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23rd Marines - DOG PLUS TWELVE, 3 MARCH 1945

Enemy activity during the night was again limited to periodic rounds of mortar or artillery fire. About 2330, division Operation Order 12-45 was received, committing RCT 23 to the attack. RCT Operation Order 8-45 was issued to all units of the RCT by 0200, and all supplementary instructions had been completed by 0230. With King-Hour at 0745, the 4th Mar Div was to continue the attack at King minus 75, and seize O-3. Corps and Division artillery supported the attack, firing a counter-battery on known or suspected targets from King minus 75 to King plus 30. 2/14 was assigned to direct support of the RCT. RCT 23, less 2/23 (VAC reserve), and with BLTs 2/25 and 3/25 attached, at 0630 continued the attack with 1/23 relieving 1/25 on the line. BLT 3/23 reverted to RCT 23 at King minus 75, and was to assemble in RCT Reserve as rapidly as Cos I and L could be disengaged. Since BLTs 2/25 and 3/25, in the center and right of the RCT zone respectively, had advanced 200 to 300 yards forward of BLT 1/25 (on the left) during the preceding days of attack, it was planned that they should maintain their presently held positions, while the heavy resistance in the left of RCT zone was reduced. RCT 24, adjacent on the left, had been able to advance on its left, but on its right was held up by same general area of resistance that had been confronting 1/25. This enemy stronghold was established on the most favorable ground within the Division zone, and appeared to be the core of the enemys final positions. It was organized on the highest ground in the area, the westernmost part being HILL 382, and extensive fortifications had been dug into the broken rocky ridges and were well concealed by the undergrowth and scrub that covered the zone. Because of this situation, it was imperative that the cliff line pocket near the left RCT 23 boundary, in TA 183 INO, which formed a salient into our lines, be eliminated. In order to achieve this, while BLTs 2/25 and 3/25 held their positions, BLT 1/23 after relieving 1/25, was to attack at 0630, initially advancing one company (Co A) on its left, in contact with RCT 24. This would enable Co C, on the BLT right, to cut off the cliff-line strong point, and establish contact with BLT 2/25, on its right. The initial phase of the attack progressed favorably. Progress on the right was impeded by a blockhouse located on a promontory at TA 184G, known as "Turkey Knob". The routes of approach to the blockhouse had been mined with anti-personnel mines, which were covered by heavy sniper fire. At about 1400, this blockhouse was partially reduced as a result of the action of infantry demolition teams and flame thrower tanks. At 1600, Co B, BLT 1, was committed to pass through Co C and continue the attack. BLTs 2/25 and 3/25 had maintained their initial positions, prepared to continue the attack when the contact on the left was established. The main enemy resistance encountered during the day consisted of extremely heavy automatic and sniper fire protecting approaches to covered enemy positions. Enemy light and heavy mortar fire was sporadic throughout the day in the RCT zone, BLT 3/23, in RCT Reserve, upon resuming control of Cos I and L instituted reorganization of these elements. Co K, with tanks and 75mm halftracks remained below the cliffline at TA 183 INO, mopping up the cave positions with flamethrowers and demolitions. The 1st Section, 1st Provisional Rocket Detachment supported the attack during the day with fire missions called by the assault BLTs. The employment of Co C, 4th Tk Bn, vehicles during the day was again limited due to unfavorable terrain. The general advance during the day averaged approximately 200 yards on the left and 150 yards on the right. At 1700, positions were consolidated for the night. Co C had not established contact with BLT 2/25, so, in order to contain the pocket, Co I of BLT 3/23 took up positions to the right rear of BLT 1 and line adjustment was effected enabling Co K to tie in with Co I and BLT 2/25. Earlier in the day, at 1100, 197 enlisted replacements had been received; these were assigned to R/W Co, BLT 1/23 and BLT 3/23 in proportion to the losses sustained by these units. No displacement of the RCT CP occurred during the day.