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28th Marines - D+26 1800, 16 March to 1800, 17 March.

Night activity: Night activity was the same as on D+25

Daylight operations: The 5th Pioneer Battalion was ordered to attack at 0830 to the northwest, down the large draw running across our front. CT-26 on our right was swinging around to the west so that its front was perpendicular to our front, thus pocketing the remaining enemy, including Lt. Gen. Kuribayshi, as reported by a captured Japanese Sgt. Maj., in the draw and along the western portion of Kitano Point.

LT-128 and LT-228 were ordered to hold and support by fire.

The Pioneers were unable to advance more than fifty yards during the day and in the late afternoon were forded to withdraw to the position they had occupied prior to the attack. However, this is no discredit to them because, while they were perfectly capable of holding a defensive position, they were not trained infantrymen and should not have been expected to attack successfully.

Artillery fire ceased in our zone today because of the restricted area in which the enemy was pocketed and the consequent danger of hitting friendly troops.

CP's: no change.

Casualties for period: Supporting units for period

OFF ENL

KIA & DOW 1 9 1 destroyer for illumination only WIA 26 Co C, 5th Tank Bn. SK (evac) 9 TOTAL 1 44

Combat efficiency: 30%