C. a. Nimitz - Command Summary NWC DS 001 01 v6 WEB
767
Command Summary of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN Nimitz “Graybook” 7 December 1941 – 31 August 1945 Volume 6 of 8 Running Estimate and Summary maintained by CINCPAC staff covering the period 1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945 The following document is a digitized representation of materials contained in Series I, Subseries A (original copies), of Coll. 505, Papers of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, maintained by the Archives Branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC. The Command Summary, commonly referred to as the “Graybook” contains the CINCPAC (Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet) staff’s “running estimate of the situation” and summary of command decisions, as well as key dispatches received or originated by CINCPAC headquarters. The 8 volumes are paginated as follows: Volume 1 (7 December 1941 to 31 August 1942): pages 1 861 Volume 2 (1 September 1942 to 31 December 1942): pages 862 – 1262 Volume 3 (1 January 1943 to 30 June 1943): pages 1263 – 1612 Volume 4 (1 July 1943 to 31 December 1943): pages 1613 – 1830 Volume 5 (1 January 1944 to 31 December 1944): pages 1831 – 2485 Volume 6 (1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945): pages 2486 – 3249 Volume 7 (1 July 1945 to 31 August 1945): pages 3250 – 3548 Volume 8 (Selected dispatches concerning the period 30 December 1941 – 30 April 1942 and pertaining to the Battle of Midway): pages are not sequentially numbered. Note: Volume 8 contains dispatch copies, many of which were poorly reproduced at the time of compilation. Some portions are illegible. Digitization of the Nimitz Graybook was carried out in 2012 as a cooperative effort between the Naval War College and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Digitization was overseen by the Naval War College Library. Funding was provided by the Naval War College Foundation, Newport, Rhode Island, with donations received from the Naval Order of the United States and several individual Foundation members. This PDF file contains a searchable text layer generated by OCR at the time of digitization. The OCR text is “uncorrected” and cannot be relied upon as an accurate transcript, but is included for whatever search utility it may provide. A future digital edition may include a complete and accurate transcription. Any previously classified content herein was reviewed and declassified appropriately at the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives, in accordance with U.S. federal declassification authority. This document is in the public domain. United States Naval War College, Newport, RI 2013
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Transcript of C. a. Nimitz - Command Summary NWC DS 001 01 v6 WEB
Command Summary of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USNCommand Summary of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN Nimitz “Graybook”
7 December 1941 – 31 August 1945
Volume 6 of 8
Running Estimate and Summary maintained by CINCPAC staff
covering the period 1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945 The following document is a digitized representation of materials contained in Series I, Subseries A (original copies), of Coll. 505, Papers of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, maintained by the Archives Branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC. The Command Summary, commonly referred to as the “Graybook” contains the CINCPAC (Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet) staff’s “running estimate of the situation” and summary of command decisions, as well as key dispatches received or originated by CINCPAC headquarters. The 8 volumes are paginated as follows: Volume 1 (7 December 1941 to 31 August 1942): pages 1 - 861 Volume 2 (1 September 1942 to 31 December 1942): pages 862 – 1262 Volume 3 (1 January 1943 to 30 June 1943): pages 1263 – 1612 Volume 4 (1 July 1943 to 31 December 1943): pages 1613 – 1830 Volume 5 (1 January 1944 to 31 December 1944): pages 1831 – 2485 Volume 6 (1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945): pages 2486 – 3249 Volume 7 (1 July 1945 to 31 August 1945): pages 3250 – 3548 Volume 8 (Selected dispatches concerning the period 30 December 1941 – 30 April 1942 and pertaining to the Battle of Midway): pages are not sequentially numbered. Note: Volume 8 contains dispatch copies, many of which were poorly reproduced at the time of compilation. Some portions are illegible. Digitization of the Nimitz Graybook was carried out in 2012 as a cooperative effort between the Naval War College and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Digitization was overseen by the Naval War College Library. Funding was provided by the Naval War College Foundation, Newport, Rhode Island, with donations received from the Naval Order of the United States and several individual Foundation members. This PDF file contains a searchable text layer generated by OCR at the time of digitization. The OCR text is “uncorrected” and cannot be relied upon as an accurate transcript, but is included for whatever search utility it may provide. A future digital edition may include a complete and accurate transcription.
Any previously classified content herein was reviewed and declassified appropriately at the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives, in accordance with U.S. federal declassification authority. This document is in the public domain.
United States Naval War College, Newport, RI 2013
't ., ;
1 January 1945 - I j u L '/ t'C} lf s-
.,, ' ., ' ~ ,. 1 .. '.
9 januar,y CINCPOA 092131
15 Jan. CINCBPF 152201 (pink) 16 Jan. JCS 162254 (pink)
17 Jan. JCS 170349 (pink)
20 Jan. CINCS:·VPA 200535 (pink)
23 Jan CNO 231323
23 Jan Cominch-CNO 231341
Third Fleet enters SOUTH CHINA SEA. (Exit 20/21 January).
Support of- ICEBERG by CG USF CHINA Theater.
Recommend~ establishing ComAirPacSubComFord. (Authorized by Cominch 171916)
CDJCBPF reports to CINCPAC •
Covers ICEBERG Operation.
Covers transfer of lend-lease vessels to USSR.
CHINA Theater support of ICEB&ttG to be as arran sed between Nirrdtz and Wedemeyer.
Command 3rdli'1t transferred to Com5thflt. CTF 3S (McCain) relieved by CTF 58 (Mitscher,
CINCPAC-CINCPOA departed PEARL for GUAM. CINCPAC-CJlTCPOA arrived GUAM.
Covers arrangements for support of ICEBERG by CHINA Theater.
CINCPAC flew GUAM to ULITHI, broke flag in INDif\NAPOLIS.
Policy on OATC Centers in POA.
Movement 58th Bomb Wing INDIA-BtJRl.U ... to 1 ~A'lliiUJAS •
Allocation _ ersonnel and facilities in ST/VPA for use by BPF.
Staging Facilities in l~ANAS for reserve Carrier Air Groups.
248 C
i:&£ ? ., !;!· ~'-- )~ LJL= ( GCT)
24 0630 CTF 51 Sli': ~·~~Y I O. l:-7 - CC:L'IlHL~D.
260400
;:atin.r.; sus )icious objects. T.~~ ! \l' .\1'-JI toYfed her clr>ar on hi ,~~h tide afternoon 2;lrd. No daL.a.c;e. ld:, 0[:.00 L1, II'~ T •• ade lJossible submarine sovnd contact bearin;; 322 degrees 25 nli.les ~rom BOLO. Attacks nere 1Ilc1.de at 01.;-30 and
0445 -~.itll ne.:;,ativc resul-~,s • .Search continues. Search on subm.exine contact 111:~de by A.&1.CN •.'!JJID at 221713 was abandoned -;·;it:1 negative results. D T GRI!lll~I sank floatin -: ~ ine oy rifle fire at 0830 bearinz lS'O 27 miles from BOLO. =.Iine was s )herical uith 4 .1orns and in sood condition. J:SFF~=--'1.3 de- stx·oJa:ed 1 mine at 221944 position 23-h? N 126-tJ-6 E. Loading and unloading operations proB;ressine smoothly on I~ SHII'LA. All assault ship~)ins has been discharged and 50;; of Gro?ac units ashore . 5000 feet south net completed and 7 moorings relaid at KERA1.1A.. Revised casuelties on ISIL:rt~JOOD 38 EIA 30 ·.~I;\ 14 ::u ... Casualties reported to date by 110 ships of TF 51 KL'l. 500 .~I.A~ 1594 ~:IA 627. Total 2d01. Para. Direct air sup )Ort of troo~)S not fur- nished today c!_ue to bad ueather. c~\P T.ras maintained but search flights ,md anti subma:-cine Jatrols were floun by PBLi:s . No in flight contacts were reported. 1 PB:i is assistin:~ surface search by IIT .. 'IN for possible submarine bearine 322 degrees 25 miles from BOLO . TU 52.1.3 is continuing strikes on s: IITSHI:::..S. GUNTO. No enenw air contacts since last report. Tactical air observers comnenced o:Jerations from YONTA.:N Field in TB_ s of TG 99.2 re- lieving TB~.!:s of TG 52.1. Pilot TU 52.1.3 reported in water last nit:;ht SE of ISHIKA.HA too lat.e for Durnbo rescue was recovered Dumbo _c!B!l at 07 50 today. Para. ·leather overcast ·vrith clouds breakint; in afternoon. Scattered shovrers. Visibi]_i..ty 6 miles . ToJind 15 Knots fron 300 to OOOx Slip;ht sea. Te~·1perat ure averan;e 7 5 degrees.
CTFf to COM5THFL T info COMGEN 10, CINCPAC BOTH HQ, 5TH FLT.
Sillllinary Number 49 as of 2524001 (-9). Naval operations for the period consisted of reinforcing fire missions in support of 24th Corps during afternoon 25 Apri~ by 2 OBB. 1 CL 4 DD operating on east shore and by 2 OBB 2 CA 1 CL 3 DD working west shore. During the night 2 OBB 2 CA 1 CL 4 DD gave direct support to 24th Corps from the east and 2 CA 2~ CL 3 DD from the west. All fire was under corps control and consisted majnly of call fire missions and illuminating fires. Further report on gunfire support of 24 April indicates NEW YORK destroyed hostile gun and 8 artillery emplacements in TA 79741. WICHITA destroyed 1 2-gun emplacement and 1 3-gun battery in TA 8072G. On 25 April COLORADO reports destruction of 10 buildings 3 guns and enemy personnel covered effectively.· TEXAS closed 6 caves and CALLAGHAN destroyed 1 hostile gun. OFLAHERTY had sound contact at 0320 on 25 Apr3.l bearing 130 true 28 miles from poiNT REUNION. Unable to majntain contact and rejoined screen at 0435 because of reduced screen for flight operations. Evaluation possible submarine. RALPH TALBOT reports sound contact at 1.\.T 21-,50 North 131-21 East at 1840 on 24 April. Hunter killer operat1ons in effect. Reports so far undetermined. BASS had sonar contact at 1720 25 (10 groups missing) 9-34 Bast. Made 2 attacks with negAtive results. Contact eveluated as probable sub. PUTNAJ~ sank 1 JH Type mine in position 26-11 ~Torth 128-06 East at 1450. SHEA destroyed 1 horned mine in position 26-47 Nort~ 128-43 East at 0711. ANZIO Group destroyed 1 mine at 0830 in position 25-59 North 133-58 East. Outgoing convoy r eported sighting mine in position 25-.00 North 128-26 Bast at 2200. Hydrographic survey MS TH IE SBIMA completed 24 Apr i l. ~it:ine sweepint: for the period included channel
2725
i E G B Tj\ T. APRIL (CiCT)
26 0400 t:TF 51 SU:M21ARv NO. 49 - CON1,INUED .
in B-5 Transport Area ~nd Ql entra~ce and s elected areas rechecked. Negative results. Ships by type departed f or SAIPAN 25 April as follows: 1 APD, 3 AM, 1 PCE, 1 PC, 3 SC , l LCFF, 5 L.ST, 18 LSM. Para. Naval air ITQssions conducted CVE'S of Task Group 52.1 Fast Carriers of Task Force §8 and shore based air of Task Group 99.2 in direct support of troops. During the night a nieht heckler mi ssion was flown by a TBM of Task Group 99.2 over southern OKINAWA. Task Unit 52.1.3 continued neutrclization of SAKISHIM._~ GUNTO. Search flights were made by PBM' S from KERA11A BASE and PB4Y'S fron YONTAN. At 1100 2 DE were sighted 30-18 North 128-50 East. At 110 and again at 1330 KUSIKAKI radio station was strafed and at 1515 radio station at G.AGA SHDfi.A lArds bombed and strafed with minor damage. ASP patrol was flown by PBM'S. 1'ULAGI Group covered areal around 26-30 North 134-30 East. ANZIO Group made Sono Buoy contact on possible sub 22-08 North 131-2g East and ar8 still working on it. ANZIO plane sighted submarine on surface 26-43 North 133-26 East a t 1852/I. Made special attack with results unreported. Corr®enced hunter killer. 1 Dumbo PBM was maintained on station near SAKISHIMA GUNTO for Task Unit 52.1.3 but no rescues were required. There were no hostile air attacks during period but from 0230 to 0445 26 April several enemy planes approached transport area at low altitude. TENNESSEE fired at 1 without results. At 0347 LCS 56 shot down 1 SALLY off northeast coast OKINAWA. PARA. Weather mostly cloudy. Wind variable 5 to 6 knots. Temperature average 75 degrees. Visibility 10 to 15 miles. Smooth Sea. No appreciable swell of surf. End of Surmnary.
