iwojimahistory.com

26th Marines

D+18, 9 Mar 45 Weather: Cloudy and cool, visibility fair. At 0700 LT 226 (plus co "A", 5thEngrBn) relieved left elements of LT 126 in the line. Co "H" reverted to LT 326 reserve on being passed through. The scheme of maneuver for this date called for CT 26 to hold up until CT 28 gained position abreast of CT 26; then to regulate advance upon CT 28, pinching out LT 326 as previously planned. Until 1530 CT 26 elements held positions and engaged in local mopping up only. At 1530 CT 28 reached position abreast and at 1545 LT 326 and LT 226 jumped off in a coordinated attack on order from CG, 5thMarDiv. This attack bogged down without appreciable gain, in the face of heavy fire delivered at very close range from a blockhouse and from many concealed cave positions in very rugged ravines. Casualties: 3 Off, 84 Enl. Replacements: 1 Off, 115 Enl. Returned to duty; - Off, 2 Enl. Effective Strength 99 Off, 2019 Enl.

27th Marines - D plus 18 9 March, 1945

The enemy attempted to infiltrate our lines during the night and a lively skirmish resulted in which 25 enemy troops were killed. Our battle raged throughout the day at close ranges. The enemy continued to defend from caves and rocky cliffs. The enemy dead reported to date was 1336.

28th Marines - D+18

1800, 8 March to 1800, 9 March.

Night Activity: Enemy infiltration attempts resulted in numerous grenade battles all along the line.

Daylight Operations: CT-28 ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0700 to seize the northeast coast of the island in our zone of action. Direction of attack northeast.

CT-28 continued the attack at 0700, two landing teams abreast, LT-128 on the right, LT-228 on the left. Moderate resistance was encountered and gains up to 400 yards on the left and 200 yards on the right were made by 1200 when LT-128 ran into heavy resistance. At 1545, the attack was resumed on the right in conjunction with LT-326. Some progress was made and elements of LT-326 were pinched out.

No tank were employed.

Three air attacks were executed in our zone.

LT-328 continued in Corps reserve.

Lines at close of period: 234 B north, 234 N center.

Casualties for period: Supporting units for period

OFF ENL KIA & DOW 1 32 1 destroyers, 1 LC(S) WIA 3 55 2d Bn, 13th Marines SK (evac) 5 TOTAL 92

Combat efficiency: 45 %