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Page 2 of 6 23rd Marines - DOG PLUS SEVENTEEN, 8 MARCH, 1945 Enemy activity during the night was limited to intermittent light and heavy concentrations of mortar fire on the front line positions and in the vicinity of the BLT 2/23 CP. Occasional exchanges of small arms fire evidenced the activity of the enemy close in to the lines. Prior to daylight, Co E relieved Co K in the front line, and Co K moved into BLT reserve in positions to the rear of Co E. At King minus 90 (0620), RCT 23 (less 1/23, VAC Reserve), continued the attack in column of BLTs with BLT 2/23 (Co K attached) in assault, supported by 3/23 (less Cos I and K). The main effort of the attack was on the right, in order to facilitate execution of a change in the direction of attack to conform with the peculiarities of terrain. The assigned objective was the coast in the RCT zone of action. On the left, Co G moved out at King-Hour, and shifted laterally to the left boundary. In the center, co F regulated its advance so as to maintain contact with its adjacent units, and on its right co E continued the attack. Only slight gains were made, principally due to the extreme difficulty of maintaining contact in the broken terrain, with its obstacles of rocky ledges, outcroppings and cliffs. At about 0910, it was determined that in the change of direction co E of BLT 2/23 had shifted to the right, and was occupying a portion of RCT 24's Zone of action. This situation was remedied by shifting co E laterally to the left while co K, slightly to the rear, covered the gap to facilitate the relief of Co E by Co I of 3/24. When the lines were properly adjusted, Co E passed to BLT 2/23 reserve. Upon completion of the disengagement of Co E, co I was committed in the center of the BLT zone between Cos G and F. At 1200, co L (3/23) was attached to 2/23 for demolition work in rear of the lines. The employment of tanks was again limited by the terrain. A strong center of resistance had been developed astride the boundary between RCT 23 and RCT 24 (adjacent on the right). The attack had passed beyond this point. In order to contain this salient in our lines, co E (2/23) was committed on the right flank, and tied in over a long and difficult line with the right forward elements of RCT 23 (Co F) and the left element of RCT 24 (Co I, 3/24). At 1800, consolidation had been completed. The disposition of the units of BLT 2/23 were, from left to right, Companies G, I, and F, with Co E securing the right flank, and in contact with RCT 24. Co L was in BLT reserve, with elements supporting both flanks.
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