26 1!100 CC~ :G~:d'T TEN TO CTF 51 I!~~'O Cil'TCPOA BOTH , CG ~2rfJl:=:1! •
Ops Sum 67 a s of 261000. During t~1e ·1ei·iod 2 51200-2612GO no enemy aircraft ·were re·Jorted in c:ITI{~'JA a rea. Pa ra. Between 252030-260100 t he eneny launched 3 coUi .. ter attac~-~s in grou'1s 20 to 30 men ea ch in 24th Cor9 s zone. lUl a t tack s r epu lsed:. Snall enemy 7 oups ffi"11e d rith s atchel c harges and Dnd otner ex)losive s continued infilt ration att enDts all a lon:; 2L:-th Cor2JS sectorfi. Advances of c300 t o 2000 yards were 1,1ade all alonp; 2Lr.th . Cor~)S front. 165 Inf of 27th Div reached the nor thern end of t he airfi elds in 'l'A 7676E a t 1340 . 105 Inf of 27th Div rea ched its initi al objective in srA 7c..//5 at 1200. ~=ain opposition 27th Div front centered arolu1d bypa s s ed ::A~-c.~::A . Captured man indicates the enemy 2l1.th and 25th Bns of the 2nd Inf Brig op:)os e the. 27th Div. Para. Dlu•ing the night division killed L~ c:md c a ""~tured l of e.n infiltrating \)arty and ident,ified the 2/+th Jiv ·iC!J Regt. :li~sion of enemy 0atrol Y!T-? s to locate CPs and l{il l lli?]1 rankin~ offic ers oi the 7th Div tei'i TJ.lCI()_J ~:r;:~_\CIL~D IBvr.rGH ~.IT..\ by 0?00 . ?atrols all a2.ong t,he D~v front c orrcinued to en~ounter and enp;a[Se Sll"l£.11 enemy c;roups. Other· Bns of the Di v continued L'..O))in,.::; U~) c_md sealin~~; caves in areas •r eviously by- U?,.ssed. Para . 96th Div ;:r·-, 1200 1aeetin3 rela.tively heavy mortar a.nd :=G . fire . ~·.dvaLce co~Tcinued slouly. . :nemy doc-w·.1'-nr'c s indicate t~12.t Di v 0!1 ··osed bv elenedcs 2L:.th J:-") Div L . Para. Front lines 2L~t;.1 8or_!S sJ, 261600: 27th Div TA 7777 ~'":L 777'/ ~ ICJ 7<5!6 1:- tJ 7875 BJ~ 7975 .3CD~ 96th ~)iv T~\ B075lLJ.SOJ 81?5 _ _.'G · . ./TG 807h0 J 2.sl7l!-.\ 8175:~ 28J:.7l~.O iL 7th Div TA el?L~ ,,·:0~ B274K -Vi n-''74T·ry ''""JY'1/ ·;-'r c~oL'1'·, ~·n.~c.,n ·H·r74 P.T ,~r.L·r P)6"'72 ID ~rd-:·hibCor-os· Dvr"in- · the o.~ . .1. L u;; f t-J. _, -.. u !· ;; ~~u ;_ u:; - .u • .~... • • .J ~ ~ • - -;-~u
ni ~~ht .:1ortc.r J.~ire l'el.l on hC-0 ~ ~!o cr:tsu::.lties d&n::.1c;e re ;oi·ted. 6th = arDiv killed 2;; ene:ny :~5 ~Jril .. l .ar:0iv continued atrolli·1._; ,~_nd re Ol'"'ted no , -r • ,.... ~ d ' . l e:'.ei ry c.;.;,cti vity c .:rin ~ Ei ·11t 25-26 . ,. ara . ~.e'1den·. a:LrlleL. no1r o Jeraclona e:,:c0 ,t ( ·u--in · r[lj_~ls . .).h 1~1-a.nc davm and dus~.: -~ ~ ~~_, nai:1tai.ned on scheciule ~
- Contirraed - 27 26
___ 1__:.5__,. ~ ¥. (GC'E)
2 1700
1\ 2 ple.ne CA:._) over e2.cl1. of 5 ·"15.c~~et snl_ 1s north of CICC.~.tt.:j_ duri1Y; the day, 2 ~·ari_ne : .. ven~ers "'l.?iiTG:.:.:ined ni.~!.lt C1 .c' over 2L.th Cor·)S zone di·onnin'~ 100 bo~tiibs on e~1eny art .. y located i)y _('lash'"'s. ~- pla:~e ~l:i_,··;_-r~ c.-~--.~ re~~~ort~d ~~o el181DJ' contacts. CD.sual·l:.ics ;er=..od 250001 to 252L!.OO. 2hth Cor~JS: ;ITA 0 .I.~. 3 ~ ·r_·!. 0 7th InfDi v ::I.\ 19 .I_·.. 7 5 _ :I1.. 0 27th Di v I':I ~ 16 . J.. 119 . ;:r"·~ L;. 77th Div 96th Inf D~'-v l.J:.A 2 .. I.~. 28 .i~LJ. 2 3rdPhibCorns L~I1t 0 ~iiA 2 :a:.a 0 lst I~arDiv KIA 2 '.:I.\ 3 : ·I.i 0 6th HarDiv KI.l 2 ~JIA 28 ~:IJ. 2 TOT 367.
