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1/1/45
Eighth AF
The 3 Bomb Divs of the Eighth are redesignated Air Divs. Over 700 HBs
attack 3 oil tgts, 5 Rhine R bridges, and rail junctions, 3 M/Ys,
various other tgts in 10 cities, and several T/Os--all in Germany. 14
escorting ftr gps battle over 120 ftrs in Frankfurt/Main and Hannover
areas, claiming 17 kills, including a jet ftr.
1/1/45
Ninth AF
GAF launches attack of 700-800 airplanes against Ninth AF and Allied
A/Fs, mainly in Brussels and Eindhoven areas, and to a lesser degree
in Metz area. 127 operational Allied aircraft are destroyed. Allied
ftrs claim 160 air victories while AA claims 300. 190 A-20's, A-26's,
and B-26's hit rail bridges, comm centers, road junction, a cmd post,
and HQ, all in Belgium and Germany. Ftrs escort 9th Bomb Div and
Eighth AF bmrs, fly patrols, sweeps, and armed rcn (claiming 39 air
victories and numerous ground tgts destroyed) and spt US III, VII,
and XII Corps between Saint-Hubert and the Mosel R.
1/1/45
Twelfth AF
MBs attack bridges at Palazzuolo sull'Oglio, Parma, and Calcinato
(latter 2 tgts are missed) and ammo dump at Parma. FBs spt ground
forces S of Bologna, hit comm and numerous T/Os to the N and
completely destroy a fuel dump at Parma. LBs on intruder missions
during 31 Dec/1 Jan achieve excellent results on motor park near
Molinella and hit M/Y near Milan.
1/1/45
Fifteenth AF
Unfavorable weather permits only P-38 rcn flights.
1/1/45
Tenth AF
71 P-47's and P-38's attack villages, general supply areas, fuel
dumps, tanks and other vehicles, and troop concentrations at several
locations including Man Hio, Bahe, Mongmit, Hatka, Namhpakha,
Loihseng, Mong Yaw and in Hsenwi area. 4 others hit T/Os along the
Irrawaddy from Tanaung to Kyungyi. 4 B-25's harass comm lines during
1/2 Jan. Large-scale air transport operations continue.
1/1/45
Fourteenth AF
3 B-24's bomb Ft Bayard. 40 P-51's and P-40's pound railroad tgts,
warehouses, industrial works, and gun positions from Yoyang to Puchi.
8 P-51's hit Suchow A/F, claiming 25 airplanes destroyed. 47 other
P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn hit troops, horses, town areas, and
rail and road traffic at several locations. Especially at
Liuchenghsien and between Siaokan and Hsuchang.
1/1/45
FEAF
B-25's and FBs make low-level attacks on Negros I A/Fs. B-24's, with
P-38 cover, bomb Clark Field. Others pound Sasa area and along with
B-25's hit Djailolo, Wasile Bay bivouac areas, and Miti ammo dump.
B-25's bomb A/Fs on Ceram and barracks at Laoag. FBs are active
against tgts in Manila area and also hit Silay. A/Fs, shipyards, and
other tgts in Borneo, Celebes and Lesser Sunda Is also sustain light
raids, by FEAF ftrs and bmrs, which also fly armed rcn.
1/1/45
Seventh AF
19 B-24's from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima. 9 more, during 1/2 Jan snooper
missions, hit the island at varying intervals.
1/1/45
Eleventh AF
5 B-24's fly coverage for a naval force upon aborting bomb mission to
the Kurils.
1/2/45
Eighth AF
HQ VIII AFSC (Adv) is established in Brussels, along with a 'Far
Shore' staff division. Through this HQ, the CG AFSC can administer
his cmd and closely communicate with other cmds operating on the
Continent. This arrangement functions until 29 Apr when it is
relieved by 5th Strategic Air Depot at Merville. About 950 HBs attack
5 M/Ys, 6 bridges, B comm centers, a rail junction, 2 tank
concentrations, and several T/Os in battle area of W Germany. 10 ftr
gps escort HBs while 2 others spt MBs of Ninth AF. 3 gps fly sweeps
in which 1 gp strafes transportation tgts near Frankfurt/Main and
Giessen.
1/2/45
Ninth AF
135 A-20's, A-26's, and B-26's hit rail bridges and comm centers in
Belgium and Germany. Ftrs escort 9th Bomb Div, fly patrols, sweeps,
and armed rcn and spt US III and VIII Corps in Bastogne area and XII
Corps S of Clerf R and W of the Sauer R.
1/2/45
Twelfth AF
FBs concentrate effort in W Po Valley and Brenner area, claiming
large number of rail lines cut and many vehicles and trains destroyed
and damaged. Milan M/Y is hit hard and good coverage is achieved on
spt tgts in US Fifth Army battle area. LBs during 1/2 Jan continue
intruder missions over Po Valley.
1/2/45
Fifteenth AF
Again bad weather restricts operations to rcn flights.
1/2/45
Tenth AF
Troop concentrations and supplies are attacked at Mabein, Panghka,
Mansut, Letpangon, Loimun, Panghkai, Namhsan, Thabeikkyin, and in
Lashio area by 66 P-47's and 13 P-38's. 546 transport sorties are
flown to forward bases and front-line areas.
1/2/45
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's bomb Kentung. 30-plus P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn attack
T/Os, mainly railroad traffic, at or near Lohochai, Pengpu, Man Pong,
Wanling, Wan Pa-Hsa, and Sinyang.
1/2/45
FEAF
P-38's and A-20's hit shipping in San Fernando harbor. B-24's pound
Clark Field and B-25's hit Batangas. A/Fs in C Phil area are bombed
by B-25's, A-20's, and FBs while B-24's strike Likanan, Menado, and
Wasile Bay area. Other FEAF aircraft make armed rcn and harassing
strikes on T/Os throughout C Phil area and NEI.
1/2/45
Twentieth AF
44 B-29's, operating from Calcutta area, attack railroad bridge at
Bangkok. 2 others hit alternate and T/O.
1/2/45
Seventh AF
12 Guam-based B-24's hit Haha Jima while 14 others pound Iwo Jima.
During 2/3 Jan 10 Hbs, flying snooper strikes out of Guam, hit Iwo
Jima over a 7-hr period.
1/3/45
Eighth AF
Almost 1,100 HBs, escorted by 11 ftr gps, bomb tgts in W Germany,
including 11 M/Ys, 3 comm centers, 2 rail junctions, a railhead, 2
city areas, and T/Os. 2 ftr gps fly area sweeps in spt.
1/3/45
Ninth AF
All combat operations are canceled because of weather.
1/3/45
Twelfth AF
MBs score direct hits on 2 railroad bridges at Lavis and fly good
coverage of Chiusaforte, Canale d'Isonzo, and Padua railroad bridges.
FBs hit large number of comm tgts (mainly railroad tgts) in Po Valley
which is also subjected to intruder missions during 2/3 Jan, when
pontoon bridges, vehicles, and Ghedi A/F are hit.
1/3/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather curtails operations for fifth successive day. P-38's fly
photo and weather rcn missions.
1/3/45
Tenth AF
10 B-25's, supported by 12 P-47's, attack A/F at Aungban. Troop
concentrations and supply and ammo dumps are pounded at several
locations, including Man Kun, Loi Hkam, Ngawnga, Chakau, Mulaw, and
Man Pwe. 575 transport flights are completed to forward areas.
1/3/45
Fourteenth AF
10 P-51's hit A/F at Tsinan, claiming 13 airplanes destroyed. 6
P-51's claim several river steamers sunk in Hankow-Chiuchiang area
while 6 others damage bridges at Chinchengchiang. 20-plus other
P-40's, P-51's, and P-47's on armed rcn attack various T/Os in
WuchangHankow and Shwangliu areas, at Namtao, S and SW of Man Pong,
and W of Wanling.
1/3/45
FEAF
B-24's pound Clark Field and Mabalacat areas. B-25's hit 5 A/Fs in C
Phil Is while B-24's bomb 2 on Mindanao. B-24's attack Djailolo
supply area, while B-25's bomb Namlea A/F. Numerous other FEAF
aircraft on armed rcn, harassing raids, and light strikes attack a
vast variety of tgts throughout NEI and Phil Is.
1/3/45
Twentieth AF
57 Marianasbased B-29's bomb docks and urban areas of Nagoya. 21
others bomb alternates and T/Os. Japanese ftrs fly 300-plus attacks
on the B-29's. 5 VHBs are lost. B-29 gunners claim 14 kills.
1/3/45
Seventh AF
22 B-24's from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima. 3 from Guam, on armed rcn, hit
Marcus. During a 6-hr period on 3/4 Jan, 10 HBs from Guam hit Iwo
Jima.
1/3/45
Eleventh AF
B-25's fly coverage for a naval force over the Kurils.
1/4/45
Eighth AF
Transfer of HQ, VIII FC from Bushey Hall to Charleroi begins. HQ is
to provide administrative and operational spt for ftr gps operating
with Ninth AF on tac spt missions.
1/4/45
Ninth AF
All combat operations, except a defensive patrol by 4 ftrs, are
canceled because of bad weather.
1/4/45
Twelfth AF
MBs hit bridges at Lavis and Calliano. Ftrs and FBs interdict Po
Valley comm and hit ammo dump at San Felice del Benaco. During 3/4
Jan LBs successfully hit stores dump and bridge near Mestre, and
destroy or damage over 50 vehicles.
1/4/45
Fifteenth AF
370-plus B-24's and B-17's bomb M/Ys at Verona (2), Bronzolo (2),
Vicenza, Padua (2), Trento, and Bolzano, and station sidings at
Trento. 54 P-38's attempt high-level bombing of Cismon del Grappa but
fail to hit tgt. 9 B-24's drop supplies in Yugoslavia. P-38's and
P-51's fly rcn and escort operations. Over 200 ftrs accompany
Hbs.
1/4/45
Tenth AF
13 B-25's, escorted by 12 P-47's, bomb Namsang A/F. 12 P-47's hit
bypass road bridges at Inailong and Bawgyo, damaging approaches to
the latter. Troops and supply areas are hit at Man Kat, Hsenwi,
Yi-ku, Se-hai, and near Nawnghkio by 36 P-47's and P-38's. 6 P-47's
bomb cable and pontoons along N riverbank at Na-lang. 6 hit enemy
activity near Twinnge and 5 attack truck dispersal area and
warehouses at Mogok. Transports fly 597 sorties to front areas and
forward bases.
