User:Hungrydog55/sandbox/military/pacificfront/1945-01 Luzon navaloob
The January 1945 invasion of Luzon was the second phase of the fulfillment of General Douglas MacArthur's promise in March 1942 that he would liberate them from Japanese rule. The landings took place about two weeks after the conclusion of major military operations on Leyte, the first of the Philippines to be liberated from the Japanese.
MacArthur's formal title was Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Southwest Pacific Area. Naval forces, consisting of the US Seventh Fleet, were under the direction of Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid.
The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) had expected to be able to guarantee air superiority over the Philippines after establishing airfields on Leyte, but two factors prevented this: the Japanese mounted an unexpected level of resistance in the air, and the USAAF pilots available were too inexperienced to take off and land in the dark. Thus, Seventh Fleet had to provide its own air cover, and Admiral Kinkaid insisted that escort carriers could do the job. Being considerably slower than fleet carriers such as the Essex class, it was expected that they would be extremely vulnerable to Japanese air attack. In the event, the escort carriers took a beating but performed admirably.[1]
US Navy combat ships:
18 escort carriers, 6 old battleships, 3 heavy cruisers, 5 light cruisers, 61 destroyers, 21 destroyer escorts
Amphibious assault vessels:
12 high-speed transports, 19 attack transports, 4 transports, 12 attack cargo ships, 9 cargo ships, LCIs, LSMs, 50 LSTs, LSVs, etc.
Auxiliaries:
1 submarine chasers, 63 minesweepers, 3 minelayers, 4 patrol craft, 21 tankers, 21 others
Australian vessels:
2 heavy cruisers, 2 destroyers, 2 frigates, 1 survey ship, 1 harbour defense motor launch, 3 LSIs
British vessels:
1 tanker, 1 ammunition ship
Losses: 1 escort carrier, 3 fast minesweepers
Naval forces
[edit]US Seventh Fleet
Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid in amphibious command ship Wasatch
Luzon Attack Force (Task Force 77)
[edit]Vice Admiral Kinkaid
- Embarking US Sixth Army
- Lieutenant General Walter Krueger
Fleet Flagship Group (Task Group 77.1)
[edit]Vice Admiral Kinkaid
- Fleet Flagship Unit (Capt. A.M. Granum)
- 1 amphibious command ship
- 2 destroyers
- 1 Benson-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Frazier
- 1 Mahan-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Smith
- Cruiser Unit (Capt. W.M. Downes)
- 1 light cruiser
- 1 Brooklyn-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Boise[a]
- 2 destroyers
- 1 Gleaves-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Edwards
- 1 Benson-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Coghlan
- 1 light cruiser
Bombardment and Fire Support Group (Task Group 77.2)
[edit]Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf in battleship California
- San Fabian Fire Support Unit (Rear Admiral George L. Weyler in battleship New Mexico)
- Unit "M" (Commodore H.B. Farncomb, RAN)
- 1 New Mexico-class old battleship (12 × 14-in. main battery): Mississippi
- 1 County-class heavy cruiser (8 × 8-in. main battery): Australia
- 2 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Allen M. Sumner, Lowry
- Unit "N" (Rear Adm. I.C. Sowell)
- 1 Colorado-class old battleship (8 × 16-in. main battery): West Virginia
- 1 County-class heavy cruiser (8 × 8-in. main battery): Shropshire
- 2 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Laffey, O'Brien
- Unit "O" (Rear Adm. Weyler)
- 1 New Mexico-class old battleship (12 × 14-in. main battery): New Mexico
- 1 New Orleans-class heavy cruiser (9 × 8-in. main battery): Minneapolis
- 4 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Moale, Barton, Walke, Ingraham
- Unit "M" (Commodore H.B. Farncomb, RAN)
- Lingayen Fire Support Unit (Vice Admiral Oldendorf)
- 3 old battleships
- 1 Colorado-class (8 × 16-in. main battery): Colorado
- 1 Tennessee-class (12 × 14-in. main battery): California
- 1 Pennsylvania-class (12 × 14-in. main battery): Pennsylvania
- 2 heavy cruisers
- 1 Northampton-class (9 × 8-in. main battery): Louisville
- 1 Portland-class (9 × 8-in. main battery): Portland
- 1 light cruiser
- 1 Cleveland-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Columbia
- Screen (Capt. Roland N. Smoot)
- 11 destroyers
- 9 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Leutze, Newcomb, Bennion, Heywood L. Edwards, Richard P. Leary, William D. Porter, Bryant, Kimberly, Izard
- 2 Tribal-class (8 × 4.7-in. main battery): Arunta, Warramunga
- 11 destroyers
- 3 old battleships
Beach Demolition Group
[edit]Lieut. Commander O.B. Murphy, USNR
- 10 high-speed transports
- 6 ex-Clemson-class destroyers: Humphreys, Sands, Overton, Clemson, George E. Badger, Belknap
- 2 ex-Wickes-class destroyers: Dickerson, Rathburne
- 2 ex-Buckley-class destroyer escorts: Blessman, Bull
- Embarking Underwater Demolition Teams (Capt. B.H. Hanlon)
- UDT 5 (Lt. J.K. DeBold, USNR)
- UDT 8 (Lt. Cmdr. D.E. Young, USNR)
- UDT 9 (Lt. H.F. Stevenson, USNR)
- UDT 10[b] (Lt. A.O. Choate, USNR)
- UDT 14 (Lt. A.B. Onderdonk, USNR)
- UDT 15 (Lt. H.F. Brooks)
- Embarking Underwater Demolition Teams (Capt. B.H. Hanlon)
Close Covering Group (Task Group 77.3)
[edit]Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey
- 3 light cruisers
- 1 Brooklyn-class (15 × 6-in. main battery): Phoenix
- 2 Cleveland-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Montpelier, Denver