27 0849 CO 'G"&J T~;!~:r 13) CrilF 51 Ij\i(? CTECPOA, CU!:YJ-I(k.!•
0Js Sum1:1 6E5 as of 271700. 24th Cor s: Generally "'uiet ch:trine; night . 7th Div received SE12ll axaount 75l~i at 2200. Jan activi-'Gies at KmL' . .XU to area A 8273 early today broken by artillery fire. Several scattered roJ.nds Jap artillery fell in 2LJ.th Cor_Js rear area duri~1g ni,~ht. IJo dana·e reported. 27th Di v received 200 rolU1ds li::ht and uedirun ':ith some nhi te phosphorus 'lOTT 'L't. This is 2nd report latter type. Air strils-:e yesterday employing 2000 and 1000 pom1d bo;.1bs on conical hill 8271 excellent results . Todayrs advance ~Jro';;ressed [:)louly :ueetin~ resistance from sce.ttered stron.:?; :::>oints . 32nd J.1.CT patrols reac:1ed tmm at 8373 !'L aoout noon. 9lst Div attacked 0790 B' lPP h2.d e.dvanced to J(LJ.l be continued against li~;ht op'Josition. 7th Div attacked 0730 at l3j5 enea.-:;ed hand to !:end co ba' .. fighting thru ;)illboxes mut .. :ally sup~)ortin:; caves. 27th Div sli>)r'c activity during ::J.ornin0;. e:ctc.c~~ed 1000 moving l'orrrard slo\;ly some opposition from ~Jillboxes . Front li::1es as of 1500 27th Div ?67611 7676 H 78?6 K to H 7875 I to 7975 GK. 96th Div 0075F to a 8074 :JI..J 7th Div 8Z74 -·: to 8273 l:C 8473 _l to D S574 R 8673 B. 3rd ?hibCorps qu::..et ni:;ht continued napping up prepares future employment . Casualties period 260001- 262400 24th Corps Troops Kr~· 1 ·~!IA 1 i'.=EA 1 NBC 7. 7th Div :KIA 4 ,,'IA 61 EI:~ 1 NBC 26 . 27th Div [L\ 29 ':·iiA 164 MIA 5 lJBC 23. 77th Di v hot pr eviously reported XIA 8 :a;~. 13 · I~1Ll 1 J:wC 29 96th Di v !~TA 9 uT~. 71 !di_ 0 IJBC 13. 3rdPhibCor_ps lillC 6. lst ~.fu.rDiv ~~BC 39. 6th J.~arDiv iiA
,
. _.l. ..... .u _ • J. o a ..:\ -·- . __ ._ j J. _d_ ~:~. t> 1. __ ob. ..;;;. :r :;. 2£§ . . ~~.Q.;.._. •. .-
. Corsairs r<i_adv JR. of Jdt NIN?~T I~~el,lcats ~JJ.G J" l];.g.9_£3 _of~.£~ .. fhQs a.11d 10 of 14 F6F7T readyJ of 2L! . • v·enr7ers 18 e..re set ·Fith ni .. ·:ht C .. l.Ps ... lr-1+ Photo F6S rea.CLy. Usual ni~ht .0.nc~ dc.y ·)ic::ets r.ith night CADs throughout _>eriod. No contacts. VTB fle-(J hec.:ler sorties. l ~ven,ser hit by JV~ do-::n in friendly territory ere:; re:1ort.ed Wc.lJdng aTTe.y no fur·t.her info. 4 erou..ncl su1)port mis- sions by Corso.irs yestel"d<?.y.
29 0400 CTF 51 to ?OM5THFLT Info CI~CPAC BOTH, COMGEN TEN, 5THFLT.
Summary No. 52 as of 2a2400. Naval operations for the period comprised &Ullf'ire support to 24th Corps by naval vessels in East and West sectors. Cruisers, DD' s and sm.al1 craft engaged in .fly catcher missions along both coasts. other fire support ships were or~nized for defense against air attacks. Results of gunfire support during the period show NmV MEXICO hit 4 barracks in TA 7570 and various caves and revetments with several hits on radio station in TA 7570. Troop concentrations well covered with air · bursts. UOBn.E and TENNESSEE reported destrueti ve effect on various caves. ST IDUIS and HALL engaged in sraall boat extermination plan covering all of enenv held west coast. Reports by ST LOUIS show 9 small boats destroyed with HALL destroying 5 and CALLAGHAN 3 suicide boats along NAHA R.EHF •
- Continued -
2727
29 0400 CTF 51 SUMMARY NUMBER 52 - CONTINUED.
