iwojimahistory.com

On the morning of 2 March the 2d Bn moved into position on the left of the 1st Bn and the two battalions attacked abreast at 0800. This attack was preceded by 30 minutes each of NGF and artillery preparation. Both battalions were able to move forward initially, but were stopped soon by intense enemy fire. Another attack by both battalions at 1530 the same day, this also preceded by artillery and NGF barrages, netted only small gains, the result again of heavy small arms fire from the front and right front. At intervals intense enemy mortar and artillery fire fell on the attackers and inflicted numerous casualties. Supporting artillery was drawn in close to the front lines in an attempt to alleviate the fire, but enemy MG positions even closer to the front lines than artillery could safely be placed continued to pin down the attacking elements. Tanks from Co C 3d Tank Bn supporting the 1st Bn succeeded in knocking out a number of enemy installations late in the afternoon of this day.

21st Marines

K. 2 Mar. One Co 1st Bn released from 2d Bn and reverted to parent organization. The Reg continued the Atk at 0800 with 3d Bn 9th Mar and 1st Bn 21st Mar abreast. Little or no progress was made by the 1st Bn 21st Mar due to heavy enemy MG and direct AT fire covering the east-west runway of the Airfield No 3, 3d Bn 9th Mar made steady progress and after heavy continuous fighting reached Hill 362 (235 U). At 1525 the 2d Bn was placed in position at 218 A, F and jumped off in the Atk to Hill 357 (218 D) at 1530. After two hours of continuous fighting the 2d Bn held a line extending from 218 B to 218 L; contact with 2d Bn 9th Mar was established on the left; One Co 1st Bn 21st Mar was utilized to tie in with 9th Mar on the right. Remainder of 1st Bn 21st Mar established RRL at 217 X,Y. Elements of 26th Mar in and along the left Regtl ZofA established contact with 3d Bn 9th Mar. The following general line was held during the night: 217 E, 218 A,B,F,K,P,Q. Intense enemy mortar, MG and AT fire was received along the entire front during the night causing numerous casualties.