- 6 destroyers
Escort Carrier Group (Task Group 77.4)
[edit]Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin
- Lingayen Carrier Group (Rear Adm. Durgin)
- 5 escort carriers
- Makin Island (Capt. W.B. Whaley)
- Composite Squadron 84 (Cmdr. W.H. Rogers, USNR)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 84 (Cmdr. W.H. Rogers, USNR)
- Lunga Point (Capt. G.A.T. Washburn)
- Composite Squadron 85 (Lt. Cmdr. F.C. Herriman)
- 14 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 85 (Lt. Cmdr. F.C. Herriman)
- Bismarck Sea (Capt. J.L. Pratt)
- Composite Squadron 86 (Lt. B.M. Lakin, USNR)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 86 (Lt. B.M. Lakin, USNR)
- Salamaua (Capt. J.I. Taylor)
- Composite Squadron 87 (Lt. H.N. Heisel)
- 14 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 10 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 87 (Lt. H.N. Heisel)
- Hoggatt Bay (Capt. J.A. Briggs)
- Composite Squadron 88 (Lt. Cmdr. E.N. Webb (KIA))
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 88 (Lt. Cmdr. E.N. Webb (KIA))
- Makin Island (Capt. W.B. Whaley)
- 5 escort carriers
- Lingayen Protective Group (Rear Adm. Ralph A. Ofstie)
- 2 escort carriers
- Kitkun Bay (Capt. Albert Handly)
- Composite Squadron 91 (Lt. Cmdr. B.D. Mack (KIA))
- 17 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 11 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 91 (Lt. Cmdr. B.D. Mack (KIA))
- Shamrock Bay (Capts F.T. Ward)
- Composite Squadron 94 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. Patterson, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 94 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. Patterson, USNR)
- Kitkun Bay (Capt. Albert Handly)
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): John C. Butler, O'Flaherty
- 2 escort carriers
- Hunter-Killer Group (Capt. J.C. Cronin)
- 1 escort carrier
- Tulagi (Capt. Cronin)
- Composite Squadron 92 (Lt. J.B. Wallace)
- 11 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 92 (Lt. J.B. Wallace)
- Tulagi (Capt. Cronin)
- 7 destroyer escorts
- All John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Edmonds, Stafford, William Seiverling, Ulvert M. Moore[c], Kendall C. Campbell, Goss, Howard F. Clark
- 1 escort carrier
- Screen (Capt. V.D. Long)
- 7 destroyers
- 3 Gridley-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Gridley, McCall, Maury
- 4 Bagley-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Bagley, Helm, Ralph Talbot, Patterson
- 7 destroyers
- San Fabian Carrier Group
- Rear Admiral Felix B. Stump
- 6 escort carriers
- Natoma Bay (Capt. Albert K. Morehouse)
- Composite Squadron 81 (Lt. Cmdr. R.C. Barnes)
- 18 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 81 (Lt. Cmdr. R.C. Barnes)
- Manila Bay (Capt. Fitzhugh Lee, III)
- Composite Squadron 80 (Lt. Cmdr. H.K. Stubbs, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 80 (Lt. Cmdr. H.K. Stubbs, USNR)
- Wake Island (Capt. A.V. Magly)
- Composite Spotting Squadron 1 (Lt. Cmdr. W.F. Bringle)
- 23 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Spotting Squadron 1 (Lt. Cmdr. W.F. Bringle)
- Steamer Bay (Capt. Steadman Teller)
- Composite Squadron 90 (Lt. Cmdr. R.A. O'Neill)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 90 (Lt. Cmdr. R.A. O'Neill)
- Savo Island (Capt. Clarence E. Ekstrom)
- Composite Squadron 27 (Lt. Cmdr. P.W. Jackson)
- 19 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 27 (Lt. Cmdr. P.W. Jackson)
- Ommaney Bay (scuttled after kamikaze attack, 4 Jan 1945) (Capt. H.L. Young)
- Composite Squadron 75 (Lt. Cmdr. A.W. Smith)
- 19 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 75 (Lt. Cmdr. A.W. Smith)
- Natoma Bay (Capt. Albert K. Morehouse)
- Screen (Capt. H.J. Martin)
- 7 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Hall, Halligan, Bell, Burns, Paul Hamilton, Twiggs, Abbot
- 7 destroyers
- 6 escort carriers
- Close Covering Group
- Rear Admiral G.R. Henderson
- 4 escort carriers
- Saginaw Bay (Capt. F.C. Sutton)
- Composite Squadron 78 (Lt. F.G. Lewis, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 78 (Lt. F.G. Lewis, USNR)
- Kadashan Bay (Capt. R.N. Hunter)
- Composite Squadron 20 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. McRoberts)
- 24 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 11 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 20 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. McRoberts)
- Marcus Island (Capt. C.F. Greber)
- Composite Squadron 21 (Lt. Cmdr. T.R. Murray, USNR)
- 24 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 9 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 21 (Lt. Cmdr. T.R. Murray, USNR)
- Petrof Bay (Capt. R.S. Clarke)
- Composite Squadron 76 (Cmdr. J.W. MaCauley)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 76 (Cmdr. J.W. MaCauley)
- Saginaw Bay (Capt. F.C. Sutton)
- Screen (Capt. J.W. Callahan)
- 2 destroyers
- Both Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Charrette, Conner
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Richard S. Bull, Richard M. Rowell
- 2 destroyers
- 4 escort carriers
Minesweeping and Hydrographic Group (Task Group 77.6)
[edit]Commander W.R. Loud
- Sweep Unit 1 (Cmdr. Loud)
- 5 fast minesweepers (all ex-Clemson-class destroyers): Chandler, Southard, Hovey (sunk by air attack, 7 Jan 1945), Long (sunk by air attack, 6 Jan 1945), Hopkins
- 1 fast minelayer (ex-Clemson-class destroyer): Preble
- 1 fast transport (ex-Clemson-class destroyer): Brooks
- 4 Higgins boats
