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25th Marines - D plus 3, 22 February 1945.

Accurate enemy mortar and artillery fire for short but intense periods was received throughout the night. Enemy patrols constantly harassed the front lines and attempted to infiltrate through the line. The enemy patrols were repulsed, though some casualties were suffered as a result of their activity.

Div Op Or No. 3?45 was received during the night and called for the continuation of the attack at K?hour (0830) to seize O?2. RCT?21 was to pass through RCT?23 on the left prior to K?hour. The plan of RCT?25 with 1/24 and Co A & B, 4th Tank Bn attached was for the initial effort to be made on the left. BLT?1/25 on the left, was ordered to attack straight to the north to the RCT left boundary where it would hold its position and be pinched out as RCT?21 advanced across its front. When this was completed a coordinated attack of the whole front line would begin to seize O?1. Due to the delay of RCT?21 on the left in effecting relief of RCT?23 the attack did not jump off until 1215. Initially the attack progressed well against moderate resistance and gains of up to 200 yards were made on the extreme left. However, RCT?21 suddenly fell back to its original position leaving the left of RCT?25 completely exposed. Since RCT?25 had only a small reserve it was necessary for BLT?1/25 to drop back to its original position to prevent a very large gap.

BLT?3/25 made only minor local improvements in positions during the day, however fired two rocket barrages on the hill in TA 183?C?D to soften the position. This barrage drove a large number of enemy out of their emplacements who were immediately taken under fire by well placed MGs. It was estimated that 200 of the enemy were killed in this manner. BLT?2/25 in the right center was counter?attacked at 1120 by an estimated 100 enemy following a very heavy enemy mortar barrage. The attack was repulsed, however, a large number of casualties were received from the enemy mortar fire. BLT?1/24 on the right, made only local improvements in its positions. At 1000 a hard cold rain began to fall and continued throughout the day., At 1530, the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. J. M. Chambers and the Air Ln Officer of BLT?3/25 were wounded by enemy MG fire while in the BLT OP. Captain James G. Headley, formerly C.O. of Co L, but serving as Bn?X, was ordered to assume command of LT?3/25. Units were ordered to consolidate positions at 1630, however, a gap on the left existed and, although the Res Co of BLT?1/25 was employed, was not filled completely. At 1830, a large group of enemy was observed forming up in front of BLT?2/25 and moving toward our front lines. This attempted counter?attack was broken up and repulsed by BLT?2/25.