The Official Chronology of the U.S. Army Airforce in World War II

JANUARY 1944

SATURDAY, 1 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25's, along mith 16 P-38's, attack a bridge on the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa; Major Robert A Erdin, piloting the lead B-25, pulls up during his bomb run to avoid a tree; he releases his bombs as he noses up, and topples 2 spans of the bridge into the river; subsequent tests prove this a good bridge-bombing maneuver; the tactic is refined and the squadron [the 490BS(M), 341BG(M)] becomes so proficient as to gain the sobriquet "Burma Bridge Busters". Further N, 11A-36's and 15 P-5l's pound the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

The 315TCS is activated at Dinjan, India assigned to the 10AF and equipped with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 P-40's bomb and strafe targets of opportunity in Indochina, including barracks and rafts along the Yuan River in the Cam Duong-Lao Kay area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The Operational Research Section, organized at Hq VIII BC in Oct 43, is made a special staff section, accountable directly to the US Chiefs of Staff (CoS). It is composed mostly of civilian specialists trained in statistical analysis and other disciplines pertinent to studying operations of a strategic bombing force.

The section subsequently proves of great value in improving the effectiveness of strategic bombing.

HQ 491 and it's 852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H) transfer without personnel and equipment from the US to England. They will be equipped with B-24's and fly their first Mission on 2 Jun.

The 856th, 857th, 858th and 859BS(H), 492BG(H) transfer from the US to North Pickenham, England with B-24's. They will fly their first Mission on 11 May.

HQ 493BG(H) and it's 860th, 861, 862 and 863BS(H) transfer without personnel and equipment from the US to England; they will fly their first Mission with B-24's on 6 Jun.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): USSAFE is established for operational control of the Eighth and 15AFs.

MTO - (AAFMTO): A complete reorganization of USAAF units in the (MTO) takes place: US Army AFs, North African Theater of Operations (USAAFNATO) is redesignated AAF MTO - (AAFMTO); XII AF Services Command becomes AAF Services Command MTO - (AAFSCMTO); III Air Services Area Command (Special): becomes XII AF Services Command; II Air Services Area Command becomes XV Air Force Services Command; XII AF Engineer Command (Provisional): becomes AAF Engineer Command, Mediterranean Theather of Operations (Provisional); and XII AF Training Command is changed to XII AF Training and Replacement Command. The XII BC, 12AF is reorganized as an medium bomber organization, 3 B-25 groups and the 3 B-26 groups of the 42BW(M), under Brigadier General Robert D Knapp.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 3 remaining B-26 groups of the 15AF are transferred to the 12AF, leaving the Fifteenth with 6 heavy bomber [2d, 93d, 97th, 99th, 30lst, 376BGS(H)] and 4 FGs (1, 14th, 82d, and 325th), or 4 B-17, 2 B-24, 1 P-47, and 3 P-38 groups.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): HQ 33FG transfers from Santa Maria to Cercola, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 16 P-39's strafe the harbor of Mille Atoll in the Marshall Islands and attack shipping N of the atoll; 2 small vessels are heavily damaged.

During the month of Jan 44, HQ VII BC transfers from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 868BS(H) is activated to work directly under the XIII BC. The unit, equipped with radar equipped B-24's used for night missions, becomes known as the "Snooper Squadron." They will fly their first Mission on 4 Jan; they used their airborne radar for low-level attacks at night, and for pathfinder operations.

15 B-24's, escorted by 70+ P-38's and USN (USN) F6F's, bomb Lakunai Airfield on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago; fighter and AA opposition is heavy, with 80-90 fighters attempting interception. US airplanes claim 20 fighters shot down; 1 B-24 is shot down and 2, severely damaged, crashland at Torokina on Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands. Allied fighters join USN dive bombers in support of ground forces in the Torokina area. 6 B-25's and 2 B-24's bomb Kahili and 4 B-24's hit Manob, both on Bougainville.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, 120+ B-24's, B-25's and A-20's pound the Saidor area in preparation for an Allied invasion; other B-25's bomb Madang and Alexishafen. On New Britain Island, A-20's continue to hit troop concentrations in the Cape Gloucester area; B-25's hit positions at Borgen Bay; and P-39's strate barges along New Britain's N coast. HQ 312BG(L) arrives at Gusap, New Guinea from the US. The 500BSM), 345BG(M), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-25's.

SUNDAY, 2 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 27 B-25's and 16 P-39's hit a fuel plant and work shops at Yenangyaung and set the oilfield aflame; 13 B-24's also hit the refinery, causing a large fire, and bomb a power station; 4 other B-24's bomb Akyab on the W coast; about 30 A-36's and P-51's score hits on the Loilaw bridge approaches and bomb the towns in the vicinity.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 P-40's bomb and strafe Japanese HQ and barracks at Hopang, China.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): P-47's fly an uneventful sweep over the Rome area.

The 720th and 722BS(H), 450BG(H), arrive at Manduria, Italy from the US with B-24's; they will fly their first Mission on 9 Jan.

The 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H), 451BG(H), arrive at Gioia del Colle, Italy from the US with B-24's; they will fly their first Mission on 30 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the Terni marshalling yard and iron works and nearby barracks; P-40's and Spitfires from the AAF, Royal Canadian AF (RCAF), RAAF (RAAF), South African AF (SAAF), and RAF blast snowbound vehicles in the Aveziano-Popoli area, warehouses at San Benedetto de Marsi and gun positions and defended areas around Chieti; A-36's hit Civitavecchia harbor and marhalling yard to the S of town, the Anagni marshalling yard and nearby pun positions, and other targets of opportunity; B-26's bomb bridges at Riva Santo Stefano and Ventimiglia, the marshalling yard at Arma di Taggia, and bridge over the Var River.

HQ 340BG(M) and it's 488BS(M) transfer from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb Maloelap Atoll; 9 B-25's hit targets on Jaluit Atoll; and P-39's strafe shipping at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 B-25's bomb Buka supply area on Buka Island. 30+ Allied fighters sweep Rabaul area on New Britain Island, claiming 11airplanes shot down; 1USN (USN) fighter is lost.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Elements of the US 32d Infantry Division make an amphibious landing at Saidor, New Guinea following a preparatory naval bombardment; Bad weather prevents preparatory air strikes, but 80+ B-24's and A-20's pound positions in coordination with the landings; the harbor and airfield are captured. Other B-24's bomb Pombelaa, Celebes Island and Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands. B-25's and B-26's bomb Madang, New Guinea. P-40's strafe the airfield, AA positiona, barges, and supply dump at Cape Hoskins on New Britain Island.

MONDAY, 3 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 A-36's and P-51's hit warehouses and dump area at Sahmaw; 19 B-25's, along with 16 P-38's, bomb a pumping station at Yenangyaung, setting oil tanks afire; 10 B-24's follow with a strike on the same target, causing explosions and leaving the target in flames.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-24's attack the railroad yards at Lampang; 5 fighter-bombers attack the town of Pingkai.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Special Night Operation: 1 B-17 is dispatched on an Oboe test against Germany but turns back due to an oxygen failure in the tail gun position.

HQ 452BG(H) and it's 728th, 729th, 730th and 731BS(H) arrives at Deopham Green, England from the US with B-17's; first Mission is 5 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Lieutenant General Nathan F Twining becomes Commanding General, 15AF.

In Italy, B-17's escorted by P-38's, bomb the Villarperosa ball bearing works and Lingotto marshalling yard and Fiat motor works in the Turin area.

P-47's fly top cover for the B-17's as far as the Italian coast, then turn and carry out an uneventful sweep over the Rome area.

Arrivals in Italy from US: 719BS(H), 449BG(H), to Grottaglie with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

721 and 723BS(H), 450BG(H), to Manduria with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Brigadier General Edward M Morris assumes command of the XII Fighter Command.

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb a troop concentration area at Prijedor, and hit Split and Sibenik. In Italy, P-40's and A-36's bomb gun positions near Cassino, the Anagni railroad station, a village near Vicenza, the railway and trains between Ceccano and Segni, and the harbor at Civitavecchia; P-40's, with SAAF and RCAF Spitfires, hit 100+ vehicles in the Avezzano-Sulmona area; other P-40's, with AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighters, hit targets in the Filetto-Tollo areas in support of ground troops.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb AA positions and radar and radio facilities on Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands. 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways and oil storage.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 30+ Allied fighters again sweep the Rabaul area, New Britain Island, claiming 6 Zekes shot down. 6 B-24's bomb Kavieng, New Ireland Island, and several others abort due to bad weather. 6 B-25's bomb Moisuru a bivouac area near Kahili, on Bougainville Island and 15 more hit supply areas near the Buka Passage.

23BS(H), 5BG(H), begins movement from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 50+ B-24's and B-25's bomb the Alexishafen area in New Guinea. 20+ A-20's hit positions at Borgen Bay, New Britain Island. 388BS(L), 312BG(L), transfers from Port Moresby to Gusap, New Guinea with P-40's; first Mission is 13 Jan; they will transition to A-20's in Feb.

TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 174: 2 targets in Germany are hit; 19 bombers and 2 fighters are lost.

1. 371 of 439 B-17's and 115 of 130 B-24's are dispatched to the port area at Kiel; 7 B-17's and 34 B-24's hit targets of opportunity; they claim 4-12-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17's and 6 B-24's are lost; 2 B-17's and 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 111 B-17's and 16 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 22 KIA, 53 WIA and 170 MIA. 70 P-38's and 42 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 1-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 1 P-51 are lost and 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; casualties are 1 WIA and 2 MIA.

2. 68 of 75 B-17's hit Munster; 2 B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 35 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 20 MIA. 430 P-47's escort; they claim 7-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged.

Mission 175: During the evening, 4 B-17's drop 800,000 leaflets on Orleans, Lorient, Rouen and Tours, France at 2005-2021hours; no losses. This is the first CARPETBAGGER operation from Tempsford, England on this night.

US airplanes begin flying supplies from UK to underground resistance forces in W Europe, this operation being coded CARPETBAGGER.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): XIX Air Support Command is activated at Middle Wallop England with Major General Elwood R Quesada in command; XIX will support Patton's Third Army in Europe.

258 B-26's bomb NOBALL targets (V-weapons sites) in France. Weather makes bombing difficult, and results range from unknown to good.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 100+ B-17's are dispatched to bomb the Dupnica area of Bulgaria; 29 bomb the target area, but heavy cloud cover causes 77 B-17's to return bombs to base; P-38's escort the B-17's the total distance to and from targets; P-47's provide escort part way.

HQ 449BG(H) arrives at Grottaglie, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb the Brodac town area and marshalling yard, and the town of Travnik. P-40's hit a bridge and trains and fly patrols over the battleline in Italy.

Transfers in Italy: HQ XII BC and HQ 57BW from Bari and Foggia respectively to Trocchia.

HQ 3PRG and 12(Photo)RS from San Severo to Pomigliano with F-4's and F-5's.

380th and 428BS(M), 310BG(M), from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 18 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb Emidj Island, Marshall Islands.

HQ 30BG(H) transfers from Nanumea Island, Ellice Island to Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Sohano Island, concentrating on the seaplane base and supply area. B-25's pound gun positions at Tonolai and bomb Chabai, Bougainville Island. P-39's, Royal New Zealand AF (RNZAF) Ventura's, and night fighters, operating individually or in small flights, hit targets on Bougainville, including barges at Mutupina Point and along the Jaba River, and areas around Buka, Buka Island, Bonis, Poporang Island, Papas, and Banin.

40+ Allied fighters attack the Rabaul area on New Britain Island and claim at least 10 airplanes shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ heavy and medium bombers bomb the Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadjim areas and hit troops and supplies between Finschhafen and Saidor. On New Britain island, B-25's attack artillery positions in the Cape Gloucester area. B-24's and B-25's hit shipping at Koepang, Timor Island and in nearby waters.

421NFS, V Fighter Command, arrives at Milne Bay, New Guinea from the US with P-70's; first Mission is 29 Feb.

WEDNESDAY, 5 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-25's, supported by 8 P-38's, attack the Mu River bridge between Monywa and Ywataung which is being rebuilt; hits are scored on the E bank near the bridge and several sheds are set afire; the escorting fighters damage several nearby railway cars, strafe the nearby town, set a barge afire, blow up 4 tin buildings, and claim a river steamer sunk.

20TRS and 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, AAF India-Burma Sector, arrive at Guskhara, India from the US with P-40's and F-7's respectively; first missions are 31Jan and in Mar 44 respectively.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): An 8AF report concludes that the US daylight strategic bombing program against Germany will be threatened unless steps are taken to reduce the enemy's fighter force, which has increased in strength in the W as a result of step-up in production, strengthening of firepower, and transfer of a larger percentage of fighters to the Western Front.

Mission 176: Four targets are hit costing 24 bombers and 12 fighters.

1. 119 of 131 B-17's and 96 of 114 B-24's hit the shipyard and industrial area at Kiel, Germany plus 10 aircraft hit targets of opportunity; they claim 41-6-13 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17's and 5 B-24's are lost, 3 B-17's and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 61 B-17's and 15 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 36 KIA, 5 WIA and 100 MIA. This mission is escorted by 70 P-38's and 419AF P-51's; they claim 22-1-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 P-38's are lost; casualties are 7 MIA.

2. 112 of 117 B-17's hit the Bordeaux/Merignac Airfield in France; they claim 50-10-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17's are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 49 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 21 WIA and 110 MIA. This mission is escorted by 76 P-47's; they claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 5 MIA.

3. 78 of 79 B-17's hit the Tours Airfield in France; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost and 10 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA. This mission is escorted by 149 P-47's; they claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; no casualties.

4. 73 of 78 hit targets of opportunity at Neuss, Geilenkirchen, Dusseldorf and Wassenburg, Germany; they claim 2-5-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 22 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 20 MIA.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Transfers: 154TRS, 6TRG (attached to 15AF), from Nouvion to Oran, Algeria with P-38's.

717BS(H), 449BG(H), from US to Grottaglie, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-36's hit gun positions N of Mignano and on the S slope of Monte Porchia. Weather cancels other operations.

489BS(M), 340BG(M), transfers from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): B-25's bomb concentrations in the Choiseul Bay area, New Georgia Island and Hahela mission on S Buka Island, while B-24's attack Tonolai, the Kahili supply area, Fauro Island, and Poporang building area, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and medium bombers bomb the Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadjim areas and attack barges from Finschhafen to Saidor; and P-39's hit barges and gun positions during a sweep from Sio to Bogadjim.

THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, P-51's and A-36's carry out ground support missions at Sumprabum and Taihpa Ga and hit a cavalry bivouac and dumps at Kamaing; 12 P-40's attack a supply dump S of Sahmaw Junction and strafe Pahok.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25's bomb a troop ship on the Yangtze River, NE of Tungting Lake; the vessel is reported as sunk.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes command, replacing Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker who will go to Italy as Commanding General Mediterranean Allied AF (MAAF).

Mission 177: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 984,000 leaflets on Amiens, Lille, Valenciennes, Cambrai and Reims, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 436TCG and 79th, 80th, 81 and 82TCSs arrive at Bottesford, England from the US with C-47's.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): General Carl Spaatz assumes command and names Major Generals Frederick L Anderson and Hugh J Knerr as Deputy Commanding Generals for operations and administration.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Control of 15AF operations against targets of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) is placed under USSAFE.

718BS(H), 449BG(H), arrives at Grottaglie, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb Pontedera hitting the marshalling yard and Piaggio aircraft factory there, the Lucca marshalling yard, and the railway N of Follonica; P-40 and A-36 fighterbombers attack gun positions in the Cervaro-Monte Trocchio area and near Aquino, the town of Cervaro, the railway at Civitavecchia, trains N and E of Rome, the Velletri train station, and the town of Fondi.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 78FS, 15th FG, transfers from Haleiwa Field to Stanley Field, Territory of Hawaii with P-40's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-38's sweep the Rabaul area, New Britain Island, claiming 9 Zekes shot down during a running battle over the Cape Gazelle area. B-25's and RNZAF Ventura's bomb and strafe targets in the Choiseul Bay area, New Georgia Island, including jetty areas and buildings at Tarekekori, targets on Morgusaia Island, and gun positions on Kondakanimboko Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's bomb the Alexishafen and Bogadjim areas; A-20's attack targets along the road from Bogadjim to Yaula; B-25's attack targets of opportunity on the Huon Peninsula and others hit the Borgen Bay area; and P-39's strafe barges at Borgen and Rein Bays.

389BS(L), 312BG(L), transfers from Port Moresby to Gusap, New Guinea with P-40's; first Mission is 14 Jan; they transition to A-20's in Feb.

FRIDAY, 7 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25's and 15 P-38's pound the Lanywa area, hitting the oil plant and storage tanks, causing several fires, and strafe several AA positions; 19 A-36's and P-51's bomb supply and troop concentrations at Nanyaseik.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25's and 6 P-40's sink 2 large boats on the Yangtze River S of Hukow and sink a large powerboat, a barge, and a small ore craft at Shihhweiyao; 11 P-38's claim between 30 and 40 sampans destroyed along the river from Hankow to Chiuchiang; and 2 B-25's on a sea sweep claim a 300-ft (91m) passenger vessel sunk S of Hong Kong.

HQ 341BG(M) transfers from the 10AF to the 14AF and moves from Kurmitola, India to Kunming, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 351 of 382 B-17's and 69 of 120 B-24's hit the I G Faren Industrie plant at Ludwigshafen, Germany; they claim 30-6-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17's and 17 B-24's are lost, 2 B-17's and 2 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 104 B-17's and 18 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 14 KIA, 13 WIA and 121 MIA. 71 P-38's, 463 P-47's and 37 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 7-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 5 P-47's are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged; casualties are 6 MIA.

Mission 179: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 1.08 million leaflets on Paris, Chartres, Caen and Evreux, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 35 B-26's bomb the Cherbourg/Maupertus Airfield. Bad weather restricts further operations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb an aircraft factory at Maribor and a torpedo factory at Fiume; the P-38's battle a superior number of enemy fighters over the Maribor area; 3 P-38's are lost and several are missing; 4 fighters are claimed destroyed, with 1probably downed and 4 damaged, during the fierce half-hour fight.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's strike Perugia Airfield; A-20's hit defenses in close support of the US Fifth Army; B-26's hit the marshalling yards at Foligno and Arezzo and attack a bridge at Roccasecca; A-36's hit gun positions, trucks, and trains in the Cervaro-Aquino-Cassino area, bomb the Aquino station, and hit the Velletri railway yards; P-40's give close support in the Monte Maio, Monte La Chiaia, Monte Porchia, and Cedro Hill areas as the US Fifth Army drives toward the Rapido River.

Air echelon of the 417NPS, 12AF, transfers from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon becomes Commanding General. 8 squadrons of Allied fighters support USN dive bombers in an attack on the Cape Saint George area, New Ireland Island.

B-24's bomb Vunakanau Airfield, New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's, B-25's, P-39's, and P-47's bomb the Alexishafen-Madang area, hit Erima, Bogadjim, and targets along the Bogadjim Road, attack positions from Weber Point to Vincke Point, and strafe huts and barges near Sidor. On New Britain Island, B-24's bomb the Cape Gloucester area and A-20's hit forces near Arawe. B-24's also hit Lorengau, Manus Island and Boela, Ceram Island.

SATURDAY, 8 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-51's and A-36's knock out a bridge N of Hopin, destroy a warehouse and railroad tracks in the area, and destroy a locomotive and damage numerous railroad cars at Tigyaingza.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 22BS(H), 341 BG(M), transfers from Chakulia, India to Yangkai, China with B-25's.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 180: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 2.292 million leaflets on Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium; and Rennes, Brest and Nantes, France without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 449th and and 450BGS(H) with B-24's become operational, giving the 15AF a total of 8 heavy bomber groups.

B-24's bomb the airfield at Mostar, Yugoslavia. B-17's hit the Reggio Emilia aircraft factory; P-38's and P-47's fly escort.

HQ 1FG and 27th and 94FSs transfer from Gioia del Colle to Salsola Airfield, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): B-25's bomb the harbor, warehouses, and railway at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. In Italy, A-20's hit railway stations at Frosinone and in the Colleferro-Segni area; B-26's bomb marshalling yards at Grosseto and Lucca; P-40's support the US Fifth Army in the mountains E and SE of Cassino, and, with A-36's, hit railway targets S of Rome at Aquino, Frosinone, Palestrina and Castelforte; other P-40's hit Avezzano, and A-36's blast trains and vessels in the vicinity of Tarquinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 15 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb shipping and shore installations at several locations on Wotje, Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, Marshall Islands; and 2 B-25's from Tarawa hit shipping and gun positions on Jaluit.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Kahili, Bougainville Island; and B-25's hit concentrations on Siposai and Kondakanimboko Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's, medium bombers, and a few fighters, attack the Madang area, bomb Uligan Harbor, and hit Bogadjim and the Bogadjim Road. On New Britain Island, fighters strafe the Sag Sag sawmill in the Cape Gloucester area and B-25's and A-20's hit positions near Arawe. B-24's bomb Kendari and other targets on Celebes Island.

SUNDAY, 9 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 21 P-51 's and A-36's attack the Loilaw, Burma area, severely damaging a bridge, hitting an ammunition storage building, and scoring direct hits on large barracks.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 9 fighters strafe 6 steamboats and many smaller craft on the Yangtze River at Puchi; 2 B-25's on a sea sweep bomb a 200-ft (61m) vessel S of Swatow, reporting the ship destroyed. 8 fighter-bombers hit Sadon, Burma and in French Indochina, 4 bomb the Atson railroad yards and Lao Kay railroad station.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS: Prime Minister Winston S Churchill and General Charles A De Gaulle meet at Marrakesh, French Morocco. They discuss cooperation of a French expeditionary force in invasion of Europe and the degree of authority of the French inside France after the invasion.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's hit the docks and shipping at Pola, Yugoslavia.

71FS, 1FG, transfers from Gioia del Colle to Salsola Airfield, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the marshalling yard and docks at Ancona; P-40's hit tanks and trucks at Palena and S of Sulmona, and positions and vehicles near Cervaro; and A-36's hit positions in the same area.

414NPS, 63FW, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-25's hit Buka seaplane base on Buka Island and the Kahili supply area on Bougainville; fighters strafe the Cape Dunganon area and along the Ramusian River W of Teop. On New Britain Island, 7 squadrons of Allied fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Tobera; 2 squadrons of B-24's pound Vunakanau Airfield. 6 B-25's bomb Taharai Airfield, New Ireland Island and afterwards some hit targets of opportunity on the island.

Transfers from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Munda, New Georgia Island: 23BS(H) and 72BS(H), 5BG(H), with B-24's.

371BS(H) and 372BS(H), 307BG(H), with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, fighters and bombers attack Alexishafen, Madang, Bogadjim, Uligan Harbor, and the area E of Saidor; and Cape Beechey is strafed by P-40's.

Transfers in New Guinea: 36FS, 8FG, from Nadzab to Finschhafen with P-47's.

498BS(M), 345BG(M), from Port Moresby to Dobodura with B-25's.

MONDAY, 10 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 A-36's and P-51's hit a bivouac area at Nanyaseik; and 15 P-40's attack a bridge at Namti, damaging railroad tracks and the S approach to the bridge. During the night of 9/10 Jan, 7 B-24's lay mines in the Menam River estuary near Bangkok, Thailand and in the Rangoon River estuary. B-24's during the day bomb marshalling yard and airfield in the Bangkok area and hit the main jetty at Akyab, Burma. 9 B-25's mine the Mokpalin, Burma ferry crossing over the Sittang River.

315TCS, 10AF transfers from Dinjan to Sylhet, India with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 P-51's bomb the approach to the Kienchang bridge and attack a troop train N of Teian damaging the train and killing an estimated 100 soldiers; 3 B-25's and 8 P-40's sweep the area from Anking to Chiuchiang, sinking a large motor launch, 2 100-ft (30.5 m) barges, and a tug on the Yangtze River, and attacking a bridge at Teian and tracks S of Chiuchiang; 2 B-25's and 4 P-40's attack shipping on the Yangtze River near Wusueh, sinking a launch and leaving 3 tankers burning.

491BS(M), 341BG(M), transfers from Chakulia, India to Yangkai, China with B-25's.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 181: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 4.8 million leaflets on Orleans, Chateauroux, Rouen, Le Mans and Tours, France without loss.

HQ 93CBW(H) transfers from Horsham St Faith to Elveden Hall, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 366FG and 390FS arrives at Membury, England from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

71, 72d, 73and 74TCSs, 434TCG, transfer from Welford Park to Fulbeck, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's bomb Sofia, Bulgaria causing considerable damage in the marshalling yards. B-24's hit the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

Around 60 Luftwaffe fighters attack the Sofia force and a fierce air battle ensues; 2 B-17's are lost; they claim 28 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's hit San Benedetto de Marsi; P-40's, with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit communications, gun positions, trucks, and tanks at numerous points in and NW of the battle area; other P-40's give close support to ground forces in the Chieti area; and A-36's hit trucks, tanks, trains, and other targets of opportunity N of Rome.

Transfers: HQ 47BG(L) from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy.

Air echelon of the 417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF 337 Wing) from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 4 P-39's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands strafe Mille Atoll; 1 of the P-39's drops 2 500-lb (227 kg) bombs on the fuel storage area; during the night of 10/11Jan, 16 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands from the Ellice Islands, bomb Maloelap Atoll; 4 others, staging through Baker Island from Canton Island, Phoenix Islands, hit Mille Atoll.

392BS(H), 30BG(H), transfers from Canton Island to Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon, Commanding General, begins a heavy bomber campaign of night strikes.

5BG(H) opens the night raids sending 20 B-24's on a strike against Lakunai Airfield, New Britain Island after a morning raid by 10 B-24's against nearby Vunakanau airfield. 5 B-24's hit the Kahili supply area, Bougainville Island while 4 hit the Chinatown area of Buka Island. AAF and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike against Cape Saint George, New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ heavy, medium, and light bombers, and fighters attack the Madang, Alexishafen, and Bogadjim areas and the coastline from Madang to Sio. P-39's strafe scattered villages and barges on New Britain Island. B-25's bomb Koepang, Timor Island.

Transfers to Nadzab New Guinea: 33BS(H), 22BG(M), from Dobodura with B-25's; squadron will be redesignated 33BS(H) on 3 Feb and transition to B-24's.

69TCS, 433TCG, from Port Moresby with C-47's.

TUESDAY, 11 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 36 A-36's, P-51's, and P-40's pound an encampment containing about 4,900 troops and a large quantity of supplies, causing considerable damage by accurate bombing and strafing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Before daylight 14 Japanese bombers hit the airfield at Suichwan, China; during the morning 3 medium bombers and 15 fighters follow up with a second strike; 7 P-51's and 5 P-40's intercept the second attack, claiming 3 medium bombers shot down. 8 B-24's bomb the harbor, aluminum plant, and airfield at Takao, Formosa; 1bombs oil storage at Swatow, China. 4 B-24's mine harbors at Takao and Hong Kong; 1 B-24 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 182. Three aviation industry targets in Germany are hit; fierce opposition estimated at 500 Luftwaffe fighters is encountered and 60 bombers and 5 fighters are lost.

1. 177 B-17's are dispatched to Oschersleben; 139 hit the primary and 20 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 174-32-63 Luftwaffe aircraft; 34 B-17's are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 83 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA, 11 WIA and 349 MIA.

2. 114 B-17's are dispatched to Halberstadt; 52 hit the primary and 55 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 35-11-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 18 WIA and 81 MIA. 177 P-47's and 44 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 29-11-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47's are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 4 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA and 2 MIA. Major James H Howard, a P-51 pilot of the 354FG, shot down an Me 110 and then found himself the lone escort for a B-17 group being attacked by 30 Luftwaffe aircraft. For the next 30 minutes, he kept turning into the enemy fighters and firing until only one gun was firing; by this time, he was credited with 2-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft and saved the B-17's. Major Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor.

3. 234 B-17's and 138 B-24's are dispatched to Brunswick; 47 B-17's hit the primary, 114 hit Osnabruck, 25 hit Bielefeld, 22 hit Peine, 10 hit Herford and 1 hit Nienburg; no B-24's hit the primary, 58 hit Meppen, 1 hits Lingen and 7 hit other targets; they claim 19-17-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 B-17's and 2 B-24's are lost, 1each damaged beyond repair and 47 B-17's and 7 B-24's damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 176 MIA. This mission is escorted by 49 P-38's and 322 P-47's; they claim 2-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 2 P-47's are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged; casualties are 1 MIA. Among the PFF aircraft are 4 B-24's, this being the first time B-24's are used in this capacity.

HQ 96CBW(H) is activated at Horsham St Faith, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb the harbor at Piraeus, Greece; they destroy 8 attacking fighters; 6 B-17's are lost in midair collisions in the heavy overcast.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 82FG and 95th, 96th and 97FSs from Lecce to Vincenzo Airfield with P-38's.

HQ 456BG(H) and 744th, 745th, 746th and 747BS(H) to Cerignola from the US with B-24's; first

Mission is 10 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's attack the iron and steel works at Piombino during the night of 10/11Jan; during the day, B-25's bomb Falconara (hitting the railroad junction) and railroad yards at Fabriano; P-40's and A-36's blast defenses and gun positions in Cervaro-Monte Trocchio, a gun position N of Minturno, the towns of Sora and Isola del Liri, road traffic in the Macerata-Aquila-Popoli area, and railroad facilities at San Giorgio del Sannio.

Transfers: HQ 87FW to Nouvion, Algeria from the US.

84th and 85BS(L), 47BG(L), from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands hit 5 vessels and land installations at Maloelap Atoll; a 5000-ton cargo ship and a small vessel are sunk; 4 P-39's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb and strafe runways on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): About 90 Allied fighters cover 60+ USN dive bombers attacking the Cape Saint George area, New Ireland Island. 2 flights of P-39's strafe targets of opportunity from Numa Numa to Koromira, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25's, P-39's, and P-40's hit Uligan Harbor, barges and the road near Bogadjim, the Hansa Bay area, and the town of Alexishafen.

WEDNESDAY, 12 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ B-25's and P-38's hit the marshalling yard at Letpadan, damaging warehouses, engine sheds, and other buildings; the fighters also strafe Myohaung, setting 3 buildings afire.

27TCS, 10AF (attached to the Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command), arrives at Sylhet, India from the US with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 B-24's bomb the Bangsue marshalling yard at Bangkok, Thailand.

HQ 69th Composite Wing transfers from Kunming to Tsuyung, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 389FS, 366th FG, arrives at Membury, England from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, P-47's fly a fighter sweep in the Rome area, strafing the marshalling yard at Teramo and buildings between the Tronto and Tesino Rivers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel Archibald Y Smith assumes command of the XII AF Training and Replacement Command.

In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb the Giulianova railway bridge and attack a dam and road bridge; A-20's hit San Donato; P-40's attack a vessel in the Krka River of Yugoslavia, hit enemy defensive positions at San Biagio Saracinesa, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, Monte Trocchio, and Atina, and bomb Vallerotonda; A-36's attack the Avezzano railroad yards, a village near Atina, railroad facilities at Cisterna di Latina, and numerous trucks and train cars in the Rome area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 21A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb AA positions and the storage area on Mille

Atoll, Marshall Islands and 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 13 B-25's of the 42BG(M), on their first Mission against the Rabaul area, bomb Vunakanau Airfield in the early morning, and 16 B-24's hit Lakunai Airfield during the night of 12/13 Jan; 19 B-24's, with an escort of about 50 fighters, pound the airstrip and other targets at Tobera. On Bougainville Island, 3 flights of P-39's bomb and strafe Teop, Inus Point, Numa Numa, and Piano Mission; other aircraft on armed reconnaissance and sweeps hit several targets of opportunity throughout the Bougainville area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's attack the Alexishafen area and A-20's hit Warai. B-24's attack

Balikpapan, Borneo; Makassar, Celebes Island; and Dili, Timor Island.

THURSDAY, 13 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51's hit troop concentrations at Lalawng Ga and bomb Maran Ga and Shaduzup; 27 P-40's attack a communication center and dumps along the Kamaing-Mogaung road; and 4 P-51's and a B-25 pound the airfield and supply area at Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25's on a sweep from Hong Kong to Hainan Island attack 4 large boats, several warehouses, a radio station, and a car at Fort Bayard, China; 1 of the vessels explodes; 6 P-40's on armed

reconnaissance strafe 4 pack trains of about 15 animals each between Lungling and Tengchung.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Major General Kenneth B Wolfe, Commanding General, arrives at New Delhi, India with the advanced echelon of XX BC staff. This is the first important movement of personnel for Operation MATTERHORN (the plan approved in Apr 44 for the bombing of Japan by B-29's based in the Calcutta, India area and staging through advanced fields in the Chengtu, China area).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 193 B-26's bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in France. Fighter pilots report being tracked by AA rockets.

Transfers in England: HQ 100FW from Greenham Common to Ibsley and HQ 368FG and 395th, 396th and 397FSs to Greenham Common from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb Centocelle and Guidonia airfields and B-24's hit Perugia airfield. P-38's provide escort, and P-47's fly top cover for the B-17 missions. The heavy bombers destroy several fighters in aerial combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino airfields; A-20's strike the town of Atina. AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers hit shipping along the Dalmatian coast at Sibenik and in the Krka River of Yugoslavia. A-36's hit the town and railway yards at Isola del Liri, a factory at Colleferro, docks at Formia, railroad yards at Valmontone, and a railway station SE of Frosinone. P-40's hit Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, San Biagio, Saracinesa, and a rail and road junction near Villa Latina.

86th and 97BS(L), 47BG(L), transfer from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands attack harbor shipping at Wotje Atoll; 21A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb dock, barracks, and storage area on Mille Atoll; some of the 16 escorting P-39's strafe ground targets, and 10 other P-39's carry out strafing mission over Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 13AF moves from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

During predawn hours 11 B-25's bomb Tobera, Rapopo, the Wide Bay area, and coast S of Rapopo, New Britain Island. P-39's strafe Tinputs, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): HQ V Fighter Command transfers from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea and Major General Paul B Wurtsmith becomes Commanding General, V Fighter Command.

In New Guinea, 130+ B-24's, B-25's and P-40's attack Alexishafen. B-24's bomb Gasmata Island off New Britain Island. B-24's and B-25's strike Kaukenau and Timoeka, New Guinea and score hit on a freighter off Tanimbar Island, Moluccas Islands.

FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Bad weather limits operations to fighter patrols in the Sumprabum, Burma area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25's on a coastal sweep from Pakhoi to Haiphong, French Indochina bomb a group of buildings on Weichow Island; 2 B-24's damage 2 vessels near Saint John Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 183: 356 of 374 B-17's and 156 of 178 B-24's hit 20 of 21V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France; 19 B-24's hit targets of opportunity; they claim 8-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's and 1 B-24 are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 66 B-17's and 9 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 11 WIA and 31 MIA. 98 P-38's, 504 P-47's and 43 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 14-1-0

Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 9 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged; casualties are 3 MIA.

Mission 184: During the evening, 4 B-17's drop 840,000 leaflets on Amiens, Lille, Cambrai and St. Omer France without loss.

Mission 185: 2 B-17's are dispatched to Wesel, Germany for a night test of Oboe Mk II; 1 aircraft aborts and 1drops 2 tons of high explosive bomBSon the target without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 71FW transfers from Aldermaston to Greenham Common, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 200 B-24's and B-17's attack the town area and airfield at Mostar, Yugoslavia. P-38's provide escort throughout the mission s, and P-47's join the B-17's at the target and cover the flight back to base.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's strike the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's offer close support to US Fifth Army forces in the Monte Trocchio area; P-40's blast Loreto tank repair shops; P-40's and A-36's hit defenses in the San Giuseppe, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido. and Monte Trocchio areas; A-36's also attack road and buildings E of Minturno, the town of Isola del Liri, and the harbor at Anzio.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 321BG(M) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448BS(M) from Amendola to Vincenzo Airfield with B-25's and 308FS, 31FG, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 12 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb 3 islands in Kwajalein Atoll; 3 B-25's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands fly a mission against shipping at Wotje Atoll; 2 of the B-25's attack 2 small vessels, sinking 1 and damaging the other; the other B-25 bombs a runway and building on the S part of Wotje.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, during the night of 13/14 Jan, 15 B-24's bomb Vunakanau and Lakunai Airfields, Rabaul, Rapopo and Malaguna; just before dawn, 12 B-25's hit Au and Cape Gazelle and Buka, Buka Island in the Solomon Islands. P-39's join USN SBD's in bombing Wakunai, Bougainville Island. 70+ Allied fighters support a strike by 50+ USN dive bombers against shipping in Simpson Harbor at Rabaul; the fighters claim 27 aircraft shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24's, B-25's, and P-40's hit the Alexishafen and Erima area. On New Britain Island, B-24's bomb Cape Busching; B-25's attack targets of opportunity along the N coast, and A-20's strike villages along the S coast.

SATURDAY, 15 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 4 P-40's and a B-25 over N Burma hit a train at Pinwe.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25's on a sea sweep along the French Indochina coast bomb the Hongay power plant and sink a gunboat in a nearby cove to the SW; a coal grading building at Campha Port is also bombed. 2 B-25's on a sweep off the SE China coast sink a wooden vessel off Swatow and damage the lighthouse on Nampana Island. 2 others shoot down a Japanese bomber N of Chikhom, China.

MTO - MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED AF (MAAF): Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker, USAAF, assumes command of MAAF and Army AFs, MTO - (AAFMTO), replacing Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder, RAF, and General Carl Spaatz, who along with Air Vice Marshall Sir Arthur Coningham, RAF, and numerous other American and British officers have departed for the UK.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's bomb the Prato marshalling yard and industrial area, and also hit roads in the area and drop several bombs on the town of Pistoia. B-17's concentrate on railroad yards and bridges in the Florence area at Certaldo, Poggibonsi, Montalto di Castro, Arezzo, Civitavecchia, and near Porto Civitanova and Orvieto, and hit scattered targets of opportunity. Fighters escort all the mission s.

HQ 306th and 307BWS(H) are activated at Bari, Italy.

HQ 455BG(H) and 740th, 741, 742 and 743BS(H) arrive at San Giovanni, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 12 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the Foligno railway junction; B-26's bomb bridges at Orvieto. P-40's of the 79FG and RAF 239 Wing hit the San Valentino station in a joint attack; A-36's and other P-40's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, hit gun positions and strongpoints, especially at Picinisco and Atina; P-40's on armed reconnaissance hit the railroad W of Frosinone station and strafe the Ceccano station and railway cars.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands flying at deck-level bomb and strafe shipping and shore installations at Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands; 2 vessels are hit and the oil dump, hangars, other buildings, and runways are damaged; 1 B-25 crashes at sea after being hit by AA fire.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands, 24 B-25's, with 60 fighters escorting, pound East Cape; and P-39's attack barges and trucks at Chabai.

HQ 347FG and it's 339FS transfer from Guadalcanal Island to Stirling Island, Treasury Islands with P-38's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's pound Uligan Harbor; P-40's, P-47's, and B-25's hit the Madang, Alexishafen, Erima, and Bogadjim area. Enemy positions along the S coast of New Britain Island are attacked by B-25's and P-39's.

499BS(M), 345BG(M), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-25's.

SUNDAY, 16 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 P-40's attack the town of Pingkai, China and strafe targets of opportunity in the surrounding valley area.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: General Dwight D Eisenhower assumes duties of Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force (AEF).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24's attack the Osoppo, Italy landing ground and the town of Zara, Yugoslavia; they claim 9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-24 is lost. B-17's bomb the Messerschmitt factory at Klagenfurt, Austria and the landing ground at Villaorba, Italy. Escorting P-38's claim 9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-38's are lost.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 97BG(H) and 342BS(H) from Cerignola to Amendola with B-17's; HQ 454BG(H) and 736th and 737BS(H) to San Giovanni from the US with B-24's, first Mission is 8 Feb; and 154TRS, 68TRG (attached to 15AF), begins a movement from Oran, Algeria to Bari, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the marshalling yard and choke points at Terni; B-26's attack the marshalling yard and bridge at Orte; A-20's bomb the town of Atina; P-40's attack bridges in the San Giorgio del Sannio area and gun emplacements near Cassino; Sant' Angelo in Theodice and Picinisco; A-36's hit the railway junction at Cecina, road and railway S of Siena, and the town areas of Avezzano and Formia.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 79FG and 85th and 86FS from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; and 99FS, XII Air Support Command (attached to 79FG), from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 25 A-24's, 16 P-39's, and 8 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands strike Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; the A-24's bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas, the P-40's bomb and strafe barracks and AA emplacements and the P-39's strafe runways; 2 P-39's are lost; P-39's sent up on interceptor missions claim 3 Japanese airplanes destroyed over Mille Atoll and Makin Island.

Transfers: 28(Photo)RS, 7AF, to Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii from the US with F-5's.

431BS(H), 11BG(H), from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, the Madang, Erima, and Bogadjim areas are hit by B-25's, A-20's, and P-40's; P-39's strafe the area from Sio to Bogadjim; and B-25's bomb the area N from Cape Croisilles. B-24's and B-25's attack positions near Arawe, New Britain Island. B-24's carry out a light raid on the harbor of Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands.

MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, A-36's and P-51's support ground forces in the Shaduzup-Ngamaw Ga area and near Taro; others bomb supply dumps, warehouses, and rolling stock at Sahmaw; and P-40's hit Myitkyina Airfield.

Transfer: HQ

7BG(H) from Pandaveswar to Kurmitola, India.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's attack the marshalling yard at Prato and the marshalling yard and bridge at Pontassieve; B-24's bomb the marshalling yard at Arezzo; and P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 98BG(H) and 343BS(H) from Manduria to Lecce with B-24's; 340th, 341 and 414BS(H), 97BG(H), from Cerignola to Amendola with B-17's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack marshalling yards at Terni, Chiaravalle, and Montemarciano; B-26's strike the Orte railway bridge and Viterbo marshalling yard; P-40's hit the Sibenik, Yugoslavia harbor, the bridge at San Giorgio del Sannio, gun positions at San Giuseppe and Formia and docks at Anzio; A-36's bomb Anzio, the Avezzano town area and road junction, and Tarquinia town and factory buildings.

Transfers in Italy: 87FS, 79FG, from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; 92FS, 81 fighter

Group, from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Capodichino with P-39's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb and strafe Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands, hitting the runway, AA positions, radio tower, warehouse area, lagoon dredges and possible oil dumps. 4 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb and strafe the Mille Atoll landing ground.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, AAF and US fighters support a USN dive-bomber strike on shipping at Rabaul; they claim 18 Japanese airplanes; 10 Allied fighters are lost. During the night of 17/18 Jan, a few B-24's, in 2 flights, bomb the Rabaul area, while 2 RNZAF Ventura's bomb the Kalakapisi coast watcher station at Choiseul Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 47 B-24's and B-25's bomb the Hansa Bay area; B-25's bomb Nubia; P-39's strafe the Rai Coast; and B-24's bomb Bandanaira, Celebes Islands.