- Sweep Unit 2 (Lt. Cmdr. John Clague, USNR)
- 5 fast minesweepers (all ex-Wickes-class destroyers): Dorsey, Hamilton, Palmer (sunk by air attack, 7 Jan 1945), Hogan, Howard
- 1 fast minelayer (ex-Wickes-class destroyer): Breese
- Sweep Unit 3 (Lt. Cmdr. H.R. Peirce, USNR)
- Sweep Unit 4 (Lt. Cmdr. J.R. Keefer)
- Sweep Unit 5 (Lt. J.S. Dement)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 6 (Lt. W.A. Latta, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 7 (Lt. Paul Schminke, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 8 (Lt. E.O. Slatmarsh, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 9 (Lt. G.L. O'Neil, USNR)
- 5 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 10 (Lt. W.H. Boutell, USNR)
- 5 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 11
- 4 Higgins boats equipped as minesweepers
- Hydrographic Unit (Cmdr. R.B.A. Hunt, RAN)
- 2 frigates: Gascoyne, Warrego
- 1 survey ship: Benalla
- 1 harbour defence motor launch: HDML-1074
- 1 yard minesweeper: YMS-316
- Service Unit (Lt. Cmdr. J.E. Cole, USNR)
Screening Group (Task Group 77.7)
[edit]Captain J.B. McLean
- 4 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Stanly, Halford, Bush, Stembel
Salvage and Rescue Group (Task Group 77.8)
[edit]Commander B.S. Huie, USNR
- 3 salvage vessels: Grasp, Grapple, Cable
- 2 repair ships: Amycus, Egeria
- 2 fleet tugs (both Navajo-class): Apache, Chickasaw
- 5 ocean tugs (all Abnaki-class): Hidatsa, Quapaw, Rail, Chowanoc, Potawatomi
- 1 rescue tug: ATR-61
- 8 LCI(L)s
Reinforcement Group (Task Group 77.9)
[edit]Rear Admiral Richard L. Conolly in amphibious command ship Appalachian
- Embarking
- 25th Infantry Division (Maj. Gen. C.L. Mullins)
- 158th Infantry Regimental Combat Team (Brig. Gen. H. MacNider)
- 13th Armored Group (Col. M.E. Jones)
- Flagship Unit
- 1 Appalachian-class amphibious command ship: Appalachian
- 1 Fletcher-class destroyer (5 × 5-in. main battery): Remey
- Sailing from Nouméa
- 9 attack transports: President Jackson, President Adams, La Porte, Latimer, Oxford, Zeilin, Oconto, Laurens, Audrain
- 2 transports: President Monroe, Comet
- 9 attack cargos: Algol, Navajo Victory, Manderson Victory, Las Vegas Victory, Bedford Victory, H.T. Dodge, Solon Turman, Wrangell, Fomalhaut
- 3 Fletcher-class destroyers (5 × 5-in. main battery): McNair, Norman Scott, Melvin
- Sailing from Bougainville
- 2 attack transports: Libra, De Harmon
- 1 transport: President Polk
- Sailing from Milne Bay
- 2 attack transports: Warren, De Darby
- Sailing from Oro Bay
- 1 attack cargo: Uvalde
- 1 Evarts-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): J. Douglas Blackwood
- Sailing from Lae
- 1 attack transport: Olmsted
- Sailing from Finschafen
- Sailing from Hollandia
- 1 attack transport: Appling
- 1 transport: Winged Arrow
- 1 fast transport (ex-Buckley-class destroyer escort): Coolbaugh
- Sailing from Noemfoor
- 3 attack transports: Leon, Adair, Haskell
- 1 attack cargo: Diphda
- 11 fast transports:
- 5 ex-Wickes-class destroyers: Kilty, Schley, Crosby, Herbert, Talbot
- 1 ex-Caldwell-class destroyer: Manley
- 1 ex-Clemson-class destroyer: Goldsborough
- 4 ex-Buckley-class destroyer escorts: Lloyd, Newman, Kephart, Cofer
- Sailing from Leyte
- 1 attack transport: Gilliam
- 1 patrol craft: PC-1128
- 2 tankers: Bennington, Birch Collie
- LST Unit (Cmdr. A.A. Ageton)
- Sailing from Bougainville
- 1 Buckley-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): Greenwood
- 3 LSTs
- Sailing from Oro Bay
- 1 Buckley-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): Loeser
- 5 LSTs
- Sailing from Hollandia
- 1 Fletcher-class destroyer (5 × 5-in. main battery): Monssen
- 7 LSTs
- 1 subchaser: SC-735
- 7 merchant ships
- Sailing from Noemfoor
- 6 LSTs
- 2 patrol craft: PC-462, PC-563
- Sailing from Sansapoor
- 1 LST
- 1 patrol craft: PC-464
- Sailing from Morotai
- 3 Fletcher-class destroyers (5 × 5-in. main battery): McDermut, McGowan, Mertz
- 13 LSTs
- Sailing from Leyte
- 15 LSTs
- Sailing from Bougainville
Service Group (Task Group 77.10)
[edit]Rear Admiral R.O. Glover
- Leyte Service Unit (Capt. E.P. Hylant)
- 7 tankers: Caribou, Carondelet, Silver Cloud, Shikellamy, Susquehanna, Bishopdale, Kuruma
- 1 water ship: Stag
- 2 ammunition ships: Pyro, Yunnan
- 2 cargo ships: Murzim, Bootes
- 1 general stores ship: Acubens
- 4 net tenders: Teaberry, Satinleaf, Teak, Silverbell
- 1 repair ship: Midas
- 1 floating drydock: No. 19
- 2 merchant ships: Iran Victory, Meridian Victory
- Lingayen Service Unit (Capt. T.J. Kelly)
- Mindoro Service Unit (Capt. J.D. Beard)
- Screen (Cmdr. W.H. Putnam, USNR)
- 6 Buckley-class destroyer escorts (3 × 3-in. main battery): Thomason, Lovelace, Manning, Neuendorf, James E. Craig, Eichenberger
San Fabian Attack Force (Task Force 78)
[edit]Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey in amphibious command ship Blue Ridge
- Embarking I Army Corps (Major General Innis P. Swift)
- Landing at Eastern sector (San Fabian)
White Beach Attack Group (Task Group 78.1)
[edit]Vice Admiral Barbey
- Embarking 43rd Infantry ("Winged Victory") Division (Major General Leonard F. Wing)
- White Beach Transport Group
- Commodore C.G. Richardson
- Transport Group A (Capt. P.P. Welch)
- Transport Group B (Comm. Richardson)
- Transport Group C (Capt. D.L. Ryan)
- 3 attack transports: Fayette, Heywood, Leedstown
- 1 cargo ship: Hercules
- 2 LSDs: Epping Forest, White Marsh
- LST Group
- Captain R.M. Scruggs
- Screen
- Captain T.B. Dugan
- 9 destroyers