1/4/45
Fourteenth AF
4 B-24's bomb Ft Bayard and Samah Bay areas. 6 B-25's damage a bridge
and a warehouse, and destroy 2 other buildings at Kentung. 21 P-40's
on armed rcn pound T/Os in Wanling area. 8 P-51's knock out bridge at
Huizan and damage another, and 20 other ftrs hit T/Os around
Lohochai, Sinyang and Hankow.
1/4/45
FEAF
B-24's pound Puerto Princesa. B-25's hit railroad and highways in San
Pedro area. B-25's and P-38's hit Tanamon and Sidate. Other B-24's
and B-25's, flying smallscale strikes, hit A/Fs in S Luzon, on
Mindanao, in NE Celebes, and in C Phil Is, and bomb shipyards in N
Borneo.
1/4/45
Seventh AF
13 Guam-based B-24's pound Iwo Jima. During 4/5 Jan, 10 more hit the
island with individual harassment strikes.
1/5/45
Eighth AF
Over 850 HBs, supported by 11 ftr gps, bomb 9 M/Ys, 8 comm centers, 3
rail tgts, 5 city areas, and 15 T/Os in battle areas and C Germany. 1
ftr gp flies uneventful sweep while another bombs and strafes Siegen
M/Y.
1/5/45
Ninth AF
9th Bomb Div attacks rail bridges at Ahrweiler, Simmern, and Bullay
and comm centers at Gouvy, Houffalize, Massen, and near Durler. Ftrs
escort 9th Bomb Div and VIII BC, fly armed rcn, attack A/Fs, comm
center, traffic concentration, and other tgts, and spt US III and
VIII Corps W and E of Bastogne and 2d and 3d Armd Divs near
Manhay.
1/5/45
Twelfth AF
During 4/5 Jan A-20's on S Po Valley intruder mission bomb Modena
area. Bad weather cancels all other operations.
1/5/45
Fifteenth AF
1 B-24 bombs Zagreb railroad sidings. 69 others abort due to total
cloud cover over tgt. 38 P-51's fly cover over tgt area. 33 P-38's
bomb N railroad bridge at Doboj. other operations are limited to rcn,
supply drops, and escort.
1/5/45
Tenth AF
16 B-25's flying A/F sweep inflict considerable damage on Laihka,
Aungban, Kunlon, and Mong Long A/Fs. In Namhkam sector, 2 P-47's join
ground forces in blasting arty positions at Wingkang and Kunlong. 9
P-47's damage bypass bridges at Mongmit. 70-plus FBs attack storage
areas, tanks and trucks, and troop concentrations at Mong Yaw,
Hsenwi, Hpa-Pen, Man Ton, Tunghka, Man Peng, and Longhsu. Transports
fly 550-plus sorties to forward bases and front-line areas. Operation
GRUB-WORM, one of the major transport achievements of the war, is
completed on this date 1 month from its start. Chinese 14th and 22d
Divs, Chinese Sixth Army HQ, a heavy mortar co, a signal co, and 2
portable surgical hospitals have been airlifted. The move required
1,328 transport sorties. ATC provided 597 sorties; the air commando
sqs, 488; and Tenth AF, 243. The lift included more than 25,000
Chinese soldiers, 396 US soldiers, 1,596 animals, 42 jeeps, 48
howitzers, 48 heavy mortars, and 48 antitank guns. The troops and
supplies have been landed at Chanyi, Kunming, Luliang, and Yunnani.
Only 3 planes were lost during the operation.
1/5/45
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's pound 13 storage buildings at Kengtung. 5 B-25's knock out
bridge at Dara. 3 B-25's bomb Wan Pa-Hsa and Hawng Luk while 1 B-24
bombs CapSaint-Jacques area. 29 P-40's and P-51's hit A/Fs at Hankow
and Wuchang, claiming 50 airplanes destroyed in the air and on the
ground. 23 P-51's and P-38's hit A/F and other tgts in Samah Bay
area, claiming 11 airplanes destroyed. 30 P-40's and P-38's attack
various T/Os, Sinsiang, Kengtung, and Wan Pa-Hsa, and in Wanling
area. 4 P-40's pound fortified hill positions in Salween area.
1/5/45
FEAF
In major strikes of the day B-25's hit shore installations along
Lingayan Gulf, and bomb Menado. B-24's attack Miri A/F. Numerous
smaller strikes are flown throughout Phil Is and NEI. A-20's and FBs
attack A/Fs in Luzon, C Phil area and Mindanao, FBs and B-24's hit
Pombelaa, Tondano area, and T/Os in NE Celebes. Other FEAF aircraft
fly scattered strikes at various tgts in Borneo, Lesser Sunda, and
Tanimbar Is.
1/5/45
Seventh AF
22 B-24's from Saipan, in morning and afternoon raids, pound Iwo
Jima. 7 P-38's, with 3 B-24's as navigational escort, fly strafing
mission against Iwo Jima. Other B-24's act as airborne spotters for
naval bombardment of Chichi Jima and Haha Jima.
1/5/45
Eleventh AF
4 B-24's fly an air coverage mission for a naval TF on its approach
to Suribachi.
1/6/45
Eighth AF
More than 750 HBs attack 6 M/Ys, 4 bridges, a comm center, a city
area, and 14 T/Os in battle zone of W Germany. 7 ftr gps fly escort
and 1 gp strafes A/F and transportation tgts. 1 gp of FBs bombs
Siegen M/Y.
1/6/45
Ninth AF
26 bmrs of 9th Bomb Div strike Prum. Bad weather prevents all ftr
operations.
1/6/45
Twelfth AF
Bad weather over N Italy grounds MBs. XXII TAC ftrs and FBs hit rail
lines and bridges in Genoa-La Spezia coastline area, and bomb vessels
in harbors at Genoa and Imperia.
1/6/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather precludes all operations except a single rcn mission by 2
P-38's.
1/6/45
Tenth AF
Bad weather cancels all combat missions. Transports manage 310
sorties, landing men and supplies at advanced bases and dropping
supplies to frontline troops.
1/6/45
Fourteenth AF
40 P-40's, P-51's, and P-47's pound Hankow-Wuchang area. 9 airplanes
are claimed destroyed. 4 B-24's bomb Cap-SaintJacques area.
1/6/45
FEAF
In the day's major operations, B-24's bomb Clark Field while B-25's,
A-20's, and FBs blast bridges and T/Os at Calumpit and Plaridel and
in nearby S Luzon areas. B-24's bomb Nichols Field and Nielson A/F.
A-20's, with P-38 cover, bomb Carolina A/F. B-25's and FBs hit
Mapanget A/F. FEAF flies numerous smaller strikes against various
points throughout NEI and Phil Is.
1/6/45
Twentieth AF
28 Chengtu-based B-29's bomb aircraft factory at Omura. 13 bomb
secondary tgt at Nanking while 6 attack T/Os.
1/6/45
Seventh AF
15 B-24's, based at Guam, bomb Iwo Jima A/Fs. During 6/7 Jan, 9
B-24's on individual snooper strikes continue to pound the A/Fs.
1/6/45
Eleventh AF
2 B-24's bomb Suribachi Bay A/F, also hitting buildings and pier
areas. 10 B-25's fly single air coverage sorties for naval TF.
1/7/45
Eighth AF
Over 1,000 HBs, escorted by 11 ftr gps, bomb 7 M/Ys, 6 comm centers,
3 bridges, railroad lines, along with several city areas and T/Os in
Germany. 2 ftr gps sweep Cologne and Osnabruck areas.
1/7/45
Ninth AF
XXIX TAC ftrs escort VIII BC HBs. All other cmds and 9th Bomb Div
cancel operations as weather is bad.
1/7/45
Twelfth AF
Weather grounds MBs and LBs. XXII TAC ftrs and FBs make 6 cuts on
Brenner rail line, damage W end of rail bridge at Cittadella, and hit
M/Y S of Trento. Most of XXII TAC's effort is concentrated against
land and water comm in La Spezia-Genoa area, including attacks on
shipping at Savona and San Remo harbors.
1/7/45
Fifteenth AF
Unfavorable weather again curtails operations. 3 P-38's complete
photo and weather rcn missions.
1/7/45
Tenth AF
Bad weather cancels all combat missions. Transports complete 383
sorties to forward areas.
1/7/45
Fourteenth AF
5 B-24's bomb Ft Bayard and attack shipping in Samah Bay, claiming 1
vessel sunk.
1/7/45
FEAF
In major strikes of the day, large numbers of B-25's and A-20's,
supported by P-38's, hit network of airstrips from Clark Field to
Angeles A/F. B-24's bomb Nielson and Grace Park A/Fs and Nichols
Field, and B-25's and FBs pound bridges in the Plaridel and Calumpit
areas. B-24's raid Padada and Daliao A/Fs. B-25's and FBs hit Lembeh
Strait and Langoan areas. Other FEAF aircraft on small-scale armed
rcn missions strike T/Os throughout Phil Is.
1/7/45
Seventh AF
11 B-24's, flying out of Saipan, bomb A/F on Iwo Jima. During 7/8
Jan, 10 more HBs again pound A/Fs, striking in single-bmr snooper
missions over a 7-hr period.
1/8/45
Eighth AF
Nearly 600 HBs, given area spt by 6 ftr gps, bomb 4 M/Ys, 12 comm
centers, a rail-over-road bridge, and 5 T/Os in Germany.
1/8/45
Ninth AF
Weather prevents operations.
1/8/45
Twelfth AF
XXII TAC A-20's fly 33 effective sorties in Po Valley during 7/8 Jan.
Bad weather sharply reduces daytime operations. Of 3 MB missions
dispatched, only 1 reaches tgt (Chivasso railway bridge) where only 6
Mbs bomb through overcast. Less than 20 XXII TAC ftrs hit scattered
tgts in Po Valley.
1/8/45
Fifteenth AF
More than 300 B-17's and B-24's bomb Linz main station yard and N
main M/Y plus M/Ys at Graz, Villach, Klagenfurt, and Salzburg,
escorted by 200-plus P-38's and P-51's. Over 30 other P-38's fly rcn
and rcn escort.
1/8/45
Tenth AF
21 B-25's hit troops and supply areas at Nampeng and Mong Long. 74
P-47's and P-38's attack troop concentrations and supply areas at
Tunhunghkam, Mongyu, Hpa-hpun, and Man Om. 12 P-47's knock out bypass
bridge at Namhkai. Transports complete 470-plus sorties to forward
bases and frontline areas.
