L FRIDAY, MAT 1*. IMS
.. -
FIRE BOMBS FALL
ON NAGOYA AGAIN
I. II II I.I I HI
Superforts Return Taj
Attack Smouldering
Center of Japanese!
War Industry
21st Bomber Command Headquar
ters, Gam, May 17.—More than 600
giant B-29 Superfortresses turned 16
square miles at Nagoya into a sea of
flame early today, dumping more
than 3,600 tons of fire bombs in their
second devastation assault on that
third largest city of Japan in three
days.
The new assault raised to 11,500
tons the weight of fire bombs heap
ed on Nagoya in four mighty at
tacks in a little more than ttoo
months and made it the most heav
ily-bombed city on the Nipponese
mainland.
Fire-swept wreckage caused byt
Monday's 500-plane daylight attack',
still was smouldering when the huge !
bombers, -earh carrying approxi
mately seven tons of bombs, swept
over Nagoya shortly before dawn
and attacked in waves from low
levels.
Aircraft Targets.
The raiders, out to obliterate the
core of Japan's dwindling aircraft
production facilities unloaded their
bombs into a 16- square-mile con
centration of industry, some of it
already partially ruined by previous
raids. Among the targets was the
Mitsubishi aircraft plant—largest in
Japan.
The three previous saturation
hands, now nearing the same pitch
, as those which wiped out Germany's
war industries, had destroyed ap
proximately eight of Nagoya's 16
square miles and it was possible
that when today's damage is as
sessed, that upwards of half of the
city will have been destroyed.
Nagoya, a thickly-populated city
of 1,326,000 interlaced by canals,
was battered by -4,500 tons of fire
. bombs on the nights of March 12
and 19th and received its heaviest
blasting Monday when more than
500 planes—a new record—delivered
the first of many assaults now de
' signed to destroy Japanese war in
dustry and soften the country for
invasion.
The Superforts now have hit Na
goya a total of 14 times. Tokyo has
been hit mo retimes—16—but by a
lesser weight of bombs. The Super
forts of the command and the
China* based 20th now have hit the
Japanese mainland a total of 66
times since first swinging into ac
tion last June.
Flew In Low.
•Hie silvery fleets of Superfor
tresses went in lower today than on
Monday, apparently to cross up
Japanese anti-aircraft gunners. He
great planes, some at them manned
by veterans of the European air
war who are being transferred to
the Pacific to give Japan a taste of
what they gave the Nazis, took off
from bases on Guam, Saipan and
Tinian. __
The formation might have been
the largest force of B-29s ever sent
along on one mission, although it
was known that more than 600 hit
Nsgoya in the Monday mission.
Before the first elements report
ed "bombs away" by radio early
this morning, reconnaissance plane'
crewmen disclosed moke still was
pouraing from a nine-square-mile
targe area attacked Monday.
from a carrier task force flagship
which had participated in a series
of strikes against Kyushu and Shi
kokn repotted that the Japamae
air force was on its last lags—both
from aerial bf tings and deatroc
tion of Ha factories.
AMERICANS ADVANCING
IN MINDANAO FIGHTING
Manila, May 17.—Veteran infantry
men of the United States 31st Divi
sion, slogging oat a five-mile gala
through the toogheat fighting of The
Philippine* campaign, have reached a
point within eight milea of the big
air baae at Valencia, Gen. Douglaa
Mac Arthur announced today.
MacArthor alee a—mmaad that
leading elementa at the American
Firat Calvary DivMan had ad.awd
five milea northward along the
coaat of Loxon to within
of the Port Laafn
anchorage south at In
" a
of at*
i the island
tip of Tarakan la
Allied
WAR IN BRIEF
Americans on. Okinawa tighten pin
cers upon keystone of Jap defenses
at Shuri City aa Moody fighting con
tinues. More than 44)000 Japs killed
so far on Okmawa, with American
deaths nearing 4.000 marie.
