U.S. Navy Department (September 20, 1944)
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 20, 1944
USS YMS‑409 presumed lost in hurricane
The minesweeper USS YMS‑409, which was at sea during the hurricane last week, has not been heard from and is presumed to be lost. The area through which this vessel was passing has been under constant search since the day of the storm, and the search is still continuing. The next of kin of those aboard are being notified.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 124
During the afternoon of September 19 (West Longitude Date), organized enemy resistance ceased on Angaur Island. The 81st Infantry Division is proceeding with mopping‑up operations.
Shore installations and bivouac areas at Chichijima in the Bonin Islands were bombed by 7th Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. A direct hit and two near misses were obtained in attacking a medium cargo vessel at anchor in Futami Harbor, and numerous barges were bombed. The cargo ship was left burning and eight to 10 barges were destroyed. Anti-aircraft fire was meager.
Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed and strafed by Thunderbolts of the 7th Army Air Force on September 18. Anti-aircraft emplacements and storage facilities were the principal targets, and several fires were started.
Marcus Island was attacked by 7th Army Air Force Liberators on the same day, and 7th Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Ponape Island, hitting gun positions and the airstrip in the latter attack.
Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls on September 18, dropping 27 tons on barracks areas.
All of our aircraft returned from the foregoing missions.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 125
During September 19 (West Longitude Date), the 1st Marine Division continued to apply heavy pressure on the left flank of our front on Peleliu Island, seeking to dislodge the enemy from strong defensive positions in the rough terrain which parallels the western shore. The enemy resistance is bitter, but slow progress is being made, and in one sector 11 field guns, 70 machine guns, and 23 mortars have been captured by our forces. Small local advances were made on the left during September 19, but there was no appreciable change in our line. On the right flank, along the eastern shore, additional gains were scored and virtually all enemy resistance has been mopped up. The small unnamed island below Ngabad Island was occupied by our forces during the day.
Mopping up on Angaur Island by troops of the 81st Infantry Division continues. Our forces have killed an estimated 7,045 enemy troops on Peleliu and 600 on Angaur. Enemy aircraft dropped two bombs near positions occupied by our forces during the night of September 18‑19, but caused no damage.