MONDAY, 24 APRIL 1944
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A B-24 flies a photo and
bombing run over Matsuwa, later another B-24 flies weather and bombing
runs over Shasukotan, Yekaruma, Kharimkotan, and Onnekotan.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, eight P-38s pound positions near Buthidaung
and in the Myohaung are; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, A-36s, and B-25s bomb storage areas
at Kamaing, Mogaung and Hopin, and railroads and other targets at Myitkyina, Manywet and Chaungwa; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit Indaw and several
other B-25s bomb Pyingaing.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In Thailand, B-25s damage bridges near Dara
and Kengluang and strafe a factory at Dhasan. P-40s on a diversionary strike
strafe numerous targets of opportunity at Kengtung, Burma. B-25s on a sea sweep
hit 2 small steamers off Cape Bastion, China with cannon fire, claiming 1 vessel
sunk and the other left burning.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): A B-29 piloted by Brigadier General
LaVern G Saunders, Commanding General 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy), arrives
at Kwanghan. Accompanying the B-29 is another carrying Major General Kenneth B Wolfe, Commanding General XX Bomber Command. These are
the first B-29s to fly over the Hump to China.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s from Engebi bomb Ponape while others, based on Makin, hit Jaluit and Wotje. HQ 41st Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Tarawa to Makin.
SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (Thirteenth Air Force): Weather continues to curtail strikes
in the the Bismarck Archipelago. Ten P-40s hit runway
and revetments at Tobera Airfield; fighter sweeps account for several trucks and barges
in the Rabaul-New Ireland area.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (Fifth Air Force): B-24s again bomb parked aircraft
and other targets on Noemfoor. 40+ B-24s bomb airfields
in the Wewak area; 140+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit stores, fuel dumps and personnel
areas along Hansa Bay; throughout the day B-25s and fighter-bombers hit a variety
of targets along the New Guinea coast including Karkar
Island, Uligan Harbor, Cape Croisilles, and the Madang area. Lost is B-25H 43-4347 (survived).
Tadji Airfield fighter strip was repaired and operational. The first American planes to land were a pair of P-38 Lightnings piloted by Brigadier General Paul B. Wurtsmith (C.O. 5th Fighter Command) and Col. Robert L. Morrissey (C.O. 49th FG)
Australian Army: Captures
Madang on the north coast of New Guinea.