Mac Arthur's men en Mindanao ad
vance toward central airfield against
tough resistance. Fighting oontinues
on Borneo and Luzon.
Giant Superforta return to smould
ering Nakoya to deal another terri
fic fire-bomb blow to Japan's great
est war industrial center.
Navy reveals capture of Japan
bound German U-Boat carrying Luft
waffe officers and two Jap suicides.
Jap submarines also revealed to hare
prowled the Atlantic.
Notorious Nan criminal Dr. Rob
ert Ley captured by American 101st
Airborne Division.
Allies declare Gennany will be
placed under stern military rule for
long time to come, and say present
Doenitz group is operating temporar
ily under Allied orders.
Allied war crimes conference to
consider punishment of Nasi crimi
nals will meet in London May 21.
British press again assails coddling
of Nasi big shots.
Americana are ready to prosecute
Nazi criminals, with Tar Heel attor-'
ney being named as one of prosecu
tors. " ^
Adolf Hitler's stenographer says
Nazi fuehrer greeted news of Presi
dent Roosevelt's death with hideous'
laughter.
HAVE YOU REGISTERED v {
FOR CANNING SUGART
For all who failed to register for
canning sugar in the April registra
tion, there will be a special registra
tion throughout Pitt County on Mon
iay, May 21. Those who do not regis
ter at this time will not receive any
canning sugar until the second allott-'
ment is announced.
Registration will be held in the
Elation Office in Farmville from 9 a.
m. to 5:30 p. m. You must bring
Book 4 for all members of the fami
ly. Only an adult member of the
Family may register for all members.
You may apply for sugar even
though you did not apply for canning
sugar last year.
Remember the date—Monday, May
21st . .
T. B. Clinic Being
Held Here Today
The Pitt County Health Depart
ment advises that there will be a
Tuberculosis Clinic held Friday, May
18, from 2. to 4 p. m., by Dr. R. T.
Williams' in the Williams-Winatead
Clinic, Farm villa
The Clinic .will serve both white
ind colored pattonta from any part
of Pitt Comity. The services are
tree and are made possible through
the Tuberculosis Christmas Seal Sale
Fund.
Memorial Poppies I
ToBeWornMay26/
Once again on Poppy Day, May 26,
the member* of the American Legion
Auxiliary will dedicate their best ef
fort* to the distribution of memorial
poppies to the citisens of Farmville.
It is one of the ways in which they
pay tribute to and keep faith with
those who died in the nation's ser
vice. •' .u-.
"The wearing ofthe poppy haa be
come a silent pledge, renewed each
year, that the people of America, have
not forgotten the responsibility they
have been given by their fighting
men of both wars." "Many of these
men have given their lives or their
health for os, aad it is with
gratitude to them that we set
a day on which to honor them and I
then that we remember our
These little memorial flowers will
be offered to everyone. There is no
fixed price for a poppy—whatever is
given is welcome. The little boy's
tor are equally acceptable. It H
b^bjTni«rW^of j
Every cent that la gives for a |
py goes toward the rehabilitation of
disabled fighting men and to tfcs aid
of the children of the dead and dis
abled. These victims «f wart
ter will be glad .to see the poppies |
lapels again thia j
Fuatial Services
* tor L T. Pierce
To Be Held Today
j ■> •
Prominent Farmvilie
Citizen Died At Hta
Home Here, Wednes
day Afternoon
Fnneakl. sat'tiies lor Lonnie T.
Pierce, 52, who died at hig home here
at .f o'clock Wednesday afternoon,
will be held from the Ptesbyteriati
Church this morning: 11 o'clock
with the pastor, Rev. E. S. Coatee,
officiating, assisted by Rev. C, A.
Lawrence, of Falkland, and Rev. W.
I. Bennett, of Farmville. Interment
will be in Hollywood Cemetery here.
Representatives from all local
chinch choirs will sing. Mm J. M.
