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D Plus 3 (D+3), 22 February 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima |
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Page 3 of 6 24th Marines - 22 February, 1945 Enemy mortar and artillery fire were received from 0001 until dawn. An enemy plane dropped two 63 KG bombs in vicinity of RCT 24 CP at approximately 0230. One bomb was a dud but the other exploded causing one casualty. RCT 23 was relieved by RCT 21. At this time BLT 2/24 reverted to RCT 24 control and was ordered to move into an assembly area in the vicinity of TA 165 E, 166 A. BLT 1/24 remained attached to RCT 25. RCT 24 (less BLT 1/24) remained in Division Reserve. King hour was at 0830. The 3d Platoon, Regimental Weapons Company and 2d Sec, 7th War Dog Platoon landed at 0815 on Beach YELLOW 1. BLT 2/24 arrived in its assigned assembly area at 1230. At 1101 RCT 25 reported a possible enemy counterattack forming in the vicinity of TA 184 UVW, 183 AB and orders were received by RCT 24 to make disposition of its units so as to support RCT 25 if a counterattack should develop. RCT 24 coordinated this support with RCT 25. All units of RCT 24 were alerted and prepared to support RCT 25 from defensive positions in the vicinity of their assembly areas. RCT 24 received a warning order at 1617 to be prepared to take over the zone of action of RCT 25 on short notice during the night. Orders to consolidate at 1800 were received and complied with. During the daylight hours and until 2400 very little enemy fire was received.
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