- 6 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Jenkins, La Vallette, Converse, Foote, Charles Ausburne, Braine
- 1 Sims-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Russell
- 2 Mahan-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Drayton, Shaw
- 2 destroyer escorts:
- Both Rudderow-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Charles J. Kimmel, Thomas F. Nickel
- 2 patrol craft
- 9 destroyers
Blue Beach Attack Group (Task Group 78.5)
[edit]Rear Admiral William M. Fechteler
- Embarking 6th Infantry ("Red Star") Division (Major General Edwin D. Patrick) (KIA)[d]
- Blue Beach Transport Group
- Commodore D.W. Loomis
- Transport Division 20 (Comm. Loomis)
- 3 attack transports: Leonard Wood, Pierce, James O'Hara
- 1 transport: La Salle
- 1 attack cargo: Electra
- 1 cargo ship: Auriga
- 1 LSD: Belle Grove
- Transport Division 26 (Capt. H.J. Wright)
- 2 attack transports: Callaway, Sumter
- 1 transport: Storm King
- 1 cargo ship: Jupiter
- 1 LSV: Monitor
- 1 LSD: Gunston Hall
- Transport Division 32-T (Capt. J.L. Allen)
- 3 attack transports: Barnstable, Elmore, Banner
- 1 transport: Herald of the Morning
- 1 cargo ship: Mercury
- 1 hospital ship: Rixey
- Other units
- Transport Division 20 (Comm. Loomis)
- Screen (Capt. J.H. Wellings)
- 7 destroyers
- 4 Benham-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Lang, Stack, Sterett, Wilson
- 2 Sims-class (4 × 5-in. main battery)[e]: Morris, Mustin
- 1 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Dashiell
- 4 destroyer escorts
- All Rudderow-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Day, Hodges, Peiffer, Tinsman
- 7 destroyers
Lingayen Attack Force (Task Force 79)
[edit]Vice Admiral Theodore S. Wilkinson in amphibious command ship Mount Olympus
- Embarking XIV Army Corps (Major General Oscar W. Griswold)
- Landing at Western beaches (Lingayen)
Attack Group Able (Task Group 79.1)
[edit]Rear Admiral Ingolf N. Kiland
- Embarking 37th Infantry ("Buckeye") Division[f] (Major General Robert S. Beightler)
- Transport Group Able (Task Group 79.3)
- Commodore M.O. Carlson
- Transport Division 28-T (Comm. Carlson)
- Transport Division 8-T (Capt. S.P. Jenkins)
- Transport Division 38-T (Capt. G.W. Johnson)
- Tractor Group Able (Task Group 79.5)
- Captain J.S. Laidlaw
- LCI Group (Task Group 79.7)
- Commander A.R. Montgomery
- Control Group Able (Task Group 79.9)
- Lieut Commander B.H. Kaschinski, USNR
- 1 John C. Butler-class destroyer escort (2 × 5-in. main battery): Abercrombie
- 3 PCs, 3 PCSs, 3 YMSs, 1 SC
- Screen (Task Group 79.11)
- Captain R.H. Smith
- 6 destroyers
- 2 destroyer escorts:
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Le Ray Wilson, Gilligan
Attack Group Baker (Task Group 79.2)
[edit]Rear Admiral Forrest B. Royal[g] in amphibious command ship Rocky Mount
- Embarking 40th Infantry ("Sunshine") Division[h] (Major General I. Rapp Brush)
- Transport Group Baker (Task Group 79.4)
- Commodore H.B. Knowles
- Transport Division 10-T (Capt. S.M. Haight)
- 4 attack transports: Clay, William P. Biddle, Arthur Middleton, Baxter
- 1 transport: George F. Elliott
- 1 attack cargo: Capricornus
- 1 LSV: Catskill
- Transport Division 18-T (Comm. Knowles)
- 3 attack transports: Cambria, Monrovia, Frederick Funston
- 1 transport: War Hawk
- 1 attack cargo: Alcyone
- Transport Division 30-T (Capt. E.T. Short)
- 3 attack transports: Knox, Calvert, Custer
- 1 attack cargo: Chara
- 3 LSDs: Lindenwald, Ashland, Casa Grande
- Landing Craft Control Unit (Lt. Cmdr. J.W. Stedman, USNR)
- 1 John C. Butler-class destroyer escort (2 × 5-in. main battery): Walter C. Wann
- 3 PCs, 4 SC, 2 PCE(R)
- Transport Division 10-T (Capt. S.M. Haight)
- Tractor Group Baker (Task Group 79.6)
- Captain E.A. Seay
- LCI Group (Task Group 79.8)
- Captain T.W. Rimer
- Transport Group Screen
- Captain J.B. McLean
- 6 destroyers
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Richard W. Suesens, Oberrender
- Landing Craft Screen
- Captain E.R. McLean
- 7 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Picking, Isherwood, Luce, Sproston, Wickes, Young, Charles J. Badger
- 7 destroyers
Notes
[edit]- ^ General MacArthur's flagship
- ^ William Hopper, later well known for his long-running role on the television series Perry Mason, served in this unit
- ^ Commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr., USNR
- ^ Mortally wounded by Japanese machine gun fire east of Manila 14 Mar 1945, died the following day.
- ^ Down from 5 × 5-in. following modification
- ^ Landing on Crimson and Yellow beaches.
- ^ Died of heart attack 18 Jun 1945 aboard flagship in vicinity of Borneo.
- ^ Landing on Orange and Green beaches.
’’’
References
[edit]- ^ Morison, pp. 7-11
Bibliography
[edit]- Chun, Clayton K.S. (2017). Luzon 1945: The final liberation of the Philippines. Oxford: Osprey. ISBN 978-1-472816-283.
- Falk, Stanley L. (1971). Liberation of the Philippines. New York: Ballantine Books, Inc. ISBN 978-0-345021-649.
- Morison, Samuel Eliot (1959). The Liberation of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas, 1944-1945. History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. XIII. Boston: Little, Brown and Co. LCCN 47-157.
The January 1945 invasion of Luzon was the second phase of the fulfillment of General Douglas MacArthur's promise in March 1942 that he would liberate them from Japanese rule. The landings took place about two weeks after the conclusion of major military operations on Leyte, the first of the Philippines to be liberated from the Japanese.
