Iwo Jima - D+21 to D+30
All of the daily summaries for the Iwo Jima campaign are from the website http://iwojimahistory.com by Ray Backstrom.
(D+21) 12 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 (less LT 226) continued in 5thMarDiv reserve. At daybreak the Rocket Section and one Half-track Section were attached to LT 226. Lt 126 reorganized, for tactical purposes only, into Hq Co and two rifle companies (B and C). LT 326 carried out reorganization and orientation of replacements.
Casualties: 2 Off, 119 Enl. Returned to duty: 3 Off, 21 Enl.
Effective strength: 94 Off, 1898 Enl.
27th Marines
Stiff resistance was met all along the front in the form of infantry dug into caves, pillboxes, and fox holes. Spider trap fox holes were in evidence. The enemy, by keeping as close as possible to our front, is attempting to escape our artillery and machine gun fire. Tanks, in support of our left battalion, received heavy mortar and artillery fire. Enemy rifle and machine gun fire was generally from a range of from 20 to 40 yards which made it very effective. They were backed up by knee mortars firing from 200 to 400 yards. Another enemy was found in a Marine uniform and carrying an M1 rifle but had no identification. Communication equipment was found in a cave in T.S. 235A, east center. There was no activity during the night. The enemy dead reported to date was 1471.
28th Marines
Night activity: The usual infiltration attempts were made by the enemy but to no avail.
Daylight Operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0700 with no change in boundaries or objectives. CT-27 was still on our right. The attack was started on time but immediately ran into the same deadly fire as on D+20. An attempt was made to move forward again at 0900 but little ground was gained. LT-228 sent a patrol out in front of its left flank into the deep draw to the front. The patrol reported numerous caves in the cliff line facing north of the ridge we were trying to reach. An advance of 75 yards was made on the right by 1630. Otherwise positions for the night were the same as on D+20. C Co, 5th Tank Bn, was employed on the road between LT-228 and between LT-128 and LT-328, and was able to maintain neutralization of a few pillboxes to our front. During the day, 7.2 rockets from Corps were used in support of LT-128 and LT-328. One hundred Motor transport men under Captain Slocum were received from Division and attached to LT-128 to be used only in defense. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 40%
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 (less LT 226) continued in 5thMarDiv reserve. At daybreak the Rocket Section and one Half-track Section were attached to LT 226. Lt 126 reorganized, for tactical purposes only, into Hq Co and two rifle companies (B and C). LT 326 carried out reorganization and orientation of replacements.
Casualties: 2 Off, 119 Enl. Returned to duty: 3 Off, 21 Enl.
Effective strength: 94 Off, 1898 Enl.
27th Marines
Stiff resistance was met all along the front in the form of infantry dug into caves, pillboxes, and fox holes. Spider trap fox holes were in evidence. The enemy, by keeping as close as possible to our front, is attempting to escape our artillery and machine gun fire. Tanks, in support of our left battalion, received heavy mortar and artillery fire. Enemy rifle and machine gun fire was generally from a range of from 20 to 40 yards which made it very effective. They were backed up by knee mortars firing from 200 to 400 yards. Another enemy was found in a Marine uniform and carrying an M1 rifle but had no identification. Communication equipment was found in a cave in T.S. 235A, east center. There was no activity during the night. The enemy dead reported to date was 1471.
28th Marines
Night activity: The usual infiltration attempts were made by the enemy but to no avail.
Daylight Operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0700 with no change in boundaries or objectives. CT-27 was still on our right. The attack was started on time but immediately ran into the same deadly fire as on D+20. An attempt was made to move forward again at 0900 but little ground was gained. LT-228 sent a patrol out in front of its left flank into the deep draw to the front. The patrol reported numerous caves in the cliff line facing north of the ridge we were trying to reach. An advance of 75 yards was made on the right by 1630. Otherwise positions for the night were the same as on D+20. C Co, 5th Tank Bn, was employed on the road between LT-228 and between LT-128 and LT-328, and was able to maintain neutralization of a few pillboxes to our front. During the day, 7.2 rockets from Corps were used in support of LT-128 and LT-328. One hundred Motor transport men under Captain Slocum were received from Division and attached to LT-128 to be used only in defense. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 40%
(D+22) 13 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 (less LT 226) continued in 5thMarDiv reserve. At about 1600 LT 326 occupied a forward assembly position in readiness for action in the zone of CT 27. LT 226 reverted to CT 26 at about 1800, CT 26 assuming responsibility for their sector of the front.
