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D Plus 2 (D+2), 21 February 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima |
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Page 3 of 4 26th Marines - D+2 21 Feb 45 Weather: Cloudy, scattered light rain. Elements of CT 26 (less LT 126) were moved north in the zone of action of CT 27 at about 0700, to maintain readiness for employment in that zone. About 1700 shifts in disposition were made in coordinating defenses for the night. Small enemy groups were active along the beach in front of LT 226 between darkness and midnight. Supply over the beach was but poorly developed and very little organic equipment was received. A serious need for flame thrower servicing and re-supply material arose, and existed for the following three days. Replacement batteries for the SCR-300 radios became very critical and began to cause communication failures in these sets, at which time they were being used for nearly all tactical messages. Wire communication could not be successfully maintained at this stage. By the end of the day most of the vehicles initially landed had been cleared of the beach and the remaining elements of WpnsCo were available for use. 37mm platoons, having been attached to Bns each night only, were attached to Bns at this time and remained attached throughout the operation. Casualties: 3 Off, 13 Enl.
Effective Strength: 142 Off, 3039 Enl.
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