LCI(G) 347 destroyed l mticide boat night Zl-28 April. LCS 84 reports tactics employed by suicide craft is to lie still until closed by patrol craft then to make run past at high speed• CMIN in station BlD at O]JO 28th reports near miss by bomb or torpedo• RALPH TALBOT now reports 5 KIA and 10 WIA. THOMAS E FRASER in station 154 was under attack a.t 200415 by Betty which dropped dud banb or aerial torpedo nearby with no damage to ship. SAGITTARIOB shot down l enell\1 plane in transport area at 0300 28th. LCS 6.3 in area 150 destroyed 1 small craft at 041528 .April. CANADA VICTORY tentative ea.S'Ualt7 report shCWis merchant marine personnel U. WIA 7 MIA Navy Guard 1 KIA 1.3 WIA 3 MIA Arm:/ 1 MIA. LCI 803 in TA 92.32 at 0.330 2Sth had near banb miss with no casualties or damage. ENGLAND in pc)sition 340! 14 miles from BOLO had near miss b7 stdcider at 2205 28 April. GROUTER at station KILLER 4 ll miles N of BOLO report;,s several bogies during night Zl-28, showed weals sipa.ls similar to emergency IFF and showed running lights. Showing or weals IFF by 2 planes last night shot down by BUTLER without loss of aJV" ft-~ftlidlies. I.CS .37 reports damage to steering shaft and stern plating fran depth charge in action with suicide boat previous~ reported destroyed 0240 28th. PINKLEI which was station ship at KERA.MA hit amidships by low f:cying suieide plane at 1928. Severe !ire started burning fran bridge aft was soon under control but entire midships gatted. Engine room fiooded. Tug alongside pumping out. Last report indicates ship is able to provide for her own casualties but others being transferred to hospital ship. Captain wounded n~v abourd MT MCKINLEY. Estimate 25 patients killed by explosion and fire. WICHITA suffered underwater damage at 2351 ..,., •• ,... ••MMw•Ml•••• 27th while at NAKAGUSUKU WAN. Inspection b7 diver reveals small ealiber shell penetrated skin of ship and exploded in fuel oil tank. Hole about 5 inches in diame'ber 5 feet underwater port side. Probabq came from shore AA. CTG 51.21 reports 21 midget sub discovered in TA 0825 te> TA OSZ7. Contained 6 wrecked su.bs and lS tnch torpedo without warhead plus maintenance equipment. Jlinesvreeping for 28th consisted of routine channel and transport area sweeps. Area in El E2 E4 east of OGAN MISAKI REEF completed. Area Hll between lOO and 10 fathoms GtJNVES cleared. 1 floating mine smlk in TA 3928 and 1 sunk in TA 5136. Additional sweep in area Gl was negative. ELLISON sank drifting horned mine 26-44 N 128-23 E at 1645 28th. To date 7 ships have reported lflbal of lS WIA fran frien~ AA fire during action night 'Zl-28. Indiscriminate firing…
7 December 1941 – 31 August 1945
Volume 6 of 8
Running Estimate and Summary maintained by CINCPAC staff
covering the period 1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945 The following document is a digitized representation of materials contained in Series I, Subseries A (original copies), of Coll. 505, Papers of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, maintained by the Archives Branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC. The Command Summary, commonly referred to as the “Graybook” contains the CINCPAC (Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet) staff’s “running estimate of the situation” and summary of command decisions, as well as key dispatches received or originated by CINCPAC headquarters. The 8 volumes are paginated as follows: Volume 1 (7 December 1941 to 31 August 1942): pages 1 - 861 Volume 2 (1 September 1942 to 31 December 1942): pages 862 – 1262 Volume 3 (1 January 1943 to 30 June 1943): pages 1263 – 1612 Volume 4 (1 July 1943 to 31 December 1943): pages 1613 – 1830 Volume 5 (1 January 1944 to 31 December 1944): pages 1831 – 2485 Volume 6 (1 January 1945 to 1 July 1945): pages 2486 – 3249 Volume 7 (1 July 1945 to 31 August 1945): pages 3250 – 3548 Volume 8 (Selected dispatches concerning the period 30 December 1941 – 30 April 1942 and pertaining to the Battle of Midway): pages are not sequentially numbered. Note: Volume 8 contains dispatch copies, many of which were poorly reproduced at the time of compilation. Some portions are illegible. Digitization of the Nimitz Graybook was carried out in 2012 as a cooperative effort between the Naval War College and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Digitization was overseen by the Naval War College Library. Funding was provided by the Naval War College Foundation, Newport, Rhode Island, with donations received from the Naval Order of the United States and several individual Foundation members. This PDF file contains a searchable text layer generated by OCR at the time of digitization. The OCR text is “uncorrected” and cannot be relied upon as an accurate transcript, but is included for whatever search utility it may provide. A future digital edition may include a complete and accurate transcription.
Any previously classified content herein was reviewed and declassified appropriately at the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives, in accordance with U.S. federal declassification authority. This document is in the public domain.
United States Naval War College, Newport, RI 2013
't ., ;
1 January 1945 - I j u L '/ t'C} lf s-
.,, ' ., ' ~ ,. 1 .. '.
9 januar,y CINCPOA 092131
15 Jan. CINCBPF 152201 (pink) 16 Jan. JCS 162254 (pink)
17 Jan. JCS 170349 (pink)
20 Jan. CINCS:·VPA 200535 (pink)
23 Jan CNO 231323
23 Jan Cominch-CNO 231341
Third Fleet enters SOUTH CHINA SEA. (Exit 20/21 January).
Support of- ICEBERG by CG USF CHINA Theater.
Recommend~ establishing ComAirPacSubComFord. (Authorized by Cominch 171916)
CDJCBPF reports to CINCPAC •
Covers ICEBERG Operation.
Covers transfer of lend-lease vessels to USSR.
CHINA Theater support of ICEB&ttG to be as arran sed between Nirrdtz and Wedemeyer.
Command 3rdli'1t transferred to Com5thflt. CTF 3S (McCain) relieved by CTF 58 (Mitscher,
CINCPAC-CINCPOA departed PEARL for GUAM. CINCPAC-CJlTCPOA arrived GUAM.
Covers arrangements for support of ICEBERG by CHINA Theater.
CINCPAC flew GUAM to ULITHI, broke flag in INDif\NAPOLIS.
Policy on OATC Centers in POA.
Movement 58th Bomb Wing INDIA-BtJRl.U ... to 1 ~A'lliiUJAS •
Allocation _ ersonnel and facilities in ST/VPA for use by BPF.
Staging Facilities in l~ANAS for reserve Carrier Air Groups.
248 C
i:&£ ? ., !;!· ~'-- )~ LJL= ( GCT)
24 0630 CTF 51 Sli': ~·~~Y I O. l:-7 - CC:L'IlHL~D.
