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24th Marines - 7 March, 1945

Sporadic enemy fire was received along the front from 0001 until dawn. Orders were received from Division to continue the attack at King-Hour (0730). RCT 24 would attack with BLT 2/24 with Company A, attached on the left and BLT 1/24 (less Company A and Company C) on the right. BLT 3/24 would remain in Division Reserve. BLT 2/24 would have 3 rifle companies abreast and BLT 1/24 would attack with one company in the line. Company c would revert to BLT 1/24 and pass through Company B which, when relieved, would become RCT Reserve from a position in rear of Company C. All other attachments remained normal. All units were ordered to push forward vigorously regardless of movement of units on flanks. The attack was preceded by Division Artillery and NGF firing neutralization and counterbattery fires on know targets from 0715 until 0745. Artillery ammunition was limited. the attack jumped off on time and both BLTs began moving forward slowly against heavy enemy opposition. AT 1100 the RCT Commander was informed that BLT 3/24 would be released from Division Reserve prior to dawn, 8 March, 1945 to relieve BLT 2/24 which wold then become Division Reserve. Another coordinated attack preceded by a five minute artillery preparation was made at 1245 in an attempt to break through the enemy's defenses. Both BLTs jumped off on time but very little gain resulted. At 1700 when the lines were consolidated for the night, a stubborn pocket existed between RCT 24 and RCT 23 which was not contained until about 1900. Total gains of approximately 100 yards had been made in the center of the RCT sector. Heavy enemy fire had been encountered throughout the day. Two air strikes, artillery and NGF had supported the attack. Sporadic enemy fire was received during the remainder of the period.