MacArthur's formal title was Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Southwest Pacific Area. Naval forces, consisting of the US Seventh Fleet, were under the direction of Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid.
The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) had expected to be able to guarantee air superiority over the Philippines after establishing airfields on Leyte, but two factors prevented this: the Japanese mounted an unexpected level of resistance in the air, and the USAAF pilots available were too inexperienced to take off and land in the dark. Thus, Seventh Fleet had to provide its own air cover, and Admiral Kinkaid insisted that escort carriers could do the job. Being considerably slower than fleet carriers such as the Essex class, it was expected that they would be extremely vulnerable to Japanese air attack. In the event, the escort carriers took a beating but performed admirably.[1]
US Navy combat ships:
18 escort carriers, 6 old battleships, 3 heavy cruisers, 5 light cruisers, 61 destroyers, 21 destroyer escorts
Amphibious assault vessels:
12 high-speed transports, 19 attack transports, 4 transports, 12 attack cargo ships, 9 cargo ships, LCIs, LSMs, 50 LSTs, LSVs, etc.
Auxiliaries:
1 submarine chasers, 63 minesweepers, 3 minelayers, 4 patrol craft, 21 tankers, 21 others
Australian vessels:
2 heavy cruisers, 2 destroyers, 2 frigates, 1 survey ship, 1 harbour defense motor launch, 3 LSIs
British vessels:
1 tanker, 1 ammunition ship
Losses: 1 escort carrier, 3 fast minesweepers
Naval forces
[edit]US Seventh Fleet
Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid in amphibious command ship Wasatch
Luzon Attack Force (Task Force 77)
[edit]Vice Admiral Kinkaid
- Embarking US Sixth Army
- Lieutenant General Walter Krueger
Fleet Flagship Group (Task Group 77.1)
[edit]Vice Admiral Kinkaid
- Fleet Flagship Unit (Capt. A.M. Granum)
- 1 amphibious command ship
- 2 destroyers
- 1 Benson-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Frazier
- 1 Mahan-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Smith
- Cruiser Unit (Capt. W.M. Downes)
- 1 light cruiser
- 1 Brooklyn-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Boise[a]
- 2 destroyers
- 1 Gleaves-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Edwards
- 1 Benson-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Coghlan
- 1 light cruiser
Bombardment and Fire Support Group (Task Group 77.2)
[edit]Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf in battleship California
- San Fabian Fire Support Unit (Rear Admiral George L. Weyler in battleship New Mexico)
- Unit "M" (Commodore H.B. Farncomb, RAN)
- 1 New Mexico-class old battleship (12 × 14-in. main battery): Mississippi
- 1 County-class heavy cruiser (8 × 8-in. main battery): Australia
- 2 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Allen M. Sumner, Lowry
- Unit "N" (Rear Adm. I.C. Sowell)
- 1 Colorado-class old battleship (8 × 16-in. main battery): West Virginia
- 1 County-class heavy cruiser (8 × 8-in. main battery): Shropshire
- 2 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Laffey, O'Brien
- Unit "O" (Rear Adm. Weyler)
- 1 New Mexico-class old battleship (12 × 14-in. main battery): New Mexico
- 1 New Orleans-class heavy cruiser (9 × 8-in. main battery): Minneapolis
- 4 Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers (6 × 5-in. main battery): Moale, Barton, Walke, Ingraham
- Unit "M" (Commodore H.B. Farncomb, RAN)
- Lingayen Fire Support Unit (Vice Admiral Oldendorf)
- 3 old battleships
- 1 Colorado-class (8 × 16-in. main battery): Colorado
- 1 Tennessee-class (12 × 14-in. main battery): California
- 1 Pennsylvania-class (12 × 14-in. main battery): Pennsylvania
- 2 heavy cruisers
- 1 Northampton-class (9 × 8-in. main battery): Louisville
- 1 Portland-class (9 × 8-in. main battery): Portland
- 1 light cruiser
- 1 Cleveland-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Columbia
- Screen (Capt. Roland N. Smoot)
- 11 destroyers
- 9 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Leutze, Newcomb, Bennion, Heywood L. Edwards, Richard P. Leary, William D. Porter, Bryant, Kimberly, Izard
- 2 Tribal-class (8 × 4.7-in. main battery): Arunta, Warramunga
- 11 destroyers
- 3 old battleships
Beach Demolition Group
[edit]Lieut. Commander O.B. Murphy, USNR
- 10 high-speed transports
- 6 ex-Clemson-class destroyers: Humphreys, Sands, Overton, Clemson, George E. Badger, Belknap
- 2 ex-Wickes-class destroyers: Dickerson, Rathburne
- 2 ex-Buckley-class destroyer escorts: Blessman, Bull
- Embarking Underwater Demolition Teams (Capt. B.H. Hanlon)
- UDT 5 (Lt. J.K. DeBold, USNR)
- UDT 8 (Lt. Cmdr. D.E. Young, USNR)
- UDT 9 (Lt. H.F. Stevenson, USNR)
- UDT 10[b] (Lt. A.O. Choate, USNR)
- UDT 14 (Lt. A.B. Onderdonk, USNR)
- UDT 15 (Lt. H.F. Brooks)
- Embarking Underwater Demolition Teams (Capt. B.H. Hanlon)
Close Covering Group (Task Group 77.3)
[edit]Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey
- 3 light cruisers
- 1 Brooklyn-class (15 × 6-in. main battery): Phoenix
- 2 Cleveland-class (12 × 6-in. main battery): Montpelier, Denver
- 6 destroyers
Escort Carrier Group (Task Group 77.4)
[edit]Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin
- Lingayen Carrier Group (Rear Adm. Durgin)
- 5 escort carriers
- Makin Island (Capt. W.B. Whaley)
