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Attacks were made on 3, 4 and 6 March against enemy positions in this area. On each day the 1st and 2d Bns attacked abreast after the usual heavy artillery, air, and NGF preparation. In spite of all of the preparatory fires (artillery alone fired upwards from 1500 rounds per preparation), no large gains were made. Supporting fires were not confined to preparations, but continued almost constantly and still the enemy persisted apparently unaffected. Advances up to a total of 150 yards were made during these three days, after which no noticeable decrease of enemy resistance prevailed. The Regtl frontage during this period was about 500-600 yards running north and south, and the center of the front lines was about 600 yards due east of MOTOYAMA.

21st Marines

M. 4 Mar. At 0310 an unknown number of Japs infiltrated through the right flank, these were hunted down and killed during the early hours of daylight. 3d Bn released to this Regt at 0645. King hour scheduled at 0930 was postponed to 1140 due to the movement of 3d Bn from 9th Mar sector to line of departure in the 21st Mar ZofA. 3d Bn 9th Mar (less 1 Co) released to 9th Mar at 1045. At 1140 the Regt jumped off to O-3 with the 2d and 3d Bns abreast. 3d Bn passing through 1st Bn which occupied the right Regtl ZofA. Remaining Co 3d Bn 9th Mar reverted to parent organization. 2d Bn made little or no progress while the 3d Bn managed to advance about 100 yards against deadly enemy MG and direct AT fire. Div Rcn Co Atchd at 1445. Given mission reporting sources enemy fire and searching rear areas for enemy documents and material. Positions were consolidated generally along the same line held the previous night.