260400
;:atin.r.; sus )icious objects. T.~~ ! \l' .\1'-JI toYfed her clr>ar on hi ,~~h tide afternoon 2;lrd. No daL.a.c;e. ld:, 0[:.00 L1, II'~ T •• ade lJossible submarine sovnd contact bearin;; 322 degrees 25 nli.les ~rom BOLO. Attacks nere 1Ilc1.de at 01.;-30 and
0445 -~.itll ne.:;,ativc resul-~,s • .Search continues. Search on subm.exine contact 111:~de by A.&1.CN •.'!JJID at 221713 was abandoned -;·;it:1 negative results. D T GRI!lll~I sank floatin -: ~ ine oy rifle fire at 0830 bearinz lS'O 27 miles from BOLO. =.Iine was s )herical uith 4 .1orns and in sood condition. J:SFF~=--'1.3 de- stx·oJa:ed 1 mine at 221944 position 23-h? N 126-tJ-6 E. Loading and unloading operations proB;ressine smoothly on I~ SHII'LA. All assault ship~)ins has been discharged and 50;; of Gro?ac units ashore . 5000 feet south net completed and 7 moorings relaid at KERA1.1A.. Revised casuelties on ISIL:rt~JOOD 38 EIA 30 ·.~I;\ 14 ::u ... Casualties reported to date by 110 ships of TF 51 KL'l. 500 .~I.A~ 1594 ~:IA 627. Total 2d01. Para. Direct air sup )Ort of troo~)S not fur- nished today c!_ue to bad ueather. c~\P T.ras maintained but search flights ,md anti subma:-cine Jatrols were floun by PBLi:s . No in flight contacts were reported. 1 PB:i is assistin:~ surface search by IIT .. 'IN for possible submarine bearine 322 degrees 25 miles from BOLO . TU 52.1.3 is continuing strikes on s: IITSHI:::..S. GUNTO. No enenw air contacts since last report. Tactical air observers comnenced o:Jerations from YONTA.:N Field in TB_ s of TG 99.2 re- lieving TB~.!:s of TG 52.1. Pilot TU 52.1.3 reported in water last nit:;ht SE of ISHIKA.HA too lat.e for Durnbo rescue was recovered Dumbo _c!B!l at 07 50 today. Para. ·leather overcast ·vrith clouds breakint; in afternoon. Scattered shovrers. Visibi]_i..ty 6 miles . ToJind 15 Knots fron 300 to OOOx Slip;ht sea. Te~·1perat ure averan;e 7 5 degrees.
CTFf to COM5THFL T info COMGEN 10, CINCPAC BOTH HQ, 5TH FLT.
Sillllinary Number 49 as of 2524001 (-9). Naval operations for the period consisted of reinforcing fire missions in support of 24th Corps during afternoon 25 Apri~ by 2 OBB. 1 CL 4 DD operating on east shore and by 2 OBB 2 CA 1 CL 3 DD working west shore. During the night 2 OBB 2 CA 1 CL 4 DD gave direct support to 24th Corps from the east and 2 CA 2~ CL 3 DD from the west. All fire was under corps control and consisted majnly of call fire missions and illuminating fires. Further report on gunfire support of 24 April indicates NEW YORK destroyed hostile gun and 8 artillery emplacements in TA 79741. WICHITA destroyed 1 2-gun emplacement and 1 3-gun battery in TA 8072G. On 25 April COLORADO reports destruction of 10 buildings 3 guns and enemy personnel covered effectively.· TEXAS closed 6 caves and CALLAGHAN destroyed 1 hostile gun. OFLAHERTY had sound contact at 0320 on 25 Apr3.l bearing 130 true 28 miles from poiNT REUNION. Unable to majntain contact and rejoined screen at 0435 because of reduced screen for flight operations. Evaluation possible submarine. RALPH TALBOT reports sound contact at 1.\.T 21-,50 North 131-21 East at 1840 on 24 April. Hunter killer operat1ons in effect. Reports so far undetermined. BASS had sonar contact at 1720 25 (10 groups missing) 9-34 Bast. Made 2 attacks with negAtive results. Contact eveluated as probable sub. PUTNAJ~ sank 1 JH Type mine in position 26-11 ~Torth 128-06 East at 1450. SHEA destroyed 1 horned mine in position 26-47 Nort~ 128-43 East at 0711. ANZIO Group destroyed 1 mine at 0830 in position 25-59 North 133-58 East. Outgoing convoy r eported sighting mine in position 25-.00 North 128-26 Bast at 2200. Hydrographic survey MS TH IE SBIMA completed 24 Apr i l. ~it:ine sweepint: for the period included channel
2725
i E G B Tj\ T. APRIL (CiCT)
26 0400 t:TF 51 SU:M21ARv NO. 49 - CON1,INUED .
in B-5 Transport Area ~nd Ql entra~ce and s elected areas rechecked. Negative results. Ships by type departed f or SAIPAN 25 April as follows: 1 APD, 3 AM, 1 PCE, 1 PC, 3 SC , l LCFF, 5 L.ST, 18 LSM. Para. Naval air ITQssions conducted CVE'S of Task Group 52.1 Fast Carriers of Task Force §8 and shore based air of Task Group 99.2 in direct support of troops. During the night a nieht heckler mi ssion was flown by a TBM of Task Group 99.2 over southern OKINAWA. Task Unit 52.1.3 continued neutrclization of SAKISHIM._~ GUNTO. Search flights were made by PBM' S from KERA11A BASE and PB4Y'S fron YONTAN. At 1100 2 DE were sighted 30-18 North 128-50 East. At 110 and again at 1330 KUSIKAKI radio station was strafed and at 1515 radio station at G.AGA SHDfi.A lArds bombed and strafed with minor damage. ASP patrol was flown by PBM'S. 1'ULAGI Group covered areal around 26-30 North 134-30 East. ANZIO Group made Sono Buoy contact on possible sub 22-08 North 131-2g East and ar8 still working on it. ANZIO plane sighted submarine on surface 26-43 North 133-26 East a t 1852/I. Made special attack with results unreported. Corr®enced hunter killer. 1 Dumbo PBM was maintained on station near SAKISHIMA GUNTO for Task Unit 52.1.3 but no rescues were required. There were no hostile air attacks during period but from 0230 to 0445 26 April several enemy planes approached transport area at low altitude. TENNESSEE fired at 1 without results. At 0347 LCS 56 shot down 1 SALLY off northeast coast OKINAWA. PARA. Weather mostly cloudy. Wind variable 5 to 6 knots. Temperature average 75 degrees. Visibility 10 to 15 miles. Smooth Sea. No appreciable swell of surf. End of Surmnary.
