August 19, 1945
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 19 AUGUST 1945

A Japanese delegates arrive in Manila to receive surrender instructions.

CHINA - Fourteenth Air Force: Unit moves in China: 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group from Chengkung to Nanning with P-51s (the detachment at Pakhoi also moves to Nanning); detachment of 426th Night Fighter Squadron, Fourteenth AF (attached to 312th Fighter Wing), at Liangshan returns to base at Shwangliu with P-61s.

IJN: G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" and G4M1 Betty "Bataan II" transport the Japanese surrender delegation from Tokyo to Ie Shima Airfield. The Bettys are painted all white with green crosses on the wings, fuselage and tail.

WESTERN PACIFIC [Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Two B-25J Mitchells from 345th Bombardment Group (345th BG) "Air Apaches" and P-38 Lightings from the 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) escort G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" and G4M1 Betty "Bataan II" with the Japanese surrender delegation to Ie Shima Airfield. After landing, the Japanese delegation board C-54E Skymaster 44-9045 and are flown to Manila to meet with General MacArthur's staff. After their meeting, they were flown back to Ie Shima Airfield. Returning to Japan, G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" ditched off Japan out of fuel, due to conversion of a liter were mistakenly from the gallon. The crew was helped by local fisherman, and returnted to Tokyo by train. The co-pilot was Rinpei Komai is reportedly still alive today.

U.S. Navy: On Guam, Rear Admiral Oscar C. Badger, USN, formed the ships assigned to Task Force 31 (TF 31) into a separate tactical group for the occupation of Japan.

Japanese escort vessel Oki is damaged by mine off Pusan, Korea.

USMC: Headquarters of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW-1) and Marine Aircraft Group 61 (MAG-61) completed their transfer to the Philippines.