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21st Marines

D. 23 Feb. The Regt was to continue the Atk to O-1 at 0730 preceded by an Arty, NGF and tank preparation on known enemy targets. One (1) plat of Engrs was Atchd to each assault Bn for demolition and mine clearing details. 1st Bn jumped off on time, 2d Bn became engaged in a sharp fire fight during the early hours of daylight and was unable to advance until 0935. By early afternoon 2d Bn assault Cos reached the southwest approach of Airfield No 2 with some advance elements crossing the southwestern part of the northeast-southwest runway, but later the few remaining men were driven back by very heavy MG and direct AT fire which also prevented the other troops from gaining the ground. Regtl CP displaced to 164 E at 1515. 3d Bn was placed in an assembly area 164 E, 165 A at 1615. Assault Bns established contact right and left and consolidated positions along the line 182 A,F,G,Q,R,S for the night. The enemy continued to place mortar, rocket and Arty fire along the entire front causing many casualties.

23rd Marines -  DOG PLUS FOUR, 23 FEBRUARY, 1945

Enemy activity during the night was limited to sporadic shelling of the RCT assembly areas by mortars, rockets and artillery, with some rounds of heavy dual-purpose AA and 20mm airbursts. The repeated shelling produced few casualties, but the demoralizing effect on the troops was considerable at the time. The entire RCT remained in VAC Reserve during the night with no change in the disposition of troops. At 0019, Division Operation Order 4-45 was received. RCT Operation Order 3-45 was issued at 0510. All units remained in assigned assembly areas during the day, and active reconnaissance of routes of approach to the zones of the 4th and 5th Mar Divs was completed by members of the RCT and BLT staffs. At 1000, on request of 4th Mar Div, BLT 3/23 was moved to a new assembly area in the vicinity of TA 148 HI, and it closed in the new area by 1310, VAC being notified. remaining elements of the RCT maintained their present positions, BLT 1 at TA 164 Y, south central portion, and turned over its old location at 164 Y, NW, to the 4th Mar Div. Inclement weather prevailed throughout the day with rain and fog obscuring visibility and making general conditions uncomfortable for the troops. Enemy artillery and mortars continued to be active during the day with repeated shelling of beach installations and the rear areas. At approximately 1930, units were alerted to condition red and shortly thereafter enemy planes appeared over the area. The subsequent bombing was ineffective. Division Operation Order 4-45 was received at about 2345, and RCT Operation order 4-45 was issued at 0140 to all units of the RCT.