Action Report of the USS-LCI(M) 431 on the Nasugbu Area Ops, Luzon, Jan 1945
Transcription of an action report on the 31 January 1945 assault landing at Nasugbu, Batangas from the USS-LCI(M)1 431. This is a declassified document2 taken from the United States National Archives.
[p. 1]
U.S.S. LCI (M) 431
LCI(M)431/A16-4
3 February 1945
Serial 02
3 February 1945
Serial 02
C O N F I D E N T I A L
From: To: Via: Subject: Reference: | The Commanding Officer. The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. (1) The Commander Support Unit, 78.2.6. (2) The Commander Attack Group 78.2 (3) The Commander SEVENTH Fleet. Action Report – Nasugbu Area, Luzn. (a) Article 874 (6), U.S. Navy Regulations 1930. (b) Com7thPhib. conf. ltr. serial 0212 of 17 February 1944. (c) Com7thPhib. rest. ltr. serial 2565 of 18 October 1944. |
1. This ship was in the initial landing on Xray – Day 31 January 1945 in the Nasugbu Area, Luzon. The trip from the rear area to target area was made with no enemy opposition.
2. Ats 0630, 31 January 1945, convoy formation was broken. This ship and LCI (M) 755 proceeded to fire area Baker to a position approximately 1000 yards, bearing 320 degrees (T) from San Diego Point. Firing by LCI (M) 755 commenced at 0730 and continued until 0740 at which time this ship commenced fire. Both ships fired 4.2 H.E. mortar shells in designated target area at the rate of 3 shells per minute. Each ship was scheduled to fire for 10 minute intervals, but this interval was increased to 30 minutes per ship since sea and weather conditions where favorably for staying on the target for that length of time. Fire ceased at 1045 and both ships retired to a position approximately 2000 yards from San Diego Point to remain on call for further firing. 40mm. and 20 mm. guns were fired on targets of opportunity during the firing of mortars.
3. There were no casualties to material nor personnel. A total of 289 rounds of 4.2 H.E. and 4 rounds of 4.2 W.P. mortars, 276 rounds of 40mm. and 180 pounds of 20mm. ammunition was expended during firing mission.
4. No enemy return fire was encountered. No enemy activity was noted in target area, so it was assumed that the fire was effective and accomplished its purpose.
ENC (N).
[p. 2]
U.S.S. LCI (M) 431
LCI(M)431/A16-4
3 February 1945
Serial 02
3 February 1945
Serial 02
C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Action Report – Nasugbu Area Luzon.
5. LCI (M) 755 was equipped with radar which was used very effectively to get the ships into a position for firing. It is recommended by this Command that all LCI (M)’s or at least one of every two ships be equipped with radar.
6. All Officers and Men reacted in a creditable manner.
[Sgd.] K.I. OLSON, Lieut., USNR
[p. 3]
AMPHIBIOUS GROUP EIGHT
SEVENTH FLEET
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
SEVENTH FLEET
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
File No. FE25/A16-3
Serial No. 045
Serial No. 045
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT TO
CO, LCI (M) 431 conf.
serial 02 of 3 Feb 45.
From: To: Via: Subject: | Commander Task Group 78.2 (Commander Amphibious Group 8, SEVENTH Fleet – Rear Admiral W. M. Fechteler, U.S. Navy). Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. (1) Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force. (2) Commander SEVENTH Fleet. Action Report – Nasugbu Area, LUZON. |
1. Forwarded. The recommendation of paragraph 5 is concurred in.
[Sgd.] A. T. Sprague, Jr.
Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
cc: CO, LCI(M)431.
[p. 4]
SEVENTH AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
File No. FE25/A16-3
Serial No. 01554
Serial No. 01554
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT on:
CO. U.S.S. LCI(M) 431
conf. ltr., serial 02
of 3 February 1945.
CO. U.S.S. LCI(M) 431
conf. ltr., serial 02
of 3 February 1945.
From: To: Via: Subject: | Commander Task Force SEVENTY-EIGHT . (Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet. Commander SEVENTH Fleet. Action Report – NASUGBU Area, Luzon. |
1. Forwarded.
2. With reference to the recommendation contained in the first endorsement, it is considered that the installation of radar in LCI(M)s is desirable but not necessary.
[Sgd.] D. E. BARBEY
Copy to:
CTG 78.2 (ComPhibGrp 8, 7thFlt)
CO USS LCI(M) 431
CO USS LCI(M) 431
[p. 5]
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
A16-3(F-3-4/bc)
Serial 04152
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT on:
CO, USS LCI(M) 431 Conf.
ltr., serial 02, dated
3 February 1945.
CO, USS LCI(M) 431 Conf.
ltr., serial 02, dated
3 February 1945.
Subject: Action Report – NASUGBU Area, LUZON.
1. Forwarded.
2. The comment contained in paragraph 2 of the second endorsement is concurred in.
[Sgd.] THOS. S. COMBS
Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
Copy to:
Com7thPhibFor
ComPhibGrp 8
CO, LCI(M) 431
ComPhibGrp 8
CO, LCI(M) 431
To view or download the original document, please refer to Item 2 below under Notes and References.
Notes and references:
1 LCI(M) stands for Landing craft Medium. Wikipedia.2 LCI(M)-431 - Rep of ops in the assault landing at Nasugbu, Luzon Is, Philippines 1/31/45,” online at the United States National Archives.