, and during the day, rail bridges at 6 cities in N and W France,
and M/Y at Compiegne. Ftrs furnish cover for ground forces and fly
armed rcn over wide areas of N France.
8/5/44
Twelfth AF
Weather again restricts operations. A-20's on armed rcn in Po Valley
during 4/5 Aug attack lights and vehicles. FBs fly a few unsuccessful
missions against bridges.
8/5/44
Tenth AF
14 B-25's bomb town area of Taungni and stores area at Bilumyo. 50
P-51's also pound Taungni area. 21 P-47's attack T/Os throughout
widespread area around Bhamo.
8/5/44
Fourteenth AF
15 B-25's bomb town of Wanling. 3 hit Lashio A/F. 36 P-40's again
pound Tengchung. In Tungting Lake area 50-plus P-40's attack comm
tgts, troops, and numerous trucks.
8/5/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb personnel and supply areas on Yap. Other B-24's bomb oil
facilities at Boela while B-25's hit villages and small boats near
Seleman Bay and afterwards bomb Besar I. B-24's attack seaplane
anchorage at Kokas while P-39's strafe barges in W Geelvink Bay area.
Despite bad weather, P-39's manage to hit Luain gun positions and
ammo dump. A few B-24's bomb Sasa A/F.
8/5/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Saipan fly 2 strikes against Guam.
8/5/44
Eleventh AF
A weather mission is followed by a shipping sweep flown by 2 MBs
which is aborted early due to weather.
8/6/44
Eighth AF
The Eighth strikes 5 aircraft and engine factories, torpedo plant, 7
oil refineries, and an A/F in Berlin and Hamburg-Kiel areas, and 2
V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. 953 HBs attack their tgts. 25
fail to return. The 554 ftrs in spt lose 6 of their number. Total
claims of enemy airplanes destroyed amount to 34. The bombing is very
effective and 10 major tgts are severely damaged during one of the
best days the Eighth experiences. In conjunction with the operations
against the Berlin and Hamburg-Kiel areas, the Eighth begins its
second shuttle-bombing mission to the USSR. 78 B-17's are dispatched,
but 3 return to UK due to mechanical troubles. The HB formation is
met by a P-51 gp 60 mi E of Jutland. 75 B-17's bomb aircraft factory
at Rahmel, near Gdynia, with good results. Another P-51 gp picks up
the formation as it withdraws toward USSR. No aircraft are lost and
the HBs land at Poltava and Mirgorod while the P-51's land at
Piryatin.
8/6/44
Ninth AF
MBs and LBs hit bridges, fuel and ammo dumps, and a locomotive depot
at Beauvais, Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, Courtalain, Foret de Perseigne, and
Blois. Ftrs escort IX BC and furnish cover to ground troops in Vire,
Rennes, and Redon areas.
8/6/44
Twelfth AF
MBs strike bridges in SE France in Rhone Valley and areas to the E,
in or near Tarascon and Arles, and along Var R. FBs enjoy successful
day against tgts in NW Italy and SE France, including bridges,
railroad lines, motor transport, trains, roads, A/Fs, and town areas,
plus shipping at Imperia, Genoa, and La Spezia.
8/6/44
Fifteenth AF
60 ftrs take off from Soviet FRANTIC bases, attack Craiova M/Y and
other railroad tgts in Bucharest-Ploesti area, and land at Italian
bases. Close to 700 B-17's and B-24's, operating against tgts in SE
France, attack oil storage at Le Pouzin, Le Pontet, and Lyon,
railroad bridges at Le Pouzin, Avignon, Tarascon, Rambert, and
Givors, M/Ys at Portes-les-Valences and Miramas, and submarine pens
at Toulon. 43 P-38's dive-bomb A/Fs at Orange/Plan de Dieu, and
Valence. P-38's and P-51's fly about 200 sorties in spt of bombing
missions.
8/6/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's bomb town area of Mohnyin while 2 others destroy bridge at
Hsenwi. 21 P-51's hit 4 railroad bridges in the Naba-Pinbaw area,
destroying 2 of them. P-51's and P-47's hit numerous T/Os at Mohnyin,
Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Katha, Indaw, and other points in N Burma. A
few P-40's strafe T/Os in Myitkyina area.
8/6/44
Fourteenth AF
28 P-40's again pound Tengchung. 47 P-40's and P-51's hit trucks,
troop compounds, and gun positions in Hengyang area. 19 P-40's attack
sampans and trucks around Changsha. 20 others hit supplies, trucks,
barracks, and T/Os at Chefang and Mangshih, between Changsha and
Hengyang, and between Siangyin and Siangtan.
8/6/44
FEAF
Yap supply area is bombed by B-24's. Heavy frontal weather activity
over Vogelkop Peninsula and the Moluccas cancels strikes in that
area. On the mainland of New Guinea, MBs and ftrs, though restricted
by weather, spt ground operations near Sarmi, hit gun positions at
Dagua, and strafe fuel dumps and T/Os at Cape Djeruen.
8/6/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Saipan strike Guam twice. B-25's flying out of the
Marshalls hit Ponape, and others from the Gilberts hit Nauru. B-24's
from Kwajalein bomb Wotje.
8/7/44
Eighth AF
Shuttle mission continues from USSR. In accordance with Soviet
request, tgt is oil refinery in Poland. 57 B-17's and 37 P-51's are
dispatched. 55 HBs (2 return to base early) bomb refinery at
Trzebinia. P-51's engage 6 to 8 enemy ftrs over tgt and claim
destruction of 3 of them. The airplanes return to FRANTIC bases in
USSR. In UK 902 HBs, supported by 10 ftr gps, are dispatched to bomb
oil dumps and bridges in France. Cloud conditions cause multiple
aborts, but 483 HBs bomb 11 oil dumps, 5 bridges, 3 A/Fs, and an M/Y.
3 HBs are lost. 8 gps of FBs attack M/Ys and rail transportation N
and E of Paris.
8/7/44
Ninth AF
To maintain close association with ground forces, IX TAC and XIX TAC
constitute mobile units to accompany Adv HQ of US First and Third
Armies, respectively, as they adv rapidly to the E. Gen Brereton
relinquishes cmd of Ninth AF to become CG First Allied Airborne Army.
380-plus A-20's and B-26's bomb bridges at Nogent-sur-Seine and
Neuvy-sur-Loire. Ftrs escort IX BC, furnish defensive cover in Vire,
Laval, and Rennes areas, and spt ground forces in assault area.
8/7/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's bomb shipping at Monaco, Genoa, Finale Ligure, and Alassio
during 6/7 Aug. During day, B-25's and B-26's bomb bridges at Les
Censies, Ventimiglia, La Voultesur-Rhone, Livron, Avignon, and
Pont-Saint-Esprit. FBs hit rail and road bridges, M/Ys at Alessandria
and Albenga, shipping at Imperia and Nice, and A/Fs in NW Italy and S
France.
8/7/44
Fifteenth AF
353 B-17's and B-24's bomb 2 synthetic oil refineries at Blechhammer;
over 300 ftrs provide spt. 76 B-24's hit Alibunar A/F and Novi Sad
oil facilities. HBs and ftrs claim nearly 30 aircraft shot down.
8/7/44
Tenth AF
B-25's destroy 2 bridges, damage 2 others, and hit T/Os in areas
around Naba and Mawhun. FBs attack Mohnyin, Myothit, and Pinbaw, hit
motor pool at Namana, damage 2 bridges S of Bhamo, and attack T/Os
during sweeps of Onbauk A/F and town of Bhamo. FBs also spt ground
forces in Taungni area.
8/7/44
Fourteenth AF
87 P-40's hit Hengyang and trucks, troops, and gun positions in the
surrounding area. 21 P-40's bomb Changsha, 4 hit rivercraft at
Siangsiang, 4 bomb wall at Tengchung, and 6 attack Hsiaoshuipu.
8/7/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb power plant, AA positions, and barracks area on Yap,
phosphate plant on Fais I, and A/Fs at Galela and Lolobata, where
35-50 aircraft are destroyed or damaged.
8/7/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-25's hit Guam twice during the day.
8/8/44
Eighth AF
Shuttle mission continues as B-17's with P-51 escort, leave bases in
USSR. While 36 hit Buzau A/F others hit A/F at Zilistea. No ftrs are
encountered during mission. 359 B-24's from UK bomb 10 V-weapon sites
and 4 A/Fs in NE France. 6 P-51 gps provide escort. 2 gps bomb and 3
gps strafe rail facilities and rail and motor transportation with
good results. 497 B-17's bomb troop concentrations and strongpoints
and T/Os S of Caen. 2 P-51 gps give spt, 1 later strafing traffic in
Rouen area. 10 HBs and 4 P-51's are lost, mostly to AA fire. 4 gps of
FBs (163 planes) strafe and bomb M/Ys, a bridge, and T/Os N and W of
Dijon and in Paris-miens-Saint-Quentin area. Eighth AF during the day
and RAF during 7/8 Aug drop over 5,200 tons of bombs, mainly in spt
of Canadian First Army (accompanied by a Polish armd div) offensive
toward Falaise.
8/8/44
Ninth AF
Gen Vandenberg assumes cmd of Ninth AF. 406 B-26's and A-20's bomb
rail embankment and bridges at 8 locations in N and W France, attack
radar installations between Argentan and Alencon, and give tac spt to
ground forces near Saint-Malo. Ftrs escort IX BC, give defensive air
cover, and fly armed rcn E of Paris and in battle area.