1/8/45
Fourteenth AF
8 P-51's hit T/Os E of Muse and E of Wanling.
1/8/45
FEAF
In the main strikes during the day, P-51's and P-40's strafe A/Fs in
the Lingayen Gulf area. A-20's pound railroad yards at Cabanatuan,
motor convoys between Cabanatuan and Bongalion and between Bongabon
and Mojon, Rosales and San Quintin rail installations, bridges at
Cuyapo, Paniqui, and near Santa Rosa. P-47's hit rail yards and truck
convoy in San Jose area. B-24's and A-20's attack Nichols Field and
Nielson, Lipa, and Calingatan A/Fs. B-25's with P-47 cover, bomb
Fabrica A/F, while B-24's bomb Likanan A/F and oil storage at Matina.
P-38's attack Manggar and Sepinggang A/Fs. Numerous small-scale
attacks over the Phil Is and NEI continue.
1/8/45
Seventh AF
26 Guam-based B-24's bomb A/Fs on Iwo Jima, which, during 8/9 Jan, 10
more B-24's subject to individual snooper strikes over a 6-hr
period.
1/9/45
Ninth AF
15 B-26's bomb Rinnthal rail bridge with aim of isolating 3 enemy
armd divs in Landau area. XXIX TAC ftrs escort the Mbs. Weather
prevents other operations.
1/9/45
Twelfth AF
MBs attack bridges at Palazzuolo sull'Oglio, Pontetidone, Romano di
Lombardia, and assembly area at Crespellano. Ftrs and FBs in
excellent day against comm in W and C Po Valley and other points in N
Italy make numerous rail cuts, destroy or damage many vehicles and
trains and effectively hit ammo and fuel dumps, guns, and
strongpoints along US Fifth Army front in the N Apennines.
1/9/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather permits only rcn missions.
1/9/45
EAC
Col Minton W Kaye assumes cmd of Photo Rcn Force, a component of
EAC.
1/9/45
Tenth AF
8 P-47's hit div HQ at Ho-na while 4 others spt ground forces in Si-U
sector. 90-plus FBs hit supply areas, tanks, AA positions, and troop
concentrations at Man Kat, Tonghsim, Kong-lin, Bawdwin, Mong Tat, and
in Hsenwi vicinity. 488 transport sorties are flown to forward
areas.
1/9/45
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's hit railroad tgts, road bridge, and building area NE of
Thanh Moi. 25 P-40's, P-38's, and P-51's hit T/Os S, SW, and NE of
Wanling. 8 P-51's bomb railroad repair shops at Sinsiang while 3
P-40's hit road W of Muse, causing traffic block.
1/9/45
FEAF
Amphibious forces of US Sixth Army begin landing on shores of
Lingayen Gulf at 0930. In N Luzon, B-24's bomb Mabalacat while
B-25's, A-20's, and FBs destroy several bridges and numerous vehicles
and trains throughout Luzon, and bomb several A/Fs. B-24's also hit
Nielson A/F and Nichols Field. FEAF airplanes make small-scale
attacks on barges, A/Fs, and T/Os on Mindanao, Halmahera, Ceram area,
N Borneo, and on Timor.
1/9/45
Twentieth AF
39 B-29's from Chengtu bomb harbor at Kirun. This raid is first of
several such operations against Formosa in conjunction with the US
invasion of Luzon. 6 B-29's bomb last resort tgts along China coast.
72 Marianas-based B-29's are dispatched against Musashino aircraft
plant near Tokyo. High winds break up formations so that only 18 V
HBs can bomb the primary tgt. A large number hits alternates and
T/Os.
1/9/45
Seventh AF
24 B-24's, based on Saipan, hit A/F on Iwo Jima which is struck again
by 8 HBs on individual snooper missions during 9/10 Jan.
1/9/45
Eleventh AF
For the first time the Eleventh radar-bombs with H2X equipment as 4
B-24's hit Suribachi Bay A/F.
1/10/45
Eighth AF
Over 912 HBs attack 10 bridges, 6 M/Ys, 5 A/Fs, and numerous T/Os. 3
ftr gps fly close escort and 3 other gps give area spt. 1 gp of
P-51's bombs M/Ys in Neustadt area. Heavy AA fire accounts for almost
20 Hbs.
1/10/45
Ninth AF
Over 30 B-26's sent against comm center and road bridge abort due to
weather. XIX TAC escorts MBs, flies patrols, attacks bridges and
other tgts and supports US III, VIII, XII, and XX Corps in
Saint-Hubert-Bastogne-Wiltz area, in Diekirch and Echternach area and
points to the SE.
1/10/45
Twelfth AF
Weather restricts operations but FBs effectively attack comm and
supply dumps in C and N Po Valley. The strikes are concentrated in
the N and around Piacenza, and score nearly 50 rail cuts, along with
destruction of 80 motor transports and several trains. Fuel and ammo
dumps in Milan area are bombed and a 400-ft naval vessel at Venice is
destroyed.
1/10/45
Fifteenth AF
Weather restricts operations to photo and weather rcn missions.
1/10/45
Tenth AF
75 FBs pound troop concentrations, supplies, tanks, arty, and
buildings at Kawnglang, Nampachi, Man Namman, Pangkai, Mong Yai,
Namhsan, Namyao, Se-ping, Panghai, and in Hosi area. 17 P-47's knock
out a bridge, damage another at Bawgyo and 2 others at Ho-kho. 8
P-47's spt ground forces in Si-U battle sector. 8 others hit supplies
and ferry crossing at Tamawngtawn. 472 transport sorties are flown to
forward bases and frontline areas.
1/10/45
Fourteenth AF
2 B-24's bomb Cap-Saint-Jacques area. 50-plus P-51's, P-40's, and
P-38's pound various T/Os throughout Wanling area. 6 P-40's hit T/Os
in Muse area.
1/10/45
FEAF
B-24's bomb Grace Park A/F and warehouse area, A-20's and FBs pound
trucks, trains, railroad yards, railroads, and highways over wide
areas of N and S Luzon, and bomb Vigan and Laoag A/Fs. About 60
P-40's bomb and strafe Galela area. B-25's and P-38's hit Kendari
A/F. Other B-25's, A-20's, and FBs, operating in smaller forces, hit
numerous shipping and comm tgts, A/Fs, and other tgts throughout the
Phil Is.
1/10/45
Thirteenth AF
XIII FC moves from New Guinea to Leyte.
1/10/45
Seventh AF
30 Guam-based B-24's operating in 2 separate formations, bomb A/Fs on
Iwo Jima. 2 other Hbs, on armed rcn, hit A/F at Woleai. Iwo Jima A/Fs
are hit again on 10/11 Jan by B-24's flying snooper missions from
Guam.
1/10/45
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's on an armed photo mission bomb and photograph Kurabu A/F
scoring hits on the runway.
1/11/45
Ninth AF
About 120 A-20's, A-26's, and B-26's attack comm centers and rail
bridges in Belgium and Germany. Ftrs escort bmrs, hit Mayen ammo
dump, and patrol areas around Malmedy and NE of Trier.
1/11/45
Twelfth AF
During 10/11 Jan LBs attack T/Os in W Po Valley. Clearing weather
during the day enables increase of ftr and FB attacks in Po Valley
and in US Fifth Army battle area in the N Apennines. Many ammo and
fuel dumps, rail lines, trains, and vehicles are pounded, and an
alcohol refinery at Piacenza is severely damaged.
1/11/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather limits operations. P-38's fly rcn and rcn escort
missions.
1/11/45
Tenth AF
12 P-47's spt ground forces in Si-U and Namhkam sectors. 3 others
strafe trucks between Namkham and Selan. Troop concentrations,
vehicles, arty pieces, supply areas, and general enemy movement are
pounded by 80-plus FBs. 12 B-26's bomb storage buildings in Lashio
area. 609 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.
1/11/45
Fourteenth AF
5 B-25's damage bridge at Wan Mai-Lo. 12 FBs hit T/Os NE of Wanling,
7 drop napalm on T/Os NE of Muse, and 11 attack T/Os SE of Wanting
and in E end of Wanting R valley.
1/11/45
FEAF
Large numbers of B-24's, B-25's, A-20's, and FBs concentrate on comm
tgts throughout N Luzon and attack A/Fs, comm, and town areas in S
Luzon, C Phil, and on Mindanao. B-25's and P-38's attack Kendari
A/F.
1/11/45
Twentieth AF
25 B-29's out of Calcutta bomb 2 large drydocks at Singapore. Around
15 others bomb Penang I, Mergui, and various T/Os.
1/11/45
Seventh AF
23 B-24's from Saipan pound A/Fs on Iwo Jima. Bombing of Iwo Jima is
continued during 11/12 Jan by 3 HBs flying individual snooper strikes
from the Marianas.
1/11/45
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's on an armed rcn to Suribachi bomb NW of Taro Lake. 5 B-25's
hit Kotani Shima.
1/12/45
Ninth AF
All combat operations are canceled because of weather.
1/12/45
Twelfth AF
319th Bomb Gp and a serv gp, relieved of assignment to the Twelfth
AF, return to US. These are the first Twelfth AF gps to return
directly to ZI from the theater of operations. Weather severely
curtails operations, but ftrs and FBs of XXII TAC score successfully
against comm tgts in W and C Po Valley, claiming over 50 rail cuts
and destruction or damage of 100-plus vehicles.
1/12/45
Fifteenth AF
For fourth consecutive day, all bombing operations are cancelled by
bad weather. P-38's fly photo and weather rcn and escort
missions.
1/12/45
Tenth AF
16 FBs spt ground forces in battle sectors at Si-U and at Lawa on the
Irrawaddy. More than 70 FBs hit troops, supplies, vehicles, and
general enemy movement at Namsa-lap, Longmao, Hsaihkao, Mangpu,
Pangnim, and near Lashio, Hsipaw, and Hsenwi. Transports fly 544
sorties, landing men and supplies at forward bases and dropping
supplies to troops in battle sectors.
1/12/45
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's again damage bridge at Wan Mai-Lo. 35 FBs pound T/Os around
Wanting and Muse.
1/12/45
FEAF
B-24's bomb San Jose del Monte area and bivouac areas in N Luzon.
Other B-24's hit Legaspi, Batangas and Matina A/Fs while B-25's bomb
Fabrica warehouses.
1/12/45
Seventh AF
28 Guam-based B-24's bomb A/Fs at Iwo Jima. 3 HBs, on armed rcn from
Saipan, bomb Marcus. Iwo Jima is hit by snooper strikes during 12/13
Jan by 4 B-24's from the Marianas.
1/13/45
Eighth AF
900-plus HBs bomb 7 Rhine bridges, 3 M/Ys, a rail junction, and T/Os
in battle zone. 7 ftr gps fly close escort while 5 gps fly area spt.