Hobgood, piano accompanist will rai
der "Going Home" from Dvorak's,
"World Symphony," as the proces
sional. Chosen hymns include, "My
Faith Looks Up To Thee," "How
Firm A Foundation," and "Abide
With Me." A quartet composed of
Mrs. M. V. Jones, Mrs. A. W. Bobbitt,
Charles F. Baucom and Elbert Holmes
will sing, "Come Ye Disconsolate."
Mr. Pierce had been in declining
health for two yean and critically 01
For the past nine months. He was a
ion of the late W. T. and Margaret
Smith Pierce of Falkland, and came
to Farmville to make his home 30
pears ago. He was a member of the
Masonic Lodge, secretary of the Pitt
County Board of Ejections and a loyal
member of the Farmville Presby
terian Church, Staving formerly serv
ed both as deacon and elder. He was
otgaged in farming and had extensive
holdings in farmlands in this section.
A well-known and highly esteemed
utizen, he was of a genial nature and
will be greatly missed by a wide
circle of friends. ,
Surviving are his wife," the former
[ma Pittman, of Falkland, to whom
le was married in 1916; two sons,
Lonnie T. Pierce, Jr., of Richmond,
Itay and Robert Pittman Pierce, of
Farmville;. a brother, C. E. Pierce, of
Columbus, Ga.; and sevenfl nieces
ind nephews.
Active pall-bearers will be Hugh
ind Henry Pittman, of Falkland; Guy
Smith and T. G. Basnight, of Green
rille; LeRoy Parker, of Rocky Mount;
W. Leslie Smith and Dr. C. E. Fitz
gerald, of Farmville, and Dr. E. E.
Pittman, of Oak City. (
SERVICE MEN'S
• CENTER •
Registering at the Service Men's
Center the past week were the fol
lowing from Farmville: Major Gen
ual Allen H. Turaage, Washington,
D. C.; Pvt. Herbert M. Gay, Camp
Lee, Va., son of Louis Gay, Route 2;
Pvt. Archie G. Caytq®, Oliver Gen
ual Hospital, Augusta, Ga.; Fred C.
rrevathan, S.S.M.C. 1/c, Fleet Post
Offiee, San Francisco, Calif., and
Pinetops.
Cherry Point: Pfc. Dale B. Mar
tin KnightaviBe, Ind., and CpL Frank
Damyanovich, Lincoln Park, Michi
gan, guests of Mias Lucille May, Sat
urday night and Sunday; M. T. Sgt
W. I. Gagnon, Woodland, Maine, din
ner guest Sunday of Mrs. S. G. Gard
ner and «upper guest of Mias TaUtha
lit Deviaconti; Pfc. Edwin M. Stroud,
Seattle Washington and CpJ. Theo
dore F. Zacherny, Amana, Iowa, Sun
day night gueets of Mia» DeViaconti.
Camp Lejeune: Pfc. Glen C.
Crough, JLakeland, Fla., and Tucson,
Arizona, and Cpl. N. E. Lehinann,
Central Village, Coda.
Pfc. Richard L. Baker, Mcgvire
General Hospital, Richmond/ Va, and
Ayden, N. C.
Donations included a caramel cake,
by Mra. Bob Joyner, milk by Mrs. B.
A. Nermar and^ three pounds ofj
A letter from H. P. Norman writ
ten May 1st, says everything is going
fta&in Germany where he now is.
They no longer .have blackouts. J
Street can are naming and he has
mart everything ha needs. A Rad
Cross Clubmobile visited his Com
pany.. The two womaa, w«« very
nice but the beet part was the fact
J. T. Lasaitfr, ExtenaiJmi horti
culturist oi State College aay» Jhat
(rnm make mora money when they
produce Quality product*, and gride
L
NEWS-OF SERVICE
MEW AND WOMEN
4 Veteran ef Marfan Theatre
Herbert M. Gay, son of Lonia Gay,
route is at home after seeing ser
viee ia Franca, Italy, Belgium and
Germany, since March, 1943. In
September, '44, he was knocked out
of a for hole by the explosion of a
shell which tore his clothes off but
was not wmmfcrt. -
He rounied to te States in Jan
uary, '46. He weans the Infantry
Combat badge, the European ribbons
with four staia and the good conduct
ribbon, ^t present he is stationed at
Camp Lee, Va. His wife resides in
Saratoga.
