General Bradley's options were to
1.) Invade Java
*Pro: Java is resource rich, this would deny Japan resources.
*Con: Action would be moving away from the heart of Japan.
2.) Assist the Australians in taking northern Borneo
*Pro: Northern Borneo is resource rich, this would deny Japan resources.
*Pro: Air power on Northern Borneo could interdict the South China Sea.
*Con: The Australians have the manpower to capture Borneo if given the time. Action does not move forces towards Japan.
3.) Assault Wewak
*Pro: Clear last Japanese base on North Eastern New Guinea
*Con: Australia has force to do this and probably will by the end of the year.
4.) Assault Mindanao
*Pro: Moves allied forces closer to Japan. Puts airbases in range of Luzon.
*Pro: Can draw Japanese forces into battle, exposing more of their fleet and air.
*Pro: Supportable from main fleet in the Marianas.
*Con: Current naval forces in the area are not sufficient for multi-divisional invasion.
*Con: In range of more Japanese naval and air power. Higher risk.
Assessing the four, General Bradley elected to invade Mindanao.
Phase 1:
On July 28th, the 6th Division boarded LSTs and transports bound for Tarakana. Invasion FR escorted by Cruiser TF and 2 CVL TFs. P38s based on Kendari fly overhead cover.
On July 29th the 3rd Marine Parachute Battalion moved by air from Hollandia to Moratai.
On August 1st, the remainder of the 6th Division boarded transports bound for Tarakana. Air Transport Group rebases to Moratai.
On August 2nd the LSTs reached Tarakana and refuel. 1st and 2nd Marine Parachute Battalions board transports at Hollandia bound for Moratai.
On August 3rd the LSTs leave Tarakana. A base force boards Transports at Aitape bound for Moratai.
On August 4th the 3rd Marine Parachute Battalion makes a dawn Airborne insertion. One company and the headquarters move to Cotabato and quickly secure the municipal and communication buildings. Another company secures the port area. The third company moves to a flat beach and secures it.
On August 5th the 6th Division arrives on the captured beaches at Cotabato and moves inland. The 3rd Marine Parachute Battalion holds the town. One RCT moves to Tumbao, one moves to Parang, a third RCT remain in reserve.
On August 7th 2 CV TFs from the Central Pacific pull into Hollandia.
Phase 2:
AMERICAL Division will move from Kendari to Tarakana to Santos. Their invasion will be preceded by the 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion.
Phase 3:
1st Marine Parachute Division will be moved from Kendari to Cotabato via Tarakana. The Marines, plus the AMERICAL will attack Davao.
Phase 4:
The Marines and AMERICAL will march from Davao to Butuan.
In reserve: 2 American Divisions can be added to the attack if needed