8/8/44
Twelfth AF
MBs attack tgts in Po and Rhone Valleys, hitting bridges and railroad
tracks in or near Alessandria, Avignon, and Pont-Saint-Esprit, and
along Var R. A-20's hit storage dump and nearby town of Savigliano.
FBs hit barge in San Stefano al Mare harbor and pontoon and railroad
bridges nearby, and attack Mantua causeway and nearby bridges,
scoring many hits and destroying several vehicles.
8/8/44
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather limits operations to rcn missions.
8/8/44
Tenth AF
B-25's are weathered out of their primary tgt, the town of Shwekyina.
The MBs hit alternates, destroying Meza bridge and damaging 3 others,
and bombing railroad tracks at several points between Naba and Meza.
Weather severely curtails FB missions.
8/8/44
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's and 7 P-40's bomb storage area in Hengshan and destroy
several trucks in the area. 29 P-40's hit gun positions and T/Os in
Hengyang vicinity. 14 P-51's and P-40's hit bridge, trucks, and river
craft at Siangtan while 8 blast trucks, barges, and compound between
Siangtan and Hengyang. 12 P-40's attack river shipping from Sinti to
Hankow. 15 P-40's bomb storage areas and radio stations at Amoy and
Swatow.
8/8/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Yap and GagilTomil Is, concentrating on airstrips, A/Fs
at Galela, Lolobata, and Babo, and towns of Urarom and Manokwari.
A-20's bomb radio station near Hollandia and hit troop concentrations
in Musu area. FBs bomb bridges and buildings at Boram, troops at But,
and guns at Dagua.
8/8/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-25's bomb Guam where effective resistance ends. B-25's
from the Marshalls hit Ponape while B-24's bomb Truk.
8/9/44
Eighth AF
More than 500 HBs attack aircraft engine plant at Sindelfingen and
several T/Os, including M/Ys at Saarbrucken, Luxembourg, and
Saint-Vith. 18 HBs are lost, mostly to AA fire. 15 ftr gps fly 570
sorties in spt, claiming 33 aircraft destroyed in air and 30 on
ground, plus numerous ground tgts in strafing attacks. 15 FB gps bomb
and strafe rail tgts, including 12 M/Ys, in France. 325th
Photographic Wg (Rcn) is activated to replace 8th Rcn Wg (Prov).
8/9/44
Ninth AF
Close to 400 MBs and LBs attack ammo dump in Foret de Blois, shipping
at Brest, and other tgts, including rail bridges at 10 locations in N
and W France. Ftrs escort IX BC, cover ground forces, and fly armed
rcn in wide areas of N France (around Paris, as far S as Orleans, and
as far NE as Reims and Chalonssur-Marne).
8/9/44
Twelfth AF
MB efforts are restricted by bad weather. However, during 8/9 Aug
A-20's hit tgts along coastal road from Nice to Genoa, and during the
day B-25's hit railroad at Ventimiglia and B-26's attain excellent
results on Bergamo/Orio al Serio AF. FBs sink motor vessel in Imperia
harbor and attack railroad facilities in NW Italy.
8/9/44
Fifteenth AF
Around 400 B-24's and B-17's, with ftr escorts, bomb 2 A/Fs and an
oil refinery at Budapest, rolling stock plant and aircraft assembly
plant at Gyor, and M/Y and oil refinery at Brod.
8/9/44
Tenth AF
24 FBs spt ground forces in Taungni-Sahmaw area. Several others
unsuccessfully attack bridge N of Hopin and bomb town of Tagwin.
8/9/44
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's bomb compound and vehicle shed on NE edge of Hengyang. 36
P-40's and P-51's attack trucks, gun positions, and buildings at
several points in Hengyang-Siangtan area. 21 P-51's and P-40's knock
out pontoon bridge and hit junks and sampans at Changsha, and attack
rivercraft at points along the C Yangtze.
8/9/44
FEAF
B-24's blast AA positions in 3 different areas of Yap I. Other B-24's
bomb A/Fs at Boela and at Liang. A-20's hit shipping facilities at
Asap I and bomb Nabire A/F. Ftrs strafe villages S of Manokwari.
B-25's bomb forces on N coast of Waigeo I. A-20's and FBs hit troops
at Dagua and near Haur and bomb stores at Cape Moem and machineguns
at Cape Wom.
8/10/44
Eighth AF
45 P-51's in Italy during FRANTIC mission are dispatched with
Fifteenth AF aircraft to escort on a troop carrier evacuation
mission. Over 150 B-24's from UK bomb 2 bridges and 3 fuel dumps SE
of Paris, plus T/O near Brienon-sur-Armancon. 5 ftr gps and a sq
afford escort, claiming 8 airplanes destroyed in combat. Rail and
transportation facilities are strafed in Paris, Troyes, Dreux,
Chartres and Evreux areas. 11 gps of FBs, in 2 operations, bomb large
number of rail and highway transportation tgts, including 15 M/Ys S
and E of Paris, and along French-Belgian border.
8/10/44
Ninth AF
Almost 200 MBs and LBs bomb rail bridges and embankments in wide
areas around Paris. Ftrs escort bmrs, spt ground forces, give
defensive cover, and fly armed rcn in battle areas and around Amiens,
Paris, Cambrai, Meaux, Dijon, and Troyes.
8/10/44
Twelfth AF
MB and LB missions are cancelled by bad weather. FBs, operating on
reduced scale, hit gun positions along S coast of France in
preparation for Allied invasion of S France (Operation DRAGOON).
8/10/44
Fifteenth AF
More than 450 HBs, with ftr escort, hit 6 oil refineries in Ploesti
area.
8/10/44
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb town of Shwekyina. A few P-51's spt ground forces by
hitting railroad station at Mingon.
8/10/44
Fourteenth AF
9 P-40's strafe Taiyuan A/F claiming more than 20 aircraft destroyed.
16 P-40's destroy 4 trucks and damage about 50 others at Siangtan and
in Changsha area. 2 P-40's strafe numerous junks along S China
coast.
8/10/44
FEAF
B-24's attack Yap, concentrating on AA positions, A/Fs and town of
Yap. Others hit A/Fs at Galela, Lolobata and Namlea. B-25's bomb
Langgoer A/F. FBs attack Sorong, Manokwari, and villages along W
coast of Geelvink Bay. FBs continue to pound forces between Aitape
and Wewak. Large-scale TC missions are flown to forward bases,
especially in Schouten Is.
8/10/44
Twentieth AF
2 missions are flown during 10/11 Aug. In one, 24 B-29's, out of
Chengtu, bomb urban area of Nagasaki and 3 others hit T/Os. The
B-29's claim 1 ftr shot down, the first such claim (except probables)
by the B-29's. In other missions, the first staged through China Bay,
31 B-29's bomb oil refineries at Palembang, 8 mine the Moesi R
nearby, and 3 hit T/Os and a secondary tgt. The first attack, from
Ceylon to Sumatra, is the longest single-stage combat flight (about
3,900 mi) by B-29's during the war.
8/10/44
Seventh AF
B-24's, flying their first mission from Saipan, pound Iwo Jima,
beginning the AAF's neutralization campaign of that island.
Saipan-based P-47's hit Tinian and Pagan Is. All organized resistance
on Guam ends. B-24's from Kwajalein hit Wotje.
8/10/44
Eleventh AF
4 B-25's on a shipping sweep spot 2 patrol boats 75 mi ESE of
Shimushu I. One is sunk, the other is damaged.
8/11/44
Eighth AF
More than 850 HBs attack 13 M/Ys, fuel dumps, A/Fs, and T/Os, in NE
France and Paris area, and 23 arsenal areas, barracks, concrete
emplacements and heavy arty posts in and around Brest, escorted by 8
ftr gps and a sq. 5 gps later strafe ground tgts.
8/11/44
Ninth AF
LBs and MBs from 97th, 98th, and 99th Combat Bomb Wgs attack bridges
at Montrichard, Oissel, Fismes, and Creil/Saint-Maximin, gun defenses
at Ile de Cezembre and Saint-Malo, and ammo dump at Foret de Roumare.
Ftrs cover assault area, escort IX BC, and fly armed rcn in battle
area and extensively over N France.
8/11/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's, B-26's, and P-47's strike gun positions along French and
Italian coasts W of Genoa as DRAGOON assault force begins movement
from Naples area toward tgts in S France.
8/11/44
Tenth AF
5 B-25's bomb encampment area and underground shelters at Kadu. 4
others abort because of bad weather. 6 P-40's attack
Japanese-occupied temple at Shwekyina and Japanese HQ at Bhamo.
8/11/44
Fourteenth AF
23 B-24's bomb Changsha, 16 B-25's pound Hengyang over 40 P-51's and
P-40's bomb bridges, villages, warehouses, trucks, troops, and other
T/Os in Hengyang area. 26 P-40's attack T/Os at or near Chuting,
Puchou, and Yungfengshih.
8/11/44
FEAF
A-20's hit shipping off Urarom and in Wandammen Bay and barges and a
radar station along coast of Geelvink Bay. A-20's pound Japanese HQ
and bivouac areas S of Sawar, A-20's and B-25's bomb forces at Haur
village while P-39's hit Kairiru I barge terminal, coastal guns at
several points, and troops, supplies, and buildings from But to Rocky
Pt.
