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Page 4 of 5 25th Marines - D plus 16, 7 March 1945. During the night of 6-7 march the enemy attempted to infiltrate along the whole front. In the zone of BLT-1/25 over 50 enemy were killed, but not until some of them had crept all the way into the line. BLT-3/25 reported seeing groups of enemy moving toward the ocean from inland areas and was able to break up their formations by use of artillery and mortar fire, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy, thus preventing a likely counter attack against the RCT right flank. RCT-25 (Div Recon Co attached) was ordered by Div Op Or No. 16-45 to conform to the advance of RCT-24 on the left and to hold its position in the center and on the right. BLT-1/25 on the left made no movement during the day due to the dictates of the terrain on the left and since RCT-24 on the left did not move. Mopping up operations continued o the pocket in TA 183-C, 184-K by the Prov Bn utilizing flamethrower tanks supported by medium tanks. BLT-1/25 also utilized flamethrower and medium tanks in the right of its zone to reduce emplacements and drive out the enemy ahead of its right flank. In the zone of BLT-1/25 the enemy intermittently placed intense mortar barrages on the front lines. BLT-1/25 also received small arms and MG fire from the high ground to its left flank. 26th Marines D+16, 7 mar 45 Weather: Cloudy, visibility poor. LT 1226 (plus Co "A", 5thEngrBn, and "H" Co attached) resumed the attack at 0640, without usual preparatory fires, to reduce strong pocket holding up their left flank. At about 1140 this strong point was reduced and LT 326 passed to status of VAC reserve, position remaining unchanged. Half-tracks and tanks were used effectively in destruction of cave and pillbox positions. Little ground was gained after initial success against the single strong point, and at the end of the day all six companies were committed to a thinly held line. Subsequent developments indicated that at this point CT 26 lines faced the strongest positions remaining to the enemy. Casualties: 7 Off, 126 Enl. Returned to duty: 2 Off, 9 Enl. Effective Strength: 102 Off, 2050 Enl.
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