1 P-51 gp bombs M/Y.
1/13/45
Ninth AF
95 9th Bomb Div bmrs strike road and rail bridges at Dasburg,
Steinebruck, and Simmern to disrupt enemy movements. Ftrs escort 9th
Bomb Div, Eighth AF, and RAF bmrs, fly armed rcn and patrols, and
bomb and strafe numerous ground tgts. IX TAC supports US VII Corps
near Houffalize, XIX TAC supports US III, VIII, XII, and XX Corps
elements in Saint-Hubert-BastogneWiltz areas and points E and S near
Clerf and Mosel Rivers.
1/13/45
Twelfth AF
Bad weather prohibits all but weather rcn and a scramble mission, all
uneventful.
1/13/45
Fifteenth AF
For fifth successive day no bombing operations are flown. Weather
permits only rcn and escort missions.
1/13/45
Tenth AF
10 FBs hit Aungban A/F while 4 others spt ground forces along the
Irrawaddy at Molo. 20-plus FBs hit horses and vehicles at Hsaihkao,
buildings at Man Ping, and troops at Mankang and Man Sang. Transports
fly 556 sorties to forward areas.
1/13/45
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's blast 6 storage buildings at Kengtung. 3 others damage
bridge at Hawng Luk. 31 P-51's, P-38's, and P-40's hit T/Os in
Wanting area. 16 P-51's hit T/Os around Shanhsien, Chiatsochen, and
Chaling.
1/13/45
FEAF
B-24's over Luzon hit Tarlac barracks and storage area, Batangas A/F,
and troop concentrations at San Juan, Del Monte, Muzon, and San
Vicente. P-47's fly sweep from Laguna de Bay to Tarlac, destroying
parked airplanes and vehicles. A-20's hit town of Batangas and nearby
railroads and highways, and bomb Lucena and Calingatan A/Fs. Also the
N Luzon area is hit throughout the day by small raids.
1/13/45
Seventh AF
14 Saipan-based B-24's hit Iwo Jima A/F. 2 HBs from Guam and Saipan,
again raid the A/Fs on 13/14 Jan.
1/14/45
Eighth AF
Over 650 HBs attack 4 oil tgts, 2 steel mills and benzol plant W of
Berlin, plus M/Y, Wangerooge I, and T/Os. 150-plus other HBs bomb 3
bridges in Cologne area. 15 escorting ftr gps battle about 250 ftrs,
claiming about 100 kills. 4 gps on ftr sweeps engage over 150 ftrs,
claiming over 40 destroyed.
1/14/45
Ninth AF
280-plus MBs and LBs strike bridges and comm centers in base area of
Ardennes salient and in other areas of W Germany. Ftrs escort 9th
Bomb Div and Eighth AF HBs, fly armed rcn and patrols, attack
numerous ground tgts, and spt US First Army in Vielsalm area and US
Third Army around Diekirch.
1/14/45
Twelfth AF
Weather again cancels all combat missions.
1/14/45
Fifteenth AF
For sixth consecutive day bad weather permits only rcn missions.
1/14/45
Tenth AF
12 B-25's hit troops, stores area, and knock out 3 bridges near
Nampawng and Hay-ti. 26 FBs spt ground forces at Si-U and at Mabein.
60-plus FBs pound supply areas, troop concentrations, and general
T/Os at or near Hsenwi, Se-u, Kongnyaung, Kutkai, Mongmit, Manai, and
Kawnghka. Transports fly 487 sorties to forward areas.
1/14/45
Fourteenth AF
27 B-24's, supported by 45 P-51's and P-40's, pound Hankow. 8 enemy
airplanes are claimed destroyed. 7 B-25's hit tgts at and W of
Kengtung. 42 P-47's, P-40's, and P-51's attack A/Fs at Wuchang and
Hankow. 17 Japanese airplanes are claimed destroyed. 21 P-40's and
P-51's hit T/Os in Wanting area. 5 P-51's blast trucks and buildings
at Shanhsien. 8 others attack shipping on the Yangtze near
Anking.
1/14/45
FEAF
B-25's pound Aparri A/F while supporting P-51's destroy several
parked aircraft. A-20's bomb Clark Field destroying numerous parked
airplanes, while B-24's hit troop concentrations at Cabanatuan.
B-24's, B-25's, A-20's, and FBs over wide areas of Luzon hit tanks,
trucks, and other vehicles near Norzagaray, Masbate, Tartaro, Bulac,
Banglos, and San Felipe; bomb bridge N of Bocaue; hit A/Fs at
Tuguegarao, Malabang, Batangas, and Silay; bomb Cotabato supply area;
and attack numerous other tgts. B-25's bomb Goeroea area.
1/14/45
Twentieth AF
54 B-29's, out of Chengtu, bomb air installations at Kagi while 1 VHB
bombs Heito. 22 others hit alternates and T/Os at several points,
among them Taichu A/F and Hengyang. 40 B-29's from the Marianas bomb
Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Nagoya. Over 20 others hit alternates
and T/Os.
1/14/45
Seventh AF
22 B-24's from Saipan and 21 from Guam bomb A/Fs on Moen. 9 P-38's
escort the Saipanbased HBs. 12 B-24's from Guam pound A/F on Iwo
Jima. 2 B-24's from the Marianas fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima
A/Fs during 14/15 Jan.
1/15/45
Eighth AF
600-plus HBs, escorted by Mrs from 10 gps, bomb 4 M/Ys at Ingolstadt,
Freiburg, Reutlingen, and Augsburg, and several other tgts in SW
Germany. 3 ftr gps fly sweeps and strafe ground tgts while 3 gps of
FBs bomb M/Ys, roads and rail tgts.
1/15/45
Ninth AF
16 9th Bomb Div bmrs hit Simmern bridge to help thwart movement in
Trier area. XIX TAC escorts MBs, flies armed rcn and patrols, and
supports US III and VIII Corps in Houffalize-Bastogne-Wiltz
areas.
1/15/45
Twelfth AF
Operations resume as weather clears. MBs concentrate on Brenner rail
line, flying nearly 150 sorties against bridges at San Michele
all'Adige, Rovereto, Ala, Lavis, Santa Margherita d'Adige, and Motta
di Livenza. XXII TAC attacks comm in Po Valley and further N,
destroying or damaging several bridges and a very large number of
railway cars (most of them at Como M/Y). During 14/15 Jan LBs hit
tgts in Po Valley, including Po crossings at Borgoforte, Piacenza,
and San Benedetto Po.
1/15/45
Fifteenth AF
400-plus B-24's and B-17's escorted by 270-plus P-38's and P-51's,
bomb M/Ys and other railroad comm in NE and SE Vienna and M/Y at
Treviso.
1/15/45
Tenth AF
12 B-24's bomb troop concentration and supply area at Mong Ngaw. 6
FBs damage bridge at Namhkai. 11 spt ground forces along the
Irrawaddy, bombing Mabein, hitting cable crossing at Myitson, and
attacking ferry landing on Nampaw R, a tributary. Troops, supplies,
tanks and T/Os are attacked at several points in N Burma including
Mong Tat, Mong Yok and Mong Pa. Transports fly 527 sorties to forward
areas. Gens Wedeymeyer, Stratemeyer, and Sultan confer at Myitkyina
and agree that an AAF HQ to cmd US Tenth and Fourteenth AFs should be
set up in China.
1/15/45
Fourteenth AF
18 B-26's, supported by 20 P-51's and P-40's, attack Hankow. Others
hit Wan Pa-Hsa town area and damage nearby bridge, attack shipping
near Amoy, and hit T/Os in Siang-Chiang and Hsiang Valleys and from
Hong Kong to Foochow. 130-plus P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn attack
numerous T/Os throughout S China from Burma border to SE coast.
1/15/45
FEAF
B-24's, B-25's, A-20's, and FBs attack objectives on Luzon, in C
Phil, and on Palawan, hitting highways, railroads, A/Fs and numerous
T/Os including tanks, trucks, and other vehicles. B-24's also bomb
Jesselton A/Fs.
1/15/45
Seventh AF
12 B-24's from Saipan hit A/Fs on Iwo Jima. 2 HBs, operating singly
from Guam and Saipan, strike Iwo Jima A/Fs during 15/16 Jan.
1/16/45
Eighth AF
Over 550 HBs, supported by 13 ftr gps, bomb 2 synthetic oil plants, 2
aircraft engine plants, 2 M/Ys, a tank factory and several T/Os in C
Germany. Due to heavy fog a large percentage of the HBs are diverted
to various landing fields in UK and on Continent.
1/16/45
Ninth AF
311 A-20's, A-26's, and B-26's hit road and rail bridges, comm
centers, motor transport repair center, and other tgts in Germany.
Ftrs escort 9th Bomb Div and Eighth AF HBs, fly armed rcn and
defensive patrols, and spt US First Army elements along battleline NE
of Houffalize, and III Corps along battleline SE of Houffalize.
1/16/45
Twelfth AF
During 15/16 Jan A-20's exploit a break in the bad weather and blast
motor transport around Genoa and NE of Milan. During the day bad
weather returns, grounding MBs and limiting FBs to 16 completed
sorties against comm in Po Valley and NE Italy.
1/16/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather restricts operations to rcn and rcn escort missions by 30
P-38's.
1/16/45
Tenth AF
12 B-25's attack troop concentration and supply dump at Namtoi. 15
P-47's spt ground forces near Yenya-u and S of Shadaw. 22 bomb A/Fs
at Anisakan and Nawnghkio. Troop concentration, supplies, town areas,
vehicles, and other tgts are attacked by 40-plus FBs. Transports fly
550 sorties to forward areas.
1/16/45
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's and 8 P-40's destroy train N of Hankow. 8 B-25's pound
Wanting. 180-plus P-51's, P-40's, and P-38's on armed rcn over vast
expanses of China S of the Yangtze and from Burma border to S China
Sea attack numerous T/Os. Wanting, Muse, and Changsha areas are hit
especially hard.
1/16/45
FEAF
In the day's principal strikes B-24's, A-20's, and FBs pound Japanese
concentrations, trains, trucks, and T/Os on Luzon. Other B-24's hit
A/Fs in N Borneo and Halmahera I. B-25's, A-20's, and FBs on small
raids, armed rcn, and harassing strikes hit Negros A/Fs and A/Fs,
comm tgts, trains, trucks, and other T/Os throughout Luzon.
1/16/45
Twentieth AF
313th Bomb Wg (VH) flies shakedown mission. 32 of 44 B-29's bomb A/F
on Pagan I.
1/16/45
Seventh AF
10 B-24's from Guam bomb A/F on Iwo Jima. 12 P-38's from Saipan
assigned to high cover for the HB strike fail to make contact with
the formation due to bad weather. 3 of the ftrs strafe beached
vessels. 3 B-24's fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima A/Fs during
16/17 Jan.
