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23rd Marines - DOG PLUS THIRTEEN, 4 MARCH, 1945

Little enemy activity was noted during the night in the RCT zone except for the usual sporadic concentrations of mortar fire along the front lines and in the rear areas. There were some close-range hand grenade exchanges and light infiltration along the front of BLT 1/23. Prior to 2100, verbal instructions were issued for continuation of the attack on 4 march. Boundaries, zones of action and the objective remained the same, with no change in the scheme of maneuver or employment of troops. Corps and Division artillery were to fire preparation from King minus fifteen to king plus fifteen minutes, King-Hour being 0730. The LD for the attack was the front lines at King-Hour. At 0730, BLT 1/23 continued the attack on the left, regulating its advance in conformity with the movements of RCT 24. BLTs 2/25 and 3/25 in the center and right of the RCT zone respectively, held the line at the previous position, prepared to continue the attack in conformance with the advance of 1/23 on the left. After small gains of approximately 50 to 75 yards, the leading elements of 1/23 were pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire from the zone of RCT 24 on the left. Further advance in this zone was dependent upon the forward movement of 1/24, and elimination of the resistance impeding the progress of the attack. At 1500, following a 15 minute artillery preparation, a coordinated attack was launched in conjunction with RCT 24. By 1600, very little progress had been made. Strong, determined enemy resistance continued with machine-gun and accurate rifle fire from the left front particularity heavy. Sporadic light and heavy mortar fire on our lines continued all during the day. At 1700, patrols from Co B, BLT 1/23, were sent forward across the unoccupied area to establish contact with the left of 2/25. The right of the RCT zone remained static with during the entire period, 2/25 and 3/25 throughout the day (still attached to RCT 23) continuing to wait for he units on the left to come abreast. 2/23 continued in VAC Reserve at TA 165 BC, and 3/23, in RCT Reserve, continued mopping-up operations in the same cliff-line (At TA 183 INO). Considerable progress was reported by 3/23 as a result of extensive work in this area, but complete mopping-up had not yet been effected. Engineers were employed during the day for the execution of heavy demolition work on caves and dugout positions. Tank employment was still restricted by rough terrain. An average gain of 150 yards had been made in the RCT zone during the day. In preparation for consolidation for the night, Co L (3/23) moved into positions along the right boundary of BLT 1/23, tying in between Co K (Still containing the pocket in 183 INO from the south), and the left element of BLT 2/25. At 1700, consolidation was completed.