TUESDAY, 18 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38's hit the airfield and satellite field at Meiktila; 18 B-24's and 9 B-25's bomb the encampment area at Kyaukchaw; 17 A-36's and P-51's hit troops, dumps, and workshops at Sawnghka; 11 P-40's attack troops and stores at Shaduzup; 3 transport aircraft are lost to Japanese fighters during a supply dropping Mission SE of Sumprabum.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 2 B-25's bomb the railroad yard and wharf at Campha Port and oil storage facilities at Mon Cay.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's attack marshalling yards, a bridge and an airfield in the Florence, Italy area; P-38's and P-47's provide close escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's hit the harbor, tin mills, steel works, power house, and blast furnaces at Piombino, and bomb the Montalto di Castro railroad and bridge; B-25's hit the town and railway viaduct at Terni, and A-20's blast gun positions in the Minturno area; P-40's hit trains, wharves and vessels in the Ploca and Metkovic, Yugoslavia areas; A-36's and P-40's pound troops, trucks, and gun positions in the Minturno area and near Pontecorvo and Atina, hit a gasoline dump at Pignataro Interamna, a warehouse at Fontana Liri, a factory at Ceprano, the rail and road junction at Avezzano, and railway at Santa Marinella.

Transfers in Italy: 81 and 434BS(M), 12BG(M), from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; 307FS, 31FG, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's; 344th, 345th and 415BS(H), 98BG(H), from Manduria to Lecce with B-24's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 12 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, attack barracks area, runway and gun position on the N part of Mille Atoll; 25 A-24's and 8 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands pound the oil storage area on the S side of Jabor Island in Jaluit Atoll; the P-40's also strafe a radio station in the target area.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 34 B-25's supported by 70+ fighters, pound Tobera; and single B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb the Maliai, Vunakanau, and Lakunai areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, the Hansa Bay area is bombed by 40 B-24's. 70+ B-25's pound the Madang and Bogadjim areas and positions around Shaggy Ridge; 55 P-38's and P-40's engage a like number of Japanese fighters over Wewak, losing 3 P-38's and claiming 12 shot down.

Other B-24's bomb Laha, Celebes Islands.

HQ 345BG transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea.

WEDNESDAY, 19 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 16 B-24's bomb the marshalling yard and Don Maung railroad station at Bangkok, Thailand. In Burma, 4 P-40's hit the town of Wakshang; 26 A-36's and P-51's hit targets along roads from Ngamaw Ga to Maingkwan to Mashi Daru.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 P-40's and 2 B-25's attack the barracks area at Mon Cay, French Indochina.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's and B-17's hit airfields at Perugia, Iesi, Centocelle, and Ciampino; P-38's fly close escort for all the missons while P-47's fly top cover over Ciampino and Centocelle and carry out a sweep over the Rome area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb Rieti Airfield; B-26's hit the airfield at Viterbo; A-20's attack the marshalling yard at Colleferro; P-40's bomb and strafe 2 schooners at Makarska, Yugoslavia; A-36's hit guns, trucks, and trains N of Rome and fly 70+ sorties against rail, communications and troop positions in the US Fifth Army battle area as the Garigliano bridgehead expands; P-40's also hit defended positions in the battle area and near Scauri, Tremensuoli, and Alvito.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 12BG(M) and 82 and 83BS(M) from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; HQ 27FBG and 522d, 523and 524FBSs from Paestum to Pomigliano with A-36's; HQ 31FG and 309FS from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 17 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; flying at low altitude, the B-25's score hits on gun positions, fuel dumps, and the airfield area in general; AA fire claims 2 B-25's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Attacks during the day are limited to isolated strikes on shipping and other targets of opportunity by aircraft on armed reconnaissance over Bougainville Island, New Ireland Island, and Saint George Channel. During the night of 19/20 Jan, 11 B-24's, in 2 waves, fly strikes against Rabaul and Vunakanau targets on New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 57 B-24's bomb Boram, New Guinea; 17 more bomb Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands, and Halong, Celebes Islands; and 2 others score hits on freighter near Aitape, New Guinea. 65 B-25's, along with RAAF airplanes, pound positions in the Shaggy Ridge, New Guinea area. 2 P-39's bomb barges in the Cape Raoult, New Britain Island area.

25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG begins transfer from Brisbane, Australia to Lae, New Guinea with F-5's.

THURSDAY, 20 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In N Burma, 40+ A-36's and P-51's hit storage dumps along the railway in the Mogaung area and billets and warehouse area at Mohnyin. In S Burma, 16 P-38's and 6 B-25's knock out a railroad bridge, pipeline, and railroad tracks in the Nattalin area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24's on sweep from Hong Kong to Swatow, China, attack a freighter and a tanker, which are reported sinking.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 186: during the evening, 4 of 5 B-17's drop 960,000 leaflets on Lille, Brest, Caen and Chartres, France

without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 437TCG and 83d, 84th, 85TCSs arrive at Balderton, England from the US with C-47's.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): General Carl Spaatz, as Commanding General USSAFE, formally assumes administrative responsibility for all USAAF units in the UK. His HQ is located at Bushy Park, formerly 8AF HQ.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's and B-17's bomb airfields at Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino; P-38's provide escort and P-47's carry out sweeps over the targets. Other P-47's escort transport airplanes on a mission to Yugoslavia.

HQ 451BG(H) transfers from the US to Gioia del Colle, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb the Viterbo marshalling yard and attack a bridge at Pontecorvo; B-25's attack railroads in the Carsoli area; A-20's give close support to the US 5th Infantry Division in the Minturno area; British and US P-40's follow RAF light bombers in a raid on the Popoli station; A-36's pound a rail and road crossing at Viterbo. and P-40's hit communications at Frosinone, Palestrina, and Carsoli, where a traffic block is created; A-36's and P-40's fly nearly 200 sorties in support of the US Fifth Army ground forces as the 36th Infantry Division begins an assault across the Rapido River in the Theodice area; and P-40's hit targets along the British Eighth Army front.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 13 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Wotje Atoll during the night of 19/20 Jan; 8 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb Rakaaru Island; other B-25's sent from Tarawa Atoll against shipping at Ailinglapalap Atoll, abort because of bad weather; 9 P-40's from the Gilbert Islands strafe a corvette and a schooner at Jaluit Atoll, mortally damaging both vessels; 4 other P-40's bomb Mille Atoll.

HQ 11BG(H) and 98BS(H) transfer from Funafuti and Nukufetau Islands, Ellice Islands respectively to Tarawa Atoll with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Several targets on Bougainville Island are bombed by 2 squadrons of B-24's. 18 B-25's, with about 70 escorting fighters, pound the airfield, fuel dump and gun positions, at Vunakanau and Rabaul, New Britain Island.

HQ 42BG(M) and 75BS(M) transfer from the Russell Islands to Sterling Island, Treasury Islands with B-25's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 37 B-25's and a B-24 bomb and strafe the Hansa Bay area; 60+ B-25's hit positions on Shaggy Ridge; and P-39's strafe troops at Weber Point. 25 A-20's hit positions between Borgen Bay and Rein Bay, New Britain Island, and hit barge hideouts and enemy held areas on Gasmata Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 71RG from Port Moresby to Nadzab; "A" flight of the 110RS (Fighter), 71RG, based at Port Moresby, begins operating from Gusap with P-39Q's.

FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 P-40's score near misses on the Loilaw bridge and strafe Budagon nearby, starting several fires. 16 A-36's and P-51's support ground forces near Sumprabum, and 11more bomb forces SW of Kamaing.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 187: 36 V-weapon sites in France, 34 in the Pas de Calais area and 2 in the Cherbourg area, are

targetted; 24 are attacked by 302 of 597 B-17's and 68 of 198 B-24's; 15 B-17's and 9 B-24's hit targets of opportunity (2 V-weapon sites and 3 airfields); they claim 5-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-24's and a B-17 are lost, 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair, and 103 B-17's and 41 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 31 WIA and 74 MIA. This mission is escorted by 49 P-38's, 531 P-47's and 48 9AF P-51's; they claim 6-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-2-0 on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 188: During the night, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Reims, Nantes, Le Mans, Tours and Orleans, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 119 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's bomb airfields at Istres-Le-Tube and Salon-de-Provence, France, and in Italy, railroad bridges at Porto Civitanova, and a bridge and marshalling yard at Rimini, Italy; B-24's attack the marshalling yards at Pontedera and Prato; P-38's fly escort; and P-47's sweep over wide areas around Rome and Florence.

738th and 739BS(H), 454BG(H) arrives at San Giovanni, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's hit railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto; B-25's bomb chokepoints around Rome and unsuccessfully attack the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's attack communications at Atina; P-40's hit shipping at Povlje, Yugoslavia; other P-40's and A-36's attack strongpoints, trucks, a command post, a HQ building, and radar station in the battle area; P-40's also give close support to US Fifth Army troops which are hardpressed at both Garigliano and the Rapido River bridgeheads; and A-36's bomb Veletri, a concentration at Minturno, and the area S of Viterbo.

"B" and "C" Flights of the 15th Combat Mapping Squadron, 5(Photo)RG, depart Colorado Springs, Colorado to join "A" Flight.

The 15th, based at Bari, Italy with F-5's and B-25's, has been in the MTO - since Dec 42.

381BS(M), 310BG(M), transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 16 B-24's staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands during the night of 20/21Jan, bomb targets on Kwajalein Atoll; 6 Tarawa-based B-25's hit Arno Atoll, and 12 bomb Aur Atoll; 9 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, hit gun positions, barracks, and runways on Mille Atoll; 23 A-24's and 11 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, attack gun positions, ammunition and oil storage, barracks, and 2 small vessels at Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 38 B-24's pound the runway and revetment area at Borpop Airfield, New Ireland Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39's strafe Kara and Kahili; and RNZAF Ventura's and B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb Kalakapisi, Nukiki, and Buka on Buka Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's bomb the Madang area, and strafe villages near Saidor and troops from Reiss Point to Erima. On New Britain Island, B-25's and P-39's strafe barges from Cape Raoult to Rein Bay and hit targets of opportunity along the the N coast; single B-24's on armed reconnaissance blast a control tower at Hoskins airfield, and hit ships near Kavieng, New Ireland Island and at Lorengau, Manus Island. 2 B-24's bomb Waingapoe, Sunda Island.

SATURDAY, 22 JANUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): HQ 343FG transfers from Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands to Alexai Point, Alaska.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 B-24's bomb an encampment at Prome; 16 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 attack communications and supply dumps between Kumnyen and Ngamaw Ga; 12 A-36's and P-51's support ground forces in the Sumprabum area; 11 P-40's severely damage the Namkwin railroad bridge.

492BS(H), 7BG(H), transfers from Panagarh to Madhaiganj, India with B-24's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 P-40's and 5 P-51's strafe the newly opened Nanchang airfield, killing about 20 troops and destroying an airplane and a truck; 12 P-38's knock out bridges at Shektan and Sheklung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 457BG(H) arrives at Glatton, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 363FG and 382FS transfer from Keevil to Rivenhall, England with P-51's; first Mission is 24 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, unescorted B-17's and B-24's bomb the Terni and Arezzo marshalling yards, Pontedera marshalling yard and airfield, a road and rail junction NW of Frascati, Terracina road defile and Pontecorvo bridge and town area; P-38's strafe targets in the Arce-Frosinone area, including several vehicles and train cars; P-47's on a sweep over the Rome area encounter several fighters, and claim 5 shot down; 2 P-47's are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, maximum support is given to Allied landings at Anzio, which are begun by the US Fifth Army's VI Corps at 0200; fighter-bombers, light and medium bombers direct efforts toward isolating the landing area by cutting roads, bridges, and railroads and obstructing towns in the surrounding region, at Valetri, Valmontone, Colleferro, Ceprano, and Fondi and hitting traffic and communications throughout the area; fighters maintain a patrol over shipping and beachhead and successfully intercept several enemy fighter-bomber mission s directed against the landings.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 18 B-24's, flying from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit targets on Kwajalein, Jaluit and Mille Atoll; 10 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands hit Maloelap Atoll; 9 others, flying out of Tarawa, bomb shipping and shore installations at Wotje Atoll; 3 B-25's are lost during the day's missions; 10 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 27 B-25's, with 90+ supporting fighters, attack Lakunai Airfield, doing considerable damage to runway and revetment areas; they claim 18 Japanese aircraft; 1 B-25 and 4 fighters are lost. 6 B-25's and 30+ B-24's pound the town of Rabaul.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's strafe villages, bridges, and barges from Cape Gourdon to Cape Croisilles, New Guinea, and hit shipping at Papitalai, Los Negros Island, sinking a small vessel and a barge and severely damaging a jetty. A-20's, P-40's and RAAF aircraft hit numerous scattered targets of opportunity on New Britain Island.

SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 19 B-24's, in 2 waves, attack shipping at Mergui, claiming a 350-ft (107 m) vessel and 2 small boats destroyed; 6 B-25's and 16 P-38's knock out a bridge at Myittha, damage a bridge at Samon, and damage several trucks and railroad cars; 28 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 pound supply dumps at Kamaing and Mogaung, achieving excellent results; 16 P-40's hit Myitkyina Airfield, railroad cars at Pidaung, and a railroad bridge at Loilaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 P-40's and 9 B-25's from Kweilin pound Kai Tek Airfield in the Hone Kong-Kowloon area; and 2 B-25's heavily damage 3 merchant vessels S of Wenchow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 232: 5 B-17's drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Le Mans, Chartres, Lille and Orleans, France

at 2136-2232 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Nearly 200 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in the French coastal area.

75th and 77TCSs, 435TCG, transfer from Langer to Welford Park, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb road bridges at Pontecorvo and Ceprano, railroad line and bridge at Falconara, Marittima, and marshalling yards at Poggibonsi and Siena; P-47's escort the B-17's to the latter 2 targets; B-24's bomb Rieti Airfield, Porto Civitanova marshalling yard, and targets of opportunity, including a bridge near Cagli, marshalling yard N of Perugia, and landing strip S of Iesi; P-47's and P-38's carry out sweeps in wide areas around Rome and Florence, reaching out to Viterbo, Rieti, Orte, and Terni.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel William S Gravely takes command of XII AF Training and Replacement Command. B-26's bomb the area S of Avezzano while B-25's hit the town of Avezzano and road junction at Monte Cornacchia; A-20's bomb Vallecorsa with good results; A-36's attack Vallecorsa, road junctions at Fondi and in the Priverno area, the town of Ceccano, and railroad at Sezze; P-47's bomb the bridge at Skradin, Yugoslavia; RAF Desert AF (DAF) fighters strafe tanks and trucks on the British Eighth Army front, and XII Air Support Command fighters cover the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead during the day.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 21 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, hit Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; the B-25's claim 3 fighters shot down; 23 B-24's, flying out of Makin and Abemama Islands, Gilbert Islands, bomb Wotje Atoll at dusk; 1 B-24 bombs Mille Atoll during return flight after developing engine trouble.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 80 AAF, USN and USMC (USMC) fighters support 60+ USN dive bombers in a strike on the Lakunai Airfield and Matupi Harbor area; they claim 30+ Japanese aircraft; 3 Allied fighters are lost; later, 40+ fighters sweep the Rabaul area; during the night of 23/24 Jan, 7 B-25's hit Tobera and Lakunai.

20 P-39's strafe targets of opportunity in the Shortland Island area.

67FS, 347FG, transfers from Woodlark Island to Russell Island, Solomon Islands with P-39's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 35 B-24's, with fighter escort, bomb Wewak; 50 Japanese fighters intercept; in the ensuing air battle US aircraft claim 12 of the fighters shot down; 5 US fighters are lost; P-39's strafe barges and AA positions at Uligan Harbor and on the Rai Coast. In New Britain, A-20's hit forces and AA positions near Cape Raoult and Gasmata Island. B-24's hit Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands.

25LS, V BC attached to 5212(Photo)Wing (Provisional), begins moving from Brisbane, Australia to Lae, New Guinea with L-5's.

MONDAY, 24 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25's on sea sweeps claim sinking of a merchant ship W of Nampang Island, 2 freighters, a cargo-passenger vessel, and a coastal cargo boat anchored in Li-Shan Bay, and a cargopassenger vessel at Paichuan Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 191: 857 B-17's and B-24's are put into the air with intentions of bombing transportation and industrial targets at Frankfurt-Heddernheim, Frankfurt/Main and Russelsheim. Most bombers had trouble forming up in bad weather and only 563 of the 857 airborne were dispatched; all of the B-24's were recalled. Because of worsening weather all groups were recalled at 1020 hours but 58 B-17's bombed the Zukunft Power Station near Eschweiler; they claimed 1-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's were lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; casualties were 5 KIA and 21 MIA.

Escorting were 101 P-38's, 535 P-47's and 42 9AF P-51's; the fighters were assigned area patrol, protecting all bombers as they passed through their designated area but this was abandoned when the bombers were recalled; they claim 19-4-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 P-38's, 3 P-47's and 2 P-51's were lost and 6 P-47's were damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

The RAF and USAAF in the United Kingdom, agree to place most of the available P-51's in the 8AF for long range escort of heavy bomber's. Eventually the Eighth is to be equipped almost exclusively with P-51's, with the P-38's and P-47's to be transferred to the 9AF.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 175+ B-26's attack V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24's bomb the airfield and town area at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. In Bulgaria, B-17's hit the marshalling yard at Vrattsa and the Dolno Tserovene area, both targets of opportunity.

P-38's escort the B-24's while P-47's accompany the B-17's.

736th and 737BS(H), 454BG(H), transfer from Torretto to San Giovanni, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather cancels all medium and light bomber operations. In Italy, fighters maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead (Anzio and Nettuno are captured during the day) and encounter increased air attacks; 3 fighters are claimed destroyed in aerial combat, while 1Allied fighter is lost. P-40 fighter-bombers hit road at Penne, while A-36's bomb Velletri and the road junction E of town, and hit other communications targets.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, supported by 12 P-39's and 7 P-40's, hit gun positions, storage areas, and barracks on Mille Atoll. In the late afternoon, 8 B-25's, staging through Makin Island, bomb the airfield on Wotje Atoll. During the night of 24/25 Jan, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, and 12 B-24's from the Ellice Islands, bomb several targets in Maloelap Atoll. 1other B-24 bombs Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): A large concentration of USAAF, USN, USMC, and RNZAF fighters support USN and USMC TBF's dive-bombing shipping in Simpson Harbor and Keravia Bay, New Britain Island; several 300- to 500-ft (91to 152 m) vessels are damaged or sunk; US aircraft claim 20+ fighters shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 40+ B-24's bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram; 50+ B-25's and P-47's hit Madang and troops in the vicinity and bomb the Hansa Bay area; 38 other B-25's attack shipping and harbor installations on Manus Island, Admiralty Islands.

HQ 22BG(M) and 19BS(M) transfer from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-26's. They are

transitioning to B-24's and will be redesignated a Heavy unit on 3 Feb.

TUESDAY, 25 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-25's on sweeps of the E China coast claim a patrol boat, a tanker and 2 freighters sunk S off Wenchow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 192: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Caen, Reims, Chartres, Chateauroux and Brest, France without loss.

Mission 193: In an Oboe Mk II test, the Oboe equipment failed 3 minutes before the target (Aachen, Germany) and the B-17 dropped on the ETA; the B-17 was damaged by flak.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Nearly 150 B-26's, airborne to bomb V-weapon sites in France, are forced to abandon the mission s because of heavy clouds.

HQ 391BG(M) arrives at Matching, England from the US.

HQ 435TCG and 76th and 78TCSs transfer from Langer to Welford Park, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb targets of opportunity (highways and railroad bridges) at Pedaso, SE of Pedaso, at Stazione di Monte Silvano and on the Vomano River NW of Pescara; other B-17's return bombs to base after finding targets obscured by bad weather.

HQ 456BG(H) and 745th, 746th and 747th transfer from Cerignola to Stornara, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 10 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb Valmontone; B-26's hit the Sezze marshalling yard, the Sezze-Bassiano road, Amelia, and Rieti marshalling yard; A-20's attack Terelle; A-36's hit Civita Castellana, Itri, Velletri, and railroad rolling stock in the area; P-40's hit Velletri and Belmonte in Sabina and strafe trucks E of Fondi; P-40's and P-47's hit shipping in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, and nearby road and rail traffic. British fighters of the RAF DAF hit bridge approaches at Popoli, near the British Eighth Army front. Detachment of the 416NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 286 Wing) at Rerhaia, Algeria returns to base at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, supported by 12 P-39's, attack gun positions on Mille Atoll; 8 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb a vessel and shore targets at Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; later, in a dusk attack, 18 B-24's flying out of the Gilbert Islands bomb Kwajalein Atoll, hitting runways and AA positions.

26BS(H), 11BG(H), transfers from Nukufetau Island, Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-24's, following 3 which drop flares, attack Lakunai airfield, New Britain Island, during the late evening.

106RS (Bombardment), 13AF (attached to 42BG(M)) transfers from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Sterling Island, Treasury Islands with B-25's. It will be redesignated 100BS(M) on 9 May.

419NPS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island, sends a detachment to Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands with P-70's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24's pound the Hansa Bay area; 37 B-25's bomb Alexishafen and Madang; and P-39's strafe barges on the Rai Coast. P-40's and A-20's hit Gasmata Island off New Britain Island. 50+ B-25's bomb Lorengau, Manus Island and Momote, Los Negros Island.

WEDNESDAY, 26 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 B-24's bomb Maungdaw; 7 B-25's and 3 fighters hit a camp at Razabil and attack targets of opportunity between Maungdaw and Buthidaung.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 P-40's from Kunming bomb and strafe the airfield and barracks at Kengtung.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 144 B-26's scheduled to bomb V-weapon sites in France are recalled because of bad weather.

573d, 574th and 575BS(M), 391BG(M), arrives at Matching, England from the US with B-26's; first Mission is 15 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20's attack Cisterna di Latina, toward which the US Fifth Army's VI Corps is moving; A-36's and P-40's fly harassing attacks against roads and railroads, bombing at Belmonte in Sabina, Cisterna, Itri, Ceccano, Frosinone, Poggio Mirteto and at points around these towns; A-36's destroy a fuel dump and several trucks and artillery caissons in the Ceprano-Priverno area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, hit several targets in Maloelap Atoll; about 20 fighters attack the formation; 12 P-40's, meeting the returning B-25's over Aur Atoll, join the battle against the fighters, claiming 10+ destroyed; the B-25's claim 5 shot down; several more are destroyed on the ground or while taking off during the bombing raid. 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands hit Aineman Island in Jaluit Atoll, and nearby shipping.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 80+ Allied fighters cover a strike by 50+ USN dive bombers on the Lakunai area AA positions and revetments on New Britain Island; 3 Allied fighters are lost; 20+ Japanese airplanes are claimed shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 42 B-24's bomb Momote, Los Negros Island and Lorengau, Manus Island. In New Guinea, 140+ B-24's, A-20's, P-39's, and P-40's hit the Alexishafen-Madang area. 18 B-25's bomb Bogia village. On New Britain Island, A-20's hit the Cape Raoult area and P-40's strafe barges along the N coast.

26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, transfers from Brisbane, Australia to Dobodura, New Guinea with F-5's; first Mission is 10 Feb.

THURSDAY, 27 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 194: 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.44 million leaflets on Paris, Rennes, Le Mans and Orleans, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 572BS(H), 391BG(M), arrives at Matching, England from the US with B-26's; first Mission is 15 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In France, B-17's bomb airfields at Salon-de-Provence and Montpellier-Frejorgues; B-24's hit Istres-Le-Tube Airfield; P-38's fly escort. In Italy, other P-38's sweep the Rome area, and P-47's sweep the Florence area. The heavy bombers and fighter escorts claim 20+ aircraft shot down.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 306BW(H) from Bari to Foggia; 744BS(H), 456BG(H), from Cerignola to Stornara with B-24's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack roads at Velletri, the railway at Colleferro and marshalling yard at Orte; B-26's bomb bridges at Ceprano and marshalling yard at Terni; A-20's give close support to the US Fifth Army attack near Terelle; A-36's bomb railways and buildings at Poggio Mirteto, Ceccano, and Ciampino, hit rail and road traffic S of Rome, and, with P-40's, hit the town of Piedimonte; 70+ P-40's provide close support to Fifth Army forces in Cisterna di Latina and Atina, bombing gun positions; Allied fighters over the Anzio beachhead successfully meet increased enemy air effort, claiming 28 aircraft downed in aerial combat.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Gilbert Islands, 6 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll hit Nauru Island, and 9 staging through Makin Island hit Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands; 23 A-24's, supported by 10 P-39's, pound Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; and 7 B-24's, staging through Makin Island, bomb Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands, in a dusk attack.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-25's, with and escort of 60+ AAF and USN fighters, pound Lakunai airfield, New Britain Island; 6 US

fighters are lost; US aircraft claim 20+ Japanese fighters shot down. On Bougainville Island, P-39's ranging over a wide area, strafe targets of opportunity at Motupena, Gazelle Harbor, and Buka Island. 2 squadrons of B-24's blast concentrations at Sulphur Creek in the Rabaul area of New Britain Island.

72BS(H), 5BG(H), based at Munda, New Georgia Island ceases operating from Guadalcanal Island with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 41 B-24's bomb Lorengau, Manus Island. Almost 70 B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's, along with several RAAF aircraft attack the Madang and Bogia areas of New Guinea. B-24's hit a freighter and the town area at Dili, Timor Island, and shipping at Sorong and MacCluer Gulf.

39FS, 35FG, transfers from Nadzab to Gusap, New Guinea with P-47's.

FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 195: 54 B-24's in 2 groups are dispatched to the Bonnieres V-weapon site in France; 2 Gee-H equipped PFF aircraft lead each group; due to technical difficulties, the second formation was ordered to follow the lead and bomb the same target as a secondary; 4 minutes before the target the leader of one section accidentally released and the following 11 aircraft did likewise; 31 hit the primary; 1 B-24 is damaged. 122 P-47's provide escort without loss.

Gee-H is more accurate than H2X but is of use only against targets within the 200-mi (320 km) beacon range; later, aircraft are equipped with both devices.

Mission 196: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.36 million leaflets on Amiens, Rouen, Cambrai, Reims and Caen, France without loss.

Mission 197: During the night, 1 B-17 on an Oboe Mk II test drops 2 tons of bombs on Emmerich, Germany.

748th, 749th, 750th and 751BS(H), 457BG(H), arrive at Glatton, England from the US with B-17's; first Mission is 21Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's, with fighter escorts, bomb Aviano Airfield and Verona marshalling yard; B-24's hit the marshalling yard at Ferrara.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the Orte marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges at Orvieto and Montalto di Castro; A-20's bomb Cisterna di Latina with good results; P-40's and P-47's bomb the Popoli road junction, and A-36's hit railroad, road, and gun positions in the Cassino-Vicenza-Velletri areas, the Colleferro marshalling yard, and Atina town area; P-40's hit Terelle, Belmonte in Sabina, and Cisterna; Allied fighters over the Anzio area claim 21 aircraft shot down.

416NPS, 62FW, transfers from Grottaglie to Pomigliano, Italy with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): AAF aircraft from the Gilbert Islands bomb the Marshall Islands, i.e., 9 B-25's, staging through Makin Island bomb Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll; B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island and taking off at varying intervals, carry out several hours of strikes against Wotje, Kwajalein, Maloelap, and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, AAF and USN fighters support a USN dive-bomber attack on targets in the Rabaul

area; 5 P-38's are lost; Allied aircraft claim about 30 aircraft shot down; at Lakunai airfield, one of the targets, 20-30 parked aircraft are destroyed and several AA positions are destroyed or damaged; and 25 B-25's, covered by 12 P-38's, pound Tobera Airfield. 16 P-39's strafe the Shortland Island area.

HQ 307BG(H) transfers from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island.

424BS(H), 307BG(H), based on Guadalcanal with B-24's begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's attack targets of opportunity from Bogia to Cape Croisilles, New Guinea. On New Britain Island, A-20's attack in the Cape Gloucester area; P-40's hit the airfield at Hoskins; and P-39's strafe barges in Rein Bay.

HQ 417BG(L) and 672d, 673d, 674th and 675BS(L) arrive at Cape Sudest, New Guinea from the US with A-20's; first Mission is 27 Mar.

SATURDAY, 29 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 13 B-24's, supported by 16 P-38's, bomb gasoline plants at Yenangyaung, causing large fires; 1 B-24 later bombs Akyab; 6 B-25's attack bridges at Meza and Pyintha, damaging the former and blasting railroad approaches to the latter.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 198: Led by PFF aircraft, 675 B-17's and 188 B-24's are dispatched to hit the industrial area at Frankfurt, Germany; 590 B-17's and 170 B-24's hit the primary target; 46 B-17's bomb Ludwigshafen due to a deviation from planned bomb route; they claim 75-27-48 Luftwaffe aircraft; 24 B-17's and 5 B-24's are lost, 2 B-17's and 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 116 B-17's and 19 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 22 KIA, 32 WIA and 299 MIA. Escort is 89 P-38's, 503 P-47's and 40 9AF P-51's; they claim 47-6-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-38's and 10 P-47's are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 3 P-38's

and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 14 MIA. This is first 8AF mission in which more than 700 aircraft attack targets.

Mission 199: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Lille, Tours, Lorient, Nantes and Valenciennes, France without loss.

HQ 458BG(H) arrives at Horshal St Faith, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 80+ B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France.

HQ 84FW arrives at Keevil, England from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's bomb the Siena marshalling yard through overcast; B-17's bomb marshalling yards at Ancona, Fabriano, Rimini, and Bologna; P-47's sweep over the Rome and Florence areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges N of Rome; P-47's bomb a munitions factory at Bussi sul Tirino; P-40's and A-36's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, bomb positions in the Anzio beachhead area and hit enemy forward road and rail communications; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet little air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): As a US invasion force approaches the Marshall Islands, B-24's, attacking from bases in the Gilbert Islands, maintain day and night attacks (both multiple-plane missions and single-plane attacks at intervals) against Maloelap, Jaluit, Aur, Wotje, and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands. 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, also carry out a strike against shipping and shore installations at Wotje. 18 A-24's, supported by 12 P-40's, hit Jaluit. 12 P-39's, operating in flights of 4 aircraft, patrol and strafe Mille all day to deny the use of the airfield to the enemy.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, about 60 Allied fighters cover a strike by 40 USN dive bombers on Tobera; Lakunai airfield is pounded by 19 B-24's, escorted by P-38's and USN fighters; at Tobera and Lakunai, Allied aircraft claim 20+ Japanese shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40+ B-25's bomb Bogia and Nubia landing grounds, New Guinea. 45 A-20's hit positions in the Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island area.

SUNDAY, 30 JANUARY 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR (3AF): The air echelon of the 19(Photo)Charting Squadron, 11(Photo)G (Mapping), begins operating from Cairo, Egypt with F-9's to photo-map the Middle East and Africa. The ground echelon remains at MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25's attack bridges at Meza, Zawchaung, and N of Kyungon; Meza bridge is put out of commission, Kyungon bridge demolished, and Zawchaung bridge damaged; a locomotive and tender are destroyed at the latter target; and a single B-25 attacks vehicles and other targets of opportunity between Taihpa Ga and Tsumhpawng Ga.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 20 P-40's fly armed reconnaissance over E Burma. 8 of them strafe buildings at Loi wing Airfield, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 200: 623 B-17's and 154 B-24's are dispatched to hit aviation industry plants in Brunswick, Germany but cloud cover prevents visual bombing; 597 B-17's hit the secondary target, the city of Brunswick and 2 others hit targets of opportunity; the B-24's

find dense smoke and contrails over the secondary and 104 bomb Hannover and 39 hit other targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 51-7-27 Luftwaffe aircraft; 18 B-17's and 2 B-24's are lost, 3 B-17's are damaged beyond repair and 104 B-17's and 11 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 14 WIA and 206 MIA. Escort includes 635 P-38's, P-47's and 9AF P-51's; they claim 45-15-31 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38's and 2 P-47's are lost, 2 P-38's, 3 P-47's and 2 P-51's are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 201: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Chateauroux, Brest, Chartres, Le Mans and Caen, France without loss.

Mission 202: In a night Oboe Mk II test, 1 B-17 drops 2 bombs on Duren, Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 451BG(H) with B-24's, becomes operational, making a total of 9 heavy bomber operational.

In Italy, B-17's hit airfields and landing grounds at Villaorba, Maniago and Lavariano; B-24's bomb Udine Airfield and Fier radar station; P-38's escort the B-17's on the Villaorba and Maniago missions and P-38's and some RAF Spitfires escort the B-24's on the Udine mission; P-47's carry out a sweep over the Villaorba area; the B-24's and fighters claim 60+ aircraft shot down and a larger number destroyed on the ground.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's hit road junctions at Valmontone and Genzano di Roma, and bomb the town of Monte Compatri; weather cancels all B-26 operations and several B-25 missions. A-20's hit the town of and road junction near Cori, and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit Sora; US and RAF fighters hit barges and fishing boats off Zara and Trojica, Yugoslavia; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet no air opposition.

415NPS, 64FW, transfers from Montecorvino to Marcianise, Italy with Beaufighters. The detachment operating from Gaudo Airfield also transfers.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, P-40's and P-39's maintain patrols over Mille Atoll, bombing and strafing the airfield to prevent its use by the enemy against invading US forces; B-24's maintain all-night strikes against Kwajalein Atoll in preparation for the invasion the following morning; the invasion of Majuro Atoll begins during the night of 30/31Jan.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 P-39's attack Kunrai, Bougainville Island. On New Britain Island, 26 B-25's, with large fighter cover, bomb Lakunai Airfield; 18 B-24's, supported by fighters, hit Vunakanau Airfield; 50 Allied fighters support a USN dive bomber strike on shipping in the Rabaul area; altogether 20+ Japanese fighters are claimed shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 34 B-25's bomb the Hansa Bay area and Nubia landing strip, New Guinea. On New Britain Island, A-20's fly a barge sweep along the N coast and P-39's strafe barges and fuel dumps at Rein Bay.

90BS(L), 3BG(L), transfers from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with A-20's.

MONDAY, 31 JANUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 5 bombers fly a negative sea-search mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 203: 74 of 74 B-24's hit V-weapon site construction at St. Pol/Siracourt, France; 2 aircraft are damaged beyond repair; no losses. The B-24's are escorted by 114 P-47's.

Mission 204: 70 of 75 P-47 fighter-bombers, escorted by 47 P-38's and 87 P-47's bomb Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; they claim 13-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-38's are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and

2 P-47's damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 6 MIA.

Transfers in England: HQ 357FG and 362FS from Raydon to Leiston with P-51's (first Mission is 11Feb); HQ 358FG and 367FS from Leiston to Raydon with P-47's and is reassigned to the 9AF on 1Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Aviano and Udine, Italy; P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

B-17's with P-38 escort, hit Klagenfurt Airfield, Austria; they claim 16 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20's bomb Artena and road junction N of town; P-40's and A-36's, operating E of the Anzio battle area, hit a road junction at Sezze, the town of Fondi, and junction and town area at Priverno; P-47's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi; the XII Air Support Command flies 250+ sorties over the Anzio beachhead; air opposition is absent.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands as US Army and USMC troops land on Kwajalein Atoll, under overall command of Admiral Raymond A Spruance, the USAAF hits other atolls. 19 A-24's bomb Mille Atoll airfield, over which P-39's and P-40's maintain all-day cover and harassment; 9 P-40's carry out a strafing mission against Jaluit Atoll; during the night of 31Jan/1Feb, 8 B-24's, attacking at intervals, bomb Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ Allied fighters cover a strike by USN dive bombers on Tobera, New Britain Island; 8 enemy aircraft are claimed shot down; this strike is immediately followed by an attack by 17 B-24's, with fighter support, on the same target.

The detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4PRG, operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with F-5's, returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20's attack Uligan Harbor and P-39's strafe Bogadjim, Bostrem Bay, and landing strip at Alexishafen. B-24's hit a motor vessel off Ceram Island.

89BS(L), 3BG(L), transfers from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with A-20's.

FEBURARY 1944

MONDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s bomb Mingaladon Airfield; another hits the airfield at Nyaungbinwun; 32 P-51s and A-36s and a single B-25 hit the main airfield at Myitkyina; some of the aircraft then strafe the Radhapur transport depot and storage area to the NW.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China during Feb 44, a detachment of the 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung, operates from Nanning with P-40s; 449FS, 51FG, transfers from Kunming to Suichwan with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Transfers in England: 363FS, 357FG from Raydon to Leiston with P-51s (first Mission is 11Feb); 752d, 753, 754th and 755BS(H), 458BG(H) from US to Horsham St Faith with B-24s (first Mission is 24 Feb).

Transfers in England during Feb 44: HQ 95CBW(H) from Attlebridge to Ketteringham; HQ 491BG(H) to North Pickenham.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Colonel Clarence E Crumrine temporarily takes command of the XIX Air Support Command, replacing Major General Elwood R Quesada. The latter assumes command of the IX Air Support Command which assumes control of all fighter and reconnaissance units of the IX Fighter Command.

Transfers in England: HQ IX Air Support Command from Aldermaston Court to Middle Wallop; HQ XIX Air Support Command from Middle Wallop to Aldermaston Court; HQ 416BG(L) and 669th, 670th and 671BS(L) from the US to Wethersfield with A-20s (first Mission is 3 Mar); 30(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, from the US to Chalgrove with F-5s (first Mission is 25 Feb); 366FS, 58FG, from Leiston to Raydon with P-47s.

Transfers in UK during Feb 44: HQ 438TCG and 87th, 88th, 89th and 90TCSs from the US with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are limited to a fighter sweep of the Orvieto-Viterbo, Italy area by P-47s and to photo and weather reconnaissance.

HQ 301BG(H) transfers from Cerignola to Lucera, Italy.

Transfers in Italy during Feb 44: HQ 305BW(H) from Foggia to Spinazzola.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Albano Laziale road junction; P-40s bomb Cori, while A-36s hit Poggio Mieteto and P-47s attack the station at San Valentino; fighters cover the Anzio battle area.

Detachment of 91FS, 81FG, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s, returns to base at Montecorvino Airfield.

During Feb 44, HQ 81FG and 93FS transfer from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Montecorvino Airfield with P-39s.

During Feb, ground echelon of 417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 337 Wing) transfers from Ghisonaccia to Borgo, Corsica; air echelon is at La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands hit the beach defenses on Kwajalein Island, Marshall Islands; P-40s on armed reconnaissance over Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands strafe a beached schooner. Operation CATCHPOLE (operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls in the Marshall Islands) is begun to occupy and defend Eniwetok Atoll, which is to furnish a striking base for operations against the Marianas Islands. During the operation, 7AF aircraft operating from newly acquired bases in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands neutralize airfields in the Marianas and continue to pound by-passed airfields in the Marshalls.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Weather prevents 50 B-24s sent against installations in the Admiralty Islands from reaching the target; 2 B-24s bomb a freighter NE of Vanimo, New Guinea while a single B-24 on armed reconnaissance strafes barges in the Solomon Sea.

HQ 308th and 309BWS(H) and 310BW(M) are activated at Oro Bay, Lae and Gusap New Guinea respectively; the wings will operate with various groups that are attached for brief periods.

Transfers in New Guinea: 8BS(L) from Dobodura to Nadzab with A-20s; 421NFS, V Fighter Command, from Milne Bay to Nadzab with P-70s.

In New Guinea during Feb 44, a detachment of the 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, based at Dobodura, begins operating from Port Moresby with F-5s.

WEDNESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 1944

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: Marshall Josef V Stalin agrees to provide 6 bases for US aircraft in the USSR.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 205: 95 of 110 B-24s hit V-weapon construction sites at St Pol/Siracourt and Watten, France; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA and 19 MIA. 183 P-47s escort the B-24s without loss.

364FS, 357FG, transfers from Raydon to Leiston, England with P-51s; first Mission is 11Feb.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 36 B-26s attack Triqueville Airfield, France. 8AF escorts are 34 P-38s and 44 P-47s. No losses.

Transfers in England: 365FS, 358FG from Leiston to Raydon with P-47s; 381FS, 363FG, from Keevil to Rivenhall with P-51s, first Mission is 24 Feb; 668BS(L), 416BG(L), from the US to Wethersfield with A-20s, first Mission is 3 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s, with Spitfire escort, bomb the radar station at Durazzo, Albania.

32d, 352d, 353and 419BS(H), 301BG(H), transfer from Cerignola to Lucera, Italy with B-17s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Major General Gordon P Saville becomes Commanding General, XII Air Support Command.

In Italy, B-25s attack the Marino road junction and A-20s bomb Norma; A-36s and P-40s bomb villages, road junctions, trucks, trains, parked aircraft, supply dump, and the Viterbo road during several fighter-bomber mission s; P-40s on patrol over the battle areas attack Cisterna di Latina and Formia.

23(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)RG, transfers from San Servero, Italy to Alghero, Sardinia with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island bomb runways and gun positions on Mille Atoll and along with P-39 escort strafe NE tip of the island; B-24s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands bomb Rongelap Island, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 31BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island, begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Sorong and Alexishafen; nearly 50 A-20s pound installations in the Madang area. B-25s hit coastal targets on New Britain Island from Cape Gauffre to Rein Bay. Other B-25s attack shipping off Tingwon Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and off the SE coast of New Britain Island.

THURSDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 P-38s attack bridges, encampments, and buildings along the Prome-Taungup road; 1 bridge is knocked out and another damaged; a tugboat is sunk at Akyab; 14 A-36s and a B-25 attack troops and camp area at Kumnyen and Lalawng Ga, and hit a motor pool and repair depot at Shingban; 16 P-51s hit an encampment at Sawnghka.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 206: 553 of 671 B-17s hit the port area at Wilhelmshaven, Germany; another 56 hit the Emden area; and 1 hits Oldenburg; 1.8 million leaflets are dropped by B-17s; 193 B-24s are dispatched but they abort the mission over the Zuider Zee due to clouds; 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 47 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA and 42 MIA. Escort is provided by 74 P-38s, 508 P-47s of the 8AF and 9AF and 50 9AF P-51s; they claim 8-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost, 3 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 13 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

Mission 207: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 420 bundles of leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Amiens, Reims, Orleans and Rennes, France at 2110-2146 hours; no losses.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 358FG at Raydon becomes operational with P-47s. This is the first of 17 FGs which are to be added by 9 May 44 to the 9AF, which previously had only 1FG, the 354th at Boxted with P-51s. 52 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites on the W coast of France. Weather causes 100+ other aircraft to abandon the mission .

380FS, 363FG, transfers from Keevil to Rivenhall, England with P-51s, first Mission on 24 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24s, finding the primary target obscured by bad weather, bomb targets of opportunity (railroad yards and stations) at Stimigliano and Sulmona; other B-24s return to base without bombing; P-47s fly a fighter sweep over the Prato-Pontassieve area.

154TRS, 68TRG attached to 15AF, arrives at Oran, Algeria from Bari, Italy with P-38s, first Mission as a weather reconnaissance unit on 13 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bomber mission s are all aborted. In Italy, A-36s hit roads and other targets S of Rome, destroying or damaging numerous trucks and bombing the towns of Sezze and Fondi as US ground forces meet strong resistance in their drive toward Cassino; P-47s hit Manopello and railroad facilities at Sulmona; and fighters patrol the Anzio area.