8/11/44
Seventh AF
Makin based B-25's hit Ponape.
8/12/44
Eighth AF
Shuttle-bombing mission UK-USSR-Italy-UK is completed. Of 72 B-17's
taking off from Fifteenth AF bases in Italy, 3 have various problems.
The others bomb Toulouse/Francazal A/F and then proceed to UK. 62
P-51's (part of the shuttle-mission force) and 43 from UK provide
escort. No aircraft are lost. 70 HBs and 58 P-51's land in UK. 5 HBs
and 6 P-51's, either left in Italy or returning there during mission,
subsequently return to UK. Over 500 other HBs attack 7 A/Fs and M/Ys
in the Paris area. 6 ftr gps provide escort, 1 escorts Ninth AF MBs.
2 of the gps afterwards strafe transportation tgts. In 2 operations
nearly 900 FBs attack transportation tgts in NE France, a large
number of which are bombed with good results by over 700, at a loss
of 13 ftrs.
8/12/44
Ninth AF
IX BC LBs and MBs attack Oissel rail bridge, Corbeil-Essonnes
refueling siding, and numerous points along highways in Argentan area
with aim of bottling up enemy troops. Ftrs fly ground forces cover
and armed rcn over wide areas of W and N France, also escort IX
BC.
8/12/44
Twelfth AF
MBs, LBs, and FBs attack tgts, mainly gun positions, in battle area N
of Arno R and in S France.
8/12/44
Fifteenth AF
Almost 550 ftr escorted HBs bomb gun positions in Savona, Genoa,
Marseille, and Sete areas. 100-plus P-51's strafe radar installations
and other coast-watching facilities along French S coast. These and
Twelfth AF strikes are preparatory to DRAGOON.
8/12/44
Tenth AF
About 20 FBs hit Shwekyina, damage bridge near Manla, bomb railroad
yards at Pinwe, strafe river boat near Bhamo, and attack troops in
Myothit area. 24 FBs spt ground forces in Taungni-Pinbaw area.
8/12/44
Fourteenth AF
7 B-25's bomb railroad yards at Hengyang. 19 P-51's and P-40's hit
T/Os in this area. 39 P-40's attack various T/Os at Chiuchiang,
Yungfengshih, Loyang, Siangtan, and Tengchung.
8/12/44
FEAF
FEAF long-range rcn is greatly increased thanks to strategic position
of newly acquired Schouten Is bases. B-24's pound A/F at Babo while
B-25's and P-39's hit Nabire A/F. Other P-39's attack defenses at
Mansinam I and shore concentrations along W Geelvink Bay. P-47's spt
ground operations in area of Sansapor Pt by bombing Dore. A-20's and
P-47's hit forces and T/Os in Sarmi area and along Metimedan R.
A-20's and P-39's attack troops at Haur, coastal tgts in cooperation
with PT boats, and fuel dumps at Boram.
8/12/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's hit shipping, seaplane base, and A/F at Chichi
Jima, B-25's pound Pagan I while P-47's hit Rota. B-24's from the
Marshalls bomb Truk while Gilberts-based B-25's pound Nauru.
8/12/44
Eleventh AF
4 B-24's and 2 F-7A's over Paramushiru and Shimushu hit tgts which
include shipping in Higashi Banjo Strait and buildings and runway on
Suribachi. Enemy ftrs give battle. The B-24's score 3 kills and 13
probables and damaged. 6 more MBs fly an uneventful shipping sweep
and take photos over Shimushiru I.
8/13/44
Eighth AF
Over 1,200 HBs escorted by 6 ftr gps attack railroad bridge, 3
coastal batteries, and several highways along with T/Os along the
Seine from Le Havre to Paris during a battle area spt mission. 13 HBs
are lost. Over 800 FBs attack M/Ys, bridges, tunnels, moving traffic
and other transportation facilities in wide area NE of the Seine. 13
FBs are lost.
8/13/44
Ninth AF
Around 575 B-26's and A-20's bomb fuel storage at Les Buissons,
points along highways around Lisieux and SE to Rugles with aim of
containing enemy in Falaise pocket, railroad tgts at Peronne,
Doullens, and Corbeil-Essonnes. Ftrs escort IX BC, cover ground
forces, and fly armed rcn in Alencon, Le Mans, Domfront, and Chartres
areas. About 125 transports fly ferry and evacuation missions. During
13/14 Aug, 28 B-26's bomb Foret de Halouze ammo dump and bivouac
area.
8/13/44
Twelfth AF
MBs blast coastal def guns in Marseille area while LBs during 12/13
Aug attack tgts along Monaco-Toulon road, and FBs hit guns and
barracks in the area. Ftrs strafe A/Fs at Les Chanoines, Montreal,
Avignon, La Jasse, Istres-Le-Tube, Valence, and Bergamo. A-20's
attack explosive stores in battle area in Arno R Valley.
8/13/44
Fifteenth AF
Almost 500 B-24's and B-17's attack gun positions around Genoa,
Toulon, and Sete, and strike at bridges at Pont-Saint-Esprit,
Avignon, Orange, and Crest. 31 P-38's dive-bomb Montelimar A/F. Other
ftrs fly 180-plus sorties in spt of HB missions. 28 HBs hit military
installations at Pec.
8/13/44
Tenth AF
20 FBs hit troops and supplies at Mankwi, Myothit, and Tali. 7 others
knock out bridge at Kyauktalon and damage another near Namkwin. 26
FBs attack village of Pinwe and hit T/Os near Mawlu and Pinbaw. 9
B-26's strike bomb storage area at Pinwe considerably damaging the
village.
8/13/44
Fourteenth AF
30-plus B-25's bomb Tungling, Sinsiang, and Hengyang, Pailochi A/F,
shipping at Takao harbor and nearby coastal areas. 3 cargo vessels
are claimed sunk. 51 P-40's and P-51's attack trucks, bridges,
railroad yards, troops, and other T/Os in Hengyang area. 18 P-40's
and P-38's pound Tengchung. 50-plus other P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's
attack troops, bridges, railroad tracks, shipping, trucks, and other
T/Os at several locations including Lienhwa, Siangsiang, Sinshih,
Puchou, Tungyangtun, Hengshan, Weichow I, Luichow Peninsula, Tingka,
Mangshih, Nanchang, Puchi, and along Yunglo R.
8/13/44
FEAF
Bad weather in SWPA curtails operations. B-24's bomb bivouacs and
supply dumps at Manokwari. Bmrs hit Cape Wom storage area while
P-39's cooperate with PT boats to hit Dagua personnel areas and Suain
coastal positions. P-47's and P-39's hit Cape Wom, troops at Ulban,
Matapau, and Suain, and spt ground forces at Sarmi. TC aircraft
complete nearly 90 missions to Owi I and other forward bases.
8/13/44
Eleventh AF
Of 3 B-24's departing Shemya during 12/13 Aug, 1 aborts while the
other 2 bomb Kashiwabara staging area. Later 6 B-25's fly a shipping
sweep E of the N Kurils during which ftr is downed.
8/14/44
Eighth AF
Over 1,100 HBs attack 9 A/Fs, 2 aero engine factories, 1 oil plant, 2
bridges, 2 rail junctions and other secondary and T/Os in SW Germany,
E France, and Bordeaux region. Ftrs fly 388 sorties in spt and
destroy 10 aircraft, 19 locomotives, and numerous other ground tgts.
6 FB gps attack tgts within 130mi radius of Paris, 136 FBs bombing
various transportation tgts.
8/14/44
Ninth AF
IX BC MBs and LBs hit several highway and rail bridges, junctions and
sidings mostly beyond battlelines in France to delay and complicate
German retreat. Ftrs escort bmrs, fly armed rcn over Falaise,
Broglie, and Chartres areas, and spt ground forces, especially 7
armed and inf divs, over wide areas of N and W France. A XIX TAC sq
uniquely effects surrender of a number of German ground troops,
Germans on roads being strafed by sq NE of Carrouges wave white
flags, whereupon planes buzz the road and shepherd enemy troops into
a column which then proceeds to US lines to surrender.
8/14/44
Twelfth AF
MBs hit coastal def guns while FBs pound various gun positions,
tracks, enemy HQ, and T/Os in the Toulon-Nice area. Ftrs strafe radar
installations and T/Os along the French S coast as DRAGOON forces
approach. During 13/14 Aug A-20's hit T/Os in W Po Valley and fuel
dump N of Italy battle area.
8/14/44
Fifteenth AF
540 B-24's and B-17's bomb gun positions in Toulon and Genoa areas as
DRAGOON convoy heads for French Mediterranean coast. 145 P-38's and
P-51's strafe radar installations at several coastal points.
8/14/44
Tenth AF
B-25's bomb Mohnyin and Indaw. 18 P-51's pound tgts in Myothit area.
46 other FBs hit various N Burma tgts including Naba junction, active
area near Pinbaw, building and T/Os at Thaikwagon, cmd post at Hopin,
motor pool at Nansiaung Forest, ammo and other supplies in Mohnyin
area, and bridges S of Bhamo one of which is slightly damaged.
8/14/44
Fourteenth AF
24 B-25's blast Lungling while 16 P-40's hit fortified pass and T/Os
to the S. 12 B-25's bomb railroad yards at Siangtan. 31 P-40's and
P-51's hit railroad yards, river shipping, and general T/Os at
Hengyang. 13 P-40's attack Tengchung. 13 others hit trucks, troops,
and rivercraft at Pailochi and Siying and 4 bomb bridge at
Hsenwi.
