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23rd Marines - DOG PLUS FIFTEEN, 6 MARCH, 1945

The quiet throughout the night in the RCT zone was broken by occasional rounds of rocket or mortar fire. At 0000, Division Operation Order 15-45 was received, and RCT Operation Order 9-45 for the continuation of the attack was completed and distributed to all units of the RCT prior to 0200. The plan for the attack was to pass RCT 23(less BLT 1/23), in column of battalions, through the left Bn of RCT 24 at King plus 60, and to take over in that zone, making the main effort of the Division. In support of the attack of RCT 23 and adjacent units of the 3d Division on its left, the nine battalions of Divisional artillery and two battalions of Corps artillery were to mass their fires, firing concentrations successive in depth from King plus 45 to king plus 81. Commencing at 0600, BLT 2/23 relieved 3/24 on the line in the left of RCT 24 zone. Prior to 0700, 3/23 less Co L (RCT Reserve), moved into assembly area at TA 200 R, prepared to support the attack of 2/23 at 400 yards. 1/23 remained in VAC reserve at TA 182 VW. At King-Hour plus 60 (0900), 2/23 jumped off and was immediately engaged by heavy enemy resistance in the form of automatic weapon and accurate rifle fire from the front. Gains of approximately 300 yards were made in the left of the BLT zone, but the right was retarded due to increasing enemy activity from prepared fortifications and natural covered positions. The unusual nature of the terrain in the zone of action, characterized by a series of jagged ridges and heavy undergrowth provided a distinct advantage to the enemy and severely limited the movement of friendly troops. Rifle fire in the fight of the alone was intense an accurate up to distances of 350 yards. At 1500, co K, BLT 3/23, was attached to BLT 2/23, passing through Co F, 2/23, and continuing the attack at 1600, but no appreciable gains were netted as a result of this change. During the attack the effective employment of supporting arms was reduced to the minimum because the unfavorable nature of the terrain. Several times during the progress of the attack artillery fire was adjusted by FOs to within 125 yards of the front line troops. The unsuitability of the terrain and the lack of routes of approach minimized the employment of the tanks of Co C in the right of the zone. Four tanks were employed in the left of the RCT to engage pillboxes and cave positions by direct fire with good effect. One Platoon of Co C, 4th Engr Bn, was attached to 2/23 to assist in demolitions work, and the remaining two platoons were attached to 3/23 for rear area mopping-up and heavy demolition missions of large caves. The total ground gain in the RCT zone during the attack averaged 350 yards from the line of departure. However, due to the erroneous reporting of the King Hour position of elements of RCT, the result of the days operation appeared limited, almost negligible, on the map. Positions were consolidated for the night at 1700, and some difficulty was experienced in tying in a gap of about 100 yards to the 3d Mar Div on the left. The RCT CP remained in 182 Y.