December 10, 1944
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 10 DECEMBER 1944

USSR: France and USSR sign treaty of alliance in Moscow.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): Eight B-25s bomb Kutkai, Burma and hit targets of opportunity in the Liuchow area. In China, Twenty-five B-24s bomb the city of Hankow; three others bomb Samah Bay docks; 118 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China attack numerous targets of opportunity, concentrating on rail, river, and road traffic, especially in the Hochih, Changsha, and Yuncheng areas.

Burma: In NCAC area, Br 36th Div completes its part of Phase 2, CAPITAL, ahead of schedule as patrols enter Indaw and Katha. Later in month, div crosses the Irrawaddy at Katha and drives toward Kyaukme. Japanese forces working toward Bhamo to assist withdrawal of garrison penetrate positions of Ch 30th Div S of Bhamo; vigorous counter-attack forces enemy to go on the defensive. U.S. 475th Inf, less 1st Bn in Shwegu area, is concentrated in Mohlaing-Tonk-wa area, where it will conduct holding action while Ch 22d Div flies to China.

China: Gen Wedemeyer urges Chiang Kai-shek to order troops of Y-Force on Salween front to take Wanting, at NE exit of Shweli Valley where Ledo Road is to meet old Burma Road. Chinese halted offensive operations with fall of Che-fang on 1st. Japanese in S China link up with Japanese French Indochina Garrison Army, thus opening route for movement of 2 divs in small groups into Indochina. This, plus their push into Kweichow, which ended on 3 December, marks high tide of Japanese invasion of continent of Asia.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Bhamo area; 8 others blast approaches to the Hay-ti road bridge; 50+ P-47s hit warehouses and other storage areas, troop concentrations, and positions at Daungbin, Myebalin, Kyaunghkam, Pongon, Thinbaung, Kawnghkang, Pangteng, and Hsipaw; 12 B-25s hit storage areas at Meza, Namun, and Kungmong. Transports fly 178 sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): During the night of December 10/11 three B-24s from Saipan and one B-24 from Guam fly harassment strikes against Iwo Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In principal strikes of the day, B-24s hit the Pamoesian tank farm and nearby alternate target of Lingkas tank farm, Labuan docks, and Lutong refinery in Borneo, while B-25s pound Sidate Airfield. In smaller raids P-38s hit Port Misamis on Mindanao. B-25s bomb airfields on Boeroe and Ambon, and fighter-bombers pound storage facilities and targets of opportunity in the central Philippines. Lost are C-47A "The Fireball Mail" 42-24215 (KIA) and B-24J 44-40929.

U.S. Army: U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32d Div continues to press southward as does 112th Cav of 1st Cav Div to E. 2d Sq, 112th Cav, is relieved by 2d Sq, 7th Cav, on ridge SE of Limon and passes to army control. 12th Cav prepares to attack to reduce strongpoint in Mt Cabungaan area. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div, supported by arty and naval vessels, takes Ormoc. Co A of 776th Amph Tank Bn moves into the city at 0900, before infantry assault begins, and starts shelling buildings there. 307th and 306th Refits, former driving along highway and latter to E, attack northward and clear the city. 7th Div continues forward toward 77th Div. 11th A/B Div defeats dispirited counterattack in Burauen area by enemy bn that has made its way over mountains from Ormoc Bay. 1st Bn of 149th Inf, 38th Div, attacks and clears Buri airfield area. In a final major effort against Burauen airfields, beginning at 1930, Japanese force Fifth Air Force personnel to fall back, but positions are restored in counterattack.