- Composite Squadron 84 (Cmdr. W.H. Rogers, USNR)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 84 (Cmdr. W.H. Rogers, USNR)
- Lunga Point (Capt. G.A.T. Washburn)
- Composite Squadron 85 (Lt. Cmdr. F.C. Herriman)
- 14 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 85 (Lt. Cmdr. F.C. Herriman)
- Bismarck Sea (Capt. J.L. Pratt)
- Composite Squadron 86 (Lt. B.M. Lakin, USNR)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 86 (Lt. B.M. Lakin, USNR)
- Salamaua (Capt. J.I. Taylor)
- Composite Squadron 87 (Lt. H.N. Heisel)
- 14 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 10 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 87 (Lt. H.N. Heisel)
- Hoggatt Bay (Capt. J.A. Briggs)
- Composite Squadron 88 (Lt. Cmdr. E.N. Webb (KIA))
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 88 (Lt. Cmdr. E.N. Webb (KIA))
- Makin Island (Capt. W.B. Whaley)
- 5 escort carriers
- Lingayen Protective Group (Rear Adm. Ralph A. Ofstie)
- 2 escort carriers
- Kitkun Bay (Capt. Albert Handly)
- Composite Squadron 91 (Lt. Cmdr. B.D. Mack (KIA))
- 17 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 11 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 91 (Lt. Cmdr. B.D. Mack (KIA))
- Shamrock Bay (Capts F.T. Ward)
- Composite Squadron 94 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. Patterson, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 94 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. Patterson, USNR)
- Kitkun Bay (Capt. Albert Handly)
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): John C. Butler, O'Flaherty
- 2 escort carriers
- Hunter-Killer Group (Capt. J.C. Cronin)
- 1 escort carrier
- Tulagi (Capt. Cronin)
- Composite Squadron 92 (Lt. J.B. Wallace)
- 11 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 92 (Lt. J.B. Wallace)
- Tulagi (Capt. Cronin)
- 7 destroyer escorts
- All John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Edmonds, Stafford, William Seiverling, Ulvert M. Moore[c], Kendall C. Campbell, Goss, Howard F. Clark
- 1 escort carrier
- Screen (Capt. V.D. Long)
- 7 destroyers
- 3 Gridley-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Gridley, McCall, Maury
- 4 Bagley-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Bagley, Helm, Ralph Talbot, Patterson
- 7 destroyers
- San Fabian Carrier Group
- Rear Admiral Felix B. Stump
- 6 escort carriers
- Natoma Bay (Capt. Albert K. Morehouse)
- Composite Squadron 81 (Lt. Cmdr. R.C. Barnes)
- 18 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 81 (Lt. Cmdr. R.C. Barnes)
- Manila Bay (Capt. Fitzhugh Lee, III)
- Composite Squadron 80 (Lt. Cmdr. H.K. Stubbs, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 80 (Lt. Cmdr. H.K. Stubbs, USNR)
- Wake Island (Capt. A.V. Magly)
- Composite Spotting Squadron 1 (Lt. Cmdr. W.F. Bringle)
- 23 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Spotting Squadron 1 (Lt. Cmdr. W.F. Bringle)
- Steamer Bay (Capt. Steadman Teller)
- Composite Squadron 90 (Lt. Cmdr. R.A. O'Neill)
- 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 90 (Lt. Cmdr. R.A. O'Neill)
- Savo Island (Capt. Clarence E. Ekstrom)
- Composite Squadron 27 (Lt. Cmdr. P.W. Jackson)
- 19 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 27 (Lt. Cmdr. P.W. Jackson)
- Ommaney Bay (scuttled after kamikaze attack, 4 Jan 1945) (Capt. H.L. Young)
- Composite Squadron 75 (Lt. Cmdr. A.W. Smith)
- 19 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 75 (Lt. Cmdr. A.W. Smith)
- Natoma Bay (Capt. Albert K. Morehouse)
- Screen (Capt. H.J. Martin)
- 7 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Hall, Halligan, Bell, Burns, Paul Hamilton, Twiggs, Abbot
- 7 destroyers
- 6 escort carriers
- Close Covering Group
- Rear Admiral G.R. Henderson
- 4 escort carriers
- Saginaw Bay (Capt. F.C. Sutton)
- Composite Squadron 78 (Lt. F.G. Lewis, USNR)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 78 (Lt. F.G. Lewis, USNR)
- Kadashan Bay (Capt. R.N. Hunter)
- Composite Squadron 20 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. McRoberts)
- 24 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 11 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 20 (Lt. Cmdr. J.F. McRoberts)
- Marcus Island (Capt. C.F. Greber)
- Composite Squadron 21 (Lt. Cmdr. T.R. Murray, USNR)
- 24 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 9 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 21 (Lt. Cmdr. T.R. Murray, USNR)
- Petrof Bay (Capt. R.S. Clarke)
- Composite Squadron 76 (Cmdr. J.W. MaCauley)
- 20 FM-2 Wildcat fighters
- 12 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Composite Squadron 76 (Cmdr. J.W. MaCauley)
- Saginaw Bay (Capt. F.C. Sutton)
- Screen (Capt. J.W. Callahan)
- 2 destroyers
- Both Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Charrette, Conner
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Richard S. Bull, Richard M. Rowell
- 2 destroyers
- 4 escort carriers
Minesweeping and Hydrographic Group (Task Group 77.6)
[edit]Commander W.R. Loud
- Sweep Unit 1 (Cmdr. Loud)
- 5 fast minesweepers (all ex-Clemson-class destroyers): Chandler, Southard, Hovey (sunk by air attack, 7 Jan 1945), Long (sunk by air attack, 6 Jan 1945), Hopkins
- 1 fast minelayer (ex-Clemson-class destroyer): Preble
- 1 fast transport (ex-Clemson-class destroyer): Brooks
- 4 Higgins boats
