U.S. Navy Department (June 20, 1944)
Communiqué No. 526
The submarine, USS GRAYBACK (SS-208), is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.
The next of kin of casualties of the GRAYBACK have been so notified.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 57
U.S. Marines and Army infantrymen are continuing to advance on Saipan Island closely supported by aircraft bombing by Army and Marine artillery and naval gunfire against severe enemy artillery fire. Our troops now hold the entire southern portion of the island from the southern outskirts of Garapan across to the center of the western shore of Magicienne Bay. Several strong pockets of enemy resistance within this area are being heavily attacked by our forces.
During June 19 (West Longitude Date), the airfields on Tinian Island were bombed by our aircraft and shelled by our surface units.
CINCPAC Press Release No. 450
For Immediate Release
June 20, 1944
Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force on June 18 (West Longitude Date). Airfields on Moen Island were principal targets. No fighter interference was encountered and anti-aircraft fire was meager.
A single 7th Army Air Force Liberator bombed Ponape on June 18.
Nauru Island was attacked on June 18 by 7th Army Air Force Mitchell bombers which shelled and bombed anti-aircraft emplacements and buildings. Anti-aircraft fire was intense but inaccurate.
Enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked during the day and night of June 18 by Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Anti-aircraft fire did sufficient damage to a Dauntless dive bomber to force it down on the water before reaching its base. The crew was rescued by a Catalina search plane of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two.