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Page 4 of 5 26th Marines - D+12, 3 Mar 45 Weather: Clear and warm. LT 226 and Lt 326 attacked at 0745, supported by tanks, the scheme of maneuver being to make the main effort in the center, straightening and shortening lines by pivoting on extreme flanks. LT 126, acting in close conjunction with CT 28, attacked at 0745 to clear pocket of enemy existing in the left of CT 26 zone adjacent to CT 28. Lt 226 was also to accomplish relief of 3dMarDiv troops on hill 362, prior to 1000, but the company sent out met heavy enemy resistance from this hill and was stopped. At 1000 LT 127 was attached to CT 26 and one company therefrom was at once attached to LT 226 for completion of relief of 3rdMarDiv troops in CT 26 zone of action. About 1630 the reserve company of LT 126 was moved to the right flank to relieve the company of LT 127, becoming attached to LT 226 as the company belonging to LT 127 reverted. Late in the day 3rdMarDiv troops were contacted, and relieved to the boundary between divisions by extending lines to the southwest of the hill. At this time CT 26 right flank extended approximately across the center of Hill 362, a very rough, craggy area, slightly higher than the surrounding area. Enemy resistance was chiefly on the flanks, the center being somewhat more flat and clear of crags during the advance. At the end of the day all elements were engaged in the more rough and rocky terrain in extremely close quarter fighting. The number of caves increased considerably in the north end of the island, requiring more demolitions, and generally slowing progress of advance. Lt 126 was engaged with an active enemy force throughout the night of 3-4 March in grenade exchanges and very close quarter fighting. (Hand grenade exchanges were common during the remainder of the operation, nearly all fighting taking place under very close contact in terrain as described above. Casualties: 8 Off, 273 Enl. Replacements: 2 Off, - Enl. Returned to duty: 2 Off, 34 Enl. Effective Strength 110 Off, 2247 Enl.
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