U.S. Navy Department (June 21, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 58
In the afternoon of June 19 (West Longitude Date), carrier-based reconnaissance planes of the Fifth Fleet sighted a Japanese fleet, which included carriers and battleships, approximately midway between the Mariana Islands and Luzon. Aircraft of our fast carrier task force were immediately ordered to attack and made contact with the enemy fleet before dusk. Enemy losses and our own losses have not yet been assessed. Additional details will be made known as they become available.
In the ground fighting on Saipan Island, our assault troops made advances in a northly direction along the western shore of Magicienne Bay and made progress against an enemy strongpoint at Nafutan Point. Severe fighting continues.
CINCPAC Press Release No. 452
For Immediate Release
June 21, 1944
Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shumushu in the Kurils before dawn on June 17 (West Longitude Date). Fires were started near the airfield. No opposition was encountered. Paramushiru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four and Liberators of the 11th Army Air Force before dawn on June 19. Anti-aircraft fire was meager and no attempt was made, to intercept our force.
Truk Atoll was attacked by 7th Army Air Force Liberators during daylight on June 19. Intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered but there was no fighter opposition. Ponape Island was bombed by 7th Army Air Force Liberators and Mitchells on June 19.
Mille, Maloelap and Wotje Atolls were bombed on June 19 by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, and Navy Hellcat fighters.