8/14/44
FEAF
B-25's and B-24's attack Ternate I, AA positions, oil dumps,
barracks, supply areas, and other tgts throughout the Halmaheras.
B-24's pound A/F at Babo while A-20's and FBs, along with RAAF
airplanes, blasting bivouac, and troops at Terabu, Kaiten, and Wewak
Pt.
8/14/44
Seventh AF
The Seventh is reorganized as a 'mobile tac airforce,' retaining only
units that will function in the combat area. VII BC includes 11th,
30th, 41st, and 494th Bomb Gps; VII FC includes 15th and 318th Ftr
Gps and 8th Night Ftr Sq; and the recently activated VII Air Serv
Area Cmd is composed of 4 serv gps. Saipan-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima
and B-25's hit Pagan. P-47's hit Rota. From the Marshalls, B-25's hit
Ponape and B-24's bomb Wotje.
8/15/44
Eighth AF
More than 850 HBs attack 11 NW German, Dutch, and Belgian A/Fs in
conjunction with 1,000 RAF HBs and Mosquitos raiding 9 A/Fs in the
Netherlands and Belgium, all supported by 607 VIII FC sorties. 17
Eighth AF HBs and 6 ftrs are lost. HBs claim 13 aircraft destroyed
while ftrs claim 14 in air and 8 on ground, along with 29 locomotives
and a large number of other ground tgts. 33 P-47's dive-bomb and
skip-bomb repair shop and locomotives in M/Y at Braine-le-Comte.
8/15/44
Ninth AF
50th and 53d TC Wgs, on loan to MAAF, participate in invasion of S
France as part of Prov TC Air Div. 330-plus A-20's and B-26's bomb
Marseille-en-Beauvaisis and Foret de Chantilly ammo and fuel dumps,
rail bridges at Auverssise and L'Isle-Adam, Serqueux M/Y, and coastal
defense at SaintMalo. Ftrs fly cover for 5 inf and armd divs, escort
IX BC, and fly extensive armed rcn over N and W France.
8/15/44
Twelfth AF
During 14/15 Aug A-20's bomb Le Vallon, Istres, and Orange/Plan de
Dieu A/Fs and other Rhone Valley tgts while US Seventh Army carries
out preliminary operations to isolate DRAGOON invasion beaches. US
Special Serv Force invades Levant and Port-Cros Is and secures left
flank of assault area. French commandos land E of Cap Negre and clear
coastal defenses, French Naval Assault Gp lands SW of Cannes and
secures right flank. 1st Airborne TF drops in rear of assault beaches
and blocks off invasion area from the interior. Main force, US VI
Corps, lands 3 divs abreast between Nice and Toulon at 0800. A-20's
bomb barracks in invasion area while B-25's, B-26's, P-38's, and
P-47's, supporting invasion, pound beaches, enemy concentrations, and
gun positions in coastal areas and later in the day move attacks
inland to interdict enemy comm lines successfully hitting numerous
bridges. Ftrs maintain constant patrol over convoys and invasion
area.
8/15/44
Fifteenth AF
In Fifteenth AF's first HB mass night raid, 252 B-17's and B-24's
after predawn takeoff pound beaches in Cannes-Toulon area in
immediate adv of Operation DRAGOON. 28 other ftr-escorted B-17's bomb
highway bridges over Rhone R. B-17's sent against coastal gun
positions abort mission owing to poor visibility. 166 P-51's escort
MATAF C-47's carrying airborne invasion troops.
8/15/44
EAC
AM Coryton assumes cmd of Third Tac AF, a major component of EAC. Tac
AF functions remain under Coryton until it is dissolved on 4 Dec
44.
8/15/44
Tenth AF
More than 70 P-51's, P-47's, P-40's, and A-36's hit numerous N Burma
tgts including general T/Os in Bhamo area, monastery at Pegu, troops
E of Mawhun, Loiwing and Lashio A/F and rail tgts between Naba and
Hopin. Close spt strikes are flown for ground forces in Pinbaw and
Naba areas. Supply dumps at Mainghka are bombed and 2 villages N of
Kazu are hit and burned out.
8/15/44
Fourteenth AF
12 B-25's bomb Kutkai, demolishing 2 large buildings and leaving 14
burning. 35 P-40's attack Tingka, Hsenwi, Lungling, and Tengchung.
Nearly 100 P-40's and P-51's attack troops, horses, trucks, river
shipping, arty pieces, warehouses, and general T/Os in or near
Sungpai, Sinshih, Hengyang, Chaling, Leiyang, Sinyang, Siangtan,
Hukow, and Changsha. 4 P-40's hit coastal shipping at Hongay and Nam
Dinh.
8/15/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Lolobata A/F and B-25's attack shipping in Ternate area,
setting a 1,200-ton vessel afire and damaging several luggers and
barges. P-39's dive-bomb AA positions at Wewak Pt. FEAF aircraft on
armed rcn hit T/Os in Ceram area and Tanimbar Is.
8/15/44
Thirteenth AF
XIII FC moves from Guadalcanal to Sansapor Pt.
8/16/44
Eighth AF
Over 950 HBs attack 11 oil refineries, aircraft plants and several
T/Os in C Germany. 16 ftr gps fly over 600 spt sorties. 24 HBs are
lost. Ftrs claim 32 air victories.
8/16/44
Ninth AF
The 4 gps of 98th Combat Bomb Wg move during 16-30 Aug from UK to the
Continent. About 130 MBs and LBs hit Foret de Roumare ammo dump and
rail bridges at Pont-Audemer, Thibouville, Brionne, Nassandres, and
Le Bourg. Ftrs escort IX BC, give air cover to armd div and inf
forces, and fly patrol and armed rcn over N and W France.
8/16/44
Twelfth AF
In spt of DRAGOON forces, ftrs and FBs continue to blast enemy
defenses and comm on the beaches and in the invasion area of S
France. A-20's hit lights and vehicles during 15/16 Aug from N of
beachhead to Rhone R and during the day raid ammo stores. MBs pound
Rhone R bridges and gun positions throughout the general area.
8/16/44
Fifteenth AF
89 B-24's, with ftr escort, bomb chemical works at Friedrichshafen.
108 B-17's, supporting DRAGOON, attack railroad bridges at
Saint-Vallier, Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, Grenoble, and Isere-Valence.
42 P-51's escort MATAF C-47's on supply dropping mission to DRAGOON
beachheads.
8/16/44
Tenth AF
As last Japanese resistance in India ceases, 16 B-25's bomb Indaw. 20
P-51's hit A/Fs at Lashio, Nawnghkio, Shwebo, Anisakan, and Onbauk.
37 P-40's and P-51's hit strong points, pillboxes, and machinegun
positions in Pinbaw area. 19 P-47's and P-51's attack T/Os at Katha,
bridge S of Bhamo, town of Tagwin, railroad T/Os between Naba and
Hopin, enemy-held monastery, and ammo dump at Pegu.
8/16/44
Fourteenth AF
18 B-25's bomb Wanling area and warehouses while 12 hit Chaling area
and warehouses at Siangtan. 90 P-40's and P-51's hit bridges,
fortified positions, troops, trucks, rivercraft, supplies, gun
positions, and other T/Os in Hsenwi and Lungling areas and in
widespread area around Tungting Lake and C Yangtze R.
8/16/44
FEAF
B-24's and B-25's bomb Miti and Lolobata A/Fs, warehouses and
shipping facilities at Ternate I, shipping in Wasile and Weda Bays,
installations on Ajoe and Japanese positions at Tanimbar Is. Off Alor
I B-25's sink small vessel. A-20's spt ground forces in Maffln Bay
area while P-39's hit troops and positions from Manokwari to Windissi
and bomb A/F at Ransiki, Moemi, and Waren.
8/16/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Saipan hit Chichi Jima and Pagan. Marshall based B-24's
bomb Truk.
8/17/44
Eighth AF
10 B-24's dispatched against Les Foulons rail bridge abort because of
cloud cover over tgt. 20 ftr gps strafe and bomb between Brussels and
Paris, 11 M/Ys, 2 A/Fs and numerous T/Os and destroy many
locomotives, train cars, and road vehicles along with bridges,
towers, warehouses and barges.
8/17/44
Ninth AF
400-plus A-20's and B-26's bomb road bridges at Montfort-sur-Risle,
Pont-Audemer, Nassandres, Beaumont-le-Roger, Le Bourg, Brionne, and
Beaumontel, and rail bridge at La Ferriere-sur-Risle. Ftrs fly ground
force cover over SaintMalo and Dreux and armed rcn in NW France. IX
TAC ftrs attack and severely damage Gestapo HQ near Chateauroux.
8/17/44
Twelfth AF
Despite bad weather, MBs attack railroad bridges leading to beachhead
area of S French coast and hit coastal guns SW of Toulon. LBs hit
motor transport during night and drop ammo to invasion forces. FBs
and ftrs on armed rcn and patrol score excellent results against
motor transport and rail cars and destroy several airplanes on A/Fs
in S France.
8/17/44
Fifteenth AF
53 B-17's, with ftr cover, bomb Nish A/F. 250 B-24's, escorted by
P-51's, bomb 3 oil refineries and T/Os in Ploesti area.
