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25th Marines - D plus 14, 5 March 1945.

In accordance with Div Op Or No. 14-45, RCT?25 commenced relieving RCT-23 in its zone at 0530. BLT-2/25 and BLT-3/25 reverted to control of RCT-25 and remained in position. BLT-1/25 relieved BLT-1/23 in its former zone and had effected the relief of the assault companies by 0600 and the total relief by 0740. BLT-2/25 and BLT-3/25 were each ordered to reorganize their lines and create a Res Co. A Prov Bn was organized composed of the div Recon Co (Attached to RCT-25 at 0700) and Co L of BLT-3/25 and placed under the command of Major Asbill (Bn-X of BLT-1/25). This Prov Bn relieved BLT-3/23 in the area of the rear of the pocket and between BLT-1/25 on the left and BLT-2/25 in the center. The relief of BLT-3/23 commenced at 0800 and was completed at 1030. Readjustment of the lines of BLT-2/25 and BLT-3/25 was completed by 1200. Co F, BLT-2/25, was designates as RCT Res and placed behind BLT-2/25 and BLT-3/25. The day was spent I reorganizing the lines, digging in strong defensive positions, and mopping up operations in the pocket by the Prov Bn using two flamethrowers and four medium tanks. Extensive use was made of the flamethrower tanks in burning out sniper infested areas. Firm contact was established between all units.

26th Marines

D+14, 5 Mar 45 Weather: Clear and warm. CT 26 made only local attacks for the purpose of improving positions and rectifying lines; no general advance was contemplated for the reason that any appreciable advance in this sector would increase the frontage dangerously. At about 1100 LT 126 accomplished relief in the line of LT 127 and the right company of LT 226; LT 127 reverted to CT 27. Tanks were employed from about 1100 to 1300 in the center of CT 26 zone for reduction of known caves and strong points in the vicinity of front lines. Between 1600 and 1800 several friendly vehicles were knocked out in the vicinity of RJ 338 by high velocity pieces firing from positions opposite the front of 3rdMarDiv. (RJ 338 was on the main supply road to battalion installations, interdiction of which caused considerable difficulty until these guns were silenced during the following day). Wire communications, having steadily improved since the earlier difficult stage, at about this time permitted continuous telephone contact between all major elements. Casualties 3 Off, 27 Enl. Returned to duty: - Off, & 19 Enl. Effective strength: 101 Off, 2041 Enl.