Casualties: 1 Off, 43 Enl. Returned to duty: 1 Off, 6 Enl.
Effective strength: 94 Off, 1861 Enl.
27th Marines
Opposition was slightly different than on the previous day. Fewer pillboxes were encountered and fewer previously prepared positions. Machine gun fire is cleaning out some of the remaining pillboxes. Several concealed blockhouses have been revealed as artillery uncovers the dirt covering of these. The majority of installations now encountered are those hastily constructed during the night. These hastily constructed pillboxes appear about every 30 yards. Knee mortar, rifle and machine gun fire is encountered. fire is delivered from close range and is quite effective. At night, a group of 30 enemy troops attempted to infiltrate our lines on our right front. Most of these were killed. Small infiltrations on the left battalion sector were broken up by mortar fire. The enemy dead reported to date was 1647.
28th Marines
Night activity: The night was quiet except for a few infiltration attempts.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0730 to seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26, 235 L west, 250 O northeast. The terrain confronting CT-28 was very similar to that around Hill 362. There was a long ridgeline running northwest-southeast across the front. It extended from CR 291 to the west beach in 250 F center. The south slope of the ridgeline was fairly gradual, but cut with many small draws parallel to it. The top was heavily fortified with pillboxes and spider traps, and the north side was a steep cliff 40 feet to 50 feet high, honeycombed with many caves. It is believed that this ridgeline was the western sector of the enemy's finall defensive line on northern Iwo.
Because of the depleted strength of our infantry units (several of the companies having been reduced to the normal strength of a rifle platoon) and the fatigue of the men, it was a virtual impossibility to do more than seize the top of the ridgeline. Besides, heavy casualties would have resulted. The plan later decided on was for units of CT-28's right to attack across our front donw the draw to the sea. The landing Teams attacked from the same positions in the line as on D+21. LT-228 was able to advance 100 yards on its left by by-passing a pocket of resistance. No other advances were made until 1600, when the right company of LT-228 made a local attack and by 1620 had reached the ridgeline overlooking the large draw to the front. Because of the depleted strength of LT-228 and the wide front it had to cover, 50 men from H & S Co under Captain Downer were attached to LT-228 and sent up to reinforce the line. 7.2 rockets were again used with LT-128 and LT-328. Tanks supported all three landing teams and knocked out enemy positions both in front of and in by-passed positions behind our lines. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 (less LT 226) continued in 5thMarDiv reserve. At about 1600 LT 326 occupied a forward assembly position in readiness for action in the zone of CT 27. LT 226 reverted to CT 26 at about 1800, CT 26 assuming responsibility for their sector of the front.
Casualties: 1 Off, 43 Enl. Returned to duty: 1 Off, 6 Enl.
Effective strength: 94 Off, 1861 Enl.
27th Marines
Opposition was slightly different than on the previous day. Fewer pillboxes were encountered and fewer previously prepared positions. Machine gun fire is cleaning out some of the remaining pillboxes. Several concealed blockhouses have been revealed as artillery uncovers the dirt covering of these. The majority of installations now encountered are those hastily constructed during the night. These hastily constructed pillboxes appear about every 30 yards. Knee mortar, rifle and machine gun fire is encountered. fire is delivered from close range and is quite effective. At night, a group of 30 enemy troops attempted to infiltrate our lines on our right front. Most of these were killed. Small infiltrations on the left battalion sector were broken up by mortar fire. The enemy dead reported to date was 1647.
28th Marines
Night activity: The night was quiet except for a few infiltration attempts.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0730 to seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26, 235 L west, 250 O northeast. The terrain confronting CT-28 was very similar to that around Hill 362. There was a long ridgeline running northwest-southeast across the front. It extended from CR 291 to the west beach in 250 F center. The south slope of the ridgeline was fairly gradual, but cut with many small draws parallel to it. The top was heavily fortified with pillboxes and spider traps, and the north side was a steep cliff 40 feet to 50 feet high, honeycombed with many caves. It is believed that this ridgeline was the western sector of the enemy's finall defensive line on northern Iwo.