HQ 332FG and 100FS arrive at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s, first Mission on 19 Feb.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island, bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN (USN) fighters cover a USN dive-bomber strike on Tobera; 15 B-24s with P-38 and USN fighter escort bomb the airfield at Lakunai; Allied aircraft claim 13 Japanese interceptors downed during the 2 strikes.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 100 B-24s and B-25s, supported by P-38s, P-40s and P-47s, pound airfields in the Wewak area; about 8O aircraft are destroyed on the ground and in the air; A-20s attack Alexishafen and the Hansa Bay areas; P-39s and B-25s on armed reconnaissance hit trucks at Erima, barges on the New Britain coast, shipping in the N Bismarck Sea, and Momote and Hyane Harbor on Los Negros Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 3BG(L) from Dobodura to Nadzab; 25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Brisbane, Australia to Lae with F-5s, first Mission on 5 Feb; 673BS(L), 417BG(L), from Cape Sudest to Dobodura with A-20s, first Mission on 25 Mar.

FRIDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 P-51s strafe runways and buildings at Indaw, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 208: 589 B-17s and 159 B-24s are dispatched to attack industry and railroad yards at Frankfurt/Main, Germany; 346 B-17s and 27 B-24s hit the target; due to weather and navigational problems, 122 B-17s hit Giessen, 51 B-17s hit Wiesbaden, 17 B-24s hit the Trier area, 15 B-24s hit the Arloff area, 2 B-24s hit the Russelheim area, 1 B-24 hits Grafenhausen, 1 B-24 hits Darmstadt, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 hit Koblenz and 26 B-24s and 23 B-17s hit unknown targets; they claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 18 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost, 2 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 359 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 20 WIA and 203 MIA. Escort is provided by 56 P-38s, 537 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 44 9AF P-51s; they claim 8-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-38s and 4 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 209: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 319 bundles of leaflets on Lorient, Tours, Nantes, Raismes, Lille and Cambrai, France and Antwerp, Belgium at 2102-2132 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Otto P Weyland becomes Commanding General, XIX Air Support Command.

HQ 313TCG transfers from Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily to Folkingham, England.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE: The abbreviation for this unit is changed from USSAFE to USSTAF.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In France, B-17s bomb Antheor viaduct and Toulon harbor; B-24s are forced by bad weather to return bomBSto base; many of the B-17s returning from the Toulon raid are forced to land at various friendly fields because of unsafe flying conditions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather prevents all medium, light and fighter-bomber mission s; P-40s and Spitfires maintain patrols over the Anzio area, where a strong German counter-offensive had been launched during the night of 3/4 Feb. Detachment of 414NPS, 63FW, operating from Ghisonaccia with Beaufighters transfers to Borgo, Corsica; squadron is based at Elmas, Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying from Tarawa Atoll

and Makin Island, bomb Wotje, Maloelap and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands; B-25s from Tarawa and Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands also hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; P-40s based on Makin Island bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 25 B-25s, escorted by 40+ fighters, pound the airfield at Tobera; 18 B-24s, covered by 30+ P-38s and USN fighters, hit the airfield at Vunakanau.

HQ 5BG(H) transfers from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island.

68FS, 347FG, transfers from Fiji to Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands with P-38s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In the Moluccas Islands, B-24s and B-25s carry out small raids against Laha on Ambon Island, Namlea on Buru Island and Amboina on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, 170+ B-24s, A-20s. and B-25s bomb But and Dagua Airfields, Marienberg and the Madang-Alexishafen area; P-39s bomb and strafe Atemble and strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen area.

672d, 674th and 675BS(L), 417BG(L), transfer from Cape Sudest to Dobodura, New Guinea with A-20s, first Mission on 25 Mar.

SATURDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 6 B-24s and 16 P-38s join USN aircraft to fly air cover in several relays during retirement of US light cruisers and destroyers following bombardment of installations in the Kurabu Cape-Musashi Bay areas; shortly afterwards, the aircraft also photograph and attack installations at Paramushiru and Shimushu.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma during the early morning hours, 8 B-24s bomb the airfield at Heho while 6 others hit Aungban Airfield; 9 B-25s follow with strikes on Heho, Sagaing and Myittha Airfields. During the daylight hours 14 fighter-bombers hit the marshalling yard at Wuntho; during the night of 5/6 Feb, 9 B-24s again hit Heho and 4 bomb Aungban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-24s during the night of 5/6 Feb bomb Bangkok, Thailand. 3 others hit Nakhon Nayok and an unidentified airfield on the Mekong River both in French Indochina. 2 B-24s and 2 B-25s attack a convoy E of Hong Kong and claim 2 freighters and 3 smaller cargo vessels sunk. In Burma, 4 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a big wagon and truck column N of Hsenwi; 4 others bomb and strafe Hopang, causing large fires in the village.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): In view of the previous decision to concentrate most of the training activities of the 8AF in the VIII AF Composite Command, a decision is made to transfer HQ from Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, to Cheddington, England, to bring it closer to the combat crew training stations over which it is to be given

supervision. Most of the transfer is completed between 7 and 15 Feb.

Mission 210: Airfields in France are targetted. 103 B-17s are dispatched to Chateauroux/Martinerie and Avord Airfields with 50 hitting each target; 121 B-17s are dispatched to Chateaudun (61bomb) and Orleans/Bricy (60 bomb): Airfields; 182 B-17s are dispatched to Romilly-sur-Seine air depot but 133 hit Villacoublay; 103 B-24s are dispatched to Meslay Airfield (90 bomb) and 8 hit Chateaudun; they claim 5-0-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 39 B-17s and 31 B-24s are

damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 15 WIA and 22 MIA. Escort is provided by 92 P-38s, 496 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 46 9AF P-51s; they claim 6-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 MIA.

Mission 211: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets during a CARPETBAGGER Mission on Ghent, Monceau-sur-Sambre, Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium at 2026-2037 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 180 B-26s attack 6 V-weapon sites in N France.

HQ 437TCG transfers from Balderton to Ramsbury, England.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Terni marshalling yard, and A-20s hit the Lanuvio and Piedimonte areas. P-40s and A-36s hit road junctions at Cisterna di Latina, Vetralla, and Velletri, bomb the towns of Vetralla, Ardea, and Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, and attack motor transport at several points, including areas N, NE and SE of Rome.

58th, 59th and 60FSs, 33FG, begin a movement from Cercola, Italy to India with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island divebomb and strafe oil storage area, radio facilities, and small craft at Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands; P-39s strafe runways on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 P-40s join 40+ USN

fighters in covering a strike by more than 60 USN dive bombers on Lakunai, New Britain Island. This strike is followed by an attack of 13 B-24s, with 30+ P-38 and USN fighter escort, on the same target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 70+ B-25s and A-20s attack the Hansa Bay area; 48 B-24s pound Hoskins Airfield, and some also bomb Gasmata Island off New Britain Island, after weather prevents an attack on Kavieng, New Ireland Island. B-24s fly a light raid on Kaimana, New Guinea. B-25s on armed reconnaissance in the W Bismarck Sea claim 1 freighter sunk; others bomb wrecked ships off New Hanover Island.

SUNDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 P-51s hit warehouses and freight cars at Wuntho, Burma and claim 4 warehouses destroyed.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe sampans and power launches between Yoyang and Puchi, China. 6 B-25s knock out bridges and damage 3 trains at Anxuan, Tien An, Phong Loc and Dong Hoi, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 212: Airfields in France are targetted but weather forces 400+ bombers to abort the mission . 189 B-17s are dispatched against the Romilly-sur-Seine Air Depot and 60 hit St Andre de L'Eure Airfield and 40 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield; 303 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay and Dijon/Longvic Airfields but only 60 hit Caen/Carpiquet Airfield; 150 B-24s are dispatched to St Pol/Siracourt V-weapon site but 37 hit Chateaudun Airfield and 9 hit the Eclimeux V-weapon site; they claim 3-3-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 43 B-17s and 7 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 3 WIA and 43 MIA. Escorting are 85 P-38s, 506 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 47 9AF P-51s; they claim 11-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-7 on the ground; 3 P-38s and 1 P-47 are lost, 1 P-38 and 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 213: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 363 leaflet bundles in a CARPETBAGGER Mission over Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege and Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium at 2202-2225 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 120 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites, airfields, and a factory, all in France; principal targets bombed are at Rosieres-en-Santerre, Amiens/Glisy, Cormeilles-en-Vexin, and Grandvilliers.

Transfers in England: 34TCS, 315TCG, from Wilford to Spanhoe (air echelon is operating from Blida, Algeria with C-47s); 83d, 84th, 85th and 86TCSs, 437TCG, from Balderton to Ramsbury with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather restricts operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Orte marshalling yard while B-25s hit the Frascati road junction; A-20s bomb the Campoleone railroad station and the town of Roccasecca; P-40s bomb Cisterna di Latina, Santa Lucia (near Campoleone), Cori (and nearby road junction): and Atina; A-36s hit San Stefano al Mare, Cisterna di Latina, Frascati and Albano Laziale, and strike numerous vehicles, railroad cars and other targets of opportunity on armed reconnaissance missions N and S of Rome. A German counteroffensive against the Anzio beachhead and on the Cassino front forces an Allied withdrawal.

HQ 12BG(M) and 81, 82d, 83and 434BSS(M) begin a movement from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to India with B-25s.

HQ 33FG begins a movement from Cercola, Italy to India.

HQ 350FG transfers from Sardinia to Corsica; 345FS based in Sardinia begins operating from Corsica with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap and Wotje Atolls; A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island attack Mille Atoll; Tarawa-based P-39s strafe Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-39s and (RNZAF) Ventura's hit barges in the Green Island area. Lakunai Airfield, New Britain Island, is hit by 32 B-25s, covered by 60+ AAF and USN fighters, and shortly afterwards by 19 B-24s, escorted by nearly 50 Allied fighters; Allied aircraft claim 16 aircraft shot down; Lakunai is practically unserviceable as a result of cumulative damage.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s and B-24s pound Bunabun Harbor, Madang, and targets from Bogia to Cape Croisilles; P-39s strafe and sink barges near Nubia; and A-20s hit shipping near Kairiru and Mushu Islands causing considerable damage and destruction.

Other bombers hit targets in the Admiralty Islands (concentrating on Momote on Los Negros Island) and carry out light attacks on Talasea village and Cape Dampier gun positions on New Britain Island.

MONDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 35BS(M), 25BG(M), transfers from Vernam Field, Jamaica to Trinidad with B-25s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): A single B-25 bombs a motor pool at Sumprabum, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s and 4 P-51s damage railroad bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and strafe warehouses at Teian. In French Indochina, 2 B-25s score 2 direct hits on the powerplant at Thanh Hoa, strafe nearby barracks, and attack the radio station at Vinh.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 36th and 406BS(H), 1BD attached to 482BG(H), transfer from Alconbury to Watton (36th continues operating from Alconbury) with B-24s; the squadrons fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 315TCG transfers from Welford to Stanhoe, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather again limits operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the bridge approach S of Manziana; B-25s hit the Viterbo marshalling yard and, in support of US Fifth army troops, bomb the town of Cisterna di Latina as the enemy counterattack begins in the Anzio area; A-20s hit Piedimonte and the road junction and railway station at Campoleone; A-36s hit San Stefano al Mare and nearby railroad siding, Pontecorvo and Belmonte in Sabina, plus several targets of opportunity and targets in support of ground forces in the battle areas; P-40s attack an observation tower at Littoria, trucks at Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, Campoleone, a railroad gun, the Sezze railroad yards, Cisterna di Latina and gun positions in battle areas.

Fighters encounter heavy aircraft activity over the Anzio battle area and claim 16 shot down.

302FS, 332FG, arrives at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s; first Mission is 17 Feb.

Detachment of 346FS, 350FG, based in Sardinia with P-39s, begins operating from Sidi Amor, Tunisia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls and P-40s from Makin Island hit a storage area at Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Tobera; several gun positions and grounded aircraft are hit and the runway is bombed into unserviceable condition; 11 aircraft are claimed shot down; Vunakanau Airfield is bombed by 17 B-24s, escorted by P-38s and USN fighters.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 14 B-24s bomb Amboina, Ambon Island and Lautem, Timor Island. P-39s fly strafing sweeps over New Britain Island. Single B-25s on reconnaissance bomb Garua Harbor, Cape Dampier on New Britain Island and Kavieng on New Ireland Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 35FG from Nadzab to Gusap; HQ 417BG(L) from Cape Sudest to Dobodura; 25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Lae to Nadzab with F-5s; 110RS (Fighter), 71RG, from Port Moresby to Gusap with P-39Qs.

TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s bomb bridges at Budalin and Songon, displacing a section of the former and destroying an approach to the latter; 7 others hit the stronghold at Badana; 16 A-36s and P-51s and 1 B-25 hit a camp at Mogaung; 4 P-51s strafe railroad cars NW of Myitkyina while 1 B-25 bombs a camp at Kumnyen.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 214: 53 of 54 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Siracourt, France while 57 of 73 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Watten, France; 41 B-24s are damaged and 10 airmen are WIA; escort is 89 8AF and 9AF P-47s. 88 of 236 B-17s hit the marshalling yards at Frankfurt, Germany using blind-bombing techniques; 107 other B-17s hit targets of opportunity; they claim 1-3-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 108 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 4 WIA and 130 MIA; escort is provided by 77 P-38s, 435 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 419AF P-51s; they claim 16-1-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38s, 3 P-47s and 4 P-51s are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 4 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

Mission 215: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 360 bundles of leaflets in a CARPETBAGGER operation over Caen, Rouen, Paris, Rennes and Amiens, France at 2106-2136 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9AF extends IX Bomber Command's choice of targets considerably, although first priority for Operation POINTBLANK missions [the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) of US and RAF AFs against the Luftwaffe and German aircraft industry] and next priority for Operation CROSSBOW (code name for operations against German V-weapon sites) targets is maintained.

In a morning raid, nearly 200 B-26s attack V-weapon sites and targets of opportunity in NW France. In an afternoon raid, 100+ B-26s bomb V-weapon sites and military instsllations in the same general area, most of the B-26s attacking Breck-sur-Mer. This is the IX BC's first 2-mission day.

494BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 454BG(H) with B-24s becomes operstional, giving the 15AF 10 operational heavy bomber groups.

In Italy, B-24s bomb airfields at Viterbo, Tarquinia, Orvieto, Piombino and Prato; B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Verona; P-38s and P-47s escort the Orvieto, Piombino, and Prato missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Cisterna di Latina; B-26s hit the Siena marshalling yard and warehouses, and a railway bridge NE of Civita Castellana; A-20s bomb Piedimonte; A-36s attack gun positions near Ausonia, tracks between Rome and Orte, and the town of Veroli, and fly strafing and bombing sweeps in the Anzio battle area against motor transport, gun positions, road junction E of Cisterna di Latina, and the town of Pontecorvo; P-40s hit Roccasecca, Castello, Caprile. Piedimonte, Aquino and other targets, including a supply dump and gun positions; P-47s bomb Atina; Desert AF (DAF) fighters (US and RAF) destroy a large number of trucks near Sora.

301FS, 332FG, arrives at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s; first Mission is 15 Feb.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Makin and Abemama Islands hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-39s over Bougainville Island bomb and strafe Tiaraka huts and bivouac area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 50 A-20s and B-25s hit the Alexishafen and Madang areas; P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during sweeps over wide areas of NE New Guinea and New Britain Island; during the night of 8/9 Feb, B-25s bomb Toeal.

WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s, P-51s, P-38s, P-40s, and A-36s carry out 75 attack sorties against Seinnyinba, bivouac and supply areas in the Mogaung-Loilaw area, bivouac and buildings at Pyindaw, camps at Kumnyen and near Maingkwan and Shingban, and storage area and bivouac on the Mogaung-Kamaing road near Sawnghka; a bridge over the Namtamng River near Maingkwan also is destroyed.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s strafe and bomb large barracks and oil storage at Chefang and pound town areas of Homun and Mangshih. 2 B-25s demolish a radio station SW of Haiphong, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 133 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France, marshalling yards at Tergnier, France and targets of opportunity in the area. This marks the first of the IX BC raids on marshalling yards.

HQ 344BG(M) arrives at Stansted, England from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather grounds all aircraft with exception of 1 P-38 which flies a weather reconnaissance mission.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s, in close support to US Fifth Army forces, attack motor transport and troop concentrations in the Campoleone area while A-20s blast another troop concentration to the W; P-40s hit Cisterna di Latina and gun positions; A-36s and P-40s pound concentration points of a counterattack against the Fifth Army beachhead in the Anzio area, strike along the main Fifth Army front, and attack the villages of Piedimonte and Aquino and gun positions near Cassino and Ausonia.

HQ 87FW transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Caserta, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s from Makin Island along with supporting P-40s, bomb and strafe oil storage and gun positions on Jaluit Atoll; during a dusk-to-dawn operation on 9/10 Feb B-24s operating at intervals from Tarawa Atoll maintain strikes against Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive-bomber attack on Vunakanau Airfield, scoring many hits on AA positions, buildings, and runways; 24 B-24s with USN fighter escort follow with a strike on the same target hitting runways and revetment area; 19 B-24s. with 20 P-38s supporting, hit Tobera Airfield, thoroughly saturating the runway.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, the occupation of the Huon Peninsula is completed as US and Australian forces meet SE of Saidor; A-20s pound the village of Mindiri. B-24s bomb Amboina, Ambon Island and Lautem, Timor Island.

THURSDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Thailand, 9 B-24s bomb the Ban Mah arsenal at Bangkok and Don Maung Airfield immediately to the N. In Burma, 3 B-24s bomb Prome and Akyab, 9 B-25s pound Chiradan and Godusara, and 16 P-51s hit barracks and a road at Chishidu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 P-40s bomb Wanling and vicinity while 3 others fly top cover; the target area, a supply staging and training center, is heavily damaged; 5 B-24s during the night of 9/10 Feb mine the mouth of the Yangtze River; B-25s on sea sweeps claim 2 freighters sunk near Hainan Island and SW of Hong Kong; 12 P-51s and P-38s strafe boats and parked aircraft in the Chiuchiang area; 12 P-40s strafe power boats and sampans along the Yangtze River from Puchi to Yoyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 216: 141 of 169 B-17s hit the industrial area at Brunswick, Germany and 2 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 42-30-61 Luftwaffe aircraft; 29 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 52 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 3 WIA and 295 MIA; escort is provided by 64 P-38s, 357 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 45 9AF P-51s; they claim 56-1-40 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-2 on the ground; 5 P-38s and 4 P-47s are lost, 1 P-38 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 6 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 9 MIA. 27 of 81 B-24s hit the Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; dense contrails and frost prevent most aircraft from attacking; 4 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 26 KIA and 14 WIA; escort is provided by 91 P-47s without loss.

Mission 217: In a CARPETBAGGER mission, 5 of 5 B-17s drop 260 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Caen, Rouen and Amiens, France and Antwerp, Belgium at 2111-2145 hours without loss.

HQ 364FG and 383d, 384th and 385FSs arrive at Honington, England from the US with P-38J's; first Mission is 2 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 114 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in coastal France, airfields at Poix and Beauvais/Tille, a bridge at Le Crotoy, and a coastal battery N of the Conch River.

496BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s bomb Albano Laziale, Cisterna di Latina and Cecina; B-24s strike Campoleone and Velletri; P-38s bomb and strafe the Tivoli, Vicovaro, and Monterotondo area; P-47s fly uneventful sweeps over Cisterna di Roma and Albano; numerous heavy bombers are forced to abort operations because of unsafe flying conditions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Light and medium bomber mission s are aborted because of bad weather. In Italy, P-40s and A-36s support an unsuccessful attempt of the US Fifth Army's 1Infantry Division to stem an attack in the Carroceto area; P-47s fail to locate their target (Sora) and drop bombs on targets of opportunity.

347FS, 350FG, based on Corsica with P-39s, sends a detachment to Capodichino, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; 9 B-24s from Abemama Island, sent to bomb a weather and radio station on Rongelap Island, abort due to a fuel leak in the lead B-24; an attempt to bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight is unsuccessful.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive-bomber attack on Vunakanau Airfield; B-25s with fighter escort bomb Vunakanau later in the day; Tobera is pounded by 21 B-24s supported by P-38s and USN fighters; the Allied aircraft claim 30+ aircraft downed in the New Britain area. P-39s hit buildings at Bonis and barges in Matchin Bay on Bougainville Island and near Green Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 50+ B-24s bomb Boram Airfield and harbor at Wewak. 6 B-25s and a B-24 hit Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and jetties at Manus Island. P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during a sweep over wide areas of New Britain Island. The junction of Allied forces from Arawe and Cape Gloucester marks the completion of the campaign for the W end of New Britain Island; occasional missions will still be flown in the area, but most will be restricted to barge sweeps and patrols.

FRIDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 77BS(M), 28BG (Composite), moves from Amchitka Island to Attu Island with B-25s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 A-36s and P-51s hit the supply area at Sawnghka; 12 A-36s and P-51s and a single B-25 bomb a supply and bivouac area at Pyindaw; 8 P-51s hit a road junction near Mogaung and nearby supply area; 8 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a large river steamer and a launch in the Mandalay-Shwebo area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 P-38s knock out 1bridge and damage another at Sheklung; 6 B-25s, escorted by 20 US and Chinese P-40s, bomb the storage area at Kai Tek Airfield; the P-40s claim 5 Japanese fighters shot down; Japanese aircraft bomb and strafe Namyung putting the field out of use for several days.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 218: 94 of 201 B-24s bomb the Siracourt V-weapon site in France with PFF equipment; the remaining aircraft were assigned individual targets without PFF and were unable to locate their targets; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 17 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 10 MIA; escort is provided by 85 Eighth and 9AF P-47's and 41 P-51 s without loss. The primary target for 223 B-17s is the marshalling yard at Frankfurt, Germany; 157 hit the primary, 32 hit Ludwigshafen, 19 hit Saarbrucken and 4 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 3-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 124 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 26 WIA and 51 MIA; escort is provided by 82 P-38s, 486 8AF and 9AF P-47's and 38 9AF P-51s; they claim 30-2-28 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-1-4 on the ground; 8 P-38s, 4 P-47's and 2 P-51s are lost, 2 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 2 P-38s and 4 P-47's are damaged; casualties are 14 MIA.

Mission 219: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium at 2118-2146 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Most of the 139 B-26s dispatched to attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in N France are recalled because of bad weather; 35 manage to bomb the marshalling yard at Amiens.

495th and 497BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 460BG(H) and 760th, 761, 762 and 763BS(H) arrive at Spinazzola, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 19 Mar.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s and P-39s dive-bomb and strafe hangar, airfield installations and gun positions on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Wunapope; 22

B-25s, escorted by USN fighters, pound Vunakanau Airfield; Tobera Airfield is bombed by 15 B-24s with P-38 and USN fighter escort.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 50 B-24s pound the airfield at Kavieng, New Ireland Island, and 2 bomb Garove Island. 7 B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield, Celebes Island and Dili, Timor Island. P-40s and (RAAF) aircraft pound Japanese forces still remaining in the Saidor, New Guinea area. Fighter sweeps and armed reconnaissance continue over wide areas of the SWPA.

25LS, 512(Photo)Wing (Provisional), arrives at Lae, New Guinea from Brisbane, Australia with L-5s.

SATURDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-40s hit the town of Ransa and motor convoys S of Sumprabum; 40 P-51s and A-36s attack bivouacs at Walawbum, bivouac and motor pool at Padaw, storage area at the road junction near Chishidu and the town of Chishidu; 30+ P-51s and B-25s hit camps between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum, storage area and motor pool S of Kamaing, motor convoy on the Myitkyina-Sumprabum road, the town of Namting and bridges at Meza and Kanni.

59FS, 33FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 9 P-40s pound the warehouse area at Wanling, Burma. In French Indochina, 6 P-40s bomb the barracks at Vinh and strafe Dong Cuong Airfield, railroad yards at Cam Duong, and sampans at Phu Tho; 5 B-25s on a sea sweep in the Gulf of Tonkin claim 2 trawlers sunk and hit shore targets of opportunity SW of Haiphong; a single B-25 damages a bridge at Ha Trung. 24 P-38s, P-51s, and P-40s intercept 25 Japanese fighters near Suichwan, China, claiming 7 shot down; 2 US fighters are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 220: 97 of 99 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at St Pol/Siracourt, France; 29 B-24s are damaged; no losses or casualties; escort is provided by 84 8AF and 9AF P-47's and 41 P-51 s; no claims, losses or casualties.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 370FG and 401, 402 and 485FSs arrive at Aldermaston, England from the US with P-47's; the unit will transition to P-38s and fly their first Mission on 1 May.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s and B-24s strike troop concentrations and highways in the Cecina area and near Lake

Nemi. Bad weather causes all other missions to abort.

HQ 459BG(H) and 756BS(H) arrive at Giulia Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack gun positions at Campoleone and the surrounding area; B-26s hit Cecina; A-36s hit aircraft and trucks on the landing ground and in the area near Fahrica di Rorila, attack troops in the area, bomb gun positions SW of Roccasecca, and hit the towns of Fondi and Lanuvio; P-40s attack Gisterna di Roma, Sezze station and road junction, Cori and gun positions NW of Atina.

HQ 61TCG and 14th and 15TCSs begin a movement from Sciacca, Sicily to England with C-47s.

HQ 62TCG and 7TCS move from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; A-24s and P-39s from Makin Island bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, with USN (USN) fighters in support, bomb Tobera Airfield; 21 B-24s, escorted by P-39s and USN fighters, pound Vunakanau Airfield; P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Lakunai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Brigadier General Carl W Connell resumes command of the V AF Services Command. About 50 A-20s blast occupied areas SE of Wewak, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) accepts revision of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) Plan. The targets are reduced to a number that can be decisively attacked and target lists are revised to keep up with the effort of the Germans to relocate vital industrial plants. Disruption of communication lines and reduction of the Luftwaffe are high priority aims included in the CCS directive on this date.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51s and a B-25 damage a road bridge and 2 warehouses in the Wuntho area; 32 P-51s and A-36s hit the supply area and radio installations S of Kamaing and blast bivouacs S of Walawbum; 18 P-51s hit the road and railroad junction N of Sahmaw, a bivouac N of Kamaing and a camp between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum; during the night, 16 B-24s bomb Heho Airfield.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 23 B-24s pound railroad shops at Vinh; 4 B-25s hit a convoy E of Foochow, China claiming 3 freighters and a transport sunk; 4 other B-25s damage 2 vessels off SW Hainan Island and bomb dock, railroad, and oil dump at Bakli on Hainan Island; 6 P-40s bomb and strafe barracks and hangars at Phu Tho and strafe freight cars at Yen Bay and Suo Ha.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 221: V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France are hit; 266 of 277 B-17s hit 12 sites and 138 of 192 B-24s hit 5 sites; 12 B-24s hit targets of opportunity; they claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 2 B-17s and 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair, and 74 B-17s and 57 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 23 WIA and 24 MIA. Escort is provided by 189 P-47s and 43 P-51s; they claim 6-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-4 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost and 4 P-47s damaged; no casualties.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 182 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France; 16 others bomb secondary targets in the area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are restricted to weather reconnaissance.

757th and 758BS(H), 459BG(H), arrive at Giulia Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Bucine viaduct; B-25s and A-20s support Fifth Army forces N and E of the Anzio beachhead, blasting an ammunition dump and troop and vehicle concentrations; P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers give support in the same areas, hitting troop concentrations, a railway tunnel, buildings, vehicles, a supply dump, and gun positions.

Units moving from Sicily to England: HQ 52TCW from Agrigento; HQ 314TCG and 32TCS from Castelvetrano with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 13/14 Feb, B-24s from Tarawa Atoll operating individually at intervals, bomb Wotje and Mille Atolls and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 B-25s bomb Tobera Airfield and 23 B-24s bomb Lakunai Airfield; both forces are escorted by fighters; P-40s and USN fighters escort USN SBDs and TBFs dive-bombing runway and AA positions at Vunakanau.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 24 A-20s hit Aitape, New Guinea. 70+ B-25s pound Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and 35 B-24s bomb Kavieng Airfield on New Ireland Island.

MONDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): P-51s and A-36s carry out 70+ sorties against a variety of targets in Burma; targets include the supply area at Shingban, a truck convoy N of Maingkwan, supply dumps and motor transport in the Kamaing area, a bivouac near Mogaung, troop and vehicle concentrations between Mogaung and Kamaing, artillery positions at Laawn Ga, and railroad station and warehouses at Lundaung.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: General Dwight D Eisenhower establishes HQ Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander (COSSAC) comes under control of SHAEF.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 222: 48 P-47s are dispatched to Eindhoven Airfield in the Netherlands; the primary target is overcast and 46 of 48 hit Gilze-Rijen Airfield without loss.

22(Photo)RS, 7PRG based at Mount Farm, England, sends a detachment to operate from Attlebridge, England with F-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s attack the arshalling yards at Modena, Brescia, and Verona and several targets of opportunity including the airfield and Piaggio aircraft factory at Pontedera and railroad bridges and lines at Parma, Sassuolo, Rubiera, and S of Vicenza; B-17s and escorting P-47s claim 20 fighters shot down; B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Mantua, Verona, Massa Lombarda, Fenara and Arezzo, and targets of opportunity including the Pisa and Prato marshalling yards, airfields at Pisa and Pontedera, and road-rail junction near Vaiano.

759BS(H), 459BG(H), arrives at Giulia Airfield from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): The 12AF loses several of its operational units, the 12BG(M) and 33d and 81FGs being moved to India, and the 52TCW and its 4 groups being sent to England.

In Italy, B-25s bomb the Perugia marshalling yard, A-20's hit Grottaferrata; A-36s attack guns in the Pontecorvo area, railway yards at Civita Castellana and Frosinone, motor transport near Genzano di Roma, airfield at Furbara, and Ferentino railway station, some of the mission s being in direct support of the US Fifth Army main front; P-40s bomb and strafe troop concentrations N and E of the Anzio beachhead, scoring hits on tanks, motor transport and guns near Cisterna di Roma, Cori and Rocca di Papa; P-47s hit Colleferro and dump at Valmontone; P-40s score direct hits on a vessel and fuel dump in the Rogoznica area.

92FS, 81FG, begins a movement from Capodichino, Italy to India.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 40+ B-24s from the 11th and 90BGS(H), flying out of Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll strike Ponape Island in the first 7AF raid on the Caroline Islands; 2 of the B-24s hit the alternate target of Emidj Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, B-24s bomb the Rabaul area in a diversionary strike while USN TBFs lay mines in Simpson Harbor; 30 escorted B-25s pound Vunakanau Airfield while 28 B-24s, also with escort, bomb Rapopo Airfield; P-40s and USN fighters escort a USN dive-bomber raid on Tobera gun positions and airfield revetments; 4 B-25s also bomb Tobera. On Bougainville Island weather clears, permitting the first attacks, by 19 B-25s, on Kara and Kahili, in recent weeks; P-39s attack Puriata River bridges.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): A-20s with P-40 support, bomb and strafe Dagua airfield, New Guinea, destroying and damaging 20+ aircraft. 80+ plus B-25s pound Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island. 40+ B-24s bomb the airfields at Kavieng and Panapai on New Ireland Island.

20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6(Photo)G, moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with F-7s; first Mission is 5 Apr.

TUESDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): P-40s, P-51s, and A-36s hit targets in Burma, including rice mill and radio station at Waingmaw, targets of opportunity along the Hukawng-Walawbum road, motor pool and dumps in the Kamaing area, troops and supplies at Padi Ga and a canal bridge at Ye-u; P-40s also drop land mines on Nampaung.

HQ 443TCG is moved from the US to Sylhet, India without personnel and equipment. The 1, 2 and 27TCSs, already in the theater, will be assigned on 6 Mar.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s on a sweep in N French Indochina score a direct hit on a steamer at Haiphong and nearby railroad station, damage bridges near Viet Tri and a patrol launch at Hanoi, and hit engine sheds at Thanh Hoa.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 223: 52 of 54 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France; 29 B-24s are damaged; no losses or casualties.

Mission 224: 95 P-47s are dispatched to bomb 2 airfields in France but are recalled; 1 P-47 is damaged; no casualties

Mission 225: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Orleans, Chartres, Cambrai, Le Mans, Lille and Reims, France at 2124-2155 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 194 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites, Cherbourg/Maupertus Airfield and targets of opportunity during a morning mission. 122 B-26s again bomb V-weapon construction sites in the coastal area of N France during the afternoon.

HQ IX Air Support Command moves from Middle Wallop to Uxbridge, England.

HQ 316TCG arrives at Cottesmore, England from Sicily.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 100 B-17s bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey. 60+ B-24s attack the Poggibonsi marshalling yard, Campoleone and Porto d'Ascoli; heavy cloud cover causes numerous aborts; all the mission s are unescorted.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s and B-25s bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey in support of the New Zealand Corps assault to establish a bridgehead across the Rapido River S of Cassino; other B-26s bomb the railroad at Monte Molino and marshalling yard at Montepescali; A-20s attack motor transport, roads and road junction in the Albano Laziale area and NW of Valmontone; P-40s bomb concentrations near Cisterna di Roma and dumps in the Valmontone and Rocca di Papa areas; A-36s hit concentrations N of the Anzio beachhead, strafe trucks and barracks in the Frosinone-Rieti areas, bomb the Tiburtina and Trastevere marshalling yards in the Rome area and hit buildings N of Velletri.

Units beginning a movement from Sicily to England with C-47s: 29TCS, 313TCG, from Trapani/Milo Airfield; 36th and 37TCSs, 316TCG, and 62TCS, 314TCG, from Castelvetrano.

91FS, 81FG, begins a movement from Montecorvino Airfield, Italy to India.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island pound Mille Atoll and Ponape Island; 10 P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways and a disabled vessel at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 23 B-25s, with fighter cover, bomb the runway and dispersal area of Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain Island; 20 B-24s hit Borpop Airfield on New Ireland Island causing heavy damage in the runway and revetment areas. In ground action, US and New Zealand troops land on Nissan Island in the Green Islands, 40 mi (64 km) NW of Buka on Buka Island; opposition is weak and organized resistance will end on 23 Feb.

424BS(H), 307BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s and returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Ireland Island, 70+ B-24s, A-20s, and B-25s bomb the Kavieng town area, harbor, and shipping and Panapai Airfield; 17 other B-24s, prevented by weather from reaching Panapai, bomb Talasea on New Britain Island.

WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, A-36s and P-51s hit supply dumps, troop concentrations and an encampment area near Myitkyina, Kamaing, Tonkin

and Walawbum; B-25s and P-51s destroy 3 locomotives at Kyaingkwin.

118TRS, AAF, India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), arrives at Gushkara, India from the US with P-51s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25s knock out a railroad bridge at Yen Bay, French Indochina and damage 2 other bridges to the S near the coast.

74FS, 23FG, based at Kweilin with P-40s, sends a detachment to Liuchow.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24s, unescorted, bomb marshalling yards at Pontassieve, Siena, Poggibonsi and Prato, a bridge at Cecina, and a railroad and highway near Rieti.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Orte marshalling yard and attack the Campoleone area; B-26s bomb San Stefano al Mare and hit the area near the Perugia railroad bridge, a bridge N of Orvieto, a factory near the Marsciano bridge and a bridge at Albinia Station; A-20s, with RAF and South African AF (SAAF) Baltimores and Spitfires, hit concentrations in the Anzio battle area; A-36s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina and Rome/Ostiense marshalling yards in the Rome area; P-40s attack Monte Cassino Abbey, pound tanks, trucks, and troop concentrations along the US Fifth Army front, and hit the towns of Fondi and Roccasecca; fighters over Anzio encounter increased air effort in conjunction with an all-out ground offensive against the Allied beachhead.

61TCS, 314TCG, begins a movement from Castelvetrano, Sicily to England with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll; P-40s from Makin Island fly 2 bombing-strafing strikes against Jaluit Atoll; A-24s bomb Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 12 B-24s, with 30+ P-38s and USN F4Us, pound the runway at Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40+ B-25s attack a convoy off New Hanover Island. 30+ B-24's bomb Panapai Airfield and Kavieng on New Ireland Island, and some hit Cape Balangori and Talasea, New Britain Island.

19 B-24s and B-25s bomb Halong in the Celebes Islands. P-40s hit shipping and barges in the Wewak, New Guinea area.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 345BG(M) from Dobodura to Nadzab; 25LS, 5212(Photo)Wing (Provisional), from Lae to Nadzab with L-5s.

THURSDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 38 A-36s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit troops and supplies from Lonkin to Kamaing; 6 P-51s hit supply areas along roads around Lonton and Manywet; 2 others hit a road junction near Maingkwan; 2 B-25s and 6 P-51s strike a road bridge, railroad station, and rail cars in the Pyingaing area; 2 B-25s and 6 P-51s attack but fail to damage a bridge near Ye-u.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin score 2 direct hits on a freighter at Vinh, damage a bridge approach and locomotive at Yen Xuon Station, and destroy a locomotive at Yen Ly Station.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Advanced HQ, 9AF, is opened at Hillingdon House, Uxbridge. It is later joined in the area by advanced units of the IX Fighter Command and by troop carrier units, all of which form a nucleus of advanced echelons so as to centralize tactical operations in anticipation of combat on the Continent.

Arrivals in England from Sicily: HQ 52TCW at Cottesmore; 15TCS, 61TCG, at Bardston with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 455th and 456BGS(H) become operational giving the 15AF 12 B-24 groups. In Italy, unescorted B-17s and B-24s attack Campoleone and Grottaferrata, motor transport parks in the Campoleone junction and Rocca di Papa areas, a troop concentration near Frascati, stores depots in the Grottaferrata area, and other targets in advance of the US Fifth Army's Anzio battle line which is under heavy counterattack by German forces.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Campoleone and Lanuvio area, B-25s hit dumps SW of Rome and N of Anzio, and also hit guns nearby; A-20s blast a dump and troop concentrations in the Anzio area; P-47s bomb dumps near Valmontone; A-36s hit Carroceto, concentrations SE of Rome, and a railroad underpass and a factory N of Anzio; P-40s blast enemy transport, guns, and assembly areas N of Cisterna di Latina, trucks N of Anzio and N of the beachhead battleline, railroad stations at Campoleone and Carroceto, and bivouac areas, dumps, a factory, and bridge in the battle area; this entire air effort (the heaviest to date in support of troops) is aimed at helping prevent a breakthrough at the beachhead, where the Germans are committed to a full-strength counteroffensive; A-36s bomb Monte Cassino Abbey in the only air action on the US Fifth Army main front.

Detachment of 23(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)RG, operating from San Servero, Italy with F-5, returns to base at Alghero, Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands, and Jaluit Atoll. P-40s strafe floatplanes off Emidj Island, as a USN Task Force begins a heavy attack on Truk Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 P-40s join 40+ USN fighters in covering an attack by 70 USN dive bombers on shipping in Keravia Bay, New Britain Island; 8 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down; 2 USN fighters are lost. In the N Solomons Allied fighters hit Queen Carola Harbor, Kessa Plantation and a bridge N of Kahili.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40 B-24s bomb Panapai Airfield, New Ireland Island and Talasea, New Britain Island. 16 B-25s claim 2 surface vessels and a submarine sunk off New Hanover Island. 16 P-47's strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen, New Guinea area.

HQ 6(Photo)RG moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

FRIDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 40+ B-25s, A-36s and P-51s attack the town of Ye-u and nearby bridge, bivouacs N of Laban, bridges in the Pyingaing area and along the Mu River, supply and troop concentrations at Waingmaw radio station and a supply area near Kamaing and gun emplacements SE of Taihpa Ga; the strikes are generally successful.

58FS, 33FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin damage 2 large boats N of Bakli Bay on Hainan Island, destroy an ammunition dump at Phu Ly and knock out a nearby railroad bridge.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 8AF issues orders to establish a photographic reconnaissance wing [8th Reconnaissance Wing (Provisional)] in Cheddington. The purpose is to make the Eighth independent in aerial reconnaissance and to consolidate the efforts of units presently engaged in this and related activities. Colonel Elliott Roosevelt, the President's son and currently Director of Reconnaissance for the Ninth Air Force, is named Commanding Officer.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 61TCG arrives at Barkston, England from Sicily.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are restricted to photographic and weather reconnaissance.

764th, 765th, 766th and 767BS(H), 461BG(H), arrive at Venosa, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit a troop concentration near Piedimonte; XII Air Support Command P-40s and A-36s fly 17 missions in support of US Fifth Army troops resisting the German counteroffensive which reaches its deepest penetration into the Anzio beachhead on this day; objectives include tanks, vehicles, gun positions, troop concentrations, and a railroad underpass along the Anzio-Albano Laziale axis; fighters over Anzio successfully intercept air strikes on the beachhead; New Zealand troops capture Cassino Station.

HQ 321BG(M) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448BS(M) move from Vincenzo Airfield to Gaudo Airfield, Italy with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe Jaluit and Mille Atolls. US forces land on Engebi Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 34 B-25s and 18 B-24s, both forces with fighter escorts, pound Vunakanau Airfield; 2 B-25s and 4 P-38s hit Tobera.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s and RAAF Beaufighters hit Koepang, Timor Island. P-39s strafe targets of opportunity at Madang, New Guinea and Cape Raoult, New Britain Island.

499BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

SATURDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 60+ A-36s and P-51s and a few B-25s hit a variety of targets in Burma; targets include fuel and supply dumps at Manywet and in the Shaduzup area, the Tonkin-Kansi road and a junction W of Manywet, the Mu River bridge at Ye-u, railroad cars and tracks, locomotives, and river traffic between Monywa and Natyekan and between Alon and Segyi; rail and road traffic in the Bhamo and Hukawng Valley-Kamaing areas is also hit.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-24s, B-25s, and P-40s fly sea sweeps over wide-spread coastal areas from the Formosa Straits to French Indochina, claiming 3 ships sunk and others damaged; railroad bridges, trains, and other targets of opportunity near coastal areas are also attacked.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are again limited to reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel Peter S Rask becomes acting Commanding Officer of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional): until its disbandment on 5 Mar 44.

In Italy, B-25s blast troop concentrations to the N of Anzio beachhead; A-36s and P-40s keep troops, tanks, and motor transport in the beachhead battle area under attack, flying 200+ sorties in 20+ missions as an Allied counterattack turns the tide of battle; fighters maintain control over the N part of the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island pound Ponape and Kusaie Islands; B-25s from Tarawa hit Wotje Atoll while Makin-based P-40s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll. US forces land on Eniwetok Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 P-40s and 40+ USN fighters escort about 70 USN dive bombers in an attack on Lakunai Airfield; fighter cover claims 22 Japanese aircraft shot down; 6 B-24s bomb the same target immediately afterward; 14 B-24s, with P-38 and USN fighter escort, hit Tobera Airfield.

12FS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island with P-38s, begins operating from Treasury Island.

69BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from the Russell Islands to Stirling Island with B-25s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s attack shipping SW of New Ireland Island, claiming a small freighter and a patrol boat sunk and other vessels damaged. 7 A-20s hit shipping at Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

Single B-24s and B-25s carry out armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Bismarck Sea.