8/17/44
Tenth AF
47 FBs spt ground forces in Pinbaw area. 9 B-25's bomb Katha. 12 FBs
pound town areas of Nanyinbya and Bilumyo. 12 other FBs attack arty
positions and storage areas in Momauk area. India is cleared of all
Japanese forces.
8/17/44
Fourteenth AF
25 B-24's blast Yoyang. 18 B-25's bomb railroad yards and storage
area at Chiuchiang and 4 hit road and A/F in Hengyang area and
storage buildings at Nanyo. 100-plus P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's on
offensive rcn attack town areas, bridges, hangars, supply dumps,
railroad tgts, and road and river traffic in E Burma, around Hsenwi,
Tungling, and Tengchung, and throughout Tungting Lake-C Yangtze R
area, particularly in Hengyang area. 8 P-40's attack shipping in
Haiphong area and between Dong Trieu and Ha Duong.
8/17/44
FEAF
B-24's pound A/Fs on Amboina, Ceram and Boeroe Is. B-25's strafe
installations at Dili, on Moloe, and in NW Kai Is. MBs sink transport
vessel off Halmahera I. A-20's bomb Klamono oil fields while FBs hit
gun positions, storage areas, and other tgts at Ransiki and Manokwari
and troop concentrations along N shore of MacCluer Gulf. On Biak
P-40's, supporting ground forces landing at Wardo, pound shore
positions and troops inland as enemy remnants on Biak break up into
small groups. P-39's strafe troops from Cape Wom to Dandriwad R and
near But, and hit gun positions at Marubian.
8/17/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima. Makin-based B-25's hit Ponape.
8/18/44
Eighth AF
More than 700 HBs attack 15 assigned tgts including bridges, A/Fs,
fuel dumps, an aero engine plant, and several T/Os, in France and
Belgium supported by 8 ftr gps (1 other gp escorts MBs of Ninth AF).
3 of the escorting gps later strafe 3 A/Fs in France, destroying 48
parked airplanes. 12 FB gps successfully attack A/Fs and
transportation facilities in the Seine-Brussels area encountering
about 100 ftrs. 15 FBs are lost. 10 ftrs are claimed destroyed.
8/18/44
Ninth AF
Nearly 100 B-26's and A-20's strike fuel dump, ammo dump, rail and
road overpass, rail embankment, and junction beyond battleline to
disorganize retreating German forces. Over 1,000 ftrs fly cover over
ground forces in Argentan-Paris area, along Seine R, and armed rcn
over N and W France.
8/18/44
Twelfth AF
MBs blast coastal guns in Toulon area and shipping in Toulon harbor.
FBs closely spt beachhead troops, hit rolling stock and rail lines,
and generally disrupt comm as US VI Corps overruns primary defenses
in coastal area of SE France. Ftrs maintain beachhead patrols and
area cover for bmrs.
8/18/44
Fifteenth AF
370 ftr-escorted B-17's and B-24's bomb 5 oil refineries around
Ploesti. 89 B-24's, with ftr cover, bomb Alibunar A/F.
8/18/44
Tenth AF
16 P-47's and P-51's knock out road bridge, attack town areas, and
hit general T/Os in Bhamo area. 4 P-47's knock out both approaches to
bridge in Hsenwi. Troop concentration in Moda is pounded by 15 P-47's
and P-51's and an A-36. 39 P-47's, P-40's and P-51's closely spt
ground forces in various Pinbaw area sectors. 8 P-47's sweep Lashio
A/F, strafing several T/Os.
8/18/44
Fourteenth AF
12 B-25's bomb storage areas at Mangshih. 6 pound storage area at
Changsha. 60-plus P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's on armed rcn attack
troops, town areas, bridges, and other T/Os in E Burma, Lashio,
Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas, and in Tungting Lake-C
Yangtze R area at points including Yoyang, Chaling, Yuhsien,
Hengshan, Chuchou, and Hsuchang.
8/18/44
FEAF
FBs and A-20's pound troops and storage area at Suain and hit def
lines near Sarmi. Armed rcn missions continue over wide stretches of
SWPA including Amboina-Ceram, Palau Is, and Halmahera I. Several T/Os
are attacked.
8/18/44
Seventh AF
P-47's from Saipan bomb and strafe Pagan I.
8/19/44
Ninth AF
50th and 53d TC Wgs, on loan to MAAF to participate in invasion of S
France, are ordered to return to UK. No IX BC operations. Ftrs cover
ground forces in battle areas and fly armed rcn long Seine R and
surrounding areas and in wide areas around Paris, Orleans, and
Tours.
8/19/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's hit M/Ys while B-25's and B-26's bomb road and rail bridges
throughout SE France. FBs and ftrs continue to pound enemy comm N and
W of beachhead and guns in the immediate battle area as US Seventh
Army's TF Butler crosses Durance R and moves N to Sisteron and
Digne.
8/19/44
Fifteenth AF
Bombing Ploesti area for fourth consecutive day, 65 B-17's supported
by 125 P-51's blast 2 oil refineries.
8/19/44
Tenth AF
4 P-47's spt ground forces SW of Thaikwagon. 4 others strafe trucks
carrying troops between Bhamo and Myothit.
8/19/44
Fourteenth AF
25 B-24's bomb Puchi, severely damaging warehouse area. 11 B-25's hit
Sienning. 3 hit railroad tracks and runway N of Hengyang. More than
70 P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn attack river shipping, troops,
trucks, and other T/Os at or near Pengtse, Hengyang, Chaling, Yoyang,
Siangtan, and Changsha.
8/19/44
FEAF
Weather restricts operations. P-40's bomb port of Napido. P-39's bomb
and strafe coastal positions along W shore of Geelvink Bay. A-20's
operating in force in spt of ground troops pound tgts in Sawar-Sarmi
sector. P-39's spt ground forces in Wewak area.
8/19/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based P-47's bomb installations on Anatahan and drop
fire-bombs on Tinian to aid ground forces in mopping-up
operations.
8/19/44
Eleventh AF
A weather sortie and a 4-plane shipping sweep are flown with negative
results.
8/20/44
Ninth AF
61 B-26's bomb troop and equipment concentration waiting at Foret de
la Lande to be ferried across the Seine. Ftrs fly armed rcn along
Seine, spt ground troops in battle area, and fly escort mission to
over 100 troop carriers on supply and evacuation run.
8/20/44
Twelfth AF
During 19/20 Aug A-20's attack lights and motor transport from
battleline NW to the Rhone. B-26's, joined by FBs and ftrs, hit
coastal def guns in Toulon area, while B-25's bomb Rhone Valley
bridges and A/Fs achieving especially good results at A/F near
Valence.
8/20/44
Fifteenth AF
460-plus B-24's and B-17's, some ftr-escorted, bomb A/F and M/Y at
Szolnok, and oil refineries at Dubova, Czechowice and Auschwitz.
8/20/44
Tenth AF
24 P-47's and P-51's fly close spt strikes for ground forces
immediately S of Thaikwagon. 4 P-51's hit T/Os at Myintha and
Aledaw.
8/20/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's and 7 P-40's damage buildings and a pontoon bridge and
strafe about 30 sampans in the Hengyang area. 13 P-40's hit
buildings, trucks, and river shipping in Hengshan area. 60-plus
P-40's and P-51's attack numerous trucks, rivercraft, and general
T/Os at Tingka, Anjen, Yangtien, S of Yoyang, between Hankow and
Chinchiang, and between Sinshih and Changsha.
8/20/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb town and A/F of Namlea. B-25's bomb Langgoer A/F. B-24's
pound personnel areas and warehouses at Tobelo. P-39's hit Windissi
and enemy shipping off Manokawri while P-40's pound gun positions,
buildings and stores at Manokwari. Other P-40's spt ground forces by
hitting troop concentrations at Napido. A-20's and FBs hit personnel
center near Marubian, supplies at Wom, and numerous tgts during
coastal sweeps in Wewak general area.
8/20/44
Twentieth AF
61 Chengtu-based B-29's bomb Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata
during the day, followed by 10 more during 20/21 Aug, 5 hitting tgts
other than the primary. 14 B-29's are lost, including 1 to AA and 4
to enemy airplanes (1 by air-to-air bombing and 1 by ramming). B-29
gunners claim 17 air victories.
8/20/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's hit Yap for the first time. A B-24 bombs Alamagan
while P-47's pound Pagan. Marshalls-based B-24's bomb Truk.
8/20/44
Eleventh AF
4 B-25's fly a negative shipping sweep.
8/21/44
International
A series of conferences begins at Dumbarton Oaks. Delegates from US,
UK, USSR, and China discuss postwar issues.
8/21/44
Ninth AF
Bad weather grounds all bmrs and ftrs. Less than 20 transports fly
supply and evacuation missions.
8/21/44
Twelfth AF
MBs hit roads and bridges in Po Valley while A-20's during 20/21 Aug
strike motor transport in the W part of the Valley and bomb
Alessandria barracks during the day. FBs and ftrs again blast enemy
comm lines and gun positions in S France, M/Y and rail lines at
Alessandria and Casale Monferrato, and motor transport and train cars
in NW Italy and SE France.
8/21/44
Fifteenth AF
117 B-24's, escorted by P-51's, bomb Nish A/F. 102 B-24's, with P-51
escort, hit Hajduboszormeny A/F which 46 other P-51's sweep, some
making low-level strafings on parked aircraft.
