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Page 2 of 6 23rd Marines - DOG PLUS THREE, 22 FEBRUARY, 1945 The main activity during the previous night consisted of breaking up a counterattack of an estimated two hundred Japs in front of BLT 3/23 at 2330, principally by artillery fire. Thereafter, repeated attempts at infiltration were repulsed. Sporadic but concentrated enemy artillery and mortar fire persisted during the hours of darkness but were somewhat reduced in volume in comparison with previous periods. Upon receipt of a Division Warning Order, and later, at 0155, of division Operation Order Number 3-45, the necessary plans and arrangements for the relief of RCT 23 by RCT 21 were made with the officers of that unit. The RCT 23 CP at 164 Y, NW corner, was organized as a joint CP operated by the two organizations. Elements of Co C, 4th Tk Bn, passed to control of RCT 21; 2/14 was assigned as direct support artillery. The necessary guides from RCT 23 were furnished to expedite the relief prior to 0730. Progress of the relief was slow due to heavy mortar and machine gun fire, and the complete relief of all elements of RCT 23 was not effected until approximately 1130, at which time BLT 2/24 was detached, reverting to control of RCT 24 at 1200. RCT 23, when relieved, passed to VAC Reserve and assembled in TAs 164 EY, 165 APUQLGH, and closed this area prior to 1300. A reconnaissance of routes of approach to the zones of 4th and 5th Mar Divs was made during the day in preparation for possible commitment in these areas. Elements of the RCT reorganized and partially reequipped from material salvaged in the rear areas. The RCT CP remained at 164 Y, NW, and intermittent shelling of this and other portions of the RCT area continued throughout the day.
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