Movements in New Guinea: 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with F-5s (a detachment is at Port Moresby); 35FS, 8FG, from Finschhafen to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-40s.

SUNDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Bad weather limits operations to a routine patrol over Sumprabum, Burma.

HQ 33FG and 60FS arrive at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 226: The 8AF begins "Big Week," attacks on German aircraft plants and airfields. For the first time, over 1,000 bombers are dispatched; 21bombers and 4 fighters are lost hitting 3 areas in Germany, i.e.: 1. 417 B-17s are dispatched to Leipzig/Mockau Airfield, and aviation industry targets at Heiterblick and Abnaundorf; 239 hit the primary targets, 37 hit Bernburg, 44 hit Oschersleben and 20 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 14-5-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 161 damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 17 WIA and 72 MIA.

2. 314 B-17s are dispatched to the Tutow Airfield; 105 hit the primary and immediate area, 76 hit Rostock and 115 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 15-15-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA and 60 MIA.

3. 272 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Wilhelmtor and Neupetritor; 76 hit the primary, 87 hit Gotha, 13 hit Oschersleben, 58 hit Helmstedt and 10 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 36-13-13 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA, 10 WIA and 77 MIA.

Missions 1 and 3 above are escorted by 94 P-38s, 668 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 73 8AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 61-7-37 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38, 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 is lost, 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 4 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 4 MIA.

Mission 227: 4 of 5 B-17s drop 200 bundles of leaflets on Tours, Nantes, Brest and Lorient, France at 2123-2200 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 35 B-26s bomb Haamstede Airfield, The Netherlands, as a target of opportunity, after about 100 B-26s abort attacks on other airfields because of weather.

HQ 314TCG and 32TCS arrive at Saltby, England from Sicily with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s blast troop concentrations in the Anzio, Italy beachhead area as the Axis efforts end.

HQ 461BG(H) arrives at Torretto Airfield, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s hit troop concentrations along roads in the Vallalta area; B-25s hit dumps and assembly areas at the N edge of the Anzio beachhead, and A-20s bomb a troop and motor transport concentration SE of Carroceto; A-36s and P-40s hit troops, trucks and tanks NE of Carroceto, bomb the town of Fondi, a factory E of Carroceto, the town of Piedimonte, and hit guns and targets of opportunity along the N line of the beachhead; an Axis attempt to achieve a breakthrough is decisively defeated in the center of the salient created by a counteroffensive and their efforts end.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb the airfield at Wotje Atoll; P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb runways and small vessels at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 35 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Lakunai Airfield on New Britain Island. P-39s attack barge traffic, which has greatly increased off SE and NW Bougainville Island, claiming 20 of the craft sunk.

18th Combat Mapping Squadron, 4PRG, is inactivated on Espiritu Santo Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 38 B-24s bomb the Alexishafen-Hansa Bay area. 18 B-24s bomb the airfield at Laha, Ambon Island and 12 others hit shipping off Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

Transfers in and out of New Guinea: HQ 5AF advance echelon and HQ V BC from Port Moresby to Nadzab; HQ 8FG from Finschhafen to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island; 498BS(M), 345BG(M), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-25s.

MONDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-51s and A-36s and a few B-25s hit a command post at Shingban, the town of Mohnyin, a bridge at Loilaw, a camp at Shaduzup, 2 bridges at Namkwin, and warehouses and other buildings at Kawlin and Wuntho; fighter-bombers attacking a fuel dump at Pin Hmi drop bombs in the wrong area; B-25s, escorted by RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes, score effective hits on a tunnel on the Maungdaw-Buthidaung road.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 228: "Big Week" continues with 3 areas in Germany targetted with the loss of 16 bombers and 5 fighters: 1. 336 B-17s are dispatched to the Gutersioh, Lippstadt and Werl Airfields; because of thick overcast, 285 hit Achmer, Hopsten, Rheine, Diepholz, Quakenbruck and Bramsche Airfields and the marshalling yards at Coevorden and Lingen; they claim 12-5-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 13 WIA and 75 MIA.

2. 281 B-17s are dispatched to Diepholz Airfield and Brunswick; 175 hit the primaries and 88 hit Alhorn and Verden Airfields and Hannover; they claim 2-5-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; casualties are 20 KIA, 4 WIA and 57 MIA.

3. 244 B-24s are dispatched to Achmer and Handorf Airfields; 11 hit Achmer Airfield and 203 hit Diepholz, Verden and Hesepe Airfields and Lingen; they claim 5-6-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; casualties are 3 WIA and 31 MIA. Escort for Mission 228 is provided by 69 P-38s, 542 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 68 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 19-3-14 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-47s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair, 3 are damaged and 2 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 14-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and the pilots are MIA.

Mission 229: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Caen, Paris and Amiens, France at 2215-2327 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s bomb Coxyde Airfield, Belgium; weather causes almost 190 aborts. The 9AF's Pathfinder Squadron (provisionally activated on 13 Feb) takes part in this operation, its first venture into combat. 185 aircraft scheduled to attack other airfields in the Netherlands and France in the afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.

Arrivals in England from the US: HQ 10PRG: at Chalgrove; HQ 439TCG and 91 and 92TCS at Balderton with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Orte marshalling yard, and B-26s hit Imperia docks; A-20s pound troop concentrations near Campoleone, along with P-40s and A-36s which also hit a fuel dump, tank and truck concentrations, and gun positions in the area; fighter-bombers also bomb and block the Itri-Gaeta road.

100FS, 332FG, moves from Montecorvino to Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands and Jaluit Atoll. B-25s from Abemama bomb Maloelap Atoll. P-40s from Makin Island hit Mille Atoll. US forces gain complete control of Eniwetok Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

9TCS, 7AF, arrives at Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii from the US with C-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 15 B-24s bomb Lakunai Airfield; 4 others, with fighter support, attack the airfield at Rapopo; 20 P-38s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strikes on Lakunai gun positions. In the Bougainville Island area 3 B-24s bomb Kara airfield while P-39s hit buildings at Tsundawan and in the area S of Tabut, and bomb barges and jetty in the Matchin Bay area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, almost 30 A-20s hit Madang and the Hansa Bay area. On New Britain Island, P-39s hit Raiven Plantation; 40+ B-24s bomb the Rein Bay and Eleonora Bay areas; others attack shipping off New Hanover Island.

TUESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): In Panama, the 28FS, XXVI Fighter Command, based at Chame with P-39s, sends a detachment to Pocri.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 70+ B-25s, P-51s, and P-40s again hit a variety of targets in Burma; bridges are severely damaged or put out of use at Zawa, Tindeinyan, Ye-u, Namkwin, and Loilaw; warehouses and supply dumps are hit at Segyi and at Chantha, and the Pahok road and railroad junction are blasted; also hit are targets of opportunity at Kawlum and along the Walawbum-Kamaing road.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Kengtung, China and nearby truck convoy. At Bhamo, Burma a large rivercraft is hit and left sinking.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ VIII BC is redesignated as HQ, 8AF.

Mission 230: "Big Week" continues with 799 aircraft dispatched against German aviation and Luftwaffe airfields; 41 bombers and 11 fighters are lost.

1. 289 B-17s are dispatched against aviation industry targets at Aschersleben (34 bomb), Bernburg (47 bomb) and Halberstadt (18 bomb) in conjunction with a 15AF raid on Regensburg, Germany; 32 hit Bunde, 19 hit Wernegerode, 15 hit Magdeburg, 9 hit Marburg and 7 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 32-18-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 38 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 141 damaged; casualties are 35 KIA, 30 WIA and 367 MIA.

2. 333 B-17s are dispatched to Schweinfurt but severe weather prevents aircraft from forming properly and they are forced to abandon the mission prior to crossing the enemy coast; 2 B-17s are damaged.

3. 177 B-24s are dispatched but they are recalled when 100 miles (160 km): inland; since they were over Germany, they sought targets of opportunity but strong winds drove the bombers over The Netherlands and their bombs hit Enschede, Arnhem, Nijmegen and Deventer; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 30 MIA. These missions are escorted by 67 P-38s, 535 8AF and 9AF P-47s, and 57 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 6 are damaged; the P-47s claim 39-6-15 Luftwaffe aircraft, 8 P-47s are lost and 12 damaged, 8 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 19-1-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, 3 pilot are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 66 B-26s bomb Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; bad weather causes 100+ others to abort.

UNITED STATES STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSTAF): HQ 8AF is redesignated as HQ, USSTAF.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17s attack Petershausen marshalling yard and Regensburg aircraft factory in Germany and the air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; a large force of B-24s hits Regensburg aircraft plants about the same time as the B-17 attack; other B-24s pound the town of Sibenik and the harbor at Zara, Yugoslavia; they claim 40 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed; 13 bombers are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Foligno marshalling yard and Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, and B-26s attack Albinia Station railroad bridge; A-20s hit the area E of Campoleone; P-47s strike troops, gun positions, and a road junction N of Carroceto, roads near Roccasecca, and the town of Campoleone; A-36s hit guns NW of Carroceto and the town of Formia; P-40s attack guns SE of Campoleone.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 1 B-24 bombs Kusaie Island. 8 A-24s and 9 P-40s from Makin Island bomb Mille Atoll; 1 P-40 launches rockets against airfield targets in the first such attack by a 7AF aircraft.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 P-40s and 40+ USN fighters cover 70 USN dive bombers attacking Keravia Bay shipping; 40+ B-24s, with fighter escorts, bomb Lakunai and Keravat Airfields.

370BS(H), 307BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 30+ B-25s and P-39s attack the Madang, New Guinea area. 60+ B-25s and B-24s pound Iboki Plantation on New Britain Island in support of US Marines (USMC) advancing on the area from Natamo (and who capture Perry Island).

319BS(H), 90BG(H), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

WEDNESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 B-24s bomb airfields and other targets at Akyab and Dabaing; 3 B-25s and 12 P-51s hit a radio station at Man Pang; 4 other P-51s hit warehouses at Chantha.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s attack 2 ships in the Gulf of Tonkin and hit railroad cars and engine shed at Van Trai Station, French Indochina. 4 P-40s strafe Lashio Airfield, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 232: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Le Mans, Chartres, Lille and Orleans, France at 2136-2232 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s bomb the industrial complex at Steyr, Austria. Other heavy bombers are forced to abort because of bad weather; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 30+ aircraft shot down.

Moves in Italy: HQ 306FW from Foggia to Lucera; 764th, 765th, 766th and 767BS(H), 461BG(H), from Venosa to Torretto with B-24s (first Mission is 2 Apr).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s hit a gun position N of Campoleone and patrol the Anzio area. Weather prevents other operations.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb Mille Atoll; 2 small boats are destroyed by strafing; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll. B-24s from Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Kusaie and Ponape Islands and Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Ireland Island, 4 B-24s on armed reconnaissance strafe the Cape Saint George area and bomb buildings and pier at Labur Bay and 4 B-24s attack bivouacs in the upper Saua River area. On New Britain Island, 9 B-25s, with USN fighter support, bomb Vunakanau Airfield; 10 other B-25s hit Keravat Airfield; 16 P-38s dive-bomb the Wunapope supply area and some attack the town of Rabaul; this is the first P-38 bombing raid on the Rabaul area; (P-38s, now free from constant responsibility of guarding bombers against interceptors, will continue to dive-bomb the Rabaul area through Apr 44; during the latter part of this campaign against the famed Japanese garrison, which is to be bypassed by Allied ground forces, P-39s will add their strength due to completion of an airstrip on Nissan Island in the Green Islands; by 20 Apr only 120 of 1400 buildings in Rabaul will still be standing).

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Almost 50 A-20s and B-24s blast the airfield, buildings, and AA positions in the Wewak, New Guinea area.

Units moving from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea: HQ 90BG(H) and 320th, 321 and 400BS(H) with B-24s; 500th and 501BS(M), 345BG(M), with B-25s.

THURSDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island search for enemy shipping; 1 B-24 crashes during takeoff, the others find nothing.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s hit bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu; 1bridge is damaged and several boxcars are destroyed; 13 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Mandalay and targets of opportunity at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku; P-51s, A-36s and P-40s attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop concentrations, railroad by-passes, AA positions, and other targets at Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and the Mogaung-Kamaing area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 237, 238 and 239 are flown today against targets in France; 7 B-17s are lost. Heavy clouds cause over half the bombers dispatched to return without bombing.

Mission 237: 49 of 81 B-24s hit the Ecalles sur Buchy V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 61 P-47s.

Mission 238: 258 B-17s are dispatched against V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 109 hit the primary target, 10 hit a road junction E of Yerville, 7 hit a rail siding SW of Abbeville and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost and 75 damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 81 P-38s, 94 P-47s and 22 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-51s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 239: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Amiens, Rennes, Paris, Rouen and Le Mans, France at 2023-2055 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 180 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets and Rosieres-en-Santerre, France. Bad weather makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26s to abort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Canino landing ground, but clouds prevent accurate bombing and most bombs fall W and SW of the main target area; A-36s attack airfields at Littoria, Guidonia and Marciglialia. P-47's hit motor vessels and tug off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and targets of opportunity inland.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb the runway and radio installation on Mille Atoll; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield on Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Isladn, 22 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Rabaul; 9 minutes later 12 P-38s glide-bomb Rabaul; 2 minutes afterward 11 B-24s pound the same target; 6 other B-24s bomb Rapopo; P-40s and USN fighters escort USN dive bombers in a strike on Wunapope; P-39s attack Monoitu Mission.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s, begines operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 23 B-24s and 39 A-20s thoroughly pound the Hansa Bay area. Nearly 20 other B-24s bomb Nubia and Awar Airfields. In preparation for the Allied landing, 50+ B-25s and B-24s pound Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands.

80FS, 8FG, moves from Dobodura, New Guinea to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-38s.

FRIDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island are over Matsuwa Island shortly after midnight 24/25 Feb on a photographic reconnaissance and bomb run; the mission is not completed due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s and 4 P-51s attack bridges at Meza, Sinthe, and Natmauk, causing light damage to the bridges and destroying 3 locomotives and several railroad cars.

91FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds and enter combat on 16 Jun.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 16 P-40s attack docks, railroad yards and warehouses at Hongay; in the harbor 1large boat is sunk and another damaged; 2 P-40's hit a cargo vessel at Campha Port, leaving it sinking; 2 others bomb and strafe Weichow Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 235: In the final "Big Week" mission, 4 targets in Germany are hit; 31bombers and 3 fighters are lost.

1. 268 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Augsburg and the industrial area at Stuttgart; 196 hit Augsburg and targets of opportunity and 50 hit Stuttgart; they claim 8-4-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost and 172 damaged; casualties are 12 WIA and 130 MIA.

2. 267 of 290 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Regensburg and targets of opportunity; they claim 13-1-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 82 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 12 WIA and 110 MIA.

3. 172 of 196 B-24s hit aviation industry targets at Furth and targets of opportunity; they claim 2-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 44 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 61 MIA. Escort is provided by 73 P-38s, 687 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 139 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 13-2-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 6 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; the P-51s claim 12-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair, 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 236: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Toulouse, Chartres, Caen and Raismes, France at 2129-2335 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Paul L Williams becomes Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command. 191 B-26s bomb Venlo, Saint-Trond, and Cambrai/Epinoy Airfields, France in a morning raid as a diversion in support of the VIII BC heavy bombers over Germany; 36 abort, mainly because of a navigational error; 164 B-26s dispatched against military targets in France during the afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Continuing coordinated attacks with the 8AF on European targets, B-17s with fighter escorts pound Regensburg aircraft factory; enemy fighter opposition is heavy. Other B-17s hit the air depot at Klagenfurt, Austria and the dock area at Pola, Italy. B-24s attack Fiume, Italy marshalling yard and port and hit Zell-am-See, Austria railroad and Graz airfield and the port area at Zara, Yugoslavia; 30+ US aircraft are lost; they claim 90+ fighters shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s attack guns and troop concentrations E of Campoleone and in the Carroceto area; A-36s bomb the towns of Terracina and Sperlonga and roads in the area; P-40s also maintain patrols over Anzio.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s out of Makin Island bomb and strafe targets at Jaluit Atoll; B-25's from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-24s from Abemama and Tarawa pound Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-39s on armed reconnaissance bomb an AA position at Monoitu, hit the Aitara area, and attack a barge in the Cape Gazelle area; 20+ B-25s hit Matupi and Rapopo; 21 B-24s and 17 P-38s follow shortly with another strike on Rapopo.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's pound Lorengau on Manus Island and the Alexishafen-Madang, New Guinea areas and Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and A-20s bomb airfields at Alexishafen, New Guinea.

HQ 85FW arrives at Gusap, New Guinea from the US.

SATURDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): XI BC (Air Striking Group Task Group 90.1) is directed to conduct armed photographic reconnaissance missions in the Kurile Islands, day or night, as weather permits.

HQ 28BG (Composite) moves from Adak Island to Shemya Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 39RS, Antilles Air Command, begins a movement from Waller Field, Trinidad to the US; it will remain in the US until Dec 45.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 B-25s and P-51s demolish warehouses in Naba and Hopin, attack bridges at Yeu, Bawgyo and Tantabin, and strafe railroad cars and tracks at Tangon, Namyao, and Pyintha; the Tantabin bridge is rendered unusable while approaches of the Ye-u and Bawgyo bridges are damaged.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-25s from Nanning, China attack targets at Tourane, French Indochina, destroying 5 warehouses and a hangar at the airfield and a locomotive and 4 buildings at the railroad yard.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather limits operations severely, but P-47's hit shipping N and S of Velaluka, Yugoslavia.

379BS(M), 310BG(M), moves from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica; they have been operating from Gambit, Libya with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island attack Wotje and Jaluit Atolls; P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe targets on Mille Atoll.

27th and 38BS(H), 30BG(H), based on Nanumea Island, Ellice Islands begin operating from Abemama and Makin Islands, respectively, with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strike on Wunapope

supply and shipping facilities; 22 B-25s, with fighter support, follow up with the day's second strike on Wunapope; shortly afterwards, 17 P-38s strike the same target; 12 P-39s bomb and strafe Monoitu, Ruisei, Makapeko and Mawareka.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Wewak and Momote on Los Negros Island; B-25s, along with P-39s, hit the Madang-Alexishafen area and A-20s hit Angorum.

SUNDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-51s and A-36s and 2 B-25s hit ammunition dumps near the Kamaing-Walawbum road, warehouses, railroad and power facilities, bridges, and targets of opportunity in the Ye-u and Tindeinyan areas.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s fly a sea sweep from Vinh to Nam Dinh, bombing the Nam Dinh distillery and railroad yards; no ships are sighted. 8 P-40s hit the railroad bridge at Puchi, China, rendering it unusable.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Elwood R Quesada (reappointed Commanding General IX Fighter Command on 21 Feb) receives authority to revive the IX Fighter Command (existing only on paper since creation of the IX Air Support Command) on a temporary basis as an operational HQ to function as a Combined Control Center with RAF 11 Group at Uxbridge, England, where Fighter Command will prepare operations orders for 9AF fighter and fighter-bomber groups. Quesada retains command of the IX Air Support Command.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-36s attack Littoria and Guidonia Airfields and Ladispoli dock area; rail cars NE of Rome are also attacked; P-40s follow up with a raid against Littoria and hit trucks and other targets in the area; weather prevents other operations by the 12AF.

4TCS, 62TCG, moves from Catania to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island pound Jaluit and Mille Atolls, while B-25s from Abemama Island hit Wotje and Mille Atolls; B-24s from Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 16 P-39s strafe barges and other targets of opportunity along the SW coast of Bougainville Island throughout the day. On New Britain Island, Wunapope is attacked by 21 B-24s and 24 B-25s (both forces supported by fighter escorts) and by 14 P-38s; P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Lakunai AA positions. 3 other P-38s strafe a radar station at Cape Saint George on New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Colonel Jarred V Crabb becomes Commanding General V BC. In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s, with P-40 support, hit airfields at Boram, Wewak, and Tadji, 27 B-25s hit the Hansa Bay area, and over 30 A-20s attack Alexishafen and Marakum village. 30+ other B-25s attack Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands. P-39s maintain armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island.

MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island search for enemy shipping; 1 B-24 crashes during takeoff, the others find nothing.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s hit bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu; 1bridge is damaged and several boxcars are destroyed; 13 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Mandalay and targets of opportunity at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku; P-51s, A-36s and P-40s attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop concentrations, railroad by-passes, AA positions, and other targets at Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and the Mogaung-Kamaing area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 237, 238 and 239 are flown today against targets in France; 7 B-17s are lost. Heavy clouds cause over half the bombers dispatched to return without bombing.

Mission 237: 49 of 81 B-24s hit the Ecalles sur Buchy V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 61 P-47s.

Mission 238: 258 B-17s are dispatched against V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 109 hit the primary target, 10 hit a road junction E of Yerville, 7 hit a rail siding SW of Abbeville and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost and 75 damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 81 P-38s, 94 P-47s and 22 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-51s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 239: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Amiens, Rennes, Paris, Rouen and Le Mans, France at 2023-2055 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 180 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets and Rosieres-en-Santerre, France. Bad weather makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26s to abort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Canino landing ground, but clouds prevent accurate bombing and most bombs fall W and SW of the main target area; A-36s attack airfields at Littoria, Guidonia and Marciglialia. P-47's hit motor vessels and a tug off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and targets of opportunity inland.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb the runway and radio installation on Mille Atoll; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield on Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Rabaul; 9 minutes later 12 P-38s glide-bomb Rabaul; 2 minutes afterward 11 B-24s pound the same target; 6 other B-24s bomb Rapopo; P-40s and USN (USN) fighters escort USN dive bombers in a strike on Wunapope; P-39s attack Monoitu Mission.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s, begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 23 B-24s and 39 A-20s thoroughly pound the Hansa Bay area. Nearly 20 other B-24s bomb Nubia and Awar Airfields. In preparation for the Allied landing, 50+ B-25s and B-24s pound Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands.

80FS, 8FG, moves from Dobodura, New Guinea to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-38s.

TUESDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s knock spans out of 2 bridges N of Taungtha and damage bridges S of Myingyan and between Panaing and Mahlaing; 7 B-25s and 4 P-51s bomb a radio station at Sinkan, score near misses on a bridge below Kawlin, and knock out 2 bridges in the Ye-u area. 40+ P-51s, A-36s and P-40s hit a supply area S of Seton, camp and stores near Mogaung (at Pagoda Peak), and railroad station at Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s pound the warehouse area at Yoyang, causing several fires and secondary explosions; 12 B-25s bomb Yoyang railroad yards; 16 P-40s provide support; 2 B-25s on a sweep of the NE China coast sink 3 sampans and damage a merchant ship at Siachwan Tao; 6 P-40s bomb and strafe ammunition dumps at Kunlong; 12 P-38s and P-51s sink a large motor launch NE of Anking, strafe barracks and 3 tugs in the Teian area, hit barracks NW of Nanchang and strafe railroad installations at Yangsin; 4 P-40s hit a barracks W of Nanchang; 2 B-25s sink a large rivercraft on the Yangtze River near Chiuhsienchen and damage 2 more nearby.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 240, 241 and 242 are flown; 1bomber and 5 fighters are lost.

Mission 240: 218 of 226 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Germany and targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 54 damaged; casualties are 4 WIA and 10 MIA. Escorting are 61 P-38s, 346 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 147 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; the P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; 1 P-51 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

Mission 241: 38 of 48 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Lottinghen, France without loss. Escorting are 79 8AF and 9AF P-47s; 1 is lost and the pilot is MIA.

Mission 242: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Orleans, Lille, Reims, Cambrai and Chateauroux, France at 2025-2121hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 19 B-26s bomb a coastal gun position and nearby Breck-sur-Mer Airfield, France. 216 B-26s abort a mission against 8 V-weapon sites in France because of total cloud cover over the targets.

Moves in England: HQ 370FG and 401FS from Aldermaston to Andover with P-38s (first Mission is 1 May); 389FS, 366FG, from Membury to Thruxton with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the fourth consecutive day, bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the main and satellite airfields at Viterbo and several targets of opportunity along the W coast; B-25s bomb troops and gun positions W of Cisterna di Roma while A-20s hit concentrations to the S; P-40s and A-36s strike at troop concentrations along the N perimeter of the Anzio beachhead; other P-40s hit barracks and railroad yards at Littoria and a tank concentration S of Cisterna; P-47's (with British aircraft) hit Giulianova railway station and shipping off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia; fighters maintain patrol over the Anzio beachhead.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s bomb Maloelap, Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-25s hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls; P-40s attack Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, pound the Rabaul area; later 12 P-38s hit targets in the same area. 16 AAF fighters, along with 16 USN fighters, hit targets of opportunity throughout S Bougainville and Shortland Islands. Numerous other fighters, in forces of varying sizes, attack barges and scattered targets of opportunity throughout the N Solomons, Bismarck Archipelago, and waters in between.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Allied amphibious forces land on Los Negros Island, temporarily taking Momote Airfield and then falling back to the beachhead on Jamandilai Point; weather prevents full air support but 7 B-24s and 8 B-25s manage to attack enemy positions and guns; Other B-24s and A-20s hit Erima, Wewak, Tadji, Awar, and Hollandia, New Guinea.

MARCH 1944

WEDNESDAY, 1 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, XI Strategic Air Force (Provisional) is activated at Shemya Island. It includes all units of the XI BC and XI Fighter Command stationed at Near Island, and is only a tactical operating agency without administrative functions.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): Detachment of 32FS, Antilles Air Command, operating from Dakota Field, Aruba returns to Hato Field, Curacao with P-39s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-40s score 3 hits on a bridge at Namkwin; 4 others hit the Myitkyina Airfield dispersal area; 56 A-36s and P-51s attack stores and personnel areas at Sawnghka.

93FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds and enter combat on 14 Aug.

Moves in India during March: 90FS, 80FG, from Jorhat to Moran with P-40s; 118TRS, AAF, India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), based at Gushkara, India, sends detachments to Chakulia and Kharagpur with P-51s (first Mission is 28 Mar).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 B-25s and 16 P-40s pound a military zone in the NE part of Nanchang, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ and HQ Squadron, VIII AF Services Command is redesignated as HQ and HQ Squadron, Air Service Command, US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF), after functioning as such during Jan and Feb 44 while redesignation was being authorized. 8th Strategic Air Depot Area is redesignated VIII AF Services Command.

Mission 243: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Brest, Tours, Lorient, Nantes and Reims at 2005-2115 hours without loss.

During Mar, HQ 491BG(H) and 852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H) move from North Pickenham to Metfield, England with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Troop Carrier Command establishes a Pathfinder school to provide pre-invasion training in all navigational aids.

Moves in England: HQ 71FW from Greenham Common to Andover; HQ 366FG from Membury to Thruxton; 12th and 15TRSs, 67TRG, from Aldermaston to Chilbolton with F-6s; 390FS, 366FG, to Thruxton from the US with P-47s (first Mission is 14 Mar); 402 and 485FSs, 370FG, from Aldermaston to Andover with P-38s (first Mission 1 May).

Moves in England during March: HQ 438TCG and 87th, 88th, 89th and 90TCSs from Welford to Greenham Common with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the 5th consecutive day, bad weather forbids all operations except reconnaissance missions.

Moves in Italy during Mar: HQ 55BW(H) to Spinazzola from the US; HQ 305BW(H) from Spinazzola to Bari.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 12AF undergoes a reorganization as a result of the loss of several operational units (see 14 Feb 44). XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of a single wing, is disbanded and its personnel absorbed into the 51TCW and other units, the 51Troop Carrier Wing being placed under the administrative control of 12AF. HQ XII BC is reduced to 1 officer and 1enlisted man as other personnel are transferred to the 57BW, which along with the 42BW(M), is placed under the administrative control of 12AF. HQ XII Bomber Command will exist as a retaining cadre until 10 Jun 44 when it is officially disbanded.

In Italy, P-40s attack gun positions and vehicles in the US Fifth Army battle area; P-40s and Spitfires of XII Air Support Command maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead area. P-47s attack a 2000-ton vessel in the Adriatic Sea.

HQ 57FG and 65th and 66FSs move from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-47s.

During March, the detachments of the 347FS, 350FG, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s returns to base on Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands while B-25s pound Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands.

During March, 531FS, 7AF, moves from Makin Island to Bellows Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with A-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24s bomb Kahili, Bougainville Island; P-38s hit Ballale and Buka Islands;

P-39s bomb and strafe Monoitu Mission, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In the Admiralty Islands, about 30 B-24s and B-25s hit Los Negros Island and Lorengau, Manus Island.

Other B-24s and B-25s drop supplies to Allied pound forces on Los Negros. In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter aircraft, along with (RAAF) aircraft, pound Hansa Bay, Awar Point, an airfield in the Wewak area, and enemy installations and positions at Madang, Alexishafen, and Saiba.

Detachment of 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, ceases operating from Port Moresby and returns to Finschhafen, New Guinea with F-5s.

Moves in New Guinea during Mar: HQ 309BW(H) from Lae to Saidor; 17RS (Bombardment), 71RG, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with B-25s; 65BS(H), 43BG(H), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-24s.

THURSDAY, 2 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 9 B-24s fly a futile shipping search over the Kurile Islands; turned back by a weather front, they either jettison or bring back their bombs.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 5 P-51s bomb artillery positions in the Maingkwan area; 20 P-40s hit a fuel dump at Myitkyina, artillery at Shingban, and trucks on a road near Walawbum; 8 A-36s and P-51s hit an encampment on Pagoda Peak near Mogaung.

HQ 81FG arrives at Karachi, India from Italy.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s sink a small steamer near Mon Cay and bomb railroad shops and coal treating plant at Campho. In China, 10 P-38s damage 2 bridges and strafe 2 barracks areas N of Nanchang; 2 P-40s bomb and strafe the airfield and barracks at Kengtung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 244: 1. 327 B-17s are dispatched to the Franfurt am Main marshalling yard; only 101 hit the primary target because of PFF failures; 103 hit Frankfurt Offenbach, 49 hit Ludwigshafen, 20 hit Limburg, 12 hit Fischbach and 8 hit other targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost with 1 KIA, 5 WIA and 80 MIA. 154 B-24s are also dispatched to the same target; 36 hit the primary and 46 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 16 KIA, 4 WIA and 11 MIA. The bombers claim 2-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft. Escort is provided by 33 P-38s, 445 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 111 P-51 s; 1 P-38 is damaged; the P-47s claim 13-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-47s are lost and 7 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-51s are damaged and 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 84 of 106 B-17s dispatched hit the air depot at Chartres, France; 1 B-17 is lost and 12 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA. This mission is escorted by 89 P-38s, 145 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 47 9AF P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost.

Mission 245: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Caen, Amiens, Rouen, Chartres and Rennes, France at 2015-2054 hours without loss.

HQ 92CBW(H) moves from Camp Blainey to Sudbury, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 353 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, Tergnier, and Amiens/Glisy and Rosieres-en-Santerre Airfields in morning and afternoon missions.

Moves in England: 79TCS, 436TCG, from Bottesford to Membury with C-47s; 391FS, 366th FG, from Membury to Thruxton with P-47s (first Mission is 14 Mar).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 459BG(H) (with B-24s) becomes operational, giving the 15AF 13 heavy bomber groups on combat status. In Italy, nearly 300 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 150+ P-38s and P-47s, support the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead, bombing the Cisterna di Roma-La Villa area, Velletri, and troop concentrations, guns and other military targets in the battle area at several points, including the Stazione di Campoleone and Carroceto areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack an assembly area E of Carroceto and, with B-25s, bomb guns and an assembly area NW of Cisterna di Roma, A-20s hit troops in the beachhead battle area; P-40s and A-36s blast troops and guns throughout the Anzio battle area, also hitting Cisterna and Littoria; P-40s and A-36s fly uneventful cover over Anzio. P-47s hit a motor vessel off Sibenik, Yugoslavia leaving it burning.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24's from Makin and Abemama Islands, Gilbert Islands bomb Ponape and Kusaie Islands, Caroline Islands. B-25s bomb Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island in the Admiralty Islands, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strike on shipping installations in the Keravia Bay area; 12 B-25s pound Rabaul while 11others, with USN fighter support, bomb Rapopo; shortly afterwards, 20 escorted B-24's blast the town area of Rabaul; 14 P-38s follow immediately with a strike on the same target. P-39s hit Japanese-occupied Piano and Monoitu Missions on Bougainville Island.

67FS, 347FG, based in the Russell Islands, begins operating from Bougainville Island with P-39s; the squadron will convert to P-38s in Apr.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s and P-40s hit the Hansa Bay area, the airstrip at Nubia, and the Madang-Alexishafen area. 60+ B-25s and A-20s pound enemy forces on Los Negros Island as Allied ground forces occupy Momote Airfield; P-47s providing cover for the B-25s claim 7 enemy fighters shot down.

FRIDAY, 3 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 9 B-24s take off from Shemya Island to search for enemy shipping, but return due to heavy icing and squalls; 6 P-40s fly a search mission between Shemya and halfway to Attu Island; and HQ XI BC moves from Adak Island to Shemya Island.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: President Franklin D Roosevelt announces that the Italian Fleet will be divided equally among the US, UK and the USSR.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 B-25s, some supported by (RAF) Spitfires and Hurricanes, bomb the Ft White area; 10 B-25s and 4 P-51s pound airfields at Katha, Mawlu and Shwebo; 12 B-25s and 8 P-51s hit railroad targets and a warehouse at Kyaikthin and Kyunhla; 14 B-24s covered by 22 P-40s hit airfields at Lashio, Hsenwi and Loiwing; 70+ P-40s, A-36s, P-51s, and B-25s hit fuel storage, supply areas, roads, and other targets over widespread areas of Burma, including Shingban, Myitkyina, Zigyun, Mogaung, Manywet, and Washawng; 6 P-38s attack the Okshitpin bridge but the target is not damaged.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s damage a coal grading building at Campha Port, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 246: 555 B-17s and 193 B-24s are dispatched to industrial areas and aviation industry plants at Berlin, Erkner and Oranienburg but deteriorating weather and dense contrails force the formations to abort or seek targets of opportunity, i.e.: 1. 9 of 555 B-17s are lost, 61 hit Wilhelmshaven and 14 hit targets of opportunity; casualties are 2 KIA, 3 WIA and 83 MIA.

2. 2 of 193 B-24s are lost and only 4 hit targets of opportunity; casualties are 3 KIA, 8 WIA and 20 MIA. The bombers claim 3-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft. Escort is provided by 89 P-38s, 484 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 130 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claim and loses are: 1. 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA.

3. P-51s claim 8-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost; 5 pilots are MIA.

During a CARPETBAGGER Mission on the night of 3/4 Mar, 2 B-24s are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 218 B-26s bomb airfields at Laon/Couvron, Beauvais/Tille, Rosieres-en-Santerre, Roye/Amy and Montdidier, and military installations at Juvincourt-et-Damary and Berneval-le-Grand.

Moves in England: HQ 434TCG and 71, 72d, 73 and 74th TCSs from Fulbeck to Aldermaston with C-47s; HQ 436TCG and 80th, 81 and 82TCSs from Bottesford to Membury with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 200 B-17s and B-24s, with 50+ P-47s as escort, hit targets in Italy; the B-17s hit the Rome, Littorio and Tiburtina marshalling yards; the B-24s hit Canino landing ground and Viterbo and Fabrica di Roma air depots; 80+ B-24s and 100+ P-38s abort because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Rome/Ostiense and railroad stations at San Benedetto de Marsi; weather cancels light and other medium bomber operations; P-40s hit gun positions in the N Anzio beachhead area while A-36s attack the train and tented area between Magliano Romano and Rome; other P-40s fly patrol over the Anzio beachhead area.

64FS, 57FG, moves from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s out of Makin Island bomb Ponape Island. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Maloelap Atoll. This date marks the beginning of Operation FORAGER, the capture of the S Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Guam Islands) for bases for B-29 strikes against Japan. 7AF aircraft maintain neutralization strikes against airfields in the Caroline Islands and continue hitting Wake Island and the bypassed Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Rabaul and Simpson Harbor; 24 B-25s follow with an attack on Rabaul, which later in the day is bombed by 20 B-24s. 5 P-38s bomb radar installations at Cape Saint George on New Ireland Island, Admiralty Islands, while 10 bomb Buka Airfield, Buka Island, Solomon Islands. P-39s hit targets of opportunity on the E part of Shortland Island, Solomon Islands and the W part of Buka Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s hit the Hansa Bay and Alexishafen areas while 20 P-39s attack Madang and Bogadjim and 22 A-20s pound Erima. 14 A-20s and B-25s hit enemy positions on Los Negros Island.

SATURDAY, 4 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 60+ A-36s, P-51s and P-40s, and a single B-25 bomb dumps, roads, bivouac area, and other targets in the Seton, Sawnghka, Pinbaw and Walawbum areas; numerous fighters carry out patrol and armed reconnaissance sorties in the Sumprabum area.

459FS, 80FG, moves from Kurmitola to Chittagong, India with P-38s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 5 B-25s and 23 P-40s (16 of them Chinese) pound the airfield at Kiungshan; the airfield is heavily damaged and several parked aircraft are destroyed; 17 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down; 4 P-38s and 2 Chinese B-25s claim a freighter, a tanker, and a motor launch sunk in the Shihhweiyao and Wuhu areas; 6 waves of Japanese aircraft bomb the airfield at Suichwan, causing considerable damage. In French Indochina, 6 B-25s bomb the Thanh Hoa chromium mine and Campha Port; 2 P-40s strafe railroad yards and warehouses at Hongay and Campha Port; 5 P-40s are dispatched to bomb Cao Bang but because of bad weather attack Chinese-held Lungchow, China by mistake.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 247: 502 B-17s are dispatched to hit industrial areas in the suburbs of Berlin; bad weather forces aircraft to either turn back or hit targets of opportunity and only 1 wing attacks the primary target and a total of 249 bomb. 15 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 120 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 11 WIA and 141 MIA. Targets: 100 hit Bonn, 35 hit Cologne, 33 hit Dusseldorf, 30 hit Berlin/Klein Machnow, 7 hit Frankfurt and 33 hit other targets of opportunity. B-24s were also dispatched but abort because of the weather. Escort is provided by 86 P-38s, 563 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 121 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 24 fighters were lost. Details are: 1. P-38s: 4 lost, 2 damaged beyond repair, 1 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 4 MIA.

2. P-47s claim 3-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 4 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; casualties are 3 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 5-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 16 MIA.

CARPETBAGGER operations are flown during the night of 4/5 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 251 B-26s and 21A-20s scheduled to bomb Malines marshalling yard and Bernay Saint Martin Airfield abort the mission because of heavy cloud cover over the targets.

HQ 84FW moves from Keevil to Beaulieu, England.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels most operations; P-40s fly a few sorties against gun emplacements in the battle

area, and others uneventfully patrol the Anzio area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways at Mille Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb airfield installations and runways in Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters and dive bombers in a strike on AA positions and targets of opportunity in the Rabaul area; 4 patrolling (RNZAF) Venturas hit targets of opportunity along both coasts and at Vunalama and Mandres Plantations; 48 B-25s and 12 P-38s, along with 20+ USN fighters, hit the Rabaul town area in 3 closely spaced attacks. P-38s also attack targets of opportunity on Duke of York Island, Admiralty Islands. 12 P-39s hit Monoitu and targets of opportunity along the SW coast of Bougainville Island. RNZAF Venturas join USN planes in attacks on Japanese embarkation ports around Choiseul Bay, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands. Shortland Island targets of opportunity are hit by P-40s on patrol.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ A-20s and B-25s support ground forces on Los Negros Island. In New Guinea, more than 30 B-24s with fighter escort, pound airfields in the Wewak area; 20+ other B-24s bomb Hollandia; and A-20s bomb buildings and gun positions in the Saidor area.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 38BG(M) from Port Moresby to Nadzab; HQ 43BG(H) from Dobodura to Nadzab.

SUNDAY, 5 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): B-25s, A-36s, P-51s and P-40s fly more than 60 sorties against targets in Burma, including artillery positions, storage areas, ground troops, roads, and a bridge; the targets are in the Zigon, Shingban, and Myitkyina areas.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s bomb and strafe Chiengmai Airfield, China, destroying 9 aircraft, the water tower and nearby railroad station; the barracks area is also damaged.

EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): During the night, British Major General Orde C Wingate's Special Force of long-range penetration troops begin dropping by glider onto Japanese lines of communication in C Burma. US engineer troops drop first, followed by the British 77 and 111 Brigades. USAAF Colonel Philip G Cochran's Air Commando unit flies them in, dropping them on a strip designated Broadway, about 50 miles (80 km) NE of Indaw. Another projected drop site, Piccadilly, is unusable as the Japanese have blocked it with fallen trees. Of 67 gliders dispatched, 32 reach Broadway. 539 men, 3 mules and 65,972 pounds (29,925 kg) of supplies are safely put down, including such items as bulldozers and lighting apparatus.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 248: 219 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Mont De Marsan, Cayeux and Bordeaux/Merignac, France but bad cloud conditions force a target change and multiple aborts; 62 hit Bergerac Airfield, 60 hit Cognac/Chateaubernard Airfield, 41 hit Landes de Bussac Airfield and 1 hits La Roche Airfield; they claim 14-2-5 Luftwaffe

aircraft; 4 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 23 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 35 MIA. Escort is provided by 34 P-38s, 185 P-47s and 88 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 pilot is killed and another MIA; 1 P-47 is damaged and 1 pilot is KIA; the P-51s claim 14-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-6 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 249: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Le Mans, Paris, Orleans and Reims, France at 2132-2152 hours without loss.

A CARPETBAGGER Mission is also flown.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 217 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets in the Saint-Omer-Abbeville, France area.

HQ 365FG and 386th, 387th and 388FSs move from Gosfield to Beaulieu, England with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 451BG(H) moves from Gioia del Colle to San Pancrazio, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional) is disbanded at Palermo. Weather again severely hampers operations in Italy, but P-40s hit Pontecorvo and A-36s attack Formia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): The 7AF continues to hit the Marshall and Caroline Islands; P-40s from Makin Island carry out fighter-bomber mission against runways and airfield installations at Mille Atoll; B-25s hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls; B-24s bomb Ponape Island and last resort targets at Kusaie Island and Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb Simpson Harbor; 4 RNZAF Venturas on patrol hit barges anchored off a supply dock at nearby Raulavat Plantation; 9 B-24s follow with a raid on the Rabaul town area; 13 others, with USN fighters covering, blast the revetment area and airstrip at Tobera; 11 P-38s hit Borpop Airfield, and P-40s and USN fighters hit barges at Kabanga Bay and off the Warangoi River; 16 P-39s attack AA positions at Monoitu bridge, and 3 P-38s hit Siar.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 30 B-24s bomb enemy positions on Los Negros Island. In NE Nea Guinea, elements of the US 32d Infantry Division land at Yaula; A-20s bomb and strafe the area; P-39's pound the areas around Madang and Erima; Australian ground forces break out of the Ramu Valley and retreat toward Madang.

71BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

MONDAY, 6 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s knock the center span out of the Sittang bridge and blast 2 AA positions; 14 B-25s lay mines around Kham Yai Island, bomb nearby Prong Island, and hit the marshalling yard at Pegu; 18 P-51s and P-40s attack Sawnghka bridge with poor results, start fires near Lalawng Ga, and bomb dumps near Walawbum.

A flight of the 20TRS, AAF India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), begins operating from Kisselbari, India with P-40s; the squadron is based at Guskhara, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 250: 504 B-17s and 226 B-24s are dispatched to hit industrial areas in the suburbs of Berlin; fierce fighter opposition claims 69 bombers (the highest number lost by the 8AF in a single day) and 11 fighters; the bombers claim 97-28-60 Luftwaffe fighters; details are: 1. 248 B-17s hit secondary targets in the Berlin area; 18 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 172 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 8 WIA and 184 MIA.

2. 226 B-17s hit targets of opportunity at Templin, Verden, Kalkeberge, Potsdam, Oranienburg and Wittenberg; 35 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; casualties are 15 WIA and 354 MIA.

3. 198 B-24s hit the primary target (Genshagen industrial area), secondary targets in the Berlin area and targets of opportunity at Potsdam; 16 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 54 damaged; casualties are 15 KIA, 8 WIA and 148 MIA. Escort is provided by 86 P-38s, 615 8AF and 9AF P-47s and

100 8AF and 9AF P-51s; results are: 1. P-38s claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

2. P-47s claim 36-7-12 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 5 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 43-1-20 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; casualties are 5 MIA.

The fighters also claim 1-0-12 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 251: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Nantes, Cambrai, Lille, Chateauroux and Lorient, France at 2029-2130 hours without loss.

CARPETBAGGER missions are also flown.

A detachment of 22(Photo)RS, 7PRG, ceases operating from Attlebridge and returns to base at Mount Farm, England with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 260 B-26s bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, Hirson marshalling yard, and Beauvais/Tille, Airfield; heavy clouds cause 50+ B-26s and A-20s to abort missions.

Arriving in England from the US are: 93TCS and 94TCSs, 439TCG, at Balderton; 510th and 511FBS, 405FBG, at Christchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 11Apr).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s pound gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead (mostly NE of Ardea), and bomb Frosinone

and hit guns near Littoria; A-36s fly armed reconnaissance of roads and railroad NE of Rome, hitting several vehicles and bombing railroad cars at Capranica.

302FS, 332FG, moves from Montecorvino to Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways at Mille Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield at Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, P-39s hit Monoitu Mission and huts and bridge on the Miwo River. 24 B-25s with fighter escort, pound Tobera, New Britain Island while 24 B-24s and 12 P-38s hit Kavieng and Panapai Airfield on New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s continue to hit Japanese forces on Los Negros Island. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb the airstrip and other targets in the Awar-Nubia area; P-39s and RAAF aircraft hit Japanese forces around Madang. On New Britain Island, P-39s and P-38s strafe and divebomb the Cape Hoskins-Talasea area as US Marines land about midway up the coast of the Willaumez Peninsula in preparation for a drive on Talasea.

405BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

TUESDAY, 7 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, B-24s and B-25s fly a negative search mission for an enemy submarine.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and A-36s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity from Walawbum to Shaduzup; 2 B-25s hit troop concentrations NW of Shaduzup and another attacks road bridge and barges near Shwebo and along the Irrawaddy River; offensive reconnaissance over several airfields in Burma results in no major action.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 466BG(H) arrives at Attlebridge, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 112 B-26s and 18 A-20s attack V-weapon sites on the Channel coast, military installations near Criel-sur-Mer and Greny, and targets of opportunity in the area; bad weather causes the recall of 150+ B-26s before they attack targets.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 371FG and 404th, 405th and 406FSs at Bisterne with P-47s (first Mission is 12 Apr); HQ 405FBG and 509FBS at Christchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 11Apr); HQ 409BG(L) and 640th, 641, 642 and 643BS(L) at Little Walden with A-20s (first Mission is 13 Apr); 422NFS, 9AF, at Charmy Down with P-61s (first Mission is 3 Jul).

34TCS, 315TCG, ceases operating from Blida, Algeria with C-47s and returns to base at Spanhoe, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 300 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in France and Italy; the B-17s bomb the Toulon, France submarine base; in Italy, B-24s hit marshalling yards at Poggibonsi, Pontassieve and Prato and air depots at Orvieto, Rome and Viterbo. P-47s and P-38s fly about 150 sorties in support of the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Rome/Ostiense marshalling yard while other B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; A-20s strike the Zagarolo railroad station; P-40s attack enemy positions in the Anzio beachhead area with good results, while A-36s hit communication at Montebello, railroad station near Civitavecchia, gun emplacements near Littoria Airfield, and a train at Monterotondo; P-40s over the Anzio beachhead encounter no air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Abemama Island hit Kusaie Island and Jaluit Atoll. P-40s bomb and strafe the airfield at Mille

Atoll. B-25s pound runways, AA positions, storage areas, and barracks on Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s, with USN fighter support, hit Tobera Airfield; 19 P-40s bomb and strafe Rabaul. 24 B-24s and 14 P-38s hit Panapai Airfield, New Ireland Island.

Fighter aircraft pound tactical targets on Bougainville Island including Koromira Mission, a supply area on the Jaba River, and bivouac S of the Maririei River near Menoavi.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s and B-25s continue to hit targets on Los Negros Island and other of the Admiralty Islands and bomb Boram Airfield, New Guinea. P-38s and RAAF aircraft attack targets in the Talasea area of New Britain Island.

823BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, bombers fly negative search and patrol missions for an enemy submarine; B-24s fly cover for a convoy en route from Adak to Shemya Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-51s hit the airfields at Anisakan, Shwebo, and Onbauk, destroying 30+ Japanese aircraft; later 5 B-25s and 2 P-51s hit Shwebo, scoring hits along the runway and in the dispersal area and leaving several Japanese aircraft aflame; 3 B-25s hit 2 bridges at Lalawng Ga and Warazup, knocking out the latter; and 16 A-36s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity from Chanmoi to Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 26FS, 51FG, based at Kunming, China with P-51s sends a detachment to operate from Nanning.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 252: The primary target is the ball bearing plant at Erkner, a suburb of Berlin; enemy opposition is fierce and 37 bombers and 16 fighters are lost; 320 of 414 B-17s and 150 of 209 B-24s dispatched hit the primary; 36 B-17s hit Wildau and targets of opportunity; 33 B-24s hit Berlin and targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 63-17-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 28 B-17s and 9 B-24s are lost, 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 4 KIA, 14 WIA and 364 MIA.

Escort is provided by 104 P-38s, 613 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 174 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims/losses are: 1. P-38s claim 9-2-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-38s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 4 MIA.

2. P-47s claim 49-6-18 Luftwaffe aircraft; 10 P-47s are lost, 13 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 29-4-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 4 MIA.

An additional 8-4-7 Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed on the ground.

786BS(H), 466BG(H), arrives at Attlebridge, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 22 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In the Netherlands, 225+ B-26s attack Volkel Airfield once and Soesterberg Airfield twice in morning and

afternoon missions.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 303FW at Ashford; 95th, 97th and 98TCSs, 440TCG, at Bottesford with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Moves in Italy: HQ 306BW(H) from Lucera to Torremaggiore; 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H), 451BG(H), from Gioia del Colle to San Pancrazio with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s strike at the Orte marshalling yard and Orte-Fabrica di Roma railroad; B-26s hit the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and dock area at Porto Santo Stefano; P-40 fighterbombers hit gun positions and a road junction near Rome while A-36s attack a road junction near Montalto di Castro, also hitting a bridge and a train, and guns and a castle SW of Celano; P-47s hit gun emplacements; P-40s strafe vehicles near Rome/Via Appia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, striking from Makin Island, bomb Ponape and Kusaie Islands. A-24s and P-40s, also from Makin Island, bomb and strafe runways and AA positions at Mille Atoll. Tarawa Atoll-based B-25s pound Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-24s and 23 B-25s pound Rabaul, blasting Chinatown and the wharf area; 46 P-40s and P-39s pound the dock area E of Rabaul; 9 P-38s, turning back from Rabaul bomb Buka Airfield on Buka Island.

In the Solomon Islands, 390BS(M), 42BG(M), based in the Russell Islands with B-25s begins operating from Stirling Island

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s carry out a number of low-level strikes as Allied ground forces capture Lombrun Plantation on Los Negros Island, virtually completing the capture of the island. In New Guinea, 70+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s bomb Nubia and Awar airstrips; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 17 aircraft shot down in the Wewak area.

Fighters continue to strafe coastal targets in NE New Guinea and on New Britain Island.

822BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

THURSDAY, 9 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s bomb Tavoy Airfield and office area while 8 others hit the town of Mogaung; the town area, supply dumps and road bridge at Kamaing are pounded by 10 B-24s, 16 P-51s, and 10 P-40s; the bridge is knocked out; 10 B-25s score numerous hits on airstrips at Indaw and Katha; and P-51s, P-40s, and A-36s hit storage at Pyindaw, and support ground forces at Walawbum and Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 18 Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW): B-25s and 24 Chinese P-40s pound a foundry and floating docks at Shihhweiyao, China. In French Indochina, 40+ P-40s carry out several sea sweeps off the coast and fly armed reconnaissance over the NE; the fighters damage vessels off Campha Port, strafe the airfield at Mon Cay, bomb the airfield at Weichow Island (causing heavy damage), hit barracks at Luc Nam, damage vessels at Hongay and bomb military installations at Cao Bang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 253: 8 bombers and 1 fighter are lost on missions to Germany; the bombers claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 221 bombers are damaged; details are: 1. 339 of 361 B-17s dispatched hit Berlin; 6 B-17s are lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair; casualties are 10 KIA, 6 WIA and 43 MIA.

2. 150 of 165 B-24s hit secondary targets at Hannover, Brunswick and Nienburg; 2 B-24s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 12 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 83 P-38s, 572 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 153 8AF and 9AF P-51s; no claims are made; 1 P-38 is lost, 2 P-38s and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 1 MIA.

784th, 785th and 787BS(H), 466BG(H), arrive at Attlebridge, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 22 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 463BG(H) arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s strike the dock area of Porto Stefano, some bombs falling in the Port'oErcole area; B-25s bomb a bridge at Montalto di Castro; A-20s hit a tank repair depot N of Tivoli; P-40s blast gun positions W of Campoleone, W of Pratica di Mare, and S of Ciampino; A-36s bomb Capranica railroad station and targets nearby; and fighters fly uneventful patrols over Anzio.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s based on Abemama Island attack Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll. B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the dock area along the N shore of Simpson Harbor at Rabaul; 19

B-24s follow with a strike on Rabaul town and wharf area and also hit airfields in the vicinity; and 40+ P-39s and P-40s hit the dock area E of Simpson Harbor. At Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville Island, 2 squadrons of B-25s hit Japanese installations on the nearby hills.

Detachment of 17(Photo)RS, 4(Photo)(R), begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with F-5s; the squadron is based on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s pound Lorengau and other targets on Manus Island. Numerous other 5AF aircraft carry out armed reconnaissance over wide reaches of the SWPA, attacking a variety of targets.

FRIDAY, 10 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 23 B-24s pound the town areas of Mogaung and Kamaing during the afternoon, following an earlier B-25 raid on Kamaing; 40+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit gun positions S of Walawbum, troops and storage areas W of Mogaung at Pahok, trains near Myitnge and Anisakan, the airfield at Anisakan, and the town area of Laban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-24s bomb Kowloon Docks; B-25s from Suichwan sink a motor launch and damage 2 cargo vessels and a barge in the Anking area; escorting P-38s shoot down several interceptors; P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance bomb or strafe barracks and shipping at Foochow, airfield and barracks at Nanchang, factory, barracks, and bridge near Sienning, and in French Indochina, freighters at Hongay and Campha Port, barracks at Ha Coi, and the area E of Lang Son.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 254: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium at 2127-2137 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: 96TCS, 440TCG, at Bottesford with C-47s; 585BS(M), 394BG(M), at Boreham with B-26s (first Mission is 23 Mar).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and unsuccessfully attack the Orvieto railroad

bridge, while B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; P-40s and A-36s strike at enemy positions on the coast at San Felice Circeo, gun positions E of Littoria, guns and tanks at Cisterna di Roma, railroad at Montalto di Castro, train at Monte Libretti station and railway buildings at Zagarolo; and fighters patrol the Anzio area without incident.

Flight of the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3PRG, begins operating from San Severo, Italy with F-5s; the squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll attack airfields, AA positions and radio installations at Mille and Wotje Atolls. B-25s, operating out of Engebi Island in Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands (secured by invading forces on 22 Feb) for the first time, bomb Kusaie Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and P-39s attack the Wunapope supply area; 19 B-24s pound the Rabaul area, starting several large fires. On Bougainville Island, 40 B-25s hit Japanese positions in the hills near Empress Augusta Bay; P-39s attack targets at Kepiai Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 11 B-25s bomb Lorengau and several targets of opportunity on Manus Island. B-24s and P-39s, operating singly or in pairs, attack numerous scattered targets of opportunity throughout the SWPA during armed reconnaissance flights.

SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ fighter-bombers (P-40s, P-51s and A-36s) and 2 B-25s hit fuel and ammunition dumps, gun positions, roads and general targets of opportunity in or near Saungka, Pandaw, Walawbum, Labang Gahtawng, Shaduzup and Mogaung.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 10 P-40s damage 3 barges at Campha Port, hit buildings on Weichow Island, China and attack the town area at Ha Coi.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 255: France and Germany are hit in two raids; 1 B-17 and 4 fighters are lost; both forces use blind-bombing techniques due to thick overcast: 1. 120 of 124 B-17s dispatched hit the marshalling yard at Munster; 1 B-17 drops on Bentheim as a target of opportunity and 3 drop on Burgsteinfurt accidentally; 1 B-17 is lost and 24 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 90 P-47s and 50 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 2 MIA.

2. 34 of 51 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Wizernes, France; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 40 P-38s and 213 P-47s; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 2 MIA.

HQ 467BG(H) and 789th, 790th and 791BS(H) arrive at Rackheath, England from the US with B-24s; first

Mission is 10 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 61 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites in N France; 53 abort because of weather and navigational difficulties.

Arrivals in England from the US: HQ 53TCW at Greenham Common; HQ 394BG(M) and 584th, 586th and 587BS(M) with B-26s at Boreham (first Mission is 23 Mar); HQ 440TCG at Bottesford.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): About 100 B-24s, escorted by 30+ P-38s, bomb the harbor at Toulon, France. In Italy, 100+ B-17s, escorted by 50+ P-47s, hit the marshalling yard at Padua; other B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Pontassieve and Prato and hit the airfield at Iesi.

The bombers and fighters claim destruction of 30+ enemy aircraft in the air.

772BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s; first Mission is 16 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike at Florence, Orvieto and Fabriano marshalling yards with good results; P-40, A-36, and P-47 fighter-bombers attack a supply depot, railroad station, and factory in areas NE of Monterotondo, and numerous other targets, including gun positions in the battle areas, railroad facilities, and 2 supply trains.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, operating out of Kwajalein Atoll, for first time, carry out the Seventh's first raid from the Marshall Islands against Wake Island. P-40s and B-25s, operating from bases in the Gilbert Islands, pound Mille and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 40+ B-24s and B-25s, supported by 20+ P-38s, pound Rabaul town area; and 20 P-40s bomb Wunapope. On Bougainville Island, 43 P-40s bomb the Mosigetta area while 4 B-24s pound Monoitu Mission.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s pound Lorengau, Manus Island while 7 B-24s bomb enemy positions to the W of the town, as the preliminaries for invasion of Manus increase. In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit Boram Airfield while 40+ A-20s and P-39s attack targets in the Madang area; P-47s strafe the Hansa Bay area; other aircraft carry out armed reconnaissance and sweeps over wide reaches of NE New Guinea and the New Britain coastal areas.

64BS(H), 43BG(H), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

SUNDAY, 12 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-40s, A-36s, and P-51s, along with a single B-25, pound troops and supply areas at Shedwiyang and near Kamaing, bomb the town of Shaduzup, and hit storage areas near Manywet and Malakawng.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 256: 46 of 52 B-24s dispatched hit a V-weapon site at St Pol/Siracourt, France and 6 hit targets of opportunity, all using blind-bombing techniques; 1 B-24 is lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA.

788BS(H), 467BG(H), arrives at Rackheath, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 10 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 474FG and 428th, 429th and 430FSs arrive at Moreton, England from the US with P-38s; first Mission is 25 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 345FS, 350FG, ceases operating form Corsica with P-39s and returns to base on Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Mille, Wotje and Maloelap Atolls and Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands. B-25s hit Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with USN fighter cover, pound the Rabaul area, concentrating on the N

rim of Simpson Harbor; 18 B-24s, with USN fighter cover, follow with a strike against Rabaul customs wharf area; the B-24 strike is followed by an attack on the town area of Rabaul by 64 P-40s, P-38s, and P-39s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s hit enemy positions and communication at Lorengau, Manus Island as landings on small offshore islands continue with a beachhead being established on Hauwei Island. 40+ B-24s B-25s, and A-20s hit the Wewak, New Guinea area.

403BS, 43BG, moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

MONDAY, 13 MARCH 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 32FS, XXVI Fighter Command, moves from Hato Field, Curacao to France Field, Canal Zone with P-39s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 140+ P-40s, A-36s, and P-51s along with 2 B-25s pound numerous targets of opportunity in the Shaduzup area, knock out a span of a bridge in Shaduzup, hit the town of Loilaw, pound supply and ammunition dumps near Warazup and Seton, and bomb a building area N of Namti.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-24s and 4 P-40s attack the airfield and seaplane anchorage at Kiungshan on Hainan Island; and 16 P-40s bomb a bridge at Puchi, scoring direct hits on both approaches.

HQ 312FW is activated at Kunming, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 257: 127 B-17s and 144 B-24s are dispatched to bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais, France area but the strike is cancelled due to bad weather; 7 B-17s bomb Poix Airfield as a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 61 B-17s and 13 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 6 KIA, 1 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 213 P-47s; 1 P-47 is damaged.

Mission 258: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 350 bundles of leaflets on Reims, Orleans, Paris, Amiens, Rouen and Chartres, France at 2104-2137 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 40 B-26s attack a V-weapon site at Lottinghen/Les Grands Bois, France; 37 abort due to bad weather.

Moves in England: HQ 97th Combat BW(M) from Marks Hall to Little Walden; 153Liaison Squadron, IX Fighter Command (attached to First Army), from Keevil to Erlestokes with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 775BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 18 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb railway bridges NW and W of Sarzana and at Viareggio. hit tracks S of the latter, and, along with South African AF (SAAF) light bombers, bomb Fabriano marshalling yard; B-25s bomb Spoleto marshalling yard, hitting E and W chokepoints and line to Terni, and also attack Perugia marshalling yard with less successful results; and A-36s bomb a railroad station between Orte and Orvieto while P-40s hit a supply dump near Velletri and gun positions along a beachhead line directly S of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Kusaie Island while B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Ponape Island. B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll pound Mille Atoll.

38BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Nanumea Island, Ellice Islands to Kwajalein Atoll; the squadron continues operating from Makin Island with B-24s until 22 Mar.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 2 B-24s, with USN fighter escort, and 22 B-25s bomb the Rabaul area, hitting the NW part of Rabaul and harbor and waterfront section; and 27 P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s pound the Wunapope supply area.

31BS(H), 7BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s and returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 160+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, and P-40s thoroughly pound the Wewak, New Guinea area; US aircraft claim 8 interceptors shot down. Other aircraft, operating singly or in flights of 2 or 3, attack several targets in the NE New Guinea-New Britain area. In the Admiralty Islands, Hauwei Island is cleared of enemy opposition and artillery is brought ashore.

340FS, 348FG, moves from Finschhafen to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

TUESDAY, 14 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-51s, A-36s, and P-40s, along with 3 B-25s, hit Japanese troops, bridges, dumps, and villages in the Mogaung Valley.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 Japanese bombers hit airfields at Hengyang and Suichwan; surprise prevents effective interception by AAF fighters.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 12TRS, 67TRG, moves from Chilbolton to Middle Wallop, England with F-6s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb Prenestina marshalling yard and nearby chemical plant; B-25s strike Terni and Orte marshalling yards, causing considerable damage, while A-20s attack tank repair facilities unsuccessfully; P-40s attack guns in the Anzio beachhead area and also hit a supply dump; and A-36s and P-47s hit railway stations and the town of Ortia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Kusaie Island. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 P-40s and P-39s hit Wunapope; 23 B-24s, with USN fighter cover, bomb the N

waterfront area of Simpson Harbor; and 22 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb the E section of town of Rabaul. P-39s, P-38s, P-40s, and USN fighters hit barges and other targets of opportunity around the coast of Bougainville Island and along the NE coast of New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, supported by Allied fighters, pound the Wewak area; 17 other B-24s bomb the airfield at Tadji; and 8 A-20s carry out a sweep over the Madang area while 12 bomb the airstrip at Alexishafen.

HQ 8FG and 35th and 36FSs move from Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island to Nadzab, New Guinea with P-40s and P-47s respectively.

WEDNESDAY, 15 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 31 B-24s and 20+ RAF (RAF) Wellingtons and Beaufighters pound supply dumps and targets of opportunity in the Rangoon area while 8 other B-24s hit barracks near Bangkok, Thailand; numerous US and RAF medium and fighter-bombers attack villages, Japanese positions, ammunition dumps, tanks, and many other targets of opportunity in the Chin Hills, at Chindwin, in the Mogaung Valley, and in areas around Mandalay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 259: 185 of 187 B-17s and 145 of 157 B-24s hit the industrial area at Brunswick, Germany and targets of opportunity; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are a lost and 31 B-17s and 15 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 4 WIA and 30 MIA. Escort is provided by 121 P-38s and 467 8AF and 9AF P-47s; 4 P-38s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 pilots MIA; P-47s claim 39-3-13 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground, 1 P-47 is lost and 5 damaged, casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 260: 8 P-47s are dispatched, 2 with 2x1,000 pound (454 kg) bombs, against an enemy barge in the Zuider Zee, The Netherlands to test the feasibility of this type of operation; near misses are scored.

Mission 261: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 350 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Lille, Reims, Le Mans, Paris and Chartres, France at 2115-2152 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): A directive states that the 9AF is released from first priority commitment to assist the 8AF. P-51s of the 9AF, committed to the Allied Expeditionary AF (AEAF), will continue to escort heavy bombers when required by the 8AF. 9AF Advanced HQ assumes the function of target selection and Mission planning for the IX BC. AEAF HQ has the authority to indicate percentage of effect to be expended on each type of target on a long-term basis.

In France, 118 B-26s attack marshalling yards at Aulnoye and Haine-Saint-Pierre and Chievres Airfield; during the afternoon, 10 B-26s using "Oboe" to test its accuracy, bomb Coxyde Airfield with poor results; dive-bombing missions using fighters begin with a 7-plane attack on Saint-Valery-en-Caux Airfield.

HQ 368FG and 395th, 396th and 397FSs move from Greenham Common to Chilbolton, England with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 300+ B-24s and B-17s bomb Cassino, the area S of Cassino and areas near Venafro in support of the US Fifth Army; 250+ other heavy bombers return to base without bombing because of complete cloud cover of their target areas; extensive fighter cover over the Cassino area is provided by P-38s, and P-47s fly 2 sweeps over the Viterbo-Canino area; there is no fighter opposition.

Arrivals in Italy from the US: 773BS(H), 463BG(H), at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s (first Mission is 30 Mar); 780BS(H), 465BG(H), at Pantanella Airfield with B-24s (first Mission is 5 May).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and fighterbombers, together with Mediterranean Allied Strategic AF (MASAF) heavy bombers and other aircraft of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF) in the greatest air effort yet made in the MTO, rain bombs upon enemy concentrations in Cassino and surrounding areas as the New Zealand Corps begins the third battle of Cassino; light and medium bombers also hit a command post E of Ceprano and the town of San Benedetto de Marsi; fighters on patrol and a sweep over Anzio, Cassino and Rome meet no air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll fly the first 7AF mission against Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, hitting Dublon and Eten Islands before dawn; alternate targets of Oroluk Anchorage and Ponape Town are also hit. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll. By this date the A-24s, P-39s, and P-40s used against Mille and Jaluit Atolls during Operations FLINTLOCK (operations against Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls) and CATCHPOLE (operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls) have returned to Oahu, Territory of Hawaii for rest and re-equipment.

27BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Nanumea Island to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s; they have been operating

from Abemama Island since 26 Feb.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon, Commanding General 13AF, becomes Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS).

On New Britain Island, 50+ B-25s, P-40s, P-39s and P-38s and USN fighters pound Wunapope supply areas; 24 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb Lakunai Airfield; 22 unescorted B-24s, finding Tobera clouded over, bomb the airfield at Rapopo as a secondary target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 200+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-38s, P-47s and P-40s pound Wewak township, blasting docks, warehouses, gun positions, and numerous other targets; fighters claim 11 enemy aircraft shot down. 36 B-25s bomb Tingo village and Lugos mission area on Manus Island, where elements of the 1Cavalry Division make an amphibious landing, take the mission and head E toward Lorengau.

THURSDAY, 16 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s take off from Shemya Island shortly before midnight 15/16 Mar to fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa Island, Kurile Islands, but turn back prematurely. Some of the bombers jettison their bombloads over the target area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 6 B-25s damage a bridge at Nattalin near Rangoon, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 P-40s on a Yangtze River sweep damage 2 launches near Yoyang and pound barracks and storage at Sienning.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 262: 2 primary targets and targets of opportunity in Germany are attacked; fighter opposition is heavy against the first force of bombers over France and Germany; the bombers claim 68-32-43 Luftwaffe aircraft; 23 bombers and 10 fighters are lost and 179 damaged: 1. 401 of 501 B-17s hit Augsburg, 46 bomb Gessertshausen and 18 hit Ulm; 18 B-17s are lost; casualties are 1 KIA, 10 WIA and 171 MIA.

2. 197 of 213 B-24s bomb Friedrichshafen and 13 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 6 KIA, 7 WIA and 46 MIA. Escort is provided by 125 P-38s, 608 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 135 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims and losses are: 1. P-38s: 1 lost.

2. P-47s claim 25-3-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-47s are lost and 5 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 53-4-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 6 pilots are MIA. The fighters also claim 1-0-13 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 15TRS, 67TRG, moves from Chilboton to Middle Wallop, England with F-6s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, light, medium and fighter-bombers blast gun positions in the Cassino-Piedimonte area as the battle of Cassino rages on; fighter-bombers also hit gun positions along the Anzio beachhead front.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island pound Wotje and Mille Atolls and Ormed Island, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 13 B-24s bomb Vunakanau Airfield, and 12 B-25s follow with a raid on Vunakanau

radar installations; 9 B-25s, 12 P-39s, and 11 P-40s hit Wunapope supply areas; 10 P-38s attack Cape Tawui while 11 B-25s pound the N edge of Simpson Harbor; and 7 P-38s strafe barges W of Raluana Point. At Monoitu Mission on Bougainville Island, a raid by B-24s demolishes several buildings.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, 70+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s hit AA positions, buildings and salvage dumps at Wewak and nearby Brandi Plantation; 19 B-25s bomb personnel and storage areas at Nubia; and B-24s and Catalinas attack a Japanese convoy near Hollandia. Other B-24s bomb docks and factory area at Soerabaja, Java.

8(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with F-5s.

FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 1944 - ST PATRICK'S DAY

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Onnekotan Island, Kurile Islands, before dawn releasing bombs through the overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 B-24s and 12 P-38s attack supply dumps in the Kalewa area in the Chin Hills region; 30+ B-25s, P-51s and A-36s damage Shweli and Mogaung bridges and hit positions and supply dumps in the Kamaing area; 37 P-40s blast the Myitkyina Airfield; numerous other aircraft fly miscellaneous sorties over the Sumprabum area; and 2 B-25s cause fires among oil installations at Chauk.

24(Photo)S(H), 10AF based at Guskhara, India with F-7s, sends a detachment to operate from Hsinching, China.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 5 B-25s bomb and strafe boatyards at Vinh and hit lumber stores and sawmills at nearby Ben Thuy.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 263: 135 P-47s are dispatched on low level strafing attacks against airfields in France; 25 attack Soesterburg Airfield, The Netherlands and 25 attack Chartres, France; they claim 3-2-8 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground, 2 P-47s are lost, the pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 70 B-26s bomb the marshalling yard at Criel-sur-Mer, France.

HQ 441TCG and 99th, 100th, 301 and 302TCS, arrive at Langar, England from the US with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 200+ B-24s bomb Vienna, Austria and various targets of opportunity escorted by P-47s and P-38s; 100+ B-17s abort because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Montepescali marshalling yard, Cecina, Roccasecca and Castrocielo, while A-20s hit troop concentrations in the Cassino area; and fighter-bombers hit guns in the Cassino area and attack a nearby railroad bridge and underpass with good results.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb, respectively, Ponape Island and Jaluit Atoll Atoll.

392BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Abemama Island to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 31 fighter-bombers and 31 B-25s pound supply areas at Wunapope and at Ralum. On Bougainville Island, a few fighter-bombers hit a Japanese bivouac area on Matchin Bay. 20+ B-24s pound the airstrip at Namatanai, New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, almost 100 B-24s, B-25s and A-20s attack the Wewak area; P-38s hit the Hansa Bay area while other B-25s bomb the Madang-Alexishafen area. Soerabaja, Java naval base is bombed by B-24s.

SATURDAY, 18 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 B-25s attack villages and oil storage areas near Kalewa while 16 B-24s and 41RAF Vengeance's pound the same general area hitting Japanese positions and causing many fires; 20+ P-51s and B-25s support ground forces near Chindwin; 14 others hit a truck park and supply area near Mandalay; and 20+ fighter-bombers (P-51s, P-40s and A-36s): bomb the Kamaing area while 10 more damage several riverboats near Katha.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s on a Yangtze River sweep sink 1large sailboat and strafe a transport ship at Chiuchiang. In French Indochina, 2 P-40s damage a bridge N of Haiphong and attack targets of opportunity in the area, while 2 others sink 2 large junks at Thuong Mo; 12 P-40s on armed reconnaissance from Nanning, China sink a barge and damage other craft at Quang Yen, sink a transport vessel at Campha Port and damage a nearby bridge, attack a train and several buildings in the Lang Son area, and damage a railroad bridge between Lang Son and Phu Lang Thuong.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - ICELAND (Iceland Base Command): HQ 342Composite Group is disbanded in Iceland.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 264: Aircraft plants and airfields in Germany are targetted; enemy fighters attack in force and AA fire is heavy; the bombers claim 45-10-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 43 bombers and 13 fighters are lost;

1. 284 of 290 B-17s dispatched bomb the aviation industry at Oberpfaffenhofen, air depots at Lechfeld and Landsberg, Memmingen Airfield and targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost and 102 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 9 WIA and 80 MIA.

2. 196 of 221 B-17s dispatched bomb Munich, the aviation industry at Oberpfaffenhofen, Lechfeld air depot and targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 80 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 4 WIA and 70 MIA.

3. 227 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Friedrichshafen/Lowenthal (77 bomb), Friedrichshafen/Manzell (38 bomb) and Friedrichshafen/Zeppelin (52 bomb), the city of Friedrichshafen (22 bomb) and 9 hit targets of opportunity; 28 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 60 damaged; casualties are 6 KIA, 9 WIA and 286 MIA Escort is provided by 113 P-38s, 598 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 214 8AF and 9AF P-51s. Details are: 1. P-38s claim 11-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 are lost and 1 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

2. P-47s claim 2-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 26-2-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 6 MIA. The fighters also claim 3-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 265: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Cambrai, Lille, Paris, Amiens, Rouen and Caen, France at 2115-2139 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 950+ B-17s and B-24s bomb aviation targets; B-17s hit Villaorba Landing Ground and Udine aviation depot; B-24s bomb Lavariano and Maniago Landing Grounds and Gorizia aviation depot; 126 P-38s and P-47s carry out sweeps in the Udine-Maniago area and strafe aircraft at Udine Airfield, a tanker S of Marano Lagoon and a hangar, 2 trains, 2 radar stations, and a seaplane anchorage (destroying 6 seaplanes): at Belvedere; the bombers and escorts claim 48 enemy fighters destroyed, 9 US aircraft are downed.

774BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 30 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s, B-26s, and A-20s bomb Foligno marshalling yard, Orvieto marshalling yard and railroad bridge, Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Piombino dock area, Colleferro railroad tracks and assembly area N of Anzio; P-40s, A-36s, and P-47s attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead area, a factory at Carroceto, motor transport concentrations in the Cassino area, fuel dump, tank repair depot, and bivouac in the beachhead area, motor transport around Ladispoli, railroad bridge N of Rome, and railroad tracks and cars at other points.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb and strafe Ponape Island. 13 B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit Atoll while 5 from Tarawa Atoll hit the Atoll with bombs and cannon fire. 1 B-24 from Tarawa Atoll bombs Mille Atoll and photographs Mille and Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 12 P-40s pound fuel stores on Keravia Bay; 13 P-38s follow with a strike on an ammunition dump at nearby Cape Tawui; 12 P-39s later hit the Keravia Bay area; and still later, 24 B-24s and 13 B-25s blast the town of Rabaul and foothills nearby. On Bougainville Island, 18 P-39s, along with several USN fighter-bombers, hit shipping at the mouths of the Jaba and Tavena Rivers.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s continue to pound the Wewak area, hitting AA positions and nearby Brandi Plantation; a Japanese supply convoy reaches Wewak but escapes bombardment.

SUNDAY, 19 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ B-25s and P-38s hit Wuntho; 70+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s over the Mogaung Valley bomb supply dumps, enemy positions, and targets of opportunity throughout the area, concentrating attacks in and near Kamaing, Mogaung and Sumprabum; and 16 P-51s hit barracks and a supply area at Meiktila Airfield near Mandalay while B-25s hit Indaw.

82BS(H), 12BG(M), arrives at Tezgaon, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 21Apr.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s, 9 P-38s and 3 P-51s on a Yangtze River sweep damage several river vessels, hit a fort at Chihchow and bomb Nanchang Airfield.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 266: V-weapon sites in France are hit.

1. 117 of 129 B-17s hit sites at Wizernes and Watten; 1 B-17 is lost and 74 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 56 of 64 B-17s hit Marquise/Mimoyecques; 14 B-17s are damaged; 1 crewman

is WIA.

Escort is provided by 82 P-47s; 1 is damaged and the pilot is WIA.

Mission 267: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on The Hague, Rotterdam, Leeuwarden, Utrecht and Amsterdam, The Netherlands at 2114-2140 hours without loss.

Mission 268: 35 P-47s [25 with 500-pound (227 kg) bombs] are dispatched to Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; 20 of the 25 bomb without loss; 39 P-51s fly a supporting sweep.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 152 B-26s and 65 A-20s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in the Saint-Omer area during morning and afternoon missions; 16 P-47s dive-bomb the airfield between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet; the morning raids precede an 8AF attack with B-17s on V-weapon sites.

MTO - MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED AF (MAAF): Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) issues a directive for Operation STRANGLE, to interdict supply movements in Italy by destroying marshalling yards and attacking rail lines and ports in a concentrated campaign.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 460BG(H) with B-24s is declared operational making a total of 14 bomb groups operational in the 15AF.

234 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 100+ fighters, bomb the air depot at Klagenfurt, Austria; 150+ B-24s also hit the air depot at Graz, Austria and the marshalling yards at Knin and Metkovic, Yugoslavia; Luftwaffe fighters provide fierce opposition and along with AA fire, shoot down 17 bombers and 1 fighter; US aircraft claim 30 enemy fighters destroyed in combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack a road bridge W of Arezzo and port installations at San Stefano al Mare; B-25s hit a

bridge approach in S Orvieto, marshalling yards at Avezzano and Orte and a bridge at Orte; tank repair shops near Tivoli are bombed by A-20s; and P-47s and P-40s strike at enemy concentrations, dumps and guns in the US Fifth Army main battle area and in the area N of the Anzio beachhead.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s pound Wake Island from

Kwajalein Atoll. B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap, Jaluit, and Mille Atolls. 1 B-24 from Tarawa bombs Mille and photographs Mille and Majuro Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 30+ fighter-bombers over the Rabaul area pound an ammunition dump and other

targets around Cape Tawui; and 24 B-25s blast the Wunapope area, concentrating on workers' quarters. 24 B-24s bomb the airstrip at Panapai, New Ireland Island, causing considerable damage to the runways.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s pound the Wewak area, hitting especially hard the Cape Moem and Cape Boram areas; other B-25s and P-39s, along with RAAF aircraft, bomb the Hansa Bay, Nubia, Madang, and Alexishafen areas and hit targets along Bogadjim Road; and 130 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s virtually destroy a supply convoy proceeding from Wewak toward Hollandia, sinking at least 5 vessels. P-40s attack a bivouac area and AA on Garove Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

MONDAY, 20 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Arakan area of Burma, 12 RAF Vengeance's hit Japanese positions near Kaladan and Buthidaung while 6 P-38s severely damage a bridge at Lamu; 20+ B-25s and P-51s hit communication and transportation targets in the Katha area; 6 B-24s bomb the Moulmein-Martaban area; and 100+ fighter-bombers strike Mogaung Valley buildings and supply areas, and fuel dumps at Mogaung, Myitkyina, Sumprabum and Sahmaw.

81BG(M), 12BG(M), arrives at Tezgaon, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 16 Apr.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Photo reconnaissance sorties are flown orer C China and NE Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 269: 353 B-17s and 92 B-24s are dispatched to targets in Germany but high clouds and the malfunction

of blind-bombing equipment cause nearly 300 bombers to abort the mission ; 7 bombers and 8 fighters are lost; the bombers claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; the bombers also drop 900,000 leaflets; details are: 1. 54 B-17s hit Mannheim, 51 hit Frankfurt, 19 hit Bingen and 22 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 8 WIA and 40 MIA.

2. 1 of 92 B-24s hit Bretuit Airfield; 2 B-24s are lost and 15 damaged; casualties are 3 WIA and 21 MIA.

Escort is provided by 44 P-38s, 345 P-47s and 205 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims and losses are: 1. P-38s: no claims or losses

2. P-47s claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 6 P-47s are lost and 9 damaged; 6 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 67TRG completes a series of 83 missions (begun on 23 Feb) during which photographs were made of 160 miles (256 km) of French coastline and 2 inshore strips, each 120 miles (192 km) long; 9,500 prints are produced and no aircraft are lost. In France, 200+ B-26s and A-20s bomb 4 NOBALL (V-weapon) targets and Creil marshalling yard; and 85 P-47s dive-bomb airfields at Abbeville, Poix and Conches.

MTO - AAF, MTO: 121LS, AAF, MTO, arrives at Oran, Algeria from the US with L-4s and L-5s; first Mission is in Sep 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 464BG(H) and 778BS(H) arrive at Pantanell Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 310BG(M) is transferred from the XII Fighter Command to the 57BW, thus consolidating all B-25 units of the 12AF under 1wing. In Italy, B-25s strike the harbor and shipping at Piombino, the Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Port' Ercole and the area around the Orvieto railroad bridge; B-25s hit Orvieto marshalling yard and underpass and road bridge nearby, Terni marshalling yard and dock at San Stefano al Mare; a factory at Fontana Liri is accurately bombed by A-20s; P-40s hit troop concentrations, guns and fuel dump in the Cassino-Fontana Liri area while A-36s blast the railway station at Frosinone and also drop food for troops in the Cassino area; and P-47s hit a fuel dump at Fontana Liri.

HQ 62TCG moves from Brindisi, Italy to Ponte Olivo, Sicily.

414NPS, 63FW, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica until Jul 44.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb the radio station and pier on Emidj Island, Marshall Islands. 1other B-25 from Tarawa bombs Mille Atoll, rearms at Majuro Atoll, and again bombs Mille on the return trip.

HQ 30BG(H) moves from Abemama Island to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20+ fighter-bombers hit the Ratawul supply area; later 20+ fighters attack barges

in the Rabaul area while 3 RNZAF Venturas blast several buildings at nearby Massava Bay; and 23 B-24s bomb the airfield at Vunakanau while 24 B-25s pound Lakunai. On Bougainville Island, 10 P-40s and P-39s bomb Numa Numa and strafe coastal targets of opportunity. A reconnaissance patrol of snooper B-24s cover US Marines moving onto Emirau Island, Bismarck Archipelago; a fighter patrol is unnecessary due to unexpected lack of opposition and after the initial landing by the Marines other Allied ground forces move ashore; by the afternoon of 21Mar the occupation of the island is complete and construction of a base begins shortly.

868BS(H), 13AF, moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island with B-24s; this squadron uses radar-equipped "snooper" B-24s for low-level attacks at night and for pathfinder operations.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s bomb the airfield at Aitape; 20+ P-39s and A-20s hit Japanese HQ and other targets along the Bogadjim Road while B-25s and P-39s on armed reconnaissance hit targets at Milhanak, along the Gogol River, at Yeschan, Burui Airfield and at Erima; and at night B-24s bomb remnants of a supply convoy off Cape Terabu.

On New Britain Island, P-40s on armed reconnaissance hit villages and barges along the Bangula Bay coast.

TUESDAY, 21 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 25 B-25s and P-51s destroy 1 bridge and damage another near Meza, pound buildings and targets of opportunity in the Mawlu area and hit a locomotive and several trucks in the Banmauk-Indaw area; 6 P-38s bomb Monywa oil dumps, causing several large fires; and 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit the town of Manywet, storage area at Myitkyina, buildings at Kamaing and Myitkyina, and warehouses, bypass, and bridge at Hopin.

HQ 12BG(M) arrives at Tezgaon, India and 83 and 434BS(M) arrive at Kurmitola, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 27 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 270: 56 of 65 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 7 B-24s are damaged; escort is provided by 48 P-47s without loss.

Mission 271: 41 P-51 s carry out a sweep of the Bordeaux, France area; they claim 12-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 9-0-4 on the ground; 7 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 7 MIA.

Mission 272: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on The Hague, Amsterdam, Leeuwarden, Rotterdam and Utrecht, The Netherlands at 2102-2133 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): All B-26s dispatched to bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in France are recalled because of bad weather.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s make an unsuccessful attempt to bomb the Poggibonsi bridge; weather cancels other B-25 missions and all A-20 operations; B-26s attack Arezzo and Bucine viaducts and Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges; P-47s hit railroad bridges N of Rome while P-40s bomb targets in the Anzio area; and A-36s drop food in the Cassino area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Mille and Maloelap Atolls and Ponape Island. Tarawa-based B-25s also pound Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 30+ fighter-bombers and 24 B-25s pound the Lakunai Airfield area; 22 B-24s bomb Vunakanau Airfield; and fighters carry out barge sweeps in the Rabaul area.

On Bougainville Island, 14 P-39s hit Numa Numa; small strikes are flown against Monoitu and a bridge at Meive, and fighter-bombers support ground forces and bomb a bivouac along Empress Augusta Bay.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 140+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-38s and P-40s attack numerous targets in the Wewak-Tadji-Hansa Bay-Schouten Island areas; and P-39s and RAAF fighter-bombers blast Japanese positions in the Madang area. P-40s and A-20s on armed reconnaissance attack targets on New Britain Island and on Garove Island to the N.

WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Japanese troops move into India from Burma and penetrate to 30 miles (48 km) E of Imphal. In Burma, 100+ fighters and fighter-bombers over the Mogaung Valley attack troops, storage, and other targets and cause several fires throughout the area; 20+ P-51s and B-25s carry out ground support missions in the Mawlu area near Katha; near Rangoon 4 B-24s set fire to P-38 damages railroad bridges and several trucks at Pyinmana.

92FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47s and enter combat on 1 Jun.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s from Yangkai, China hit several targets in and around Phu Dien Chau, Ha Trung, Dong Giao and Nam Dinh; results include 3 locomotives destroyed and another damaged, 3 125-ft (38 m) steamers damaged, and a bridge roadbed weakened; 1 B-25 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 273: 474 B-17s and 214 B-24s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry plants at Oranienburg and Basdorf, Germany but 8/10 to 10/10 cloud cover prevents an attack; the bombers hit the secondary target, Berlin, and targets of opportunity; the bombers also drop 6.368 million leaflets; 1bomber is damaged beyond repair and 347 bombers are damaged; casualties are 20 WIA and 135 MIA. Details are: 1. 460 of 474 B-17s bomb Berlin; 7 B-17s are lost.

2. 196 of 214 B-24s bomb Berlin and 1bombs Heide; 5 B-24s are lost.

Escort is provided by 125 P-38s, 496 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 196 8AF and 9AF P-51s. There is no air combat and the only claim is for 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground by P-47s. Details are: 1. 3 P-38s are lost and 7 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

2. 5 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 5 MIA.

3. 4 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged beyond repair; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 274: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 263 bundles of leaflets on Paris, France; and The Hague, Amsterdam and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands at 2135-2207 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 100 B-17s bomb the marshalling yards at Verona while about 100 B-24s hit marshalling yards at Bologna and Rimini; P-38s and P-47s provide cover for all the mission s; 2 bombers are lost to flak and another has to ditch.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack the Poggibonsi railroad bridge and viaduct W of Arezzo; B-25s hit a road bridge near Poggibonsi; P-40s bomb guns in the Avezzano and Pico areas; P-40s on patrols over Anzio and Cassino claim 2 fighters destroyed.

Moves in Italy: HQ 47BG(L) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97BS(L) from Vesuvius Airfield to Capodichino with A-20s; 486th and 488BS(M), 340BG(M), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Mille and Jaluit Atolls.

38BS(H), 30BG(H), ceases operating from Makin Island and returns to base on Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 30+ fighter-bombers hit a supply area along the Laruma River; a total of 13 B-24s carry out small strikes against Buka, Monoitu, Kahili, and Kara. On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound Lakunai Airfield, 10 B-24s bomb Tobera, and a single B-24 hits Rabaul.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 130+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-40s attack the Wewak area, hitting enemy positions, AA guns, storage areas at Wewak, Boram, and Yeschan and hitting shipping offshore. Japanese HQ and troops are hit by 25 other aircraft in the Aitape-Tadji area; P-47s hit barges at Alexishafen while P-39s hit a HQ and supply dump along the Bogadjim Road and A-20s hit barges near Pondo Plantation and hit Ewasse village.

THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A detachment of the 11FS, 343FG, begins operating from Amchitka Island with P-40s and P-38s; the squadron is based on Adak Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Chin Hills region of Burma, 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s bomb Kalewa, and 9 B-25s attack Kaing and Shwebo; in the Katha area 12 P-51s bomb Naba Station while 12 others join 9 B-25s in attacking ammunition and gas dumps at Indaw; 4 P-40s bomb stores at Kamaing while 30+ other fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Mogaung Valley in general; and 12 B-24s pound Moulmein jetty and attack Moulmein-Bangkok railroad targets, destroying 2 bridges, damaging several others, and scoring effective hits on 2 trains.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, B-25s on a railroad sweep N from Vinh destroy 2 engines and several boxcars at Van Trai Station yards and attack 3 bridges between Vinh and Thanh Hoa.

HQ 312FW moves from Kunming to Chengtu, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 275: 524 B-17s and 244 B-24s are dispatched to attack airfields in W Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area; due to unfavorable weather conditions, only 68 B-24s hit a primary target and 639 bombers hit secondary targets and targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 33-8-11 Luftwaffe aircraft; 22 B-17s, 6 B-24s and 4 P-51s are lost; details are: 1. 205 B-17s hit Brunswick and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 16 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 221 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 6 WIA and 158 MIA.

2. 47 B-17s hit the secondary target at Munster, 83 hit Hamm, 67 hit Ahlen and 19 hit Neubeckum; 6 B-17s are lost and 56 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 61 MIA.

3. 68 B-24s hit the primary target, Handorf Airfield; 36 hit Achmer City, 21 hit Achmer Airfield, 12 hit Munster, 52 hit Osnabruck and 14 hit other targets of opportunity; 6 B-24s are lost and 45 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 59 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 539 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 183 8AF and 9AF P-51s; details are: 1. P-38s: no claims or losses.

2. P-47s claim 4-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged.

3. P-51s claim 18-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

The fighters also claim 2-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 276: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 262 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Vichy, Lyon, Toulouse and Limoges, France at 2227-2304 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 220 B-26s on a morning Mission bomb Creil marshalling yard and airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger and Beauvais/Tille; in an afternoon raid, 146 bomb Haine-Saint-Pierre marshalling yard.

31(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, arrives at Chalgrove, England from the US with F-5s; first Mission is 10 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb Florence/Campo di Marte marshalling yard while B-25s hit the Pontassieve railway bridge and its approaches; P-40s attack guns in the Cassino-Esperia area, causing many fires and explosions; A-36s bomb the Cassino area with good results; the Germans have been forced into a narrow zone in the W edge of Cassino but still hold positions commanding the town and the Abbey; the New Zealand Corps breaks off the attack.

HQ 340BG(M) moves from Pompeii to Paestum, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island; B-25s flying out of Eniwetok Atoll hit Ponape Island; and Tarawa Atoll-based B-25s strike Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, commencing a series of B-25 shuttle-missions between Tarawa or Makin Island and the USN's new base at Majuro Atoll which is used as the rearming base for the return strike.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 14 P-38s bomb targets of opportunity at Komaleai Point on Bougainville Island while 24 B-25s hit the Buka area of Buka Island after weather prevented scheduled attacks on Rabaul.

On New Britain Island, fighters fly sweeps over Rabaul and general New Ireland Island area, and 12 P-40s bomb fuel dump at Keravia Bay; 15 B-24s out of 24 dispatched plow through the bad weather and bomb the Ratawul supply area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 100 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s hit numerous targets in the Aitape, Wewak, Alexishafen, and Hansa Bay areas; and B-24s bomb Babo and during the night attack shipping in the Bismarck Sea. On New Britain Island, 29 P-40s attack Talasea and nearby bivouacs, including Gogosi.

FRIDAY, 24 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly a photographic Mission over Onnekotan Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): HQ 25BG(M) and 12th, 35th and 417BS(M) begin a movement from Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico; Coolidge Field, Antigua; Trinidad; and Losey Field, Puerto Rico respectively to the US; all will be disbanded on 20 Jun 44.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Mandalay, Burma area 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s bomb Pyingaing dump, 9 B-25s hit Shwebo railroad yards and a nearby factory, and 8 P-51s attack Gokteik Viaduct; 4 P-40s bomb Japanese positions near Shaduzup.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 277: The B-17 primary target is Schweinfurt, Germany; the B-24 primary target are airfields at Metz and Nancy, France; the bombers make no claims of Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 230 B-17s are dispatched; 60 hit Schweinfurt using blind-bombing equipment and 162 hit Frankfurt/Main marshalling yard; 3 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 68 damaged; casualties are 14 KIA, 1 WIA and 30 MIA.

2. 206 B-24s are dispatched; the primaries are overcast and 148 hit the secondary target of St Diziere Airfield and 33 hit Nancy/Essey Airfield; 24 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 3 WIA.

Escort is provided by 84 P-38s, 3018AF and 9AF P-47s and 155 8AF and 9AF P-51s; details are: P-38s: 2 lost, both pilots MIA.

P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-4 on the ground; no losses.

P-51s: no claims; 3 P-51s are lost; 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 278: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Tours and Lorient, France; and Charleroi, Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium at 2133-2210 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 100+ B-24s bomb Rimini marshalling yard while 32 others attack Ancona, Senigallia and rail and road bridges over the Vomano River S of Giulianova; 200+ other B-17s and B-24s turn back before reaching the target and before rendezvous with the fighter escorts; and 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 hit targets of opportunity in Italy and Yugoslavia; 6 B-24s are lost; the bombers claim 10 enemy fighters destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s pound supply and bivouac areas in Piedimonte and Castrocielo and harbor installations at

Leghorn; B-25s hit bridge and railroad tracks NW of Orvieto, and A-20s bomb guns in the Cassino area; P-40s and A-36s in Cassino area hit guns, troop concentrations, road, and causeway; and P-47s on armed reconnaissance in the Rome-Orvieto-Orte areas hit a train and a bridge.

Moves in Italy: 11TCS, 60TCG, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 487th and 489BS(M), 340BG(M), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Jaluit while others, flying out of Eniwetok Atoll, hit Ponape Island and Ant Island, Caroline Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20+ B-25s hit the airstrip at Tobera; a few which lost contact with the formation bomb Vunakanau instead; and 30+ P-38s, P-39s, and P-40s hit Wunapope with incendiary clusters, causing numerous fires.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-39s and P-40s hit Alexishafen with a dive bombing and strafing attack at midday; a single B-24 bombs nearby Sek Island; other B-24s on armed reconnaissance score a hit on a minesweeper. Organized Japanese resistance ends on Los Negros and Bougainville Islands, although considerable time will be required for mopping-up operations.

HQ 475FG moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea.

SATURDAY, 25 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 Shemya Island-based B-24s bomb Kurabu Cape and the N coast of Onnekotan Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 29th and 31FSs, XXVI Fighter Command, begin a movement from Casa Larga, Panama and Howard Field, Canal Zone respectively, to the US.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-24s hit Mogaung supply dumps, causing fires and much smoke; 12 P-40s bomb the Kamaing area; Japanese aircraft (5 medium bombers and 30 fighters) attack Allied airstrips at Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar, India and Anisakan, Burma; 10AF and RAF interceptors claim 7 aircraft shot down.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-24s from Chengkung bomb a motor pool and fuel dump at Mangshih, demolishing a sizeable portion of the target area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 406BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command (attached to 328th Service Group), moves from Watton to Harrington, England with B-24s; the squadron began flying CARPETBAGGER missions in Jan 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 140+ B-26s attack the Hirson, France marshalling yard.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather severely curtails operations. In Italy, B-26s bomb the Leghorn dockyard and town of Rignano sull' Amo; P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead battle area; and fighters fly cover over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

Moves in Italy: 28TCS, 60TCG, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 415NPS, 64FW, from Marcianise to Pomigliano with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Advanced HQ 7AF in Tarawa Atoll is disbanded and the Seventh's operations in the C Pacific forward area are placed under the VII BC at Kwajalein Atoll.

B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll pound Ponape Island and claim 4 fighters shot down.

B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Maloelap Atoll.

HQ VII BC moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound the Ratawul supply area while 34 fighter-bombers hit Keravia Bay

fuel stores. On Bougainville Island, 20+ fighter-bombers hit a Miwo River bridge and nearby bivouac area and bomb a truck park W of the Omoi River.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s continue pounding of the Wewak area, destroying supply dumps along the coast from Wewak Point to the airfield, a fuel dump W of Boram, and targets along the Sauri road and in the Cape Wom area; other A-20s attack the coastal area around Bunabun Harbor; and B-24s bomb the Babo-Urarom area. On New Britain Island, P-40s attack a Japanese HQ at Cape Hoskins. On Manus Island, the last major battle takes place; isolated enemy positions remain to be eliminated.

Moves in New Guinea with P-38s: 80FS, 8FG, from Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island to Nadzab; 432FS, 475FG from Dobodura to Nadzab.

SUNDAY, 26 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-24s and 3 B-25s bomb troops along the Imphal-Tiddim road near Chindwin; 70+ fighter-bombers and a lone B-25 attack targets in the Mogaung Valley area, including airfields at Manywet and Myitkyina, and bridges, roads, railroads and targets of opportunity at Mogaung, Kamaing and Myitkyina; in the Katha area 8 P-51s and 3 B-25s hit a Japanese bivouac NE of Bhamo and claim 6 warehouses destroyed at Nankan.

20TRS, 10AF [attached to 5320th Air Defense Wing (Provisional)] moves from Guskhara to Kisselbari, India with P-40s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s hit the Bakli Bay area on Hainan Island; 2 merchant vessels are claimed sunk, and damage is done to tracks and loading equipment. 4 P-40s on a sweep of the N coast of the Gulf of Tonkin sink an ore boat and damage 4 barges. '

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 280: V-weapon sites in France are hit.

1. 234 of 243 and 138 of 185 B-24s hit 9 sites in the Pas de Calais area; 4 B-17s and 1 B-24 are lost, 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 134 B-17s and 38 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 15 WIA and 50 MIA.

2. 128 of 145 B-17s hit 7 sites in the Cherbourg area; 64 B-17s are damaged.

Escort is provided by 266 P-47s; they claim 1-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 5 damaged.

Mission 281: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Caen, Rennes, Amiens, Paris and Rouen, France at 2114-2206 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 338 B-26s and 35 A-20s attack the Ijmuiden, The Netherlands torpedo-boat pens. In France, nearly 140 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb Creil marshalling yard and other military installations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 60+ B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb Fiume docks and shipping; the B-24s hit Maniago Landing Ground, Udine air depot and Rimini marshalling yard; P-47s and P-38s provide escort; 150+ other B-17s and B-24s abort missions because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Operations are at a minimum as bad weather continues. In Italy, B-26s score numerous hits on Arezzo viaducts, B-25s attack the Perugia railway bridge, scoring near misses, and A-20s successfully bomb troop concentrations N of Velletri; P-47s achieve direct hits on a railway bridge NW of Stimigliano and near misses on a railway bridge SW of Tarquinia; and P-40s hit guns near Fontana Liri and N of the Anzio beachhead with good results.

HQ 60TCG moves from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Eniwetok Atoll-based B-25s strike Ponape Island; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit again on the return flight to Tarawa.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s hit Vunakanan Airfield and 37 fighter-bombers attack supply areas along Talili Bay; B-25s continue to heckle the Rabaul area during the night. In the Bougainville Island area 3 B-24s and 20 fighter-bombers hit pillboxes and targets of opportunity on islands off the Tekessi River mouth and near Monoitu; fighter-bombers again support ground forces along Empress Augusta Bay, hitting a supply dump N of the Reini River and enemy positions near the mouths of the Tekessi and Maririei Rivers; the fighter-bombers claim destruction of a bridge over the Puriata River. 24 B-24s on a mission against Truk Atoll fail to reach the target and bomb Pulusuk Island, Caroline Islands instead; several of the B-24s are forced to land on Green Island, Solomon Islands because of fuel shortages.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 220+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighters hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Wom, Aitape, the Hansa Bay coast, Mushu Island, and the general area along the N coast of NE New Guinea, blasting storage areas, barges, shipping, grounded aircraft, fuel dumps and enemy troops; other A-20s hit Bunabun Harbor while P-39s hit the Madang area.

On New Britain Island, P-39s and P-40s attack Cape Hoskins and troops in the Talasea area. On Manus Island, A-20s hit buildings and Japanese positions on the S shore.

431FS, 475FG, moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with P-38s.

MONDAY, 27 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-24s hit supply dumps at Kamaing, while about 50 fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit troops in in the Myitkinya area and support ground forces near Kamaing; in the Katha area 12 B-25s and 16 P-38s and P-51s hit a bridge and railroad facilities near Meza and a railroad near Kawlin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s pound the Viet Tri, French Indochina area, damaging 2 factories, a bridge and several railroad cars. In China 60+ P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s attack troops and buildings at Sienning and Kwanyinchow, hit a bridge, warehouse, and general area at Anyi, damage bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and pound Nanchang Airfield and surrounding areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 282: Airfields in France are attacked by 701bombers.

1. 285 of 290 B-17s hit the following airfields: St Jean D/Angely (55), La Rochell/La Leu (59), Chartres (60), Tours/Parcay Meslay Air Depot (74), Usine Liotard Air Depot (35) and targets of opportunity (2); 1 B-17 is lost and 37 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 248 of 256 B-17s hit the following airfields: Bordeaux/Merignac (123), Cayeux (118) and Chartres (7); 2 B-17s are lost and 51 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 2 WIA and 20 MIA.

3. All 168 B-24s hit the following airfields: Pau/Ont Long (72), Biarritz (49) and Mont de Marsan (47); 3 B-24s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 18 damaged; casualties are 20 KIA, 1 WIA and 31 MIA.

Escort is provided by 132 P-38s, 706 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 122 8AF and 9AF P-51s; results are: P-38s: 2 lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 2 pilots are MIA.

P-47s claim 6-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 5 are MIA.

P-51s claim 2-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 30-1-11on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in N France; 35 others abort due primarily to failure of blind-bombing equipment. The onset of bad weather makes this the last B-26 Mission until 8 Apr.

303d, 305th and 306TCSs, 442TCG, arrives at Fulbeck, England from the US with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s successfully bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station; B-26s hit Poggibonsi railway bridge, and tracks and train cars in the area; and B-25s attack bridges at Marsciano, Perugia and Grosseto railroad bridges, scoring damaging hits at Grosseto; P-40s hit a command post and supply dumps, and fly road reconnaissance SE of Rome with good results; A-36s bomb Sesti Bagni railway station and nearby trucks, while P-47s attack a bridge, junctions and train cars on the Rome-Orvieto railroad; and P-47s and P-40s maintain cover over the Cassino and Anzio battle areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s and B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap, Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Jaluit Atoll and strafe and cannonade Ponape Island; and a single B-24 from Tarawa Atoll bombs Jabor in Jaluit Atoll.

9TCS, 7AF, moves from Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii to Abemama Island with C-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s hit Wunapope with incendiaries; and 34 fighter-bombers follow in rapid succession with another incendiary strike, leaving the entire vicinity in flames. 9 P-40s hit fuel dump at the mouth of Tekessi River on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 200+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s and P-39s attack storage areas, shipping, bridges, fuel dumps, enemy troop concentrations and other targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Ulipan Harbor, and Madang. Other aircraft carry out sweeps and armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island and the Bismarck Sea.

341FS, 348FG, moves from Finschhafen to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 18FS, 343FG, moves from Amchitka Island to Attu Island, Aleutian Islands with P-38s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Mogaung Valley of Burma, 8 B-24s bomb the Kamaing storage area, while 60+ fighter-bombers and 9 B-25s furnish ground support in the Sumprabum, Mogaung, and Kamaing areas, and bomb storage and town areas of Manywet, Mohnyin and Kamaing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s bomb the barracks area at Vinh Yen, French Indochina, scoring direct hits on 4 buildings.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): HQ XX BC arrives at Kharagpur, India from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 283: 2 formations of B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields in France while B-24s are dispatched to The Netherlands.

1. 182 B-17s are dispatched to Dijon/Longvic Airfield (117 bomb) and Reims/Champagne Airfield (59 bomb); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 60 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA and 1 WIA.

2. 191 B-17s are dispatched to Chateaudun Airfield (127 bomb) and Chartres Airfield (61bomb); 2 B-17s are lost and 59 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 28 MIA.

3. 77 B-24s are dispatched to the Ijmuiden, The Netherlands E-boat pens but they are recalled due to excessive clouds and failure of the escort to takeoff.

Escort for the B-17s is provided by 46 P-38s, 284 P-47s and 123 P-51s;

details are: P-38s: no claims or losses

P-47s claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft.

P-51s claim 30-1-32 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost; the pilots are MIA.

36BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command [attached to 801BG (Provisional)] moves from Watton to Harrington, England with B-24s; the squadron flies CARPETBAGGER missions.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, the largest attack to date, bomb marshalling yards in Italy; the B-17s hit Verona; the B-24s hit Mestre and Verona marshalling yards and railway and highway bridges at Fano and Cessno; P-38s and P-40s provide excellent coverage and no bombers are lost; the bombers and escorts claim 12 fighters destroyed; 5 US fighters are lost.

16RS (Bomber), 68TRG (attached to AAF, MTO), based at Foch Field, Tunisia begins operating from Foggia, Italy with B-17s.

781BS(H), 465BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s knock out the bridge approach E of Perugia and bomb the railway junction and marshalling yard at Montepescali; B-25s bomb a railway bridge S of Mignano and viaduct to the SE, and hit Certaldo railway bridge; A-20s attack a tank factory N of Tivoli; P-40s strike guns in the Anzio area; guns, trucks, and roads during armed reconnaissance of the Cassino-Giulianello area; and supply dumps and truck parks near Velletri and Sora; A-36s attack 2 railroad bridges and tracks at Montalto di Castro and near Orvieto; and fighters carry out a patrol over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

Moves in Italy: HQ 87FW from Caserta to Bastia, Corsica; and

HQ 57FG and 65th and 66FSs from Cercola to Alto, Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll pound Jaluit, Mille and Maloelap Atolls; a single B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, en route to Eniwetok Atoll, bombs Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands; and B-24s, flying a night Mission from Kwajalein, bomb targets at Truk Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb Tobera Airfield, causing considerable damage to the landing strip; fighter-bombers hit the Ratawul supply area and SW part of Rabaul. On Bougainville Island, a few P-40s attack the Numa Numa supply area, a single B-24 scores damaging hits on the Japanese-held Mission at Monoitu, and other planes hit scattered targets of opportunity.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s hit Hollandia, New Guinea and Penfoei, Timor Island.

Moves in New Guinea: 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Finschhafen to Nadzab with F-5s; and 418NPS, 308BW, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with P-61s.

WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and B-25s over the Katha area hit the railroad and warehouse at Indaw in support of the ground forces nearby; 12 P-38s join numerous RAF aircraft in strikes on airfields, railroads, riverboats, and a variety of targets in the Mandalay area; 12 B-24s pound the Victoria Lake region near Rangoon; 80+ fighter-bombers and a few B-25s blast targets throughout the Mogaung Valley, including the Waingmaw area, Mogaung, Nanyaseik, guns NE of Kamaing, and numerous scattered fortifications, supply areas, troop concentrations and pillboxes; 80+ other fighters maintain patrol of the Sumprabum area.

HQ 1ACG is activated at Hailakandi, India; the group consists of a HQ plus the following sections: bomber with B-25s, fighter with P-51s, light-plane with L-1 and L-5s, transport with C-47s, glider with CG-4As and TG-5s and light-cargo with UC-64s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 P-40s and 3 P-51s attack the railroad station area at Nanchang, causing much damage to buildings and yards; the fighter-bombers also strafe the airfield and attack a nearby bridge.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 284: 1. 236 B-17s are dispatched to Germany; 193 hit the secondary target (Brunswick), 20 hit Unterluss, 18 hit Stedorf and 2 hit other targets of opportunity; the B-17s claim 8-3-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 66 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 5 WIA and 90 MIA.

Escort is provided by 50 P-38s, 242 P-47s and 136 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 44-4-13 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 13-7-14 on the ground; results are: P-38s: 2 lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are KIA and 2 MIA.

P-47s: 1 lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 2 pilots are WIA.

P-51s: 9 lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 8 MIA.

2. 77 B-24s are dispatched to V-weapon sites at Watten, France; only 30 bomb because of PFF failures; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; casualties are 18 KIA and 1 WIA. Escort is provided by 37 P-47s; no claims or losses.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 48FG and 492d, 493and 494FSs at Ibsley with P-47s (first Mission is 20 Apr); HQ 442TCG and 304TCS at Fulbeck with C-47s; 34(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, at Chalgrove with F-5s (first Mission is 19 Apr).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): About 400 B-17s and B-24s (largest total to date) hit 3 targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb the ball bearing factory, marshalling yard and industrial area at Turin; the B-24s hit Bolzano and Milan marshalling yards; P-47s and P-38s fly escort; the bombers and fighters claim 13 aircraft destroyed; 6 US aircraft are lost.

HQ 325FG and 317th, 318th and 319FSs move from Foggia to Lesina, Italy with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield, causing considerable damage to the target; B-26s hit Leghorn and many small craft nearby. French B-26s attached to the 12AF bomb Portoferraio on Elba; P-40s attack supply dumps and a bivouac area SE of Rome, a tank repair shop E of Rome and guns and supply dumps E of Velletri; P-47s cut lines at a railway overpass W of Rome while A-36s bomb harbors at San Stefano al Mare and Civitavecchia and hit nearby targets of opportunity; Spitfires, P-40s, and P-47s patrol the Anzio battle area.

Unit moves in Italy: 7TCS, 62TCG, from Brindisi to Pone Olivo, Sicily with C-47s; 12TCS, 60TCG from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Kwajalein Atoll hit Jaluit and Rongelap Atolls; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll strike Ponape Island

while others from Tarawa Atoll bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Rabaul area of New Britain Island, 19 fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity along the Miwo River and at Mawareka and Kimaku; 8 others abort because of bad weather; fighters sweeping the vicinity of Rabaul strafe shipping in Keravia Bay and knock out a gun position at Cape Tawui; 24 B-25s and 11 P-40s get through the bad weather and pound supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul, respectively. On Bougainville Island, a few P-38s hit Numa Numa while other fighter-bombers again support ground forces at the mouth of the Tekessi River. B-24s of the 307BG(H) carry out the first daylight raid on Truk Atoll, bombing the airfield on Eten Island; the mission is staged from Munda, New Georgia Island through Torokina, Bougainville Island for arming and Nissan Island, Solomon Islands for refueling before the strike; the unescorted B-24s claim 31interceptors destroyed, along with almost 50 aircraft on the ground; 2 B-24s are lost.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Brigadier General Paul H Prentiss is announced as Commanding General V AF Services Command and Brigadier General Warren R Carter as Commanding General 64TCW.

In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Hollandia; B-25s and A-20s pound the Wewak area, hitting targets at Cape Wom and Dagua and attacking shipping throughout the day; more A-20s pound the Bogia-Bunabun area and P-39s hit an AA position at Erima in the Madang area; and P-47s and P-40s on a fighter sweep and armed reconnaissance strafe coastal targets of opportunity in NE New Guinea and New Britain Island.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 348FG from Finschhafen to Saidor; 433FS, 475FG, from Dobodura to Nadzab with P-38s.

THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 6 P-51s hit Anisakan Airfield, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24s fly a sea sweep from Kunming, China around Hainan Island, and across the Gulf of Tonkin to Nam Dinh, French Indochina; en route, a freighter is strafed; 1 B-24s bombs spinning mills at Nam Sinh, causing considerable damage.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 285: In The Netherlands, 24 P-47 fighter-bombers escorted by 50 other P-47s dive-bomb Eindhoven and Sosterburg, Airfields without loss; 22 other P-47s strafe Venlo, Deelen and Twente/Enschede Airfields; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-2 on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 286: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Rennes, Reims, Paris and Amiens, France at 2125-2155 hours without loss.

HQ 93CBW(H) moves from Elveden Hall to Mendlesham, England; groups will be assigned in May 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Engineer Command is formally activated by the War Department with Brigadier General James B Newman as Commanding General.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 463BG(H) with B-17s becomes the 15th bomber group declared operational by the 15AF.

Nearly 350 B-17s and B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Sofia, Bulgaria and an industrial complex and airfield at Imotski, Yugoslavia. Escorting fighters and the bombers claim 13 enemy fighters shot down; 4 bombers are lost.

777BS(H), 464BG(H) arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit the harbor at Leghorn and railroad bridge NW of Orte; P-40s and A-36s attack an ammunition dump NW of Roccasecca, trucks and supply dump NE of Tivoli and near Fumone and Gaeta, railroad bridges SE of Civita Castellana and NW of Stimigliano and Orvieto and motor transport N of Cori and at scattered points.

64FS, 57FG, moves from Cercola, Italy to Alto, Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atolls hit Truk Atoll before dawn. B-25s from Kwajalein and Tarawa Atolls strike Wotje, Mille, Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 11 B-24s fly a long-range strike against Moen Island in Truk Atoll; the B-24s score damaging hits on the airfield and claim 11 fighters shot down; 1 B-24 is lost; this raid follows a snooper strike by 2 B-24s the previous night. In the Rabaul area of New Britain Island, 10 P-38s hit the SW part of the town with incendiaries while 24 B-25s pound nearby Wunapope. On Bougainville Island, fighters and B-25s, operating mainly in pairs, hit a supply area on the Mupeka River and Japanese-occupied areas at the mouths of Puriata and Mamaregu Rivers; fighter-bombers continue to support ground forces along the Empress Augusta Bay perimeter hitting a bivouac and truck park at Numa Numa, fords across the Hongorai River, and a bridge across the Puriata River.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 60+ B-24s, with support from more than 90 P-38s and P-47s, hit Hollandia in the first big daylight raid; airfields and fuel dumps are bombed; a large number of enemy aircraft are destroyed or damaged on the ground; escorting fighters claim about 10 interceptors shot down; B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s, and P-39s continue to blast Japanese installations and forces in areas around Wewak, Tadji and Madang.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 91Photographic Wing(R) to Nadzab from the US; and 342FS, 348FG, from Finschhafen to Saidor with P-47s.

FRIDAY, 31 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): HQ XI BC and HQ XI Fighter Command are disbanded. Their headquarters personnel are absorbed by the 28BG (Composite) and the 343FG, respectively.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s hit the Pinlebu area; 10 P-51s hit Japanese positions near the "Broadway" airstrip; 12 P-40s bomb the Warong area while others patrol around Sumprabum; near Katha 3 B-25s and 6 P-51s hit a warehouse, railroad cars and track at Zawchaung.

HQ 8(Photo)RG arrives at Bally, India from the US. The 9(Photo)Reconnaissance, 20TR and 24th Combat Mapping Squadrons will be assigned on 25 Apr; the 40(Photo)RS will be assigned on 18 Jul.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 486BG(H) arrives at Sudbury, England from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather prevents completion of most 12AF operations; P-47s carry out a sweep N of Rome, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk Atoll in a predawn mission. B-25s from Eniwetok hit Ponape Island while others, flying out of Tarawa Atoll, pound Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

431BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb a Ratawul supply point; 11 P-40s hit Wunapope, and 26 P-39s and P-38s bomb the NE part of Rabaul with incendiaries; and fighter sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island continue. 25 fighter-bombers pound the Numa Numa supply area on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 60+ B-24s, with P-38 support, pound Hollandia for the second successive day; 3 airfields

in the area are thoroughly blasted and a large number of enemy aircraft destroyed; US aircraft claim 14 interceptors shot down; supplies, enemy troops, and coastal targets in the Tadji, Wewak, and Hansa Bay areas are hit by 120+ A-20s and B-25s.

APRIL 1944

SATURDAY, 1 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 P-38s hit a freight train and damage a factory in the vicinity of Mandalay; near Rangoon, 16 B-24s hit a railroad station and bomb Akyab while 6 B-25s damage a railroad bridge near Nattalin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): A flight of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, based at Kunming, China begins operating from Liangshan, China with F-4s and F-5s.

Moves in China during Apr: HQ 69th Composite Wing from Tsuyung to Kunming; 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung sends the detachment at Tsuyung to Szemao with P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 287: 440 bombers and 475 fighters are dispatched to bomb the chemical industry at Ludwigshafen, Germany (the largest in Europe).

1. The 245 B-17s dispatched of the lead force abandon the mission over the French coast due to heavy clouds; 7 B-17s are damaged.

2. The 195 B-24s in the second force became widely dispersed and bomb targets of opportunity; 101 hit Pforzheim; 38 hit Schaffhausen, Switzerland; 17 hit Strasbourg, France; and 9 hit Grafenhausen; Schaffhausen and Strasbourg were mistaken as German towns; they claim 1-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA, 12 WIA and 113 MIA.

Escort is provided by 280 P-47s and 195 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-47s claim 13-1-19 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground 2 P-47s are lost and 12 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; P-51s claim 5-2-4 aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Moves in Italy during Apr: HQ 49BW(H) arrives from the US; HQ 68TRG from Manduria to Blida, Algeria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Leghorn harbor, bridges at Orvieto, and railway track S of Poggibonsi; B-26s hit Arno River railroad bridges at Signa, Riva-Trigoso, and Valdarno, while A-20s hit ammunition dumps; P-40s hit targets in the vicinity of Gaeta, Formia tunnel, several fuel dumps, bridges, and guns in the battle areas; P-47s bomb Poggibonsi bridge and strafe a train; and fighters patrol the Anzio battle area without incident.

During Apr, XII BC moves from Trocchia, Italy to Corsica; 4th TCS, 62TCG, and 16th, 17th, 18th and 35TCSs, 64TCG begin operating from bases in India until Jun 44 with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, strike Ponape Island, Caroline Islands; B-24s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands and Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands hit Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands; and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, Marshall Islands.

78FS, 15FG, moves from Stanley Field to Mokuleia Field, Territory of Hawaii with P-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago, 24 B-25s bomb supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul; 28

P-39s and P-40s hit the Toboi wharf area at Simpson Harbor; 3 P-40s follow with a strike on oil and coal storage in same general area; fighters maintain sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island, Bismarck Archipelago throughout the day and B-25s harass Rabaul during the night of 1/2 Apr. On Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, 12 P-38s bomb the mission at Monoitu and 12 P-40s hit Numa Numa supply dumps.

The detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4PRG, operating from Munda, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands, with F-5s returns to base on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s and A-20s hit the Tadji and Hansa Bay areas in New Guinea; B-24s bomb Boela, Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands; and B-25s attack Penfoei, Timor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands.

Moves in New Guinea during Apr: 33TCS, 374TCG, from Garbutt Field, Townsville, Australia to Port Moresby with C-47s; 63BS(H), 43BG(H), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-24s.

SUNDAY, 2 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-40s bomb Kamaing while 6 P-51s over the Katha area hit trucks near Bhamo and a storage area at Indaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24s on a sea sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa bomb a 215-ft (66 m) ship (reported sunk) and damage a large motor launch.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): First operational B-29, piloted by Colonel Leonard F Harman, lands at Chakulia, India.

HQ 40BG(VH), arrives at Chakulia, India from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 461BG(H) with B-24s becomes operational, making 16 heavy bomber groups now operational.

530+ B-24s and B-17s (largest Mission to date) attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit the ball bearing plant at Steyr, Austria and marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit an aircraft factory and depot and ball bearing factory at Steyr, and in Yugoslavia, an air depot at Mostar and marshalling yard at Bihac; fighters fly 150+ sorties in support of the bombers; hundreds of enemy fighters oppose the mission s and fierce air battles result in 19 bombers shot down and several missing; the AAF claims 150+ enemy fighters.

HQ 31FG and 307th and 308FSs move from Castel Volturno to San Severo, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges at Arezzo, Fano, Ficulle, Magra, N of Orvieto, and S of Poggibonsi, scoring some direct hits, hits on approaches, and several near misses; fighter-bombers hit trucks and the railroad station at Fara in Sabina and E and N of Anzio, attack the Formia tunnel, fly armed reconnaissance over the Atina and Arce areas, bomb a factory and buildings N of Cassino, the town of Pignataro Interamna and numerous bridges, dumps, gun positions and targets of opportunity in or around the battle areas.

99FS, XII Air Support Command, attached to 324FG, moves from Capodichino to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands hit Truk Atoll during the night of 1/2 Apr. During the day B-25s bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 31 B-24s fly a strike against Dublon Island, Truk Atoll, causing considerable damage to the warehouse and dock areas; the bombers claim 30+ fighters downed; 4 B-24s are lost. On New Britain Island, 40+ fighter-bombers over Rabaul hit the SE part of town, the Toboi wharf area, and N section of town along the Malaguna road; and 7 B-25s hit Raluana Point while 23 pound Lakunai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 120+ bombers and fighters continue to hit targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Madang, Bogadjim, and other points along the NE coastline. B-25s also hit Dili and Penfoei on Timor Island and Rambutyo Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

310FS, 58FG, moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

MONDAY, 3 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s damage the Tangon bridge while 6 P-51s hit Anisakan airstrip in the Mandalay area; 20+ fighter-bombers and 6 B-25s hit targets of opportunity S of Mupaw Ga and W of Mogaung, troops near Bhamo, and knock out a bridge near Mogaung; during the night of 3/4 Apr 16 B-24s bomb oil and power facilities at Yenangyaung, Chauk, and Lanywa while 8 P-38s hit Meiktila Airfield.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 rocket-firing P-40s, with 8 other as top cover, damage 2 large river boats between Hengyang and Ichang. In French Indochina, 4 P-40s flying a Red River sweep from Vinh Yen to Dong Cuong sink 4 small boats, damage 3 more, and strafe 50-100 persons at a loading point on the river; and 3 B-24s lay mines in the Haiphong area.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Because of a combat crew shortage which has caused abolition of the 50-Mission limit tour of duty and resulted in fatigue and morale problems, IX BC establishes a new operational leave policy. Maximum leaves for bomber crews are set at 1 week between the 25th and 30th missions and 2 weeks between the 40th and 50th missions.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 450+ B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit an aircraft factory in Budapest, Hungary and a marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit a marshalling yard at Budapest; 137 fighters escort the B-17s (B-24s miss the rendezvous) to Budapest; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 24 enemy aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railway bridges at Orvieto, cutting approaches to a bridge to the N of town; other medium bomber attacks on bridges abort because of weather but light bombers successfully bomb an ammunition dump; A-36s attack the railway at Attigliano and bomb an underpass in the area, while P-40s hit Sesti Bagni railroad station, a supply dump SE of Frosinone, the town of Itri, a bivouac area NW of Velletri and several trucks; and P-47s successfully bomb Pignataro Interamna and nearby road junction.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll during the night of 2/3 Apr, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Abemama Island follow with a daytime attack on Ponape Island; other B-25s from Abemama and Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

98BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Eniwetok Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound the NE section of Rabaul; this strike follows larger than usual (6 B-25s) heckling raids during the night of 2/3 Apr; and 50+ fighter-bombers blast fuel stores at Keravia Bay. On Bougainville Island, AAF and USN (USN) fighters strafe the Numa Numa trail area and maintain patrols.

67FS, 347FG, based in the Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, ceases operating from Bougainville Island with P-38s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 300+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s blast airfields at Hollandia; most of the remaining Japanese airplanes there are destroyed; of 60 intercepting Japanese fighters, 26 are claimed shot down; air opposition from Hollandia is very light hereafter; 50+ P-40s, P-47s, and P-39s hit villages, communications, AA positions, and other targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Bogia and Madang; and B-24s hit Langgoer and B-25s bomb the Babo area and Penfoei on Timor Island.

HQ 58FG and 69FS move from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

TUESDAY, 4 APRIL 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: HQ 20AF is activated in Washington, DC.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 120+ fighter-bombers and 4 B-25s hit rail lines, storage areas and Japanese held villages around Mogaung and Myitkyina and support ground forces near Kamaing and Myitkyina; during the night of 4/5 Apr, 14 B-24s bomb the Moulmein railroad yards and jetties and hit a Japanese HQ nearby at Nagorn Sawarn; and 25 P-51s and P-38s attack Aungban and Anisakan Airfields.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-38s on armed reconnaissance strafe and destroy 2 big fuel dumps, 12 fuel trucks, and 15-20 troops in the Wan Mong Kang, Burma area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 339FG at Fowlmere; and 836th, 837th, 838th and 839BS(H), 487BG, at Lavenham with B-24s (first Mission is 7 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 373FG and 410FS at Woodchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); HQ 404FBG at Winkton; HQ 406FBG at Ashford; HQ 410BG(L) and 644th, 645th, 646th and 647BS(L) at Birch with A-20s (first Mission is 4 May); and 393and 394FSs, 367th FG, at Stony Cross with P-38s (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ B-17s and B-24s attack Bucharest, Rumania; both hit marshalling yards and the B-24s also hit an air depot; fighters fly nearly 120 sorties in support of the mission ; between 150 and 200 enemy fighters attack the bombers, shooting down 10; the bombers and escorts claim 50+ aircraft destroyed in combat.

309FS, 31FG, moves from Castel Volturno to San Severo, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bomber mission s are aborted due to weather but light bombers manage to bomb an ammunition dump and fighter-bombers bomb Terracina and Formia, attack a bridge and several vehicles during armed reconnaissance of the Rome-Orte area, bomb Itri and Fondi, hit numerous gun positions, a railway station, a bivouac area, and a vehicle concentration, and attack targets of opportunity between Atina and Cassino.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying out of the Gilbert Islands, bomb Truk Atoll during the night. B-25s, from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll, followup during the day with raids on Ponape Island, and Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 12 P-40s hit a barge hideout in Gazelle Harbor; 10 B-25s (rained out of Rabaul, New Britain Island) bomb Buka Airfield on Buka Island, 23 P-39s hit the Aitara area, and 11 P-40s bomb the Mamaregu barge hideout; 24 P-38s pound Mamagata, Dio Dio, and the Miwo River area; and ground support missions along Empress Augusta Bay are carried out by a variety of fighters.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24s pound the Wewak area; and 12 P-39s hit villages, bridges and wooded areas along the coast from Cape Gourdon to Bogia.

WEDNESDAY, 5 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 13 B-24s bomb the railroad from Moulmein to Kanchanaburi, destroying 3 bridges, damaging several others, and causing much damage to track and railroad cars.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s from Yungning, China pound a railroad siding at Na Cham, French Indochina, destroying 8 boxcars and a considerable amount of track.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 288: 21 of 50 B-24s dispatched hit V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France without loss; heavy clouds and the failure of blind-bombing equipment cause other B-24s to return to base without bombing. 50 P-47s escort the B-24s without loss.

Mission 289: 96 P-38s, 236 P-47s and 124 P-51s are dispatched to attack airfields in Germany; heavy cloud hinders most groups: 1 P-38s is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-47s claim 2-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-51s claim 96-4-120 aircraft, 7 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, casualties are 1 KIA and 6 MIA.

During the night of 5/6 Apr, 801BG (Provisional): dispatches 17 B-24s on CARPETBAGGER (air operations to drop supplies to guerillas in Europe) missions; 1 B-24 is lost.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 487BG(H) at Lavenham; 503d, 504th and 505FBSs, 339FBG at Fowlmere with P-51s (first Mission is 30 Apr); and 832d, 833d, 834th and 835BS(H), 486BG(H), with B-24s (first Mission is 7 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 36FG and 22FS at Kingsnorth with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); HQ 50FG and 10th, 81 and 313FSs at Lymington with P-47s (first Mission is 1 May); HQ 367th FG and 392FS at Stony Cross with P-38s (first

Mission is 9 May); HQ 397BG(M) and 596th, 597th, 598th and 599BS(M) at Gosfield with B-26s (first Mission is 20 Apr); 411th and 412FSs, 373FG at Woodchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); 506th, 507th and 508FBSs, 404FBG, at Winkton with P-47s (first Mission is 1 May); and 513FBS, 406FBG, at Ashford with P-47s (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 334 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; the B-17s bomb a marshalling yard at Ploesti, Rumania and Nis, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit a marshalling yard at Ploesti and Leskovac, Yugoslavia; fighters and AA shoot down 13 bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather precludes all light and medium bomber action; P-40s hit the Colleferro railway station, several fuel dumps, and gun positions in the US Fifth Army battle areas; A-36s bomb Formia, and railway stations NW of Rome and in the Frosinone area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, bomb up again at Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, and hit Jaluit Atoll during the return trip.