8/21/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's knock out and damage 3 river bridges at Mu area and at
Hsipaw, 36 P-51's spt ground forces near Pinlon, Ingyingon, and
Nansankyin. 8 P-51's bomb storage area at Chyahkan.
8/21/44
Fourteenth AF
8 B-25's bomb Anjen and T/Os in surrounding area. 7 others attack
Hengyang A/F, town of Nanyo, and several buildings and other T/Os
near Yangtien. 90-plus FBs hit town areas, river and road trafflc,
and other T/Os at Pengtse, Kinhwa, Tengchung, Anjen, Hengyang, and
Yangtsishih; S of Sintsaing, N of Tungting Lake, between Hankow and
Sinti, and in Changsha area.
8/21/44
FEAF
B-24's blast supply dumps and AA guns on Wasile Bay coast. B-25's hit
Kaoe A/F and town. B-25's hit villages and supply areas on Karakelong
I. FBs blast warehouses and other tgts in Manokwari area. A-20's and
FBs hit supply dumps in SawarSarmi sector and attack troops along
coast, particularly from Babiang to Luain.
8/21/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Saipan hit Yap, P-47's bomb Pagan, and Makin-based B-25's
hit Nauru.
8/22/44
Ninth AF
IX BC operations are cancelled because of weather. Ftrs fly sweeps,
provide air cover for 2 inf and 1 armd div, strafe numerous military
and transportation tgts, and fly armed rcn from Evreux to Troyes.
8/22/44
Twelfth AF
Weather restricts operation in SE France. B-26's attack tgts in Po
Valley where they destroy 1 bridge and severely damage another.
A-20's hit motor transport SW of Alessandria and in Nice area during
21/22 Aug and hit industrial buildings in S France during the day.
Ftrs hit motor transport W of the Rhone and in scattered parts of SE
France.
8/22/44
Fifteenth AF
Around 530 B-17's and B-24's supported by P-51's and P-38's bomb oil
refineries at Korneuburg, Odertal, and Blechhammer (2), and oil
storage at Lobau.
8/22/44
Tenth AF
P-51's and P-47's fly 53 sorties against Tengchung in spt of
attacking Chinese forces. 28 P-47's attack buildings, supply dumps,
troops, and gun positions near Ingyingon, Nansankyin, and Pinlon. 8
P-47's strafe T/Os between Tingka and Bhamo. 2 rocket-firing P-51's
seriously damage several buildings at Aledaw. 9 B-25's bomb
Hopin.
8/22/44
Fourteenth AF
11 P-40's and P-38's hit bridges and road tgts around Tingka,
Mangshih, Loiwing, and Pangpying. 6 others attack landing strip and
river traffic at an island near Foochow.
8/22/44
FEAF
FBs continue to blast supply and personnel tgts in Manokwari and
surrounding areas. FBs again hit N coastal New Guinea areas,
including shipping facilities at Wewak, barge terminal on Mushu I,
and trains and troop positions at various coastal points.
8/22/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's bomb A/Fs on Yap and Pagan. P-47's also pound
Pagan A/F and AA emplacements. Kwajalein-based B-24's hit Mille.
8/23/44
Eighth AF
150-plus FBs bomb and strafe rail transportation from Saint-Omer to
Reims. Over 80 bomb Hamm M/Ys and 9 others, and strafe miscellaneous
ground and river tgts.
8/23/44
Ninth AF
IX BC sends 4 B-26's to drop leaflets on Lisieux-Bernay area. Ftrs
fly ground forces cover, sweeps, armed rcn over battle areas and
along Seine R, and attack arty positions. Over 160 transports fly
supply and evacuation missions and several hundred rcn aircraft fly
tac, visual, photographic, and arty adjustment rcn missions.
8/23/44
Twelfth AF
MBs attack road and rail bridges N of Arno R and roads leading N from
Florence, and also hit bridges in Rhone Valley. Widespread haze in
parts of France and Italy prevents accurate bombing. FBs continue to
attack comm, gun positions, and road movements in Provence battle
areas.
8/23/44
Fifteenth AF
472 B-24's and B-17's supported by P-51's and P-38's bomb S
industrial area of Vienna, Wiener-Neudorf aircraft engine factory,
Vosendorf oil refinery, and Markersdorf A/F, and attack tgts at
Ferrara, missing river bridge but hitting synthetic rubber
factory.
8/23/44
Tenth AF
32 P-47's spt British advances down railroad in Pinbaw area hitting
gun positions, troops, and HQ buildings, immediately N or Pinbaw, and
along Nansonti Creek. 6 P-47's pound Onsansaing, 8 P-51's bomb
encampment near Kadu, and 4 hit Lungling and Mangshih. 5 others
attack guns, fuel dump, and other T/Os along Burma Road from Wanling
to Lungling while 7 more hit buildings and vehicles during sweeps of
the general Mangshih-Chefang area. 12 P-51's hit T/Os SW of Lungling
and 2 P-40's strafe trucks at Chefang.
8/23/44
Fourteenth AF
7 B-25's and 21 FBs attack villages, compounds, other T/Os near
Hengyang, Lingyang, and Anjen. More than 40 FBs hit villages,
shipping, troops, supplies, and other T/Os around Ichang, Yangtien,
Siangtan, and Yiyang, and S of Sungpai and Siangyin.
8/23/44
FEAF
B-24's pound Galela area and Langgoer A/F and Saumlakki. FBs hit A/F
at Nabire, Moemi, and Urarom, village of Moari, and town of
Manokwari. B-25's, A-20's, and FBs continue to attack barge hideouts,
troops, villages, and general T/Os around Wewak.
8/23/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Saipan bomb Yap and Iwo Jima while P-47's hit Pagan and
Aguijan. Gilbert-based B-25's attack Ponape.
8/24/44
Eighth AF
Almost 400 HBs attack armament factory and 17 oil installations,
aircraft assembly plants and aero engine works and over 20 T/Os in
Germany, losing 27 HBs, but claiming 10 enemy airplanes destroyed.
VIII FC flies over 600 sorties in spt of mission, claiming 10 combat
victories. 4 gps strafe A/Fs near Brandenburg and Nordhausen, an M/Y
near Brunswick, and the Neuenhaus-Nordhorn area. Ground tgts
destroyed include 14 airplanes, 7 locomotives, trucks, and boats.
8/24/44
Ninth AF
Weather cancels IX BC mission against 4 fuel dumps N of the Seine.
Ftrs give air cover to ground forces, mainly for 3 armd and 2 inf
divs, bomb Seine bridges, and fly armed rcn along Seine and around
Troyes, Orleans, and Tours. About 275 transports fly supply and
evacuation missions.
8/24/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's during 23/24 Aug hit motor transport and T/O in Rhone Valley
and at Genoa, Milan, and Turin. MBs bomb bridges at Montpellier,
Avignon, Lunel, Solignano Nuovo, and Castel del Rio, and score direct
hits on gun positions in Marseille area. Ftrs bomb and strafe gun
positions, vehicles, roads and bridges throughout SE France.
8/24/44
Fifteenth AF
530-plus B-17's and B-24's bomb 8 oil refineries at Kolin and
Pardubice, Vinkovci M/Y, Szeged, and Ferrara railroad bridge and
several T/Os. Around 70-80 fts attack the Czechoslovakian missions.
US HBs and escorting ftrs claim nearly 40 air victories.
8/24/44
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb Kangon. 3 P-47 flights spt British troops NE of Pinbaw,
hitting forces and gun emplacements near Namyin Te and Nansankyin. 4
P-47's bomb Nankan. 4 P-51's strafe vehicles along Shweli R and bomb
storage area S of Hopin.
8/24/44
Fourteenth AF
Town areas, river and road traffic, railroad tgts, and other T/Os in
or near Hengyang, Chuchou, Siangtan, and Yangtien are attacked by 8
B-25's and 25 P-40's. 19 other P-40's hit similar T/Os at Yungcheng,
Anjen, along C Yangtze R, and S of Mangshih.
8/24/44
FEAF
Shipping in Lembeh Strait is attacked by B-25's, while B-24's bomb
Lolobata A/F.
8/24/44
Twentieth AF
Advanced air echelon of Gen O'Donnell's 73d Bomb Wg HQ flies into the
Marianas, the first Twentieth AF contingent to arrive. Ground echelon
arrives by water on 16 Sep.
8/24/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based P-47's pound Aguijan and Pagan. Marshallbased B-24's
bomb Truk while B-25's hit Nauru.
8/25/44
Eighth AF
Over 1,100 HBs attack 4 aircraft plants, 3 A/Fs, 2 experimental
stations and 15 T/Os in Germany. 19 HBs are lost. 15 ftr gps fly over
600 supporting sorties downing 11 enemy aircraft. 4 gps later strafe
ground tgts including numerous parked airplanes of which 30 are
claimed destroyed. In a follow-up operation 92 HBs attack 5 liquid
oxygen plants in Belgium and N France. 5 ftr gps fly escort.
8/25/44
Ninth AF
About 240 A-20's and B-26's attack various enemy strongholds in and
around Brest supporting ground forces' attempt to capture Brest
harbor. Ftrs provide air cover for 5 divs, fly armed rcn along Seine
R, and sweeps in wide areas around Paris which is liberated. Ftrs of
IX TAC raid, and set afire with napalm tanks, the reported HQ of FM
Model (CinC West) and Verzy.
