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24th Marines - 6 March, 1945

Very little enemy activity took place from 0001 until dawn. BLT 3/24 was relieved by RCT 23 at 0630 and closed in its assembly area as Division Reserve in TA 182 O, 183 K, L by 0800. The massed artillery of the infantry Divisions and Corps artillery fired a preparation for the attack from 0845 until 0921. Most of the fire was placed in front of RCT 23. At 0900 the attack began and an initial gain of approximately 100 yards was made by the left and center of BLT 2/24. The right of BLT 2/24 and BLT 1/24 received heavy enemy mortar fire at the time of attack and were unable to move. Progress was slow along the entire front throughout the day. Two air strikes were made in the RCT zone of action. NGF and artillery fired in support of the attack. The lines were consolidated by 1700 with difficulty. Units of the reserve company of BLT 2/24 and of Company C, RCT Reserve, were committed to fill gaps and establish contact with flank units. The left flank of BLT 2/24 had made approximately 150 yards while BLT 1/24 on the extreme right had been able to make very little progress against strong enemy resistance. Sporadic enemy fire continued throughout the remainder of the period.