This was an daylight precision mission involving 20 planes from the 6th Bomb Group:
On 7 May the attacks on enemy airfields on Kyushu were resumed. The targets were Kanoya Airfield and the Ibusuki seaplane base. One squadron of twelve planes attacked each. Two thousand pound GP bombs were carried. Opposition was moderate and although eight ships were damaged, there were no personnel casualties. Results were good.
[Pirate’s Log, p. 41]
20th AF Mission 151
Date:
7 May 1945
Target:
Kanoya A/F 90.36 - 1378
Participating Units:
313th BW
Number of A/C Airborne:
10
% A/C Bombing Primary:
100%
Type of Bombs and Fuzes:
Tons of Bombs Dropped:
Time Over Primary:
071333K
Altitude of Attack:
14,400
Weather Over Target:
2/10 - 3/10
Total A/C Lost:
0
Resume of Mission:
Crews reported bomb pattern clustered in hangar and service areas with 4 near misses on hangars and 3 hits on buildings. Results believed excellent. Enemy air opposition -37 E/A sighted with 26 attacks made. Enemy aircraft destroyed none, 1 probably destroyed with 2 damaged. Three B-29's damaged by flak. Average bomb load: 11,097 lbs. Average fuel reserve: 776 gallons.
20th AF Mission 152
Date:
7 May 1945
Target:
Ibusuki A/F 90.38 - 2507
Participating Units:
313th BW
Number of A/C Airborne:
11
% A/C Bombing Primary:
91% (10 A/C)
Type of Bombs and Fuzes:
Tons of Bombs Dropped:
Time Over Primary:
071308K
Altitude of Attack:
12,000
Weather Over Target:
2/10 - 3/10
Total A/C Lost:
0
Resume of Mission:
Crews reported bomb pattern on ramp hangars and area beyond to northwest of hangars. No direct hits observed on installations. Much smoke obscured Target. Enemy air opposition - -24 E/A sighted with 14 attacks made. Enemy aircraft destroyed or probably destroyed none with 2 damaged. Two B-29s landed at Iwo Jima. Average bomb load: 11,583 lbs. Average fuel reserve: 920 gallons. AA nil.