Ob Um
Fred C. Trevathan, S.S.M.C. 1/c,
was a visitor here Tuesday. He has
been in 7 major battles participated
in by the flagship at Admiral William
P. Halsey. He wears the Flag ship
ribbon with 1 star; the Philippine
Theatre ribbon with 2 stare; the Asia
tic Theatre ribbon, with 4 starv the
African ribbon with 1 star and the
American Theatre ribbon.
Seaman.Trevathan who operated
Trevathan's Shoe Shop here prior to
joining the navy, has been in the
service two and t half yean. Hfe says
he is happy to oe back in Farmville
and appreciates so much the welcome
he has had here. After a 24 day leave,
he will return to Seattle, Wash., ac
companied by his wife who has been
making her home in Pinetope.
Liberated
1 Mrs. Melvin G. Price, the former
Miss Edna Hobgood of Farmville,
has received word from her husband,
Cpi. Price, who has been missing
since December, 1944, saying that he
was liberated on April 28. His letter
stated that he was to leave for the
States right away.
Joseph H. Bymim, Jr., son of Mr.
and Mrs. J. H. Bynum at Farmyiile,
has recently been promoted to the
rank at Staff Sergeant. He has been
in service 15 months and is with the
Army Air Corp*, For the past six
months he has been statoined in Italy.
New Address
Captain B. B. Foidham, 0484078,
Post Chapel, Williams Field, Chand
ler, Arizona.
On New Cruiser
Aboard a New U. S. Cruiser Some
where in the Pacific, March 18 De
layed—James B. Briley, 23, pharmac
ist's mate, second claw, whose moth
er, Mrs. Lula Lee Briley, lives at 210
West Pine St, Farmville, N. C., help
ed take this new ship into battle for .
the first time tjoday against the
Japanese.
Her guns sent two Japanese bopb
5TS crashing into the sea not far from
Japan, and the camera she defended
so well are free to launch theif
plane*. -
The Jap is aware that a new, ship
las joined Uncle Sam's first team.
Awarded Oak Leaf Cluster
Headquarters, XXth Bomber Com
mand, Indiia—Award of the Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal to
First Lieutenant William C. Briley,
at Farmville, N. C., has been announc
ed' by Headquarters of the 20th
Bomber Command, pioneer B-29 Su
perfortress organisation.
The citation commends Lt. Briley
For "outstanding and meritorious
achievement while participating as a
member at a lead crew on bombing
missiohs against Kuala Lumper, Ma
laya," during which his plane drop
ped a high percentage of bombs car
ried <m the assigned target"
The citation adds that "from these
actions great damage was caused to
siiemy installations."
Lt. Briley is a flight engineer with
the '"Billy Mitchell" Group.
Gratostes
Camp Lee, Vs., May 11.—Lt. Letha
L. Hoiloman, niece of W. A. Pollard,
Jr., Farmville, N. C., was among the
200 graduates of the Nurse* Basic
Training Center at The Quartermas
ter School here today.
Commending "the patriotism which
brough you into the Army" CM. L. L.
Cobb, Commandant of The Quarftr
ter School, told the class that "your
volunteering in your country's hour
of need is a capsuled history of the
heritage that is America. The uni
focal which you wear clothes Ameri
can womanhood in one of its most
idealistic forms."
The 200 graduates, who have un
dergone four weeks of intensive
training in basic military subjects
Kid Army Medical Corps techniques
and procedures, will be assigned to
hospiitals in the Third Service Com
mand before going overseas.