26 1!100 CC~ :G~:d'T TEN TO CTF 51 I!~~'O Cil'TCPOA BOTH , CG ~2rfJl:=:1! •
Ops Sum 67 a s of 261000. During t~1e ·1ei·iod 2 51200-2612GO no enemy aircraft ·were re·Jorted in c:ITI{~'JA a rea. Pa ra. Between 252030-260100 t he eneny launched 3 coUi .. ter attac~-~s in grou'1s 20 to 30 men ea ch in 24th Cor9 s zone. lUl a t tack s r epu lsed:. Snall enemy 7 oups ffi"11e d rith s atchel c harges and Dnd otner ex)losive s continued infilt ration att enDts all a lon:; 2L:-th Cor2JS sectorfi. Advances of c300 t o 2000 yards were 1,1ade all alonp; 2Lr.th . Cor~)S front. 165 Inf of 27th Div reached the nor thern end of t he airfi elds in 'l'A 7676E a t 1340 . 105 Inf of 27th Div rea ched its initi al objective in srA 7c..//5 at 1200. ~=ain opposition 27th Div front centered arolu1d bypa s s ed ::A~-c.~::A . Captured man indicates the enemy 2l1.th and 25th Bns of the 2nd Inf Brig op:)os e the. 27th Div. Para. Dlu•ing the night division killed L~ c:md c a ""~tured l of e.n infiltrating \)arty and ident,ified the 2/+th Jiv ·iC!J Regt. :li~sion of enemy 0atrol Y!T-? s to locate CPs and l{il l lli?]1 rankin~ offic ers oi the 7th Div tei'i TJ.lCI()_J ~:r;:~_\CIL~D IBvr.rGH ~.IT..\ by 0?00 . ?atrols all a2.ong t,he D~v front c orrcinued to en~ounter and enp;a[Se Sll"l£.11 enemy c;roups. Other· Bns of the Di v continued L'..O))in,.::; U~) c_md sealin~~; caves in areas •r eviously by- U?,.ssed. Para . 96th Div ;:r·-, 1200 1aeetin3 rela.tively heavy mortar a.nd :=G . fire . ~·.dvaLce co~Tcinued slouly. . :nemy doc-w·.1'-nr'c s indicate t~12.t Di v 0!1 ··osed bv elenedcs 2L:.th J:-") Div L . Para. Front lines 2L~t;.1 8or_!S sJ, 261600: 27th Div TA 7777 ~'":L 777'/ ~ ICJ 7<5!6 1:- tJ 7875 BJ~ 7975 .3CD~ 96th ~)iv T~\ B075lLJ.SOJ 81?5 _ _.'G · . ./TG 807h0 J 2.sl7l!-.\ 8175:~ 28J:.7l~.O iL 7th Div TA el?L~ ,,·:0~ B274K -Vi n-''74T·ry ''""JY'1/ ·;-'r c~oL'1'·, ~·n.~c.,n ·H·r74 P.T ,~r.L·r P)6"'72 ID ~rd-:·hibCor-os· Dvr"in- · the o.~ . .1. L u;; f t-J. _, -.. u !· ;; ~~u ;_ u:; - .u • .~... • • .J ~ ~ • - -;-~u
ni ~~ht .:1ortc.r J.~ire l'el.l on hC-0 ~ ~!o cr:tsu::.lties d&n::.1c;e re ;oi·ted. 6th = arDiv killed 2;; ene:ny :~5 ~Jril .. l .ar:0iv continued atrolli·1._; ,~_nd re Ol'"'ted no , -r • ,.... ~ d ' . l e:'.ei ry c.;.;,cti vity c .:rin ~ Ei ·11t 25-26 . ,. ara . ~.e'1den·. a:LrlleL. no1r o Jeraclona e:,:c0 ,t ( ·u--in · r[lj_~ls . .).h 1~1-a.nc davm and dus~.: -~ ~ ~~_, nai:1tai.ned on scheciule ~
- Contirraed - 27 26
___ 1__:.5__,. ~ ¥. (GC'E)
2 1700
1\ 2 ple.ne CA:._) over e2.cl1. of 5 ·"15.c~~et snl_ 1s north of CICC.~.tt.:j_ duri1Y; the day, 2 ~·ari_ne : .. ven~ers "'l.?iiTG:.:.:ined ni.~!.lt C1 .c' over 2L.th Cor·)S zone di·onnin'~ 100 bo~tiibs on e~1eny art .. y located i)y _('lash'"'s. ~- pla:~e ~l:i_,··;_-r~ c.-~--.~ re~~~ort~d ~~o el181DJ' contacts. CD.sual·l:.ics ;er=..od 250001 to 252L!.OO. 2hth Cor~JS: ;ITA 0 .I.~. 3 ~ ·r_·!. 0 7th InfDi v ::I.\ 19 .I_·.. 7 5 _ :I1.. 0 27th Di v I':I ~ 16 . J.. 119 . ;:r"·~ L;. 77th Div 96th Inf D~'-v l.J:.A 2 .. I.~. 28 .i~LJ. 2 3rdPhibCorns L~I1t 0 ~iiA 2 :a:.a 0 lst I~arDiv KIA 2 '.:I.\ 3 : ·I.i 0 6th HarDiv KI.l 2 ~JIA 28 ~:IJ. 2 TOT 367.
27 0849 CO 'G"&J T~;!~:r 13) CrilF 51 Ij\i(? CTECPOA, CU!:YJ-I(k.!•
0Js Sum1:1 6E5 as of 271700. 24th Cor s: Generally "'uiet ch:trine; night . 7th Div received SE12ll axaount 75l~i at 2200. Jan activi-'Gies at KmL' . .XU to area A 8273 early today broken by artillery fire. Several scattered roJ.nds Jap artillery fell in 2LJ.th Cor_Js rear area duri~1g ni,~ht. IJo dana·e reported. 27th Di v received 200 rolU1ds li::ht and uedirun ':ith some nhi te phosphorus 'lOTT 'L't. This is 2nd report latter type. Air strils-:e yesterday employing 2000 and 1000 pom1d bo;.1bs on conical hill 8271 excellent results . Todayrs advance ~Jro';;ressed [:)louly :ueetin~ resistance from sce.ttered stron.:?; :::>oints . 32nd J.1.CT patrols reac:1ed tmm at 8373 !'L aoout noon. 9lst Div attacked 0790 B' lPP h2.d e.dvanced to J(LJ.l be continued against li~;ht op'Josition. 7th Div attacked 0730 at l3j5 enea.-:;ed hand to !:end co ba' .. fighting thru ;)illboxes mut .. :ally sup~)ortin:; caves. 27th Div sli>)r'c activity during ::J.ornin0;. e:ctc.c~~ed 1000 moving l'orrrard slo\;ly some opposition from ~Jillboxes . Front li::1es as of 1500 27th Div ?67611 7676 H 78?6 K to H 7875 I to 7975 GK. 96th Div 0075F to a 8074 :JI..J 7th Div 8Z74 -·: to 8273 l:C 8473 _l to D S574 R 8673 B. 3rd ?hibCorps qu::..et ni:;ht continued napping up prepares future employment . Casualties period 260001- 262400 24th Corps Troops Kr~· 1 ·~!IA 1 i'.=EA 1 NBC 7. 7th Div :KIA 4 ,,'IA 61 EI:~ 1 NBC 26 . 27th Div [L\ 29 ':·iiA 164 MIA 5 lJBC 23. 77th Di v hot pr eviously reported XIA 8 :a;~. 13 · I~1Ll 1 J:wC 29 96th Di v !~TA 9 uT~. 71 !di_ 0 IJBC 13. 3rdPhibCor_ps lillC 6. lst ~.fu.rDiv ~~BC 39. 6th J.~arDiv iiA
,
. _.l. ..... .u _ • J. o a ..:\ -·- . __ ._ j J. _d_ ~:~. t> 1. __ ob. ..;;;. :r :;. 2£§ . . ~~.Q.;.._. •. .-
. Corsairs r<i_adv JR. of Jdt NIN?~T I~~el,lcats ~JJ.G J" l];.g.9_£3 _of~.£~ .. fhQs a.11d 10 of 14 F6F7T readyJ of 2L! . • v·enr7ers 18 e..re set ·Fith ni .. ·:ht C .. l.Ps ... lr-1+ Photo F6S rea.CLy. Usual ni~ht .0.nc~ dc.y ·)ic::ets r.ith night CADs throughout _>eriod. No contacts. VTB fle-(J hec.:ler sorties. l ~ven,ser hit by JV~ do-::n in friendly territory ere:; re:1ort.ed Wc.lJdng aTTe.y no fur·t.her info. 4 erou..ncl su1)port mis- sions by Corso.irs yestel"d<?.y.
29 0400 CTF 51 to ?OM5THFLT Info CI~CPAC BOTH, COMGEN TEN, 5THFLT.
Summary No. 52 as of 2a2400. Naval operations for the period comprised &Ullf'ire support to 24th Corps by naval vessels in East and West sectors. Cruisers, DD' s and sm.al1 craft engaged in .fly catcher missions along both coasts. other fire support ships were or~nized for defense against air attacks. Results of gunfire support during the period show NmV MEXICO hit 4 barracks in TA 7570 and various caves and revetments with several hits on radio station in TA 7570. Troop concentrations well covered with air · bursts. UOBn.E and TENNESSEE reported destrueti ve effect on various caves. ST IDUIS and HALL engaged in sraall boat extermination plan covering all of enenv held west coast. Reports by ST LOUIS show 9 small boats destroyed with HALL destroying 5 and CALLAGHAN 3 suicide boats along NAHA R.EHF •
- Continued -
2727
29 0400 CTF 51 SUMMARY NUMBER 52 - CONTINUED.
LCI(G) 347 destroyed l mticide boat night Zl-28 April. LCS 84 reports tactics employed by suicide craft is to lie still until closed by patrol craft then to make run past at high speed• CMIN in station BlD at O]JO 28th reports near miss by bomb or torpedo• RALPH TALBOT now reports 5 KIA and 10 WIA. THOMAS E FRASER in station 154 was under attack a.t 200415 by Betty which dropped dud banb or aerial torpedo nearby with no damage to ship. SAGITTARIOB shot down l enell\1 plane in transport area at 0300 28th. LCS 6.3 in area 150 destroyed 1 small craft at 041528 .April. CANADA VICTORY tentative ea.S'Ualt7 report shCWis merchant marine personnel U. WIA 7 MIA Navy Guard 1 KIA 1.3 WIA 3 MIA Arm:/ 1 MIA. LCI 803 in TA 92.32 at 0.330 2Sth had near banb miss with no casualties or damage. ENGLAND in pc)sition 340! 14 miles from BOLO had near miss b7 stdcider at 2205 28 April. GROUTER at station KILLER 4 ll miles N of BOLO report;,s several bogies during night Zl-28, showed weals sipa.ls similar to emergency IFF and showed running lights. Showing or weals IFF by 2 planes last night shot down by BUTLER without loss of aJV" ft-~ftlidlies. I.CS .37 reports damage to steering shaft and stern plating fran depth charge in action with suicide boat previous~ reported destroyed 0240 28th. PINKLEI which was station ship at KERA.MA hit amidships by low f:cying suieide plane at 1928. Severe !ire started burning fran bridge aft was soon under control but entire midships gatted. Engine room fiooded. Tug alongside pumping out. Last report indicates ship is able to provide for her own casualties but others being transferred to hospital ship. Captain wounded n~v abourd MT MCKINLEY. Estimate 25 patients killed by explosion and fire. WICHITA suffered underwater damage at 2351 ..,., •• ,... ••MMw•Ml•••• 27th while at NAKAGUSUKU WAN. Inspection b7 diver reveals small ealiber shell penetrated skin of ship and exploded in fuel oil tank. Hole about 5 inches in diame'ber 5 feet underwater port side. Probabq came from shore AA. CTG 51.21 reports 21 midget sub discovered in TA 0825 te> TA OSZ7. Contained 6 wrecked su.bs and lS tnch torpedo without warhead plus maintenance equipment. Jlinesvreeping for 28th consisted of routine channel and transport area sweeps. Area in El E2 E4 east of OGAN MISAKI REEF completed. Area Hll between lOO and 10 fathoms GtJNVES cleared. 1 floating mine smlk in TA 3928 and 1 sunk in TA 5136. Additional sweep in area Gl was negative. ELLISON sank drifting horned mine 26-44 N 128-23 E at 1645 28th. To date 7 ships have reported lflbal of lS WIA fran frien~ AA fire during action night 'Zl-28. Indiscriminate firing…
