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28th Marines  

1800, 19 February to 1800, 20 February.

Night Activity: Heavy mortar and artillery fire from SURIBACHI and the north end of the island fell throughout the night in our sector.

At 2315, an enemy barge landed on the west beach in LT-128's zone. Thirty-nine enemy were killed attempting to get ashore.

Daylight Operations: Ordered by Division to continue attack at 0830, and seize remainder of island in our zone of action.

LT-228 and LT-328 were ordered to attack and seize SURIBACHI, 228 on the left. Boundary between LTs: 132 B center, B southwest, F northeast, F southeast, K northeast, L southwest, Q northwest, P southeast, U northeast, U center, 122 A northwest. LT-128 was ordered to extend to the south behind LT-328 and mop up along the west coast as LT-328 advanced. E Co was released to 228 prior to K-hour.

The attack started on time but little progress was made. Tanks were unable to make K-hour because they were not able to refuel and rearm on time. After tanks arrived, an advance of 200 yards was made through a strong mutually supporting maze of reinforced concrete pillboxes.

During the afternoon, both Major Allen, commanding D Co, and Captain Young, commanding I Co, were severely wounded and evacuated.

Casualties for period Supporting units for the period

Off. Enl.
KIA & DOW 2 27 2 destroyers, 2 LC(S),
WIA 5 127 3d Bn, 13th Marines,
SK (evac) 4 C Co, 5th Tank Bn.
TOTAL 8 158

Combat efficiency: 80%