- Sweep Unit 2 (Lt. Cmdr. John Clague, USNR)
- 5 fast minesweepers (all ex-Wickes-class destroyers): Dorsey, Hamilton, Palmer (sunk by air attack, 7 Jan 1945), Hogan, Howard
- 1 fast minelayer (ex-Wickes-class destroyer): Breese
- Sweep Unit 3 (Lt. Cmdr. H.R. Peirce, USNR)
- Sweep Unit 4 (Lt. Cmdr. J.R. Keefer)
- Sweep Unit 5 (Lt. J.S. Dement)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 6 (Lt. W.A. Latta, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 7 (Lt. Paul Schminke, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 8 (Lt. E.O. Slatmarsh, USNR)
- 8 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 9 (Lt. G.L. O'Neil, USNR)
- 5 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 10 (Lt. W.H. Boutell, USNR)
- 5 yard minesweepers
- Sweep Unit 11
- 4 Higgins boats equipped as minesweepers
- Hydrographic Unit (Cmdr. R.B.A. Hunt, RAN)
- 2 frigates: Gascoyne, Warrego
- 1 survey ship: Benalla
- 1 harbour defence motor launch: HDML-1074
- 1 yard minesweeper: YMS-316
- Service Unit (Lt. Cmdr. J.E. Cole, USNR)
Screening Group (Task Group 77.7)
[edit]Captain J.B. McLean
- 4 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Stanly, Halford, Bush, Stembel
Salvage and Rescue Group (Task Group 77.8)
[edit]Commander B.S. Huie, USNR
- 3 salvage vessels: Grasp, Grapple, Cable
- 2 repair ships: Amycus, Egeria
- 2 fleet tugs (both Navajo-class): Apache, Chickasaw
- 5 ocean tugs (all Abnaki-class): Hidatsa, Quapaw, Rail, Chowanoc, Potawatomi
- 1 rescue tug: ATR-61
- 8 LCI(L)s
Reinforcement Group (Task Group 77.9)
[edit]Rear Admiral Richard L. Conolly in amphibious command ship Appalachian
- Embarking
- 25th Infantry Division (Maj. Gen. C.L. Mullins)
- 158th Infantry Regimental Combat Team (Brig. Gen. H. MacNider)
- 13th Armored Group (Col. M.E. Jones)
- Flagship Unit
- 1 Appalachian-class amphibious command ship: Appalachian
- 1 Fletcher-class destroyer (5 × 5-in. main battery): Remey
- Sailing from Nouméa
- 9 attack transports: President Jackson, President Adams, La Porte, Latimer, Oxford, Zeilin, Oconto, Laurens, Audrain
- 2 transports: President Monroe, Comet
- 9 attack cargos: Algol, Navajo Victory, Manderson Victory, Las Vegas Victory, Bedford Victory, H.T. Dodge, Solon Turman, Wrangell, Fomalhaut
- 3 Fletcher-class destroyers (5 × 5-in. main battery): McNair, Norman Scott, Melvin
- Sailing from Bougainville
- 2 attack transports: Libra, De Harmon
- 1 transport: President Polk
- Sailing from Milne Bay
- 2 attack transports: Warren, De Darby
- Sailing from Oro Bay
- 1 attack cargo: Uvalde
- 1 Evarts-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): J. Douglas Blackwood
- Sailing from Lae
- 1 attack transport: Olmsted
- Sailing from Finschafen
- Sailing from Hollandia
- 1 attack transport: Appling
- 1 transport: Winged Arrow
- 1 fast transport (ex-Buckley-class destroyer escort): Coolbaugh
- Sailing from Noemfoor
- 3 attack transports: Leon, Adair, Haskell
- 1 attack cargo: Diphda
- 11 fast transports:
- 5 ex-Wickes-class destroyers: Kilty, Schley, Crosby, Herbert, Talbot
- 1 ex-Caldwell-class destroyer: Manley
- 1 ex-Clemson-class destroyer: Goldsborough
- 4 ex-Buckley-class destroyer escorts: Lloyd, Newman, Kephart, Cofer
- Sailing from Leyte
- 1 attack transport: Gilliam
- 1 patrol craft: PC-1128
- 2 tankers: Bennington, Birch Collie
- LST Unit (Cmdr. A.A. Ageton)
- Sailing from Bougainville
- 1 Buckley-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): Greenwood
- 3 LSTs
- Sailing from Oro Bay
- 1 Buckley-class destroyer escort (3 × 3-in. main battery): Loeser
- 5 LSTs
- Sailing from Hollandia
- 1 Fletcher-class destroyer (5 × 5-in. main battery): Monssen
- 7 LSTs
- 1 subchaser: SC-735
- 7 merchant ships
- Sailing from Noemfoor
- 6 LSTs
- 2 patrol craft: PC-462, PC-563
- Sailing from Sansapoor
- 1 LST
- 1 patrol craft: PC-464
- Sailing from Morotai
- 3 Fletcher-class destroyers (5 × 5-in. main battery): McDermut, McGowan, Mertz
- 13 LSTs
- Sailing from Leyte
- 15 LSTs
- Sailing from Bougainville
Service Group (Task Group 77.10)
[edit]Rear Admiral R.O. Glover
- Leyte Service Unit (Capt. E.P. Hylant)
- 7 tankers: Caribou, Carondelet, Silver Cloud, Shikellamy, Susquehanna, Bishopdale, Kuruma
- 1 water ship: Stag
- 2 ammunition ships: Pyro, Yunnan
- 2 cargo ships: Murzim, Bootes
- 1 general stores ship: Acubens
- 4 net tenders: Teaberry, Satinleaf, Teak, Silverbell
- 1 repair ship: Midas
- 1 floating drydock: No. 19
- 2 merchant ships: Iran Victory, Meridian Victory
- Lingayen Service Unit (Capt. T.J. Kelly)
- Mindoro Service Unit (Capt. J.D. Beard)
- Screen (Cmdr. W.H. Putnam, USNR)
- 6 Buckley-class destroyer escorts (3 × 3-in. main battery): Thomason, Lovelace, Manning, Neuendorf, James E. Craig, Eichenberger
San Fabian Attack Force (Task Force 78)
[edit]Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey in amphibious command ship Blue Ridge
- Embarking I Army Corps (Major General Innis P. Swift)
- Landing at Eastern sector (San Fabian)
White Beach Attack Group (Task Group 78.1)
[edit]Vice Admiral Barbey
- Embarking 43rd Infantry ("Winged Victory") Division (Major General Leonard F. Wing)
- White Beach Transport Group
- Commodore C.G. Richardson
- Transport Group A (Capt. P.P. Welch)
- Transport Group B (Comm. Richardson)
- Transport Group C (Capt. D.L. Ryan)
- 3 attack transports: Fayette, Heywood, Leedstown
