LCI(B) 338 rockets Borneo 1945 Balikpapan NARA 153724649
Official period caption: “On July 1, 1945 Americans and Australians island-hopped right into the center of the rich, Japanese-held oil fields of Balikpapan, Borneo. Units of the Navy’s Seventh Fleet paved the way for Australian landing. In the bombardment which preceded the landings at Balikpapan, Seventh Fleet units fired over 10,000 rockets. LCI(B) 338 opens up in the first of two rocket runs made by these craft on the beach. Rockets have prove to be very effective “persuaders” in the Navy’s amphibious landings. National Archives Identifier 153724649