Because of the depleted strength of our infantry units (several of the companies having been reduced to the normal strength of a rifle platoon) and the fatigue of the men, it was a virtual impossibility to do more than seize the top of the ridgeline. Besides, heavy casualties would have resulted. The plan later decided on was for units of CT-28's right to attack across our front donw the draw to the sea. The landing Teams attacked from the same positions in the line as on D+21. LT-228 was able to advance 100 yards on its left by by-passing a pocket of resistance. No other advances were made until 1600, when the right company of LT-228 made a local attack and by 1620 had reached the ridgeline overlooking the large draw to the front. Because of the depleted strength of LT-228 and the wide front it had to cover, 50 men from H & S Co under Captain Downer were attached to LT-228 and sent up to reinforce the line. 7.2 rockets were again used with LT-128 and LT-328. Tanks supported all three landing teams and knocked out enemy positions both in front of and in by-passed positions behind our lines. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
(D+23) 14 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather Clear and warm.
At daybreak LT 326 relieved left two companies of LT 226. At about 0810 a coordinated attack, supported by tanks, was commenced. At 1200 LT 126 occupied forward assembly area. Elements of 5thPioneerBn in the line on the left of LT 326 were attached to CT 26 and in turn to LT 326, subject to restriction that they were not to be used for a general advance. Terrain being entirely unsuitable to tank movement, tank, dozers and armored bulldozers wee used to doze tank routes to firing positions close in front of lines. This procedure was repeatedly used in the latter stages of this operation with considerable success against positions too close in for any other supporting arms.
Casualties: 5 Off, 89 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, p; 8 Enl.
Effective strength: 89 Off, 1780 Enl.
27th Marines
Enemy resistance continued to be fanatical to the end. The enemy remains in his positions to the least. Flame throwing tanks is the only weapon that has ever caused the enemy to break and run. Some enemy have been observed running out in front of our lines and committing suicide by holding grenades to their heads. Several instances have been observed of enemy in spider-trap fox holes having large satchel charges of demolitions which they threw at whatever might pass their holes. If they were observed before this could be accomplished, they blew themselves up. Hand placed charges are being used against our tanks causing them to work in pairs. Tanks flushed about 75 enemy from a cave in T.S. 235O. A number of these were reported to have jumped off the high cliff in that sector. The enemy dead reported to date was 1833.
28th Marines
Nightly activity: Continued infiltration attempts were unsuccessful.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0630 and seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K west to 250 J south. Direction of attack, northwest. LT-228 was ordered to hold in its position and support by fire LT-128 and LT-328 as they advanced to the northwest. LT-328 was unable to make any advance. LT-128 gained the ridgeline to its immediate front. The Division Reconnaissance Company was attached to CT-28 in the afternoon, and further attached to LT-128 to be put in line on its right flank so as to enable 128 to tie in with 328 which was at the time 150 yards behind LT-128's right. Lt. Col. Shepard, commanding LT-328, was sent to the Regimental Aid Station for treatment. Major Smoak, Executive Officer, took command of LT-328, and Major Peatros, R-3 was detached from H&S Co and assigned duty as Executive Officer of LT-328. Captain Bachman, commanding H Co, was seriously wounded while moving from a machine gun position to his OP and later died of wounds. Lines at close of period: 250 W center to 235 K center. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
26th Marines
Weather Clear and warm.
At daybreak LT 326 relieved left two companies of LT 226. At about 0810 a coordinated attack, supported by tanks, was commenced. At 1200 LT 126 occupied forward assembly area. Elements of 5thPioneerBn in the line on the left of LT 326 were attached to CT 26 and in turn to LT 326, subject to restriction that they were not to be used for a general advance. Terrain being entirely unsuitable to tank movement, tank, dozers and armored bulldozers wee used to doze tank routes to firing positions close in front of lines. This procedure was repeatedly used in the latter stages of this operation with considerable success against positions too close in for any other supporting arms.
Casualties: 5 Off, 89 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, p; 8 Enl.
Effective strength: 89 Off, 1780 Enl.
