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D Plus 3 (D+3), 22 February 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima Print E-mail
21st Marines  D+3, 22 Feb, 1945

C. 22 Feb. 4th Div Opn Order 3-45 was received at 0001 ordering the Regt to relieve the 23d mar by 0730 and to continue the Atk at 0835. The relief commenced under the cover of darkness with 1st and 2d Bns, 1st Bn on the right. 2d Bn moved into position and effected the relief by 0645 with little or no difficulty under the cover of darkness. 1st Bn received heavy enemy mortar and Arty fire during the early hours of daylight causing many casualties while crossing the eastern part of Airfield No 1. and it was doubtful that the 1st Bn would be able to effect the relief and be in position to jump off on time. At 0755 1st Bn was not in position and it was requested that 2d Bn 24th Mar (occupying right ZofA) be Atchd in order to attack on schedule. At 0825 the above request was cancelled since the Regt was prepared to attack on time. The Atk to O-1 jumped off on schedule from a general line (181 S,T; 182 U; 165 A,B,C), preceded by an Arty and NGF preparation. The Atk progressed slowly encountering a series of heavily fortified emplacements along the entire front. Tanks, NGF and Arty were employed repeatedly with some results. Progress of about 50 yards on the right and 250 yards on the left was made during the entire day. However, many enemy emplacements were reduced in Regtl ZofA. During the night the enemy placed Arty, mortar and rockets and some small arms fire along the entire Regtl front.



 
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(c) Copyright 2007 Ray Backstrom