January 1-7, 1945
Source: Compilation done by Mary H. Williams of the Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army, Washington D.C. in 1960
January 1
P.I.-Operations to deceive the (Japanese) about Allied intentions against Luzon begin with limited action on Mindoro to clear the northeastern part of the island. Subsequent deceptive measures conducted on S Luzon are on a much smaller scale than anticipated and have little effect on the main operation.
On Mindoro, control of Western Visayas TF passes from U.S. Sixth to U.S. Eighth Army. Co I, 21st Inf, moving by water from San Jose, lands on E coast at Bongabong without incident and marches northward towards Pinamalayan.
On Leyte U.S. Eighth Army mops up, a tedious business that lasts until 8 May 1945. 77th Div of XXIV Corps is ordered to relieve 1st Cav and 32nd and 24th Inf Divs of X Corps.
January 2
P.I.-Convoys of Luzon Attack Force are assembling in Leyte Gulf. First echelon, Minesweeping, and Hydrographic Group (TG 77.6), leaves Leyte Gulf for Luzon and is soon spotted and attacked by (Japanese) planes, including kamikazes.
On Mindoro, guerilla patrol is reinforced for attack on Palauan by Co B, 503d Para Inf, which moves to Mamburao. Work begins on one of two heavy bomber fields to be constructed. (Japanese) planes attacking airfields, night 2-3, destroy an aircraft.
January 3
P.I.-Bombardment and Fire Support Group (TG 77.2), proceeding toward Luzon, shoots down a kamikaze plane. On Mindoro, guerilla force of about 70 unsuccessfully attacks (Japanese) at Pinamalayan.
From Mindoro, Co K of 21st Inf moves to Marinduque I. to help guerillas destroy (Japanese) remnants concentrated at Boac in NE part of island.
January 4
P.I.-(Japanese) planes attack TG 77.6 and TG 77.2 as they continue toward Lingayen Gulf. One CVE is so badly damaged that it has to be sunk. At the request of Gen MacArthur, Adm Halsey orders TF 38 to extend coverage of Luzon southward on 6th.
Main body of Luzon Attack Force sorties from Leyte Gulf after nightfall. X Corps, U.S. Eighth Army, terminates offensive operations on Leyte. (Japanese) planes continue active over Mindoro and destroy an ammunition dump.
January 5
P.I.-Kamikaze attacks on TG's 77.2 and 77.6 continue, causing damage to a number of vessels. Almost all of the estimated 30 attackers are destroyed. CVE planes intercept and damage two (Japanese) DD's. On Mindoro, Palauan falls to composite force of guerillas and 503d Para Inf troops.
Another platoon of Co. F, 19th Inf, arrives at Bulalacao and joins in march NE toward Paclasan and Dutagan Pt.
January 6
P.I.-TG's 77.2 and 77.6 reach Lingayen Gulf area and begin naval bombardment and minesweeping. Damaging (Japanese) air attacks persist in spite of strong effort against Luzon by planes of TF 38, CVE's covering TF 77.2, and FEAF.
(Japanese) score against shipping during period 2-6 is two ships sunk and 30 damaged. However, (Japanese) force of some 150 aircraft on Luzon at the beginning of the year has been reduced to about 35 planes, and the air action drops off sharply after this.
On Mindoro, Pinamalayan, which (Japanese) have recently abandoned, is reoccupied by fresh (Japanese) troops from Luzon. Co I, 21st Inf, and guerillas join in attack there, forcing (Japanese) back toward Calapan.
January 7
P.I.-Underwater demolition teams begin search for underwater obstacles in Lingayen Gulf as preinvasion aerial and naval bombardment of Luzon continues.
On Mindoro, (Japanese) planes for the first time are conspicuously absent from San Jose area.
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