Action Report of LCI(G) 751 on the Nasugbu Landing, Jan 1945

Transcription of an action report on the 31 January 1945 Nasugbu Operation from the USS LCI(5)¹ 751. This is a declassified document² taken from the United States National Archives.

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Historic documents relevant to the Province of Batangas.

A2-11/A12
Serial 06-45

U.S.S. LCI(G) 751
c/o FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.

2 February 1945

CONFIDENTIAL

From:	The Commanding Officer.
To:	The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:	(1) Commander LCI(G) Group 16. (2) Commander Amphibious Group Eight. (3) Commander Seventh Amphibious Force. (4) Commander Seventh Fleet. (5) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.
Subject:	Action Report, Amphibious Assault on Nasugbu Area, Luzon, P. I. 31 January 1945.
References:	(a) U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920, Art 712, 874 (6). (b) Alnav 176-43. (c) Cominch Ltr. Serial 7152, dated 29 October 1943. (d) Alnav 215-44.
Enclosure:	(A) Subject Report. - p.2.

1. In accordance with references (a), (b), (c), and (d), the action report of this vessel’s participation in the amphibious assault on the Nasugbu area, Luzon, P. I., is herewith forwarded.

Harry D. Frick, Jr.

Comm. LCI(G) Group 16
Comm. LCI Flot. 6
CommPhib Grp 8
Comm7thPhibFor
Comm7thFleet
CincPac-CincFor (3)
Cominch (2)
File (2)

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CONFIDENTIAL

PART I. BRIEF SUMMARY.

The period covered by this report includes the following dates inclusive: 27 January 1945 to 2 February 1945. Zone -9 time used throughout. Essential features of this vessel’s participation in the Nasugbu operation are (1), sortie from Leyte Gulf and journey to objective area; (2), two rocket runs on beaches in objective area; (3), return to Mindoro.

Operation Plan 1-45, Serial 00059 of CTG 78.2 which was derived from CTF 78, OP-Plan No 2-45 and CANF-SWPA OP-Plan No. 18-44 used as guide.

PART II. PRELIMINARIES

Underway at dawn, 27 January, from Tarragona, Leyte for rehearsal. Upon completion of rehearsal, sortied from Terragona at 1800 same date with task group 78.2, carrying elements of 11^th airborne division, U.S. Army. This vessel a ship of Task Unit 78.2.6, the Support Unit. Cruised through Mindanao Sea, Northward off Western coast of Mindoro, to destination. Training conducted during journey consisted of gun loading drills, first aid lectures, recognition periods devoted to new enemy planes, and instruction of crew of their duties in performing the task ahead.

No enemy forces encountered during journey. Screen reported several radar bogey contacts, but none developed into attack. Held morning and evening general quarters.

Mission of this vessel was to take place 150 barrage rockets on San Diego Point at dawn, 31 January, and then to lead assault waves to the assault beach at 0615 that morning and to strafe beaches and lay down rocket barrage ahead of assault waves.

PART III. CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION

As Task Group entered Nasugbu Bay area, signal was given to deploy at 0615, 31 January. As Support Ships steamed to their bombardment stations, this vessel sheered to the right of formation and at full speed stood in towards San Diego Point on course 069°T. Minor course changes were made as radar directed until 0715 we were 1500 yards due west of target. Came to course 090°T and stood in toward target at speed of 8 knots. Visibility was excellent and at radar range of 1100 yards, fired first rocket salvo, placing them at outer edge of cliff at shoreline. Slowed to 4 knots and fired three more salvos in rapid succession, covering the target area to

ENCLOSURE (A) U.S.S. LCI(G) 751 Ltr 06-45

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500 yards inland with 134 barrage rockets. Received no counter fire whatsoever. At 0720 retired from target area and proceeded to line of departure, 3000 yards off assault beach at town of Nasugbu. Took station on starboard flank of Gunboat Support Unit, 300 yards inshore of line of departure. At 0805, as first wave of assault troops fell in astern, stood in towards beach on course 080 speed 8 knots. Opened fire with 40MM and 20MM batteries vigorously strafing beach, until within 1200 yards range, then bombarded beach with 158 barrage rockets, covering area inland 500 yards. At range of 600 yards to beach turned hard to starboard, resumed machine gun strafing, and retired to starboard flank of boat lane, ceasing fire when first wave hit the beach, and remaining in the area the remainder of the day.

During run on beach, encountered very light resistance. Saw three mortar shells land in water, none close to this ship.

PART IV. ORDNANCE.

All ordnance material performed in a very satisfactory manner. No casualties of any sort. Expended 292 rockets, 289 rounds of 40MM and 896 rounds of 20MM ammunition.

PART V. DAMAGE.

No damage sustained by this vessel.

PART VI. SPECIAL COMMENTS.

Everything appeared to run off very smoothly. No recommendations, no criticisms to the landings.

However, it is thought that ships should be better provisioned when leaving the staging area, than this one was. Before returning from the area of the Lingayen Gulf operation we were directed to leave all provisions with ships remaining in that area, keeping on board only enough to get us back to San Pedro Bay. We did this, only to find it impossible to replenish our supply of meats before leaving for this operation. The result being that our meals have left much to be desired. We had no fresh meats since leaving the Lingayen Gulf Area.

ENCLOSURE (A) U.S.S. LCI(G) 751 Ltr 06-45

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Notes and references: