"pilots jettison their ordnance and return to their carriers"

WED 15 AUG 1945
Pacific
Before receiving the announcement of the end of hostilities, planes from fast carrier task force (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) raid airfields in the vicinity of Tokyo, encountering heavy aerial opposition. Second strike is cancelled while it is en route to objectives; pilots jettison their ordnance and return to their carriers.

TG 30.6 (Commodore Rodger W. Simpson) is formed to liberate, evacuate, and care for Allied POWs in Japan.

Japanese escort vessel Kanju is sunk by Russian aircraft off Wonsan, 39°10'N, 127°27'E.

Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 167 is sunk by accident, Kure.

Japanese merchant cargo ship No.12 Yamabishi Maru is damaged by aircraft, 34°41.5'N, 129°36'E.

Mediterranean
U.S. freighter William D. Byron is damaged by two mines off Savona, Italy, 44°00'N, 09°00'E; one of four Armed Guard sailors is injured.