SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER 1944
CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group based at Chengkung with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Liangshan.
INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 P-47s support US ground forces near Tonkwa; locomotives, storage areas, buildings, personnel, and areas of Japanese activity are attacked at Se-eng, Nanponpon, Kangon, Winghsa, Inywa, Molo, and Mabein. Large-scale air supply to forward areas continues. The 127th, 155th and 156th Liaison Squadrons (Commando), 2d Air Commando Group, arrive at Kalaikunda, India from the US with UC-64s and L-5s.
AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Daytime activities are limited to reconnaissance flights by B-24s over the Bonins and Kazan and by P-47s over Pagan. During the night of 16/17 Dec, three B-24s from Guam and Saipan fly individual snooper strikes against Iwo Jima.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24 strike Padada Airfield and Puerto Princesa Airfield. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers
attack airfields and targets of opportunity including shipping in the Ceram
area and in the central Philippines. Targets of opportunity are also
attacked in north Borneo and Vogelkop Peninsula area. The 342d Fighter Squadron,
348th Fighter Group, moves from Tacloban Airfield to Tanauan Airfield with P-47s. Lost are P-47D 42-27608 and P-47D Thunderbolt pilot 2nd Lt. Delphis A. Monast, Jr. (MIA).
U.S. Army:
The newly created five star rank of "General of the Army" bestowed
on General George C. Marshall.