TO^FOBT BRAGG
Jimmie Parker, sag of R. A- Packer
of PannviUa, who was recently in
ducted left Wednesday to report *t
Port Bragg, Prior to induction, he
attended Edwank Military Institate,
where he was a fraehman in the Col.
lege Department. Jimmie spent lev*
end days of this week with his fsmi*
ly hers.
Senior Class To
Present Play
Other Commencement
Programs Announced;
Marshals and Senior
Speakers Named
Tonight at 8:30 o'eloek the curtain
riaea on the play, "Up She Goes,"
being presented by the Senior Class
«f the Famiville High School, under
the direction of Mr*. J. B. Joyner.
The scene of the three acta ia laid
in thcr living room, at lln. Burton's
Boarding House, near a California
airport.
Characters include Rhoda Rheims,
a famous aviatrix, played by Hary
Leah llioraej Beatrfee Rheims, her
younger sister, Johnaie Moore; Mrs.
Burton, a boarding house keeper, Ma
mie Allen; Eva Lang, an air hostess,
Mary Elisabeth Carr; Amy Fitts, a
young widow, Willie Win berry; Susan
Botts, an air minded maid of all work,
lame Kemp; Bob Burton, a test pilot,
Marvin Horton, Jr.; Chuck Lorrimer,
another test pilot, Milton William
son; Randolph Scott, a young mil
lionaire, Bobby Butts; BUI Hides, a
mechanic, L. D. Braxton; Guy Dean,
»t radio operator, Donald Walaton;
and Joe Boone, a radio announcer,
Harry Davis.
Announcements
The following Commencement Pro
gram has been announced by J. H.
Moore, Superintendent, May 25, Piano
Recital; May 27, Baccalaureate Ser
mon; May 29, Senior Piano Recital;
lune 1, Graduation Exercise*.
L. D. Braxton is Valedictorian and
Flora Dean Johnson, Salutatorian.
Commencement marshals include
Bruce Darden, Babs Williford and
Jimmie Stocks, tenth grade; Cedric
Davis, Joyce Tyson and Dora Mae
Barrett, ninth grade; Elsie May, Ruth
Moore and Helen Thomas, eighth
grade.
A hen laying 200 eggs puts about
14 times aa much calcium into the
eggs la i« contained in her body.
Sound shells call for plenty of cal
:ium, especially near the end of the
laying season.
BANK ELECTS VICE-PRESIDENT
At the regular meeting of the
Board of Director* of the Bank of
Fahnville, Thursday, May W, George
W. Davis was elected m Vice-Presi
ient, to succeed the 1ate J. L Morgan,
Sr. Mr. Davis has. served on the
Board since January 1987.
J. I. Morgan, Jr., was elected to
racceea his father, as director. -
VETERAN OF SO MONTHS
IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Cecil Field, Fia., May 17.—Marine
Private First Clan Julius L. Erwin,
Km of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar L. Erwin
>f Route 2, Farmville, N. C.f veteran
»f 30 months at Jap and jungle fights
tag in the Sooth Pacific, has joined
the Marine guard at the Naval Air
Station hem
A member of. the famed First Ma
rine Division, Erwin participated in
the Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester and
Pelelin campaigns. He was attacked
to an artillery outfit.
In his three Pacific affensives,
which totaled over a year ot front
line action, 22-year-old Erwin fought
the Japs in 10 major battles, four eta
Guadalcanal and Cape Gloucester and
two on Peleira. His last combat duty
was on Bleody Nose Ridge, Peleliu.
Private Erwin enlisted in AuguA,
1940. He wean the First Maxim
Division Presidentisl Unit Citation,
the Pacific ribbon with four staza and
the American defease ribbon for his
overseas service.
A native of Farmville, Erwin at
tended Arthur High.
DISTRICT SCOUT
EXECUTIVE AND OFFICIALS
GUESTS OF KIWAMS
The feature at the Monday eve
ning Kiwania Club meeting waa a talk
made by John Hackney of Wilaon,
Divisional Scout Executive. Mr.