8/25/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's hit T/Os during 24/25 Aug, and during the day fly armed rcn
over Po and Rhone Valleys, and hit ammo stores in S France. B-25's
and B-26's attack Rhone R bridges at Avignon, Culoz,
Saint-Alban-du-Rhone, Pont d'Ain, and Loyes, and hit gun positions
around Marseille. FBs on armed rcn in SE France battle area and along
battleline N of Arno R attack gun positions, roads, and bridges.
8/25/44
Fifteenth AF
More than 300 B-17's and B-24's supported by P-38's and P-51's bomb
aircraft factories at Brno and Kurim and A/Fs at Brno and
Prostejov.
8/25/44
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb Kondangyi. 4 P-47's knock out bridge S of Bhamo and hit
several T/Os in the area. 2 P-51's bomb probable factory at Hopin. 6
flights of P-51's attack buildings and T/Os at Pinlon and Kyagyigon.
32 other P-51's spt ground forces at Ingyingon and along Hsai-hkao
and Namsang R.
8/25/44
Fourteenth AF
3 B-24's bomb Kowloon docks. 3 B-25's and 12 P-40's hit buildings,
troop compounds, and general T/Os in Yangtien area. 4 B-25's and 21
P-40's attack similar tgts in and around Anjen. 2 B-25's bomb ftr
strip at Leiyang and 2 others hit town of Nanyo. 40 P-51's and P-40's
attack wide variety of T/Os throughout Hengyang, Siangyin, Siangtan,
and Siangsiang areas, Chenghsien, Lishui, Samshui, Chiangmen, Luichow
Peninsula, and Red R delta.
8/25/44
FEAF
B-24's strike Koror and Malakal I. B-24's pound Lolobata. B-25s on
shipping sweep over Lembeh Strait claim a merchant ship sunk and hit
several small vessels. In Lesser Sunda Is a few B-25's on shipping
sweep attack several small vessels. A-20's and FBs hit Babo A/F,
Sagan, and Otawiri. P-39's strafe troops near But.
8/25/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Saipan hit A/F on Iwo Jima while P-47's blast AA
positions and troops on Pagan. A B-24 bombs Yap. Gilbertsbased B-25's
bomb Ponape.
8/25/44
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies rcn over Shasukotan, Onnekotan, and Harumukotan Is but
drops no bombs due to accurate AA fire.
8/26/44
Eighth AF
HBs are dispatched in 4 operations against tgts in France and
Germany. In first operation 95 B-24's bomb synthetic oil plant at
Ludwigshafen, M/Ys at Ehrang and Konz-Karthaus, and other tgts at
Alzey and Meisenheim. 2 ftr gps fly spt, with 1 gp later strafing
Speyer A/F. In second operation 171 B-17's escorted by 1 P-51 gp bomb
8 gun positions at Brest while clouds prevent over 150 other HBs from
bombing. In the third operation over 400 B-17's and B-24's bomb 2
synthetic oil plants, 2 oil refineries, a fuel depot, 2 A/Fs, and
T/Os in NW Germany. 7 ftr gps escort, with 1 gp later conducting
strafing attacks. In last operation an attack by 30 B-17's against 3
liquid oxygen plants in Belgium is aborted because of thick haze. 1
P-51 gp gives uneventful spt.
8/26/44
Ninth AF
IX TCC is relieved of its assignment to the Ninth AF upon transfer of
the cmd and its serv organizations from IX AFSC to First Allied
Airborne Army commanded by Gen Brereton. IX BC strikes fuel dumps at
Saint-Gobain, Fournival/ Bois-de-Mont, and Compiegne/Clairoix, and
troop and equipment concentrations at Rouen. Ftrs fly escort to BC,
ground forces and assault area cover, and armed rcn in Rouen, Dijon,
Chatillon-sur-Seine and S Loire areas.
8/26/44
Twelfth AF
During 25/26 Aug FBs on armed rcn over W Po Valley and over Nice area
bomb vehicles and other T/Os, and during day bomb ammo dumps in SE
France and in NC Italy. MBs hit guns in Marseille area but several
missions into Rhone Valley are aborted due to bad weather. FBs and
ftrs fly armed rcn over N Italy and SE France, attacking rail lines,
roads, guns, vehicles, and other T/Os.
8/26/44
Fifteenth AF
470-plus HBs escorted by P-38's and P-51's attack viaducts and
bridges at Venzone, Avisio, and Latisana, and hit train ferry and
terminal at Giurgiu, A/F at Otopeni, barracks and troops in Baneasa
area and viaduct at Borovnica.
8/26/44
Fourteenth AF
3 B-24's bomb storage area at Amoy. 3 B-25's bomb barracks area near
Wenchow harbor and damage bridge near Sincheng. 31 FBs attack
railroad tgts, troops, sampans, and other T/Os in or near Yangtien,
Yungfengshih, Siangsiang, Anjen, Laiyuan, Kinhwa, and Pengtse.
8/26/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Koror and Peleliu A/Fs. Other B-24's bomb Haroekoe and
Liang A/Fs. A-20's in close ground spt hit troop concentrations in
the Sarmi sector. FBs hit T/Os in Wewak and Suain areas. P-39's
maintain patrols over W shore of Geelvink Bay.
8/26/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima A/F. P-47's blast AA guns and
troops on Pagan and Aguijan. A B-24 on armed rcn bombs Woleai and
Yap.
8/26/44
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's hit Kashiwabara staging area during early morning, starting
several fires. Later 6 B-25's strafe and bomb E coast of N Kurils,
sinking a patrol boat. 1 out of 4 interceptors and one of the B-25's
are hit. 7 more B-24's bomb tgts on Kashiwabara and on Otomari Cape,
including docks, piers, boats, and a fuel dump. 6 P-38's
unsuccessfully attempt to intercept 4 unidentified aircraft W of
Attu.
8/27/44
Eighth AF
Over 1,200 HBs fly against Berlin area tgts but abort mission due to
high clouds. Over 150 of the HBs attack T/Os in German coastal area
and Danish peninsula, including 4 A/Fs, 2 M/Ys, 2 islands, 3 cities,
and scattered tgts. 11 P-51 gps provide escort and strafe ground tgts
in Germany, destroying several including 24 locomotives. 5 B-17's and
10 P-51's are lost. 8 FB gps strafe and bomb rail transportation in E
France and the Saar, claiming, among other tgts, over 100 locomotives
and over 200 train cars destroyed.
8/27/44
Ninth AF
IX BC attacks troop concentrations in Rouen area, Rouen bridge,
Boulogne-sur-Mer/Boursin navigational beam station, and
Bucyles-Pierrepont and Foret de Samoussy fuel dumps. Ftrs cover
ground forces and fly sweeps and armed rcn in Senlis area and S of
Loire R claiming 16 aircraft (11 in the air) destroyed, and losing
6.
8/27/44
Twelfth AF
MBs hit gun emplacements in Marseille area and bomb bridges at
Berceto. FBs continue armed rcn in Po Valley and over roads leading N
from battle line N of the Arno R. LBs bomb T/Os in Po Valley during
26/27 Aug, fly armed rcn and during the day hit ammo stores in NC
Italy.
8/27/44
Fifteenth AF
530-plus ftrs supported HBs attack 2 oil refineries in Blechhammer,
railroad bridge at Ferrara, and viaducts at Avisio, Venzone, and
Borovnica.
8/27/44
Tenth AF
23 P-47's spt ground forces in Pinbaw area, hitting Kondangyi and
troops and strongpoints near Pinbaw.
8/27/44
Fourteenth AF
7 B-25's bomb Hengyang, Tien Ho, White Cloud, and Pailochi A/Fs. 9
others hit road and river trafflc in Yoyang, Hankow, Changsha, and
Hengyang areas. 120-plus P-40's and P-51's hit T/Os in the above
areas plus Yangtien, Chachiang, Anjen, Leiyang, Sintsiang,
Siangsiang, and Siangtan, damaging or destroying numerous trucks,
many rivercraft and hitting several troop concentrations.
8/27/44
FEAF
FBs hit Miti and A/Fs at Babo, Ransiki, Sagan, and Manokwari. FBs hit
bivouacs near Boram, troops between Abau and Boikin, and a fuel dump
and barges at Kairiru I.
8/27/44
Seventh AF
A Saipan-based B-24 bombs Iwo Jima while another, after photo rcn of
Woleai, bombs Yap. P-47's bomb AA positions on Pagan and strafe
buildings on Alamagan.
8/27/44
Eleventh AF
5 B-24's bomb and photograph Kashiwabara in 2 raids. 4 B-25's on a
shipping sweep E of the N Kurils bomb and strafe picket boats
damaging 1 and leaving another sinking.
8/28/44
Eighth AF
Weather prevents HB operations. 8 P-51 gps fly strafing sweeps
against rail and road trafflc in areas in or around Brussels,
Antwerp, Namur, Mezieres, Metz, Strasbourg, Trier, and Bad Kreuznach.
Claims include 8 aircraft and nearly 150 locomotive destroyed. 16
P-51's are lost. FBs fly 2 strafing and bombing operations. The first
is flown by 6 gps against rail and road traffic in and around
Strasbourg, Saarbrucken, Sarrebourg, Metz, and Trier. In the second,
5 gps attack rail and road traffic in NW France, Belgium, and the
Netherlands including bombing 13 M/Ys.
