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Page 7 of 9
26th Marines
D-day, 19 Feb 45 Weather: Clear and mild; sea calm.
CT 26 (less LT 126, released to 5thMarDiv and subsequently attached to CT 27) commenced pre-boating of vehicles and heavy equipment at 0750, completed about 1045. At 1000 CT 26 was released by VAC and became 5thMarDiv reserve. Upon receipt of orders to boat and proceed to Line of Departure at about 1100, general debarkation was commenced. C) and advance reconnaissance parties proceeded to the TRANSDIV control vessel and opened forward CP there. At about 1530 orders were received to land and assemble ashore. Between 1600 and 1715 advance reconnaissance parties, LT 326 Boat Group and LT 226 Boat Group landed on Beach RED-1 and commenced organizing perimeter defense in vicinity of 148F. About 1800, on order of ADC in conference with CO CT 26 and CO CT 27, dispositions were shifted.
Although no direct contact with the enemy was made, sporadic artillery and mortar fire was received throughout the area on this date, and for the next ten days, falling with great accuracy into the battalion CPs and other forward establishments.
Due to adverse beach conditions no vehicles were able to get off the beach on this date.
Effective strength: 146 Off, 3110 Enl.
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