Hackney gave to the Club an analyaia
at the hiatory, purpose, and the activi
biea in aQ it'a branchea at true Scout
ing. His talk mm concise, illustra
tive, and to the point and it can wall
be aak) that all who heard him were
sot only enthused, but wen eager to
contribute their hit in pushing on
ward the Scout movemant in this dis
trict -
Mr. Hackney was introduced by J.
T. Sutton, Program chairman of the
evening, who previous to the intro
duction apoke briefly aa to bow the
Kiwania dub might attribute to the
AUTOMOBILES
' ~ *' '
Washington, May 1A—Soma 600,
pected to roll off aaaetably Unas by
next April I. !» ww disdoeed offi
cially today after the first big- re
conversion HWfWW between gwr*
Brnraent and indoatry.
Henry P. Neieoti, the War Prodac
tion chief, told a joint WPB-industry
we that about 200,000 can eaa be
produced this year and another 400,
900 in the first quarter of 1M6. The
exact figure could go up or dawn,
depending on military needs.
Each manufacturer will be given
a quota expected to be baaed on his
pre-war output Nelson refused to
let a date for an industry go ahead,
but be said it aertainly will not be
before July 1.
Once the go ahead is given, manu
facturers will be permitted to pro
luce any type of ear they wish, but
retting along aa beat they can with
out priority assistance from the gov
ernment.
AT THE ROTARY CLUB
Walter Jones wma in charge of the
Rotary program Ttusday evening and
Lead a round table discussion of the
World Conference. Several partici
pated in the stady which proved moat
interesting.
Milton L. Eaaon was welcomed aa
k new member.
In the busine* aaaairw,, George
Davis, County Chairman for the Gan
:er Control Drive, reported that Pitt
County's quota- of $1,740 has been
Dvemubecribed, with collections to
late totaling 12,700; BUI Duke, Gen
eral Chairman of the local Clothing
Collection reported 2£04 pounds of
)Id aad some new clothing have been
(hipped to a collection depot for im
mediate ritipmant oversea*; Josh
Hunden told of the progress of the
Seventh War Loan Drive stating th»t
ipproximately $20,000 in Bonds' has
>een sold to date; and James Monk
sailed for volunteers to take - Boy
Soouta to a Camporee near Wilson,
Friday.
John B. Lewis submitted the fol
lowing reeolution which will be pre
sen ted to the Town Board of Com
nissionera: v
Wheneaa, the Town of Farmville,
through and by their duly elected of
Fkials, own recreational grounds end
equipment, Including a golf course,
dub house, swimmin r pod, ptajr
rrounds and parks valvad at several
thousands of dollars; and whereas,
he boys and girls of Farmrille do
Mi have adequate supervision of
their recreation during • the entire
rear; whereas, the Parmville School
has not been able to secure an athe
letic coach traiood and equipped to
;oach atheletics in the school at the
imooat of sapfUpuntaiy salary that
Mn be legally paid;
Ami whereas, the members of the
Parmville Rotary Club believe that it
vould be to the beat interest of the
people of the Town of Fhrmville and
the Farm villa School District for the
rows of Farmville, to employ some
competent person on a yew round
jaais to supervise the recreational
facilities of the Town of Farmville
ind {he Farmville School Dfctrict,
to coach athetotics in the Farmville
Sigh School and to direct the activi
ties of the boys and girls of ear com
munity during the summer months;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
I-hat tile Farmville Rotary Club does
Hi ; ... JHHHi
School District of its endorsement
ind whole hearted support of any
action they may take to aeeure an
ithletic coach and recreational super
risoi for tha Town of Farmville,
whether they take action jointly or
wverally; that this rsaotatton is not
rffered ai criticism of the past, bat
>nly as encouragement for the fa
Farmers Urged To
File Jor Fuel (Ml Now
71» week of May 14-18 has been
lecUred Tobacco" Registration Week
For persons owning fuel oil tobacco
:urer» by the Pitt County War Price
*r«d Rationing BoanL
Applications will be accepted on
OPA Form R-1102 at the oounty of
fice or the registration attaa through
the county. All person* an asked to
(He promptly this week.