HQ 11BG(H) moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 12 B-25s pound Kara, Bougainville Island. Bad weather cancels all missions against targets in the Bismarck Archipelago.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 270+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-38s hit Hollandia town and dock area and villages and stores around Humboldt Bay; P-47s and P-40s blast numerous targets in the Hansa Bay-Bogia and Wewak areas; and B-24s hit Kaimana and Efman Island.

B-25s bomb Koepang on Timor Island.

Units moving from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea: 82RS (Fighter), 71RG, with P-39s; and 311FS, 58FG, with P-47s.

THURSDAY, 6 APRIL 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 3BS(H), VI Bomber Command, moves from David, Panama to Howard Field, Canal Zone with B-24s; the squadron serves as a replacement training unit.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: General of the Army Henry H "Hap" Arnold assumes command of the 20AF at Washington, DC where HQ will remain until Jul 45. Chief of Staff is Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr (currently Deputy Chief of Air Staff), with Colonel Cecil E Combs as his deputy for operations.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s damage railroad and rolling stock at Shwebo. 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit troops in the Namti area, support ground forces NE of Kamaing, damage a bridge near Myitkyina, and hit troops, oil dumps, and supplies at Mogaung and Manywet.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s from Suichwan pound a barrack SW of Nanchang, causing heavy damage; a B-25 strike during the night of 6/7 Apr on airfields near Canton is curtailed by bad weather; only 1 B-25 reaches the target, dropping fragmentation bombs on revetments.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 290: 12 of 12 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France without loss. Escort is provided by 27 P-47s without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US with P-47s: 23FS, 36FG, at Kingsnorth (first Mission is 8 May); and 512FBS, 406FBG, at Ashford (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s bomb the airfield at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; numerous other B-24s and B-17s abort because of weather; escorting fighters and the bombers claim 17 enemy fighters destroyed in combat; 6 US aircraft are shot down.

HQ 451BG(H) and 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H) move from San Pancrazio and Manduria to Castelluccio Airfield, Italy with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit Perugia Airfield while B-26s bomb a bridge and its approaches NW of Orvieto; weather prevents other medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers attack the railroad stations at Capronica and Maccarese, guns SE of Littoria, a road bridge E of Pescasseroli, railroad bridges in the Arezzo area, other rail facilities in C Italy, and small transport vessels in the Aegean Sea.

10TCS, 60TCG, moves from Pomigliano to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island. B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll hit Ponape Island twice. B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Maloelap Atoll during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 34 B-24s pound Dublon Island, Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s bomb Lakunai Airfield and revetment area; 30+ fighter-bombers bomb the vicinity of Toboi wharf with incendiaries while 20+ others carry out incendiary strike on Wunapope, causing severe destruction to several buildings; and fighters maintain a sweep over Rabaul and New Ireland Island areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-39s, P-40s and P-47s continue to pound coastal targets in the Wewak, Aitape, and Madang areas and at numerous other points along the coast. B-25s bomb Koepang, Timor Island.

FRIDAY, 7 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 8 B-24s dispatched to destroy a convoy, believed SE of Matsuwa Island, Kurile Islands, turn back due to engine, navigation and weather difficulties. A flight of F-7As of the 2d Photographic Charting Squadron, 1Photographic Charting Group, 311(Photo)Wing (Mapping and Charting), arrives in the Aleutian Islands; its Mission is mapping of the Kurile Islands. The squadron is based at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado and sends detachments to various parts of the world to photo map.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 74th and 397BS(H), VI BC, move from Guatemala City, Guatemala and the Galapagos Islands respectively to Rio Hato, Panama with B-24s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and B-25s hit gun positions at Mawlu; throughout the Mogaung Valley 100+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit numerous targets including fuel and ammunition stores near Manywet, supplies and a railroad station at Myitkyina, supplies and radio station at Sahmaw, the Kamaing area, bridges at Nsopzup and supply dumps W of Mogaung; 30+ of the fighter-bombers carry out ground support missions at Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 7 P-40s strafe 3 barges and several junks at Saint John Island, China, leaving them burning. 2 B-24s on a sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa claim a large river boat and a small freighter sunk and 2 other freighters damaged; 1 B-24 is lost. 4 P-40s attack a large concentration of small vessels at Haiphong, French Indochina, sinking at least 4.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): HQ 462BG (Very Heavy) arrives at Piardoba, India from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 400+ B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards; the B-17s bomb Treviso; the B-24s hit Mestre and Bologna; almost 100 P-38s provide escort; P-47s fly a sweep over the Gorizia-Udine area; the bombers and fighters claim almost 20 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges, tracks and a viaduct at Attigliano, Ficulle, Certaldo, Pontassieve

and Incisa in Valdarno, and hit Prato marshalling yard; light bombers hit an ammunition dump; Ausonia, Pignataro Interamna, San Apollinare and Terracina are bombed by P-40s along with a dump and several gun positions SE of Rome; P-47s also hit bridges and trucks in this same area and attack the Empoli marshalling yard while A-36s hit gun emplacements, train and tracks in the Orvieto area and vicinity and approaches to the Montalto di Castro bridge.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and bomb Jaluit Atoll on the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 50+ fighter-bombers pound supply areas at Ratawul; 9 B-25s hit Talili Bay, 11 bomb Vunakanau Airfield and 13 blast Tobera Airfield; 6 B-25s maintain night heckling of the Rabaul area. On Bougainville Island, 4 P-40s bomb pillboxes near the Reini River while 2 B-24s bomb Monoitu Mission.

HQ 5BG(H) moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s and P-39s hit villages, barges, a supply area, and coastal road in areas around Madang, Tadji, Bogia, and Uligan Harbor; and B-24s bomb Langgoer and Wakde Island. Other B-25s bomb barracks at Penfoei, Timor Island.

SATURDAY, 8 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, nearly 100 fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s again pound Mogaung Valley targets, including Manywet, storage areas and railroad at Mogaung, positions at Shaduzup and general targets of opportunity around Kamaing; 4 B-25s damage bridge and track at Sittang.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-24s bomb railroad yards at Hanoi, French Indochina. In China, 6 B-25s damage several small ships in Yulinkan Bay; 2 others strafe an airfield on Weichow Island; 8 P-40s pound oil dumps at Wanling, leaving the target area in flames. 9 B-24s bomb the airfield on Samah Bay, Hainan Island; 4 others lay mines in the bay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 291: 3 separate forces, a total of 664 bombers divided into 13 combat wings, escorted by 780 fighters, are dispatched against airfields in NW Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area; 34 bombers and 23 fighters are lost.

1. 59 of 59 B-17s hit Oldenburg Airfield; 32 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 5 WIA.

2. 255 B-17s are dispatched to Achmer, Quakenbruck and Rheine Airfields; 83 hit Quakenbruck, 60 hit Achmer, 41 hit Rheine, 22 hit Twente Enschede, 21 hit Hesepe, 19 hit Handorf and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-17s are lost and 128 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 40 MIA.

3. 350 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets in Brunswick; 190 hit the primary, 59 hit Rosslingen, 48 hit Langenhagen Airfield and 6 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 58-9-32 Luftwaffe aircraft; 30 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 87 damaged; casualties are 8 KIA, 23 WIA and 300 MIA.

Escort is provided by 136 P-38s, 438 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 206 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 88-3-46 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 49-6-38 on the ground: 5 P-38s are lost and 3 damaged, 5 pilots are MIA; 4 P-47s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 12 damaged, 4 pilots are MIA; 14 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, 14 pilots are MIA.

Mission 292: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1million leaflets on Liege, Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Mont-sur-Sombre, Belgium at 2215-2227 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Belgium, 198 B-26s attack Hasselt marshalling yard and hit Coxyde Airfield; and 32 P-47s bomb the area around Hasselt.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 484BG(H) and 824th and 827BS(H) arrive at Torretto Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 29 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack a bridge NW of Orte while A-20s successfully attack supply stores; fighterbombers hit several bridges, motor transport, and supply dumps in C Italy, and bomb railroad tracks at Sesti Bagni and Maccarese.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s flying out of Kwajalein Atoll, strike Truk Atoll; Abemama Island-based B-25s pound Ponape Island;

B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): During the night of 7/8 Apr 6 B-25s heckle the Kavieng Airfield area on New Ireland Island. On New Britain Island, 50+ fighter-bombers hit the NE section of Rabaul and 24 B-25s bomb the center of Lakunai Airfield. 4 B-24s again pound Monoitu Mission on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-40s attack targets of opportunity in the Aitape-Wewak area; and A-20s hit targets in the Hansa Bay area, firing a fuel dump and destroying several warehouses and other buildings at 3 plantations and strafing and bombing roads and bridges along the coast.

HQ 417BG(L) moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 9 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather sortie over Matsuwa Island is negative due to low clouds and fog.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, the Mogaung Valley is pounded by 100+ fighter-bombers and a few B-25s; the aircraft hit town areas, bridges, storage areas, support ground forces, and hit targets of opportunity in general in or near Mogaung, Kamaing, Laban, Hopin, Myitkyina, and Nsopzup; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit fuel dumps at Indaw, bomb a road near Manhton and support ground forces at Lasai; 6 B-24s bomb Mandalay railroad yards, another bomBSnearby Maymyo, and 13 others mine areas near Mandalay and Magwe; also in the Mandalay area, 11 P-38s damage several locomotives, numerous railroad cars and set a steamer afire near Ywataung.

The detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 10AF operating from Hsinching, China transfers to Jorhat, India with F-7s; the squadron is based at Guskhara, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s claim a 200-ft (61m): tanker sunk off Cape Bastion and 3 fighters shot down over Yulinkan Bay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 293: 542 bombers and 719 fighters are dispatched to aircraft factories and airfields in Germany and Poland; the bombers claim 45-8-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 32 bombers and 10 fighters are lost; 10 bombers are damaged beyond repair. Details are: 1. 145 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry at Rahmel, Poland and Marienburg, Germany; 96 hit Marienburg, 41 hit Rahmel and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-17s are lost and 44 damaged; casualties are 8 KIA, 9 WIA and 60 MIA.

2. 151 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Focke-Wulf plant at Poznan, Poland and the Heinkel plant at Warnemunde, Germany; 85 hit Warnemunde, 33 hit Poznan and 18 hit Marienehe Airfield; 12 B-17s are lost and 93 damaged; casualties are 6 WIA and 120 MIA.

3. 246 B-24s are dispatched to hit an assembly plant at Tutow, Germany; 106 hit the primary, 14 hit Parchim, Germany and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 14 B-24s are lost and 30 damaged; casualties are 17 KIA, 6 WIA and 140 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 387 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 213 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 20-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 19-0-8 on the ground; no fighter support is available over the targets because of bad weather or distance: 2 P-38s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged, casualties are 1 KIA and 2 MIA; 4 P-47s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged, casualties are 2 KIA, 2 WIA and 3 MIA; 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair, 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 294: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2.752 million leaflets on Rouen, Paris, Amiens and Caen, France at 2224-2338 hours without loss.

23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 14th Liaison Squadron, US Strategic AFs in Europe (attached to US Third Army), arrives at Alderley Edge, England from the US with L-5s; first Mission is in Jul.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 815th, 816th, 817th and 840BS(H), 483BG(H), arrive at Sterparone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 12 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40 and A-36 fighterbombers bomb the railroad line between Rome and Bracciano, hitting tracks, a station, and a warehouse; attack Littoria and Terracina, repair shops NW of Valmontone and several gun positions; and bomb scattered motor transport during armed reconnaissance of the Avezzano-Sora-Pontecorvo-Ceprano areas.

379BS(M), 310BG(M), moves from Ghisonaccia, Corsica to Fano, Italy with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s on a photo reconnaissance mission over Maloelap, Wotje, and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands, and a single Tarawa Atoll-based B-25 bombs Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; B-25s, in a shuttle Mission from Abemama Island, bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and then hit Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb Lakunai; 31 fighter-bombers hit Ralum supply areas while 22 others strike Wunapope; and during the night of 8/9 Apr, 7 B-25s fly heckling missions against Rabaul.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island; the squadron is based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 55 B-25s bomb the Aitape area while B-24s and A-20s hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Moem, AA positions along Hansa Bay, and barges SE of Mushu Island and in the Wagol River; and P-39s hit troops, barges, and bridges in the Madang, Awar, Bogia and Bunabun areas.

675BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

MONDAY, 10 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 29BS(H), VI Bomber Command, moves from the Galapagos Islands to Howard Field, Canal Zone with B-24s.

ZI - AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (1AF): 1Search Attack Group and 2d, 3d and 4th Search Attack SquadronS(H) are disbanded at Langley Field, Virginia; these units tested equipment and developed techniques and tactics for ASW, flew ASW patrols and served as an OTU for radar training.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 100 fighter-bombers and a few B-25s pound numerous targets, including an encampment SW of Mogaung, positions near Kazu, a railroad and truck park at Myitkyina, a supply area S of Myitkyina, and a bivouac area and supplies at Kamaing; some of the fighterbombers carry out support of ground forces NE of Kamaing; 40+ fighter-bombers and B-25s over the Katha area hit a bridge at Thityabin, troops and supplies at Shwegu, gun positions and troops S of Mawlu, and targets of opportunity including a fuel dump; and 9 B-24s bomb the railroad station and jetty area at Moulmein while 4 others mine the mouth of the Tavoy River.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s damage 2 bridges at Phu Dien Chau, French Indochina, and destroy several buildings and some railroad track. 10 P-40s pound roads N and S of Wanling, Burma.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS): informally approve Operation MATTERHORN, the plan for the bombing of Japan by B-29s based in the Calcutta, India area and staging through advanced fields in the Chengtu, China area, which had been approved in principle by President Franklin D Roosevelt on 10 Nov 43. The operational vehicle is to be the 58BW(VH), (4 BGs) of the XX BC, soon to be assigned to the newly activated 10AF, operating under General of the Army Henry H "Hap" Arnold as executive agent for the JCS.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 295: 729 bombers and 496 fighters are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; 3 bombers and 2 fighters are lost.

1. 238 B-17s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry targets in Belgium; 123 bomb the aviation industry and airfield at Evere, 52 hit Brussels/Melsbroek Airfield, 39 hit aviation industry targets at Brussels, and 20 hit Bergen op Zoom; 1 B-17 is lost and 99 damaged; casualties are 4 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 248 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; in Belgium, 62 hit Maldagem Airfield, 60 hit Diest/Schaffen Airfield and 42 hit Florennes/Juzaine Airfield; in France, 21 hit Courcelles and 21 hit Beaumont sur Oise Airfield; they claim 0-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 19 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA.

3. 243 B-24s are dispatched to hit the airfield and aviation industry targets; in Belgium, 151 hit the airfield and aviation industry at Bourges; in France, 28 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 21 hit Romarantin Airfield and 15 hit V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques; they claim 6-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

Escort is provided by 51 P-38s, 295 P-47s and 150 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-38s haveno claims or losses; P-47s claim 12-0-7 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-51s claim 40-0-16 aircraft, 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 296: Three forces are dispatched on fighter-bomber mission s; all include P-38 Droopsnoot aircraft: 1. 39 P-38s are dispatched to attack Florennes/Juzaine Airfield, Belgium; no losses or claims.

2. 51 P-38s and 7 P-47s are dispatched to attack St Dizier, France; the primary is cloud covered and 16 P-38s attack Coulommiers Airfield, France; 2 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA; the P-47s claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

3. 28 P-38s and 46 P-47s are dispatched to bomb Gutersloh, Germany; 1 P-38 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

Mission 297: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2 million leaflets on Lille, Le Mans, Chartres, Reims and Orleans, France at 2212-2258 hours local without loss.

23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 258 B-26s and 41A-20s, including 12 aircraft dropping Window, attack coastal batteries at Le Harve/Le Grand Hameau, France and military installation nearby. In Belgium during the afternoon 267 B-26s and A-20s bomb the marshalling yard, airfield, coastal defenses, and NOBALL targets at Charleroi/Montignies, Namur, Coxyde, Nieuport and other points on the N coast of W Europe. 47 P-47s dive-bomb the airfield at Evreux, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 776BS(H), 464BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit an ammunition

dump at Gallicano nel Lazio; B-25s bomb the Orvieto marshalling yard and 2 bridges; B-26s hit Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges and tracks, and viaducts at Bucine and W of Arezzo; fighter-bombers operating over wide areas of C Italy and in the battle zones hit railroad bridges, railroad cars, motor transport, barracks, and troop concentrations with good effect.

522d, 523and 524FBSs, 27FBG, move from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno, Italy with A-36s and P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll (1 hits Ponape Island) while B-25s, based on Abemama Island, strike Ponape. B-25s, flying a shuttle Mission between Tarawa and Majuro Atolls, pound Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s bomb the Ratawul supply area and 40+ fighter-bombers hit the runway at Tobera, both strikes causing considerable damage; night harassment of the Rabaul area continues.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 60 B-24s, teaming with US destroyers offshore, bombard the Hansa Bay, New Guinea area, concentrating on AA positions guarding airfields.

672BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

TUESDAY, 11 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Of 3 B-24s attempting to fly a photographic and bombing run over Matsuwa Island installations, 2 must turn back; the third bombs the runway area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 17 P-51s and B-25s fly ground support missions and bomb a road near Maungkan; Mogaung Valley targets are pounded by 50+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s; targets include HQ and stores at Sahmaw, HQ and ammunition dump SW of Mogaung, troops at Myitkyina, and targets of opportunity to the S, a gun position S of Kamaing, and HQ at Waingmaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 3 B-25s hit railroad targets of opportunity N of Vinh and seriously damage a bridge S of Thanh Hoa.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): Units arriving in India from the US: HQ 444BG(VH), and 676BS(VH), at Charra with B-29s (first Mission is 5 Jun); and 25BS(VH), 40BG(VH), at Chakulia with B-29s (first Mission is 5 Jun).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 298: 917 bombers and 819 fighters are dispatched in 3 separate forces to bomb production centers (primarily fighter aircraft factories) and targets of opportunity in N Germany; 64 bombers are lost, one of the heaviest single-day losses of World War II. The bombers also drop 2.4 million leaflets. Details are: 1. 341 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Sorau (108 bomb) and Cottbus (17 bomb); 127 hit Stettin, 20 hit Trechel, 16 hit Dobberphel and 23 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 12-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 19 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 190 damaged; casualties are 12 KIA, 13 WIA and 200 MIA.

2. Of 302 B-17s dispatched, 172 hit Rostock, 52 hit Politz, 35 hit the industrial area at Arnimswalde and 15 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 34-20-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 33 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 153 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA and 330 MIA.

3. 274 B-24s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Oschersleben (121bomb) and Berenburg (99 bomb); 9 bomb aviation industry targets at Halberstadt, 9 bomb Eisleben and 5 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 27-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; casualties are 5 KIA, 9 WIA and 122 MIA.

Escort is provided by 124 P-38s, 454 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 2418AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 51-5-25 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 65-0-67 on the grounds: no P-38s are lost; 7 P-47s

are lost and 16 damaged, 7 pilots are MIA; 9 P-51s are lost and 13 damaged, 9 pilots are MIA.

Mission 299: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2 million leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Le Mans, Rennes, Vichy, Lyon, Limoges and Toulouse between 2301 and 0055 hours local without loss.

12 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Belgium, 229 B-26s and 36 A-20s, including 3 dropping Window, attack Charleroi/Montignies, military

installations on the coast, and Chievres Airfield. 90+ P-47s dive-bomb

a military installation and Gael Airfield, France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit the Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, while B-26s hit marshalling yards at Ancona and

Siena; fighter-bombers concentrate on attacks against railroad targets NE of Rome and buildings inland from the E coast; tracks are hit hard in the Arezzo-Pontassieve area as are stations at Maccarese and Cesano; an overpass, bridges, railroad cars and dumps throughout C Italy are attacked, as is the town of Gaeta.

488BS(M), 340BG(M), moves from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from the Gilbert Islands hit Ponape Island, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and carry out a shuttle Mission against Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional) is created by General George C Kenney, Commanding General Allied AF (Southwest Pacific Area), from elements of the Thirteenth AF and other units.

On New Britain Island, about 40 fighter-bombers hit the E section of Rabaul while 12 others strike Talili Bay ammunition dump; 24 B-25s blast supply areas at Ratawul. On Bougainville Island, 20+ fighter-bombers are dispatched against coastal gun positions but fail to locate their objective; 12 of the

fighter-bombers bomb Aitara while 2 claim destruction of a bridge near Mawareka.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ A-20s and B-25s, supported by 30 P-47s and P-40s, blast AA positions, stores, dumps and personnel areas at Hollandia; 50+ B-24s bomb barges, AA guns, and other targets along Hansa Bay which is also hit by 12 B-25s. 12 other B-25s bomb targets on Karkar Island.

WEDNESDAY, 12 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-40s, A-36s, P-51s, and B-25s over the Mogaung Valley support ground forces, bomb supply areas, and hit numerous targets of opportunity in areas around Mogaung, Myitkyina, Kamaing, Taungni, and Shaduzup; 5 B-25s knock out a bridge at Natmauk while 2 others damage the Pyu bridge near Rangoon; 5 B-24s bomb Nagorn Sawarn while 7 hit the Moulmein railroad station and jetties and bomb the SE part of Prome.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 300: 455 bombers and 766fighters dispatched to bomb industrial targets at Schweinfurt, Zwickau, Oscheresleben, Schkeuditz, Halle and Leipzig are forced to abandon the mission because of haze and multilayer clouds; Luftwaffe fighter opposition is concentrated over N France and the bombers claim 10-6-7 fighters; 6 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 25 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 12 KIA, 16 WIA and 56 MIA. Escort is provided by 124 P-38s, 449 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 193 8AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 18-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-8 on the ground; 3 P-38s and 2 P-51s are lost, 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 3 P-38s, 17 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 5 pilots are MIA.

HQ 353FG moves from Metfield to Raydon, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 231 B-26s and 20 A-20s attack railroad, shore batteries, radar installations, airfields, and V-weapon sites at Dunkirk and Courtrai/Wevelghem, France; Coxyde/Furnes, De Pannes-Bains, Saint Ghislain and Ostend, Belgium; and points along the coast. 70+ P-47s dive-bomb military installations in N France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 483BG(H) with B-17s becomes operational, increasing the number of combat status bomber groups to 17. Bad weather lifts, permitting bomber operations; almost 450 B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit aircraft factories at Fischamend Markt, Austria and Split, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit the industrial area at Wiener Neustadt and Bad Voslau, Austria and the marshalling yard and air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; 200+ P-38s and P-47s provide escort; the bombers and fighters claim 30+ enemy aircraft shot down; 8 US airplanes are known lost and several more fail to return.

HQ 465BG(H) and 783BS(H) arrive at Pantanell Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

122LS, 68TRG, moves from Manduria, Italy to Blida, Algeria with B-17s; the squadron, which has been transporting supplies to partisans and dropping leaflets in the MTO, will be redesignated 885BS(H) on 12 May and was re-equipped with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers bomb rail lines approaching the Monte Molino bridge and at a nearby junction to the Viterbo line, railroad and road bridges S of Orvieto and at Certaldo, tracks approaching a bridge at Impeda, and railroad bridges over the Var River and at Albenga; light bombers pound the Zagarolo supply dump; fighter-bombers and fighters (some operating with British aircraft) hit communications (mainly railroad bridges), vehicles, supply dumps at various places, including Arezzo, the island of Elba, Orvieto, NE of Grosseto, NW of Bracciano, Civita Castellana, Montalto di Castro, between Piombino and Viterbo, in the Castiglioncello area, NW of Montepescali and S of Cecina.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, flying out of Abemama Island, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit Atoll on

the return trip.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 5BG(H) is ordered to move from Guadalcanal Island and New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island where it will form the nucleus of the Thirteenth Air Task Force.

On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s and 11 P-39s pound the W section of Rabaul, 7 other B-25s cause considerable damage in the Ratawul supply area; 23 fighter-bombers blast the concrete airstrip at Vunakanau. On Bougainville Island 12 fighter-bombers bomb and strafe the Numa Numa trail and pound the harbor area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 180+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, supported by 60+ P-38s, bomb AA positions, airfields, supply areas and shipping construction; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-39s bomb and strafe various targets at Wewak, Madang, along Hansa Bay and on Karkar Island; other P-39s fly a barge sweep from Alexishafen up the coast as far as the mouth of the Sepik River. 2 B-25s bomb Penfoei on Timor Island.

THURSDAY, 13 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance and bombing runs over the airfield on Matsuwa Island and installations on Onnekotan Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-40s, P-51s and A-36s and a few B-25s carry out ground support missions near Kamaing and hit assorted targets throughout the Mogaung Valley; 12 B-25s and 11 P-51 s support ground forces at Mawlu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 28 fighters attempt to intercept but fail to make contact with 13 Japanese airplanes which bomb Namyung, China.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): Units arriving in India with B-29s from the US: HQ 468BG(VH), and 792d, 793d, 794th and 795BSs(VH), at Kharagpur; 677th and 679BSs(VH), 444BG (Very Heavy), at Charra; first Mission for all units is 5 Jun 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 301: 626 bombers and 871 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; the bombers claim 22-13-34 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 42-8-10 in the air and 35-0-21on the ground; 38 bombers and 9 fighters are lost; the bombers also drop 5.2 million leaflets on Germany; this Mission is flown in conjunction with a raid on Hungary by 500+ 15AF bombers and a 9AF B-26 raid in S The Netherlands; details are: 1. 154 of 172 B-17s hit the industrial area at Schweinfurt and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 14 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 127 damaged; casualties are 11 WIA and 139 MIA.

2. 207 of 243 B-17s bomb aviation industry targets at Augsburg and 20 hit the city of Augsburg; 18 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 178 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 16 WIA and 170 MIA.

3. 211 B-24s are dispatched to hit Lechfeld Airfield; 93 hit the primary, 60 bomb aviation industry targets at Oberpfaffenhofen; 29 hit Lauffern and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-24s are lost and 45 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 60 MIA.

Escort is provided by 134 P-38s, 504 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 233 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 3 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 2 P-47s are lost; and 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; a total of 11 fighters are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 8 MIA.

Mission 302: 4 of 5 B-17s dispatched drop 800,000 leaflets on Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, The Netherlands at 2235-2252 hours without loss.

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (SHAEF): General of the Army Dwight D Eisenhower formally assumes direction of air operations out of the UK at 0000 hours (though he began informal exercise of this authority in late Mar 44). This assumption of authority gives Eisenhower direction over the Allied Expeditionary AF (AEAF), RAF Bomber Command, and US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF) (the 15AF retains some degree of independence) along with the US 1Army Group, British 21 Army Group, and Allied Naval Forces.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 121 B-26s and 37 A-20s attack a marshalling yard, coastal batteries, airfields and V-weapon sites at Namur, Chievres and Nieuport, Belgium; Le Havre, France; and along the N coast of France in general; nearly 175 other aircraft abort missions mainly because of weather; and 48 P-47s also dive-bomb V-weapon sites.

Moves in England: HQ 358FG and 365th, 366th and 367FS from Raydon to High Halden with P-47s; HQ 362FG from Wormingford to Headcorn.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 535 heavy bombers (largest bomber mission to date) bomb targets in Hungary; the B-17s bomb an aircraft plant and depot at Gyor; the B-24s bomb an aircraft factory at Budapest and air depots at Budapest, Tokol and Vecses; fighter opposition and AA account for 14 US bombers and 1 fighter shot down; 40 enemy fighters are claimed shot down and 120+ aircraft destroyed on the ground.

779BS(H), 464BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Terni and a bridge at Marsciano while B-26s bomb Ancona marshalling yard and a nearby railroad bridge; fighter-bombers again strike mainly at communications, the town of Itri, Cesano station, a factory at Fontana Liri, a railroad overpass at Fara in Sabina, Anguillara, and bridges, trucks and other targets at points throughout C Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s out of Eniwetok Atoll strike Truk Atoll; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Ponape Island; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s blast Talili Bay and Ratawul supply areas and the town of Rabaul; 40+ fighter-bombers strike the Malaguna area NW of Rabaul; 17 fighter-bombers hit personnel and supply areas at Mosigetta, Mawareka, Meive, and Maririei.

During the early morning 23 B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

394BG(H), 5BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s and A-20s pound the airfields at Dagua and But on the N coast of New Guinea; 33 A-20s hit Aitape; P-39s, B-25s, and B-24s fly light strikes against a variety of targets along Hansa Bay, on Wakde Island, at Uligan, and several other points along the coast.

FRIDAY, 14 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed photo reconnaissance mission during early the morning over Matsuwa, Onnekotan, and Paramushiru Islands, Kurile Islands. Photographs taken are negative due to cloud cover.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-40s over the Mogaung Valley attack a camp at Manywet; 20 P-51s and 3 B-25s support ground forces in the Mawlu area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 350th and 351FSs, 353FG, move from Metfield to Raydon, England with P-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Moves in England: HQ 363FG and 380th, 381 and 382FSs from Rivenhall to Staplehurst with P-51s; 355FS, 354FG, from Boxted to Lashenden with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield and Leghorn marshalling yard, B-26s strike at Poggibonsi, Certaldo, Cecina and Magra, attacking mostly rail facilities and hit Arezzo bridge and viaduct and Bucine viaducts; fighter-bombers also concentrate on rail lines and bridges and hit many supply dumps, gun positions and factories, generally located NE of Rome.

HQ 340BG(M) moves from Paestum, Italy to Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A single B-24, enroute from Kwajalein Atoll to Tarawa Atoll, bombs Jaluit Atoll; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island while B-25s from Abemama Island strike Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as an arming station between strikes; Japanese bombers carry out an ineffective raid on Eniwetok Atoll.

26BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-24s on a mission to the Caroline Islands bomb Eten, Param, and Kuop Islands and targets of opportunity in Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s and 40+ fighterbombers blast a supply area at Ratawul; and 8 other fighter-bombers hit Wunapope. 20+ fighter-bombers strike various targets in the NE part of Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s and P-39s hit barges and luggers in Vanimo Harbor and at Bogia.

673BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

SATURDAY, 15 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): During the night of 14/15 Apr 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance mission over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands hit several targets including Matsuwa Airfield; reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island fails due to overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 B-24s over the Andaman Islands attack shipping and other targets at Port Blair. 12 P-38s hit Heho Airfield, Burma, destroying several parked airplanes.

19th Liaison Squadron, US Army Forces, CBI, arrives at Kanchrapara, India with L-5s (first Mission is in Jun 44).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s knock out a bridge at Viet Tri, French Indochina, and damage another.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 303: 616 fighters are dispatched on strafing sweeps of C and W Germany, airfields being the primary objectives; 33 fighters are lost: 132 P-38s claim 7-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft, 11 P-38s are lost and 16 damaged, 11 pilots are MIA; 262 P-47s claim 20-1-23 aircraft, 7 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged, 7 pilots are MIA; 222 8AF and 9AF P-51s claim 30-0-10 aircraft, 15 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 12 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Moves in England: HQ 100FW from Ibsley to Lashenden; HQ 397BG(M) and 596th, 597th, 598th and 599BS(M) from Gosfield to Rivenhall with B-26s (first Mission is 20 Apr); 377th, 378th and 379FSs, 362FG, from Wormingford to Headcorn with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Clearing weather again permits bomber operations. 448 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards; B-17s hit Ploesti, Rumania and Nis, Yugoslavia; B-24s hit Bucharest, Rumania; 150+ fighters provide escort.

A special group, led by Lieutenant Colonel Louis A Neveleff, flies from HQ at Bari, Italy to Medeno Polji, Yugoslavia and from there the group proceeds to Marshall Tito's HQ at Drvar, where Colonel Neveleff confers with Tito and spends several days laying the groundwork for the evacuation of downed US airmen in Yugoslav hands. Also, much information is gathered regarding the military organization and political trend of the partisan movement. The mission returns to Italy on 2 May and 122 men, mostly 15AF airmen, are also evacuated.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike a marshalling yard at Leghorn and a tunnel and railroad bridges in C Italy; P-47s attack rail lines, bridges and ammunition dumps NE of Rome with good results; other P-47s, P-40s and A-36s hit numerous targets, including rail lines, motor transport shop, vehicles, tanks and gun positions, in C Italy and in the US Fifth Army battle areas.

XII Air Support Command is redesignated XII Tactical Air Command.

Moves in Italy: HQ 332FG and 301FS from Montecorvino to Capodichino with P-39s; 486BS(M), 340BG(M), from Gaudo Airfield to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Major General Robert W Douglass Jr becomes Commanding General 7AF.

B-25s, based on Tarawa Atoll, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls on the return trip.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb an ammunition dump on Talili Bay; 11 P-39s follow with a strike on the same target; 3 P-38s fire the Wunapope supply area; other fighter-bomber strikes on the same area are cancelled by weather. A few P-38s hit targets in the NE part of Bougainville Island.

72BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 180+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s bomb landing strips, off-shore islands and the entire coastal area in the vicinity of Aitape; 16 P-40s strafe barges at nearby Seleo Island; 20 P-39s hit villages, supply dumps, trucks and other targets along Hansa Bay and in the Alexishafen area.

SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit a bridge over the Mogaung River while 9 others, along with 12 P-51s, hit a warehouse and railroad station at Mohnyin; 9 P-38s destroy 3 medium bombers at Zayatkwin near Rangoon while 2 P-51s in the Mandalay area hit Anisakan Airfield, destroying 2 airplanes.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): 768BS (Very Heavy), 462BG(VH), arrives at Piardoba, India with B-29s; first Mission is 5 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 55FG and 338th and 343FSs move from Nuthampstead to Wormingford, England with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 410BG(L) and 644th, 645th, 646th and 647BS(L) move from Birch to Gosfield, England with A-20s; first Mission is 4 May.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 31FG with P-51s (transferred from 12AF on 1Apr) begins operations. It becomes the fifth operational FG of the 15AF.

432 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb the industrial area at Belgrade, Yugoslavia and an aircraft plant at Brasov, Rumania; B-24s hit marshalling yards at Brasov and Turnu Severin, Rumania; 90+ fighters fly escort while 50+ others, failing to rendezvous with the bombers, strafe trains on the Craiova line E of Turnu Severin.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb approaches to Ficulle and Todi railway bridges; A-20s blast fuel supplies; P-40s, P-47s and A-36s hit the Capranica viaduct, town of Zagarolo, railway at Spigno Monferrato, marshalling yard at Orte-Terni, tunnel at Capranica and tracks, vehicles, railway cars, ammunition dump, bridge, and targets of opportunity at various points in C Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Truk Atoll; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a rearming base between the strikes.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 15 B-24s bomb the runway at Satawan Atoll, Caroline Islands. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s hit the Ratawul supply area and alternate target of Raluana; at Rabaul 30+ fighterbombers attack area inland from Toboi wharf.

23BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 170+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s bomb Hollandia town and airfield and numerous other targets in the area; P-39s hit a wooded area and communications targets along Hansa Bay and attack villages and supply dumps from Bogia to Uligan Harbor; P-38s hit Madang area; B-24s fly a light strike against Wakde Island; other aircraft, operating singly or in pairs, attack targets of opportunity on the N coast of New Guinea and SE coast of New Britain Island. Other B-25s bomb Koepang on Timor Island.

MONDAY, 17 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51s support ground forces near Meza; 9 P-38s destroy several airplanes at Heho Airfield while 5 B-24s bomb Ywataung; 26 B-25s and 36 P-51s support ground forces at Mawlu and bomb a fuel dump at Kin; 13 other P-51s are diverted to intercept a Japanese force over the Imphal, India area and claim 3 airplanes shot down.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 304: 14 of 15 B-24s bomb the V-weapon site at Wizernes, France without loss; escort is provided by 33 P-47s.

Mission 305: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.48 million leaflets on Rennes, Brest, Nantes, Lorient and St Nazaire, France at 2248-2258 hours without loss.

HQ 493BG(H) and 860th, 861, 862 and 863BS(H) move from Elveden Hall to Debach, England with B-24s; first Mission is 6 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Unit moves in England: HQ 70FW from Boxted to Ibsley; and HQ 354FG and 353 and 356FSs from Boxted to Lashenden with P-51s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: 121LS, AAF, MTO - moves from Oran to Telergma, Algeria with L-4s and L-5s; first Mission is in Sep 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 470 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Bulgaria and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb the industrial area, air depot and marshalling yard at Belgrade, Yugoslavia; B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Sofia, Bulgaria; 200+ fighters escort the mission s; US aircraft claim 25 enemy aircraft downed in combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack bridges N of Orte and at Monte Molino, while A-20s pound a fuel dump NE of Rome; P-40, P-47 and A-36 fighter-bombers hit motor transport stores and gun positions N of Anzio, bomb Fara in Sabina station, hit tracks, trains and guns in the Orte and Narni area and at other points N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, based on Tarawa Atoll, strike Maloelap and Mille Atolls, rearming at Majuro Atoll between the raids.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s pound runway and revetments at Rapopo Airfield; 40+ fighter-bombers hit Matupi with incendiaries while 10 others pound the runway at Keravat.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ B-24s bomb storage areas and troop concentrations in Kai Island, Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, P-39s attack AA positions at Bogia; other planes, operating individually or in pairs, attack Hollandia, Uligan Harbor and vicinity and the Madang area.

674BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

TUESDAY, 18 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa, Onnekotan, and Paramushiru Islands; cloud cover and lack of moonlight permit only bombing of Kashiwabara Airfield and the Banjo Cape area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-24s bomb an oil plant at Yenangyaung while 5, along with 7 P-38s, hit Ywataung; 6 B-25s score numerous hits on the Mandalay-Shwebo railroad; and 15 B-25s and 4 P-51s bomb Kamaing and hit the Myitkyina-Bhamo road.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): HQ 33FG moves from Karachi, India to Shwangliu, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 306 Part 1: 776 bombers and 634 fighters are dispatched to hit airfields and aviation industry targets in Germany; the AAF claims 33-5-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 19 bombers and 5 fighters are lost; due to poor weather, several units bomb targets of opportunity in the Berlin area; details are: 1. 275 of 280 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Oranienburg, Perleberg Airfield, Wittenberge and targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 90 damaged; 29 airmen are MIA.

2. 210 of 221 B-17s hit Oranienburg, Brandenburg, Luneburg Airfield, Rathenow and targets of opportunity; 14 B-17s are lost and 94 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 12 WIA and 139 MIA.

3. 248 of 275 B-24s hit Brandenburg, Rathenow, Cuxhaven, Wittenberge and targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost and 20 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 20 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 296 P-47s and 219 8AF AND 9AF P-51s; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 3 P-51s are lost; 3 P-38s are damaged beyond repair and 7 P-38s, 3 P-47s and 18 P-51s are damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 306 Part 2: 12 of 12 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 1 B-24 is damaged; escort is provided by 36 P-47s without loss.

Mission 307: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2.56 million leaflets on Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, Norway at 2336-0041 hours without loss.

HQ 492BG(H) arrives at North Pickenham, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 277 B-26s, including 24 dropping Window, and 37 A-20s bomb gun positions and marshalling yards at Dunkirk, Calais, and Charleroi/Saint Martin, France.

XIX Air Support Command is redesignated XIX Tactical Air Command and becomes operational and IX Air Support Command is redesignated IX Tactical Air Command.

Unit moves in England: HQ 440TCG from Bottesford to Exeter; 423NFS, IX Tactical Air Command, arrives at Chormy Down from the US with A-20s, the squadron Mission will change to photo recon and they will fly their first Mission on 6 Jun and be redesignated 155(Photo)RS on 22 Jun.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, P-38s and P-47s strafe Udine and Aiello Airfields and targets of opportunity in the Basiliano, Sant' Andrea Island, and Cervignano del Friuli areas and in Golfo di Panzano; other fighters fly cover for the strafing missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-47 fighter-bombers cut several rail lines in the Florence and Arezzo areas and strafe trains and

motor transport; P-40s and P-47s hit Itri and a rail bridge and fuel dumps as the campaign against communications continues.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): First 7AF attack on the Marianas Islands takes place as B-24s escorting USN aircraft on a photographic reconnaissance mission from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Saipan Island.

Other B-24s staging through Eniwetok Atoll hit Truk Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Ponape Island; B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island after failing to find shipping reported in the area; and B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between

strikes.

19FS, 318FG, moves from Kualoa Field to Bellows Field, Hawaii with P-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 14 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll; on New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, weathered out of Vunakanau, bomb Tobera Airfield; 12 others and 9 fighter-bombers which fail to reach Rapopo bomb the airstrip at Keravat; Wunapope is hit by about 40 fighter-bombers, with considerable damage to the supply area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): The newly created (11Apr): Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional) commanded by Major General St Clair Streett and temporarily composed of elements of the 13AF (which is being moved to the SWPA), a few (RAAF): squadrons, USN Seventh Fleet air units, and 5AF units in the Admiralty Islands and New Britain Island, is placed under operational control of 5AF Advanced Echelon. Operating out of Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island, B-24s of Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll and Mariaon Island, Caroline Islands.

In New Guinea, B-24s of the 5AF hit Manokwari and Babo; and the Madang area is hit by fighter-bombers.

HQ 54TCW moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

WEDNESDAY, 19 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s and 8 P-51s attack troops and stores NW of Banmauk; 10 P-38s hit the airfield near Meiktila; and 5 P-51s attack troop positions near Mawlu and a bridge at Shweli.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s damage a bridge at Thanh Moi, French Indochina and score hits on railroad and buildings S of the bridge. 4 P-40s attack the village of Takaw, Burma, causing several fires and sink a ferryboat in the area.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): XX BC is assigned to HQ 20AF.

769th and 770BSs(VH), 462BG(VH), arrive at Piardoba, India from the US with B-29s; first Mission is 5 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 308 Part 1: 772 bombers and 697 fighters are dispatched in 3 forces to bomb Germany; they claim 17-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 271 of 277 B-17s hit the Kassel area, Eschwege Airfield, Limburg and a target of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost and 119 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 5 WIA and 47 MIA.

2. 243 of 246 B-17s hit Lippstadt and Werl Airfields and a target of opportunity; 21 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 8 WIA and 55 MIA.

3. 230 of 249 B-24s bomb Paderborn and Gutersloh Airfields, Soest, Koblenz, Buren and targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 10 are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 8 MIA.

Escort is provided by 127 P-38s, 439 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 1318AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 16-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 4 P-47s and 5 P-51s are damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 308 Part 2: 27 out of 27 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 1 B-24 is lost; escort is provided by 47 9AF P-47s without loss.

