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The 3d Bn 21st Marines continued its attack in the face of fierce resistance, on March 9 and 10, and made small gains. These gains, though they did result in the overrunning of some positions, did not noticeably decrease the enemy's defensive power. It was decided to further envelop this strong point by attacking the ridge 202-A,B,G,H from the south rather than frontally, and to then push to the coast on the right of the Regtl Z of A and join the 3d Bn 9th Mar on the beach. Orders were issued accordingly to the 1st Bn, and it jumped off on an attack to the north at 1535 10 March. The attack was met immediately by enemy small arms fire and this battalion succeeded no farther than to a smaller ridge at 201-N, 600 yards from its objective where it tied in on the left with the 3d Bn 21st Mar.

21st Marines

R. 9 Mar. The Prov Co evacuated RRL and Pers reverted to parent units. 1st Bn patrolled beach area in right Regtl ZofA and conducted moping up operations. 2d Bn blasted caves and conducted mopping up operations in vicinity of 218 D. Prov Co, Rcn Co took up positions in vicinity of 218 H for the night.