8/28/44
Ninth AF
B-26's and A-20's of IX BC bomb fuel dumps at Doullens,
Barisis-aux-Bois, ammo dump at Querrieu, ammo and fuel dump at
Compiegne/Foret de Laigue, and alcohol distillery and fuel storage
depot at Hamm. Ftrs escort BC and about 400 transports on supply and
evacuation runs, attack A/Fs at Bourges and Peronne, spt ground
forces, and fly armed rcn from Amiens to E of Dijon.
8/28/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb railroad bridges in Lyon area. B-26's destroy several
airplanes at Villafranca di Verona A/F and bridge at Parma. A-20's
hit motor transport and other T/Os during 27/28 Aug, fly armed rcn
over Po Valley and blast cmd post SE of Genoa. FBs hit vehicles in
Rhone Valley, bomb and strafe roads and bridges in battle area N of
Arno R and hit shipping in Imperia and Savona harbors.
8/28/44
Fifteenth AF
560-plus HBs escorted by P-38's and P-51's strike Moosbierbaum oil
refinery and adjacent chemical works, oil refinery at Szony, railroad
bridges and viaducts at Szolnok, Zambana, Avisio, and Ora, and M/Ys
at Miskolc.
8/28/44
Tenth AF
4 P-47's bomb tank pool at Momauk, while 5 others hit Myintha. 2
P-47's spt ground forces in Pinbaw area.
8/28/44
Fourteenth AF
8 B-25's bomb Tien Ho, White Cloud, Hankow, and Pailochi A/Fs. 8 more
attack river and road traffic from Chiuchiang to Hankow and from
Hengyang to Puchi. 32 P-40's pound T/Os at Hengyang and Pailochi. 23
P-40's attack Taying storage buildings and 10 P-40's and P-51's hit
Anjen and nearby T/Os.
8/28/44
FEAF
B-24's hit Koror, A/F on Peleliu, and seaplane base on Arakabesan.
FBs hit Kokas, vessels off Point Karakra, barracks at Nabire, storage
facilities at Moemi and Manokwari and Boram fuel dumps. A-20's and
FBs attack small vessels along E coast of Ceram.
8/28/44
Twentieth AF
Gen Hansell assumes cmd of XXI BC. Gen Norstad succeeds Hansell as
CoS of Twentieth AF.
8/28/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's pound Iwo Jima by day and night. P-47's hit Pagan
and Maug Is. A B-24 on armed rcn bombs Yap. Gilberts-based B-25's
strike Ponape; Marshalls-based B-24's hit Truk.
8/29/44
Eighth AF
5 FB gps attack rail transportation in N France, Belgium, and W
Germany. 2 A/Fs, 3 M/Ys, rail lines at several points, and a large
number of rail and road vehicles are attacked.
8/29/44
Ninth AF
Bad weather allows only minimum bmr and ftr operations. B-26's attack
1 fuel dump while a few ftrs fly sweeps over NW France. Over 100
transports complete supply and evacuation missions.
8/29/44
Twelfth AF
MBs hit 4 bridges and a viaduct in NE Italy while LBs hit fuel
station. FBs hit roads and bridges in N Italy and spt ground forces
in Arno R Valley. P-47's of 87th Wg fly MB escort and armed rcn,
claiming 100 vehicles destroyed. XII TAC ftrs attack tgts in Rhone
Valley.
8/29/44
Fifteenth AF
550 HBs strike comm tgts in Po Valley and in the Hungarian Plain, oil
refineries and comm tgts in the Silesian Plain, including Bohumin
area, steel works and M/Y, Moravska-Ostrava M/Y, oil refineries and
industrial area including tank works, Szolnok and Szeged M/Ys, and
railway bridges at Szeged, Borovnica, Salzano, and Ferrara. P-38's
bomb Latisana bridge.
8/29/44
Tenth AF
8 B-25's attack tgts in Katha and hit 2 bridges just N of the town
area. 8 P-51's attack Bilumyo. 5 P-47's destroy road bridge at
Mainghka and 5 others hit buildings in Bhamo.
8/29/44
Fourteenth AF
24 B-24's escorted by 45 ftrs, blast railroad yards at Yoyang. 15
B-25's bomb Pailochi, White Cloud, Tien Ho, and Hankow A/Fs. 10
others hit trucks and other T/Os from Hengyang to Yoyang, from Hankow
to Chinchiang, and near Anjen. 18 P-40's hit storage area and T/Os
around Tangyang. 17 attack trucks and buildings from Siangtan to
Changsha. 14 P-40's claim 8 ftrs downed over Shayang. 22 others
attack trucks, supplies, and troops at Wuhu, Ichang, S of Isuho, SW
of Lungling, and N of Hengshan.
8/29/44
FEAF
B-24's bomb Koror, Malakal, seaplane base on Arakabesan, and supply
area N of Ngesebus A/F. B-24's bomb barracks at Amboina and P-38's
hit seaplane base at Halong.
8/29/44
Twentieth AF
Gen LeMay becomes CG XX BC.
8/29/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima and Pagan during the evening.
P-47's strafe AA positions on Pagan while a B-24 on armed rcn bombs
Yap. Gilberts based B-25's bomb Nauru.
8/30/44
Eighth AF
About 200 HBs supported by 16 P-51's bomb 8 V-weapon sites in Pas de
Calais area. Later in the day over 600 B-17's supported by 7 P-51 gps
bomb U-boat base and shipyards at Kiel, and aircraft plant and other
industry in the Bremen area.
8/30/44
Ninth AF
About 75 A-20's and B-26's bomb fuel dump near Arquesla-Bataille,
Rouxmesnil-Bouteilles, and gun positions around Ile de Cezembre.
Weather grounds ftrs.
8/30/44
Twelfth AF
Weather grounds MBs. LBs hit T/Os during 29/30 Aug and fuel storage
while FBs pound roads and railroads in Po Valley and, on armed rcn
over Rhone Valley, attack rail lines and motor and horsedrawn
vehicles, as US Seventh Army elements continue up Rhone Valley toward
Lyon.
8/30/44
Fifteenth AF
Over 100 B-24's and B-17's bomb railroad bridges at Cuprija, Novi
Sad, and Vranjevo. Nearly 100 P-51's strafe Kecskemet and Oradea
A/Fs.
8/30/44
Tenth AF
Several P-47's bomb and strafe town of Man Sai.
8/30/44
Fourteenth AF
B-25's attack Hengyang, Pailochi, and Hankow A/Fs, roads in Nanyo and
Changsha areas, and boats between Changsha and Hengyang, and Kichun
and Wuhsueh. In Kweiyi and Sintsiang areas 33 P-40's claim 58 trucks
destroyed, 175 damaged, and at least 100 Japanese killed. 10 P-51's
hit scattered T/O's in same areas. 21 P-40's hit barracks, trucks,
and a bridge in Siangsiang and Siangtan region. 34 P-40's and P-51's
attack a variety of tgts, including railroad traffic and facilities,
occupied areas, and trucks, at Yangtien, between Hengshan and Nanyo,
NE of Ichang, SW Hengshan, and near Hengyang.
8/30/44
FEAF
Koror and Malakal are pounded by B-24's. B-24's hit Wasile Bay
storage and personnel areas while B-25's make low-level attack on
Kaoe town. P-38's bomb oil tanks, barracks, and AA positions at
Boela. P-47's hit Urarom runway and Manokwari storage area, P-38's
bomb A/Fs at Babo and Ransiki, and P-39's hit T/Os along W coast of
Geelvink Bay.
8/30/44
Seventh AF
A B-24 on armed rcn from Saipan bombs Yap. P-47's strafe positions
and storage areas on Pagan. Kwajalein-based B-24's hit Mille.
8/31/44
Ninth AF
99 B-26's and A-20's bomb ammo dump at Foret d'Arques and gun
positions at Ile de Cezembre. Ftrs fly armed rcn in Amiens,
Saint-Quentin, Albert, and Arras areas, ground forces cover for 3
armd divs, battleship cover, and also dive-bomb Ile de Cezembre.
8/31/44
Twelfth AF
MBs attack railroad bridges in Po Valley, cutting the bridge at Mira.
A-20's attack T/Os in Po Valley during 30/31 Aug and along with FBs
hit comm N of Arno R. Other FBs attack comm tgts in France as US
Seventh Army pushes toward Lyon.
8/31/44
Fifteenth AF
45 P-51's strafe A/F at Reghin, while 97 others strafe A/Fs at Oradea
and Kecskemet. Ftrs claim a record number of over 150 aircraft
destroyed on the ground. Starting Operation REUNION, 36 B-17's
evacuate US airmen interned in Rumania from Bucharest (which falls to
the Soviet Army today) to Kari.
8/31/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's bomb T/Os at Katha and 3 hit bridges at Bawgyo and
Hsenwi.
8/31/44
Fourteenth AF
12 B-24's bomb Takao harbor, damaging dock area and claiming 2
tankers sunk. 14 B-25's attack Tien Ho, White Cloud, Kai Tek, and
Hengyang A/Fs. 8 B-25's attack numerous trucks S of Sint-siang and
near Sinshih, hit roads S of Nanyo and damage a freighter near
Sinshih. 60-plus Fbs attack trucks, barracks, supplies, rivercraft,
bridges and troops in or near Sinshih, Changsha, Yangtien, Hengyang,
Nanyo, Siangtan, Teian, and Shihhweiyao.
8/31/44
Seventh AF
Saipan-based P-47's strafe gun positions at A/F on Pagan. Yap and
Pagan are bombed by single B-24's.
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