- 1 cargo ship: Hercules
- 2 LSDs: Epping Forest, White Marsh
- LST Group
- Captain R.M. Scruggs
- Screen
- Captain T.B. Dugan
- 9 destroyers
- 6 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Jenkins, La Vallette, Converse, Foote, Charles Ausburne, Braine
- 1 Sims-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Russell
- 2 Mahan-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Drayton, Shaw
- 2 destroyer escorts:
- Both Rudderow-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Charles J. Kimmel, Thomas F. Nickel
- 2 patrol craft
- 9 destroyers
Blue Beach Attack Group (Task Group 78.5)
[edit]Rear Admiral William M. Fechteler
- Embarking 6th Infantry ("Red Star") Division (Major General Edwin D. Patrick) (KIA)[d]
- Blue Beach Transport Group
- Commodore D.W. Loomis
- Transport Division 20 (Comm. Loomis)
- 3 attack transports: Leonard Wood, Pierce, James O'Hara
- 1 transport: La Salle
- 1 attack cargo: Electra
- 1 cargo ship: Auriga
- 1 LSD: Belle Grove
- Transport Division 26 (Capt. H.J. Wright)
- 2 attack transports: Callaway, Sumter
- 1 transport: Storm King
- 1 cargo ship: Jupiter
- 1 LSV: Monitor
- 1 LSD: Gunston Hall
- Transport Division 32-T (Capt. J.L. Allen)
- 3 attack transports: Barnstable, Elmore, Banner
- 1 transport: Herald of the Morning
- 1 cargo ship: Mercury
- 1 hospital ship: Rixey
- Other units
- Transport Division 20 (Comm. Loomis)
- Screen (Capt. J.H. Wellings)
- 7 destroyers
- 4 Benham-class (4 × 5-in. main battery): Lang, Stack, Sterett, Wilson
- 2 Sims-class (4 × 5-in. main battery)[e]: Morris, Mustin
- 1 Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Dashiell
- 4 destroyer escorts
- All Rudderow-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Day, Hodges, Peiffer, Tinsman
- 7 destroyers
Lingayen Attack Force (Task Force 79)
[edit]Vice Admiral Theodore S. Wilkinson in amphibious command ship Mount Olympus
- Embarking XIV Army Corps (Major General Oscar W. Griswold)
- Landing at Western beaches (Lingayen)
Attack Group Able (Task Group 79.1)
[edit]Rear Admiral Ingolf N. Kiland
- Embarking 37th Infantry ("Buckeye") Division[f] (Major General Robert S. Beightler)
- Transport Group Able (Task Group 79.3)
- Commodore M.O. Carlson
- Transport Division 28-T (Comm. Carlson)
- Transport Division 8-T (Capt. S.P. Jenkins)
- Transport Division 38-T (Capt. G.W. Johnson)
- Tractor Group Able (Task Group 79.5)
- Captain J.S. Laidlaw
- LCI Group (Task Group 79.7)
- Commander A.R. Montgomery
- Control Group Able (Task Group 79.9)
- Lieut Commander B.H. Kaschinski, USNR
- 1 John C. Butler-class destroyer escort (2 × 5-in. main battery): Abercrombie
- 3 PCs, 3 PCSs, 3 YMSs, 1 SC
- Screen (Task Group 79.11)
- Captain R.H. Smith
- 6 destroyers
- 2 destroyer escorts:
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Le Ray Wilson, Gilligan
Attack Group Baker (Task Group 79.2)
[edit]Rear Admiral Forrest B. Royal[g] in amphibious command ship Rocky Mount
- Embarking 40th Infantry ("Sunshine") Division[h] (Major General I. Rapp Brush)
- Transport Group Baker (Task Group 79.4)
- Commodore H.B. Knowles
- Transport Division 10-T (Capt. S.M. Haight)
- 4 attack transports: Clay, William P. Biddle, Arthur Middleton, Baxter
- 1 transport: George F. Elliott
- 1 attack cargo: Capricornus
- 1 LSV: Catskill
- Transport Division 18-T (Comm. Knowles)
- 3 attack transports: Cambria, Monrovia, Frederick Funston
- 1 transport: War Hawk
- 1 attack cargo: Alcyone
- Transport Division 30-T (Capt. E.T. Short)
- 3 attack transports: Knox, Calvert, Custer
- 1 attack cargo: Chara
- 3 LSDs: Lindenwald, Ashland, Casa Grande
- Landing Craft Control Unit (Lt. Cmdr. J.W. Stedman, USNR)
- 1 John C. Butler-class destroyer escort (2 × 5-in. main battery): Walter C. Wann
- 3 PCs, 4 SC, 2 PCE(R)
- Transport Division 10-T (Capt. S.M. Haight)
- Tractor Group Baker (Task Group 79.6)
- Captain E.A. Seay
- LCI Group (Task Group 79.8)
- Captain T.W. Rimer
- Transport Group Screen
- Captain J.B. McLean
- 6 destroyers
- 2 destroyer escorts
- Both John C. Butler-class (2 × 5-in. main battery): Richard W. Suesens, Oberrender
- Landing Craft Screen
- Captain E.R. McLean
- 7 destroyers
- All Fletcher-class (5 × 5-in. main battery): Picking, Isherwood, Luce, Sproston, Wickes, Young, Charles J. Badger
- 7 destroyers
Notes
[edit]- ^ General MacArthur's flagship
- ^ William Hopper, later well known for his long-running role on the television series Perry Mason, served in this unit
- ^ Commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr., USNR
- ^ Mortally wounded by Japanese machine gun fire east of Manila 14 Mar 1945, died the following day.
- ^ Down from 5 × 5-in. following modification
- ^ Landing on Crimson and Yellow beaches.
- ^ Died of heart attack 18 Jun 1945 aboard flagship in vicinity of Borneo.
- ^ Landing on Orange and Green beaches.
’’’
References
[edit]- ^ Morison, pp. 7-11
Bibliography
[edit]- Chun, Clayton K.S. (2017). Luzon 1945: The final liberation of the Philippines. Oxford: Osprey. ISBN 978-1-472816-283.
- Falk, Stanley L. (1971). Liberation of the Philippines. New York: Ballantine Books, Inc. ISBN 978-0-345021-649.
- Morison, Samuel Eliot (1959). The Liberation of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas, 1944-1945. History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. XIII. Boston: Little, Brown and Co. LCCN 47-157.