27th Marines
Enemy resistance continued to be fanatical to the end. The enemy remains in his positions to the least. Flame throwing tanks is the only weapon that has ever caused the enemy to break and run. Some enemy have been observed running out in front of our lines and committing suicide by holding grenades to their heads. Several instances have been observed of enemy in spider-trap fox holes having large satchel charges of demolitions which they threw at whatever might pass their holes. If they were observed before this could be accomplished, they blew themselves up. Hand placed charges are being used against our tanks causing them to work in pairs. Tanks flushed about 75 enemy from a cave in T.S. 235O. A number of these were reported to have jumped off the high cliff in that sector. The enemy dead reported to date was 1833.
28th Marines
Nightly activity: Continued infiltration attempts were unsuccessful.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0630 and seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K west to 250 J south. Direction of attack, northwest. LT-228 was ordered to hold in its position and support by fire LT-128 and LT-328 as they advanced to the northwest. LT-328 was unable to make any advance. LT-128 gained the ridgeline to its immediate front. The Division Reconnaissance Company was attached to CT-28 in the afternoon, and further attached to LT-128 to be put in line on its right flank so as to enable 128 to tie in with 328 which was at the time 150 yards behind LT-128's right. Lt. Col. Shepard, commanding LT-328, was sent to the Regimental Aid Station for treatment. Major Smoak, Executive Officer, took command of LT-328, and Major Peatros, R-3 was detached from H&S Co and assigned duty as Executive Officer of LT-328. Captain Bachman, commanding H Co, was seriously wounded while moving from a machine gun position to his OP and later died of wounds. Lines at close of period: 250 W center to 235 K center. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
(D+24) 15 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather Clear and warm.
At daybreak LT 326 relieved left two companies of LT 226. At about 0810 a coordinated attack, supported by tanks, was commenced. At 1200 LT 126 occupied forward assembly area. Elements of 5thPioneerBn in the line on the left of LT 326 were attached to CT 26 and in turn to LT 326, subject to restriction that they were not to be used for a general advance. Terrain being entirely unsuitable to tank movement, tank, dozers and armored bulldozers wee used to doze tank routes to firing positions close in front of lines. This procedure was repeatedly used in the latter stages of this operation with considerable success against positions too close in for any other supporting arms.
Casualties: 5 Off, 89 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, p; 8 Enl.
Effective strength: 89 Off, 1780 Enl.
27th Marines
Enemy resistance continued to be fanatical to the end. The enemy remains in his positions to the least. Flame throwing tanks is the only weapon that has ever caused the enemy to break and run. Some enemy have been observed running out in front of our lines and committing suicide by holding grenades to their heads. Several instances have been observed of enemy in spider-trap fox holes having large satchel charges of demolitions which they threw at whatever might pass their holes. If they were observed before this could be accomplished, they blew themselves up. Hand placed charges are being used against our tanks causing them to work in pairs. Tanks flushed about 75 enemy from a cave in T.S. 235O. A number of these were reported to have jumped off the high cliff in that sector. The enemy dead reported to date was 1833.
28th Marines
Nightly activity: Continued infiltration attempts were unsuccessful.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0630 and seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K west to 250 J south. Direction of attack, northwest. LT-228 was ordered to hold in its position and support by fire LT-128 and LT-328 as they advanced to the northwest. LT-328 was unable to make any advance. LT-128 gained the ridgeline to its immediate front. The Division Reconnaissance Company was attached to CT-28 in the afternoon, and further attached to LT-128 to be put in line on its right flank so as to enable 128 to tie in with 328 which was at the time 150 yards behind LT-128's right. Lt. Col. Shepard, commanding LT-328, was sent to the Regimental Aid Station for treatment. Major Smoak, Executive Officer, took command of LT-328, and Major Peatros, R-3 was detached from H&S Co and assigned duty as Executive Officer of LT-328. Captain Bachman, commanding H Co, was seriously wounded while moving from a machine gun position to his OP and later died of wounds. Lines at close of period: 250 W center to 235 K center. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
26th Marines
Weather Clear and warm.
At daybreak LT 326 relieved left two companies of LT 226. At about 0810 a coordinated attack, supported by tanks, was commenced. At 1200 LT 126 occupied forward assembly area. Elements of 5thPioneerBn in the line on the left of LT 326 were attached to CT 26 and in turn to LT 326, subject to restriction that they were not to be used for a general advance. Terrain being entirely unsuitable to tank movement, tank, dozers and armored bulldozers wee used to doze tank routes to firing positions close in front of lines. This procedure was repeatedly used in the latter stages of this operation with considerable success against positions too close in for any other supporting arms.
