1942 - US Army Center Of Military History

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in rear area repel counterattack by about 100 Japanese,
killing 72. 79th Inf, 24th Div, is ordered to
drive NE from Davao area to effect junction with
Filipino guerrillas moving SW; elements of 21st
and 34th Regts continue clearing Talomo R Valley;
attack on Hill 550, where Co G, 34th Inf, relieves
2d Bn, 79th Inf, is suspended; Co F repels counterattacks
after nightfall. On Samal, main body of 3d
Bn, 79th Inf, joins Co K. Japanese withdraw from
the island about this time. On Negros, 160th Inf
renews assault on Dolan in Negros Occidental, the
target for extensive aerial and arty bombardment,
and clears it except for pocket on N spur.
OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib
Corps area, small Marine force on crest of Sugar
Loaf (I officer and 79 men of 22d Marines, 6th Mar
Div) withdraws under fire when its position becomes
untenable. 7th Marines, 1st Mar Div, suspends
assault on Wana Ridge while Japanese positions
are being softened with ground fire, air strikes,
and naval gunfire. In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf,
77th Div, inching forward on right flank of div, has
suffered heavy casualties and is at 1/4 strength. On
div left, 307th Inf attacks through 306th toward
Chocolate Drop and positions near crest of Flattop.
Japanese counterattack unsuccessfully after nightfall.
382d Inf, 96th Div, continues to battle enemy
on Dick hill mass. 383d improves positions on spurs
of Conical Hill; elements advance up NW spur but
are out of contact with others to E.
16 May
CHINA—Gen Eaker, AAF Hq, tells Gen Wedemeyer
that Gen Chennault will be replaced regardless
of other considerations.
LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps area, 3d
Bn of 27th Inf, 25th Div, is delayed by strongpoint
on E edge of Bolong Plateau. In XI Corps area,
149th Inf begins relieving 145th in Mt Pacawagan
area. 152d Inf opens all-out attack for Woodpecker
Ridge after preparatory bombardment, gaining
weak hold on military crest and forward slopes of
Twin Peaks. In XIV Corps area, Gen MacNider
reports the Bicols secure.
MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps
area, 3d Bn of 767th Inf, 31st Div, advancing along
Talomo Trail, runs into strong delaying opposition
that virtually halts it for more than a week about a
mile N of Sanipon. Continuing operations to clear
Talomo R Valley, 3d Bn of 34th Inf, 24th Div, gains
a little ground and digs in to consolidate for next
few days.
OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army’s III Amphib
Corps area, 6th Mar Div, attacking with 2 regts
toward Sugar Loaf, experiences its worst day of
[ 16–17 MAY 1945 ]
combat on Okinawa as enemy continues to resist
viciously. In 1st Mar Div zone, M–7’s and tankinfantry
teams of 5th Marines try to neutralize
Wana Draw. 1st Bn, 7th Marines, attacks up Wana
Ridge but is forced back to N base. In XXIV Corps
area, 77th Div continues to battle enemy N of Shuri
with 305th Inf on right and 307th on left. Efforts
of 307th to take Chocolate Drop and Flattop are
again futile. 383d Inf, 96th Div, improves positions
on regimental left, where supporting tanks reach
outskirts of Yonabaru, but is unable to oust Japanese
from Love Hill, W of Conical Hill.
17 May
LUZON—In U.S. Sixth Army’s XI Corps area,
149th Inf of 38th Div continues relieving 145th and
patrols without incident; 152d Inf pauses to consolidate
and patrol in Woodpecker Ridge area. In
final assault by 3 regts after intensive preparatory
bombardment, 43d Div takes Ipo Dam intact.
Japanese still hold Osboy Ridge, however.
MINDANAO—In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps
area, 1st Bn, 19th Inf, 24th Div, starts NE to contact
guerrilla forces; 2d Bn of 21st Inf, driving
toward Tugbok, meets strong opposition, which
arty and aircraft help to neutralize.
OKINAWA—In U.S. Tenth Army area, Gen
Buckner takes control of all forces ashore and is responsible
for defense and development of captured
positions. Adm Hill replaces Adm Turner as Commander
TF 51 and will control air defenses and
naval forces. In III Amphib Corps area, while badly
mauled 22d Regt, 6th Mar Div, conducts holding
action, 29th Marines continues attack for Sugar Loaf
after heavy naval gunfire, air, and arty bombardment.
Striking from the E after 1st and 3d Bns have
opened approach from W end of Crescent Hill, 2d
Bn drives to crest of Sugar Loaf but falls back when
ammunition is exhausted. 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div,
continues to fire into Wana Draw; 2d Bn attacks
Hill 55, in its mouth, and gains positions on W
slope. 3d Bn, 7th Marines, relieves exhausted 1st Bn
and continues efforts to take Wana Ridge without
success. In XXIV Corps area, Co E of 307th Inf, 77th
Div, in surprise, predawn attack, advances to
Ishimmi Ridge, W of town of Ishimmi; there it is
dangerously exposed to enemy fire from all sides
and cannot be reinforced. 3d Bn secures positions
around Chocolate Drop and drives off counterattacking
enemy; drives to crest of Flattop but is driven off.
305th Inf continues slow advance on right flank of
div. 96th Div commits 3d Bn, 381st Inf, on E flank,
where it relieves Cos E and F, 383d, in preparation
for drive S down 800 yard ridge extending from
Conical peak to Sugar Hill.