MR 203(16) Sec. 2-A Summary of Navy Department Dispatches (North Pacific) - November 5, 1942-November 25, 1943

MR 203(16), Sec. 2-A - SUMMARY OF NAVY DEPARTMENT DISPATCHES (North Pacific) 69mmly425 November 1943 (Pages * - 299) MR 203(16), Sec. 2-A -- SUMMARY OF NAVY DEPARTMENT DISPATCHES (North Pacific) AE RHP, NABS Date OSD letter, May JAN2 % 1974 E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) of (E) DECLASSIFIED DECLASSIFIED 5 Nov 42 - 25 Nov 43 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. c. 4 p.m. 25 November 1943. ALEUTIAN AND NORTH PACIFIC (Cont'd,) On 25 November, the auxiliary cargo ship JOHN P. GAINES, in a position one hundred miles south of KODIAK, ALASKA, reported that she was breaking up and that the forward end of the ship had broken off. A hundred men have taken to the life boats and five hundred are still on board, with no additional life boats available. A rescue vessel is standing by. The cause of the damage is unknown. Rma. BECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 RHP, NARS Data, JAN 7 1974 - 299 - Regraded Unclassified COMINON Fus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVE DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 21 November 1943. ALEUTIANS (Cont'd,) One LST is reported aground on TANANGA ISLAND, ALEUTIAN CHAIN, and the destroyer KING is reported aground in KULUK BAY, ADAK ISLAND. These vessels went aground during & forty-eight hour storm reported on 19 November. Salvage operations are being hampered by weather. BELANCE R.O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) et (E) OSD letter, May 8, 1972 By RHP, NAME Date JAN 7 1974 - 298 - Regraded Unclassified Сомписи full UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTIES or THE COMMANDER IN Chmr MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 25 October 1943. ALEUTIAN (Cont'd.) At 3:05 p.m. 24 October & Ventura on a reconnaissance flight attacked and probably damaged a Japanese medium bomber one-hundred and seventy-five miles southwest of CAPE WRANGELL, ATTU ISLAND. The Ventura returned without damage. - 297 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET fun HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER If CHILF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 22 October 1943 ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd,) At about 2:20 p.m. 21 October, a Catalina engaged a Mitsubishi medium bomber one-hundred and thirty-five miles west northwest of ATTU ISLAND. Both planes sustained hits after which contact was broken off. The Catalina suffered no casualties and no material damage. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 296 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 15 October 1943 ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd.) Additional information received relative to the enemy air raid on ATTU ISLAND 13 October indicates that a salvo of eight bombs landed near ships anchored in MASSACRE BAY. A number of the bombs were close misses. Another bomb landed near the Naval air station, west of CASCO COVE, but caused no damage. DECLASSIFIED 72 0SD Letter, - 295 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 14 October 1943 ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd,) At 7:55 p.m. 13 October, ten Mitsubishi medium bombers dropped bombs without damage near ALEXAI FIELD, MASSACRE BAY, ATTU ISLAND. Our fighters were unable to intercept. A 17056 - 294 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 12 October 1943 ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd,) The submarine S-28 returned from patrol of the KURILE ISLANDS and reported as follows: Sank - one 4,000 ton Maru about one-hundred and sixty-five miles southwest KARABU ZAKI, PARAMUSHIRU. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 -2938- 69 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. DEAR 9 a.m. 7 October 1943 ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd,) The submarine, S-42, returning from patrol, reports scoring two hits on & Japanese vessel anchored wost of DIAGO ZAKI, PARAMUSHIRU. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 292 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 13 September 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) WAZ The following additional information has been receiv- ed in connection with the PARAMUSHIRU raid on September 11th, mentioned in yesterday's summary: Eight Army Liberators and twelve Mitchells attacked enemy shipping and ground installations in the PARAMUSHIRU ISLAND area. In spite of spirited enemy opposition in the form of heavy anti-aircraft fire and attempted fighter interception, our bombers scored numerous hits on ground installations, set on fire a transport, which was left in a sinking condition, damaged another, scored hits on three cargo vessels, one of which exploded, and, in addition, strafed numerous small craft, setting many on fire. Upwards of twenty-five fighters attacked our planes in a running engagement, which lasted for fifty minutes. Our bombers shot down ten enemy fighters and probably three more. Four of our planes were shot down. Six are unaccount- ed for, and some of these may have landed on KAMCHATKA PENINSULA. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 291 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 12 September 1943 ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) R Although complete details have not been received, it has been reported that a bombing mission of eight Liberators and twelve Mitchells, operating from ATTU ISLAND, carried out a raid on PARAMUSHIRU, KURILE ISLANDS at about 2 p.m. September 11th. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 290 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTOR, D. c. 4 p.m. 27 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On August 26th, two Kingfishers (observation scouting planes) fitted with wheels, landed and took off again from the runway at KISKA. This 1s the first landing since the field was retaken from the enemy. The field can be used now for emergency landings but, because of its present soft condition, it will not support heavy bombers. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 289 - Regraded Unclassified Buher I. Initial Canding mude 1st bylem! how ashland fighter ctrip will im drmay. AA faily Signature by ( que patrol plane 1st day. Molehill- 2nd withouse Bn + CA's 100 at Picamon. 75 men of amy (unty on Philostine 1st chican main occumption Unity LCT+CST moves formal in 3 nd, no every action Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fue UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 26 August 1943. ALUETIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On August 25th, about one hundred miles southwest of KISKA, the destroyers MULLANY and AMMEN depth charged an excellent submarine sound contact but lost trace of it after an hour. At KISKA the unloading continues. It has been determined that the three midget submarines found there are beyond repair and of use only for scrap or study purposes. On ATTU, another Jap prisoner has been captured. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, -3-72 - 288 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 25 March, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) As of August 24, BULDIR ISLAND, 60 miles north- west of KISKA, has been completely searched. Apparently, the Japs never occupied it. However, there was found a three-seater Japanese monoplane. Except for a missing tail assembly and under-carriage, the plane wa.8 undamaged. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 287 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCE Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a. m. 24 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLAND ACTION (Cont'd.) On 23 August, a reconnaissance was made of RAT ISLAND. There was no evidence of any Japs present nor had there been any on the Island. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 286 - Regraded Unclassified COMICH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 23 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On August 22nd at 2:00 p.m., the amphibious landing phase of the KISKA operation was completed. Reconnaissance of the island continues but no Japs have been found. Numerous booby traps and mines have been discovered in the SOUTH HEAD AREA. Fog curtailed other activities. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 285 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 22 August 1943. ML ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On August 21st, reconnaissance of all areas on KISKA continued. Three Japanese midget submarines were discovered on the marine railway at the submarine base. These submarines appeared to be damaged by demolition charges. A battery of 20 mm guns was discovered on the NORTH HEAD. Weather limited air activities. DECLASSIFIED-72 OSD Letter, - 284 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 21 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) As of August 20th no traces of any Japanese have been found on KISKA. Our transports are continuing to unload. A mine sweep in the vicinity of KOBRA PENINSULA and south of SOUTH HEAD was completed without any mines being found. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 283 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 19 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) As of 8:00 p.m. August 17th, patrols operating on KISKA, toward VEGA POINT, CAPE ST. STEPHEN, BUKHTI POINT, SOUTH HEAD and the volcano area have not reported results. Other patrols in the vicinity of TROUT LAGOON and MALE HILL have not encountered any Japanese. Aircraft, after scouting the volcano area and the ridge lines on SOUTH HEAD, report no enemy. Troops landed by the destroyer transport KANE on LITTLE KISKA, reached the crest of the hill on the island and at 6:30 p.m. August 17th, reported no enemy. Indications were found of a complete and hasty evacuation estimated as about ten days ago. A considerable amount of food and clothing was found. A landing force occupied GERTRUDE COVE and the main camp areas without encountering any Japanese. At 1:50 a.m. August 18th, the destroyer ABNER READ was damaged by an underwater explosion three thousand seven hundred yards bearing two hundred ninety seven degrees from CONQUER POINT, KISKA. The vessel, which had her stern blown off, apparently struck a mine, as no torpedo noise was heard on the sound gear. Preliminary estimated casualties re- ported are: sixty-one missing and twenty-six injured. The ship 18 being towed to ADAK. DECLASSIFIED ORD Letter, 5-3-72 - 281 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 18 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 8 p.m. August 16, patrols on KISKA reported no enemy at the seaplane base and the building appeared to have been vacated about four or five days ago. No enemy was encountered at REYNARD COVE and in the Airfield Area. Signs of hasty evacuation were evident with many buildings wrecked. The Ranger Hill foxholes were found abandoned and a 75 mm. gun destroyed. Patrols were extended to the North and South Head and the MIDDLE PASS Areas with a view of making immediate use of GERTRUDE COVE and KISKA Harbor. At 8 a.m. August 17, patrols reported no enemy contact in MIDDLE PASS, SALMON LAGOON, MAIN CAMP and CONQUER POINT. Reconnaissance of the NORTH and SOUTH HEAD Areas and the southern part of the Island continued. An abandoned new enemy gun was found in position at LOREN HILL. The Commander of the North Pacific Force reports that while recognizing the possibility of & mass or partial enemy evacuation, it 18 at present estimated that the enemy has withdrawn to previously prepared defensive positions along high ground in one of the following three areas: CORNFIELD RIDGE to eastward along SOUTH HEAD Peninsula, Southwest of WILLIWAU PASS towards VEGA POINT, The KISKA Volcano Area. Due to low visibility and fog, air reconnaissance was limited. A considerable portion of the Island remains to be searched. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 phen - 280 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 17 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 6:20 a.m. August 16th, landings in the northern sector of KISKA began, preceeded by Special Service troops which landed at 1:10 a.m. Gunfire support was conducted largely on Radar due to heavy fog. Weather prevented air support. By 9:00 a.m. three thousand one hundred troops were ashore without any losses. At 8:45 a.m. the Special Service troops occupied RANGER HILL and dominant terrain with no enemy contact. There were indications that the Japanese recently evacuated this locality. Patrols advanced toward SEAGULL COVE, REYNARD COVE and SALMON LAGOON. Other patrols reached MORGAN and MAPLE HILL. Some anti-personnel and anti-material mines were dis- covered on & northern sector beach but no casualties were suffered. It is estimated that seven thousand troops are ashore in the northern sector. In the southern sector patrols operating down LAME CREEK to ETHEL COVE reported indications that the enemy abandoned this area about ten days to two weeks ago. Other patrols reported that the GERTRUDE COVE AREA was unoccupied. It 1s reported that about nine thousand troops are ashore in the southern sector and that ten to twelve tons of Japanese small arms were captured on LAWSON HILL. BECLASSIFIED OSB Letter, 5-3-72 filmer - 279 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 16 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) four thousand five hundred yards with the right flank at LAMP HILL, the line extending to LARRY HILL and LULU HILL. No casualties have been reported. Surface bombardments in support of the landings were conducted accord- ing to plan. To the south of the island, landing feints were made in VEGA BAY with our boats approach- ing to within three hundred yards of the shoreline. No enemy was observed and no opposition was encountered. By 4:00 p.m. an estimated six thousand five hundred troops were ashore. An assault wave, which landed at KERNEL COVE, encountered and drove out a few Japanese riflemen in the vicinity of LAME HILL, during the early afternoon. At 8:00 p.m. the attack continued with complete tactical surprise. Abo ut seven thousand three hundred troops were ashore. Heavy fog pre- vailed in all areas. No enemy opposition was encountered. Patrols of the Third Battalion, 87th Infantry, operated in the vicinity of LORE HILL. The Third Battalion of the 17th Infantry advanced from LULU HILL towards LOREN HILL. The Second Battalion of the 87th Infantry moved toward KNOB, KEY and KIDNEY HILLS. Patrols of the First Battalion 17th Infantry, and First Battalion 184th Infantry pushed south toward GERTRUDE COVE and VEGA BAY. Enemy trenches in the LINK HILLS AREA were occupied by the 87th Infantry. No enemy personnel was encountered, however, hot coffee and hand grenades were found. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 278 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 16 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During the night of August 14th-15th, a Navy Catalina bombed the GERTRUDE COVE AREA, KISKA. No anti-aircraft fire was encountered. At about midnight, the destroyer, ABNER REED, fired twenty-four rounds at ROSE HILL. The enemy did not return fire. Photographs taken of the main camp area, KISKA, on August 13th show extensive damage. Practically all build- ings have been hit either by gunfire or bombs. The following additional information has been received in connection with the KISKA operation: Prior to daylight August 15th, about six hundred men of the First Regiment Special Service Force, landed at QUISLING COVE, KISKA (Beach Blue) and (Beach Scarlet to the eastward). Their advance was without opposition. At 6:21 a.m. the first main landing was made in the southern sector by the Third Battalion, 87th Infantry, at Beach Scarlet. A second wave followed seven minutes later. These landings were supported by fire from the battleship TENNESSEE. The visibility in the transport area and landing beaches was three to five miles with a ceiling of five hundred to a thousand feet. Surf conditions were favorable with a ten knot southeast wind. Visibility in other KISKA sea areas was low. Weather at the air bases, except at ADAK, was generally unfavorable and pre- vented air support for the landings. At noon the attack was reported as proceed- 1ng according to plan, with an estimated three thousand troops ashore in the southern sector. The troops advanced against negative enemy opposition and established & front of DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 277 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 15 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At about midnight August 13th-14th, a Navy Catalina bombed enemy installations on KISKA. During the night of August 13th-14th, the destroyers, ABNER REED and PHELPS, bombarded enemy positions on KISKA four times. Enemy batteries did not return the fire. During the late afternoon of August 14th, three air attack missions were carried out against KISKA by medium bombers and fighter planes. From fragmentary reports, it is indicated that about six hundred troops of the First Regiment Special Service NEWS Force landed at QUISLING COVE, northwest coast of KISKA, prior to daylight August 15th. These troops continued their advance without opposition. At 6:21 a.m. the first wave of the main landing was carried out in the southern sector. A second wave followed several minutes later. Further details are not at present available. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 276 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 14 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 3:37 a.m. August 13th, the USS destroyer, ABNER READ, bombarded RANGER HILL, KISKA. The enemy did not return fire. During the afternoon heavy, medium and dive bombers completed nine attack missions against various targets on KISKA. LITTLE KISKA was extensively strafed and a number of buildings on NORTH HEAD and GERTRUDE COVE were destroyed by direct hits. Numerous fires were started on NORTH HEAD, in the GERTRUDE COVE AREA, ROSE HILL and RANGER HILL. Light anti-aircraft fire from small arms was encountered. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 275 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 14 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In addition to the attacks previously reported, five more air missions were completed against KISKA on August 11th. Ninety-four tons of bombs were dropped that day. During August 12th, heavy, medium and dive bombers, supported by fighters, completed twenty attack missions against KISKA. Numerous fires were started. Anti-air- craft fire encountered consisted of scattered machine gun and small arms fire. DECLASSIFIED USD Letter, 5-3-72 fillma - 274 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 13 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The GERTRUDE COVE and main camp areas on KISKA were bombed by a Navy Catalina during the night of August 11th-12th. At 1:35 a.m. and again at 3:35 a.m. August 12th, the destroyer HULL bombarded the ROSE-RANGER HILL AREA, KISKA. Later, that morning at about 7:00 a. m., a cruiser task group consisting of the heavy cruisers, INDIANAPOLIS and SALT LAKE CITY, together with the light cruisers, RICHMOND, DETROIT and RALEIGH, and four destroyers, bom- barded the GERTRUDE COVE, BUKHTI POINT AREAS and the beach areas of TURKEY COVE to TOM THUMB COVE. The enemy did not return fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 273 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH File UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. c. 4 p.m. 12 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At about 8:11 a.m. August 12th, (PARAMUSHIRU time), nine Army Liberators operating from ATTU, bombed the enemy Naval Base at KATAOKA on the west coast of SHIMUSHU ISLAND, and the Army staging base at KASHIWABARA, north- east coast of PARAMUSHIRU, KURILE ISLANDS. A number of hits were observed in the target areas. Enemy anti-aircraft fire encountered, mostly from ships, was heavy but inaccurate. About forty enemy fighters intercepted. Five of these were shot down, and possibly others may have been destroyed. Two of our bombers are missing. On the morning of August 11th, a Navy Catalina bombed enemy positions on KISKA. Throughout the day sixteen missions, consisting of Army Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings and Warhawks, bombed and strafed GERTRUDE COVE, REYNARD COVE and NORTH HEAD on KISKA. Numerous fires were started. During the night of August 11th, the destroyers, HULL and FARRAGUT, bombarded enemy installations on KISKA. Their fire was not returned. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 272 COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 11 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Sixty-three and three-tenths tons of bombs were dropped and targets strafed in all areas of KISKA, during the day of August tenth, by Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, Warhawks and A 24 dive bombers in twenty-four attacks. Many fires were started and much smoke seen in the target areas. There was very light anti-aircraft fire. Two U.S. destroyers bombarded enemy installations on KISKA early on the morning of August 10th. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 271 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 10 August 1943. WA ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Early on the morning of August 9th, two U.S. destroyers bombarded various targets on KISKA ISLAND. Hits were ob- served in the target areas. There was no return fire. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 270 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 9 August 1943. MAZ ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd,) On 8 August, early in the morning, the USS destroyers, HALL and FARRAGUT, bombarded, respectively, the Main camp area and GERTRUDE COVE section of KISKA. The enemy did not return our fire. The submarine, S-30, reports sinking, on 27 July, an escorted Japanese freighter, twenty miles west of ARAIDO ISLAND, which is about eighty-five miles west of PARAMUSHIRU in the KURILES. The next day she sank a five hundred ton freighter. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 0-3-72 - 269 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 7 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On the early morning of August 6th, the United States destroyers, MONAGHAN and HULL bombarded KISKA. Each vessel fired fifty rounds. Enemy batteries did not return the fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 268 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 6 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In addition to the seventeen air attacks reported on KISKA in yesterday's summary, another formation of Liberators, bombed and scored hits on enemy gun positions at REYNARD COVE and the NORTH HEAD AREAS. During the early morning of August 5th, the destroyers, MONAGHAN and HULL, bombarded enemy positions on KISKA. Each ship fired fifty rounds. Enemy batteries did not reply. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 267 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF AVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 5 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) A Catalina, equipped with Radar, bombed and dropped seventy-two empty beer bottles on the submarine base and the main camp area in KISKA, during darkness on the morn- ing of August 4th. During the day, heavy bombers, medium bombers, dive bombers, and fighters completed seventeen missions against KISKA. The submarine base and the main camp area were bombed and strafed. Numerous explosions, accompanied by fires, were observed in the target area. Anti-aircraft fire encountered was sparse. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 266 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m., 4 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd.) During August 3, Army Mitchells, Warhawk and Lightnings strafed and bombed KISKA and LITTLE KISKA four times. A number of hits were observed in the vicinity of the runway, main camp and hangar areas. Hits were also scored near the radio and power stations. Anti-aircraft fire encountered was unusually light, most of it consisting of small arms fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 265 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 4 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ACTION (Cont'd.) During the early morning of August 3rd, the des- troyers FARRAGUT and AYLWIN bombarded the enemy main camp area and the Gertrude Cove camp area on Kiska. The FARRAGUT reports receiving a light return fire on her first run. Each destroyer expended one hundred rounds. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 264 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 3 August 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On August 2nd, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the battle- ships TENNESSEE and IDAHO, with three destroyers, bombarded the main camp area and the submarine base on KISKA. At the same time, the heavy cruisers SALT LAKE CITY and INDIANAPOLIS, together with the light cruisers RALEIGH, DETROIT and RICHMOND, plus four destroyers, bombarded the GERTRUDE COVE AREA and the main camp on LITTLE KISKA. Enemy batteries did not return the fire. Prior to the bombardment, eight Army Liberators bombed NORTH HEAD. Anti-aircraft fire encountered was meager. After the surface bombardment, at about 6:30 p.m., Army Mitchells and Lightnings strafed and bombed LITTLE KISKA. Only enemy machine gun fire was encountered. TOKYO has been unable to communicate with KISKA since July 28th. Probably the only information they receive 1s from our press releases. To keep them completely in the dark, press releases on air and surface bombardments will be discontinued. TOKYO may believe the reason for failure of communi- cations is our seizure of the radio station. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 263 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF TAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 2 August, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 2:43 p.m. August lst, seven Army Liberators bombed KISKA. Bombs were dropped through overcast and results were unobserved. OSD DECLASSIFIED-72 - 262 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 31 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 4:00 a.m. July 30th, the United States destroyers, FARRAGUT and HULL, bombarded the GERTRUDE COVE and main camp areas on KISKA. Each destroyer fired one hundred rounds. Enemy batteries did not reply. DECLASSIFIED-72 OSD Letter, - 261 - Regraded Unclassified 11 COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF An DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 3 p.m. 30 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The United States Destroyer FARRAGUT, on the KISKA blockade patrol, sank, by gunfire, an empty Japanese power landing barge, four miles east of SOBAKA ROCK (south coast of KISKA), at 10:15 a.m. 28th July. A U.S. Army Flying Fortress, on a weather patrol flight, bombed KISKA. Due to overcast, results were unobserved. DECLASSIFIED-72 OSD Letter, - 260 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 28 July 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 27 July, various flights of Liberators, Warhawks, and Lightnings bombed KISKA six times. Hits were made in the bivouac area. Spotty weather conditions precluded full observation of the results of the attacks. DECLASSIFIED-72 OSD Letter, A 17056 - 259 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. why 3 p.m. 27 July 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 26 July, flights of Liberators, Lightnings and Warhawks bombed KISKA thirteen times. As a result of these bombings, fires were started and explosions were seen on NORTH and SOUTH HEADS, the runway, the bivouac and sub-base sections, GERTRUDE COVE, and LITTLE KISKA. Individual targets in these areas were subjected to strafing. One of our Warhawk planes was forced into the sea but its pilot was rescued by a Navy Catalina. OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 258 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 27 July, 1943. WAL ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Shortly after midnight, 26 July, one of our Catalinas bombed the GERTRUDE COVE and the Main camp sections of KISKA. The bombing caused fires in GERTRUDE COVE. DECLASSIFIED-72 OSD Letter, - 257 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 3 p.m. 26 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont.) KISKA, during 25 July, was bombed ten times by Warhawks. At NORTH HEAD hits were scored on the runway and anti-aircraft positions. The main camp, NORTH HEAD, and LITTLE KISKA were also straffed. Fires were started at LITTLE KISKA and a large explosion was seen on NORTH HEAD. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter. 5-3-72 - 256 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 26 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During July 24th, formations of Warhawks attacked enemy positions on KISKA ten times. Numerous hits were scored on the runway and among gun emplacements. One plane was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 255 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. WAL 4 p.m. 23 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Prior to and after the surface bombardment of KISKA on July 22nd, Army-Liberators, Mitchells Lightnings and Warhawks heavily bombed and strafed enemy coastal batteries, anti-aircraft guns and building areas. A total of eighty-three tons of explosives were dropped. Numerous fires were start- ed and a large explosion was observed. Seven of the Warhawks participating in the attacks were pilot- ed by Canadians. One Mitchell bomber was shot down by anti- aircraft fire but a Catalina landed in the water and rescued the crew. In addition, enemy anti- aircraft fire damaged six Mitchells, six Liberators and six Lightnings. AVD The destroyer HULBERT which grounded on July 1st in MASSACRE BAY near ALEXAI POINT, ATTU ISLAND, was refloated on July 21st. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 - 254 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIP MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. WB 9 a.m. 23 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) At 3:30 p.m. July 21st, nine Army Liberators bombed the KISKA RUNWAY and main camp area. Numerous hits were observed and fires started. Two of our planes were damaged by anti-aircraft fire. At 3 p.m. July 22nd, the battleships NEW MEXICO, MISSISSIPPI, the heavy cruisers WICHITA, LOUISVILLE, SAN FRANCISCO, and the light cruiser SANTA FE, together with destroyers, bombarded enemy positions on KISKA. Favorable weather permitted air spot and bombing attacks before and after the bombardment. The enemy returned fire, but none of our ships were damaged. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 253 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 21 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) WAS On July 1st the submarine 835 sank an enemy cannery ship of 8,200 tons off the west coast of the KAMCHATKA PENINSULA. The cable ship DELLWOOD, while engaged in laying cable from SHEMYA ISLAND to ATTU ISLAND, grounded on rocks 2.8 miles, bearing 195 degrees, from ALEXAI POINT, ATTU ISLAND at 11:55 a.m. July 19th. Although efforts were made to salvage the vessel, she sank at 3:30 a.m. July 20th. There was no loss of personnel. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 252 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Pus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 21 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The destroyers MONAGHAN and AYLWIN fired 100 rounds each of 5 inch projectiles into the enemy main camp and the GERTRUDE COVE AREA on KISKA ISLAND at 2 a.m. July 20th. The enemy did not return the fire. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 251 - COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. WB 4 p.m. 20 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Four Navy Catalinas attempted to bomb PARAMUSHIRU on July 19th, but were unable to reach their target due to solid overcast. All planes returned to their base. The five thousand foot medium bomber strip on SHEMYA ISLAND has been completed. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 250 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. WHZ 4 p.m. 19 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 4:20 p.m. 18 July, two Army Liberators, six Army Mitchells and one Army Ventura, employing radar, bombed the enemy main camp area and GERTRUDE COVE, KISKA. Results were unobserved. At 7:20 a.m. July 19th, six Army Liberators, operating from ATTU ISLAND, attacked PARAMUSHIRU, KURILES ISLANDS. Fires were observed at MURAKAMI, northeast coast of PARAMUSHIRU ISLAND. Enemy ships in PARAMUSHIRU STRAITS were also bombed. A number of near misses were observed. In addition, the planes reconnoitered the surrounding area and obtained a number of photographs. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 249 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 16 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 15 July, Army Mitchell bombers and Army Liberators and Lightnings dropped 31.9 tons of bombs on NORTH HEAD and the GERTRUDE COVE AREA, KISKA. Fires were observed near enemy anti-airoraft batteries in the GERTRUDE COVE AREA. One plane was damaged by anti- aircraft fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 - 248 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 16 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 3 a.m. 15 July, the destroyer MONAGHAN bombarded enemy positions in GERTRUDE COVE, KISKA. The enemy guns did not return the fire. DECLASSIFIED ©SD Letter, 0=8=72 A 17056 - 247 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 15 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 1 a.m. July 14th, the U.S. destroyer MONAGHAN bombarded the GERTRUDE COVE AREA on KISKA. The enemy did not return the destroyer's fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 - 246 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. WDS 4 p.m. 14 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In the afternoon of 12 July, the S-34, on war patrol in the NORTH PACIFIC, made a torpedo attack on two Jap steamers about 175 miles due east of PARAMUSHIRU. These ships are believed to be the balance of the four enemy ships that were under attack by Mitchells and Liberators on 10 July. Unfortunately, the S-34's torpedoes went under the leading ship. The sub was forced down by a depth charge attack. She failed to regain contact as fog set in. However, an augmented search continues. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 - 245 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. ER 4 p.m. 12 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 12 July, the bombing flight to PARAMUSHIRU by five Army Liberators was turned back by weather conditions 200 miles short of its goal. During 12 July, Liberators and Mitchells escorted by Venturas bombed NORTH HEAD and the main camp areas at KISKA three times. The formations, despite a heavy blanket of fog over KISKA, came onto their target areas by means of radar. One of the flights was subjected to anti-aircraft fire. Late information on our air attack of 10 July on four enemy cargo ships 280 miles southwest of ATTU ISLAND, indi- cates that Army Mitchells sank the first ship with all hands. Navy Catalinas who were on the scene while the Army Mitchells were doing their bombing, then met Army Liberators above the fog line and guided them to the second ship, which was soon put out of commission by the Liberators. Catalinas sealed the second ship's fate by strafing and attacking her with depth charges, and just before the fog closed in, she was going down by the stern with her bow tilted 35° out of the water. The re- maining enemy ships were seen resouing her crew. In all our attacks, the enemy subjected our aircraft to intense automatic weapons fire. The Army Mitchell bomber, previously reported as missing in this engagement, has returned to her base. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 244 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D.C. WAZ 9 a.m. 12 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 1 a.m. and 3:15 a.m. July 11th, the U.S. destroyer MONAGHAN bombarded enemy positions on GERTRUDE COVE, KISKA. The enemy did not return our fire. An additional four Japanese have been captured on the ridge north of the MASSACRE-HOLTZ PASS on ATTU ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 243 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF mg NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 11 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On July 10th, six Army Mitchells and seven Army Liberators attacked four enemy cargo vessels 280 miles southwest of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. Complete details are not available, but it is reported that Navy Catalinas apparently assisted in the attack. At 8:35 p.m. a Catalina reported that one enemy vessel was sunk, one badly damaged and the other two hit. The remaining ships were last reported 315 miles southwest of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND, retiring on a westerly course. One Mitchell bomber is missing. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 A 17056 - 242 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 11 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Eight Army Mitchells, operating from ATTU, bombed PARAMUSHIRO at 6:45 a.m., July 11th. The bombs were dropped through overcast and results are not reported. No enemy fighter opposition or anti-aircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned to ATTU. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 241 - A 17056 Regraded Unclassified COMINOR Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. WBS 9 a.m. 10 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 1:40 a.m. and at 3:25 a.m. 9 July, the U.S. destroyer AYLWIN, on the KISKA blockade patrol, bombarded the GERTRUDE COVE AREA. Shore based enemy artillery replied with a light and inaccurate fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 240 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 7 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 4 July, a reconnaissance party explored SEMISOPOCHNOI ISLAND in the RAT ISLAND GROUP and found no evidence of previous or present enemy occupation. A site for a fighter strip in the vicinity of SUGAR LOAF (southern part of the island) was chosen. On the evening of 6 July, a task group composed of three heavy cruisers, one light cruiser, and four destroy- ers bombarded KISKA. The target was somewhat obscured by fog. Enemy shore batteries did not return our fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 239 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET TERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF have DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 4 July, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS SECTION (Cont'd.) On 2 July, Venturas, Liberators and Mitchells bombed Kiska eight times. Inclement weather prevented observation of bombing results but hits were observed on anti-aircraft positions in Gertrude Cove, in the biouvac and North Head sections. One direct hit was made on & house. On 2 July, an air reconnaissance of SEGULA ISLAND attracted anti-aircraft fire from the vicinity of GULA POINT on that Island. The anti-aircraft positions were strafed. On 3 July, Liberators attacked the central biouvac area at. Kiska. Poor weather precluded observation of the results of the bombing. - 238 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 29 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 28 June, Mitchells and Venturas bombed KISKA and LITTLE KISKA. Because of spotty weather conditions, complete observation of the results of the attack was not possible but hits are reported on houses on LITTLE KISKA. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 237 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 28 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 27 June, Navy Venturas and Army Mitchells and Liber- ators bombed KISKA six times. The main camp and NORTH HEAD sections were hit. Our planes returned undamaged. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 6-8-78 - 236 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORET 4 p.m. June 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On June 26th. Army Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, Warhawks, and Venturas bombed and strafed KISKA seven times. Hits were scored among anti-aircraft emplacements, on the runway, and eight fires were started in the GERTRUDE COVE camp area. Four of our planes returned damaged by anti- aircraft fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 235 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. " 9 a.m. 27 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) During the afternoon of June 25; Mitchell Bombers, Venturas and Lightnings bombed KISKA six times. Hits were scored in the main camp area and among anti-aircraft batteries. Although anti-aircraft fire encountered was heavy, no damage to our planes was reported. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 234 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 26 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) WAY Photographs taken of the area surrounding TWIN ROCKS, KISKA, disclosed a wrecked enemy submarine partly out of the water. Although the type has not been definitely determined, it appeared larger than a midget type submarine. It is believed that this submarine was destroyed by the Destroyer MONAGHAN on the afternoon of 22 June and reported in the morning summary of 23 June. During 24 June, U.S. Army patrols killed an additional eight Japanese on ATTU ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 233 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. my 4 p.m. 25 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During the afternoon of 24 June, six Liberators, eight Mitchells and three Venturas employing radar bombed KISKA three times. Due to overcast, results were unobserved. Two barges in the vicinity of VEGA POINT were strafed and probably hit. DECLASSIFIED QSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 232 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 24 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 23 June, seven more Japanese were killed on ATTU ISLAND. The submarine S-30, returning from patrol off PARAMUSHIRU, KURILE ISLANDS, reports sinking a Japanese sampan by gunfire 15 miles east of CAPE LOPATKA, KAMCHATKA PENINSULA, in addition to the freighter reported in the morning summary of 8 June. Fog and bad weather in general prevented air operations in the ALEUTIANS. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 231 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 0900, 23 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The destroyer MONAGHAN at 1:35 a.m. 22 June developed a surface contact off SOBAKA ROCK, KISKA ISLAND. With a visibility of 300 yards, the MONAGHAN opened fire on a radar range of 2800 yards. The unidentified target was highly maneuverable and attained a speed of 17 to 21 knots. It is reported that a number of hits were registered on the target which subsequently merged with the land in the vicinity of TWIN ROCKS, KISKA ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 230 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 22 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The fighter strip on SHEMYA ISLAND has been completed. On 21 June, McDONALD COVE, AGATTU ISLAND (south of ATTU ISLAND) was reconnoitered. There was no evidence of recent or past enemy occupation. At 7:35 p.m. 20 June, the destroyer MONAGHAN developed a surface radar contact near VEGA BAY, KISKA ISLAND. With a visibility of 500 yards, the MONAGHAN opened fire on a radar range of 2650 yards. The radar screen indicated a number of hits on the target. The unidentified target then headed for shore and apparently grounded on the east side of BUKHTI POINT, KISKA ISLAND. Enemy shore batteries opened a blind and ineffective fire from three inch guns and machine-guns. Due to fog, no air attacks were made on KISKA. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 229 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 21 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 20 June, six Navy Venturas, employing radar, bombed KISKA which was closed in. Results were unobserved. No damage was sustained by our planes. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 228 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 20 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Bad weather prevented flying operations in the WESTERN ALEUTIANS. The SHEMYA ISLAND fighter strip is about 88% completed. One Japanese soldier was killed on ATTU ISLAND and his companion who escaped is being hunted. Cumulative casualty totals as of midnight, 17 June, are as follows:- Killed 532 Wounded 1,140 The U.S. Army Cargo Vessel McVEIGH, which grounded on NIZKI ISLAND, SEMICHI Group, on 16 June, has been refloated and towed to MASSACRE BAY, ATTU ISLAND. DECLASSIFIKD OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 227 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 18 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 16 June, three more Japanese were captured in the KHLEBNIKOF AREA, ATTU ISLAND. The total of enemy captured is now twenty-four. DECLASSI) OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 226 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. 17 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 16 June, the U.S. Army cargo vessel McVEIGH grounded in a dense fog on NIZKI ISLAND, SEMICHI GROUP. Unloading and salvage operations are proceeding. The following cumulative totals of casualties on ATTU ISLAND as of midnight 14 June are: Killed 521 Wounded 1,140 Fog hampered air operations in the WESTERN ALEUTIANS. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 225 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET RTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF VY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 16 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On the afternoon of 15 June, Navy Ventura planes bombed KISKA. Hits were apparently made on the northwest main camp where smoke was seen rising; a large building was struck north of the main camp; and possible hits were registered on anti-aircraft batteries and near the runway. On 9 June, the Submarine S-30 put two torpedoes into a 10,000-ton Japanese transport anchored in KAKUMABETSU BAY, located in the northern part of PARAMUSHIRO ISLAND. No damage was sustained by the submarine from a resultant depth charging by two enemy destroyers. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 224 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 14 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Fog in the WESTERN ALEUTIANS prevented air operations. The fighter strip on SHEMYA ISLAND, SEMICHI Group is 48% completed. An unconfirmed and incomplete U.S. casualty report on ATTU ISLAND as of midnight 11 June follows: Killed 514 Wounded 1,140 Captured None The U.S. destroyer FRAZIER at 6:15 p.m. 13 June attacked and probably sank an enemy submarine one and one half miles east of SIRIUS POINT, KISKA. After developing a radar and sound contact, the FRAZIER engaged the submarine with gunfire and shot off the periscope. The second attack, apparently with depth charges, brought up numerous pieces of wood, cork and rag life jackets. An extensive oil patch was visible which, after examination, was found to be diesel oil. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 223 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET DQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 12 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During the morning of 11 June, six Liberators, eight Mitchells, twenty Lightnings, and eight Warhawks attacked KISKA five times. Hits were observed on the main camp and runway. Barges in the harbor were bombed and strafed. Al- though anti-aircraft fire encountered was light, three of the Mitchells were damaged. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 222 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 11 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) U.S. Army patrols on ATTU ISLAND killed sixty-six Japanese and captured one in the area between SARANA BAY and CAPE KHLEBNIKOF during the night of 8-9 June. Other areas on the island are reported devoid of any enemy acti- vity. Destroyer patrols blockading the north and south of KISKA ISLAND were established during the night of 9-10 June. At 3:50 a.m. 10 June, the U.S. Destroyer FRAZIER encountered and attacked by gunfire a Japanese submarine seven miles north northeast of SIRIUS POINT, KISKA ISLAND. The submarine was forced to submerge after about four min- utes of gunfire. Later, at 5:20 a.m., the FRAZIER, one mile north of SIRIUS POINT developed a radar contact which may have been the previously mentioned submarine or an object of similar dimensions. This target was attacked by gunfire and forced into the beach and at about 600 yards from SIRIUS POINT contact was lost and could not be regained. A visibility of 500 yards prevented further surface or aircraft investigation. During the afternoon of 10 June, eight Mitchells, six Liberators, eight Lightnings and twelve Warhawks attack- ed KISKA four times. Hits were scored along the runway and on gun emplacements. Landing barges were strafed by the fighters. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 221 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 11 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 8:25 a.m. 10 June, the U.S. PC-487, while escort- ing an LST, destroyed a Japanese submarine 40 miles north northeast of SHEMYA ISLAND, SEMICHI Group. The PC completed the destruction of the enemy in a resolute attack with depth charges, gunfire, and by twice ramming. The patrol craft was able to proceed to MASSACRE BAY, ATTU ISLAND, although the forward living compartments were flooded. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 220 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 10 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 9 June, nineteen more Japanese were killed by our troops on ATTU ISLAND. In addition, five more of the enemy were captured. Fog and rain hampered air operations in the Western Aleutians. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 219 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 9 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 8 June, our patrols killed six more Japanese in the CHICHAGOF AREA, ATTU ISLAND. The total known enemy dead is now reported as 1,832. Unconfirmed, incomplete and cumulative totals of our casualties are as follows: Killed 446 Wounded 1,139 Missing 36 The fighter strip at ALEXAI POINT is now reported (abistance ready. / Bad of 210 weather milks) but planes airpraft landed amohitha A reconnaissance of ALAID ISLAND in the SEMICHI Group (east of ATTU ISLAND) revealed no evidence of enemy occupation. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 218 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 8 June, 1943 NAL ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 7 June, an additional eight Japanese were killed on ATTU ISLAND. Eleven more Japanese killed themselves with grenades after being surrounded by our troops in the CHICHAGOF VALLEY. The total enemy dead is now 1,826. Unidentified planes were reported over ATTU at 3:15 p.m. 7 June, but no attack developed. Cumulative and unconfirmed totals of our casualties are as follows:- Killed - - - - 423 Wounded - - -1,139 Missing - - - 16 The Submarine S-30 reported damaging and probably sink- ing a Japanese sampan by gunfire on the night of 5-6 June, 15 miles from CAPE LOPATKA, KAMCHATKA PENINSULA. The Submarine S-41 reported sinking a Japanese ammuni- tion vessel on 31 May east of ONEKOTAN KAIKIO, KURIL ISLANDS. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 217 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. 7 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) It is estimated as of 4 June that 1,807 Japanese were killed on ATTU ISLAND. A small number of the enemy 1s still at large in the KLEBNIKOF AREA. Cumulative and unconfirmed totals of our casualties as of midnight 4 June are as follows: Killed 413 Wounded 1,139 Missing 18 Captured None Bad weather in the form of fog and rain precluded flying operations in the Western Aleutians. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 216 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 7 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 5 June a radar fitted Ventura led six Liberators in a bombing attack on KISKA through solid overcast. Results of this attack could not be observed. The occupation of SHEMYA ISLAND (east of ATTU ISLAND) is proceeding. Personnel and material are being staged via ATTU ISLAND. The planned bomber field on SHEMYA ISLAND lies generally east to west and close to and parallel to the southern shore. The completed length of this strip will be 10,000 feet. A fighter strip 18 planned in the western portion of the island perpendicular to the bomber runway. It 1s estimated that 3,000 feet of the fighter strip will be ready about 21 June. Cumulative totals of our casualties on ATTU ISLAND as of midnight 3 June are as follows: Killed 412, Wounded 1,141 Missing 20 DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 215 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 6 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 4 June our troops killed five additional Japanese in the SARANA-KHLEBNIKOF AREA on ATTU ISLAND. Formations of Liberators, one Ventura, Lightnings and Warhawks attacked Kiska five times and scored hits in the building area and among gun emplacements. Our pilots report that the KISKA volcano is showing signs of activity. Smoke was observed and lava was seen moving down the north slope of the volcano. // DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 -214- COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 5 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) There is no change in the ground situation on ATTU ISLAND. Consolidation of our positions continue. Unconfirmed and incomplete cumulative totals of our casualties as of midnight 2 June are as follows: KILLED 398 WOUNDED 1138 MISSING 36 SICK 820 CAPTURED None DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 213 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 4 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) It is reported that there 1s no further organized enemy resistance on ATTU ISLAND. The enemy is not considered capable of anything further than sniping or perhaps harassing raids in small groups. About twenty Japanese were repulsed in an attempt to raid SARANA BEACH. In addition to killing 1,791 Japanese, our troops captured eleven Japanese. Incomplete, unconfirmed and cumulative totals of our casualties as of midnight 1 June follow: Killed 342 Wounded 1135 Missing 58 Sick 864 Captured None The submarine S-34 sank a 3,000 ton enemy freighter on 30 May in HIGASHIBANJO SUIDO (entrance to PARAMUSHIRO STRAIT). DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 212 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 3 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 1 June, about 75 Japanese were discovered in scattered areas and either killed themselves or were killed by our troops. The following revised enemy casualty total has been reported:- Known enemy dead - - 1,791, of whom 1,041 were killed during and after the enemy counter-attack on 29 May in CHICHAGOF VALLEY. An unknown number of the enemy were killed by artillery, naval gunfire, and by bombs. These dead were either burned or buried by the enemy. Our casualties, as of 31 May, are as follows:- Killed - - - - 229 Wounded - - - -1125 Missing - - - - 40 Sick - - - - - 898 Captured - - - -None On 2 June, bad weather prevented air operations. A small group of the enemy was contacted north of SARANA BEACH. Regrouping of forces and disposition for the defense of ATTU continues. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 211 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. 2 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 1 June, U.S. Army Troops, searching enemy isolated units in the CAPE KHLEBNIKOF AREA, had by noon successfully disposed of all discovered groups. During 1 June, various formations of MITCHELLS, LIGHT- NINGS, WARHAWKS, and VENTURAS bombed and strafed KISKA. Hits were scored on the Main Camp, runway, NORTH HEAD, and GERTRUDE COVE. The hits caused a substantial volume of smoke. Canadian pilots participated in these raids. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 210 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET wish HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 2 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 31 May, our troops were ferreting out all remain- ing known groups of the enemy. One such, numbering about 50, is in the CAPE KLEBNIKOF sector, and possibly another crowd totaling 30 is just west of the SARANA-MASSACRE PASS. As of midnight, 30 May, an unconfirmed cumulative casual- ty list indicated:- U.S. GROUND FORCES: Killed Wounded Missing Sick Captured 208 1,086 71 892 None ENEMY: Killed Captured 1500 4 On 31 May, various formations of Liberators, Mitchells, and Warhawks bombed and strafed KISKA. Hits were registered on the runway, NORTH HEAD, and GERTRUDE COVE. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 209 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 1 June, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In the twilight of 30 May, three columns of our troops, sweeping down the CHICHAGOF VALLEY floor, from FISHHOOK RIDGE and from the HOLTZ BAY plateau, respectively, effected a junction on the shores of CHICHAGOF HARBOR. Enemy resistance, to the movement, was weak. Nuisance opposition was encountered from enemy pockets which were clean- ed out. Small groups of the enemy were observed effecting a retirement along the coast-line to CAPE KHLEBNIKOF. Seeking out and cleaning up enemy groups are in process. It is reported that 400 of the enemy were killed on 29-30 May. On 30 May, Liberators, Mitchells, and Warhawks hit KISKA with bombs and strafing. Fires were started in GERTRUDE COVE, CAMP AREA, on a beached ship, and on the runway. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 208 - Regraded Unclassified COMMICH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 31 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 30 May, mopping up of isolated pockets of enemy resistance on ATTU ISLAND continued. At 5:30 a.m., the enemy launched a weak counter- attack against our right flank which was repulsed. An additional fifty Japs were killed in the day's activities. The upper CHICHAGOF VALLEY floor and its approaches have been cleared of the enemy except for occasional snipers. The remaining enemy group has been cleared from SARANA PASS. It 18 reported that the enemy lost 270 of his personnel in the counter-attack against our right flank in CHICHAGOF VALLEY on 29 May. Unconfirmed and cumulative totals of our casualties up to midnight 28 May are as follows: killed 184, wounded 821, missing 78, sick and not returned to duty 824. It is expected that the ALEXAI POINT fighter strip will be completed in about ten days. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 207 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 30 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 28, the high peak at the north end of Fish- hook Ridge was captured and the ridge extending east from Fishhook toward CHICHAGOF VALLEY was cleared of the enemy in the late afternoon. At dawn on 29 May, an enemy force counter-attacked and passed through our right flank on the CHICHAGOF VALLEY FLOOR. However, the Japanese were met by our reserves and except for isolated snipers, annihilated. Bad weather at ADAK and AMCHITKA prevented air operations. Although it was previously reported that nine of our troops were captured, it is now reported that none of our troops are known to have been captured. Unconfirmed and cumulative casualties as of midnight, 27 May, are as follows: Killed 168 Wounded 763 Missing 48 Sick, not returned to duty 725 Preliminary reports indicate that enemy casualties are high. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 -206- Regraded Unclassified COMINICH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 29 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Our troops, after hard fighting over rugged and snowy terrain,) captured the highest eastern point of FISH-HOOK RIDGE on the afternoon of 27 May. On 28 May, operations were in progress to clear the enemy from the easterly and northerly faces of the ridge where he is resisting in strength with mortar fire and automatic weapons. The area which forms at the north wall of CHICHAGOF VALLEY and HOLTZ PASS to CHICHAGOF HARBOR appears to be the strong center of the Japanese defense. Other than one enemy position on the ridge just east of the north end of LAKE CORIES, there is little enemy activity in the KLEBNIKOF Area. Other parts of the island are devoid of enemy activity. Bad weather on 28 May hampered our air operations.) DECLASSIFIED - 205 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 28 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Unconfirmed and incomplete reported casualties, cumulative as of midnight 26 May, are: 157 killed, 609 wounded, 60 missing, 651 sick. Nine of our soldiers are known to have been captured. Nine Mitchells and sixteen Warhawks bombed the main enemy camp area and the runway on KISKA three times on 26 May. Hits were observed. Warhawks bombed the enemy main camp area on KISKA on 27 May. Due to overcast, results were unobserved. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 204 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 28 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional details for 26 May have been received in connection with the ATTU operation: During the day, after hard hand to hand fighting over rough terrain, our troops registered important gains south of CHICHAGOF and cleared enemy pookets of resistance between our northern and southern forces. The northern troops have penetrated FISH-HOOK RIDGE a little above the stream. Action is still progressing to clear the high peaks of FISH-HOOK RIDGE. Fighting is in progress on the ridge extending east towards the CHICHAGOF VALLEY floor. Our troops are in positions on the valley floor and the ridge east of LAKE CORIES on a line about 400 yards south of the lake. Our patrols operate in strength from this line to the lake itself. Liberators and Mitchell bombers dropped over 30 tons of explosives on the enemy in the CHICHAGOF Area. Fighters assisted by strafing enemy positions. During the night of 26 May and the morning of 27 May, our forces continued to neutralize enemy points of resistance among the high peaks of FISH-HOOK RIDGE. The main effort of our forces on 27 May was directed against the ridge extending eastward from FISH-HOOK RIDGE. DECLASSIFIED - 203 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 27 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Throughout 26 May, the enemy continued strong resistance on the high ground and ridge on the northwest side of CHICHAGOF VALLEY approximately 300 yards from LAKE CORIES. At 3 a.m. 26 May, about twelve to sixteen Japanese, armed with grenades and rifles, raided our outpost on the peak of SARANA RIDGE. The raid was repulsed with no casualties to either side. Two unarmed Japanese, probably members of the engineer labor detachment, were captured near the beach of the west arm of HOLTZ BAY. Although the weather was poor with rain, fog and low ceiling throughout the morning, air support was provided in the afternoon. However, the details at present are unknown. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 202 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH The UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIP HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 27 May, 1943 ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional details for 25 May have been received in connection with the ATTU ISLAND operation: On 25 May, the Japanese were attempting to strengthen their positions on both sides of CHICHAGOF CORRIDOR. One enemy company dug in on the ridge on the southeast side of CHICHAGOF VALLEY. Another company opposed in strength our troops on the ridge northwest of CHICHAGOF CORRIDOR. The enemy is reported to be digging in on the saddle southwest of CAPE KHLEBNIKOF which may be indicative of a change in the line of defense for a last stand or on the other hand this may be an outpost guarding the left flank. At 8 p.m., our ground forces reported hard fighting in a snow storm. Northern forces were near the head of FISH-HOOK RIDGE. To the southeast of FISH-HOOK RIDGE, our southern troops penetrated the ridge itself. To the right of this position, our troops continue to attack in order to secure the ridge spur extending southeastwardly from FISH-HOOK to the lower CHICHAGOF VALLEY. It is believed that high casualties are being inflicted upon the enemy. During the night of 25 May, the enemy reoccupied its previous abandoned positions on the left flank of our southern troops. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 201 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 26 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The gunboat CHARLESTON, during the afternoon of 25 May, bombarded shore installations in the CHICHAGOF Area and started numerous fires. All buildings in the area have been destroyed. After hard fighting in a coordinated attack along the ridge south of CHICHAGOF CORRIDOR, our troops succeeded in gaining a foothold on the high ground south of CHICHAGOF. The right flank of our southern forces is south of LAKE CORIES. This flank is being opposed by an enemy force estimated to be one company dug in on the ridge located just south of LAKE CORIES. Air support was provided by twelve Liberator and twelve Mitchell bombers which completed three attack missions against the CHICHAGOF Area. Fourteen Lightnings executed three strafing attacks. Sixteen Warhawks bombed the main camp area on KISKA twice on 25 May. Hits were scored in the vicinity of gun emplacements and tents. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 200 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 26 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Supported by air attacks, our ground assault against the ridge north of CHICHAGOF VALLEY continued throughout the afternoon of 24 May. During the night, patrols probed enemy positions for weak points that could be exploited. Conclusive action is expected to begin shortly. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 199 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. 25 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On the morning of May 24th. our troops cleared the enemy from the west side of CHICHAGOF VALLEY, ATTU ISLAND, and continued their advance against resistance on the hill south of CHICHAGOF BAY. During the afternoon a break in the weather permitted eleven Mitchells, one Liberator, and four Lightnings to com- plete three bombing missions against enemy positions in the CHICHAGOF AREA. Several fires were started. Casualties from midnight May 22nd. to midnight May 23rd. were:- 2 Killed, 35 Wounded, 31 Missing, and 84 Sick. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 198 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 25 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) Sleet, snow and rain, during 23 May, continued to hamper operations on ATTU and deny air support to our ground forces. However, our advance continued slowly and our patrols have advanced to LAKE CORIES along the CHICHAGOF VALLEY floor. The enemy main force has taken a position on the fish-hook shaped hill and its span from south to south- west of CHICHAGOF HARBOR. Further details received relating to the attack by six Lightnings against sixteen enemy bombers over ATTU indicate that five enemy bombers were definitely destroyed and seven probably destroyed. The remaining four enemy planes were seen to flee in a westerly direction. The bombers unloaded their bombs when sighted by our fighters and did not attack any of our positions. One of our bombers returning from ATTU on 23 May dropped bombs in the vicinity of the main camp area on KISKA. DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 197 - Regraded Unclassified COMINOR FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIKF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 24 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 23 May, all enemy troops had been cleared from SARANA VALLEY and the nose of the ridge between CHICHAGOF VALLEY and SARANA VALLEY. The CHICHAGOF-HOLTZ PASS has not been completely cleared of the enemy. Enemy opposition continued along the ridge west of CHICHAGOF VALLEY and slowed our advancing troops. Destroyers continued to provide gunfire support. The enemy has shortened his defense line which now extends from about 1200 yards northwest of the head of CHICHAGOF HARBOR, along the high ground and across the floor of the CHICHAGOF CORRIDOR approximately 300 yards south of LAKE CORIES. Additional unconfirmed casualties, reported from midnight 21 May to midnight 22 May, were as follows: killed 17, wounded 22, missing 48, sick 63; or a total for the entire operation of 146 killed, 482 wounded, 187 missing, and 580 sick. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 379 - Regraded Unclassified A COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 24 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On 22 May, our troops successfully attacked enemy positions at the junction of the SARANA - CHICHAGOF VALLEYS. Patrols mopped up and occupied pockets of enemy resistance in the SARANA Area. In the HOLTZ - CHICHAGOF PASS Area, our troops continue to advance slowly. Our casualties, reported from midnight 19 May to midnight 21 May, are as follows: 19 killed, 61 missing, 84 wounded and 67 sick. Total unconfirmed casualties for the ATTU operation up to and including 21 May are as follows: 129 killed, 139 missing, 460 wounded, 517 sick. Although complete details are not available, it is reported that at 3:33 p.m. 23 May, sixteen enemy twin-engine bombers attacked our troops on ATTU and were subsequently intercepted by six Lightnings operating from AMCHITKA. A minimum of five enemy bombers were shot down. We lost one plane but the pilot was recovered. One other Lightning is missing. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 195 - Regraded Unclassified COMICH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. 23 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 22 May, fighting on ATTU ISLAND continued without change in the general situation. The enemy continued his withdrawal and is apparently establishing a line running from the ridge north of SARANA BAY VALLEY through a point 2 to 3 hundred yards south of LAKE CORIES, thence to a point on the ridge 3000 yards southwest of the head of CHICHAGOF BAY. At 4 p.m., 22 May, about 12 to 15 MITSUBISHI type twin-engine land planes unsuccessfully attacked the Gun- boat CHARLESTON and the Destroyer PHELPS with torpedoes and machine gun fire. One enemy plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. No U. S. casualties or damage were sustained. Rain, low ceilings and fog interfered with our fly- ing operations. - 194 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 22 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Fighting on ATTU ISLAND continues. During the night of 20 May, a strong enemy combat post at the north end of the ridge between SARANA and MASSACRE was neutralized. An attack by the enemy broke through one of our leading assault elements and one company was surrounded. Hand to hand fighting ensued. A counter-attack by one of our reserve units regained our control. The enemy force was subsequently surrounded and is being liquidated. On 21 May, the enemy withdrew small groups towards CHICHAGOF HARBOR and LAKE NICHOLAS and employed delaying action. An attack is reported in progress against a strong enemy position on the right of CHICHAGOF VALLEY. Our unconfirmed casualties in the ATTU ISLAND operations up to and including 19 May are 110 killed, 376 wounded, 78 missing. 450 are reported sick. During 21 May, eighteen Lightnings supported ground operations by strafing and bombing enemy positions from low altitudes. A fuel dump was set on fire and other fires started. All buildings in the CHICHAGOF VALLEY, with the exception of the church and one other building, have been destroyed. Later in the day, bad weather prevented Liberators from bombing enemy positions on ATTU ISLAND. However, on their way home they bombed the main camp area on KISKA. The Army Transport PERIDA, aground in MASSACRE BAY since 12 May, has been refloated and is 88% unloaded. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 193 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 21 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During 20 May, fighting on ATTU ISLAND continued. Low ceilings, fog and rain prevented air support. At 10 a.m., our troops reached the high ground overlooking SARANA BAY PASS. Operations are in progress to clear the enemy from the high ground to the entrance of CHICHAGOF - SARANA PASS. Troops on the left flank are moving down the ridge towards the Pass. The enemy was reported to be establishing lines along the floor of CHICHAGOF CORRIDOR, thence along the east wall of the Corridor and around the nose of the ridge, north side of SARANA VALLEY. Patrolling by our troops, and enemy resistance, in the HOLTZ - CHICHAGOF PASS. continues. KISKA was attacked twice by eight Lightnings on 20 May. Hits were scored in the main camp area. Low flying planes strafed several barges. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 192 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 21 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Operations against the enemy in the CHICHAGOF Area, ATTU ISLAND, continue. An improvement in the weather permitted eleven Mitchell bombers to attack enemy positions during the evening of 19 May. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 191 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. 20 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Our troops, in successful operations on 19 May, have captured SARANA PASS, ATTU ISLAND, which dominates the CHICHAGOF HARBOR Area. Liberators, at 12:46 p.m. 19 May, bombed enemy positions in the CHICHAGOF Area. From present indications, it seems that the center of enemy resistance will be CHICHAGOF HARBOR. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 190 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. 19 May, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 18th. six Liberators, prevented from dropping bombs on ATTU because of weather conditions, let them go on GERTRUDE COVE, and the CAMP AREA at KISKA. A large fire was started. During the same day two Lightnings strafed small water craft in KISKA Harbor and vicinity. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 189 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 19, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) On 18 May, our effective occupation of the HOLTZ BAY Sector was established. Patrols from this area and those from the MASSACRE BAY southern force have met and contact between them has been maintained in the mountain pass connecting those areas. The enemy in these mountain defiles, with the exception of snipers, are believed to have retreated towards CHICHAGOF HARBOR. Late reports indicate no change in the SARANA-MASSACRE mountain passages. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 188 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF AVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 18, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.). Late May 17th. troops operating in the HOLTZ BAY AREA, ATTU ISLAND, were in effective possession of the east arm of HOLTZ BAY and the valley running out of it. The Japanese are retreating down the peninsula towards CHICHAGOF HARBOR. Troops in the MASSACRE VALLEY are maneuvering to gain control of high ground controlling the mountain pass connect- ing HOLTZ BAY and MASSACRE BAY AREAS. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 187 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 17, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 16th the weather on ATTU ISLAND remained poor and hampered air and naval support to our ground forces. Troops operating in the HOLTZ BAY Area were engaged on the tongue in the center of HOLTZ BAY. The destroyer ABNER READ moved into HOLTZ BAY during the afternoon to provide fire support. Definite progress of our forces in the MASSACRE BAY Area is unknown but apparently some gains were made during the day. Although flying conditions were bad, three flights of Wildcats supported HOLTZ BAY troops in a morning attack. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 186 - COMINCH Fax UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF WAL DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 16, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information on the ATTU ISLAND Operation has been received: The net advance of our troops in the HOLTZ BAY Area on the afternoon of April 14 was about 500 yards. There is no further report of progress in the MASSACRE BAY Area and apparently the situa- tion in this sector remains unchanged. It is expected that unloading of the trans- ports will be completed late on May 15 or on the morning of May 16. The transport BELL, unloading in HOLTZ BAY, was the target of two enemy torpedos which missed. The search for the enemy submarine is continuing. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 185 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTOR, D.C. 9 a.m. May 15, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Because of poor visibility, our landing force on ATTU ISLAND did not attack on May 13th. However, the attack was scheduled to commence at 6 a.m. May 14th. During the afternoon of May 14th the weather improved and some air support was made possible. Over 11,000 troops have landed and unloading of cargo continues. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 184 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. May 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information on the ATTU operation has been received: The general situation on ATTU ISLAND for May 13th remains unchanged. Our artillery at HOLTZ BAY is now in action. About one hundred fifty Japanese succeeded in landing 1,000 yards to the rear of our front line on HOLTZ BAY. Nine Wildcats took adventage of a short break in the weather and bombed and strafed a barge loaded with enemy troops and in addition attacked enemy troops ashore. Two army bombers bombed enemy positions ashore. Although incomplete, the army casualties are reported as four officers and fourteen men killed and 57 wounded. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 183 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 13th strong winds and poor visibility continued to slow operations and denied air support to our troops on ATTU ISLAND. There has been little change in our positions since yesterday's summary. Our artillery was able to move up at HOLTZ BAY in the early afternoon of May 13th after the battleship IDAHO and the destroyer PHELPS silenced enemy batteries. The submarine which fired a torpedo at the battleship PENNSYLVANIA on the afternoon of May 12th was hunted and depth charged by the destroyers FARRAGUT and EDWARDS for six hours and finally forced to the surface. The EDWARDS then engaged and probably sank the submarine by gunfire. On May 12th the army transport PERIDA struck a rock and was subsequently beached in MASSACRE BAY where her unloading continues. The light minelayer SICARD and the destroyer MacDONOUGH, in collision on May 10th, arrived at ADAK on May 13th. On May 13th, four Liberators, unable to bomb ATTU ISLAND, were diverted to KISKA where they dropped their bombs on the enemy main camp area. Due to the overcast, results were unobserved. On the same day, eight Warhawks bombed KISKA. Explosions were seen among enemy installations. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 182 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fus UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHINF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. May 13, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information on the ATTU operations has been received: At 9:20 p.m. May 12th, the visibility at ATTU remained poor. Our troops, hampered by fog, encountered strong enemy resistance. At MASSACRE BAY, the front line advanced inland 4,000 yards. One battalion of troops is 1,500 yards north of the beach of the west arm of HOLTZ BAY. During the day, in addition to fire support from battleships and destroyers, twelve Mitchells and six Liberator bombers bombed the HOLTZ BAY Area. Wildcats and Lightnings bombed and strafed installations at HOLTZ BAY and CHICHAGOF HARBOR. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 181 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 13, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information on the ATTU operation has been received: At 12:01 p.m. May 12th, the Commander of the Assault Force reported that practically all of our troops are ashore on ATTU ISLAND and encountered enemy resistance. In support of the landing, the battleship PENNSYLVANIA neutralized enemy positions on the west arm of HOLTZ BAY and the battleship NEVADA rendered ineffective enemy positions at the head of MASSACRE VALLEY. The scouting party which made the initial landing from the submarine NAUTILUS and the destroyer transport KANE is in a position 2300 yards inland northwest of the west arm of HOLTZ BAY. Other troops exercise control to within 1500 yards of the head of the west arm of HOLTZ BAY. Poor weather has delayed unloading operations. Cargo from transports is about ten percent unloaded and it is estimated that six more days to unload will be required. Apparently, enemy submarines are operating in the area as indicated by a report from a Catalina flying boat which reported that a submarine fired a torpedo at the PENNSYLVANIA at about 6:30 p.m. May 12th nine miles north- east of HOLTZ BAY. Our destroyers are attempting to hunt down the submarine. Two Liberators bombed the CHICHAGOF HARBOR Area. No further details are available. - 180 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMMICH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. May 12, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information on the ATTU ISLAND operation has been received: With the area enveloped in fog which limited air and naval support, the main landing by our troops began at about 3:30 p.m. May 11th and about 8 o'clock that evening approximately 3100 troops landed. Casualties among the troops have not been reported but they are believed to be light. The enemy casualties are unknown. The unloading continued throughout the night. A flight of Mitchell bombers, unable to see their targets over ATTU ISLAND, bombed instead the KISKA runway and main camp area. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 179 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 12, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Bad weather with zero visibility has delayed operations against ATTU and SHEMYA ISLANDS. All task groups are on stations ready to commence operations when the weather clears. Scouts from the submarines NAUTILUS and NARWHAL were landed on ATTU ISLAND during the early morning of May 11th. Due to low visibility the submarines were unable to maintain visual signal contact with the scouting party. An intercepted message, originated at 6:41 p.m. May 11th by Commander Assault Force, reports that landings are progressing in a dense fog and that our troops have advanced inland about 3,000 yards. CHICHAGOF HARBOR was bombarded by radar controlled gunfire. The light minelayer SICARD and the destroyer MacDONOUGH collided in a thick fog at 10:35 p.m. May 10th about 100 miles north northwest of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. The SICARD has the MacDONOUGH under tow for ADAK ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED C OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 178 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 8, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In addition to those previously reported, two attacks were made on enemy installations in the ATTU AREA by a total of six Liberator and six Mitchell bombers, and by two Light- ning fighters. Hits were made in the target areas and fires started. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 177 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCE Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. May 7, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) On May 6th our air forces made five attacks on enemy installations on KISKA. A total of thirty-six Warhawks participated, bombing GERTRUDE COVE, LITTLE KISKA and the main camp. At GERTRUDE COVE, a gun position was hit squarely. ATTU was attacked four times by a total of twenty- nine bombers. Hits were observed in all areas. - 176 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF WY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 6, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During May 5th. KISKA was bombed six times by varied formations of Liberators, Mitchells, and Warhawks. Hits were made in the GERTRUDE COVE, Main Camp, SOUTH HEAD, NORTH HEAD, Submarine Base, and beach areas. A number of fires were ignited in the beach section and one building was des- troyed on NORTH HEAD. On the same day, ATTU was bombed and strafed four times by Liberators, Mitchells, and Lightnings. Enemy instal- lations were hit and one enemy plane was burnt. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 175 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH FiLE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 6, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Bad weather hampered air operations in the ALEUTIAN Area. Five Liberators escorted by eight Lightnings bombed ATTU ISLAND at 3 p.m. May 4th. Hits were observed in the HOLTZ BAY Area. An enemy plane moored in CHICHAGOF HARBOR was strafed by the escorting Lightnings. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 174 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 5, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 3 KISKA was bombed nine times by varied formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, and Warhawks. Three fires were ignited in the main camp and heavy smoke was seen on NORTH HEAD. Hits were observed in other important areas. Five Liberators, a Mitchell, and possibly a Lightning were damaged but were able to return. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 173 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. May 4, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During May 2nd, KISKA was bombed eight times by various formations of Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings. Hits were registered on NORTH and SOUTH HEADS. In GERTRUDE COVE and several other sections the bombing caused fires and small explosions. One building blew up. One Mitchell was damaged. - 172 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. May 3, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On May 1st. KISKA was bombed thirteen times by various formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, and War- hawks. The detonation of a heavy explosion was heard in the vicinity of NORTH HEAD, a fire was started in the sub- marine base section, the runway was hit, and black smoke was seen in other areas. One Lightning failed to return. During the same day Liberators struck at ATTU and dropped bombs on target areas in HOLTZ BAY and CHICHAGOF HARBOR. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 171 - COMINGT FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. May 2, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) On April 30th high winds, snow, rain and low ceilings accompanied by fog interfered with flying operations in the ALEUTIAN AREA. However, two attacks were completed on KISKA by ten Lightnings. Hits scored on the North Head but complete results were un- observed. Additional details have been received in connection with the bombardment of ATTU ISLAND by light cruisers originally reported in the summary of April 27th. Many salvos fell in all target areas. An ammunition dump between HOLTZ BAY and CHICHAGOF HARBOR was des- troyed. Fires were started in these areas. The enemy did not return our fire and our firing is reported as more effective than in the February bombardment. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 170 - 168 - COMINCH Full UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 29, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Two additional attacks on KISKA by Canadian pilots flying Warhawks on April 26th have been reported. This brings the total to fifteen attacks for that day. Due to poor weather, only one attack by four Lightnings was completed against KISKA on April 27th. Heavy rain and snow prevented air attacks on KISKA on April 28th. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 169 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 28, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Air attacks against KISKA continue. On April 26th thirteen attacks were completed by formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings. Four of our Liberators returned damaged. Two of the attacks were executed by Canadian pilots flying Warhawks. A number of buildings were destroyed and hits scored in the main camp area, on the runway and on NORTH HEAD. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 168 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) Three additional air attacks have been reported against KISKA on April 25th. A total of thirteen attacks were executed by formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings. Although bombs were dropped on the main camp area, runway and beached ship in TROUT LAGOON, clouds prevented complete observation of results. On April 25th, five Liberators bombed ATTU ISLAND. Several hits on the runway and other installations were observed through broken overcast. On the morning of April 26th, a light cruiser group (probably the light cruisers SANTA FE, RICHMOND and DETROIT) bombarded ATTU ISLAND. Preliminary reports indicate several small fires were started. However, full details are not at present available. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 167 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. April 26, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) With the weather clearing, formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings attacked KISKA ten times on April 25th. Observation of results was not possible due to clouds. C DECLASSIFIED @SD Letter, 5-8-78 - 166 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 25, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) Bad weather has hampered air operations over KISKA. However, two (2) Lightnings bombed and strafed KISKA at 11:17 a.m. April 24. Results were unobserved. - 165 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-78 Regraded Unclassified COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 22, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) The aerial hammering of KISKA continues. In the face of varying degrees of anti-aircraft fire, formations of Liberators, Mitchells and Warhawks completed ten attacks against KISKA on April 20th. Strafing from varying altitudes was carried out in conjunction with bombing. Hits were scored on the NORTH HEAD runway and NORTH HEAD camp area, also on the beached ship at NORTH HEAD. Two Mitchells have been damaged in these operations. The U.S. submarine S-32, on patrol in the vicinity of ATTU ISLAND, reports firing four torpedoes on a radar range of 1,950 yards at a large unidentified vessel with escort. Two hits were obtained. Two explosions were heard two and one half minutes after the torpedo explosions. The radar screen indicated a sudden disappearance of the large vessel. It is believed that the target sank. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 164 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET ADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF AVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 21, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 19th. a consignment of 60 tons of bombs was deposited in KISKA in fifteen visits by varying formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, and Warhawks. In spite of varying degrees of anti-aircraft fire, a great number of hits were made on the main camp, submarine base, runway, and on defensive positions at NORTH HEAD. Two direct hits were scored on a beached ship in TROUT LAGOON, which caught fire and burned throughout the day. Other hits were registered on ships beached at NORTH and SOUTH HEADS and GERTRUDE COVE. The ships at SOUTH HEAD were left listing and down by the stern. In the vicinity of SALMON LAGOON and the submarine base fires were started. The rear end of the submarine base is no longer visible. The attacks were car- ried out from deck level to varying altitudes. Four of our planes were damaged. Two Canadian pilots took part in the proceedings. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 163 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. April 20, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 18th. Warhawks and Lightnings in additional attacks hit KISKA again. Fires were started in the sub- marine base area and gunfire in that sector was stopped. The sum total of bombs deposited at KISKA for the day was 17 tons. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 162 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. April 19, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 18th. KISKA was bombed seven times by forma- tions of Lightnings and Warhawks. Hits were scored in the NORTH HEAD, SALMON LAGOON and CAMP SECTIONS. Two Canadian pilots participated in the attacks. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 C - 161 - Regraded Unclassified COMING Fax UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN Cher MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 19, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) A formation of Liberators bombed the runway and camp area on ATTU ISLAND during the afternoon of April 17th. On the same day, Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings attacked KISKA nine times. Hits were observed among buildings in the camp and hangar area. One building was entirely destroyed. Several gun positions were silenced and three beached enemy planes strafed. Five of our fighters returned damaged. C - 160 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 a.m. April 18, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 16 a formation of Liberators bombed enemy installations on ATTU ISLAND. On the same day, formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings, and Warhawks executed ten attacks against KISKA. Hits were scored in the vicinity of the runway, hangar, and main camp areas. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 159 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. c. 9 a.m. April 17, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Two additional attacks by Warhawks and Lightnings against KISKA on April 14th have been reported. This raises the total to ten attacks for that day. Formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings and Warhawks raided KISKA thirteen times on April 15th. Many hits were scored in the main camp area, runway and hangar areas, causing numerous fires, two large and many small explosions. Enemy anti-aircraft fire shot down one heavy bomber and damaged two heavy and two medium bombers. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 158 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 16, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 14th, formations of Liberators, Mitchells, Lightnings and Warhawks attacked KISKA eight times. Hits were scored in the camp area, on the runway and revetment area. Three of our planes were damaged. - 157 - OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In addition to the eight attacks reported in yesterday's summary, two more attacks on KISKA were executed by Warhawks and Mitchells. Hits were scored in the enemy main camp area. One bomber suffered minor battle damage. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 156 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. April 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) KISKA was attacked eight times on April 13th. by formations of Mitchells, Liberators, Warhawks and Light- nings. Many hits were scored and fires started in the runway and main camp area. Beached enemy float planes were strafed and believed hit. In all these raids, only one fighter plane was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. How- ever, one fighter plane, upon returning, crashed into the water near GARELOI ISLAND from an unknown cause. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 155 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Formations of Mitchells, Warhawks and Lightnings attacked KISKA six times on April 12th. Hits were scored on the runway, gun emplacements and main camp area. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 154 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 13, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 7:50 p.m. April 11th, KISKA was again attacked by four Mitchells (medium bombers). Results were unobserved. This was the fourth attack of the day. Three previous attacks were executed by formations of Warhawks and Lightnings and fires started in the enemy Main Camp Area. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 153 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. April 12, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) KISKA was attacked three times on April 11th. by formations of Warhawks and Lightnings. Hits were scored and fires were started in the enemy main camp area. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 152 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 12, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 11:15 a.m. April 10th, a Catalina encountered two enemy destroyers 155 miles northwest of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. The Catalina unsuccessfully attacked with bombs. The enemy was last seen retiring at twenty-five knots on course 245. On April 10th at 3:30 p.m., eight Warhawks bombed KISKA. Later, at 4:20 p.m., six Lightnings bombed KISKA. In both attacks, results were unobserved. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 151 - Regraded Unclassified Сомписк Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 11, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The submarine S-32, on patrol in the vicinity of ATTU ISLAND, reports attacking what appeared to be an enemy supply ship and its escort north of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND at 4:30 a.m. April 10th. Although not definitely established, it is believed that two torpedo hits were scored. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 150 - Unclassified COMINCE Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 8, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The transport ARTHUR MIDDLETON aground in CONSTANTINE HARBOR, AMCHITKA ISLAND has been refloated on April 6th. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 149 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Full UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 7, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On April 5th. the target area at KISKA was bombed four times by various formations of Warhawks (Army P-40's), Lightnings (Army P-38's), and Mitchells (Army B-25's). Hits were observed and fires were started. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 148 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. April 6, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd,) On April 5th. a group of Liberators blasted ATTU. Hits in the target area resulted in an explosion and damage to defensive positions. A formation of Liberators and Mitchells accompan- 1ed by Lightnings attacked KISKA. Hits were observed on targets. No damage was suffered by U.S. planes in either attack. C DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 147 - COMINCH The UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 4, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Aerial attacks against KISKA continued. On April 2nd, formations of Mitchells, Liberators and Lightnings struck KISKA eight times. Hits were observed. In all these operations, only two of our planes were damaged by anti-aircraft fire. On the same day, a force of Liberators bombed ATTU ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 146 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. April 3, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) KISKA was attacked four times on April 1st. by forma- tions of Liberators, Mitchells and Lightnings. Hits were scored on the enemy main camp area. In these operations two of our planes were damaged by anti-aircraft fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 145 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. GEORET 4 p.m. April 1, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In addition to the attacks reported in yesterday's Summary, KISKA received two more attacks on March 30th. At 3:10 p.m. Lightnings bombed the main camp area with unobserved results. Later at 8 p.m. six Mitchells bombed and strafed enemy installations and personnel from an al- titude of twenty-five to fifty feet. Heavy explosions and large fires were observed. Three bombers were damaged by heavy anti-aircraft fire. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 144 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. March 31, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 10:15 a.m. March 30th. four Lightnings bombed LITTLE KISKA ISLAND. Later at 2:30 p.m. five Liberat- ors and four Lightnings bombed the enemy main camp area at KISKA. One of our bombers was shot down by anti- aircraft fire. Details of two additional attacks des- patched against KISKA have not been received. At 12:30 p.m. March 30th. six Liberators and four Lightnings bombed the enemy runway under construction at HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. One of our bombers was dam- aged. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 143 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 30, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The KISKA fighter strip, camp area, and gun in- stallations were bombed and strafed on March 29th. by six Liberator bombers, six Mitchell bombers, and twelve Lightning fighters. Considerable light caliber anti- aircraft fire was received from positions in the runway area and NORTH HEAD. Three Mitchells and one Liberator received light damage. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 142 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Full UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. March 28, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Four Mitchells bombed KISKA on March 26th. Hits were scored on a hangar and on the enemy camp area. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 141 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Mitchells, Liberators, and Lightnings attacked KISKA three times on March 25th. Bombs were dropped on the runway, hangar, and camp area. Low flying fighters strafed enemy personnel. In all these operations only one of our planes was slightly damaged. A weather plane bombed ABRAHAM Harbor, ATTU ISLAND. DECLASSIFIED - 140 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Damage U.S. Jap SALT LAKE CITY 1 CA - hit by gunfire, 6 Hits, 2 of which possibly torpedo, below water line. firing only 1 turret. Max. speed 22, gyros out. Flooding in 1 CA - probable hits. after engine room. 1 OCL- probable hits. BAILEY Max. speed 15, damage unknown. MONAGHAN Operational casualty, max. speed 25. DECLASSIFIED ORD Letter, 5-3-72 - 139 - Regraded Unclassified COMMICH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF WASHINGTOR, D.C. 9 a.m. March 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Forces Engaged U.S. Japan SALT LAKE CITY (CA) 2 CA (ATAGO or NACHI) 9100 tons, 1929, speed 32.5, 10 - 8", NACHI - 10,000 tons, 1928, 8 - 5" speed 33, 10 - 8". RICHMOND (CL) # ATAGO - 9,850 tons, 1932, 7,050 tons, 1923, speed 33, 10 - 8". speed 33, 10 - 6", 7 - 3". 2 OCL (KUMA) 5100 tons, 1920, speed BAILEY (DD) 33, 7 - - 5.5". 1700 tons, 1942, speed 36, 5 - 5". 4 DD COGHLAN 2 AP or AK 1620 tons, 1942, speed 38, 4 - 5". MONAGHAN 1395 tons, 1935, speed 34.5, 5 - 5". DALE 1395 tons, 1935, speed 34.5, 5 - 5". (*) No definite word that this present. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 138 - Regraded Unclassified COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHEF MAYY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. March 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) (1) COMCRUDIV 1 (MCMORRIS) contacted enemy vessels 165 miles west of HOLTZ BAY at 0803 W 26 March. Enemy force consisted of 2 CA, 2 CL, 4 DD, 2 AP, posit Lat. 53-00 Long. 168-40. (2) At 0930, the action was joined at extreme range, posit Lat. 53-23 Long. 168-10, U.S. course 300. (3) At 1115, posit Lat. 53-40 Long. 167-27, course 180, engagement continuing. SALT LAKE CITY several hits, damage slight. (4) At 1204, U.S. DDs reported attacking. SALT LAKE CITY stopped. (5) At 1223, SALT LAKE CITY making 22 knots, course 090, posit Lat. 53-10 Long. 167-30, enemy to westward. (6) At 1250, posit Lat. 53-10 Long. 167-50, speed 15. Enemy to westward, 20 or more miles distant, out of sight. (7) 1600 Posit Lat. 53-10 Long. 169-00, course 090, speed 18. SALT LAKE CITY and BAILEY proceeding ADAK, remainder force operate vicinity HOLTZ BAY, ATTU. No enemy contact since 1240. Enemy position at that time approximately 53-02 North, 167-02 East. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 137 - Regraded Unclassified 609 Partation increasing 537 annually 410 23° 972 USER 1856 207 200 2153 2154 64 5 1087 BOUNDARY 2086 BETWEEN UNITED STATES 2011 AND 2113 2120 2090 93 72 2115 70 65 75 KOMANDORSKI ISLANDS a 1750 1115 2250 Nihols 510 5 2120 BERING I 310 50 67 ® Medni Degal I (Copper I) 540 93P 1120 - 565 790 55 19 60 102 sa South 1505 no my 75 73 55,785 2166 value Total M.S 1670 110 300 do 1996 1853 2145 (567 1505 w 2175 CATALINA + G 3 n isia SPUTS AK 605 2190 976 2 991 5 6 447 400 pay 2175 @ 01 49 A D CWrangell L 1240 W 26 E 422 2125 Attul 950 1244 Y80 legi 950 2100 LAS REPORTED 197 Samiobi la 2120 59 2237 POSIT ENEMY 2107 NEAR ISLAND 35 822 100 /breakere rap/ Buldir I Agattul Cape Sabak 482 PD@ 15 900 2463 1857 947 not 30 30 1668 ais 40 4037 2463 1046 Kiska 2711 332 P.D. 2320 - 1471 1777 2005 303 68 1896 69 2793 799 RAT ISL 998 1014 4199 WARNING Riska The and the the / the 109811 the the Continued Southward 165° 166' 167 168' 169' 170' 171 172° 173" 174' 175° 176° 177 39 May 40 Oct +5(38-2,67718,20,21(39-12,22 39-29,30,34,48,51(40-2,11,21 '39 V 40 X'41 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 26, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) In difficult flying weather, but without loss, heavy and medium bombers supported by fighters attacked KISKA four times during the afternoon of March 24th. Hits were scored on the enemy camp area. One of our bombers was slightly damaged. - 136 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-78 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 22, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On March 21st. enemy installations at KISKA were attacked by a total of fifteen Lightning and Warhawk fight- ers and three Mitchell bombers. A second group of five Liberator and six Mitchell bombers also attacked. Except for one large fire in the camp area, results were not ob- served. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 135 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 19, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On the morning of March 18th. KISKA was attacked twice by heavy bombers, medium bombers and Lightnings. Results were unobserved. One fighter plane was damaged. DECLASSIPTES-72 OSD - 134 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER DI CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 18, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLAND ACTION (Cont'd.) At 4:04 p.m. March 16th, six Liberators and six Mitchells supported by eight Lightnings attacked KISKA. Hits were observed on NORTH HEAD and the Camp Area. Although all planes returned, two Liberators were damaged. At 5 p.m.March 16th, KISKA was again bombed by four Mitchells. Hits were observed on the Submarine Base. One bomber is missing. The Submarine S-32 reports the probable sinking of an enemy submarine in the Aleutians. This sinking is in addition to the one reported in yesterday morning's summary. - 133 - DECLASSIFIED 08D Letter, 5-3-72 COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF VT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 17, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 10:03 a.m. March 16th. six heavy and six medium bombers, supported by eight Lightnings (P-38's), attacked KISKA. Hits were observed in the submarine base and camp area. Two of our heavy bombers and one medium were dam- aged. All planes returned except two fighters which may have landed on AMCHITKA. At 1:40 p.m. March 16th. eight Lightnings (P-38's) engaged eight enemy planes 20 miles south of VEGA (south- west coast of KISKA). Two, or possibly four, enemy planes were shot down. All our planes returned. DECLASSIFIED 88D Letter, 5-3-72 - 132 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER Dr CHIEF MAYT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 17, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLAND ACTION (Cont'd.) At 5:30 p.m. March 15th, the 8-32 sank an I-Class enemy submarine at the entrance of HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. On the morning and afternoon of March 15th, KISKA was bombed and strafed six times by medium and heavy bombers, supported by Lightnings (P-38's) and Warhawks (P-40's). In these operations we suffered no losses with the exception of one Warhawk which caught fire and subsequently landed in the vicinity of RAT ISLAND. A rescue mission later found the pilot dead from drowning. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 131 - COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 a.m. March 15, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 5:40 p.m. March 13th, eight Warhawks and three Lightnings strafed enemy installations and grounded planes on Kiska. Hits were observed on three to six of the enemy planes. DECLASSIFIEB 08D Letter, 5-3-72 - 130 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 a.m. March 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On the afternoon of March 13th. twelve Warhawks (P-40's) bombed KISKA. All planes returned. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 129 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4:30 p.m. March 13, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Twelve Warhawks (P40's) on the afternoon of March 12th. swept over KISKA and strafed enemy installations on VOLCAN POINT. - 128 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON; D.C. 4 p.m. March 10, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd,) On March 9th. an air force from ADAK consisting of four Mitchells (B-25's), six Liberators (B-24's), escorted by twelve Lightnings (P-38's), blasted the main camp at KISKA with 43 - 1000-1b. bombs. The anti-aircraft fire was heavy and slightly damaged one Liberator. Shortly after this attack a fighter sortie from AMCHITKA hit KISKA and reported no anti-aircraft fire. Late on March 9th. the Submarine S-32 reported tor- pedoing an enemy destroyer off HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. The submarine suffered slight damage due to depth charging by a second enemy destroyer. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 127 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 4 p.m. March 8, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On March 7th., despite heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, four Warhawks (P-40's) from AMCHITKA dropped 4 - 300-lb. and 21 - 20-1b. fragmentation bombs on the Japanese main camp at KISKA. During the afternoon of the same day ten medium and six heavy bombers from ADAK also bombed KISKA. Results were not reported. All our planes returned. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 126 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF THERE NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. March 4, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 2:35 p.m. March 2nd. four Warhawks (P-40's) raided KISKA. - 125 - DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 3, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) During the month of February our Air Forces in the face of adverse weather bombed KISKA nine times, dropping over 1,000 bombs, and, in addition, shot down ten enemy planes without loss to themselves. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 124 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. March 1, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 3:15 p.m. February 27th. six heavy and six medium bombers, escorted by four Lightnings (P-38's), attacked KISKA. Due to clouds results were unobserved. All our planes returned. At 1 p.m. February 28th. the enemy camp area at KISKA was attacked by six medium bombers. Hits were observ- ed. All our planes returned. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 123 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 26, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On February 25th. KISKA was bombed by eleven bombers escorted by fighters. No enemy aircraft were encountered and anti-aircraft fire was not heavy. Results have not been reported. One bomber was damaged by anti-aircraft fire and crash-landed upon returning to the base. Another bomber was damaged slightly. C DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 122 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 25, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On February 23rd. six heavy and ten medium bombers, escorted by eight Lightnings (P-38's), bombed KISKA. Due to clouds, results were not observed. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 121 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 23, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At about 11 a.m. February 20th. five Liberators (B-24's) and six Mitchells (B-25's), escorted by eight Lightnings (P-38's), bombed KISKA. Hits were observed on the runway and in the main camp area. All our planes returned. DECLASSIFIED-72 - 120 - OSD Letter, COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 20, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd) On February 20th. the Heavy Cruiser INDIANAPOLIS intercepted a Japanese ammunition ship near ATTU ISLAND. The enemy was attacked by gunfire, set ablaze, and left sinking. DECLASSIFIED 7 119 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHINF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 20, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On February 18th. two Japanese float planes appeared over AMCHITKA ISLAND. Warhawks (Army P-40's) on anti- submarine patrol shot down both planes. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 118 - COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 19, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On February 18th. enemy positions at HOLTZ BAY and CHICHAGOF HARBOR, ATTU ISLAND, were bombarded by our sur- face forces. Effects were not discernible. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 117 - COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 17, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) A supplementary report of the bombing attack on AMCHITKA ISLAND reported in the morning summary of February 15th indicates as follows: six enemy float planes dropped ten bombs. Three hits were scored on the new runway strip causing superficial damage. There was no other damage but two men were killed and one wounded. DECLASSIFIED - 116 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF 1 NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 16, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) An incomplete report indicates that enemy planes bombed AMCHITKA on February 15th. at 4:20 p.m. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 115 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At about 10 p.m. February 13th. five Liberators (B-24's) and six Mitchells (B-25's), escorted by ten Lightnings (P-38's), attacked KISKA. Hits were scored in the camp area and in the vicinity of the fighter strip. Three of five enemy float Zeros were shot down. One of our bombers, damaged by anti-aircraft fire, crashed near ADAK, injuring the crew. An enemy plane was shot down near AMCHITKA ISLAND. In- complete reports indicate that AMCHITKA was attacked by Japanese planes on February 14th. at 4:25 a.m. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 115 - Regraded Unclassified COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 11, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 8:30 a.m. February 10th. a force of six heavy bombers and eight medium bombers escorted by fighters attacked KISKA. Hits were observed in the main camp area, on hangars, and other buildings. Two hits were scored on a fighter strip. Eight hits were also scored on another fighter strip in the vicinity of NORTH HEAD. Our planes did not encounter any air opposition. A twin-float enemy plane dropped a bomb on our Covering Force south of KISKA without damage. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 114 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 9, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On February 8th. six heavy and five medium bombers dropped from a height of 5,500 feet 48 - 500-1b. bombs on the Japanese main camp at KISKA. Twelve other bombs were dropped on the north end of the camp. A medium bomber dropped 8 - 300-1b. bombs at NORTH HEAD, KISKA. Six enemy fighters on the water near TROUT LAGOON offered no inter- ception. One of our personnel was wounded from anti-air- craft fire. All of our planes returned. DECLASSIFIEB OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 113 - Dearaded COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 5, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.). At about 11 p.m. February 4th. six Liberators (B-24's) and five Mitchells (B-25's), escorted by twelve fighters, bombed KISKA. Five float enemy Zeros attempted to intercept, four of which are reported shot down. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 111 - COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 3, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION- (Cont'd.) It is reported that efforts to refloat the MIDDLETON have been unsuccessful. Further investigations are being made. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 110 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. February 2, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd,) Enemy planes bombed AMCHITKA ISLAND twice on February 1st. On the first attack by eight to ten single-engine float monoplanes at 7:55 a.m. four bombs were dropped. The Des- troyers LONG and DALE were strafed. No casualties or damage resulted from this attack. In the second attack no bombs were dropped, but the Destroyer DALE was again strafed with- out damage. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 109 - COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 4 p.m. February 1, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 4:03 p.m. January 31st. two Zero float planes bombed CONSTANTINE HARBOR, AMCHITKA. There was no damage. The first attempts to refloat the Transport MIDDLE- TON aground in CONSTANTINE HARBOR were unsuccessful. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 108 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 29, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Additional information regarding the attack on our ship- ping at AMCHITKA reported in the morning Summary of January 28th. indicates that three enemy float planes took part in the attack instead of two. Five bombs dropped ashore were widely dispersed. One of the planes strafed the vicinity of the fighter strip and killed one and wounded two soldiers. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 107 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 28, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.). Two enemy float monoplanes on January 28th. bombed our shipping at AMCHITKA. No damage was reported. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 106 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. January 27, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Weather conditions hampered operations in the ALEU- TIANS on January 26th. Two Japanese planes appeared over AMCHITKA but did not attack. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 105 - COMINCH Fuz UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. c. 9 a.m. January 26, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On January 25th. two float-type Zeros dropped four bombs on our shipping in CONSTANTINE HARBOR, AMCHITKA ISLAND. No hits, no damage, and no casualties were re- ported. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 104 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OFFORE MAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. January 25, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On January 24th. in CONSTANTINE HARBOR, AMCHITKA ISLAND, the U.S.S. ARTHUR MIDDLETON (transport) and the U.S.A.T. DELAROF were bombed by two float type Japanese monoplanes. The latter ship suffered minor damage. OSD DECLASSIFIED Letter, 5-3-72 - 103 - COMINCH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF PEORET AM DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 21, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd,) Confirmation of the sinking of the Destroyer WORDEN reported in the Summary of January 13th. has been received. The ship sank on January 12th. south of KIRILOF POINT at the entrance to CONSTANTINE Harbor, AMCHITKA. Three enlist- ed men are dead, eleven missing, and one injured. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 102 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 a.m. January 16, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The latest reports indicate that the Combat Transport MIDDLETON is still aground in CONSTANTINE Harbor, AMCHITKA ISLAND. Unloading operations are slowed, but continuing. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 101 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 5 p.m. January 14, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) Troops and some equipment have been landed on AMCHITKA ISLAND. The Naval Transport MIDDLETON on the night of Jan- uary 12th.-13th. dragged anchor in wind gusts of 40 to 60 knots and grounded on the western end of CONSTANTINE Harbor. Attempts to free her are underway. Air searches of the WESTERN ALEUTIANS on January 12th. and 13th. are reported negative. DECLASSIFIED 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 - 100 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET RADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 13, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On January 12th. a pilot of a patrol plane operating in the AMCHITKA AREA reports UNITED STATES troops landing on AMCHITKA ISLAND with no evidence of enemy opposition. The Destroyer WORDEN was reported to have run aground at the entrance of CONSTANTINE Harbor, AMCHITKA. The patrol plane pilot reports that the WORDEN later sank. Further details are not available. DECLASSIFIED - 99 - OSD Letter, 5-3-72 Regraded Unclassified COMINOR FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 9, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 12:53 p.m. January 7th. four Liberators (B-24's) dropped 24 - 500-1b. bombs upon the Submarine Base at KISKA. Results were unobserved. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 98 - COMINON FILE UNITED STATES FLEET SHOULD EADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C. 9 a.m. January 8, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) From 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 6th. five Liber- ators (B-24's) attempted to bomb KISKA. One plane dropped 11 - 500-1b. bombs with the Submarine Base as the target. Observation of the results was prevented by clouds, although smoke was observed in the Submarine Base area. The remainder of the planes turned back because clouds obscured their tar- gets. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 97 - COMINGH Fux UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 7, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) The following additional information has been received regarding the bombing of enemy ships in the KISKA AREA re- ported in yesterday's Summary:- The enemy cargo vessel sunk by the Mitchells was of 5,000 tons and heavily loaded, 50 miles northeast of KISKA. The vessel attacked by the Liberator plane was bombed three miles off HOLTZ BAY, ATTU ISLAND. This ship was of 5,000 tons, heavily loaded, and left burn- ing and sinking after receiving two 500-1b. bomb hits. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 96 - COMINGH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET HEADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF MAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 6, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At noon January 6th. three Mitchells (B-25's) bombed an enemy cargo ship of 3,000 tons 120 miles north northeast of KISKA. The ship was left burning and later was observed to sink. On January 6th. a Liberator (B-24) on weather observa- tion duty attacked and scored one direct hit and two near misses on an enemy cargo vessel 195 miles southwest of KISKA. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 95 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET LADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVT DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 2, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) At 12:40 p.m. January lst. six Liberators (B-24's) escorted by nine Lightnings (P-38's) dropped 37 500-1b. bombs on the enemy cargo vessels in KISKA Harbor. Photos show probable damage to a small ship by a near miss. Complete observation of results was obscured by clouds. Six Zeros were in the air, one of which was shot down. DECLASSIFIED OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 94 - COMINCH FILE UNITED STATES FLEET ADQUARTERS or THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9 a.m. January 1, 1943. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ACTION (Cont'd.) On December 30th. at 9:30 p.m. fourteen Lightnings (P-38's) and three Mitchells (B-25's) observed two enemy cargo or transport vessels of large tonnage and three small submarines (probably midget) in KISKA Harbor. Eight of our Lightnings proceeded to strafe the enemy ships and were en- gaged by four Zero float planes. Two of our planes were shot down and one enemy plane was seen to crash into the water. Our bombers attacked the enemy surface vessels with undeter- mined results. One Mitchell was shot down. At 1:47 a.m. December 31st. five heavy and eight medi- um bombers again attacked the enemy ships in KISKA Harbor with 500 and 300-1b. bombs. Three hits were observed on one vessel and two on the other. All of our planes returned, al- though minor damage was sustained and some personnel casual- ties suffered. DECLASSIFIEB OSD Letter, 5-3-72 - 93 -