HQ 56FG and 61 and 63FSs move from Halesworth to Boxted, England with P-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): After several weeks of instruction, a IX AFs Services Command training exercise (Operation BOOMERANG) in waterproofing and landing motor vehicles gets under way. This exercise, in preparation for a cross-channel movement lasts several weeks and involves 55 units, over 650 vehicles, and more than 2,500 men.

350+ B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards, city areas, and targets of opportunity at Gunzburg, Ulm, Neu Ulm, Donauworth, and Schelklingen, Germany; and fighters fly over 1,200 sorties against a variety of targets in NW Europe.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Bad weather severely restricts operations. In Italy, B-26s hit Cecina railroad bridge and Ancona marshalling yard while B-25s hit a marshalling yard at Piombino; P-47s hit railroad tracks, a marshalling yard, junction, and railway cars between Pontedera and Empoli and between Figline Valdarno and San Giovanni Valdarno.

487th and 498BS(M), 340BG(M), move from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands strike Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 21 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll, hitting the target area with about 50 tons of high explosives. On New Britain Island, 38 fighter-bombers hit Matupi supply areas while 7 bomb Rapopo airstrip. Fighters hit the Numa Numa area on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit Urarom and Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter aircraft strike a wide variety of targets around Hollandia, Aitape, Bogia, Uligan, Bunabun, Madang and Cape Croisilles. B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll.

Unit moves in New Guinea: HQ 49FG from Gusap to Finschhafen;

HQ 317TCG from Port Moresby to Finschhafen; the detachment of the 82RS (Fighter), 71RG, ceases operating from Finschhafen with returns to base at Saidor with P-39s.

THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 aborts a weather mission to Shasukotan Island, Kurile Islands

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 11 B-25s hit a bivouac and supply area NW of Manywet, Burma.

5th Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, arrives at Ledo, India from the US with L-5s; first Mission is 1 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 309: 842 bombers and 388 fighters are dispatched to hit V-weapon sites in France; 24 of 33 sites briefed are hit; 9 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 438 of 630 B-17s hit sites in the Pas de Calais and Cherbourg areas; 19 others hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 309 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 25 WIA and 69 MIA.

2. 113 of 212 B-24s hit sites in the Pas de Calais area; 2 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA, 9 WIA and 20 MIA.

Escort is provided by 89 P-38s, 211 P-47s and 88 P-51s; they claim 4-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 4-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

VIII Fighter Command flies 2 missions: 1. 35 P-51 fighter-bombers are dispatched to Cambrai/Epinoy Airfield, France; escort is to be provided by 31 P-47s but they are unable to locate the P-51s; 33 P-51s hit the primary and 1 hits Vitry Airfield, France.

2. 56 P-38 fighter-bombers are dispatched to hit St Trond Airfield, Belgium but jettison their bombs in the English Channel after overcast prevents location of the targets; escort is provided by 36 P-47s.

Mission 310: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.92 million leaflets on Nantes, Orleans, Paris and Tours, France at 2238-2246 hours without loss.

Six B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, almost 400 B-26s and A-20s attack gun positions at Etaples, Bazinghen, Villerville, Gravelines and Fecamp, the airfield at Poix, and V-weapon sites and targets of opportunity in the Pas de Calais area; nearly 140 P-47s bomb marshalling yards at Creil and Mantes-La-Jolie.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb marshalling yards at Ancona, Castelfranco, Padua and Vicenza and Venice harbor installations; the B-24s hit marshalling yards at Mestre, Reviso and Fano, Venice harbor, Monfalcone dockyards and Trieste; 180+ other heavy bombers dispatched against communications targets in N Italy are forced to abort due to bad weather; about 250 fighters provide cover for the bombing raids.

776th, 777th, 778th and 779BS(H), 464BG(H), move from Pantanella Airfield to Gioia, Italy with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and light bombers score hits on a marshalling yard and 3 fuel dumps at Leghorn and near misses on Cecina and Certaldo bridges and Arezzo viaduct; fighter-bombers hit railroad lines and fuel dump in the Florence area; bridges, dump, rail lines and train cars near Civitavecchia and Zagarolo, at Sezze, near Ladispoli, SW of Stimipliano and N of Monterotondo; and guns S of Albano Laziale; in the battle area around Cassino fighter-bombers blast several gun positions and hit bridges, trucks, troops and other targets, at several points, including Falconara, Recanati, San Benedetto de Marsi, and the Fondi-Itri and Orte-Orvieto areas.

HQ 57BW moves from Trocchia, Italy to Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll search the area near Wake Island for shipping; finding none, the bombers hit Wake and Peale Islands. Tarawa Atoll based B-25s, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes, bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

396BS(M), 41BG(M), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island with B-25s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Field Harris, USMC, becomes Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS). With improved weather conditions bombing of targets in the Bismarck Archipelago resumes; on New Britain Island, 22 B-25s hit the Matupi supply area and 40+ fighter-bombers blast the airfields at Lakunai and Keravat. 31BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb airfields on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and fighters hit a variety of targets around Hollandia, on Cape Croisilles, in the Bunabun area and along Hansa Bay. Woleai Atoll is again bombed by B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force.

FRIDAY, 21 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s and 14 P-51s pound Indaw and Mawlu, causing several fires in supply dumps and in the general target areas; 12 B-25s bomb the camp and supply area at Kamaing. 8 B-24s bomb storage and fuel dumps at Lashio and bomb Namtu; 13 B-24s bomb Maymyo while 5 B-25s knock out 3 bridges in the Tangon area; and 4 P-51s knock out a bridge at Shweli.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 12 P-40s fly armed reconnaissance over roads in Burma, strafing bridges, buildings, steamrollers, trucks, and troops in areas around Takaw, Bhamo, Loiwing, Kutkai, Hsenwi, and Lashio; at least 3 steamrollers and 7 trucks are destroyed.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 8AF offensive against German oil targets is scheduled to start on this date, but the mission is cancelled because of bad weather.

309th and 310TCSs, 8AF, arrive at Spanhoe, England from the US with C-47s; they will be reassigned to the 9AF on 26 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 236 B-26s and 34 A-20s attack gun positions, coastal defenses and V-weapons sites at Etaples, at Berck-sur-Mer, near Doullens, and in the Saint-Omer, Abbeville, and Amiens area; 4 B-26s are lost; 175+ P-47s dive-bomb marshalling yards and concentrations at Montignies-sur-Sambre, Hasselt, Namur, and Haine-Saint-Pierre.

405th and 406FSs, 371FG, based at Bisterne, England with P-47s, begin operating from Ibsley, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 100+ B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Bucharest, Rumania; all 17 bomb groups dispatched are recalled due to bad weather but 7 groups fail to receive the recall signal; 150+ P-38s and P-51s are dispatched as escort; 40+ rendezvous with the B-24s and battle some 30 fighters that attack the bomber force; the other fighters, failing to meet the bombers, engage about 40 fighters; bombers and fighters claim 35 aerial combat victories; 10 US aircraft are shot down.

HQ 464BG(H) moves from Pantanella Airfield to Gioia, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s blast an ammunition dump while P-47s attack train, rail lines, and motor transport behind enemy lines; other P-47s, along with P-40s and A-36s, attack railway lines and trains between Rome and Terni, between Rome and Tivoli, and between Orte and Attigliano; hit a motor transport concentration NE of Rome; and attack several bivouac areas and gun positions in the battle areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll hit Wotje Atoll. B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll, staging through Kwajalein, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Ponape Island. Abemama Island-based B-25s, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base, bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

HQ 7FW and 21FG are activated at Ft Shafter and Wheeler Field, Hawaii respectively to provide air defense of the Hawaiian Islands. No squadrons are assigned to the group until 15 Jun.

531FS, 7AF, moves from Bellows Field to Kuoloa, Hawaii with P-38s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 307BG(H) is ordered to move from New Georgia and Guadalcanal Islands to the Admiralty Islands, where it will become part of the Thirteenth Air Task Force, serving operationally under the 5AF. In spite of heavy weather in the Bismarck Archipelago, 24 B-25s blast Matupi supply area on New Britain Island; and 11 P-39s, closed out of Rabaul, New Britain Island, bomb Tinputs Harbor on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 21 B-24s bomb airstrips on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, about 320 B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit numerous targets in the Tadji, Wewak, and Madang area, while a USN carrier force hits Hollandia, Wakde, and Sawar as assault convoys approach the area.

SATURDAY, 22 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather sortie is aborted soon after take off due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit Kamaing while 5 B-25s and 6 P-51s attack ammunition and other supplies at Hopin; 3 B-25s and 4 P-51s hit a village NE of Bhamo while 7 P-51s attack Gokteik Viaduct.

Detachment of 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 10AF operating from Jorhat, India with F-7s returns to base at Guskhara.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 6 B-24s claim 4 freighters and a gunboat sunk near Cap-Saint-Jacques and 1other knocks out a bridge SW of Vinh. P-40s on armed reconnaissance over N Burma destroy 10 boxcars and a truck N of Lashio.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 311: 803 bombers and 859 fighters are dispatched to hit a marshalling yard at Hamm, Germany; the bombers claim 20-6-8 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 40-2-16; 15 bombers and 13 fighters are lost:

1. 459 of 526 B-17s bomb the primary, 20 hit Bonn, 19 hit Soest, 15 hit Hamm City and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 138 are damaged; casualties are 7 WIA and 89 MIA.

2. 179 of 277 B-24s hit the primary, 50 hit Koblenz and 36 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-24s are lost, 14 damaged beyond repair and 59 damaged; casualties are 46 KIA, 28 WIA and 64 MIA. Escort is 132 P-38s, 485 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 242 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s, 5 P-47s and 6 P-51s are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 22 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 12 MIA.

Mission 312: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.44 million leaflets on Orleans, Tours, Paris, Nantes, Lille, Reims, Chartres and Rouen, France at 2251-2344 hours without loss.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 398BG(H) and 600th, 601, 602 and 603BS(H) at Nuthampstead with B-17s (first Mission is 6 May); 844th, 845th, 846th and 847BS(H), 489BG(H), at Halesworth with B-24s (first Mission is 30 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 400+ B-26s and about 90 A-20s fly two missions against V-weapon sites in the area of Saint-Omer and Hesdin, France. Nearly 275 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb marshalling yards in Belgium.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 483BG(H) moves from Tortorella to Sterparone Airfield, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb a bridge and tracks S of Ficulle and a bridge N of the town; other B-25s and B-26s attack San Stefano al Mare harbor, the N section of Orvieto, Chiusi railroad bridge, viaducts S and W of Arezzo and Bucine, Certaldo railroad bridge, bridge approaches at Incisa in Valdarno, a bridge near Siena and viaduct at Poggibonsi; A-20s hit Valmontone ammunition dump and Sonnino; P-47s hit a railroad, trains, and tunnels in the Florence area and W of Chiusi, marshalling yard at Siena, a vessel S of Savona, railroad lines S of Orte and the town of Gaeta; and P-40s attack gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead and bomb the Ferentino dump area and towns of Fondi, Terracina and Formia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 21/22 Apr, B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll; other B-24s from Kwajalein follow with another raid on Wotje during the day. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base for rearming, bomb Jaluit, Maloelap and Mille Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, about 40 B-25s bomb supply areas at Ratawul and Talili Bay, pound Keravat and hit the area between Rapopo and Cape Gazelle; and 40+ fighter-bombers attack the runway and gun positions at Rapopo while 9 strike Lakunai airfield. During the night of 22/23 Apr, 17 B-24s bomb Dublon, Param, and Eten Islands in Truk Atoll.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ B-24s bomb airstrips on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, 8O+ B-24s and A-20s hit Boram and But Airfields and other targets in the Wewak area; 100+ B-24s and B-25s pound targets along Hansa Bay; and all through the day B-25s and fighter-bombers, in flights of 1to 20+ aircraft, attack areas around Hansa Bay, Wewak, Bogia, Madang, and many other points along the N and E coast of New Guinea; many of the strikes indirectly support Allied amphibious landings on the N coast to the E and W of Hollandia, toward which a pincer movement is begun. HQ 375TCG moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 23 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly weather and photographic reconnaissance within 100 mi (160 km) of the Kurile Islands and photograph Matsuwa Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 P-51s, 8 B-25s and 51RAF Vengeances attack Thetkegyin, Manipur bridge, Tiddim road and Japanese positions at Indaw. 12 P-38s hit Kangaung Airfield near Meiktila; and 21 B-24s bomb railroads and jetties at Moulmein and Martaban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 14 P-40s pound an artillery post at Sienning and cavalry forces at Kuan-Fou-Chiao; 2 P-40s strafe barracks S of Tengchung and 2 P-38s hit a truck convoy and barracks S of Chiengmai. 4 P-40s blast a motor pool at Lashio, Burma.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): HQ 58BW (Very Heavy) moves from Chakulia to Kharagpur, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 313: 382 fighters attack airfields and other targets in N France, Belgium and NW Germany; results are generally good: 1. 136 P-38s attack Laon, Tours and Chateaudun Airfields, France using Droopsnoot aircraft; they claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 2 P-38s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

2. 166 P-47s attack Leningen, Le Culot and Chievres Airfields, Belgium and Denain/Prouvy and Hagenau Airfields, France; they claim 7-0-22 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 5 P-47s are lost and 19 damaged; 5 pilots are MIA.

3. 80 P-51s hit unknown targets; they claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 2 are damaged; no losses.

Mission 314: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.78 million leaflets on Rennes, Brest, Lorient, St Nazaire and Nantes, France at 2354-0012 hours without loss. 9 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations. 4th, 7th, 18th and 391BS(H), 34BG(H), arrive at Mendelsham, England from the US with B-24s (first Mission is 23 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 307 B-26s and 57 A-20s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, gun positions and marshalling yards in the Pas de Calais, France area and in an adjacent area of Belgium. Around 1,000 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb numerous targets throughout France and the Low Countries.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather clears and bombers can resume operations. 500+ B-17s and B-24s attack aircraft factories and airfields in Austria; the B-17s hit the Wiener Neustadt industrial area; the B-24s hit industrial areas at Schwechat and Bad Voslau and an air depot at Wiener-Neustadt; close to 300 fighters provide support; many enemy fighters attack fiercely, downing 12 bombers and 1 fighter; the bombers and escorts claim 40+ air victories.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit bridges and approaches at Attigliano; B-26s attack Incisa in Valdarno viaduct and bridge, Cecina marshalling yard and attack, but fail to hit, Poggibonsi viaduct; P-47s, A-36s, and P-40s hit rail lines and bridges NE of Rome and along the E coast in several areas including points around Orvieto, Orte, Tivoli and Capronica.

HQ 321BG(M) and 445th and 448BSS(M) move from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s based at Kwajalein Atoll hit Truk and Wotje Atolls. Makin Island-based B-25s hit Ponape Island and

Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Weather again curtails strikes, but several fighter-bombers hit Tobera, New Britain Island and 20+ B-25s blast Matupi Island.

72FS, 318FG, moves from Makin Island to Haleiwa Field, Hawaii with P-39Qs.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s continue to hit airstrips on Noemfoor Island; they claim 14 air victories. In New Guinea, 90+ B-24s bomb Wewak, Boram, and But Airfields, a road near Boram, and track and villages S of Dagua while 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s pound AA positions, airfields, stores and troop concentrations along Hansa Bay; throughout the day A-20s, P-47s, P-38s, and P-39s pound various targets along Hansa Bay, in the Wewak area, and in the vicinity of Uligan Harbor and Cape Croisilles. 20+ B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb airfield and supply areas on Woleai Atoll. In ground action Allied forces take Hollandia, Tumleo and Selo Islands, and objectives around Tadji.

39TCS, 317TCG, moves from Port Moresby to Finschhafen, New Guinea with C-47s.

MONDAY, 24 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, a B-24 flies a photo and bombing run over Matsuwa Island; later another B-24 flies weather and bombing runs over Shasukotan, Yekaruma, Kharimkotan, and Onnekotan Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-38s pound positions near Buthidaung and in the Myohaung are; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, A-36s, and B-25s bomb storage areas at Kamaing, Mogaung and Hopin, and railroads and other targets at Myitkyina, Manywet and Chaungwa; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit Indaw and several other B-25s bomb Pyingaing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Thailand, B-25s damage bridges near Dara and Kengluang and strafe a factory at Dhasan. P-40s on a diversionary strike strafe numerous targets of opportunity at Kengtung, Burma. B-25s on a sea sweep hit 2 small steamers off Cape Bastion, China with cannon fire, claiming 1vessel sunk and the other left burning.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): A B-29 piloted by Brigadier General LaVern G Saunders, Commanding General 58BW (Very Heavy), arrives at Kwanghan, China. Accompanying the B-29 is another carrying Major General Kenneth B Wolfe, Commanding General XX BC. These are the first B-29s to fly over the Hump to China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 315: 754 bombers and 867 fighters are dispatched to bomb airfields, aircraft production industries and targets of opportunity in Germany; the bomber claim 20-1-36 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 124-6-58 fighters; 40 bombers and 17 fighters are lost; details are: 1. Of 281 B-17s dispatched, 109 hit Erding Air Depot, 84 hit aviation industry targets at Oberpfaffenhofen, 57 hit Lansberg Airfield and 18 hit targets of opportunity; 27 B-17s are lost and 112 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 22 WIA and 260 MIA.

2. 243 B-17s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry targets at Friedrichshafen/Lowenthal (98 bomb) and Friedrichshafen/Manzell (58 bomb), industrial areas at Friedrichshafen/Manzell (58 bomb) and Neckarsulm (15 bomb); 3 also hit targets of opportunity; 9 B-17s are lost and 119 damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 4 WIA and 71 MIA.

3. 230 B-24s are dispatched to bomb airfields; 120 hit Gablingen Airfield, 98 hit Leipheim Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 4 B-24s are lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 131 P-38s, 490 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 246 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-38s claim 4-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged; P-47s claim 2-1-0 aircraft in the air and 36-0-16 on the ground, 5 P-47s are lost and 15 damaged, 5 pilots are MIA; P-51s claim 64-4-2 aircraft in the air and 21-0-20 on the ground, 12 P-51s are lost and 8 damaged; 12 pilots are MIA.

Mission 316: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.12 million leaflets on Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, The Netherlands and Lille and Reims, France at 2322-2344 hours without loss.

8 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 38 B-26s dispatched against targets in France are recalled because of bad weather. 32 P-47s dive-bomb the Louvain, Belgium marshalling yard with good results.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 520+ bombers attack targets in Rumania, Yugoslavia, and Italy; B-17s bomb a marshalling yard at Ploesti, Rumania, an aircraft factory in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and the Ancona-Rimini railroad line (this is the first Azon Mission by 5 B-17s); the B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Ploesti and Bucharest, Rumania; 250+ fighters fly support for the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto, at Arezzo, at Grosseto and N and S of Incisa in Valdarno; A-20s hit a dump at Valmontone; P-40s, P-47s and A-36s hit shipping off Leghorn, Avezzano station, Orvieto and Terni marshalling yards, Canino landing ground, railroad tracks at numerous points S of Orvieto and rail lines, truck parks and targets of opportunity N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Ponape Island while others, based on Makin Island, hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

HQ 41BG(M) moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Weather continues to curtail strikes in the the Bismarck Archipelago. On New Britain Island, 10 P-40s hit runway and revetments at Tobera; fighter sweeps account for several trucks and barges in the Rabaul-New Ireland Island area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s again bomb parked aircraft and other targets on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, 40+ B-24s bomb airfields in the Wewak area; 140+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit stores, fuel dumps and personnel areas along Hansa Bay; throughout the day B-25s and fighter-bombers hit a variety of targets along the New Guinea coast including Karkar Island, Uligan Harbor, Cape Croisilles, and the Madang area; Madang falls to Allied ground forces.

TUESDAY, 25 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s photograph and bomb installations on Matsuwa Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s attack Tiddim road; 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit a variety of targets at Kamaing, Nsopzup and Mogaung; 12 P-51s hit Japanese HQ at Katha and supply huts at Hopin; near Mandalay 12 B-24s bomb Monywa-Alon while 21 P-38s hit airfields at Heho, destroying several aircraft in the air and on the ground.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 317 Part 1: 554 bombers and 719 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards and airfields in France and Germany; 7 bombers and 2 fighters are lost; the bombers make no Luftwaffe aircraft claims.

1. 199 B-24s are dispatched to the marshalling yard at Mannheim, Germany; 7 bomb the primary, 16 bomb the marshalling yard at Landau, Germany and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 4 WIA and 49 MIA.

2. 229 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay Airfield (42 bomb) and Metz/Frascaty Airfield (98 bomb), France and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 33 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 20 MIA.

3. 121 of 126 B-17s hit Dijon/Longvic Airfield, France; 29 B-17s are damaged; 2 airman are WIA.

Escort is provided by 177 P-38s, 296 P-47s and 246 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 5-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 29-7-42 on the ground; details are: P-38s claim 5-0-9 aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged, no casualties; P-47s claim 5-0-8 aircraft; 3 P-47s are damaged; 1 pilot is KIA; P-51s claim 24-7-26 aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 317 Part 2: 27 of 28 B-24s bomb V-weapons sites at Wizerenes, France without loss. Escort is provided by 40 P-47s.

Mission 318: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 4.2 million leaflets on 20 towns in France including Calais, Metz, Blainville, Paris, Mulhouse and Reims without loss.

852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H), 491BG(H), move from North Pickenham to Metfield, England with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 240 B-26s and 69 A-20s bomb V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France and gun positions at Le Treport, Vareneville-sur-Mer, Fontenay-sur-Mer/Crisbec, Ault, Fecamp, Houlgate and Saint-Pierre-du-Mont, France. About 150 P-47s dive-bomb airfields in France and Belgium. Around 175 B-26s are forced to abort missions because of bad weather.

HQ 441TCG and 99th, 100th and 301TCS move from Langar to Merryfield, England with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 150 B-24s bomb an aircraft factory at Turin, marshalling yard and bridge at Parma, marshalling yard at Ferrara and several targets of opportunity; 300+ B-24s and B-17s are forced to abort missions due to bad weather; 100+ fighters escort the bomber mission s into N Italy.

782BS(H), 465BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, attacks against lines of communications N of Rome continue; A-20s hit storage areas while medium bombers attack Pesaro marshalling yard, dumps at Manoppello and bridges and approaches at Incisa in Valdarno, Arezzo, Asciano, Magra, Ficulle and Orvieto; viaducts at Incisa and Calafuria are attacked with poor results; P-40s and P-47s hit roads, gun positions, railroads, ammunition dump and trucks N of Rome, near Ficulle, Orte and Orvieto; and P-47s also damage destroyers off Elba Island.

HQ 47BG(L) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97BS(L) move from Capodichino to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20s.

417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 337 Wing), moves from La Senia, Algeria to Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; the ground echelon has been at Borgo since Feb 44.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s, during the night of 24/25 Apr, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Guam Island, Marianas Islands and Truk Atoll, and during the day hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls. This is the first AAF Mission against Guam. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island, and Makin Island-based B-25s hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Just before dawn 15 B-24s hit Dublon, Moen, Fefan, Uman and Falo Islands, Truk Atoll. 23 B-25s bomb the airstrip and revetments at Tobera, New Britain Island. 12 P-39s leave stockpiles aflame at Baitsi, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 12 B-25s bomb troop areas in the Hollandia vicinity, attacking villages S of Tanahmerah and huts and buildings along the road from Marneda to Banggerang; other aircraft carry out similar strikes against Karkar Island and along Hansa Bay.

WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-24s bomb Akyab; 6 P-38s hit the Tiddim road near Chindwin; 70 fighter-bombers and 3 B-25s pound numerous targets at Mogaung, Kamaing and several points in the N part of the Mogaung Valley; in Mandalay and the surrounding area, 9 B-24s bomb railroad yards and engine sheds, and 9 P-38s hit stores and hangars.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Burma, P-40s on armed reconnaissance from Lashio to Man Kat cause considerable damage; 2 trucks, a warehouse, a water tank, and 2 locomotives are destroyed, gun positions and a bridge are strafed and a Japanese-occupied building is left in flames.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Japanese fighters make their first interception of B-29s as they are flying over the Hump; the brief confrontation results in no losses on either aide.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 319 Part 1: 589 bombers and 554 fighters are dispatched to targets in Germany; no claims of enemy aircraft are made; 5 fighters are lost:

1. Of 357 B-17s dispatched, 292 hit the industrial area at Brunswick, 47 hit the Hildesheim/Hannover area and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA and 3 WIA.

2. The 238 B-24s dispatched to Paderborn fail to bomb because there were no PFF aircraft in the formation; 18 B-24s were damaged; 1airman was KIA. Escort is provided by 90 P-38s, 3118AF and 9AF P-47s and 153 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 1 P-38 and 4 P-51s are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA and 5 MIA.

Mission 319 Part 2: 62 B-17s are dispatched to Cologne but are recalled at mid-English Channel because of weather; some aircraft carry 2,000 lb (907 kg): glide bombs on external racks. Escort is provided by 43 P-47s and 47 P-51s; the P-47s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft Fighter-bomber mission s: 33 P-38s (including Droopsnoot aircraft), plus escorts, hit Le Mans Airfield, France without loss; 24 P-51s, plus 4 escorts, bomb Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airfield, France without loss.

Mission 320: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 800,000 leaflets on Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Liege and Gosselies, Belgium at 2330-2358 hours without loss.

HQ 34BG(H) arrives at Mendlesham, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 9AF Tactical Air Plan for Operation NEPTUNE (actual operations within Operation OVERLORD; used

for security reasons on OVERLORD planning documents bearing place names and dates) is published, 10 days after receiving formal Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF) directive ordering such a plan. Around 125 B-26s attack Plattling landing ground, Germany. Fighters fly 750+ sorties against scattered targets in NW Europe.

Unit moves in England: HQ 50TCW from Bottesford to Exeter; HQ 439TCG and 91, 92d, 93and 94TCS from Balderton to Upottery with C-47s; 95th, 96th, 97th and 98TCSs, 440TCG, from Bottesford to Exeter with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather greatly curtails activity; P-47s attack motor transport and railroad tracks and hit a gas dump near Trasimeno Lake, a landing ground at Canino and marshalling yards of Leghorn.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, having landed at Los Negros Island after bombing Guam Island on 25 Apr, hit Ponape Island and return to Kwajalein Atoll. B-25s based on Makin Island hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the runway and dispersal area at Lakunai; and 35 fighter-bombers

pound the airfield at Tobera. 8 P-40s attack occupied areas along bays of Tabut and Wariki, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 120+ B-25s and A-20s pound the Wewak area, hitting airfields at Wewak, But, Dagua and Boram, and supply areas, troops, and several small villages. 13 B-24s bomb Awar Point, 20 P-39s and P-47s attack bridges and targets of opportunity near Madang and 8 P-39s attack roads, villages, and supply dump near Bunabun Harbor; a B-25 on reconnaissance sinks a lugger in the Sepik River; and Allied ground forces take Hollandia and occupy Alexishafen.

THURSDAY, 27 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-25 bombs a submarine without success.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit the Kalemyo storage area; 12 B-25s hit the railroad at 4 points around Shwebo; nearly 150 P-40s, P-51s, A-36s and B-25s blast troops, fuel dumps, gun positions and railroad yard at several locations in the Mogaung Valley, including Myitkyina, Mogaung, Namti, Kamaing, Mohnyin, Hopin, Nanyaseik, Chaungwa and Myothit. 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8(Photo)RG, based at Guskhara, India, sends a detachment to Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Rocket-firing P-40s attack 20 junks S of Shasi, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 322: 596 bombers and 357 fighters are dispatched to bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais and Cherbourg areas of France; 4 bombers and 2 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 0-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 307 of 393 B-17s and 169 of 203 B-24s hit the target; 3 B-17s are lost and 227 damaged; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 25 damaged; B-17s casualties are are 7 WIA and 30 MIA; B-24 casualties are 3 KIA, 9 WIA and 10 MIA; escort is provided by 47 P-38s, 262 P-47s and 48 P-51s; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost; both pilots are MIA.

Mission 323: 486 bombers and 543 fighters are dispatched to bomb airfields, marshalling yards and targets of opportunity in France and Belgium; 4 bombers and 4 fighters are lost.

1. 168 B-17s are dispatched to bomb Nancy/Essay Airfield (103 bomb) and Toul/Croix de Metz landing ground (60 bomb), France; 2 B-17s are lost and 33 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA.

2. Of 120 B-17s, 98 bomb Le Culot Airfield and 20 bomb Ostend/Middelkerke Airfield, Belgium; 2 B-17s are lost and 29 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 20 MIA.

3. Of 198 B-24s, 118 bomb Blainville sur L'eau marshalling yard and 72 bomb Chalons sur Marne marshalling yard, France; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 22 damaged; casualties are 24 KIA, 6 WIA and 1 MIA.

Escort is provided by 106 P-38s, 283 P-47s and 154 P-51s; the fighters claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 4-0-5 on the ground; 4 P-47s are lost and 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 3 airmen are MIA.

Mission 324: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 3.36 million leaflets on 23 towns in France including Cambrai, Orleans, Rennes, Nantes, Brest, Tours, Lorient, Caen, Le Mans, Limoges and Chatearuoux without loss.

Other missions:

1. 21 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations; 1 B-24 is lost.

2. 52 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, attack Roye Amy Airfield, France without loss.

3. 36 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, attack Albert/Meaulte Airfield, France; 6 P-38s are damaged.

4. 17 P-51s dive bomb Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airfield, France without loss. 849th and 850BS(H), 490BG(H), arrive at Eye, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 31 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 450 B-26s and A-20s and 275+ P-47 and P-51dive bombers attack gun emplacements, marshalling yards, coastal batteries, airfields and several military installations in France and Belgium.

Unit moves in England: 24(Photo)RS, III Tactical Air Command, to Chalgrove from the US with F-5s (first Mission is 23 May); 302TCS, 441TCG from Langar to Merryfield with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again severely restricts operations; P-40s attack a supply dump N of Rome, scoring 7 hits in the target area.

12(Photo)RS, 3PRG, based at Pomigliano, Italy, sends a detachment to operate from Nettuno, Italy with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll during the night of 26/27 Apr. B-25s from Eniwetok follow up during the day with 3 raids on Ponape Island; Makin Island-based B-25s hit Jaluit, Wotje and Mille Atolls. 1 B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, using Makin Island as a rearming base, bombs Jabor and Emidj and Enybor Islands, Jaluit Atoll. 820BS(M), 41BG(M), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island with B-25s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 16 B-24s bomb Dublon, Eten, Moen, and Fefan Islands, Truk Atoll in the early morning. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s blast the Talili Bay supply area; later a few P-39s hit the same target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, Babo is bombed by 9 B-24s; 100+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s attack Mushu and Kairiru Islands and airfields at Wewak, Boram, Dagua and But; 120+ A-20s and fighter-bombers blast the coastal areas of Hansa Bay and nearby villages, personnel areas NW of Bunabun, and AA positions, villages and bridges from Bunabun to Cape Croisilles.

7FS, 49FG, moves from Gusap to Finschhafen, New Guinea with P-40s.

FRIDAY, 28 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38s blast the Tiddim road, causing a roadblock; in the Mogaung Valley 80+ A-36s, P-40s, P-51s, and a single B-25 pound the same general targets hit on the 27 Apr; in the Mandalay area 7 B-25s knock out a railroad bridge S of Myingatha and a canal bridge between Ye-u and Kinu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 26 B-24s, escorted by 10 P-51s, damage 2 bridges over the Yellow River N of Chengchow (the capture of which by Japanese troops is acknowledged by the Chinese who evacuate Hulaokuan), and pound a nearby storage area; 2 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a troop column NE of Tengchung; 3 B-25s on reconnaissance damage a small steamer off the E coast of Hainan Island; 16 P-40s and 6 B-25s pound Yangsin while 18 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s strafe Nanchang barracks.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

MORNING OPERATIONS:

Mission 325: 223 bombers are dispatched:

1. 116 of 117 B-17s hit Avord Airfield, France; 2 B-17s are lost and 38 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 118 P-47s and 87 P-51s; they claim 0-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 8-0-3 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

2. 18 of 106 B-17s bomb the Sottevast, France V-weapon site and targets of opportunity; clouds prevent most B-17s from bombing; 2 B-17s are lost and 47 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 21 MIA. Escort is provided by 46 P-47s without loss. 2 fighter-bomber mission s are also flown against airfields in France:

1. 34 P-38s using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Tours Airfield; 11 P-38s fly escort; 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 49 P-38s using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Chateaudun Airfield while 3 P-38s fly escort; 1 P-38 is damaged; 32 P-47s, with 4 P-47 escorts, dive-bomb the same target; they claim 1-0-1 aircraft on the ground.

AFTERNOON OPERATIONS:

Mission 325: 47 of 47 B-24s bomb the Marquise/Mimoyecques, France V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 9 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 50 P-47s without loss. 16 P-47s, with 8 escorts, dive bomb an unidentified airfield near Paris without loss.

NIGHT OPERATIONS:

Mission 326: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.64 million leaflets on 17 towns in Belgium, France and The Netherlands including Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, Tours, Lorient, Nantes, Orleans, Zwolle, Leeuwarden, Turnhout and Amersfoort without loss. 21 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss. 848th and 851BS(H), 490BG(H), arrive at Eye, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 4 Jun and 31 May respectively.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s bomb the airfield at Cormeilles-en-Vexin, France as a secondary target. Nearly 250 B-26s dispatched to bomb marshalling yards are recalled because of heavy cloud cover over the targets.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Clearing weather again permits bomber operations; 450+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy; 188 B-17s bomb Piombino Steel Works and port; 168 B-24s bomb the port area at San Stefano al Mare; and 108 B-24s bomb the port area at Orbetello; P-38s, P-51s and P-47s provide escort. 32(Photo)RS, 90(Photo)WR, arrives at San Severo, Italy from the US with F-5s; first Mission is 18 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack Piombino, railway bridges N of Orvieto, Ficulle, and W of Arezzo, and hit viaducts at Incisa in Valdarno and Piteccio; A-20s score hits on a fuel dump; P-40s and P-47s hit a fuel dump NW of Ferentino, warehouses S of Avezzano, several railway lines and targets of opportunity N of Rome, the Orbetello railroad yards, San Stefano al Mare harbor, rail lines at points between Rome and Avezzano, several gun emplacements, Follonica and Chiusi marshalling yards, and cut railroad lines at several points NW of Rome; fighter-bombers also hit Chiusi marshalling yard, tracks around Castiglione della Valle, Cortona marshalling yard, Grosseto railroad bridge, scattered motor transport and a barge near Follonica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, based on Makin Island, strike Jaluit and Mille Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes. A single B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll bombs islands in Jaluit Atoll, hitting Emidj first, then rearming at Makin Island, and attacking Jabor and Enybor during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the Wunapope supply area and Rapopo airfield; and 30 fighterbombers hit the runway and revetments at Vunakanau. On Bougainville Island, 15 P-39s pound gun positions near Mamagata and hit nearby bivouac and supply areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 160+ B-24s and B-25s bomb Wakde, Biak and Efman Island airfields; 180+ P-47s, P-39s, A-20s and P-70s hit a variety of targets along the N and NE New Guinea coast including villages and supply areas in the Wewak and Boram areas, barges and troops at the mouth of the Sepik River and at Murik Lakes, and enemy communications and hideouts from the Sepik River to Cape Croisilles.

21 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb the airfield on Woleai Atoll.

SATURDAY, 29 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s abort an armed photographic Mission due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 21 P-38s hit airfields in the Heho area and claim 8 aircraft downed in combat; 25 P-51s and B-25s bomb several buildings at Meza; 19 B-24s over Prome blast supply dumps in the area.

19LS, US Army Forces, CBI, moves from Kanchrapara to Ondal, India with L-1s and L-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s bomb a warehouse and barracks at Shayang and attack 3 motor launches at Chiuchiang, leaving them burning.

22BS(H), 341BG(M), based at Yankai, China with B-25s, sends a detachment to operate from Yunnani.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 327: 679 bombers and 814 fighters are dispatched to bomb Berlin, concentrating on railway facilities; they claim 95-33-48 Luftwaffe aircraft; 63 bombers and 13 fighters are lost:

1. 210 of 228 B-17s bomb Berlin; 10 B-17s are lost and 150 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 100 MIA.

2. 218 B-17s are dispatched to Berlin; 158 hit the primary, 24 hit Magdeburg, 10 hit Brandenburg and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 28 B-17s are lost and 161 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 20 WIA and 260 MIA.

3. 212 of 233 B-24s bomb Berlin; 25 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; 13 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 246 MIA. Escort is provided by 117 P-38s, 463 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 234 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 3 P-38s and 10 P-51s are lost; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair; 7 P-38s, 16 P-47s and 7 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 12 MIA.

Mission 328: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 1.06 million leaflets on 21towns in Northern France and The Netherlands without loss. 14 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 217 B-26s dispatched to bomb marshalling yards in France abort the mission because of heavy cloud cover over the target area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 484BG(H) with B-24s is declared operational, the 18th operational group. 573 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack the Toulon, France naval base and 5 B-17s attack the Rimini-Ancona railroad (second Azon mission).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack the Terni viaduct and Attigliano railway bridge, while B-26s bomb bridges and bridge approaches at Pontassieve and Incisa in Valdarno; A-20s attack a dump NE of Rome; P-40s and P-47s cut rail lines in many places NE of Rome, hit guns N of Anzio and a dump SE of Rome, attack the town of Acquapendente, hit approaches and tunnel S of Arezzo and bridge and trucks in the area, bomb Sinalunga marshalling yard and bridge and approaches at Monte San Savino, and hit docks at San Vincenzo and boats at Follonica. 446BS(M), 321BG(M), moves from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Truk and Jaluit Atolls. B-25s from Makin Island also hit Jaluit Atoll and carry out 2 strikes against Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ P-39s bomb and strafe targets throughout Bougainville and Buka Islands, including Sipaai Mission, the Kieta area, Lontis, Numa Numa, Ibu, Toborei, Totavi, Aitara and Baitsi; 24 B-25s bomb airfields at Kara and Buka. Allied fighter sweeps continue over the N Solomons and New Ireland Island, where huts, barges, and other targets of opportunity are attacked.

HQ 307BG(H) moves from New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 90+ B-24s and B-25s bomb villages, AA positions and personnel areas in the Wakde Island, Maffin Bay area, and along the coast of New Guinea from Takar to Verkam Point; 40+ A-20s hit stores at Cape Wom, and targets of opportunity between But and Dagua; 130+ A-20s, P-47s, and P-39s hit hideouts and movements along the Sepik River and from the river's mouth to Cape Croisilles.

SUNDAY, 30 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 31 B-25s blast a tank concentration, bridges, supply dumps and general vicinity at Kalewa; 4 B-25s damage 2 bridges N of Yamethin. 5th Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, moves from Ledo, India to Shaduzup, Burma with L-1s and L-5s; first Mission is 1 May.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s from Yungning, China knock out a bridge near Dong Mo, French Indochina and strafe railroad targets of opportunity in the area. The detachment of the 74FS, 23FG, operating from Liuchow returns to base at Kweilin, China with P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 329: 295 bombers and 644 fighters are dispatched to 3 targets in France; the bombers claim 3-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 18-1-5 in the air and 11-0-17 on the ground; 1bomber and 5 fighter are lost:

1. 114 of 116 B-17s bomb Lyon/Bron Airfield; 1 B-17 is lost and 8 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA.

2. 118 of 124 B-17s bomb Clermont-Ferrand/Aulnat Airfield; 9 B-17s are damaged.

3. 52 of 55 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites at Siracourt; 3 B-24s are damaged; 1 airman is WIA.

Escort is provided by 128 P-38s, 268 P-47s and 248 8AF and 9AF P-51s: 44 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Tours Airfield, 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; 14 P-47s dive-bomb Romorantin Airfield plus escort the bombers and claim 9-1-5 Luftwaffe aircraft, 4 P-47s are damaged; P-51s claim 20-0-17 aircraft, 4 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged, 1airman is WIA and 3 MIA.

Mission 330: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 2.23 million leaflets on 21towns in Belgium, France and The Netherlands including Zwolle, Hala, Alost, Louvain, Leeuwarden, Reims, Metz, Strasburg, Epinal, Tours, Saarguemines, Mulhouse, Troyes and Orleans without loss.

Mission 331: 128 fighters carry out fighter-bomber attacks in France; 22 P-38s, with 24 escorts, attack Orleans/Bricy Airfield using the Droopsnoot method, 2 are damaged; 21 P-47s, with 10 escorts, bomb the same target shortly later and 5 hit a V-weapon site as a target of opportunity, 3 are damaged; 51 P-51 s swept the area before the attacks without loss. 20 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 300+ B-26s and A-20s attack V-weapon construction works and marshalling yards in France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 464BG(H) with B-24s becomes the 19th operational bomb group. Around 500 bombers, with fighter escort, attack targets in Italy; B-17s hit industrial areas at Milan and Varese and the Reggio Emilia air depot; the B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Alessandria and Milan.

HQ 485BG(H) and 828th, 829th, 830th and 831BS(H) arrive at Venosa, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 10 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack railroad bridges at Ficulle, N Orvieto and Marsciano, while B-26s hit bridges at Cortona and Incisa in Valdarno and in the nearby areas; P-40s hit rail lines and storage in many locations N of Rome, hit rail lines and a radar station in the Orvieto area, cut railroads from Rome to Tivoli and to Civita Castellana and hit targets of opportunity in the area; P-47s hit numerous railroad lines, rail cars, and other targets N of Rome. Unit moves in Italy: HQ 86FBG and 525th, 526th, and 527FBSs from Pomigliano to Marcianise with P-40s; 85FS, 79FG, from Capodichino to Pomigliano with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 41Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s bomb various targets at Wake Island. 11Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Jaluit Atoll while 8 from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 10 P-39s bomb Porton Plantations, Bougainville Island; 20+ other P-39s, in 11sweeps, attack a variety of targets of opportunity on Buka and Bougainville Islands, including Ivituri Mission, the Kieta area and the Mamagata supply area. On New Britain Island, 30+ P-40s and P-38s bomb Vunakanau Airfield and 23 B-25s bomb Vunakambi Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ P-39s and P-47s make almost continuous attacks throughout the day against troops and supplies along Hansa Bay; 40+ A-20s and B-25s bomb Wewak and nearby plantation; B-24s hit Noemfoor Island with a light raid; B-24 reconnaissance flights over the Manokwari area and Geelvink Bay result in claims of 6 Japanese interceptors shot down. P-70s hit targets of opportunity on the W shore of Hansa Bay. 23 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll.

MAY 1944

MONDAY, 1 May 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A single weather sortie is flown.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 18 P-38s and RAF: Vengeances hit troop positions and supply dumps; 7 P-40s over the Mogaung Valley hit Kamaing and attack positions N of Nanyaseik; 30+ B-24s bomb Maymyo, Mandalay marshalling yard, and oil facilities at Yenangyaung. Moves in India: 20TRS, 10AF attached to 5320th Air Defense Wing (Provisional), based at Kisselbari with P-40s, sends a detachment to Dinjan; 89FS, 80th Fighter Group, based at Nagaghuli with P-40s, sends a detachment to Mokelbaria during May.

CBI - THEATE