1/17/45
Eighth AF
650-plus HBs, supported by 8 ftr gps in close escort and 3 more in
area sweeps, bomb 3 oil refineries, 2 viaducts, a M/Y, a U-boat yard,
an A/F, and T/Os in NW Germany. The ftrs strafe rail tgt.
1/17/45
Ninth AF
Weather cancels all bmr operations and limits ftrs. XIX TAC flies
night patrol while IX TAC flies leaflet mission and patrols XIX Corps
area around Hurtgen Forest.
1/17/45
Twelfth AF
MBs, taking advantage of improved weather conditions, attack 6 rail
tgts on Brenner rail line, blocking line at Calliano, cutting tracks
at Ora, and destroying a section of bridge at Sacile. In NE Italy
ftrs and FBs concentrate large effort on rail lines and bridges,
destroying 4 and damaging another, cutting tracks at numerous points,
and blasting vehicles and trains.
1/17/45
Fifteenth AF
Continued bad weather cancels all operations.
1/17/45
Tenth AF
4 B-25's demolish 2 bypass bridges at Ho-hko. 8 pound village of
Mansam. 20 P-47's spt ground forces along the Irrawaddy, hitting tgts
at Konkha, Onbaing, and Wabyudaung. Troop concentrations and supplies
are bombed by 75 FBs at Nawngchio, No-na, Man Hpa-yaw, Man Namket,
Nanhu, Panghai, Mong Nge, and Ho-Pok. Transports fly 489 sorties to
forward bases and frontline areas.
1/17/45
Fourteenth AF
12 B-25's bomb town area, river shipping, and trucks at Ishan. 3
B-25's and 8 P-40's pound sampans and storage areas W of Hengshan
while 2 B-25's hit oil dump and other T/Os in Hsiang Valley and
another blasts troop compound at Chaling. 4 B-25's damage bridge at
Phu Lang Thuong. 180-plus P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's hit large number
of T/Os from Burma border to Shanghai, concentrating on Wanling area
and A/Fs in Shanghai, Wuchou and Wuchang areas.
1/17/45
FEAF
In principal strikes of the day B-24's bomb railroad yards at Legaspi
while B-25's hit roads and railways E of Manila, destroying many
railroad cars and troop-laden trucks. Other B-24's pound Daliao area
on Mindanao and Talisay A/F. B-25's, A-20's, and FBs continue to fly
small strikes and armed rcn against bridges, shipping, port areas,
A/Fs, trucks, and other T/Os throughout Luzon and at C Phil Is.
1/17/45
Twentieth AF
Nearly 80 B-29's, out of Chengtu, bomb A/F at Shinchiku. 8 other VHBs
hit alternates and T/Os in SE China.
1/17/45
Seventh AF
14 B-24's from Saipan pound A/Fs on Iwo Jima. 3 from Guam, on armed
rcn flight, bomb Marcus. 2 B-24's, from Guam and Saipan, fly
individual harassment strikes against Iwo Jima during 17/ 18 Jan.
1/18/45
Eighth AF
Over 100 B-17's supported by 3 ftr gps bomb Kaiserslautern M/Y. Most
of the HBs are diverted, after bombing, to bases on Continent because
of heavy clouds.
1/18/45
Ninth AF
IX TAC returns to operational control of Ninth AF (from Second Tac
AF) as US First Army returns from 21st Army Gp to 12th Army Gp. IX
TAC HQ (Rear) returns to Verviers from Charleroi. Weather prevents
all Ninth AF operations except for alert flights by 11 ftrs of IX and
XXIX TACs.
1/18/45
Twelfth AF
During 17/18 Jan A-20's attack Po R crossings, lights and movement
throughout Po Valley. During the day MBs pound tgts on the Brenner
line, including temporary bridge between San Michele all'Adige and
Ora, and overhanging cliff over railroad at San Ambrogio di
Valpolicella. Ftrs and FBs blast comm lines in NE Italy and fuel and
supply dumps in Piacenza area, destroying numerous railroad tracks,
trains, and vehicles, and causing explosions or fires in most of the
dumps.
1/18/45
Fifteenth AF
Weather prevents bombing operations. P-38's and P-51's fly photo rcn
and escort missions.
1/18/45
Tenth AF
23 P-47's and P-38's hit Anisakan and Hsumhsai A/Fs. 12 B-25's bomb
A/F at Nawnghkio. 20-plus P-47's spt ground forces at Si-U and near
Yenya-u and Mahlainggon. Troops, supplies, and general T/Os are
attacked at Antawsai, Mong Nak, Namhpakka, Mong Yok, Loi-pyek,
Kyawnghkam, Pangnok, and in Namtu vicinity. 529 transport sorties are
flown to forward areas.
1/18/45
Fourteenth AF
29 B-24's bomb Hong Kong. 7 B-25's bomb Ishan and Chinchengchiang, 4
B-25's and 12 P-40's hit shipping in Puchi area, 4 B-25's bomb town
of Wanting, and 2 hit troop compounds at Chaling. 11 B-25's and 12
FBs attack Phu Lang Thuong. 25 P-40's pound shipping and railroad
tgts at Hong Kong. About 140 P-51's, P-40's, and P-38's on armed rcn
over S China from Burma boundary to Hong Kong attack a huge variety
of T/Os.
1/18/45
FEAF
B-25's blast Cotabato area. B-24's bomb tgts in Miti area, B-25's hit
troop concentrations at Bamban, A-20's hit warehouses and highway
traffic N of Bataan, and P-38's strafe parked airplanes at Tuguegarao
and vehicles at Enrile, Calarian, and Butigui. A variety of FEAF
aircraft fly small-scale raids and armed rcn missions against road
and rail tgts, bridges, A/Fs, and numerous T/Os throughout the Phil
Is.
1/18/45
Seventh AF
19 Saipan-based B-24's bomb tgts on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima,
damaging naval base and town of Okimura. 10 B-24's from Guam pound
A/F on Iwo Jima. 3 B-24's during 18/19 Jan continue snooper strikes
against Iwo Jima A/Fs.
1/18/45
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's fly unsuccessful rcn to Kurabu A/F. One of the B-24's
force-lands in USSR on return trip.
1/19/45
Ninth AF
Bad weather cancels bmr operations. Ftrs fly patrols and armed rcn.
XIX TAC also supports elements of US III and VIII Corps NE of
Houffalize and around Clervaux, and 5th Inf Div around
Bettendorf.
1/19/45
Twelfth AF
During 18/19 Jan A-20's bomb motor transport movements, lights,
roads, and railroads throughout Po Valley. Weather cancels MB
operations and prevents FBs from completing XXII TAC's only mission
airborne during the day.
1/19/45
Fifteenth AF
Over 400 HBs attack N and S M/Ys, a railroad bridge, and a highway
bridge at Brod. Because of overcast, only 1 of 112 HBs sent against
Zagreb M/Y bombs tgt while others abort. 46 P-38's bomb S railroad
bridge at Doboj and 59 P-51's sweep from Zagreb to Gyor. Other P-38's
fly rcn missions and rcn escort and cover MATAF B-25's on supply
run.
1/19/45
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb troops and stores at Na-mon and near Hsenwi. 28 FBs spt
ground forces in Si-U and Namhkam battle sectors and I along the
Irrawaddy near Yenya-u, Kyaukpyu, and Myitson. 4 others bomb causeway
in lake at Mogok. Troops, supplies, and arty are hit by 80-plus FBs
at Tonghsim, Konghsa, Mankang, Mong Pa, Pangkawlong, Saihkao, Man
Hio, Man Mao, and other locations in N Burma. Transports complete
500-plus sorties to forward areas.
1/19/45
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's bomb Mongyu and vicinity, 5 bomb Ishan, 8 hit shipping and
rail tgts at Song Cau, and 4 hit shipping, railroad tgts, and bridge
at Do Len. About 115 P-51's, P-40's, and P-38's on armed rcn over S
China and N Indochina attack a great variety of T/Os covering
especially Wanting area.
1/19/45
FEAF
In principal missions of the day, B-24's and B-25's bomb La Carlota
and Bacolod A/Fs. A-20's attack shipping at Salomague and Callaguip.
B-25's, A-20's, and FBs attack throughout Luzon, hitting A/Fs,
vehicles, storage areas, highways, and a variety of other tgts.
1/19/45
Twentieth AF
62 XXI BC B-29's hit Kawasaki aircraft plant at Akashi. 9 others bomb
alternates and T/ Os.
1/19/45
Seventh AF
7 B-24's from Saipan bomb harbor installations at Chichi Jima. 9 from
Guam hit A/Fs on Iwo Jima. 7 B-24's escort photo planes over the
Bonin and Kazan Is and 1 bombs Iwo Jima. During the night 3 B-24's on
individual snooper strikes from the Marianas bomb Iwo Jima.
1/19/45
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies radarferret mission over Shimushu and Onnekotan. 2 other
B-24's hit Matsuwa and Onnekotan.
1/20/45
International
Provisional National Government of Hungary signs armistice in Moscow
with US, USSR, and Great Britain.
1/20/45
Eighth AF
Approximately 675 HBs attack 3 M/Ys, a synthetic oil plant, and 2
T/Os in W Germany. 9 ftr gps fly close escort, 2 others fly area
patrols in Duren and Frankfurt/Main areas, strafing ground tgts.
1/20/45
Ninth AF
Bmr operations cancelled due to weather. Ftrs fly armed rcn, alerts,
and night patrol. IX TAC also supports 7th Armd Div on DutchGerman
boundary.
1/20/45
Twelfth AF
MBs destroy 1 and damage another bridge near San Michele all'Adige,
and score good coverage on Trento M/Y. XXII TAC FBs very successfully
blast comm and fuel and ammo dumps in Po Valley.
1/20/45
Fifteenth AF
The tac organization of Fifteenth AF becomes fully developed when a
supply-dropping gp, 15th Special Gp (Prov), organized on 18 Jan, is
given control of the 859th (B-24) and 885th (B-17) Bomb Sqs which
drop supplies in France, Italy, and Yugoslavia. (In Mar the 15th Gp
will be redesignated the 2641st Special Gp (Prov) and with its units
attached to Twelfth AF for operational control, the Fifteenth
retaining administrative control). 345 B-17's and B-24's attack N and
S main M/Ys and station sidings at Linz, M/Ys at Salzburg and
Rosenheim, and oil storage at Regensburg. Ftrs escort HBs and fly rcn
and rcn escort missions.