Casualties: 5 Off, 89 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, p; 8 Enl.
Effective strength: 89 Off, 1780 Enl.
27th Marines
Enemy resistance continued to be fanatical to the end. The enemy remains in his positions to the least. Flame throwing tanks is the only weapon that has ever caused the enemy to break and run. Some enemy have been observed running out in front of our lines and committing suicide by holding grenades to their heads. Several instances have been observed of enemy in spider-trap fox holes having large satchel charges of demolitions which they threw at whatever might pass their holes. If they were observed before this could be accomplished, they blew themselves up. Hand placed charges are being used against our tanks causing them to work in pairs. Tanks flushed about 75 enemy from a cave in T.S. 235O. A number of these were reported to have jumped off the high cliff in that sector. The enemy dead reported to date was 1833.
28th Marines
Nightly activity: Continued infiltration attempts were unsuccessful.
Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0630 and seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K west to 250 J south. Direction of attack, northwest. LT-228 was ordered to hold in its position and support by fire LT-128 and LT-328 as they advanced to the northwest. LT-328 was unable to make any advance. LT-128 gained the ridgeline to its immediate front. The Division Reconnaissance Company was attached to CT-28 in the afternoon, and further attached to LT-128 to be put in line on its right flank so as to enable 128 to tie in with 328 which was at the time 150 yards behind LT-128's right. Lt. Col. Shepard, commanding LT-328, was sent to the Regimental Aid Station for treatment. Major Smoak, Executive Officer, took command of LT-328, and Major Peatros, R-3 was detached from H&S Co and assigned duty as Executive Officer of LT-328. Captain Bachman, commanding H Co, was seriously wounded while moving from a machine gun position to his OP and later died of wounds. Lines at close of period: 250 W center to 235 K center. CP's: No change.
Combat efficiency: 38%
(D+25) 16 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
At about 0800 3rdMarDiv elements relieved LT 226 whose zone of action passed to 3rdMarDiv responsibility, LT 226 assembled at CT reserve. At about 0930 LT 328 passed through right company of LT 326. General attack supported by tanks and dozers was continued 0930. In this sector the number of expertly camouflaged individual spider-trap positions was greatly increased.
Casualties: 1 Off, 80 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, 114 Enl.
Effective strength: 88 Off, 1612 Enl.
27th Marines
There were hand grenade exchanges during the night on the right flank of our lines and 7 enemy troops were killed. 6 or 7 air bursts were reported from a gun in T.S. 251Q. Our combat team went into division reserve during the morning. The total enemy dead reported during the operation was 1983 and the total number of POW's was 13.
28th Marines
Night activity: The usual hand grenade exchanges occurred throughout the night,
Daylight operations: The Combat Team held its same positions as on D+24, LT-228 on the left, LT-128 in the center, and the 5th Pioneer Battalion on the right. All three units were ordered to support by fire the advance of CT-26 on the right. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K north to 250 X northwest. LT-328 was attached to CT-26. TL-228 continued to reduce the pocket behind its left flank. Enemy small arms fire continued to be extremely accurate and intense all along the front. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 35%
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
At about 0800 3rdMarDiv elements relieved LT 226 whose zone of action passed to 3rdMarDiv responsibility, LT 226 assembled at CT reserve. At about 0930 LT 328 passed through right company of LT 326. General attack supported by tanks and dozers was continued 0930. In this sector the number of expertly camouflaged individual spider-trap positions was greatly increased.
Casualties: 1 Off, 80 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, 114 Enl.
Effective strength: 88 Off, 1612 Enl.
27th Marines
There were hand grenade exchanges during the night on the right flank of our lines and 7 enemy troops were killed. 6 or 7 air bursts were reported from a gun in T.S. 251Q. Our combat team went into division reserve during the morning. The total enemy dead reported during the operation was 1983 and the total number of POW's was 13.
28th Marines
Night activity: The usual hand grenade exchanges occurred throughout the night,
Daylight operations: The Combat Team held its same positions as on D+24, LT-228 on the left, LT-128 in the center, and the 5th Pioneer Battalion on the right. All three units were ordered to support by fire the advance of CT-26 on the right. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26: 235 K north to 250 X northwest. LT-328 was attached to CT-26. TL-228 continued to reduce the pocket behind its left flank. Enemy small arms fire continued to be extremely accurate and intense all along the front. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 35%
(D+26) 17 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy and cool, visibility fair.
