iwojimahistory.com

21st Marines

A. 20 Feb. The Regt was boated prepared to land on IWO JIMA, and proceed to rendezvous areas near control vessels, however due to the congested beach areas and limited space inland, the Regt reembarked on respective ships in the late afternoon.

23rd Marines  - DOG PLUS ONE, 20 FEBRUARY, 1945

During the night intensive shelling from light and heavy caliber weapons was received through the RCT zone. At King-Hour, 0830, RCT 23 continued the attack. The attack was preceded by a fifteen minute artillery, naval gunfire and air preparation, from King minus fifteen minutes to King-Hour. At King-Hour, artillery lifted four hundred yards and fired a five minute concentration; thereafter fires were on call. The 2d Bn, 14th Mar, was in direct support of RCT 23; elements of Co C, 4th Tank Bn, were assigned to the assault BLTs on the basis of one reinforced platoon per assault unit. The formation for the attack: BLT 3/23 and BLT 2/24 abreast, 2/24 on the right; BLTs 1/23 and 2/23 remained in reserve prepared to support the attack as ordered. The boundaries for the attack remained the same, with no change in the assigned objective, O-1. The initial resistance encountered consisted of intense machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. At 0940, both assault units had reached O-a against heavy resistance and were continuing the attack. Contact with RCT 25 on the right was temporarily broken at this time. By 1200, the northern limits of Airfield No 1 had been secured. During the advance a portion of the enemy defensive position in depth was breached and a series of well concealed pillboxes and infantry strong pints reduced. The attack continued throughout the remainder of the day, but little progress was made in the face of constant mortar, rocket and artillery fire. At 1630, in preparation for securing for the night, BLTs 1/23 and 2/23 displaced forward, and established the Regimental Reserve Line along the seaward edge of Airfield No 1. Solidly tied in together, and with units on the RCT flanks, they formed a strong secure secondary line of defense. contact was established with RCT 27 on the left and regained with RCT 25 on the right, and, at approximately 1800, positions were consolidated in preparation for the night defense. The days advance approximated 500 yards against heavy resistance from well concealed pillboxes and gun positions supported by mortar, artillery and rocket fire. The employment of tanks in support was minimized due to limitations of the terrain and to mines. The RCT CP remained at 164 Y, South.