1/20/45
Tenth AF
16 FBs spt ground forces along the Irrawaddy near Mabein, Shadaw, and
Myitson. 8 others hit ammo dump at Namhkai and supply dump at Kutkai.
Also hit are troop concentrations, supply areas and T/Os at
Kyaunghkam, Panghung, Kawnglom, Namhsan, Loi-kang, and in Hsenwi
area. 482 transport sorties are flown to advanced bases and battle
sectors.
1/20/45
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's hit bridge and railroad cars near Hanoi. 3 B-25's attack
T/Os W of Hengshan, 2 hit troop compound and other tgts at Chaling
and Anjen, and 1 damages a small freighter in E China Sea. 32 P-51's
pound A/Fs in Shanghai area, claiming 22 airplanes destroyed. More
than 200 P-40's, P-51's, and P-38's on armed rcn over vast S China
and N Indochina areas attack bridges, town areas, rail, road and
river trafflc, and other T/Os at numerous points.
1/20/45
FEAF
B-24's pound Fabrica A/F and bomb underground storage area at Bamban.
A-20's and B-25's hit railroads and trains near Bicol R and between
Calauag and Legaspi. Other A-20's and FBs hit Aparri-Laoag and Tubang
A/Fs, hit arty positions W of Bong Bong and destroy railroad bridge
at Aloneros.
1/20/45
Twentieth AF
Gen LeMay takes cmd of XXI BC. Gen Ramey officially becomes CG XX
BC.
1/20/45
Seventh AF
12 Guam-based B-24's bomb A/Fs on Iwo Jima. 5 from Saipan hit town of
Okimura. During 20/21 Jan, 10 HBs from Guam fly separate snooper
strikes against Iwo Jima A/Fs.
1/20/45
Eleventh AF
4 B-24's bomb Kataoka area.
1/21/45
Eighth AF
About 750 HBs hit M/Y and tank factory at Aschaffenburg, military
vehicle plant, bridge, comm center and M/Y at Mannheim, M/Ys at
Heilbronn and Pforzheim, comm center at Arnbach, town of Reutlingen,
and 3 T/Os. 9 ftr gps fly close spt and strafe 4 A/Fs plus numerous
miscellaneous ground tgts. 1 P-51 gp flies area sweep in spt of HBs
and another supports Ninth AF Mbs.
1/21/45
Ninth AF
IX TAC HQ (main) returns to Verviers from Liege. 166 A-26's, A-20's,
and B-26's hit rail junction and bridge at Euskirchen and M/Y and
defended positions at Mayen. Ftrs fly armed rcn, escort bmrs, bomb
bridges, and spt US 7th Armd Div.
1/21/45
Twelfth AF
Weather restricts operations during 21/22 Jan to armd rcn by 5
A-20's. The LBs bomb comm tgts in Po Valley. During day B-25's hit
bridges at Rovereto and Lavis, destroy bridge at Pontetidone, and
blast railroad fill at San Michele all' Adige, and supply dump at
Cremona. Ftrs and FBs concentrate on comm in same area as MBs,
destroying 1 bridge, inflicting 36 rail cuts, hitting fuel and ammo
dumps, and destroying and damaging many vehicles and much railroad
rolling stock, mostly in Milan area.
1/21/45
Fifteenth AF
170 B-17's bomb Lobau and Schwechat oil refineries at Vienna. 131
P-51's and P-38's provide spt. 43 P-38's bomb oil refinery at Fiume.
Other ftrs escort rcn missions and accompany supply-dropping
operations to Yugoslavia.
1/21/45
Tenth AF
10 B-25's bomb Heho A/F. 12 P-38's bomb bridge area at Nampawng. 26
P-47's spt ground forces near Twinnge, Mahlainggon, and Konkha along
the Irrawaddy, and in the Si-U sector. 50-plus P-38's and P-47's hit
troop concentrations, supplies, and T/Os at Me-han, Mogok, Hsenwi,
Na-makhkaw, Kutkai, Kunhkan, and Man On. Nearly 500 transports
sorties are flown to forward areas.
1/21/45
Fourteenth AF
30 B-24's pound Hong Kong area. 12 P-51's hit Nanking A/F (claiming
11 enemy airplanes destroyed) and T/Os along the Yangtze to Hankow.
30 P-51's and P-40's on armed rcn hit T/Os at several locations. 12
of the FBs concentrate on Wanting area.
1/21/45
FEAF
B-24's bomb Marikina A/F and hit barracks and coastal def guns at
Calabasan. B-25's, A-20's, and FBs fly sweeps, small strikes, and
armed rcn attacks on A/Fs, road networks, bridges, gun positions,
numerous vehicles, and other T/Os throughout C and S Luzon.
1/21/45
Twentieth AF
30 B-29's, flying out of the Marianas, bomb Moen A/F.
1/21/45
Seventh AF
12 Guam-based B-24's bomb A/Fs on Iwo Jima. During 21/22 Jan, 8 more,
flying separate snooper strikes from Saipan, pound the A/Fs.
1/22/45
Eighth AF
Nearly 200 B-17's, supported by 85 ftr sorties, bomb Sterkrade-Holten
synthetic oil plant, Rheine M/Y, Dinslaken, Osnabruck, and T/Os. 2
P-51 gps fly area sweeps (1 in escort to Ninth AF Mbs).
1/22/45
Ninth AF
304 B-26's, A-26's, and A-20's bomb M/Y, railhead, and road and rail
bridges in Germany with aim of obstructing troop movement. Ftrs
escort 9th Bomb Div, fly armed rcn and sweeps and A/F cover, and spt
US 7 Armd Div near Montfort, III, VIII, and XII Corps from S of
Saint-Vith along battlefront to NW of Echternach, and 4th, 5th, 94th,
and 95th Inf Divs from Echternach S to just W of Saarlautern.
1/22/45
Twelfth AF
B-25's score damaging hits at Rovereto, San Michele all' Adige and on
Dogna bridge, and attack Chiari and Crema bridges with fair results.
FBs range over practically all of N Italy destroying and damaging
large number of vehicles and railway cars and several locomotives,
also hitting fuel and ammo dumps around Mantua.
1/22/45
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather limits operations to 1 P-38 weather rcn flight.
1/22/45
Tenth AF
46 P-47's spt ground forces near Si-U, Namhkam, and along the
Irrawaddy near Twinnge, Bahe, Nam Mit R, Myitson, and Banwe. 12
others hit T/Os along roads near Kutkai, Hsenwi, Lashio, and Namtu.
Troop concentrations, fuel and ammo dumps, vehicles, and general
supplies are pounded at Kin, Padan, Man Lom, Namtu, Hkamtung,
Kabaing, Nammaw-hpek, Panglaw, and Na-hsang. Transports fly 449
sorties to advanced bases and frontline areas.
1/22/45
Fourteenth AF
16 P-40's and P-51's on armed rcn attack various tgts in Wanting area
and in SW China. 10 P-51's komb buildings at Kunlong ferry. 14 P-51's
and P-40's hit Sintsiang railroad yards and destroy several
locomotives and trucks E of Tsinan and Suchow.
1/22/45
FEAF
B-24's, escorted by P-38's, bomb Heito A/F in first major Fifth AF
strike on Formosa. Other B-24's bomb barracks in the Cabaruan Hills
and gun positions across Manila Bay and hit Fabrica A/F. In smaller
miscellaneous strikes, FEAF ftrs and bmrs over C and S Luzon hit
enemy positions, small shipping, and highways at several points, and
damage bridge over Magata R.
1/22/45
Seventh AF
20 B-24's from Guam blast A/Fs at Iwo Jima, while 8 more B-24's
flying individual strikes from Guam pound the A/Fs again during 22/23
Jan.
1/23/45
Eighth AF
150-plus B-17's, escorted by 2 P-51 gps, bomb M/Y and bridge at
Neuss. A P-51 Continent-based gp flies uneventful sweep over Neuss
area.
1/23/45
Ninth AF
A small B-26 force hits troop concentrations, road bridge, and
military transport tgts at Blankenheim, Dasburg, and Arzfeld. Ftrs
fly armed rcn, alert flights, and patrols, and spt US III, VIII, and
XII Corps and 4th, 94th, and 95th Inf Divs from S of Saint-Vith, S
and E along the battleline to just W of Saarlautern.
1/23/45
Twelfth AF
During 22/23 Jan A-20's bomb lights, roads, and river crossings at
over 50 locations in Po Valley, hit several T/Os, and attack
Borgoforte and San Benedetto Po and A/Fs at Villafranca di Verona and
Ghedi. Weather cancels MB operations during the day. FBs operate
mainly against comm, principally railroad tgts, in Po Valley but also
hit ammo dumps, shipping, guns, vehicles, and other tgts in N Italy
scattered from Genoa to NE Italy.
1/23/45
Fifteenth AF
Continued bad weather cancels all operations.
1/23/45
Tenth AF
12 B-25's bomb A/Fs at Aungban and Hsumhsai. 34 P-47's spt ground
forces near Namhkam and along the Irrawaddy in the Twinnge and Bahe
areas. 55 P-47's and P-38's hit troop concentrations, storage areas
and vehicles at Kawngwang, Sati, Kyaukme, Wengnan, Hko-lawng, Lothke,
and Panglaw. Transports fly 542 sorties, carrying men and supplies to
advanced bases and drop supplies to troops in frontline areas.
1/23/45
Fourteenth AF
40 P-51's and P-40's on armed rcn attack T/Os (mainly river, road,
and rail traffic) at several locations in both S China and in N China
plain, including WantingSuchow and Yuankiang areas, lower Tungting
Lake region, points between Kiaotow and Kweiyi, and points as far N
as Peking.
1/23/45
FEAF
On 22/23 Jan B-24's again hit Formosa in force, bombing aluminum
factory at Takao. In the day's principal missions, B-24's bomb Baguio
and, along with A-20's, hit Corregidor I. Other A-20's attack Aparri
A/F while FBs hit bridge at Digdig, luggers S of Alcala, guns on
Grande I, bridge over Magata R, and base at Camp John Hay. B-24s hit
Silay A/F.
1/23/45
Twentieth AF
28 B-29's of XXI BC bomb Mitsubishi engine plant at Nagoya. 27 hit
secondary tgt, the urban area of the city. 9 bomb other alternates
and T/Os. An estimated 600-plus ftrs offer heavy and aggressive
opposition but down only 1 VHB. US gunners claim 32 ftrs downed.
1/23/45
Seventh AF
12 B-24's from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima A/Fs. 3 from Guam fly armed rcn
over Woleai, 2 of them bombing the main runway on the island. During
23/24 Jan, 10 B-24's from Saipan strike Iwo Jima singly at about
45-min intervals.
