iwojimahistory.com

25th Marines - D plus 4, 23 February, 1945.

During the night of 22-23 February, the enemy attempted to infiltrate into our lines. These attempts were repulsed with an estimated 150 enemy killed. The infiltration attempts were accompanied by heavy artillery and mortar fire.

RCT-25 was relieved by RCT-24 commencing at 0500 in accordance with Div Op Or No. 4-45. The relief of BLT-1/25 and BLT-2/25 was completed prior to 0730, but the relief of BLT-3/25 was not completed until 0900. BLT-1/24 and Co A & B, 4th Tank Bn were detached and BLT-2/25 was attached to RCT-24 for use as Res BLT. RCT-25, less BLT-2/25, assembled in Div Res in TA 165-E-J, 166-A-F. All units spent the day in reorganizing and rehabilitation with unit Commanding Officers making a reconnaissance of the Div front and selecting routes of approach to the various front line BLT areas.

26th Marines - D+4, 23 Feb 45 Weather: Cloudy, visibility good.

At about 0400 LT 126 received a counter-attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 to 500. This attack was broken up with difficulty by artillery fires and very close quarter fighting. At daybreak LT 227 moved forward and effected relief in the line of LT 126. In view of conformation of ground to the front (high ground on the right and flat beach on the left), CT 26 planned to echelon the advance to the left rear. The attack to seize O-2 was launched at 0738 and, though later attempts to resume the advance were made, no appreciable gains were made this date. 3rdMarDiv elements on the right made no progress in reduction of bluff positions and heavy enfilade fire from these positions stopped every attempt of LT 326 to get under way. At about 1000 LtCol Joseph P. Sayers, commanding LT 226, was wounded and evacuated. Major Amedeo Rea, Bn-x, assumed command of LT 226. Due to the fact that the area concerned was under extremely heavy fire for effecting relief, LT 326 maintained positions that extended into the 3rdMarDiv zone, and defense lines for the night were tied in as for the previous night. Deficiencies in weapons and weapons parts reached serious proportion due largely to heavy rain of previous date. No spare weapons nor spare parts had been landed. The supply of 81mm ammunition and demolitions was maintained only with considerable difficulty. (Throughout the operation 81mm, H.E., light, remained a critical item of supply). Adequate beach exits and usable roads partly into forward areas began to help the supply situation considerably. Casualties: 2 Off, 126 Enl. Effective Strength: 135 Off, 2818 Enl.