Information deaired will Include
the number and Ma* of haras, the
type of curat*, and the estimated
amount of fuel ofl needed for this
Bloody Struggle Now
Has Taken IivOs of
46^05 Japs ; American
Looses Also Ascending,
With Dead Counted at
3,781; Fight Now Cen
ters Upon Shuri City;
Americans In Philip
pines Advance on Min
danao In Tough Fight
ing for Airfield
Guam, May 17-—United Stats* in
fantrymen attaririi^ from the east
and north Wednesday slowly closed •
pincers upon Shori, ktyitaw at
Japan's warring southern Okinawa
defense line, whils thundering naval
and artiUW-y barrages supported As
bloody struggle which baa taken a
toll o# UJUS Japanese dsad.
Stubborn resistance *lowsd ths
drive toward Shnri from ths north
east and Ameriosn lines aieng the
fire-mile front wars substantially
unchanged through ths day.
But sotdien on the east coast
above Yonbaru City opened an at
tack westward to eat bshind Shnri
as the main fans of American fun
fire was brought to bear on ths
bUvngiy-wiflmiea city.
Marines made only local gaina in
the hand-to-hand fight for Nsha
City. Than the Japanese resisted
bitterly and were driven bask at
bayonet point in fierce street fight
ing.
Jap Toil Mounts.
The Jipiani death toll ahowed an
increase of 5,196 killed in the past
six >"aye at the meat riaioue cam
paign of the Pacific war. But
American eanaltiei na* too.
FTbet Adm. Cheater W. Nimiti dis
closed the Okinawa battle has
coat 8,781 American liraa, while -if,
004 sotdiefg and Marinea hare been
wounded in the 46-day fight to win
the 70-mile-lotig island 860 miles
from Japan. ~
The United States 10th Am y has
lost 2,771 soldiers and 1,010 Marinas
killed, 11,676 sokiien and SJ» Ma
rines wounded and 129 sokHea and
36 Marines missing.
Japanese dead amounted to more
than half at the estimated 80,000
enemy troops originally on the is
land. But the remainder of the
Japanese garrison, compressed into
the gradually dwindling siiatherti
sector, were waging a death-fight
which Is eostUar than any other
Pacific campaign..
Start City.
Battleships, cruiaers and destroyers
of the United States Pacific Fleet
standing off Okinawa trained their
runs on Short City to aid the ground
advance. Massed Marine and Amy
artillery behind the American Unas
pinpointed the drfwiw guarding
northern approaches to the dty.
Mai. Gen. Andrew Brace's 77th
Infantry Division, driving southward
after capturing strategic Chocolate
Drop Bill yesterday, war* less than
1,600 yards northeast of Short. They
were engaged in an uphill drive
against stabboritty-defenstsd tombs
and caves honeycombing the many
ridges in that sector.
The First Marines northwest of
Shun . ware reported within 100
yards of Shuri, according to field
•tiflmtffrtf '■
The westward attack by' the 90th v
Division on the east coast apparently •»
was aimed at swinging behind Shuri
and Naha City to envelop the forti
fied Japsnase strongpoints. The ex
tent of their progress was not
specified. <
The smashing three-day carrier..
attack on Javanese mainland air
fields last weekend had remitted in
ft rtuurp drop in soicMs attacks
against United States shipping.
Planes of Vies Adm. Mare A.
Mitscher*s carrier task forcas raked •
19 Japsness airfields on Kyusha and
Shflcoku Saturday night,
and Monday. They destroyed or
the Sit of tktuZ*
immediately in the tempo of enemy
air attacka against Okinawa. V