Action Report of LCI(G) 74 on the Nasugbu Landing, Jan 1945
 |
| Historic documents relevant to the Province of Batangas. |
c/o FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
| CONFIDENTIAL | 1 February 1945 |
| From: | Commanding Officer, USS LCI(G) #74. |
| To: | Commander in Chief UNITED STATES FLEET. |
| Via: |
Commander Task Unit 78.2.6. Commander Task Group 78.2. Commander Task Force 78. Commander Seventh Fleet. |
| Subject: | Action Report, Nasugbu Operation. |
| Reference: |
(a) Article 874(6), U.S. Navy Regulations. (b) Seventh Amphibious Force ltr. FE25/A16-3(3), Serial 0212 dated 17 February 1945. (c) CTG 78.2 OP-PLAN 1-45, FE25/A16-3, Serial 00099 dated 23 January 1945. |
1. In compliance with reference (a) and (b) action report on reference (c) is herewith submitted.
2. Purpose of mission was to provide close support for first wave of landing craft on RED BEACH accompanying them from line of departure and making maximum use of rocket and automatic weapon fire as directed in Appendix 2, Annex “C,” paragraph 1 (a) of reference (c).
3. Area of responsibility was approximately 300 yards on the right edge and right flank of RED BEACH. This area to be heavily bombarded with rockets from beach waterline to a depth of 500 yards inland.
4. LCI(R)s3 331, 73, 34, and 74 were stationed from left to right respectively at the Line of Departure. Disposition of these ships was specified in Appendix 2, Annex “C,” paragraph 1(a), of reference (c). Upon execution on ONE flag by senior control vessel, these ships plus two (2) LCI(G)’s on either flank proceeded in direction of beach with first wave of landing craft LCP(R) at speed of eight (8) knots. At 1200 yards from beach, rocket salvoes were commenced and maintained at 10 second intervals until twelve (12) salvoes were expended, position then being 700 yards from beach. At 700 yards from beach, engines were stopped and proceeded to 500 yards from beach maintaining sustained fire of all automatic weapons that would train on objective area vis, RED BEACH and right flank thereof.
c/o FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
5. No return fire of any type from beach. No enemy personnel were observed on beach.
6. Chronological order of events, 31 January 1945.
0615 Deploy executed. Left convoy formation and proceeded to line of departure.
0730 Arrived at line of departure and took position as soon as control vessels were anchored.
0805 Execution of ONE flag by control vessel. Commenced approach to RED BEACH.
0811 Ceased firing rockets having expended 463 rounds. Commenced firing automatic weapons.
0815 Ceased all fire and maneuvered for retirement from beach area. Proceeded to transport area. Expended 113 rounds of 40MM, 210 rounds of 20MM, 550 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition.
0845 Reported to CTG 78.2 for fire fighting duty.
1310 Left fire fighting station in transport area by direction of CTU 78.2.6.
1420 Reported to CTU 78.2.5 in beach area for towing duties when needed.
stands for Landing Craft Infantry” Gunboat. Wikipedia.
2 LCI(G)-74 - Rep of ops in the amphibious assault landing at Nasugbu, Luzon Is, Philippines 1/31/45,” online at the United States National Archives.
3 LCI(R) stands for Landing Craft Rockets. Wikipedia, op. cit.