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21st Marines

P. 7 Mar. 3d Bn 9th Mar passed through right of 1st Bn at 0500 and continued the Atk to Hill 362 (219 U). 2d Bn was scheduled to jump off to O-3 but was unable to advance due to heavy enemy fire coming from the high ground on left in 5th Div ZofA. 3d Bn 9th Mar made good progress seizing the western slopes of hill 362 (219 U); it was necessary to Atch one Co of the 1st Bn to protect 3d Bn 9th Mar left flank. 3d Bn 21st Mar reverted to control of 21st Mar. 3d Bn 9th Mar was released to 9th Mar and a new right Regtl boundary with Hill 362 (219 U) inclusive to the 9th Mar became effective at 1745.

23rd Marines - DOG PLUS SIXTEEN, 7 MARCH, 1945

At 2300, RCT Operation Order 10-45 was issued for the continuation of the attack on 7 March. Enemy activity during the hours of darkness grew progressively more intense, with frequent exchanges of rifle and machine-gun fire, and close-in hand grenade fighting along the entire front. Intermittent concentrations of rocket and heavy mortar fire fell on the front lines and rear positions, and, at approximately 0515, on of several rounds of heavy caliber rocket fire hit in the BLT 2/23 CP. As a result, the Commanding Officer of the BLT, and several key members of his staff (the BLT executive officer, operations officer and adjutant) suffered wounds and concussion. The staff members were evacuated; the BLT Commander remained in tactical control and effected temporary reorganization of the unit. At daylight, the RCT Executive Officer assumed command of BLT 2/23, the BLT commander then being evacuated for medical treatment. The temporary reorganization instituted by the BLT Commander was completed by the RCT Executive Officer, utilizing a skeleton staff of officers and enlisted personnel from RCT Headquarters and other units. In order to effect this reorganization, a half-hour delay in King-Hour was obtained. At 0800 (the new King-Hour), RCT 23 continued the attack to seize O-3 within its assigned zone. Boundaries remained unchanged. BLT 2/23 (with Co K, 3/23, attached) was in assault, attacking with three companies abreast (left to right, Cos G, E, and K), and one company (F) in reserve, assembled to the rear of Co G. BLT 3/23 (less Co K) continued in RCT reserve, and 1/23 in VAC reserve, both remaining in their previous assembly areas. Initially, the attack progressed favorably on the left, with Co G making moderate gains against comparatively light resistance. In the center and on the right, however, bitter resistance was quickly developed and the advance soon stopped. In accordance with plans pre-arranged to meet this eventuality, co G pressed the attack, opening a gap on the right flank, and uncovering co F, to its rear. Co F immediately attacked the flank of the strong point confronting Cos E and K, reduced it, took over the zone of Co E, and continued the attack. Freed from the fire from its left flank, co K was able to advance and soon came abreast, the whole maneuver being completed by 0900. Upon being pinched out, co E passed to BLT reserve. Very soon afterward, strong positions were again developed, this time along the entire BLT front, and the attack was held to small gains throughout the remainder of the day. The resistance consisted principally of heavy machine-gun fire, supported by intermittent mortar fire and very accurate rifle fire from concealed positions in the rock ridge formations and draws along the front. Co E remained in BLT reserve throughout the rest of the day and, at 1200, a fresh company (I) was attached to BLT 2/23 from the RCT Reserve. This company moved into position in left of the BLT zone, behind Co G, at 1200. During the course of the day, Co G had advanced about 200 yards forward of the 3d Division elements on its left. Late in the afternoon, the left flank of G was withdrawn in order to re-establish physical contact, and RCT positions had been consolidated for the night by 1800. Front-line dispositions for the night were, left to right, Cos G, F, and K; the BLT reserve line was occupied Cos I and E, in positions slightly to the flanks of the center of the BLT zone. Gains of 400 yards on the left and 150 yards on the right had been made during the day. Thirty-nine enlisted replacements had been assigned to the RCT, and these were forwarded after processing to BLT 1/23 which continued as VAC reserve. The RCT CP continued at TA 182 Y.