1/23/45
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies rcn sortie along Onnekotan-Matsuwa E coasts. 4 B-24's
strike Kakumabetsu cannery and tgts on Paramushiru. 810 ftrs
intercept and the B-24's claim 2 victories. 1 B-24 is lost.
1/24/45
Eighth AF
2 P-51 gps fly sweeps over Wahn A/F-Dorweiler area and
Karlsruhe-Koblenz area, claiming 3 ftrs downed.
1/24/45
Ninth AF
25 9th Bomb Div bmrs hit comm centers at Schleiden, Stadtkyll, and
Pronsfeld. Ftrs fly armed rcn, sweeps, A/F cover, and bomb 1 bridge.
XIX TAC supports US III, VIII, XII, and XX Corps elements along
battlefront at several points from SW of Saint-Vith to Saarlautern
area.
1/24/45
Twelfth AF
Cloud conditions and ground fog at bases nearby halt operations. 1 MB
flies weather rcn over Venice area and P-47's fly weather rcn over
Bologna-Parma area. 2 of the P-47's destroy a truck and damage a
train near Parma.
1/24/45
Fifteenth AF
Unfavorable weather limits operations to 1 complete weather rcn
mission.
1/24/45
Tenth AF
12 B-25's bomb Hsumhsai A/F. 17 P-47's spt ground forces at Padin
near Namhkam, and along the Irrawaddy in Bahe area. 6 P-47's knock
out Inailong bypass bridge. Troop concentrations and supply areas are
attacked at Nawngang, Pangsan, Mansak, Konsan, Yaunggwin, Mangkung,
Nawngngun, Mong Long, Mogok, Namhsan, and in Mongmit area. Transports
again fly over 500 sorties to forward areas.
1/24/45
Fourteenth AF
12 P-51's on armed rcn attack railroad tgts N of Siangsiang, between
Loyang and Kaifeng, and near Tungchen. 21 locomotives are claimed
destroyed.
1/24/45
FEAF
B-24's pound Corregidor, Cavite, Canacao peninsula seaplane base, and
Grande I. FEAF ftrs and bmrs on sweeps, armed rcn, and light raids
attack a variety of tgts all over Luzon including small shipping,
A/Fs, def positions, storage and town areas, roads, and vehicles.
During 24/25 Jan, B-24's on snooper mission again hit Takao A/F.
1/24/45
Twentieth AF
20 B-29's of 313th Bomb Wg hit 2 A/Fs on Iwo Jima.
1/24/45
Seventh AF
33 B-24's, from Guam and Saipan, pound Iwo Jima during 4 raids. 6
others act as airborne spotters for naval bombardment of Iwo. During
5 hrs of 24/25 Jan, 10 HBs maintain harassment strikes against the
island's A/Fs.
1/24/45
Eleventh AF
4 B-25's on a low-level attack on Torishima abort due to mechanical
trouble. 4 more B-25's bomb buildings on Torishima. AA fire damages 2
B-25's. 6 ftrs take off after radar reports an unidentified tgt SE of
Attu. They spot a balloon which they shoot down with tracers.
1/25/45
US
Gen Stilwell is assigned cmdr of Army Ground Forces.
1/25/45
Eighth AF
2 ftr gps sweep over wide areas of SW Germany, claiming 2 ftrs downed
NE of Mannheim and E of Kirrlach.
1/25/45
Ninth AF
170 MBs and LBs hit comm centers and railroad bridges, overpasses,
and lines in W Germany with aim of harassing and obstructing troop
movement. Ftrs of the 3 TACs fly armed rcn, alerts and night patrols,
escort bmrs, and attack numerous ground tgts. XIX TAC supports US 5th
Inf Div in Echternach area.
1/25/45
Twelfth AF
During 24/25 Jan A-20's make several intruder attacks on roads, motor
transport, bridges, and trains. Bad weather during the day greatly
curtails flying. The only MB mission dispatched achieves poor results
on Cremona ammo dump. FBs and ftrs of XXII TAC hit comm and dump
areas, mainly in Milan area, with good general success.
1/25/45
Fifteenth AF
Weather curtails operations. P-38's fly photo and weather rcn. P-51's
escort the photo rcn missions.
1/25/45
Tenth AF
24 P-47's spt ground forces in Namhkam area, near Molo, and near
Myitson. 12 B-25's pound A/F at Heho. 80-plus FBs attack troops,
supplies, and T/Os at Hsenwi, Loi-weng, Ho hpong, Loi Nan, Tingyet,
Mong Tat, Ho-mong, Mong Long, Pangkwai, and in Kutkai area.
Transports fly 581 sorties to forward areas.
1/25/45
Fourteenth AF
21 P-51's hit rail tgts and A/Fs in Peking area, claiming 4
locomotives and 40 aircraft destroyed. 16 P-40's and P-51's attack
railroad tgts around Kaifeng, Shihkiachwang, Pengpu, and Chingmen. 42
locomotives are claimed destroyed.
1/25/45
FEAF
B-24's, operating in force, again pound Corregidor I. B-24's, B-25's,
A-20's, and FBs on sweeps, armed rcn, and small-scale strikes hit
vehicles, enemy positions, A/Fs, ammo and supply dumps, barges, comm,
and T/Os in general, over wide areas of Luzon, Palawan, and in C Phil
Is. During 25/26 Jan B-24's fly harassing raid on Takao.
1/25/45
Seventh AF
14 Saipan-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima in the afternoon. During 25/26
Jan, 10 more, flying individual harassment strikes at intervals,
pound the island.
1/26/45
Eighth AF
1 P-51 gp, based on Continent, flies uneventful ftr sweeps over
Heilbronn, Aschaffenburg, Giessen, and Trier areas.
1/26/45
Ninth AF
27 B-26's bomb Euskirchen rail bridge to interdict rail trafflc SW
from Euskirchen, much of which comes from Cologne and Bonn. The 3
TACs fly armed rcn, alert flights, and patrols. XIX TAC supports US
Third Army elements from S of Saint-Vith to W of Saarlautern.
1/26/45
Twelfth AF
During 25/26 Jan A-20's fly armed rcn of Po Valley, bombing Po R
crossings, Ghedi A/F, and general movement throughout the area. Both
57th Bomb Wg and XXII TAC cancel all operations for the day because
of bad weather.
1/26/45
Fifteenth AF
Weather prevents bombing operations. P-38's fly rcn and rcn-escort
missions and escort RAF supply drop over Yugoslavia.
1/26/45
Tenth AF
8 FBs spt ground forces in Namhkam area. 140-plus FBs hit troops,
supplies, guns, railroad tgts, and T/Os at Tangtong, Panghai, Man
Pwe, Kyaunghkam, Mong Pa, Nalang, Hsenwi, Molo, Mong Tat, Humon,
Tonghkan, Pangnim, Konghsa, Namtu, Namhsan, and in Nampok area.
Transports fly more than 500 sorties to advanced bases and frontline
areas.
1/26/45
Fourteenth AF
15 P-51's and P-40's hit Chenghsien A/F and locomotives, tracks, and
motor transport at Nanking and Sinsiang.
1/26/45
FEAF
B-24's hit coastal guns on Corregidor and in Balete Pass. B-25's bomb
Cabcaben A/F area and coastal guns on Carabao I and A-20's attack
Grande I coastal defenses. B-26's bomb Likanan and Sasa. P-38's
strafe same tgts and also hit Padada. A-20's and FBs, along with a
few B-24's, continue armed rcn and miscellaneous attacks against
A/Fs, comm, vehicles, coastal guns, town areas, and other tgts
throughout Luzon and in C Phils.
1/26/45
Twentieth AF
During 25/26 Jan, 70-plus B-29's of XX BC mine the 6 approaches to
Singapore harbor and at Saigon, Camranh Bay, Pakchan R, Penang
harbor, Koh Si Chang Channel, and Phan Rang Bay.
1/26/45
Seventh AF
17 Guam-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima A/Fs. During 26/27 Jan the A/Fs
are hit by 9 B-24's on individual harassment missions.
1/27/45
Ninth AF
Weather grounds 9th Bomb Div and XIX TAC. IX and XXIX TACs fly armed
rcn over battle area and parts of W Germany, along with alert flights
and leaflet mission.
1/27/45
Twelfth AF
Bad weather during morning causes all MBs to abort except for an
attack on bridge at Bressana Bottarone. XXII TAC ftrs and FBs
continue interdiction of comm with good results against motor
transport, trains, rail lines, bridges, and storage dumps. P-47's of
57th Ftr Gp destroy oil plant near Fornovo di Taro.
1/27/45
Fifteenth AF
For sixth consecutive day bad weather restricts operations to rcn and
escort missions.
1/27/45
Tenth AF
30-plus FBs spt ground forces at Man Sak, Molo Ywama, area S of Molo,
and area S of Banwe. 8 others knock out bypass bridge at Bawgyo.
About 100 FBs hit troop concentrations, supplies, and T/Os at or near
Man Kyan, Kuinkuiloi, Hohkun, Pongalau, Hsenwi, Kutkai, Hsatong, Ping
hoi, Ho-mong, Padon, and Kyaunghen. Transports fly 527 sorties to
advanced bases and over forward areas, landing men and landing and
dropping supplies.
1/27/45
Fourteenth AF
22 P-40's and P-51's attack locomotives, trucks, and shipping at
Sinsiang, Kihsien, and Nanking, from Taiyuan to Puchou, and E of
Yiyang.
1/27/45
FEAF
B-24's pound Canacao seaplane base, Cavite, and Grande I while B-25's
hit Cabcaben and A/F at Calingatan. Other FEAF aircraft continue
small-scale strikes against numerous other A/Fs, town areas, gun
emplacements, harbors, and comm and transportation tgts throughout
Luzon.
1/27/45
Twentieth AF
By this date the complete forward dets of the 4 B-29 gps in the
Chengtu area have evacuated their bases and moved to more permanent
bases in India. This move complies with JCS directive formulated on
16 Dec 44 and received on 18 Dec. The long-existing understanding
that XX BC might be moved from CBI when more convenient bases are
available is thus put into its initial stage when XX BC's CG, Gen
LeMay, and JCS agree that on logistical grounds XX BC's operating
scheme is basically unsound, a situation made more apparent when in
Nov the Japanese had overrun Luchou and Yungning and threatened
Kunming. This development necessitated air tonnage flown over the
Hump being diverted to Chinese ground forces and Fourteenth AF,
resulting in curtailed supplies to XX BC and providing the catalyst
for beginning movement of the cmd from China. 22 XX BC B-29's based
in India hit navy yard and arsenal at Saigon. 1 bombs bridge at
Bangkok. Results are poor. 76 B-29's of 73d Bomb Wg are airborne from
the Marianas against Musashiho and Nakajima aircraft plants near
Tokyo. Clouds and high winds over tgt area prevent bombing of the
primary. 56 VHBs bomb secondary tgt of Tokyo urban area and 6 others
attack alternates and T/Os. Ftr opposition is the heaviest to date
and 5 B-29's are downed. 4 others ditch or crash-land. B-29 gunners
claim 60 ftr kills, the highest VHB claim to date.
