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24th Marines - 8 March, 1945

Very little enemy activity occurred from 0001 until dawn. Orders from Division to continue the attack at King-Hour minus 90 minutes (0620) and releasing BLT 3/24 to RCT 24 at 0300 were received. RCT 24 would continue the attack, with BLT 3/24 (less Company L) with Company A attached, relieving the two left companies of BLT 2/24. BLT 1/24 (less Company A) would relieve the right company of BLT 2/24. The boundary between BLTs was adjusted so that each BLT would attack with two companies abreast. Company A attached to BLT 3/24 was given the mission of reducing the pocket on the left flank of the RCT sector in conjunction with units of RCT 23. Company L was to be in RCT Reserve until Company A reduced the pocket. BLT 2/24 when relieved by BLT 1/24 and BLT 3/24 would be Division Reserve in TA 182 O, 183K,L. BLT 3/24 and BLT 1/24 each had one platoon of Co B, 4th Tanks Bn. attached. Regimental Weapons Company (less 37mm platoons) and 2d section, 1st Provisional Rocket Detachment were to be under RCT control initially. Division Artillery reinforced by Corps Artillery and NGF fired successive concentrations along the front from 0620 until 0650. The attack jumped of on time with very little progress being made initially. At 1130 BLT 2/24 was notified to reconnoiter the zone of BLT 3/25 for possible employment there. By 1300, Company A had eliminated the pocket and was ordered to take up a position in rear of BLT 1/24 as RCT Reserve. Company L was released to BLT 3/24. Strong enemy resistance was encountered throughout the day. Heavy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire were received along the lines. The line was consolidated with difficulty at 1700. Company A, the RCT Reserve, was committed in the zone of BLT 1/24 to fill gaps which had been created. A total advance of approximately 75 yards was made in the RCT sector. RCT 24 had no reserve since each BLT had 3 rifle companies in the line. Commencing at dark a heavy volume of all types enemy mortar fire commenced and increased in intensity all along the line. Enemy troop movements were felt especially on the extreme left flank of BLT 3/4. Enemy fire increased throughout the remainder of the period.