USS Sage (AM-111) - Operating With The Mindoro Attack Force

Operating With The Mindoro Attack Force

Four days later, Sage sortied with the Mindoro Attack Force. Enemy air attacks plagued the force as it moved toward the assault area north of Mangarin Bay; but, on the 14th, Sage commenced minesweeping operations off the island and, early on the 15th, moved in toward White Beach to clear the way for the troops assigned to land near the Tubaong River. By mid-morning, she had recovered her gear and assumed covering duties for the smaller minecraft working in closer to the beaches.

Later in the day, as the troops moved off the beaches and secured their objectives, she got underway to return to Leyte, where she prepared for her next invasion, Lingayen Gulf, on Luzon.

On 2 January 1945, Sage departed Leyte Gulf. During the next three days, Japanese aircraft, kamikazes, swarmed over the Sulu Sea in an attempt to stop the Allied attack force. On the 6th, Sage reached her destination; and, at daylight, commenced sweeping in the gulf. Enemy aerial resistance continued and intensified. On the 8th, Sage was detached from sweeping duties and assigned to support YMS operations. On the 9th, troops streamed ashore at Lingayen and San Fabian; and., on the 14th, Sage cleared Lingayen Gulf to escort a convoy back to Leyte.