U.S. Navy Department (June 17, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 53
U.S. Marines supported by elements of an Army infantry division have improved their positions on Saipan Island, and are driving forward toward Aslito Airdrome. Harassment of our beachheads by enemy mortar fire has been considerably reduced.
On the night of June 14 (West Longitude Date), enemy torpedo planes launched an attack against our carrier force, but were repulsed without damage to our ships.
Our heavy surface units bombarded Guam Island on June 15.
Liberators of the 11th Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa, Paramushiru and Shimushiru on June 14. Five enemy aircraft were airborne near Matsuwa but only one attempted to attack our force, and did no damage. Fourteen enemy fighters appeared over Paramushiru and several made attacks causing damage to one of our planes. One enemy fighter was probably shot down and an enemy medium bomber was damaged. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four also bombed Paramushiru and Shumushu on June 14. Fifteen enemy fighters attacked our force, causing minor damage to several of our aircraft. Shimushiru was again attacked by 11th Army Air Force Liberators on June 15.
Army, Navy and Marine aircraft of Central Pacific Air Forces bombed objectives in the Marshall Islands and Eastern Caroline Islands on June 13 and 15 (West Longitude Date).
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 54
U.S. Marines and Army troops advancing east across the southern portion of Saipan Island, made gains averaging 1,500 yards during the night of June 15‑16 and on June 16 (West Longitude Date). The area now held by our forces extends from a point just south of Garapan for a distance of approximately five and a half miles to Agingan and extends inland two miles at the point of deepest penetration. Our forces have captured Hinashisu due east of Lake Susupe.
Our positions were under sustained enemy fire during the night of June 15‑16, and before dawn on June 16 the enemy launched a determined counterattack. This attack, which was broken up, cost the enemy heavily in lives and destroyed more than 25 enemy tanks.
Early in the morning of June 16, our troops launched the offensive which resulted in general advances. Some of our forward echelons penetrated the naval air base at Aslito Airdrome, but were later withdrawn under severe enemy fire.
During the action on June 16, our aircraft bombed and strafed enemy positions, and during the night of June 15‑16, enemy strongpoints were shelled by our ships.
On June 15, one of our destroyer transports encountered five enemy coastal cargo ships and sank them. Twenty‑nine survivors were rescued and made prisoners of war.