Tank and dozer supported attack was resumed at 0830, with plans to maintain contact on the left but to push the north or northwest through any spots that appeared "soft". At about 1030 a disorganized counter-attack by an estimated 100 enemy troops was repulsed by LT 328 in the center of the CT zone of action. The right and center progressed to the north coast and pivoted to the southwest, strong enemy positions holding up the left had developed final resistance into a deeply ravined pocket of roughly 800 x 200 yards. No artillery nor barrage rockets were fired on this date, nor thereafter, due to small remaining enemy occupied area.
Casualties: 2 Off, 78 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, &nnbsp; 36 Enl.
Effective strength: 86 Off, 1570 Enl.
27th Marines
Our combat team, as such, remained in division reserve until reembarkation on 23 march, 1945. However, a composite battalion made up of companies from all three battalions was organized and attached to CT-26. The enemy units identified in this organizations zone of action during the operation were: 145th Infantry Regiment 309th Independent Infantry Battalion 311th Independent Infantry Battalion 312th Independent Infantry Battalion 27th Air Squadron 1st Independent Machine Gun Battalion 12th Independent Anti-tank Battalion 2nd Med. Mortar Battalion 17th Independent Mixed Brigade Arty Bn, 145th Inf Regt 59th Anchorage Hq.
28th Marines
Night activity: Night activity was the same as on D+25
Daylight operations: The 5th Pioneer Battalion was ordered to attack at 0830 to the northwest, down the large draw running across our front. CT-26 on our right was swinging around to the west so that its front was perpendicular to our front, thus pocketing the remaining enemy, including Lt. Gen. Kuribayshi, as reported by a captured Japanese Sgt. Maj., in the draw and along the western portion of Kitano Point. LT-128 and LT-228 were ordered to hold and support by fire. The Pioneers were unable to advance more than fifty yards during the day and in the late afternoon were forded to withdraw to the position they had occupied prior to the attack. However, this is no discredit to them because, while they were perfectly capable of holding a defensive position, they were not trained infantrymen and should not have been expected to attack successfully. Artillery fire ceased in our zone today because of the restricted area in which the enemy was pocketed and the consequent danger of hitting friendly troops. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy and cool, visibility fair.
Tank and dozer supported attack was resumed at 0830, with plans to maintain contact on the left but to push the north or northwest through any spots that appeared "soft". At about 1030 a disorganized counter-attack by an estimated 100 enemy troops was repulsed by LT 328 in the center of the CT zone of action. The right and center progressed to the north coast and pivoted to the southwest, strong enemy positions holding up the left had developed final resistance into a deeply ravined pocket of roughly 800 x 200 yards. No artillery nor barrage rockets were fired on this date, nor thereafter, due to small remaining enemy occupied area.
Casualties: 2 Off, 78 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, &nnbsp; 36 Enl.
Effective strength: 86 Off, 1570 Enl.
27th Marines
Our combat team, as such, remained in division reserve until reembarkation on 23 march, 1945. However, a composite battalion made up of companies from all three battalions was organized and attached to CT-26. The enemy units identified in this organizations zone of action during the operation were: 145th Infantry Regiment 309th Independent Infantry Battalion 311th Independent Infantry Battalion 312th Independent Infantry Battalion 27th Air Squadron 1st Independent Machine Gun Battalion 12th Independent Anti-tank Battalion 2nd Med. Mortar Battalion 17th Independent Mixed Brigade Arty Bn, 145th Inf Regt 59th Anchorage Hq.
28th Marines
Night activity: Night activity was the same as on D+25
Daylight operations: The 5th Pioneer Battalion was ordered to attack at 0830 to the northwest, down the large draw running across our front. CT-26 on our right was swinging around to the west so that its front was perpendicular to our front, thus pocketing the remaining enemy, including Lt. Gen. Kuribayshi, as reported by a captured Japanese Sgt. Maj., in the draw and along the western portion of Kitano Point. LT-128 and LT-228 were ordered to hold and support by fire. The Pioneers were unable to advance more than fifty yards during the day and in the late afternoon were forded to withdraw to the position they had occupied prior to the attack. However, this is no discredit to them because, while they were perfectly capable of holding a defensive position, they were not trained infantrymen and should not have been expected to attack successfully. Artillery fire ceased in our zone today because of the restricted area in which the enemy was pocketed and the consequent danger of hitting friendly troops. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
(D+27) 18 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy, windy, visibility good.
