CINCPOA Communiqué No. 319
Elements of XXIV Army Corps moved across the island of Okinawa on April 2 (East Longitude Date) to a point on the east coast near the village of Tobara. Advances averaging several thousand yards were made along the entire Tenth Army line against scattered resistance. In the center of the island in rugged terrain increasing enemy activity was being encountered by some of our troops. In the northern sector advances were made throughout the day by the Marines of the III Amphibious Corps. The ground troops were supported in their drive by carrier aircraft, by gunfire from heavy units of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and by field artillery. Observation planes began operation from Yontan and Kadena airfields. During the night of April 1 and 2, five enemy aircraft were shot down. The unloading of supplies is proceeding satisfactorily.
Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing attacked houses, a causeway, and a bridge and set a supply dump afire in the Palaus on April 2.
Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force bombed runways on Susaki airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 31.
CINCPOA Press Release No. 56
For Immediate Release
April 2, 1945
MG James E. Chaney, USA, has assumed duty as Island Commander of Iwo Island.
BG Ernest M. Moore, USA, commanding general of the VII Fighter Command of the 7th Air Force has also been assigned duty in command of all aircraft of all services based at Iwo Island.