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26th Marines

D+17, 8 Mar 45 Weather Cloudy and cool, visibility fair. CT 26 (less LT 226 in VAC reserve) attacked at 0815. The plan of action called for CT 28 to pinch out LT 326 and make contact with LT 126; Lt 326 only to advance through a small pocket space between the two. CT 28 failed to gain the necessary distance and Lt 126 made only minor gains which were considered untenable and given up at nightfall. Action of LT 126 was supported by fire of tanks. At about 1630 LT 226 passed from VAC reserve to CT 26 reserve. At this stage of the operation, qualified small unit leaders as well as the more aggressive riflemen have become so depleted that offensive efficiency and spirit were seriously affected, out of proportion to strength figures. Casualties: 1 Off, 74 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off,  p; 10 Enl. Effective strength: 101 Off, 1986 Enl.

27th Marines - D plus 17 8 March, 1945

Enemy patrols were active during the night and small groups attempted infiltration. Small arms and hand grenade exchanges occurred at intervals during the night. Our dead were booby-trapped with heavy satchel charges in front of our lines by the enemy. Our assault units faced an inter-connected series of caves and pillboxes on the rocky ledges in T.S. 235S and progress was extremely difficult. These rocky outcroppings were defended on both sides so that our troops often were caught by enemy fire from their rear in by-passed positions. Snipers were particularly active in our zone of action. The enemy used a limited amount of mortar fire but there seemed to be no shortage of small arms ammunition. The enemy dead reported to date was 1238.