Effective at 0600, elements of 5th Pioneer Bn in the line between CT 28 and CT 26 were attached to CT 26. LT 328 (attached CT 26) commenced attack about 0730, extreme right of LT 326 maintained contact and moved with LT 328. About 1130 LT 328 accomplished relief of front held by LT 126, and LT 126 assembled in CT reserve awaiting orders. About 1530 LT 126 moved south and relieved the right of the Pioneer sector, Tanks and dozers were employed in the north of the CT zone.
Casualties: - Off, &nnbsp; 21 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, &nnbsp; 21 Enl.
Effective strength: 86 Off, 1570 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: A few hand grenade duels occurred on LT-128's front. Otherwise all was quiet.
Daylight operations: LT's 128 and 228 continued to support the attack by fire from their same positions. The 5th Pioneer Battalion was detached from CT-28 at 0730, putting CT-28's right flank in 234 ) center. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. Lines for the night remained the same as on D+26. CP's no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy, windy, visibility good.
Effective at 0600, elements of 5th Pioneer Bn in the line between CT 28 and CT 26 were attached to CT 26. LT 328 (attached CT 26) commenced attack about 0730, extreme right of LT 326 maintained contact and moved with LT 328. About 1130 LT 328 accomplished relief of front held by LT 126, and LT 126 assembled in CT reserve awaiting orders. About 1530 LT 126 moved south and relieved the right of the Pioneer sector, Tanks and dozers were employed in the north of the CT zone.
Casualties: - Off, &nnbsp; 21 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, &nnbsp; 21 Enl.
Effective strength: 86 Off, 1570 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: A few hand grenade duels occurred on LT-128's front. Otherwise all was quiet.
Daylight operations: LT's 128 and 228 continued to support the attack by fire from their same positions. The 5th Pioneer Battalion was detached from CT-28 at 0730, putting CT-28's right flank in 234 ) center. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. Lines for the night remained the same as on D+26. CP's no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
(D+28) 19 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Partly cloudy, cool: visibility good.
About 0800 LT 126 supported by tanks and dozers continued the attack; LT 326 and LT 328 holding positions and mopping up locally. About 0930 "G" Co (if LT 326), having been released from front lines by the advance of LT 126, was attached to LT 126. LT 327 was attached to CT 26 about 1200 and during the afternoon all Pioneers reverted to 5thMarDiv and moved to the rear. About 1500 LT 126 and LT 327 jumped off in a resumption of the attack but made no appreciable gains. Prior to nightfall LT 328 relieved "I" Co of LT 326, leaving only part of "H" Co of LT 326 remaining in the line. During the forenoon on this date LtCol Daniel C Pollock was wounded and evacuated, and the Bn-X, Major Albert V. K. Gary, assumed command of LT 126.
Casualties: 4 Off, 46 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, 18 Enl.
Effective strength: 82 Off, 1542 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: Forty-eight Japs were killed attempting to infiltrate LT-128's lines.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued to support the attack by fire. Lt-228 continued to reduce the pocket in back of its left flank, killing eighteen enemy. Lt-328 continued under CT-26 control. The Motor Transport Detachment under Captain Slocum was detached from LT-128 and returned to Division. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
26th Marines
Weather: Partly cloudy, cool: visibility good.
About 0800 LT 126 supported by tanks and dozers continued the attack; LT 326 and LT 328 holding positions and mopping up locally. About 0930 "G" Co (if LT 326), having been released from front lines by the advance of LT 126, was attached to LT 126. LT 327 was attached to CT 26 about 1200 and during the afternoon all Pioneers reverted to 5thMarDiv and moved to the rear. About 1500 LT 126 and LT 327 jumped off in a resumption of the attack but made no appreciable gains. Prior to nightfall LT 328 relieved "I" Co of LT 326, leaving only part of "H" Co of LT 326 remaining in the line. During the forenoon on this date LtCol Daniel C Pollock was wounded and evacuated, and the Bn-X, Major Albert V. K. Gary, assumed command of LT 126.