1/27/45
Seventh AF
19 B-24's, based at Saipan, bomb Iwo Jima. 10 HBs from Saipan and
Guam follow up with individual harassment raids against the island
during 27/28 Jan. 1 B-24 from Angaur bombs Arakabesan.
1/28/45
Eighth AF
Nearly 900 HBs attack 2 benzol plants, 3 M/Ys, 3 bridges, 4 city
areas, and T/Os in W Germany. 5 P-51 gps fly escort. 1 gp escorts MBs
of Ninth AF.
1/28/45
Ninth AF
95 9th Bomb Div bmrs hit comm center at Mayen, rail bridges and
overpass at Eller, Sinzig, Remagen, and Kaiserslautern, T/Os in W
Germany, and fly cover for US First Army forces on frontline in
Monschau-Butgenbach area.
1/28/45
Twelfth AF
Weather again hampers operations. B-25's have good results on
railroad bridges at Lavis and San Michele all'Adige. XXII TAC
aircraft operate effectively against comm and transport tgts
throughout N Italy including at Milan, Pavia, Cremona, Nervesa della
Battaglia, Treviso, Genoa, Padua, and Lake Maggiore areas.
1/28/45
Fifteenth AF
Continued bad weather (seventh successive day) restricts operations
to 3 weather rcn flights.
1/28/45
Tenth AF
40 FBs spt ground forces SE of Banwe, E of Molo, S of Molo Ywama, and
near Namhkam. 80 FBs hit troop concentrations, supply areas, and
enemy movement and active areas at or near Namsangsok, Namlan,
Pangmakmo, Wengnan, Kutkai, and Mu-lwat. Again well over 500 sorties
are flown to forward areas by transports. First convoy from Ledo
crosses Chinese border heading for Kunming.
1/28/45
Fourteenth AF
23 P-40's and P-51's attack railway and river trafflc at Wuhu,
Sinyang, and Linfen, in Sinsiang-Hantan area, between Loyang and
Sinyang, and along Pinghan railroad.
1/28/45
FEAF
B-24's, B-25's, A-20's and FBs concentrate attacks on Luzon, heaviest
tonnage (from B-24's) falling on Corregidor. Cavite and tgts between
Manila and Subic Bay, including Laoag A/F, are also hit. A-20's
concentrate on tgts in AparriGattaran area while FBs and A-20's hit
A/Fs in Cagayan Valley and troops, trucks, and roads in San Felipe
and Talavera areas.
1/28/45
Seventh AF
10 B-24's from Guam and 10 from Saipan bomb A/Fs on Iwo Jima. 10 more
follow during 28/29 Jan with single-bmr harassment raids on the A/Fs.
2 B-24's from Angaur bomb Arakabesan.
1/29/45
Eighth AF
1000-plus HBs bomb 7 M/Ys, 2 rail centers, 2 viaducts, a city area,
military vehicle and aircraft factories, and T/Os in W Germany. 14
ftr gps fly spt and strafe ground tgts.
1/29/45
Ninth AF
364 A-20's, B-26's, and A-26's bomb rail bridges, supply and comm
centers, and defended areas in W Germany. Ftrs escort the bmrs, fly
armed rcn and patrols and spt US Third Army units at points along
frontlines from S of Saint-Vith to bridgehead area around
Saarlautern.
1/29/45
Twelfth AF
Gen Barcus becomes CG XII TAC. Due to high winds and generally bad
weather, MBs successfully bomb only 2 tgts, the railway bridges at
Calliano and Rovereto, and attack with less success bridges at Motta
di Livenza, Lavis, Mantua, and Chiusaforte, and railway station at
Lavis. XXII TAC ftrs and FBs operate primarily against comm
throughout Po Valley. Results are generally good and bridge at
Nervesa della Battaglia is cut. Bridges or their approaches at
Cittadella, Santa Margherita d'Adige and Cismon del Grappa are
damaged along with a variety of tgts. During 28/29 Jan intruder LBs
hit rail facilities, pontoon bridge, lights, and motor transport at
nearly 50 locations in Po Valley.
1/29/45
Fifteenth AF
Weather prevents bombing operations for eighth consecutive day.
P-38's fly photo and weather rcn missions.
1/29/45
Tenth AF
13 B-25's knock out road bridges at Loi-leng and Tonglau and hit
several nearby T/Os. 26 P-47's hit troop positions in Namhkai area.
11 P-38's and 16 P-47's attack A/Fs at Aungban and Heho. 8 P-47's spt
ground forces near Banwe. 70 P-47's and P-38's pound troop
concentrations and supplies at Panglong, Tangyan, Wengnan, Homang,
Mong Long, Namtu, Mongyin, Mong Yang, and Namhsam. Largescale
transport operations continue.
1/29/45
Fourteenth AF
Pailochi A/F, river and road shipping, troops, gun positions,
buildings, and other T/Os are attacked at Kweiyi, Hankow, Sinyang and
Chihkiang, between Hengshan and Siangtan, between Wuhu and Anking, N
of Hengyang, and E and S of Yutze.
1/29/45
FEAF
Heavy B-24 daylight raids concentrate on Heito A/F area and
Corregidor while B-25's bomb nearby Cabcaben. FBs and A-20's hit T/Os
from Aparri to Echague. Further S ftrs hit gun positions in the
Batangas and Verde Is areas. A-20's spt ground forces inland from
Lingayen by hitting Carranglen road net. Others hit Talavera and
Carabao I.
1/29/45
Twentieth AF
About 30 Marianasbased B-29's strike at 2 A/Fs on Iwo Jima.
1/29/45
Seventh AF
19 Guam-based B-24's bomb Iwo Jima A/Fs. 2 from Saipan, on armed rcn
flight, bomb Marcus. 1 B-24 from Angaur bombs Arakabesan. During
29/30 Jan, 5 HBs from Saipan continue harassment raids on Iwo Jima
A/Fs.
1/30/45
International
Preliminary part of Malta-Yalta conferences begin at Malta.
1/30/45
Ninth AF
Weather cancels bmr operations. Ftrs fly nightfighter and intruder
rcn missions. Ftr cover for US 5th Armd Div W of Gemund is recalled
during the day.
1/30/45
Twelfth AF
Good weather in Po Valley permits full-scale operations against comm
lines. During 29/30 Jan intruding A-20's pound scattered movement
(much of it near Milan), several Po R crossings including at
Borgoforte, Piacenza, and San Benedetto Po, harbor at La Spezia, and
fuel dumps and other tgts at many locations. B-25's effectively
strike Brenner rail line during the day, especially Lavis and Trento
M/Ys and bridges at Lavis and Calliano. XXII TAC ftrs and FBs strike
railroads and bridges in NE Italy cutting many lines and damaging
several bridges, and hit fuel dumps and factories around Parma.
1/30/45
Fifteenth AF
For ninth successive day weather prevents bombing operations. During
29/30 Jan, 13 B-24's drop supplies in N Italy. During the day P-38's
fly rcn and rcn-escort and carry out supply missions and strafing
attacks in Austria.
1/30/45
Tenth AF
65 FBs spt ground forces in Banwe, Yenya-u, Hsenwi, Molo, and Mongmit
areas. 5 others knock out bridge E of Mong Long. 100-plus FBs attack
troops, supplies, arty, and comm tgts at several locations including
Kutkai, Bawgyo, Hamngai, Namhsan, Naleng, Pangsari, Hsenwi, and
Wengnan. Transports again fly over 500 sorties to forward areas.
1/30/45
Fourteenth AF
27 B-24's bomb Hankow. 32 P-40's and P-51's spt the HBs. 8 P-51's hit
T/Os in areas around Loyang, Yuncheng, and Sinantien.
1/30/45
FEAF
Bad weather cancels most of scheduled strikes over Luzon. However,
B-24's bomb Cavite while FBs flying spt for ground forces hit arty
and troop concentrations NE of Labayug and others attack ammo dumps N
of San Isidro.
1/30/45
Seventh AF
17 B-24's from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima A/F. 3 others bomb A/F on Woleai.
6 B-24's from Angaur strike Koror and Arakabesan. During 30/31 Jan,
10 HBs from Saipan fly single-bmr snooper raids against Iwo Jima
A/Fs.
1/31/45
International
Conference at Malta begins. Churchill, Eden, Stettinius, and the CCS
discuss Western Front strategy, Anglo-US forces of occupation in
Germany, and shipping problems.
1/31/45
Eighth AF
400-plus HBs and 4 gps of escorting ftrs are recalled from mission
against tgts in Germany because of expected bad weather at UK bases
and heavy clouds.
1/31/45
Ninth AF
All operations cancelled due to weather.
1/31/45
Twelfth AF
MBs attack railroad bridges at Chiusaforte, Voghera, Lavis, Rovereto,
and San Michele all' Adige, and M/Y at Rovereto, with only fair
results. Ftrs and FBs hit bridges, rail lines, trains, vehicles, and
other tgts over widespread areas of N Italy. During 30/31 Jan LBs hit
several railroad tgts during intruder missions in Po Valley.
1/31/45
Fifteenth AF
670-plus B-24's and B-17's bomb Moosbierbaum oil refinery, M/Ys at
Graz and Maribor, and scattered T/Os. P-38's and P-51's fly over 300
escorting sorties for the HBs. Other P-38's fly rcn and rcn escort
and drop supplies into Austria. During 30/31 Jan B-24's drop supplies
in N Italy.
1/31/45
Tenth AF
12 B-25's hit troops and stores at Namlan. 50-plus P-47's attack
troops and supplies at several locations including Na-mawtawng,
Tawkut, Mong Long, Hsipaw, Hsenwi, and Namhpakka. Transports complete
535 sorties to forward bases and frontline areas.
1/31/45
Fourteenth AF
P-51's strafe T/Os along Pinghan railroad.
1/31/45
Thirteenth AF
Gen Barnes again assumes cmd of XIII FC.
1/31/45
Seventh AF
20 B-24's from Guam bomb A/Fs and AA defenses on Iwo Jima. During 31
Jan/1 Feb, 9 more HBs, flying single-bmr harassment strikes, hit the
island.
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