Casualties: 4 Off, 46 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, 18 Enl.
Effective strength: 82 Off, 1542 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: Forty-eight Japs were killed attempting to infiltrate LT-128's lines.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued to support the attack by fire. Lt-228 continued to reduce the pocket in back of its left flank, killing eighteen enemy. Lt-328 continued under CT-26 control. The Motor Transport Detachment under Captain Slocum was detached from LT-128 and returned to Division. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 30%
(D+29) 20 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy, cool; visibility fair.
At 0800 CT 26 (plus LT 327 and 328) continued the attack with LT 126 and LT 327 making the advnce abreast, closely supported by tanks; other elements to continue holding attack along the sides of the remaining corridor. Elements of LT 326 remaining in the line were released by the advance of LT 126 at about 1000. 3rd Sec, 6th War Dog Plat was detached, having been used chiefly for security of CPs.
Casualties: 1 Off, 41 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, & 6 Enl.
Effective strength: 81 Off, 1507 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: The night was quiet along the entire front.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued to hold in the same position along the ridge, supporting the attack by fire. During the day LT-327 on our right made advances to the northwest across our front enabling LT-128 to withdraw the Division Reconnaissance Company from the line and use it for mopping up in rear. LT-228 killed twelve enemy in the pocket behind its left flank. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 25%
26th Marines
Weather: Cloudy, cool; visibility fair.
At 0800 CT 26 (plus LT 327 and 328) continued the attack with LT 126 and LT 327 making the advnce abreast, closely supported by tanks; other elements to continue holding attack along the sides of the remaining corridor. Elements of LT 326 remaining in the line were released by the advance of LT 126 at about 1000. 3rd Sec, 6th War Dog Plat was detached, having been used chiefly for security of CPs.
Casualties: 1 Off, 41 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, & 6 Enl.
Effective strength: 81 Off, 1507 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: The night was quiet along the entire front.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued to hold in the same position along the ridge, supporting the attack by fire. During the day LT-327 on our right made advances to the northwest across our front enabling LT-128 to withdraw the Division Reconnaissance Company from the line and use it for mopping up in rear. LT-228 killed twelve enemy in the pocket behind its left flank. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. CP's: no change.
Combat efficiency: 25%
(D+30) 21 March 1945
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 resumed the attack down the remaining corridor at about 0730, with LT 126 and LT 327 advancing, LT 328 holding. During the afternoon LT 126 pinched out LT 327 as slow progress to the northwest was made. Between 1800 and 2000 LT 327 relieved LT 126 in the line. "G" Co reverted to LT 326 at this time, and LT 126 assembled in reserve.
Casualties: - Off, 27 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, & 5 Enl.
Effective Strength: 82 Off, 1507 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: Twenty Japs were killed trying to infiltrate LT-128's lines.
Daylight operations: LT's 128 and 228 continued to hold their present lines and mopped up in rear areas during the morning. CT-28 was ordered to attack and advance to the edge of the cliff overlooking the draw to our front, a distance of 40 yards on the right and 100 yards on the left. K-hour was 1545. By 1800, LT-128 on the right of LT-228 had reached the objective despite a heavy hail of enemy hand grenades. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. CP's no change.
Combat efficiency: 25%
26th Marines
Weather: Clear.
CT 26 resumed the attack down the remaining corridor at about 0730, with LT 126 and LT 327 advancing, LT 328 holding. During the afternoon LT 126 pinched out LT 327 as slow progress to the northwest was made. Between 1800 and 2000 LT 327 relieved LT 126 in the line. "G" Co reverted to LT 326 at this time, and LT 126 assembled in reserve.
Casualties: - Off, 27 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, & 5 Enl.
Effective Strength: 82 Off, 1507 Enl.
28th Marines
Night activity: Twenty Japs were killed trying to infiltrate LT-128's lines.
Daylight operations: LT's 128 and 228 continued to hold their present lines and mopped up in rear areas during the morning. CT-28 was ordered to attack and advance to the edge of the cliff overlooking the draw to our front, a distance of 40 yards on the right and 100 yards on the left. K-hour was 1545. By 1800, LT-128 on the right of LT-228 had reached the objective despite a heavy hail of enemy hand grenades. LT-328 continued under CT-26 control. CP's no change.
Combat efficiency: 25%